Ben Clarkson and Matt Bors, creators of the graphic novel series 'Justice Warriors', dive deep into the chaotic ideology of Grant Morrison. They explore the absurdity of voting in Bubble City, blending humor and political satire. The conversation journeys through Morrison’s alien encounters and the influence of magic on his writing. They also discuss the psychological depth in Morrison's Batman narrative and how Chaos Magic can empower marginalized communities, weaving intriguing tales of heroes, trauma, and morality.
The comic series 'Justice Warriors' satirizes real-world electoral dynamics, highlighting how wealth and property ownership distort democratic participation.
Through intricate world-building and layered storytelling, the comic encourages readers to engage deeply with its visuals and hidden narratives.
Chaos Magic is explored as a tool for personal empowerment, reflecting Morrison's belief in the transformative power of imagination on reality.
Deep dives
Voting Harder in Bubble City
Voting in Bubble City operates under a unique system where property ownership directly influences the number of votes a citizen can cast. Those residing in higher levels of the city can accumulate multiple votes based on their property, while those in lower regions are limited to a single vote. This skewed system satirizes real-world electoral dynamics and prompts discussions on the impact of wealth and real estate on democratic participation. The guests emphasize the absurdity of this system while linking it to broader themes of power and representation in their comic series, 'Justice Warriors.'
Subtle Storytelling and Visual Comedy
The comic employs intricate world-building and a layered storytelling approach that encourages readers to delve deeper into the visuals. Panels are filled with intricate details that contribute to the narrative, creating a more engaging reading experience. This storytelling method echoes children's books where every page holds a treasure of hidden narratives, enhancing the enjoyment for readers as they discover new layers upon re-reading. The humorous, satirical tone, combined with UV violence, cleverly critiques modern politics and societal behaviors.
Subversion of Political Archetypes
Characters within the comic series serve as exaggerated versions of real-life political figures, allowing for a humorous exploration of the current political landscape. The depiction of a mutant cop fused to a tank symbolizes a critique of authority figures who escalate violence as a solution. These characters embody absurdity while simultaneously reflecting the chaos and unpredictability of modern political discourse. By employing these caricatures, the comic highlights the convergence of identity, politics, and social critique in a dystopian framework that resonates with contemporary audiences.
Chaos Magic and Grant Morrison
Chaos Magic, as discussed in the episode, offers a framework for personal empowerment and transformation through the use of sigils and symbolic imagery. This magical practice emphasizes the individual's creative agency in shaping their reality, echoing themes present in Morrison's work. Grant Morrison's experiences and beliefs inform a narrative that links magic to storytelling, reinforcing the idea that imagination can alter perceptions and outcomes. The conversation delves into how Morrison's understanding of magic translates into his writing, blurring the lines between reality and fiction.
Exploring the Nature of Reality
The episode tackles the complexities of reality as presented through Morrison's lens, discussing the influences of past traumas and external experiences on one’s perception. The exploration of alien abduction experiences serves as a metaphor for expanding consciousness and understanding the self within the universe. Morrison posits that these experiences, while surreal, connect deeply with human experiences and emotions, inviting listeners to ponder their own reality frameworks. This perspective aligns with the comic's themes of navigating an unpredictable world through humor and magical thinking.
Batman as an Archetype
The discussion shifts to Batman as not only a superhero but a representation of resilience and psychological strength. Morrison’s approach to Batman emphasizes the character's ability to confront and transcend personal trauma, making him a symbol of hope and determination. The narrative showcases how Batman's journey mirrors the broader human struggle against adversity, illustrating the concept of heroism in modern mythology. This layered storytelling invites readers to explore deeper meanings within superhero narratives and their relevance in contemporary society.
Guest writers Ben Clarkson and Matt Bors, the creators behind the graphic novel series “Justice Warriors”, take Julian and Jake on a twisted journey into the ideology of Grant Morrison. Morrison is responsible for the Invisibles and a seven-year Batman run considered by fans to be some of the best Batman comics written to date. He also claims that he’s been abducted by aliens in Kathmandu, and that we’re all giant centipedes weaving through time and space.
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www.patreon.com/QAA
Matt Bors: https://x.com/MattBors / mattbors.com/books
Ben Clarkson: https://x.com/benclarkson / https://thebenclarkson.com
Justice Warriors: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Justice-Warriors-Vol-2/Matt-Bors/JUSTICE-WARRIORS/9781952090325
Editing by Corey Klotz. Theme by Nick Sena. Additional music by Pontus Berghe. Theme Vocals by THEY/LIVE (https://instagram.com/theyylivve / https://sptfy.com/QrDm). Cover Art by Pedro Correa: (https://pedrocorrea.com)
https://qaapodcast.com
QAA was known as the QAnon Anonymous podcast.
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