the pulp (Issue 4, May 2014) by The Pulp

Issue 4, May 2014

The People of the Hour! Cheryl Cottrell-Smith, Editor-in-chief Writer, editor, lover of words, and proponent of the Oxford Comma. Loves comics, Lionhead’s Fable, red wine, and cats. @CottrellSmithC

Editor Talk Another month. How have we been around for four months already? And why on earth do you keep reading?

Matt Bowes, Lit + Film Columnist Self-proclaimed cultural commentator/arbiter of good taste. Enjoys movies/books, and writes about them at thisnerdinglife.com. @matt_bowes

Just kidding. The awesome list of names to the right is exactly the reason you keep reading. I’m very lucky to work with these guys and I get the joyful jollies every time one of them sends me their eloquent, thoughtful article.

Kelsey Beier, Musings Columnist Lover of music, writing, traveling and working with kids. Teacher by day; unpublished author by night (and sometimes on the weekends).

This is kind of the cosplay issue, but we don’t really have categorized issues. And two articles out of 11 isn’t quite enough to label this entire magazine as dedicated to cosplay. Nevertheless, we’ve got a great shot from Milon Hall Photography on our cover—it’s from the Alternate Universe Attack on Titan photo shoot covered by Steve on page 5.

Teresa Simmons, Fashion Columnist Fashion writer and blogger at Simmons On Style. She can’t live without little black dresses, seafood, holidays, Indie music, and lip gloss. @simmonsonstyle

There’s also a piece by me on the cosplay sexual harassment campaign at the Calgary Expo this year. Cosplay doesn’t equal consent, folks. I would’ve thought that was obvious. There are a range of great pieces in this issue, from a Naoki Urasawa review, to Godzilla 2014, to pop culture oligarchies, to Justice League United. Throw in some fashion and a little political musing, and we’re already there. For those of you that do live in Edmonton, come out and see us at The Eek! Comic and Pop Culture Fest on May 31 and June 1. We’ll be holding a contest for free comics and co-hosting a booth with the Northern Nerd Network. Worth a visit, that’s for sure. I’d better see you there. In costume. And bring me a coffee, please.

Cheryl Editor-in-Chief thepulppress.com Cover Photo by Milon Hall Photography Models: Alan McDougall and Ringo

Steve Munro, Editorial Contributor Freelance writer who got his start in the industry over a decade ago in Montreal, Quebec. @steve_r_munro Sherry Lawler, Editorial Contributor Local editor and writer. Linguist, grammarian, language enthusiast, and owner of AlphaProofing. @AlphaProofing Russ Dobler, Editorial Contributor Known as "Dog" to friends and weirdos; wannabe scientist; beer lover. Blogs at thoughtfulconduit.com/whatdoesthismean. cbwcaswell, Editorial Contributor Local writer and editor, published journalist, and nominee for the Emerging Writer Award at the 2014 AMPA Awards. @cbwcaswell Erin Fraser, Editorial Contributor Film curator and cinephile, comic aficionado, and pop culture commentator. Found at erinefraser.com or @erinefraser.

Issue 4, May 2014 The first Edmonton International Cat Fest promises a purrfect event for feline lovers in the city

CONTENTS

lit + film 11

For Your (Re)Consideration: Jack Snyder’s Watchmen (2009) – Matt Bowes

The Arrogance of Man: Gareth Edwards’ Godzilla – Erin Fraser

comics + graphic novels 17

Canadians flock to buy Justice League United #1 – Russ Dobler

What to Read: the work of Naoki Urasawa - cbwcaswell

musings 15

What defines an excellent teacher and who has the right to decide? – Kelsey Beier

fashion + cosplay 5

On the art of cosplay (Part 2) – Steve Munro

The cropped pants craze – Teresa Simmons

Cosplay, consent, and the 2014 Calgary Expo – Cheryl CottrellSmith

Our Fictional Future: Oligarchy – Matt Bowes

Canadians are loving every minute of Justice League United #1, whereas Americans are lukewarm towards the new series

27 Cosplayers discuss their experiences with the Calgary Expo’s Cosplay is Not Consent Campaign

nerd culture

The long and short (tail) of it: Edmonton's International Cat Festival – Cheryl Cottrell-Smith

Espresso Patronum! – Sherry Lawler

Issue 4, May 2014

On the art of cosplay | Images courtesy (Part 2) Written by SteveofMunro Milon Hall Photography

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"The theme and focus of the Alternate Universe Attack on Titan shoot were three characters from the manga and anime series “Attack on Titan.”"

This time, meeting up with Alan McDougall to chat about how his Alternate Universe Attack on Titan photo shoot went was a bit more challenging than expected. He apologized for being incredibly busy since his return to Edmonton. When we sat down to talk, it was pretty clear he had had a busy month. For Alan, it was a two-coffee interview. The theme and focus of the Alternate Universe Attack on Titan shoot were three characters from the manga and anime series “Attack On Titan.” However, this specific version was an Alternate Universe version conceived by Ven Tsun. In the mainstream Attack on Titan reality, three characters, Erwin Smith (Alan), Levi (Ven Tsun), and Hanji (Ringo), are members of the military Survey Corps. In this brand new version, they are themed as an elite police unit instead. “Ven did the costumes,” Alan explained. “He bought the jackets online, but everything was designed by him: he did the alterations, added the Survey Corps logos everywhere, and had it all ready to go before the shoot.” The shoot was in Vancouver during the last week in March and first week of April. Overall, there were two days of shooting, and the majority of the pictures published so far have been from the first day. “The rest aren't ready yet. There's a lot of editing left to do.” Alan’s estimate was around three thousand photos taken over the two days, but maybe fifty would make the final cut. The first day of shooting was a rainy Sunday in Vancouver. Their photographer, Milon Hall, selected a shooting location near the courthouse in New Westminster which allowed for a dimmer, more oldfashioned feel for the shoot. Alan went on to explain that there weren't a lot of people around on Sunday, so they were able to do the shoot without worrying about any bystanders or photo-bombers. The second day, however, was a bit of a different story. The shoot on Monday was done at the New Westminster quay, with plenty of onlookers everywhere. According to Alan, it was lots of fun, if somewhat awkward with everyday people all around

Issue 4, May 2014 Westminster quay, with plenty of onlookers everywhere. According to Alan, it was lots of fun, if somewhat awkward with everyday people all around watching and staring, instead of the usual cosplay and anime fans from a convention setting. A photo shoot of this scale was a new thing for Alan and, as with any new thing, it's often uncomfortable. However, internet reaction seemed to balance out the discomfort. “When Ven put up the first photos, after the first day there were about six thousand reblogs on tumblr. Now it's up to over fourteen thousand. It's surprising and flattering,” Alan remarked. From his estimation, everyone involved in the shoot has attracted more followers on their respective blog sites and Facebook. “There have been a lot of positive comments,” he continued. “Most of them complimented [us on] how well we physically matched the characters, but we've also gotten a lot of requests for another shoot and this has made my other interests [sushi and Naginata] more popular.” Part of the continued surprise and flattery over the fan reaction came in the form of fresh fan art. Cosplay fans began resketching some of the photos and are now creating new fan art based on this shoot. I asked if they were planning to do another shoot with the fan requests coming in. He mentioned another possible shoot for Animethon or possibly the Edmonton Expo. “It's nice to see something so simple for fun could blow people out of the water like this. It's still fun, and at the end of the day, it's totally worth it.” CC Photo Credit: Milon Hall Photography Model Credits: Alan McDougall, Ringo, Ven Tsun

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It's nice to see something so simple for fun could blow people out of the water like this. - Alan McDougall

The long and short (tail) of it: Edmonton's International Cat Festival Written by Cheryl Cottrell-Smith | Images courtesy of Linda Hoang and the Edmonton International Cat Fest

Issue 4, May 2014

There is an audience for this kind of festival and I'm actually surprised something like it hasn't been done here. It really is a first-of-its-kind event in the Edmonton area!

As the organizers of the Edmonton International Cat Festival like to say, no--they're not kitten you right meow. A cat festival is soon to take place in our city. And, honestly, what with the ridiculous amount of cat videos, cat photos, and cat memes littered across the internet, you should have seen this coming. The #YEGCatFest will take place on June 7 and will feature a full day of cat-related events, including an Internet Cat Video competition, presentations from local cat enthusiasts, and virtual appearances from three celebrity cats. As if that isn’t enough to send you clicking away at the Buy Tickets link, there will also be food trucks in attendance. One hundred percent of ticket sale profits, along with any donations, will go directly to support the Edmonton Humane Society, who will also be on site at a booth (with cats). It’s a veritable smeowrgasbord of feline abundance. To learn more about the event, we chatted with Cat Fest Founder (and Cat’s Meow), Linda Hoang, who gave us a breakdown of how she came up with the idea for the festival and what we

came up with the idea for the festival and what we can expect to see at the event.

What do you hope this festival will achieve? I want the festival to increase the profile and popularity of cats and raise awareness for cat welfare. I want the festival to bring like-minded people together for a truly unique and special day. I think there's a stereotype that cat people are crazy or maybe not all that sociable but that's really not the case. There are more and more cat people today than there ever have been. But really, it's just a great opportunity to get a bunch of cat lovers out and celebrate these animals that have become such a huge part of so many people's lives and, at the same time, helping an important non-profit organization.

How did you come up with the idea for the Edmonton International Cat Fest? Tell us a little bit about the The Edmonton International Cat Festival is Cat Fest. What can cat lovers inspired by the Walker Arts Internet Cat Video expect to find? The festival schedule is packed! The Festival will Festival, which originated in Minnesota back in feature a fun-filled line-up of international feline 2012. That festival - incredibly - drew a crowd of footage (that's the Internet cat videos more than 10,000 people! People love cats. part). There will be a local internet cat I have always wanted to The Internet loves video contest with judging and prizes. organize an event that involves cats. Edmontonians There will be a cat photo beauty some of my passions, all while love cats. pageant where we will name a Mr. and supporting a great cause, so Mrs. Purr-fect. There will be fantastic the idea to get cat lovers together for a big presentations from local cat enthusiasts including celebration while raising money for the Edmonton topics such as: The Future is Meow: What's Humane Society just fit. Turning Us Into Cat People? (Omar Mouallem) I was further inspired when I saw there would be and How My Cat Video Went Viral and How Yours a touring Canadian Internet Cat Video Can Too! (Hilary Darrah) Festival that started in Toronto this year. We'll have a cat vendors 'market' where different Edmonton wasn't on their list of stops, so that was vendors will showcase and sell cat-related sort of the final push. People love cats. The products including CATMAN Furniture, catInternet loves cats. Edmontonians love cats. themed jewellery, cat books, cat art prints, cat There is an audience for this kind of festival and

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Issue 4, May 2014

themed jewellery, cat books, cat art prints, cat toys and accessories, and there will also be information booths from the Humane Society, NAIT Animal Health program, and the Edmonton Cat Fanciers Club. At those information booths we'll have actual cats - some will be adoptable from the Humane Society, the others - just as a nice addition to displays - showing different cat breeds. We're bringing in three of Edmonton's newest food trucks - Afterbite Mobile Kitchen, Perogy Princess and Attila the HUNgry, and there will be (virtual) appearances from three very well-known celebrity cats! It really is a packed festival with something for all cat lovers! I am so excited to be partnering with the Edmonton Humane Society on this festival and very grateful to NAIT Animal Health programs for being our fantastic venue sponsor. Are there any aspects of the event's program that you think make this festival really stand out? The fact that we're bringing in celebrity cats albeit virtually - is a huge draw. I think the presentations and "market/vendors" component also makes this festival unique from any other cat or cat video festival that exists. It really is taking the core cat video/film festival idea but expanding on it to include so much more. There will be something for everyone and the fact that it supports a terrific organization - the Edmonton Humane Society - is just the icing on the cake. Why do you think it's important to foster cat culture in Edmonton? Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s alarming the number of cats who need homes, live in shelters, and who aren't spayed and neutered. Improving cat welfare is a huge part of why it's important to foster cat culture in Edmonton and I think the internet and social media has been a great way to do just that.

and very grateful to NAIT Animal Health programs for being our fantastic venue sponsor. Are there any aspects of the event's program that you think make this festival really stand out? The fact that we're bringing in celebrity cats albeit virtually - is a huge draw. I think the presentations and "market/vendors" component also makes this festival unique from any other cat or cat video festival that exists. It really is taking the core cat video/film festival idea but expanding on it to include so much more. There will be something for everyone and the fact that it supports a terrific organization - the Edmonton Humane Society - is just the icing on the cake. Why do you think it's important to foster cat culture in Edmonton? Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s alarming the number of cats who need homes, live in shelters, and who aren't spayed and neutered. Improving cat welfare is a huge part of why it's important to foster cat culture in Edmonton and I think the internet and social media has been a great way to do just that. I think the more we can celebrate and bring attention to how wonderful these animals are and the more attention we can put on improving cat welfare - the better. This festival will hopefully do that, but also create some pretty special connections among cat lovers in Edmonton - in a very fun setting! Quick Answers

Why do you think it's important to foster cat culture in Edmonton? Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s alarming the number of cats who need homes, live in shelters, and who aren't spayed and neutered. Improving cat welfare is a huge part of why it's important to foster cat culture in Edmonton and I think the internet and social media has been a great way to do just that. I think the more we can celebrate and bring attention to how wonderful these animals are - and the more attention we can put on improving cat welfare the better. This festival will hopefully do that, but also create some pretty special connections among cat lovers in Edmonton - in a very fun setting!

Quick Answers

Issue 4, May 2014

Edmonton International Cat Festival June 7, 2014 10am-4pm NAIT Shaw Theatre RSVP on Facebook

@Lindork Quick Answers What is your favourite breed of cat? Both of my cats are regular ol' tabbys and I love them but long-hair breeds like Maine Coons and Ragdolls are just gorgeous. I love looking at them. What's worse: furballs or cat hair on your clothes? Cat hair! I'm actually quite lucky my cats never cough up furballs but I've got a lot of cat hair. Do you talk to your cat(s) as if they were human? Absolutely. I'm always talking to them and I swear - they understand me! Cat onesies: yea or nay? Nay - but I do love most cat pants, shirts and accessories!

And, the kicker: are cats better than dogs? Yes! But don't get me wrong - I love dogs, too. Cats are just so funny and quirky and clever.

Issue 4, May 2014

For Your (Re)Consideration: Zack Snyder’S Watchmen (2009) Written by Matt Bowes | Images courtesy of Warner Bros.

For as long as I can remember, the idea of a book somehow being “unfilmable” has been fascinating to me. It’s a kind of value judgment, isn’t it? That the lofty, printed word can in some special cases still be completely unassailable by the coarse domain of film, at least for as long as it takes for someone to actually end up attempting to do it. The new millennium has so far had adaptations of multiple previously-thoughtunfilmable books finally reach the screen, with 2012 being a benchmark that saw the Wachowskis’ adaptation of David Mitchell’s Cloud Atlas, Ang Lee’s version of Yann Martel’s Life of Pi, and David Cronenburg’s attempt at replicating Don DeLillo’s dialogue in Cosmopolis. Three years earlier found another book that up to that point had only existed on the page reach the screen, after decades spent mired in development hell: the classic comic miniseries that spawned an entire decade of grim and gritty stories in its wake, Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons’ Watchmen. Before Zack Snyder succeeded at finishing the project, it passed through the hands of many talented people, including Terry Gilliam, David “Solid Snake” Hayter, Darren Aronofsky and Paul Greengrass. Snyder was hot off the heels of another comic adaptation before Watchmen, the massively successful 300, and used

Paul Greengrass. Snyder was hot off the heels of another comic adaptation before Watchmen, the massively successful 300, and used many of the techniques developed on that film to fill out the New York City of Moore and Gibbons’ imagination. Watchmen is a curious film, one that interrogates the very idea of adaptation and who it’s actually done for. Many critics at the time found it to be suffocating in its atmosphere of atomic dread and those who were familiar with the source material felt that it adhered much too closely and didn’t give itself room to breathe. To me, though, the film is a triumph of production design and style perfectly matched to setting, equalling and in many cases eclipsing much more universally praised nerd culture adaptations like Tim Burton’s Batman (1989) or Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings films. The mid-eighties world portrayed in Watchmen is a hairsbreadth away from our own, with differences starting when “themed” criminal gangs in the Great Depression led to a reciprocation from masked avengers and mystery men. The most famous crime fighting group was called the Minutemen, who sadly found out that their own hidden vices and the vicissitudes of the cruel world would see most of them dead by the 1950s. The bulk of their story is related to the viewer with great economy and style in what I feel is Watchmen’s greatest achievement: its opening credit sequence. It starts off with posed, almostbut-not-quite still life scenes detailing the rise and fall of the Minutemen and their descendants, the 1970s-era Watchmen, intermixed with further events that changed their history from our own. The entire sequence is set to 12 Bob Dylan’s “The Times They Are aChangin’,” which is potentially an obvious choice, but a good shorthand

Changin’,” which is potentially an obvious choice, but a good shorthand for new viewers, and an artist who’s continually referenced in the comic. The same can be said about most of the songs chosen for the soundtrack, really--that they’re a bit on the nose-but I feel that this is crucial to help ground viewers in the story’s altered timeline (the use of Philip Glass’ “Pruit Igoe” and “Prophecies” in the scene where Dr. Manhattan experiences his entire life story all at once is another great melding of visual and sound). In addition to the great mise en scene on display in the opening sequence, the perfect realization of the fun 1930s costumes, and the beautiful cinematography, the thing I love most about this sequence is the way each scene is punctuated by flashbulbs and the sound of camera lenses, soon to be replaced by film and television footage as time rolls on. In a film that is so tied to its source material, this is an interesting way of using movie shorthand to get across how important these people were, through the fact that they’re constantly being followed by the media. There’s even a sly glimpse from a police chief down the front of Silk Spectre I’s blouse--blink and you’ll miss it--that points to her status as a pinup and sex symbol. The omnipresent cameras also tie into the media-saturated feel of the film to come. Another facet of the film, one that provoked probably the biggest reaction from critics at the time, was Snyder’s use of speed-ramping during some action scenes. While this technique was used relatively sparingly during the fight scenes in 300, the same effect found mostly derision in Watchmen. I feel that, like the opening sequence and its almost still life images, this is another attempt by Snyder to emulate comic book style

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still life images, this is another attempt by Snyder to emulate comic book style without aping it entirely. The speed ramping of Nite Owl II jumping through the air to kick in a thug’s head, or Ozymandias’ swinging of a barrier post through the legs of a potential assassin…these are moments in which film and comic are being combined to make something new. In the end, I find that Watchmen potentially works better for people who’ve not read the book than people who have. Snyder’s choice to basically use each frame of the book as a storyboard for the attendant scenes in the movie results in a film that is difficult to talk about in most respects without also mentioning the comic source material. It’s a translation, rather than an adaptation, in much the same way as Frank Miller and Robert Rodriguez’s Sin City mirrors the original book in almost every way. To me, the ideal comic book adaptation is one that leaves you wanting more, wanting to read the original source material and appreciate it as well, but Watchmen for the most part is a self-contained film (apart from the terrible revision of the ending, but let’s not get into that). I do feel, though, that being in the dark and gritty world of Watchmen was potentially to Snyder’s detriment, although it doesn’t appear to have hurt him in the box office. When he went on to helm last year’s Man of Steel, the apocalyptic imagery and over-the-top violence from his previous film remained in his vocabulary and it didn’t really mesh too well with Superman’s image. Hopefully, this is out of his system now and his upcoming Justice League films can have more of a sense 13 of optimism and awe.

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Win COMICS! Who doesn’t love free comics? Enter our contest for your chance to win a $50 gift card to Happy Harbor Comics! All you have to do is follow the pulp on Twitter or like us on Facebook, then tweet/post the following: “I want @thepulppress to give me FREE COMIC BOOKS!” Draw will be made on June 8, 2014. Only posts that link to the pulp’s social pages (using @thepulppress) will qualify.

thepulppress.com | @thepulppress | facebook.com/thepulppress 14

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What defines an excellent teacher and who has the right to decide?

Written by Kelsey Beier | Image courtesy of iStockPhoto and skynesher Any former readers of my previous articles on hipster identification, mean 6year-old girls, and cat voices may be a little surprised in my choice of this particular politically potent topic; however, it is a subject that’s near and dear to my heart and I couldn’t possibly leave it unwritten. On May 5, 2014, Alberta Education Minister Jeff Johnson released a report on the Task Force for Teaching Excellence, in which 25 recommendations for teachers, administrators, and Alberta’s educational system as a whole were outlined. A few of these recommendations include forcing Alberta teachers to be recertified every 5 years, removing administration from the Alberta Teacher’s Association and 15 therefore replacing school leaders with managers, allowing other professions to teach without a teaching certificate, and

therefore replacing school leaders with managers, allowing other professions to teach without a teaching certificate, and basing teacher salaries on merit pay based on teacher "competency," to name a few. The release of this report led to my obvious questioning of what the definition of an excellent teacher is and who could possibly be granted the responsibility of making that decision. Could I consider myself an excellent teacher? I am currently in my fourth year of teaching and I have been fortunate enough to receive my permanent teaching certificate, as well as a permanent position at an amazing school in a great school district. Call me crazy, but I have been led to believe that my earning of my permanent certificate was purposeful and carefully considered by my very intelligent and experienced

permanent certificate was purposeful and carefully considered by my very intelligent and experienced administration. Saying this, I have never truly felt that I was “in the clear” in terms of never having to prove my strengths and weaknesses as a teacher in the classroom. Conversely, I actually strive towards excellence in my own way every day and crave regular feedback, both positive and negative. This feedback can be hard to get at times because of the nature of teaching and the obstacles that come with it; however, I do believe that good administrators will make it happen without a legislated forced 5-year recertification of a document that has already been granted. In all honesty, some of the best feedback that I do receive comes from the students that I currently teach or have

Issue 4, May 2014

granted. In all honesty, some of the best feedback that I do receive comes from the students that I currently teach or have taught in the past, as well as my colleagues and peers. Even as a fourth-year teacher, I would still very much consider myself a beginner in the profession. There is always so much to learn, regardless of how many times you may have taught a particular lesson or concept, and it always feels like you could be doing so much more. Many of the amazing and excellent teachers I know are constantly criticizing themselves and their teaching practice and looking for new ways to facilitate learning while always putting the students’ needs first, even before their own on occasion. At times, I feel like I am doing an extremely crumby job as a teacher. For example, it never fails that an administrator will come to check in at the exact moment when an average of 5 of your students are having a meltdown for a variety of different reasons. (Someone stole their pencil sharpener and won’t give it back; they don’t want to wear their indoor shoes because they are too “scratchy”; one child decided to hit another but the offender is also crying; another student forgot to bring their library books back; etc.) Thankfully, having an administrator who is also a classroom teacher and “gets it” allows for these minor crises to be attended to and dismissed, allowing for the recognition of the other 20 students writing full sentences in French independently, or the fact that after only a few weeks these 6-year-olds can successfully manage and organize their materials and know where to put them. And then there are the times when I do consider myself an excellent teacher. Like on certain Fridays when I teach all day, mark 26 spelling tests, stuff Friday Envelopes with information and classroom newsletters to go home, finish planting 26 flower pots for Mother’s Day gifts, listen to 10 emergent readers

planting 26 flower pots for Mother’s Day gifts, listen to 10 emergent readers actually reading, and meet with 3 different families after school. Or days like last Thursday when I didn’t eat lunch or go to the bathroom until 3:35pm because I was so involved in activities with the kids. But the times when I know without a doubt that I am an excellent teacher are when my students cannot wait to come to school every day and plea to stay and help at the end of the day. Or when certain students would rather stay in and work over recess because they are on a roll and don’t want to stop! Or when my grade one students claim that I am the best teacher they have ever had (even though they have only had two teachers thus far in their school careers). Similarly, I know that my coworkers are excellent teachers because the Jr. High students come back to checkin with their former teachers on a regular basis and because our school hallways are seldom quiet and, when they are, the staff feel a little more empty and unsure of their purpose. And for all that it’s worth, for an excellent teacher, after an extremely challenging day in the teaching world, no amount of merit pay will make the day worth it. But what will make it worth it is the knowledge that your administrators and colleagues are on your side and they all have a similar understanding of the profession and they know that you are still excellent.

Edmonton’s Highlands Junior High School

Canadians flock to buy Justice League United #1 Written by Russ Dobler | Images courtesy of DC Comics In the wake of DC Comics’ sevenpart Forever Evil crossover event, there’s a new Justice League team to save the world from cosmic threats, and they’re singing “O Canada” instead of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Justice League United #1 hit comic shops continent-wide on May 14, featuring Adam Strange, a character freshly introduced to the New 52 continuity and reimagined as a University of Toronto anthropology professor. The book is drawn by artist Mike McKone and penned by Jeff Lemire, a Canuck himself. The JLU character line-up includes League mainstays Hawkman and Martian Manhunter, two characters whose exploits Lemire has written of before in Green Arrow and Animal Man, and a new creation named The reaction to Cree Indian girl whose Equinox, a 16-year-old the book’s powers are related to the four seasons. "The launch reaction in to the book’s launch in Edmonton Edmonton comic stores has been overwhelmingly positive." comic stores Justice Leaguehas United replaces the been canceled Justice League of America, which was overwhelmingly authored until issue #8 by DC’s Chief Creative positive. Officer Geoff Johns, who recently revitalized the Green Lantern franchise. The new addition was originally announced in August of 2013 under the name Justice League Canada, but shifted to its current title in January of this year to reflect a change in the story’s scope to become a more swashbuckling, space-based adventure.

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Lemire, a Canuck himself. The JLU character lineup includes League mainstays Hawkman and Martian Manhunter, two characters whose exploits Lemire has written of before in Green Arrow and Animal Man, and a new creation named Equinox, a 16-year-old Cree Indian girl whose powers are related to the four seasons. Justice League United replaces the canceled Justice League of America, which was authored until issue #8 by DC’s Chief Creative Officer Geoff Johns, who recently revitalized the Green Lantern franchise. The new addition was originally announced in August of 2013 under the name Justice League Canada, but shifted to its current title in January of this year to reflect a change in the story’s scope to become a more swashbuckling, space-based adventure. Despite the marketing sidestep, the reaction to the book’s launch in Edmonton comic stores has been overwhelmingly positive. “Jeff Lemire does a great job,” says

Andrea Brown of Happy Harbor Comics. Brown was a little skeptical after reading April’s #0 preview issue, saying that it contained too many Canadian stereotypes, including an overuse of “eh” and “aboot.” She says that’s not as prevalent in #1, adding that the characters “kick a little more ass” this time, too. Brandon Schatz, manager of Wizard’s Comics and Collectibles on 109th Street, also sings Lemire’s praises, calling Justice League United a classic-style comic story for a modern reader. Schatz says the launch has “gone over quite well,” despite the fact that “DC’s sales record has been a lot softer lately.” Wizard’s ordered more copies of the #1 issue than they would for the typical debut, and Schatz says the demand has been strong enough that they’ll increase their orders for issues #2 and 3, also. Like issue #1, variants of those editions will be available with the originally intended Justice League Canada trade dress, the more popular cover at both Happy

Andrea Brown of Happy Harbor Comics. Brown was a little skeptical after reading April’s #0 preview issue, saying that it contained too many Canadian stereotypes, including an overuse of “eh” and “aboot.” She says that’s not as prevalent in #1, adding that the characters “kick a little more ass” this time, too. Brandon Schatz, manager of Wizard’s Comics and Collectibles on 109th Street, also sings Lemire’s praises, calling Justice League United a classicstyle comic story for a modern reader. Schatz says the launch has “gone over quite well,” despite the fact that “DC’s sales record has been a lot softer lately.” Wizard’s ordered more copies of the #1 issue than they would for the typical debut, and Schatz says the demand has been strong enough that they’ll increase their orders for issues #2 and 3, also. Like issue #1, variants of those editions will be available with the originally intended Justice League Canada trade dress, the more popular cover at both Happy Harbor and Wizard’s Comics.

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JLU will have to perform well not just in Canada, but south of the border in the U.S., too, if it’s going to survive the currently tough comics market.

Harbor and Wizard’s Comics. On May 18th, a stack of the special #1’s sat seemingly untouched at Main Street Comics in Middletown, N.Y., though, where only 13 of the 50 issues ordered had been sold at the time. Brian Deyo, owner of 3rd Universe Comic Emporium in Croton-on-Hudson, N.Y., says there the Justice League United launch has been “average,” adding that the “regular collectors picked it up,” but the book hasn’t been more sought after than similar debuts. JLU will have to perform well not just in Canada, but south of the border in the U.S., too, if it’s going to survive the currently tough comics market. While other factors are sometimes taken into account, sales made through Diamond Comic Distributors seem to be a good indicator of impending cancellations, and those numbers only reflect American purchases. Fortunately for Lemire and DC, issue #0 was ranked 11th overall in April, selling over 68,000 copies. It remains to be seen how much usual attrition rates will bring that number down. It may not ultimately work out for Justice League United. DC’s friendly rival, Marvel Comics, stacked the deck in favor of a new series for Alpha Flight – their own Canadian superteam – when they launched it out of the “Fear Itself” event in 2011 with fan-favorite writer Fred Van Lente and popular artist Dale Eaglesham. The plug was pulled on that volume after nine issues due to low sales. But maybe nine issues isn’t so bad when properties not tied to movie franchises seem harder to come by. Only time will tell how long Justice League United lasts but, in the meantime, much of Edmonton aims to enjoy it. “Nearly all our DC readers have subscribed to it,” says Brown.

The cropped pants craze

Issue 4, May 2014

Written by Teresa Simmons | Image courtesy of Vogue and Crippens What could be more hipster than wearing a cropped hipster? The weather is heating up, so cool down with a stylish pair of cropped pants. Before you go out and get your hands on a pair (or two) of them, though, let’s sit down, have a cup of coffee and get acquainted with what you need to know before you treat yourself and your wardrobe to a pair of cropped pants. Pattern Choosing the right pattern involves knowing what you want to say about your personality. Are you a fun, creative adrenaline junkie who enjoys crazy rollercoaster rides and cotton candy? Go for gingham cropped pants—they have “adventurous” written all over them. Do you only watch black and white films, drink espresso and stay up late reading classic novels? Houndstooth-patterned cropped pants are calling your name. The pattern you choose should reflect your character, so choose sensibly. Some advice: unless you’re a golf-fanatic, don’t go anywhere near argyle. Length The thing about cropped pants is that there is a risk of selecting a pair that’s too 19 cropped (or not cropped enough). Confusing? I know,

selecting a pair that’s too cropped (or not cropped enough). Confusing? I know, but I’ll explain. Cropped pants should hit right around your ankle. If you’re tall, go for a pair that is slightly shorter to avoid looking like you outgrew your pants years ago or couldn’t find pants that fit. But if you go too short, your cropped pants could end up looking like Capri pants. All you have to do is remember that cropped pants should be a lot longer than shorts and a few inches shorter than dress pants. Easypeasy. Fit "What you are going for are clean, welltailored cropped pants that flatter your figure and shape." High-waisted cropped pants can look good. Just make sure that they aren’t too high. If they’re hovering somewhere close to your bra strap, this means that they are, of course, much too high. And, most likely, very uncomfortable. Select a pair that has some structure from the top to bottom. Pleated cropped pants are an absolute nono! You don’t want to look like you’re carrying a baby kangaroo. What you are going for are clean, well-tailored cropped pants that flatter your figure and shape. If they don’t look good, don’t wear them. It’s that simple. High-waisted pants aren’t for everyone, so low-rise or mid-rise cropped pants are also great options. Enjoy the versatility of cropped pants and flaunt your personality with an eyecatching pattern. CC Photo Credit: Crippen and Vogue

couldn’t find pants that fit. But if you go too short, your cropped pants could end up looking like Capri pants. All you have to do is remember that cropped pants should be a lot longer than shorts and a few inches shorter than dress pants. Easypeasy. Fit High-waisted cropped pants can look good. Just make sure that they aren’t too high. If they’re hovering somewhere close to your bra strap, this means that they are, of course, much too high. And, most likely, very uncomfortable. Select a pair that has some structure from the top to bottom. Pleated cropped pants are an absolute no-no! You don’t want to look like you’re carrying a baby kangaroo. What you are going for are clean, well-tailored cropped pants that flatter your figure and shape. If they don’t look good, don’t wear them. It’s that simple. High-waisted pants aren’t for everyone, so low-rise or mid-rise cropped pants are also great options. Enjoy the versatility of cropped pants and flaunt your personality with an eyecatching pattern.

But if you go too short, your cropped pants could end up looking like Capri pants. All you have to do is remember that cropped pants should be a lot longer than shorts and

Issue 4, May 2014

The Arrogance of Man: Gareth Edwards’ Godzilla Written by Erin Fraser | Images courtesy of Warner Bros.

The monster known as Gojira first stomped his way onscreen in 1954, nine years after the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Japan, the first country affected by nuclear warfare, embraced and identified with the lumbering creature born of similarly nuclear origins. A new monster was born for an uncertain modern era. In the sixty years since the film’s release, the titular monster, dubbed Godzilla in the West, has appeared in no less than twentynine feature films and countless spinoffs and tie-in media. Over the course of his cinematic career, Godzilla has fought a variety of daikaiju (Japanese for giant strange creature) and robotic nemeses. His characterization has also undergone a variety of significant changes over the years: from the horrific manifestation of Japan’s collective trauma, to a sympathetic antihero and eventually even a superhero, before reverting back to an allegory for the consequences of playing with science beyond our control. With the release of 2004’s Godzilla: Final Wars, which marked the 50th anniversary of the franchise, Toho, Co., the Japanese film distributor that created and owns the rights to Godzilla, stated that they would not produce another film in the series for ten years. Now in 2014, we see the fulfilment of this promise with the release of a new film. But rather than being another instalment in the ongoing Japanese series, Toho has licensed the character to American production companies Legendary Pictures and Warner Bros. Pictures to reboot the character for an international audience. After the disaster of Roland Emmerich’s 1998 Godzilla (which Toho cleverly retconned away in Final Wars) the challenge faced by a new American film is that it not only has to reintroduce Godzilla to a Western audience, but argue for its own relevancy. To helm their new Godzilla, Legendary and Warner Bros. smartly hired Gareth Edwards, a hotshot British indie director whose sole previous film, Monsters, examined the sociopolitical and psychological impacts of a large monster attack through a pair of humans stuck on the ground in the

Issue 4, May 2014 child he loses his mother in a strange and sociopolitical and psychological impacts of a unexplainable nuclear disaster at a power large monster attack through a pair of plant in Japan. Years later, his father, humans stuck on the ground in the emotionally wrecked and traumatized by the aftermath. experience, drags Ford away from his own With the film’s arrival in theatres, wife (Elizabeth Olsen, also soon to be Edwards’ Godzilla is being highly of Avengers: Age of Ultron fame) and son in scrutinized by critics, fans, and filmgoers San Francisco and back to Japan, into the alike. Not only does the film have to deliver path of a Massive Unidentified Terrestrial the classic monster action and destruction Organism, or MUTO, that is responsible for that typifies the genre, which is arguably the his mother’s death. aspect of the film that will drive ticket sales, This MUTO’s awakening is the catalyst but it also needs to make us as an audience for the film’s action and also care about the subject matter. succeeds in finally destroying While 1954’s Godzilla is Ford’s original family by built on a less-than-subtle The challenge faced by a taking the life of his father. allegory, it does not lack new American film is that On the other side of the world sophistication in its it not only has to from the only remaining approach. The success of reintroduce Godzilla to a members of his family, he this latest instalment relies Western audience, but must both follow and stop the heavily on Edwards’ ability argue for its own monster as it heads towards to recapture the horror and relevancy California. Thus the nuclear significance of the original. monster threatens the nuclear family. Luckily, Edwards’ Godzilla is as good of The MUTOs themselves mirror Ford’s a movie as we could have hoped for. He journey. Awakened and nurtured by man’s deftly balances the themes of scientific and own foolish misuse of atomic technology, natural destruction with the human element their primary goal becomes to hatch and reacting and coping to forces beyond their provide for their offspring, to reunite and control. The predominantly grey colour start a family of their own. They are not palette evokes the original film’s dark malevolent towards humanity, but their appearance, while also setting the tone for presence threatens to destroy the Earth’s the messy, contemporary environmental and balance. Godzilla arrives to restore that sociopolitical concerns. He presents much of balance. the destructive action through the lenses of "Godzilla serves a reminder of the windows, which puts the audience inside of responsibility we have towards maintaining the experience and provides points of this planet, a responsibility that we more identification, but also through news often than not ignore in favour of our own reporting after the fact, which mirrors how selfish motives." we collectively engage with large scale In 2014, Godzilla is no longer the dangerous disasters nowadays. The focus is primarily creation of man’s folly, as in the ’54 film, but on servicemen and women, those that fulfill as his Anglicized name suggests, a God risen their duty in a time of crisis, much like our from the depths. Edwards’ Godzilla is a real-world understanding of heroes after stabilizing force; he brings balance back to such events. the world as Ken Wantanabe’s Dr. Ishiro The film follows a US Navy officer, Ford Serizawa (named after the doctor in the Brody (Aaron Taylor-Johnson of Kickoriginal film) so eloquently predicts. Like the Ass fame and soon to be of Avengers: Age of men and women at the centre of the film, Ultron fame) who stands witness to the Godzilla is fulfilling his duty. monsters’ eventual war and humanity’s While he is ultimately a hero in the film, countermeasures. Throughout the film, he is also a symbol of the horror and Ford’s family is broken up by the monsters; uncertainty in the world; the humans on the to bring it back together and make it whole ground and us as an audience are invited to once more, he has to follow them until the look at him with awe. He serves as a threat they present is extinguished. As a 22 child he loses his mother in a strange and reminder of the responsibility we have towards maintaining this planet, a unexplainable nuclear disaster at a power responsibility that we more often than not plant in Japan. Years later, his father,

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Reminder of the responsibility we have towards maintaining this planet, a responsibility that we more often than not ignore in favour of our own selfish motives. Godzilla is a primal being who could just as easily destroy as he protects, all in the service of a higher balance that humans threaten to upset. His awakening is also a warning. As he returns to the sea he arrived from, the news aptly questions whether or not he is the saviour of the city. He has defeated the MUTOs, but he doesn’t care for San Francisco or man as he leaves a path of destruction in his wake. Gareth Edwards’ Godzilla maintains the integrity of the original film while adapting the story and the themes to our contemporary situation and concerns. The film is powerful because it invites the audience to identify with the action, while also delivering a haunting message that reinforces our own terrifying insignificance and hubris: as Dr. Sarazawa says, “The arrogance of man is thinking that nature is in their control and not the other way around.”

Issue 4, May 2014

What to Read: the work of Naoki Urasawa

Written by cbwcaswell | Images courtesy of MangaBlog and Good Ok Bad

I had never read a comic like Grant Morrison’s Arkham Asylum: A Serious House on Serious Earth. It was the first to justify the term “graphic novel” for me, because the scope of the narrative, visual expression, and deft understanding of the philosophical symbolism of the Batman characters were beyond what you typically find in North American comics. After all, DC and Marvel create universes where characters remain static and the world you leave with is the same as the one you entered. It essentially got me into comics. And I had never really appreciated anime until I saw Porco Rosso by Hayao Miyazaki. It watched like a Hemingway novel, with subtle characters but an unspoken magic that hovers behind every conversation and long shot into the distance. This wasn’t Digimon. It was an adult narrative that didn’t really resolve, but just concluded. It got me into anime. I had started reading Naruto, Bleach, and One Piece in my mid-teens, so I was familiar with the narrative formula in what seemed to be all Japanese comics (most popularly encapsulated in Dragon Ball Z’s Goku, leap-frogging antagonists by gaining a more powerful form or upgraded abilities, until what started as a Spirit Bomb becomes a Spirit Sun by the end of the series). Like most, I got bored as I got older. Luffy had stretched too far, Ichigo’s sword lost its edge, and Naruto was little more than a shadow or a clone of the series that had come before. I wanted something with emotional depth and real characters—that challenged me as a reader, and could surprise me with its…well, it 23 wouldn’t be a surprise if I knew. Then, one of Naoki Urasawa’s stories came across my reading list.

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Like most, I got bored as I got older. Luffy had stretched too far, Ichigo’s sword lost its edge, and Naruto was little more than a shadow or a clone of the series that had come before.

wouldn’t be a surprise if I knew. Then, one of Naoki Urasawa’s stories came across my reading list. A friend told me about Pluto, one of Urasawa’s later works, and I was hooked at the concept: “A mature, modernized retelling of Astro Boy.” I had never read Osamu Tezuka’s original collections, but knew enough about the character to imagine an author could take it somewhere new—or at least create some cool guns. I had no idea how much I

author could take it somewhere new—or at least create some cool guns. I had no idea how much I was underestimating the work. The art showed such depth of expression. I had never seen it in any comic, Eastern or Western. The emotions were minute and complex. The world’s sci-fi elements were all expertly crafted (whether that be the cars or weapons, or the heavy Asimovian musing on the state of robotics in our future, and their bordering on humanity). But what captured me was the fact that character drama and mystery were the central elements of the plot. It wasn’t what I expected. Astro isn’t even the main protagonist until halfway through the narrative’s 65 chapters (or eight books). I would later learn how the entire collection reflects not only story elements from the original but how actual panels are drawn to reflect shots from Tezuka’s original telling. The drawing was simple but dramatic and the layout was cinematic. Each chapter slid into the next; I hardly noticed that I had finished the series in two days. I ordered it immediately and read it again when it arrived (the Viz media translation was even better than the .rip I had found online). I wanted more. As Pluto was one of his latest works (started in that 2003)beIthe jumped some of orhistheearlier (whether cars orto weapons, heavy projects. Monster wasonanother storyofthat had mein atour Asimovian musing the state robotics itsfuture, Wikipedia Summarized, it follows and description. their bordering on humanity). But the what story of a Japanese surgeon whocharacter lives in Germany. captured me was the fact that drama and Hemystery saves the a childelements who had ofbeen werelifetheof central the shot. plot. It Years by andI expected. the boy notAstro onlyisn’t turnseven out tothebemain a wasn’tgo what sociopathic murderer, but he has framed the protagonist until halfway through the narrative’s 65 surgeon for(or his eight crimes. The surgeon, pursued by the chapters books). lawI would and numerous others, findcollection the murderer later learn how themust entire reflects

Issue 4, May 2014

chapters (or eight books). I would later learn how the entire collection reflects not only story elements from the original but how actual panels are drawn to reflect shots from Tezuka’s original telling. The drawing was simple but dramatic and the layout was cinematic. Each chapter slid into the next; I hardly noticed that I had finished the series in two days. I ordered it immediately and read it again when it arrived (the Viz media translation was even better than the .rip I had found online). I wanted more. As Pluto was one of his latest works (started in 2003) I jumped to some of his earlier projects. Monster was another story that had me at its Wikipedia description. Summarized, it follows the story of a Japanese surgeon who lives in Germany. He saves the life of a child who had been shot. Years go by and the boy not only turns out to be a sociopathic murderer, but he has framed the surgeon for his crimes. The surgeon, pursued by the law and numerous others, must find the murderer and not only clear his name, but end the life of the man he had saved so many years ago. The cast for Monster triples in size compared to that of Pluto, but every character is completely fleshed out. While some were more selfish than others, more manipulative, every position was defensible, begging the postmodernist question if what is right or wrong is only subjective, a matter of positioning. This mirrors the initial propulsion of the story—whether it was right to save the life of an innocent child who would become a killer—and continues with each character. The story is over 160 chapters, each filled with real people that struggle with unanswerable moral quandaries. You want the characters to succeed in one situation where in the next chapter you’re begging that they fail. I was stunned when I was finished. It was like watching a Guy Ritchie film, as the narratives all finally weave together and tie themselves into a complete and solid knot. I had to start a third series,

Issue 4, May 2014

finally weave together and tie themselves into a complete and solid knot. I had to start a third series, just to see if what I’d read had been Urasawa’s fortunate few flukes. And by simple chance, I landed on his opus. The title 20th Century Boys had intrigued me and I wouldn’t find out until halfway through my reading that the name had been borrowed from a song by T. Rex—the band better known for their track “Bang a Gong (Get it On)”—but the heavy leanings of rock and roll were apparent from the start. A recurring scene throughout the series is the protagonist sneaking into his principal’s office as a child, locking himself in, and playing rock and roll over the school’s intercom. A glorious moment of rebellion and self-will, but stranger still is that the story always stays the same. No one reacted, or seemed to even notice what had happened, and nothing changed. The first chapter begins with a group of Japanese children, all boys in elementary school, who create a clubhouse. For their club, they make a symbol, a hand drawn over an eye, similar to a hieroglyph. The reader then jumps twenty years ahead, and watches as a cult meets in an auditorium, waiting for their prophet. A man steps out from behind the stage curtain, wearing a mask that sports the same hand-over-eye insignia as the clubhouse icon. As the series progresses, the cult begins to take over the world and is central in a string of murders that the boys who formed the original club take upon themselves to solve. They have to, as the leader of the cult was one of the boys in the original club. And so the mystery of which one it is begins. Over the next 262 chapters, the story is split into three eras: when the clubhouse of children are in elementary school, after they have graduated college, and when they are middle-aged. Every era holds a different clue as to who is behind this cult 25 and what its ultimate motives are and, from beginning to end, every age crisscrosses as the

holds a different clue as to who is behind this cult and what its ultimate motives are and, from beginning to end, every age crisscrosses as the mystery is uncovered. The cast doubles Monster and, again, every character is given depth and complexity. Music plays a central role, with factoids parsed out about Robert Johnson and other figures in the history of rock. A recurring scene throughout The protagonist becomes a messiah-likethefigure. Some series chapters is thebecome protagonist Lovecraftian sneaking and the mystery remains a mystery until the very end. But into his principal’s office as a child, you’re never really reading to find out who it is. You locking himself in, and playing rock just want to watch these characters. and roll over the school’s intercom. A The story is ultimately about who we become as rebellion adults,glorious what wemoment choose toof leave behindand as we mature, self-will, and some but stranger of the things stillthat is that we should the always hold on to, like hope andthe rebellion and things story always stays same." to believe in. All encompassed in loud drums and distorted guitars. From the characters to the drama to the art, everything about Urasawa’s work is beyond the scope of what we find in pop manga. And this has not been a suggestion to read Urasawa: it’s a directive. And I feel free to recommend any of Urasawa’s work, regardless of whether I’ve read them, because I know that at the heart of everything he writes is the care to make complete characters and base the readers' interest in their internal drama, not just how large their sword will become. After all, we all know that, for most manga, the next arc will end with the hero just getting a bigger Spirit Bomb.

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and other figures in the history of rock. The protagonist becomes a messiah-like figure. Some chapters become Lovecraftian and the mystery remains a mystery until the very end. But you’re never really reading to find out who it is. You just want to watch these characters. The story is ultimately about who we become as adults, what we choose to leave behind as we mature, and some of the things that we should always hold on to, like hope and rebellion and things to believe in. All encompassed in loud drums and distorted guitars. From the characters to the drama to the art, everything about Urasawa’s work is beyond the scope of what we find in pop manga. And this has not been a suggestion to read Urasawa: it’s a directive. And I feel free to recommend any of Urasawa’s work, regardless of whether I’ve read them, because I know that at the heart of everything he writes is the care to make complete characters and base the readers' interest in their internal drama, not just how large their sword will become. After all, we all know that, for most manga, the next arc will end with the hero just getting a bigger Spirit Bomb.

Issue 4, May 2014

Cosplay, consent, and the 2014 Calgary Expo

There’s a fine line between enjoying someone’s cosplay and making the assumption that bare skin is an invitation to touch. Unfortunately, a shocking number of people don’t see the difference between the two, which is why this year the Calgary Expo took pains to stress the fact that sexual harassment—in any form—would not be tolerated. Their campaign, entitled ‘Cosplay is Not Consent’, consisted of posters, a fiveminute video, and the presence of Calgary Communities Against Sexual Abuse (CCASA), who had a booth at the Stampede Park throughout the entire event. The basic premise of the campaign was to emphasize the fact that cosplay, no matter how overly-sexualized, is not a suggestive invitation for sexual acts, lewd comments, or groping. The Calgary Expo, as Canada’s second largest comic and entertainment exhibition, regularly plays host to a number of attendees outfitted in elaborate, excessive, and sometimes revealing costumes—on both

largest comic and entertainment exhibition, regularly plays host to a number of attendees outfitted in elaborate, excessive, and sometimes revealing costumes—on both men and women. The level of effort in some cases is astounding: this year saw characters such as Mr. and Mrs. Bane, shirtless Goku, and a remarkably accurate Jessica Rabbit. Bare chests, cleavage, and naked thighs might have been in abundance, but the Cosplay is Not Consent campaign seemed to have made its point. A number of cosplayers and attendees at the convention expressed their surprise that people seemed more respectful this year. “I certainly noticed a big difference this year in people asking politely if they could take photos of me in costume rather than just snapping them without asking,” said Deez Wallis, illustrator for Rocketfuel interactive entertainment. “It was awesome to see so many women be confident in their costumes; I didn't hear about anyone misbehaving either, so I'm really happy about the campaign,”

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Cosplay, no matter how overly-sexualized, is not a suggestive invitation for sexual acts, lewd comments, or groping

Written by Cheryl Cottrell-Smith | Images courtesy of Vivid Vision and The Calgary Comic and Entertainment Expo | Models Vicky Lau and Lindsay Elyse “It was awesome to see so many women be confident in their costumes; I didn't hear about anyone misbehaving either, so I'm really happy about the campaign,” said Andrea Brown, Happy Harbor Comics employee and co-founder of LADY GEEKs uNITE (#LGNYEG). “I knew if I felt uncomfortable or unsafe I could say something to Expo staff and that it wouldn't be tolerated and I wouldn't be blamed/shamed for my cosplay,” said Sylvia Douglas, co-founder of #LGNYEG and employee at Happy Harbor Comics, FAVA, and the Walterdale Theatre. “I didn't cosplay but I still felt it was effective. You are well aware that there was no tolerance for lewd behaviour and that you can easily reach out to con officials for help,” said Stephanie Chan, Art Director for Sequential Tart web zine. Edmonton-based cosplayer, model, and photographer, Vicky Lau, is the co-founder of Vivid Vision Photography, where she spends a lot of time working with scantilyclad cosplayers and models. After her

photographer, Vicky Lau, is the co-founder of Vivid Vision Photography, where she spends a lot of time working with scantilyclad cosplayers and models. After her experience manning the Animethon booth at the Calgary Expo this year, she has no doubt of the effectiveness of the Cosplay is Not Consent campaign. “This year I wore more revealing outfits, so I was expecting attendees to be touchier,” said Vicky. “But out of everyone that came up to me to ask for a photo, I only had one person that “touched” me. And when I mean touch, they just wrapped their arms around my waist. The rest of the con-goers that asked me for photos either just stood there beside me, or just used hover hands! I feel that people are more respectful this year from the experiences I had.” While this particular sexual harassment campaign has appeared to make its mark on a very well-attended convention, the future of cosplay rights is yet to be determined. The fact of the matter is that many people use overly-sexualized fictional characters for masturbatory purposes. Seeing real-life incarnations of these characters may make it difficult for them to realize where to draw the line. Which is, of course, no excuse for sexual harassment, but it’s an interesting quandary. There’s nothing wrong with fantasies, but when those fantasies infringe upon the rights of a stranger, it creates a clear problem. As long as sexual harassment issues continue to be taken seriously at pop culture conventions, cosplayers will hopefully feel increasingly safe in expressing themselves through costume. “I've had major issues at past conventions with harassment and inappropriate comments,” said Deez. “This year, I didn't have any issues at all and it was great. I really think the campaign has helped bring awareness to the issue and let costumers feel more confident and safe about being at the con.”

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I feel that people are more respectful this year from the experiences I had - Vicky Lau

Issue 4, May 2014

Our Fictional Future: Oligarchy

A very important news item went relatively unreported for the most part last month, as a new study currently being submitted for publication by professors Martin Gilens and Benjamin Page suggests that the United States is now a democracy in name only, and is in effect an oligarchy. What is an oligarchy, you might ask? Where a true democracy has the people choose their government and its attendant policies by voting, in an oligarchy a very

small group of individuals have absolute sway over what the government does. What this means exactly is that the democratic institutions that the country is based on no longer really need to pay attention to the majority of their constituents; only the wishes of a wealthy elite really matter now. With this in mind, in an attempt to prepare you for the future, here’s a look at some intriguing oligarchies from pop

small group of individuals have absolute culture. sway over what the government does.

Issue 4, May 2014

Written by Matt Bowes | Images courtesy of Warner Bros. and Iain M. Banks

culture. The Player of Games: In Iain M. Banks’ fantastic 1988 novel The Player of Games, the Empire of Azad is a strange counterpoint to the libertarian-anarchic ideals of his main focus, the humanmachine melding known as The Culture. The Empire is based entirely upon one’s adeptness at playing a very complicated board/card game called Azad. Azad.

Issue 4, May 2014 Every few years, the Empire essentially stops functioning for a while, as the great game is played by every member of society. Upon leaving the game, your status in the Empire is adjusted based on how well you play; if you’re very, very good, you even get to be the Emperor. As oligarchies go, the Empire of Azad is technically a meritocracy, as someone who is generally talented in the ways of the game can assume high office and standing. In practice, though, the power is kept from average people by high-ranked players and their game colleges, as well as the dirty tricks brought to the table by the current emperor and their cronies. Sid Meier’s Alpha Centauri: This fantastic turn-based strategy computer game, released in 1999, is an extension of the bigger Sid Meier franchise/life ruining addiction Civilization II. The game starts as a group of settlers from Earth are separated upon reaching Alpha Centauri, the star system closest to our own. The leaders of the separated groups form their own colonies, resulting in ideologicallyopposed factions battling for control of the new planet. While the idea of important people from a colony ship making themselves super powerful on a new planet isn’t entirely original (another great example comes from the book Lord of Light by Roger Zelazny, where the senior officers aboard ship use their tech access to turn themselves into Hindu gods), the degree to which the Alpha Centauri leaders persuade their populations is as extreme as it gets. The Human Hive, true to its name, has an underclass of powerless, faceless drones while the industrialists at Morgan Industries have a corporate bureaucracy for a government. Added to this is the very detailed tech tree, which allows the player to genetically modify their citizens, augment them with robot parts and psionics, or merge them with the strange life forms found on the planet.

The Hunger Games: The colossal, million-selling book and movie franchise spawned by the imagination of Suzanne Collins features one of the most recognizable oligarchies in pop culture: the debauched citizens of the Capitol. As a yearly reminder to the impoverished

recognizable oligarchies in pop culture: the debauched citizens of the Capitol. As a yearly reminder to the impoverished Districts under their control, the Capitol holds an annual spectator sport known as the Hunger Games, where Tributes fight for their lives and the bellies of their fellows. In the later stories, the plucky badass Katniss Everdeen falls in with a group of rebels who have designs on knocking over the leadership of the Capitol, specifically the corrupt leadership of President Snow. Young adult books often use the idea of a small number of people controlling the world as an excellent problem for the heroes to come up against. The factions of the Divergent series by Veronica Roth could fit this mould, as do the secret society of wizards who operate under our Muggle noses in the Harry Potter books.

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The most disturbing aspect of [the Metal Gear Solid] oligarchy, apart from their reliance upon proxy wars and walking nuclear missile silos, is the secretive nature of their rule, which plays on decades of real-life conspiracy theories.

Metal Gear: There’s not enough space on this website for me to condense down the ridiculously dense and convoluted storyline of this popular stealth action video game series which dates back to the 1980s, but the arcane mythology provided by the games does have a recognizable oligarchy at the centre of it. At the end of Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty, the player finds out that a group of wealthy industrialists from the U.S., Russia, and China formed a group known as the Wisemen’s Committee after World War I to influence world affairs from behind the scenes in an attempt to stop conflicts from growing into world wars. The group, which later went on to be known variously as the Philosophers and the Patriots, eventually tired of the pacifism game and soon began using vast amounts of wealth to develop private armies and back-channel political connections, with the result being the war-

using vast amounts of wealth to develop private armies and back-channel political connections, with the result being the war-torn world presented by the Metal Gear games. The most disturbing aspect of this oligarchy, apart from their reliance upon proxy wars and walking nuclear missile silos, is the secretive nature of their rule, which plays on decades of real-life conspiracy theories.

Are there any other fictional oligarchies I missed? Let me know by tweeting @matt_bowes or @thepulppress, or by posting on the pulp’s Facebook page.

Issue 4, May 2014

Espresso Patronum! Written by Sherry Lawler | Images courtesy of Madeline Slind

Spring has sprung! For Edmontonians, spring means Festival Season is almost here: our reason d'ĂŞtre for spending two full months outside being coddled by theatrics, amused by street performers from all around the world, enjoying the crooning of buskers serenading us on street corners, and the sidewalk sales. Ah, the sidewalk sales. Spring also denotes the revival of local creativity and artistry. The first signs of spring may have been the collective Farewell to Winter Patio Party held by small businesses in Old Strathcona the weekend of March 14-16. Now, we're aware it may have been a bit pre-emptive considering spring has only sprung in the last couple of weeks, but that weekend was beautiful enough for us to celebrate its pending arrival. It's what we find lining the streets once the weather starts to cooperate that makes this season so welcome. Festival Season is great; seeing artwork displayed vibrantly on chalkboards outside local businesses signals that people are starting to pop their heads out for some true summer living. Madeline Slind's chalkboard art caught my attention last month, calmly perched on the corner of Whyte Avenue and 104 Street as a promotion for the area's Second Cup coffee

shop. Passer-bys take notice. Pictures are being snapped. By the end of April, Madeline had already completed several

Issue 4, May 2014 shop. Passer-bys take notice. Pictures are being snapped. By the end of April, Madeline had already completed several chalkboard pieces: first, Batman; next, 007. But the piece that was causing all the stir featured Game of Thrones characters— images that called out to you as you inadvertently decided which Second Cup treat was going to name you their subject. How could her art not catch your attention? She creates a new masterpiece every other week or so for the Whyte Ave Second Cup. Her window art is just as eyecatching. All are colourful and done with artistic flair. Her newest creation is a toast to Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy. Make sure to check them out while enjoying your Second Cup espresso [patronum]. Don't fret if you’ve missed these geeky masterpieces—Madeline will be around all summer, creating new eye-catching, conversation changing, picture-worthy chalk art until she packs her backpack for her next European adventure, this time heading to Eastern Europe: Latvia and Estonia being on the list of noteworthy stops. Likewise, if your business needs some great pop culture-themed window or chalkboard art, Madeline is willing to share her talents and creativity. With both The Works Art and Design Festival happening June 19 to July 1 and the Whyte Avenue Art Walk from July 11 to 13, and this talented local artist on Whyte all summer (and with the Fringe around the corner), I can't wait to see what she brings to the table. Perhaps her chalkboard art will give the Art Walk artists a little run for their money.

Issue 4, May 2014

Thepulppress.com

Issue 4, May 2014