By Kalvin Valdillez, Tulalip News
“Ten years ago this wouldn’t have even been possible,” stated Arigon Starr, member of Kickapoo Tribe and Creator of the comic book series Super Indian, about the first ever Indigenous Comic-Con (ICON). The comic book convention, recently held in Albuquerque, New Mexico, offered the opportunity for fans, also known as Indigenerds, to meet their favorite Native American artists, writers, actors, and comedians.
Speaking to a large crowd Arigon continued, “Indian People, growing up as superhero fans, we never really had the right representation. Kids often ‘call’ who they want to be. You hear it all the time, I call Batman or I’m Iron Man and you can be Captain America. I think it’s cool that our future generations will be able to say I call Super Indian. And this movement will only get bigger because every day the following continues to grow.”
Like most comic-cons ICON, held at the National Hispanic Cultural Center, was a three-day event that included artist panels, exclusive signings, and even live performances from Native musicians, voice actors, and the comedian group the 1491’s.
The excitement grew as the Indignerds, many in full cosplay, began to arrive. Cosplay, a popular hit at comic-cons world-wide, is when a fan dresses in costume as their favorite characters. Although the occasional superhero, villain, and even a Game of Thrones character were spotted, the favorite cosplay characters hailed from a galaxy far far away. The Galactic Empire, the antagonists from the Star Wars movie franchise, ruled the cosplay scene during ICON. Among the many Darth Vader’s, Boba Fett’s, and Stormtrooper’s one ICON cosplayer took a moment to reflect on the event.
“This is so wild,” he exclaimed while taking off his Stormtrooper helmet, “It’s like that Seinfeld episode where George [Costanza]’s worlds collide, only this is a great outcome. My worlds are my culture and the comic book universe, both DC and Marvel. I’m a huge Star Wars fan. And seeing two things I love together is just beautiful.”
Aside from authentic storylines and a huge step away from stereotypes, artwork is one of the key differences between today’s Indigenous comic book characters and those of the past. Taking traditional artwork and giving it a modern twist, the artists are able to convey a sense of pride and connection to their Native audience. Such artwork, that catches the eye immediately, comes from Jeffrey Veregge.
“You know, it just kind of happened,” explains Veregge, “I was at a place in my old job position where I was bored, nothing I was doing was exciting for me anymore.” Veregge, a Pacific Northwest artist and Port Gamble S’Klallam tribal member, was chosen by Marvel to re-vamp the short-lived 1970’s comic book series, Red Wolf. Jeffrey’s passion for comic books began at a young age and like many other artists at the convention, he is excited to represent the Native community while adding his own unique style, Salish Geek.
“Coast Salish artwork used to be seen very seldom outside of the Northwest. Now everyone with a Seahawks jersey is wearing traditional Salish designs. Coming from Little Boston, I wanted to incorporate our artwork with characters that I grew up with. Batman was one of my first pieces and it really just took off from there,” stated Veregge. The Internet, Facebook in particular, took Jeffrey’s pieces including Batman, Optimus Prime, Iron Man and the Millennium Falcon and shared them enough times until they eventually caught the eye of Marvel executives. “I think it’s great. I’m honored to be a part of this, the whole movement, and I’m excited to see the influence the event will have on the youth.”
During the three-day event Indigenerds shared laughs, excitement, and stories with one another. The event also allowed the special guests a chance to speak with their fans about serious topics. Kevin Little, Director of the documentary More Than a Word was in attendance spreading awareness to his fellow Native Peoples. The documentary displays the racist connotations of the NFL team, the Washington Redskins, and urges the franchise to change their name.
Also in Attendance was Kagagi Creator, Jay Odjick. Kagagi is a graphic novel as well as a television series that is written and spoken in both English and Odjick’s native Algonquian language. Speaking during a signing at the Kagagi booth, Odjick addressed the group, “This platform not only hits us with the opportunity to give the kids something they’re into and can relate to, but it also hits us with the chance to talk about things like DAPL, suicide and substance abuse while preserving our traditions like our language, our art and our storytelling. We are still passing down our teachings, we are just doing it our way.”
For more information and for details for next year’s Indigenous Comic Con visit their website at www.IndigenousComicCon.com.