Chapter 25: Chapter 24 S*******
Thank you for the stone, but we need more than that to be in the trending list.
*Note*- Will do a 5 chapter mass release on here if this fic got 100 stones today.
P.S.- Patreon is at chapter 54 a whole 30 chapters ahead.
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The emergence of comic books, as we understand them today, took place in the 1930s, blending two artistic mediums: popular literary publications and newspaper comic strips.
Before this, comic strips were primarily serialized in newspapers and known as "strips." Following the distribution model of newspapers, these comic strips were typically serialized with one panel released each day (with longer episodes in Sunday editions), employing relatively fixed narrative techniques. Comics encompass a wide range of content and styles, including the well-known humorous "four-panel comics" as well as genres like detective and action.
Many highly regarded serialized four-panel comics were adaptations or drew inspiration from popular novels. One exemplary case is "Tarzan of the Apes," based on the novel of the same name. While not an original storyline, this type of comic made significant strides in terms of dramatic development compared to simple humorous comics.
However, the arrival of economic crises and the Great Depression brought about a shift in the comic landscape. Readers no longer sought just humor and comedy. The escalating crime rates and a pervasive sense of helplessness fueled a desire for more powerful and dominant characters who could reverse the situation. These characters would be mighty, invincible, and unbeatable, upholding justice, eradicating evil, and instilling hope in humanity.
Although crime stories like "Bonnie and Clyde" existed, they did not attain the same level of fame. Aside from a small group of fervent followers of criminals, the majority of people felt fear and disgust toward them. On weekends, people had to be cautious, safeguarding their wallets and staying vigilant against cunning thieves and pickpockets.
In essence, people yearned for heroes.
This is one of the primary reasons detective comics like "Dick Tracy" came into being and gained popularity. The "hardboiled" private detective who battled against evil served as a reflection of readers' reality. Dick Tracy's gritty methods of fighting crime in the comics indirectly allowed readers to vent their dissatisfaction and frustration with real life.
Perhaps this presented an opportunity.
Colin's hazy inspiration became clearer as he diverted his gaze from the "Dick Tracy" comic in Little John's hands.
Establishing a solid imprint required a steadfast belief, and comics appeared to be a fitting choice.
Unlike the previous "Messenger" which relied on divisive rhetoric to attract a distorted form of faith, Colin intended to intentionally steer readers' consciousness, infusing faith into the comic's characters. In a manner similar to primitive societies perceiving all things as totems and embarking on the path of faith.
Colin aimed to use the comic as a vehicle for imprinting readers' faith.
Am I, in reality, a missionary?
No, that's not quite accurate. I am neither a pedophile nor a pervert, disqualifying me from assuming the role of a priest...
...
Colin's excitement grew as he formulated a new approach to obtaining faith. As a time traveler exposed to the internet era of future generations, he had a vast array of options, including comics, novels, and films, at his disposal. However, this abundance of choices proved to be a challenge rather than a convenience.
Colin realized that selecting the most advantageous story from such a multitude of genres for the upcoming newspaper serialization of the comic required careful discernment. He immersed himself in contemplation, trying to find the best theme for the Messenger newspaper.
As Colin fell into deep thought, Little John and Old John exchanged nervous glances. They were unsure why Colin suddenly became so introspective and were hesitant to disturb his train of thought. Old John shook his head, indicating to Little John to remain quiet and observe the situation.
No, no, maybe he was thinking too much and making everything more complicated.
Shaking off his previous ideas, Colin adopted a more realistic perspective. Considering the ongoing Great Depression and the overall social atmosphere, he gradually formed a new idea in his mind.
Observing the content about Dick Tracy fighting criminals in the newspaper, a slight smile appeared on Colin's face. Since people in this era were yearning for heroes, he decided to give them heroes, even super heroes.
The Great Depression served as fertile ground for the birth of superhero comics. The dire economy resulted in a rise in crime rates, and people faced not only economic hardships but also a dangerous law enforcement environment and harsh living conditions, which shook their faith.
Many individuals who previously didn't believe in religion began falsely claiming to be religious to receive assistance from organizations like the "Salvation Army" for food and shelter.
People desperately needed beliefs and spiritual solace to escape the hardships and pain of the real world. Radio stations had already seized this opportunity and ushered in a golden age, and comics could also be a part of this special opportunity.
In fact shortly after the serialization of "Dick Tracy," another comic called "The Phantom" was serialized in a newspaper. This comic featured a prototype of a modern superhero, with the protagonist wearing a tight suit, and a mask, and having a secret identity. Although lacking superpowers, "The Phantom" laid the foundation for subsequent superheroes.
However, Colin couldn't choose "The Phantom" or any variation of it for his serialized comic. The character was essentially an ordinary person in a tight suit, closer to a detective comic than a superhero comic.
Since Colin had decided on superhero comics as the medium for obtaining faith during the Great Depression, he needed characters with true superpowers. Choosing "The Phantom" would yield results similar to using Hoover; there wouldn't be a substantial difference.
On the contrary, since they were called superheroes, the characters should genuinely live up to the "super" designation, evoking a sense of awe and inspiration in the minds of comic readers.
With this in mind, a name immediately surfaced in Colin's thoughts:
Superman!
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