I recently had the opportunity to read “Liberator” a four issue series from Black Mask Studios, an independent company formed by Matt Pizzolo, Steve Niles, and Brett Gurewitz. “Liberator” tells the story of two animal rights activists donning dark clothes and taking justice to those who would harm the most innocent among us, non-human animals. The series was created by Matt Miner, a real life activist and animal rescuer. Both Miner and Niles are outspoken animal rights activists and vegans so the material is close to the hearts of those involved.
Steve Niles said of Black Mask Studios “Brett, Matt, and I all came up in the DiY punk scene, and we’re bringing that kind of attitude to this… the constructive part about supporting voices who are talking about real things but in a bold and exciting way. We’re not afraid to bring in activism and politics and counterculture. What publisher today could be bringing out the next V For Vendetta? Nobody.”
Miner seems to be shooting for exactly that with “Liberator”. Though no claims have been made that it’s the next “V For Vendetta” the book does take a hard look at a part of our society that is in serious need of review. It’s an honest look at the state of the human-animal relationship and shines a light in some of its darkest corners.
Issue #1 opens on Damon outside of a barn where dog fighting has been taking place. Damon ensures no one is inside and the animals have been relocated, he’s even found them homes to go to. His intent is not to harm, but to effectively discontinue the events that take place there. Once cleared, Damon burns the barn to the ground.
Full disclosure: I have maintained a vegetarian diet for almost a decade and a vegan diet for over a year. I do think the state of our relationship with non-human animals is in serious need of review and alteration. I’ve also had to deal with the constant questions and verbal beatings from those who don’t agree with me. Because of this, I usually don’t volunteer this information so as to avoid the uncomfortable conversations. I’ve learned to walk a line between my personal beliefs and those of the people around me. I’m aware that most people consider this lifestyle an extreme one. I mention this so that I can continue with my thoughts on the book.
Immediately I was made uncomfortable by the content. Afraid that it would become ammunition for those on the other side, that those who defend animals from human beings are extremists or terrorists. Damon, however, goes to great lengths to ensure that his actions only reduce suffering and harm no one. I then had to ask myself why that made me uncomfortable, why someone like myself who agrees for the most part with what the characters are doing would be conflicted by it. The answer is, I don’t know. Probably years of social training telling me that somehow the rights of the human beings to property or peace outweigh the rights of the animals. Or maybe it’s fear.
The point is that not only did “Liberator” point a light at parts of society that should make everyone uncomfortable, it also shed a light inward and forced me to examine my own beliefs and question where I stand on questions like animal liberation.
Because of the murky gray area the book explores it isn’t clear if Damon is a hero or a villain. While the overarching message is clearly pro-animal rights it isn’t really about that. It’s about how a human being deals with an issue that isn’t black and white, that has no clear answer. It’s about how we challenge long held assumptions supported by mainstream society and by government. It’s about trying to maintain your own integrity knowing that means breaking the rules, and how sometimes we might have to paint ourselves a villain in an attempt to be a hero.
Comic books, like other storytelling mediums, often tackle social and political issues through the veil of fiction, we turn dictators into aliens and nuclear bombs into giant mutant lizards, so that the lines of good and evil can be more clearly defined. “Liberator” doesn’t take that luxury, the events on the page are real, happening all around us, something we’re all a part of. Maybe that’s why it is less comfortable. The struggles and monsters are here around us, they are us.
I won’t spoil the ending, suffice it to say the intensity rises and shows that even with your heart in the right place, swimming against the stream can have serious consequences for you and those around you.
It’s certainly worth checking out, and if supporting independent artists isn’t enough incentive, part of the proceeds goes directly to animal rescue. How can you say no? Dogs are cute!
I spoke with Matt Miner who let me know that we haven’t seen the end of “Liberator”, a new series is in production. The team at Black Mask has teamed up with Earth Crisis, a politically leaning metal band to produce a second series that will feature new characters with similar intentions. You can pick up “Liberator” as well as pre-order the forthcoming series here.
If you don’t mind a little politics in your comics give “Liberator” and Black Mask Studios a look.
Let me know your thoughts on “Liberator”, animal rights, politics in comics, or whatever below.
Sayonara.