Entry #13 Comic Book Cover

Brian Gerker
Reading Portfolio Entry #13
10-28-07

Comic Book Cover

1.Representation of the Item: The Comic Book Cover I chose is one of the “Fighting Yank’ America’s Greatest Defender.” I chose this one because I believe many things are represented through this cover. It displays racism, towards the Japanese. It also displays how Americans see themselves as “better” than others.

2. Description and Why: On the Comic book cover, “the Fighting Yank” has apparently come to save the captured American children. The were also apparently being seized and help by Japanese soldiers. The Fighting Yank has come in and is actually choking out one of the Japanese soldiers. The Japanese soldiers are also stereotyped in that they have big teeth, and the one being choked is wearing glasses. The Japanese soldier that is being choked is also about to dump a basket of snakes near the children representing that the Japanese were savage and cruel. It is also very disturbing to see several of the kids are keyed in on The Yank, but one boy is glaring at The Yank with a big smile on his face, as is he is happy to see The Yank choking the Asian man. This cover relates to both Takaki and Wu in that the Japanese are given less than American qualities, and it seems that The Yank, representing America, is far better than the Asians.

3.Analysis: The Fighting Yank shows the power of America. He shows how Americans disrespect Asians, in that he is choking the one man like a rag doll. He also appears to be stronger, faster, more powerful, and better looking. This relates to Wu in that the Asians are depicted as being less important than Americans. They also appear to be savage animals which relates to how the Japanese were used for their labor, as Takaki writes. It is especially peculiar that the one child is smiling to see The Yank beating down the Japanese man. It could be that he is simply glad that help has arrived to save the kids, but it also appears like he is happy that the Japanese soldier is being choked. The Japanese in the cover seem to be given savage qualities and are far below the American standards.

4. Response: This cover is very striking. In today’s society there is absolutely no way that a comic book like that would be published. It shows much racism towards the Japanese and makes them appear inferior. The Yank to me looks like a brutal man that is very cruel himself, and he represents the great American country of the United States.