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Racism and Space Pawdyssey
8 years ago
So racism was never meant to be this huge part of the comic. It just turned out that way I guess. Isolationism is what drives Murphy. Toby is a refugee. Rowan struggles with her own prejudice.
I hope it's not too heavy handed. I want this to be background material, based in part on real life. I don't want it to define every aspect of the comic. I want to show that even good characters can be flawed. I want characters that aren't defined by their minority groups or their struggles.
Honestly I'm pretty proud of my characters. I adore them all. Once this story is one I hope to spend a fair bit of time doing more "slice of life" comics with the characters just interacting and figuring out their lives.
So some history for those curious. This may or may not ever get explicitly stated in the comic so if anyone is wondering:
The Canine and Feline races were embroiled in a very lengthy war which dissolved into a cold war. When the Alliance was formed, it was formed primarily around the Canine worlds but the other members of the Alliance agreed they would not take part in any antagonism directed at Felines and instead would devote their energies to peace across the galaxy and across all races. The Canines still carried the bulk of the Alliance's military strength however.
A couple decades pass and the Alliance decides to extend an invitation to the Felines. Worried about what could happen if the Canines ever did turn on them, the Felines decide to enter discussions and begin the process of joining. During this time, their system is invaded by an outside force. As they are not yet official members of the Alliance, the Alliance is not bound to help them, creating a heated debate within the Alliance council. Eventually it is agreed that the Alliance should help. Not long after arrival, however, the Felidae system is overrun and their home world is unexpectedly destroyed.
Prior to the Alliance officially offering support, The Rangers had broken rank and gathered up resources to help with the evacuation of some of the Felidae colonies. Despite having gone against the Alliance's orders to do nothing until an official decision could be made, the Rangers were praised for their efforts in saving thousands of lives and were celebrated as a result. The Rangers became a marketing tool to sell the Alliance and it's values to the people and to other worlds.
So there you go.
I hope it's not too heavy handed. I want this to be background material, based in part on real life. I don't want it to define every aspect of the comic. I want to show that even good characters can be flawed. I want characters that aren't defined by their minority groups or their struggles.
Honestly I'm pretty proud of my characters. I adore them all. Once this story is one I hope to spend a fair bit of time doing more "slice of life" comics with the characters just interacting and figuring out their lives.
So some history for those curious. This may or may not ever get explicitly stated in the comic so if anyone is wondering:
The Canine and Feline races were embroiled in a very lengthy war which dissolved into a cold war. When the Alliance was formed, it was formed primarily around the Canine worlds but the other members of the Alliance agreed they would not take part in any antagonism directed at Felines and instead would devote their energies to peace across the galaxy and across all races. The Canines still carried the bulk of the Alliance's military strength however.
A couple decades pass and the Alliance decides to extend an invitation to the Felines. Worried about what could happen if the Canines ever did turn on them, the Felines decide to enter discussions and begin the process of joining. During this time, their system is invaded by an outside force. As they are not yet official members of the Alliance, the Alliance is not bound to help them, creating a heated debate within the Alliance council. Eventually it is agreed that the Alliance should help. Not long after arrival, however, the Felidae system is overrun and their home world is unexpectedly destroyed.
Prior to the Alliance officially offering support, The Rangers had broken rank and gathered up resources to help with the evacuation of some of the Felidae colonies. Despite having gone against the Alliance's orders to do nothing until an official decision could be made, the Rangers were praised for their efforts in saving thousands of lives and were celebrated as a result. The Rangers became a marketing tool to sell the Alliance and it's values to the people and to other worlds.
So there you go.
So far, you're doing it right !
Also, more lore *w*
The characters are really fantastic as well. I enjoy reading all of them very much.