So the overarching message is: Politics isn't what makes comics bad, a comic based on politics is what makes it bad. By the end of the day, comics should start from passion, not from agenda

"A stunning and brave attack helicopter" Now that's diversity done right

As you described Good Girl, it hit me- She not Human, in any way. No challenges, no flaws, no serious coflicts, no struggles. Superman is a literal Alien, yet he is more a human being that she is.

At this point im a little shocked that everyone isn't sick of politics polluting modern media. it feels like every time i turn my computer on there is some movie with an sjw twist or some game under fire for not being progressive enough. can we pls just get media with good stories

I can't get enough of how you take an argument, present both sides, and then rip it to shreds.

“Again” lmfao non of this makes any sense, how can you enslave a race of super heroes?

The last part about rip off vs inspiration hit me in a personal level. I write novel as a hobby and I always worry that my story is just a rip off of a more popular one. And when he is listing what make a story unique, I nearly cry because now I know that the story I made, though is inspired by many stories I read, but it is my own, for I pure my heart and soul into creating every elements of it.

It's good to see more people believe in comicsgate then sjw propaganda.... This needs to happen more.... also that doctor Alpha comic looks good, I'll give it a shot.

Stan, oh Stan. 😢 Where did you go? It's dark, Stan. It's gone dark.

"War is politics by other means." - Clausewitz.

It's really disheartening to hear the words of Stan Lee you picked; when the same manner of words are used by Marvel to double down on what they are currently doing. Stan Lee couldn't have gotten where he got if he cared about politics more than quality story telling.

It's been 10,000 years...... but in all seriousness it's great to see you upload.

Comics are comics. They are art. There is nothing wrong with making a Bob Ross-type painting to simply have a nice scene on your wall. There is nothing wrong with making a Picasso-type abstract painting to look and think on for your gallery. Now, if I make a poorly made Bob Ross, or a poorly made Picasso, they will not be good.

Wow, what a twist, he like america sweetheart because the story is essentially a man of steel rip off

Stan Lee say it years ago , this new comics are preachy

The "No Politics" aspect of ComicsGate is becoming something of a misnomer taken literally. Politics in comics are like war in foreign policy. Saying that you're against it as a blanket statement is like saying you're against screwdrivers. Sure it's annoying to watch inept people try to beat nails into wood with a screwdriver's handle, but that's not the tool's fault. Just the dolt wielding the tool. To repeat an idea regarding Captain America which I heard articulated by Razorfist (not to steal the idea, but because sometimes you hear something so correct that it deserves to be repeated), it's not that politics have never been in comics or don't belong in them at all. The claim that "comics have always been political", while misleading, is technically correct. Half-truths are the most powerful of lies because they always start by stealing unearned credibility from that which is true and giving it to that which isn't. What makes the idea of the perpetual politics of comics misleading is that, especially in the case of Captain America, those politics were used to bring polarized people together, usually for a common purpose that's good for everyone. The problem with the attempt made by Black AF's author (I'm not even going to *try* spelling it out) is that his story takes a united people who are already on board with common causes and polarizes them into smaller tribes, where they supposedly belong. It's just a coincidence that this tribalization is the kind of thing that would make the job of a would-be conqueror, despot, or power-hungry politician measurably easier... right? Throughout your entire rundown of Black AF, I wasn't really thinking "so basically Man of Steel" as you concluded, but "so basically X-Men". Unfortunately, while I loved what X-Men was going for, it seemed to have a highly detrimental effect whenever anybody since then has tried the same idea of an oppressed minority stand-in decides to take revenge on their oppressors, while another oppressed minority stand-in advocates peace. The allusion to Malcom X versus MLK respectively need not be emphasized further at this point, I would hope. Perhaps it's just human nature to see the revenge advocate as in the right and the peace advocate as a naive fool, a misinterpretation plaguing the entire mutant sub-genre of Marvel Comics (save for maybe Deadpool). The way I write, I tend to make works with themes of disparate parties coming together. Perhaps in the hopes of healing the wounds caused by the culture war. Perhaps because I grew up on Power Rangers and other shonenoid nakama schlock. Either way, you can't have stories like that without acknowledging the politics of each faction, even if those politics are based wholly on fictional circumstances. Imagine if the Star Wars prequels were competent. Basically that.

"masturbatory victimhood fantasy" DAMN BRO that was a powerful wording! also, happy to see you making videos again uwu

It's particular bad for Kwanza that you only needed to use one third of Zack's book to explain why Zack is the winner. That is actually just the first of three stories included in that book and Zack is offering it in a bundle with the sequel as a tier of his current crowdfunding campaign for anyone who's worried they might have missed out on it.

I dont mind giving more diversity into comics at all. I mean Marvel was always the most diverse universe out there anyway, considering the time it happened to be a thing! X-Men is like 50/50 female and it has quite a few heros of different race or sexual orientation. Its just cringey when they make social politics their main goal. Its great as sidestories, worldbuilding details, etc. But The secret of a good political story is to give questions and letting the audience to choose the answer for themselves. Letting them feel like they had all the possible info from both sides and chose the good side even tho they still understand the other side. What is happening with political themes nowadays is they basically tell you the answer, without letting you think for yourself and overall make a statement that if you dont agree, you are a shitty person. So the increased diversity is not a problem at all. Its 21st century, we should be quite more opened than we were few decades back. But they just do it completely wrong way. Nobody want to be preached. Everyone needs to have the choice to choose wrong side! Otherwise the right side has no value.

Good things come to those who wait

I swear to God, if I see the term ”Reverse Racism“ one more time...

In my opinion Comicsgate is correct, but Anti-Comicsgate does have some good points. Comics should be more entertaining without a lot of bias. Comics can be great tool for politics and educate kids and teens on current issues, but that shouldn't be its driving force. I believe unbiased stories and entertainment can bring people together a lot better than forcing agendas and beliefs which can bring up issues and cause conflict. The danger in using comics for politics, is that people focus more on preaching than telling an good story. This can not only ruin a good series (cough, Last Jedi, cough), it could also chase people away from comics. I feel comics gate and the anti-comicsgate should work together and help improve their craft. All in all, while comic writers are entitled to their own opinion and can create whatever they want, whether they are right are wrong in their reasoning is irrelevant... unless they rip off other people's content and spread forced agendas.

So the moral of the story is: Passion makes a good quality, not politics. You can put politics in but don't based your story on it. Keep it on the side but don't make it something forced either. Also SJW's are fanatic.

1:DOC ALPHA HYYYYYPE! 2: That Stan Lee tribute is dare I say it......... *devilishly* manipulative. Quite touching too. 3: I got the sense as soon as you finished talking about B:AS that ultimately you thought the story was good only in ways that damned the Anti-Comicsgate claim. I'm glad I was correct.

Well, I *was* going to play my game first, but I've waited too long to ignore an upload on this channel.

Comicgate is right, It's about the story. I'm not saying that you shouldn't comment on something in any form of literature, but the first priority should be the story and characters. Also, Docter Alpha sounds awesome! I can't wait to read it.

I have no way of describing how good this video is, i guess you really took the "EXCELSIOR!!!" tip from Stan.

Ironically, when you pair down America's Sweetheart, especially as you showed in 17:50, it ironically works as a great condemnation of the political tribalism of anticomicsgate.

I have the perfect solution to comicsgate; just do the best of both worlds, it's people just forgot how to compromise and work together (something that's very important is politics; looking at you anti-comicsgate). ps, love your channel and your content, it gives me good insight for my own story (I'm currently writing), also can't wait to read you're new comic, good luck with it.

Someone tell me I'm not the only person that was tearing up when Stan started speaking?

Been waiting for this for a while

I feel like there is room for both. Whenever I am brought in on these conversations, it's always either or. Why can't it be "and"? Comics are fun and can be political? Everything is a balance and we need both. Lots of people forget that in his time Stan wrote lots of controversial stories and actively fought against the Comics Code Authority to get those in. It was the wonder of Fantastic Four that made him popular, but the nuance of political isolation that made the X-Men. Without either we would miss out on so much: God loves Man kills, Civil War, the Court of Owls, Secret Invasion, etc. In short including the other doesn't automatically compromise the other aspect, it's all in the hands of the minds that craft it. It's only compromised when we think one matters and the other doesn't While I may not totally agree with you. You have gained a sub in me bro 👍

I'm new to the comicsgate thing, but i write stories in my spare time. I've never thought of themes or messages when i write my stories, only the story ahead of me and i've had my english and theology major family member find themes after the story was written. I remember a creative writing classmate who did basically the opposite in our playwriting course. The stuff he did basically beat you over the head with his messages. I think themes can be subconcious for some. The aim is to tell something that the majority reading or watching will love (a good story).

When I have to listen to some tragedy against the art of storytelling and have to hear people defending utterly mindless garbage, I come back to this 4 part series and re-engage with why I started writing in the first place. To understand that my passion will not die so long as people like you, like me, and like Stan Lee still exist. And whenever I come to those final words from you and Stan, I find myself tearing up with pride in what I do and in how I strive to live up to the heights this art can reach. Thank you Literature Devil, and especially thank you Stan Lee. Sincerely, a simple fan

I think Meyer hit the nail on the head with the statement, "Comics used to be made for smart kids, but now they're made for dumb adults." Talking about the Black af comic, and how you had to gloss over a lot of polemics, I think the quote really applies. If the author was taking his bizarre worldview and telling a story with that lens it'd be one thing, but he has to pack the comic with heavy handed preaching to make sure there's no ambiguity or room for interpretation for those reading. Dude can't even trust the reader to infer the message he wants without spelling it out. There's gonna be a market for overtly political material on any medium, but what is being argued at the root is the hijacking of cultural icons and touchstones to signal boost a message to an audience that could never be earned on merit. The saving grace of ComicsGate is the barrier to entry is far less than for other mediums where nerd culture has been converged. This means that new blood can enter, and with their sales/earnings tallied together I imagine they can make those holding mainstream comics hostage look really, really stupid.

Fantasy will show you what will happen to you when you take up a quest and for good or ill. SciFi will ask and explore a question with great significance, but will never provide the answer. Political works outline a problem of compatibility between groups or methods or principles and it's all in the reconciliation of this problem that determines whether they're propaganda or not. Revealing and exploring a political problem is the SciFi route and if done truthfully, is neutral -even if unnerving. The fantasy route will demonstrate what it takes to solve the problem and NOT what the solution must necessarily be. It's only when the solution is preached to you, when a particular perspective or interpretation or means and ends is presented as the moral good and righteous action that you're now dealing with propaganda. The reason these become terrible stories is because they do not honor the agency of the reader. The don't engage with the reader as an autonomous individual whom they will attempt to expose ideas and perspectives and experiences to -to allow the reader to see things through their own lens, their own interpretation. Instead, the good, the moral, the right ideas are forced onto the reader, ignoring their input. So now the reader is left to consider only whether they agree with what the author is saying AND NOT if they empathize with the characters such that they can understand and sympathize with their perspective. Which may or may not be that of the author. Point being, the story and characters of propaganda no longer become vessels for our own self insertion such that we can come to understand and empathize with their perspective and problems. Rather, they become vessels of authorial dictation, telling us what is and is not true and what is and is not moral. So no longer is the story about imparting hard lessons and old wisdom, of what can/will happen if we do X, or what to expect when we engage in Y, and how to manage with these universal experiences (causality and the human condition). Instead, we're simply exposed to an opinion piece masked by means of storytelling. We're told not what can/will happen, but rather what the author wants to happen. What they want to bring about. How they want us to see the world. Which reveals the egotism at the root of the issue and all propaganda, frankly. Which is then revealed, without all the layers of literary critique required to find and demonstrate it, in their fucking tweets. In the personality of such authors. Which is why they're all so horrible. The irony is that if they had paid attention to the questions raised in SciFi and the lessons (heroes journey) of Fantasy, then they would have known that propaganda like this doesn't work. Hence the backlash. But then again, why would we suppose that they'd have ever cared much for stories in the first place? After all, they don't write them.

ComicsGate is right. All the way.

I still want to see marvel and DC get shredded in comparison to Manga. Also I suggest Five Star Stories by Mamoru Nagano and Battle Angel Alita by Yukito Kishiro.

While studying screenwriting years ago, I read that every story has already been written. That means that anything you write is going to have elements from other stories in it. Look at “The Force Awakens”...bad example. They took the same route as Black AF. At least Richard owns a blender (and he can use it with only one hand, his videos prove it.)

You need to sell “Please Ask Me About My Evil Agenda” T-shirts.

An excellent end to a great series

Glad to see your content again. Great breakdown and very inspirational. The comic sounds great, will definitely check it out.

literature devil, E;R, and PSA Sitch walk into a bar....

It’s not about someone having a great idea for a story, but someone wanting to push his political agenda into a media Therefore #comicsgateright

No matter how many times i see these videos your breakdowns always give me chills with how good they are

16:38 even in a world where only black people have super powers, it's still the world's first black superhero.

I knew I had reasons to be excited about the Zack vs. Kwanza battle, but man, what a BATTLE it was! This video was great, and the Doc. Alpha comic is a truly interesting and fun idea that I'd very much like to support.

No, comicsgate is not wrong. What is wrong is to do anything but make those great stories that we all love no longer be good stories.

Fantastic series -- Thanks for these videos. Looking forward to Doc Alpha!

Thank sir for another episode. As always, thought provoking.

Waiting for each episode of this series has been well worth it. Splendid work!

Love your work, man. As such, I'm EXTRA stoked for Dr. Alpha. Can't wait to see what thrills you'll surely bring to the table!

I think it proves that politics can be in there but it needs to be more mild and the story should take priority. When the anti-comicsgate people say "politics have always been in comics" that's type of comics they are talking about although the politics of old were usually along the lines of "Be good to each other" and "Everyone is deserving of respect even if they are different". Their biggest problem comes in execution. Instead of giving someone a inspiration to think about a subject and do their own research to come to their own conclusions they think that they have to tell people how to think. It's not just in comics either. The subtlety seems to be missing in every medium. It's the difference between a nudge and a full body push. That's a big reason why everything is so divisive. It's designed to anger one group and appease another instead of being welcoming to all comers with a little extra bit in the back for the ones that want to see it. I personally prefer no politics all together but if it has to be in there I'd prefer it be something I could overlook and still enjoy.

You've already got my support for your comic, looking forward to the kickstarter

Is comicsgate wrong? No, they are right. Absolutely right. By the by, I now have another comic to look forward to.

I've been waiting for this video for a long time and it did not disappoint!

Quite the reveal at the end! Looking forward to seeing your success!

Excellent video. I just love your level of analysis.

Thank you for another great analysis! 👍

You went far and above in this one, bravo, masterful

I'm suddenly very excited! WOW! So well done, my friend!

I've followed the final year of Stan's life. It was so sad how much betrayal and indifference he was given by people who took advantage of his name and legacy to push their careers forward. Hearing how no one was there to support him when he was suffering was disheartening and even more so when people celebrated his death; and hearing this insincere series of praises to him by actors and the like just makes me want to vomit.

God you're a breath of fresh air. Thank you for the time and effort you put into your videos. Watching them is always a delight. Cheers to you on your journey as a comic creator.

Good to see you are puting your talents at work in a passion project, hope you the best.

This video left me with goose bumps. I really love your vids. Thanks for sharing

Ive been waiting for this!

Excited for the comic, hope it will be out to soon! Seems like something that would be interesting

Great video and great conclusion to this series!

What an eye-opening analysis of the two books. Thank you for sharing your insights.

Guess whose back? Back again? Devils back. Tell a friend

Nice bit with Stan the Man. Brought tears to my eyes.

LD your voice is great and relaxing the perfect way to relax after a long day thanks for making great videos

Thank you for this video, I love the way you describe stories and your analysis on what makes them great. I think you help raise the bar on what people should expect from comics and helps us see how much more they could be. Which of course means we will be expecting nothing but the best from your own comic, best of luck!

Another excellent video. Sad this series is ending. It taught me so much about how comics (& stories over all) should be. Thank you.

Fantastic video! Keep up the good work.

good video series. well done. the stan lee sound bites were amazing touch too.

I've lived each episode on this topic. Thank you!

That's awesome about the new comic. I'll check it out!

I think I started watching your videos late last year. I love your insight and how you try to view things objectively. You're very eloquint but explain everything so simply. I can't wait to read your comic book! I love the concept! Hurry up and take my money!!!

I just subscribed and have gotten a few videos into your channel. I think this is one of my new favorite channels. I can't stop watching them.

Another great video!

I started watching your videos a few hours ago and already they have sparked discussions between myself and friends or family members. Your content is refreshing and very balanced in its analysis of the subjects you put under your gaze. I look forward to more of your work as time moves forward.

Great content as always LD, I enjoy listening to what you have to say. : )

We are so glad to have you back after a few months!

I love this channel it provides an interesting perspective that I lack.

A finale worth waiting for. Damn, was crying at the end. Oh you devil you.

This was the best thing, thanks a lot

I am really excited about the direction of this channel as well as this new comic series you are working on. Please keep up the good work. You are an inspiration to other creators and soon-to-be creators like myself.

Ya know... I've been lurking around the channel for awhile. You've rekindled my interest in literature, and for that I cannot thank you enough.

I was thinking that the Americas Sweetheart was a good story, until you pointed out why. I guess I have a soft spot for the man of steel arc and therefore will always fall for it's rip-offs. Commercialization works.

You are a beautiful writer and speaker. Keep it up.

the ending with the stan lee voice over and all the quotes made me cry... your videos are always so beautiful and unspeakably thought-provoking, every time i watch another comicsgate video, im like "god he has to just be repeating what he said before, nobody can top that argument!" and then you do it, and it's just.... amazing. please keep creating!

Thoroughly enjoyable. Best of all: inspiring.

Great video, I really like your insights! I hope you can do more analysis, not necessarily reviews, on new and old comics and books.

Dude, love your videos

Upending the status quo for golden age?. No longer is the villain content with the robbery of wealth or inconvenient mass scale pranks. But now, actually injecting malice and horror? Signifying a horrible turn in the routine? Seeing how the escalation effects both sides and what they go through? Now that sounds interesting!

I think that the most important thing to do as a writer is to be honest with yourself and just write with good, honest, fun. When you are writing while having fun, the reader will know that and feel the fun as well. It's somewhere within the flow of words where anyone can sense whether a story was made just as a chore or a bland frankenstein construct of tropes, or with genuine passion.

I'm from Germany and we recently had such a war all about culture and ideology, too. It's still traumatizing and it's really hard to talk about it... They tried to establish a pizza with chocolate topping all over it. However, amidst the ongoing war that heresy did get completely erased and wiped from all the selling floor.

Missed this on my feed, but was lucky enough to check individual subscriptions and see something from you. I love stories that follow villainous people so your story has me intrigued. My favorite genre is Gothic Horror, most often Victorian Era, that often heavily follows villainous characters with such delightful books as The Picture of Dorian Gray...btw it was League of Extraordinary Gentleman (excellent guilty pleasure as you said in a stream) that made me look him up because I had not known the character before that. I believed Dorian Gray to only be a shade of gray before that.

I've really enjoyed this series. I've been working on getting into writing myself and I've recently begun getting a consistent rhythm. I've been trying to go for a pulp style, much like how you said you were going with Alpha. Seeing videos like this inspires me to push on and try and keep going. Thank you for these great videos.