Comments on: The Power Within

By: Congratulations to Comic Creators Named to Out 100 » Comics Worth Reading

Congratulations to Comic Creators Named to Out 100 » Comics Worth Reading — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 17:50:49 +0000

[...] list of “the year’s most inspiring people”. Christensen wrote and Brill drew The Power Within, a one-shot comic about teen bullying available from publisher Northwest [...]

By: Johanna

Johanna — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 19:22:23 +0000

Suzene, do you mind my asking you to elaborate on the problems you see with “It Gets Better”? Do you think in some cases it doesn’t?

By: Suzene

Suzene — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 19:11:43 +0000

I didn’t mind the lack of solutions so much; there aren’t any simple answers in situations like Shannon’s, and offering them would have hit a false note, IMO. I was less pleased by the “It Gets Better” message being included — at best, it’s always come across to me as a well-intentioned reinforcement of passivity, and, at worst, false hope. And the Simone/Jimenez one-pager just seemed odd — the message (“bullying stinks, no matter who does it”) fit the book, but it seemed a little off-mark considering the scenario and the fact that the kid being bullied is seeking refuge in the superhero fantasy.

Generally, though, I liked it.

By: Good Comics Out August 24: Goodbye, DCU » Comics Worth Reading

Good Comics Out August 24: Goodbye, DCU » Comics Worth Reading — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 15:40:38 +0000

[...] recommend buying this week? If you like superheroes and want something much more inspirational, try The Power Within (Northwest Press, $4.99). Ed suggests Knights of the Lunch Table: The Battling Bands (Graphix, [...]

By: Johanna

Johanna — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 23:05:35 +0000

Thank you, and good point. Perhaps the open structure allows for more readers to insert their own experiences and bring their own opinions to the situations.

By: Nathan K

Nathan K — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 17:29:09 +0000

Excellent review! I agree with you this comic has many scenarios that remain unresolved. Still, I’m sure the enlightened teachers and parents who are looking for a teaching aid to generate discussion around the issue of bullying can find this a very useful tool. I hope the creators and contributors organize a follow-up to this issue.