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Per this, I want to start a set of threads that can eventually be compiled into a glossary of symbolism + themes in the invisibles (+ perhaps added to the 'themes' section @ the bomb?). for easy reference, let's borrow 'anarchy for the masses' annotation system: volume.issue.page.panel. (I actually don't have my books handy, so I'll edit mine in later).
w/o further ado, my initial interpretations of the blank page in 'down + out in heaven + hell':
Tom is showing Dane that his ego, his concept of self, is empty, a lie.
- in nihilism- there is nothing true or essential, only what we project on the void.
- in buddhism- same concept- ego arises from habits of desire + aversion- meditation quells these complexes + reveals something ineffable + undescribable- the 'real' as opposed to the maya, illusion that make up this world + our perceptions. symbolized in zen by the circle calligraphy, which while having an apparent form is blank in the middle.
- in existentialism- ego + most behaviors arise from defense mechanisms to shield us from knowledge of our own inevitable death. We construct elaborate fantasies where we are immortal heros, in an effort to stave off that fear. only by confronting that blind spot can we actually live + be free.
- In the literal sense- comix (like our heads) are a blank page, + can be used to whatever effect we desire. note that the first action of the whole series (disregarding the prologue) is Dane throwing a bomb into a library (1.1.2)- is the Invisibles meant to be an attack on the state of the comics industry?- also note that the cover for that issue is an Andy Warhol-esque grenade. But of course Morrison contradicts that urge later- Big Malkie/Mister 6 sez 'but only nazis burn books, right?'. Morrison has voiced this ambivalent attitude to comics before, particularly in 'Flex Mentallo'.
finally, blank page=blank (white) badge=white hat=cliched symbolism for good guys in Westerns (+ in our own language + politics). As the series progresses, the Invisibles become increasingly indistinguishable from their opposition, making the good guys vs. bad guys tone of Volume 1 appear cliched. |
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