The creators of A Softer World are two Canadians, both currently residing in Toronto. Emily Horne is the photographer and designer of the comic. While Joey Comeau, queer author, is responsible for the words. Together the pair comes up with something much more than a comic. It is a commentary on our culture.
Having to describe or create some sort of label to fit A Softer World is not easy.
A Softer World is unpredictable, twistedly funny, dark, haunting, controversial, weird, witty, heart touching, heart breaking, and truthful. It deals with politics, sex, boundaries, gender, death, sexuality, longing, fear and beauty.
It is about life, and everything that comes with it. Each strip is a snapshot of our world.
Often the comics have a queer character, or subject matter. Joey is able to correctly portray aspects of queer life. Holding true to the rest of the comics, the queer related ones provoke a reaction inside of us. It can be laughter, sadness, or a fiery opinion. More than likely it will be all three at once.
Are they wishing this for themselves?
Is it a parent of a queer child?
A broken hearted soul? A person who is in love with someone who doesn’t reciprocated their feelings, because of conflicting sexual orientations.
Some things aren’t a simple dichotomy. It is n ot just Boy or Girl. It is not heads or tails.
This is what I wish for on lucky pennies, and shooting stars. Only I am a bit more demanding, bikinis and heels would be a plus.
One, two, three. NOW
.....how about now?
A Softer World is not just a comic. It is art. Emily's photographs are beauty, and Joey's words are poetry.
Check it out. A Softer World
Oh! If you leave your curser over the comic, an extra hidden line pops up.
Don't forget to look at the side projects both creators have, links available on the site. Emily has a photo journal titled I blame the sea. Joey writes cover letters in Overqualified, that ring true with the comics. He also has a book, Lockpick Pornography, that is available online.
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It is interesting that you suggest A Softer World "correctly portrays aspects of queer life".
ReplyDeleteI have always thought that one of the great parts of identifying as "queer" is that we get to challenge what is considered to be "correct", thus revealing that there is no such thing as "correct". Just a thought.
I agree with you that identifying as "queer" we are able to challenge the notions of what is considered "correct". I don't think A Softer World even attempts to say this is the "correct" way to be queer.
ReplyDeleteWhen I said A Softer World "correctly portrays aspects of queer life" the "aspects" I was referring to, were situations the majority of "queer" people encounter in life.
The 'get well soon' comic is a good example of this. Coming out as a queer person is not always bunny rabbits, lolli pops, and rainbows ;). People will have a hard time with the news. There is a chance that parents, friends, or family members will wish you weren't queer. It is a sad aspect of queer life, that the majority of us deal with. And I think the comic did a very good job portraying that aspect of "queer life".