forbes.com
This Ends Tonight": A Las Vegas Revenge Tale
This Ends Tonight," a three-issue Image Comics miniseries written by Gerry Duggan and illustrated by Jae Lee and June Chung, follows interconnected stories of various women engaged in violent revenge across one night in Las Vegas, notable for its 1970s-inspired style and focus on female empowerment.
- What potential impact might "This Ends Tonight" have on fashion trends or the portrayal of women in graphic novels?
- The comic's success will likely depend on its ability to appeal to fans of both stylish crime thrillers and strong female characters. The unique blend of fashion, violence, and intricate plotting could attract a wider audience than typical graphic novels. The detailed attention to costume design may create a new trend for fashion enthusiasts.
- What are the central themes and unique aspects of "This Ends Tonight" that distinguish it from other graphic novels?
- This Ends Tonight," a three-issue comic book miniseries, features women in Las Vegas involved in a revenge-themed, chaotic, all-night chase. The story unfolds across three issues, each focusing on different groups of women whose paths intersect on the same night. The series' unique selling points are its stylish 1970s-inspired aesthetic and focus on female characters.
- How does the visual style and costume design contribute to the storytelling and character development in "This Ends Tonight"?
- The comic's style draws inspiration from Quentin Tarantino and Elton John, blending 1970s fashion with a focus on female empowerment. The narrative structure, with three interconnected stories on one night, creates a complex and dynamic plot. The visual style, heavily influenced by iconic designers like Tom Ford and Donna Karan, is a key element of the story's appeal.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The framing heavily emphasizes the visual aspects of the comic, particularly the fashion and style choices of the characters. This is evident in the numerous quotes focusing on clothing, designers, and the visual inspiration for each character. The narrative prioritizes the aesthetic elements over plot details or deeper character analysis, potentially shaping the reader's perception to focus primarily on the visual spectacle.
Language Bias
The language used is largely descriptive and enthusiastic, which is appropriate for a review of a visually-driven comic. However, some descriptions, like 'sleek assassin', 'dismember you', and references to 'carnal and violent bloodbath', might be considered slightly loaded. More neutral alternatives could be 'skilled assassin', 'harm you', and 'intense and violent conflict'. The overall tone is positive and celebratory, which may skew the reader's perception toward a more favorable opinion.
Bias by Omission
The review focuses heavily on the visual and stylistic aspects of the comic, with less emphasis on plot details or character development beyond their appearances. While this is understandable given the focus on fashion and design, a more in-depth look at the narrative and themes could provide a more complete picture. The omission of details about the actual plot beyond the general premise of a revenge story and the relationships between the women could be considered a bias by omission.
Gender Bias
While the comic features female characters in prominent roles, the focus on their attire and appearance could be seen as a form of gender bias. The descriptions often emphasize physical attributes and fashion choices, potentially reinforcing stereotypical representations of women. A more balanced approach would delve deeper into their personalities, motivations, and complexities beyond their looks. For example, the descriptions of the characters frequently use terms that emphasize sex appeal, rather than focusing on their strength and abilities. While the author notes their strength and capabilities, the emphasis on appearance over strength is notable.
Sustainable Development Goals
The comic book centers around women forming bonds and showcasing strength and individuality, challenging gender stereotypes in action and style. The characters are depicted as strong, capable, and complex individuals, defying traditional gender roles.