(Untitled)

[theprimerprime]

So I read this thing about Captain America promoting suicide prevention.

Now, since I'm actually a real live therapist when I'm not busy pretending to be a robot, this is kind of Relevent To My Interests. I'm also the first person to admit that this is the most attention I've paid to Captain America in...well...ever.

Those of you who actually read

Comments

[karkdestiny]

Cade has threatened suicide before (POUT, POUT, POUT), and I have every reason that he was sincere in that. Not so much out of depression, but out of pure, desperate, 'leave me alone'. It's an issue I'd like to explore, here, since there are many reasons behind why someone would take their own life - Heroic Sacrifice aside. Look at Bond's recent post.

That said, suicide is a very touchy subject. No matter how you handle it in a fictional setting, someone is going to cry foul (IMHO). Personally, I'm not seeing that comic so much about 'violence' as the kid helping Cap out, realizing, 'oh, shit, maybe i do want to live-', ect, and I approve majorly of the last lines there.

Gotta remember, though, Marvel's underlying mission is To Sell Toys Comics (and also related properties). Action sells comics, with Cap. Therefore, most of his comics will have action. (Key word most.)

Could this have been done without violence/action? Maybe. Sometimes it takes a strong smack, one way or another, though, to get someone out of their depressive funk

[terra]

Actually, money isn't really a motivator for this story in particular, as they're giving it out for free. I think the sort of people who they're trying to reach out to are already going to be interested in superheroes, and, as you say, it's an inherently violent medium.

Maybe they shouldn't have picked HYDRA, or maybe that's fitting.

[artoni]

True, but it does advertise the character, and may lead someone down the road to purchasing further comics at a later date?

[terra]

Sure. It's also lending an iconic character to a cause. All synergistic.

Whether Bucky is...really iconic being up for debate.

[due_punishment]

I should probably read the thing before saying I don't like the idea at all, but well I guess I'll just be a fat hypocrite on that point.

Anyway, it bothers me. It bothers me not because it's a comic, or even that it's a sensitive topic. I'm bothered because a 15 page story is not enough to really say anything on the topic. It's pretty much "Hey don't kill yourself" and that's not going to help anyone, or really raise awareness of anything. If they want to do a comic on this topic than they should treat it with the time and respect it deserves. Be serious, do a real story, and create something meaningful.

So sorry that came out a bit rant like, but damn it, people with mental health issues have it hard enough in this country without well intentioned people putting out crap like this.

[aliccolo]

I agree with you completely. I think there's enough fodder to do a really well told story with any number of established characters on the topic. It doesn't need to be a 15-pager with some random person. I mean, off hand, I can think of a half dozen Marvel heroes who have dealt with suicide in their history, whether it's their own attempts or a peripheral incident for them, you know? There's a lot of material to work with to do a thoughtful, creative, meaningful storyline that isn't in an anthology series that will be forgotten in 5 years.

[due_punishment]

I think part of it is this stupid worry that if you handle it with that sort of depth and realism it will motivate people to do it which is just absurd. Sadly this is one of those topics that I think that attitude is going to hold true in most creative forms, especially comics. Wish someone would just remind them that for art to be good it has to be honest. Oh well I'm ranting AGAIN.

[bedeviledspider]

Pretty much this along with what Ali said. Hurrah for good intentions and all of that, but honestly, if Marvel or DC really wanted to handle the issue in a meaningful way then focusing on an existing character's struggles would be best. It's not like either company has a shortage of characters who are dealing with/know someone who dealt with depression or suicide.

[terra]

Well, I read the story because it's about a character I play here. And it was pretty standard PSA material. The lack of words did add a bit of gravitas. Whether or not these sorts of projects raise awareness is up for debate.

For the record, references to suicide in Bucky's particular canon have always been vague. He's generally proven to be much less suicidal than most people assume- there have been a few times where other characters have thought he was going to try and kill himself, but he never actually has. The idea of surviving, no matter what, is sort of a recurring theme.