The Snagglepuss Chronicles

 

- Exit stage left: The Snaglepuss chronicles. By Mark Russell, Mike Feehan, et at. 

In 1953, famous playwright Snaglepuss is enjoying a hugely successful life as an American Cultural Icon. Even a preliminary hearing from the deranged House of Un-American Activities Committee could not do much to soil his reputation. But evil does not rest easily —and it has already hit so many of his personal friends and colleagues. It has claimed the life of his best friend. Now he must engage in a final battle not for himself but for dignity of gays all across the world…

What at first seems a bizarre attempt to bring famous cartoon characters to a world frighteningly resembling ours soon reveals itself as one of the best comics in years. The most memorable examinations of past eras are not only about the period being examined but about the era in which they are written. As Miller writes “The Crucible” ostensibly about the witch-hunts in Salem —but truly to critique the many crimes of McCarthysm, then this comic examines 50’s cold war paranoia to staunchly expose several contemporary (this comic was collected in 2018) attitudes. Say, the anti-kink discourse demanding that gays present a squeaky-clean image for ‘respectability’, not unlike a 50’s senator deflecting her guilt in causing the suicide of an important literary figure. “I never intended… if he had just kept it private…”. Cowards always blame everyone but themselves. 

In this study of 50’s gay life, Snaglepuss is almost an answer to that other legendary furry comic about the 50’s — Blacksad. And as Blacksad’s one flaw was its timid portrayal of gay and generally queer issues, then Snaglepuss corrects that one grave omission. That it uses a famous pink panther character (one of a few, you could argue) in contrast to the also famous black cat is remarkably fitting —a cherry on top, if you will. 

And there is so much more to discuss about this comic —about the alternate history of a world where humans and furries exist side by side (the author kindly includes a few historical notes at the ending). Or about the meta-textual presentation of theater, television, and eventually cartoons (in a comic). But all are best served by you reading and discussing this comic. 

In sort, quite recommended. 

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Crimes of the future.

- Crimes of the future. (Canada, 2022. Dir. David Cronenberg)

Pollution and climate change have finally become irreversible. Among the wrecks is still mankind, clinging to bio machines that directly interface with and help control basic bodily functions. But now our bodies are changing. Some are growing vestigial organs —like performance artist Saul, who with his partner Caprice puts on live surgery art shows. Others may well be evolving into a new kind of human —a new kind of creature, that survives on plastic and toxic waste. But what mankind has not lost is the capacity for deceit… 

Triumphant return to body horror —or rather to new flesh —by Cronenberg. Another powerful, kinky, just-for-adults and thought provoking sci-fi yarn that invites us to both ponder and be thrilled —or repulsed! Alongside the expected icky creations (an autopsy table used for erotic performances, sculpted in the shape of a cockroach; a purple candy bar made of compressed toxic wastes; custom-made tattooed vestigial organs —and more!) —alongside them is a subtly complex conspiracy tale. 

Because more than half the cast are revealed to be faking their true sympathies and motives, so much of the movie can be called into question as we reach the final act. But this movie is not interested in proposing a mystery —it’s interested in the visceral, the intellectual… the intellectualizing of viscera. The philosophy of art, mutation and evolution. 

Slow-paced, sprinkled with intense performances and a fittingly seedy atmosphere. Not to be missed —though definitely not for everyone!

*

July 2022 extras

In addition to individually recapped books and others: 

TV SHOWS

- Working Moms, Season 6. 

A consistently entertaining Canadian sit-com. While cast and plot lines come and go, at its best it remains a solid show about the bond between women of (and past) a certain age. 

MOVIES

- Dr. Strange and the multiverse of madness. 

So-so superhero movie (or sci-fantasy if you prefer), one of the blandest depictions of the concept of multiple universes yet, and downright mean-spirited at times. 

- Shang-Chi and the legend of the ten rings. 

Better superhero movie, perhaps because it’s barely superhero —it’s more of a martial arts film on a Hollywood budget (and with certain Hollywood sensibilities, for good or bad). Pretty entertaining. 

*

Pride 6: Priscilla, queen of the desert.

Thus we end Pride month —which does not remotely mean an end to gay / queer media blurbs!

- The adventures of Priscilla, queen of the desert. (Australia, 1994. Dir. Stephan Elliott)

Two drag queens and a trans woman set out on a trek across the Australian outback onboard a bus they’ve dubbed “Priscilla”. A journey of several harsh clashes, revelations, camaraderie, a bit of romance —and tons of fabulous costumes, lip-synching and genuinely outrageous dance routines!

Classic queer movie, as well as one of the most famous Australian films of all time. The stunning outfits are only matched by the equally spectacular scenery and the rapid-fire bitchy humor remains highly influential to this very day. For that matter, the film is a major influence on several important queer artists (and authors) worldwide. 

Certainly some things have not aged so well, as can be expected of a 90’s production —the eyebrow-raising portrayal of the Filipino burlesque dancer, for instance. Perhaps the since-outdated terms referring to trans people, though that is portrayed in a quite sympathetic matter. Or maybe the surprisingly coy romance that eventually develops between two major characters —it gives the impression that some stuff was probably left in the cutting room. 

Other parts, however, have aged extremely well —a comedy that strikes the right balance between serious and light moments. A queer film positing that the approval of straights is irrelevant —community is what truly matters in these. And a certain camaraderie born from shared struggles. 

Quite recommended all in all, preferably discussed aplenty. 

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