WP2: Second Post

There are two historical points that need to be considered when looking at the comic, the first of which is the history of the comic itself. What is the purpose of the comic strip, and what topics are frequently addressed by the author? This comic in particular is entitled White Ninja's New Low, with the series having the name White Ninja Comics. Published online as a webcomic, every issue features a nameless white ninja who performs activities ranging from far-fetched to mundane. Furthermore, each publication is self-standing, or not linked to previous issues, and the humor is typically non-sequitur.

The second point that needs to be evaluated is the particular historical context of the subject matter (drug addiction; specifically drugs via injections). Drugs themselves have been around since early BC, and can either be inhaled, injected, or absorbed in other ways. According to drug-rehabs.org, alcohol and narcotics such as marijuana have been used since 4000 BC, but it was not until the late 18th century, that the hypodermic needle was invented. Currently, the drugs are consumed around the world, with people injecting various substances in their bodies to "get high." In particular, however, the use of drugs is and has been prevalent primarily in Europe, North America, and Asia.

After looking at this background information, one can further understand and analyze the message being portrayed in the comic White Ninja's New Low. Whereas before I didn't know what or who the blob-shaped character was, I now know that he is the main character in the series: he is the White Ninja. Furthermore, I can see that these six panels do not rely on previous information from an earlier publication. The point about the Dewey Decimal makes little sense, but it is not supposed to, since it is part of the non sequitur humor. In addition, this comic is about drugs and the vicious drug cycle, and knowing background information on this problem, is important as well. The fact that drugs are used on a global scale, for instance, can increase the significance of this subject matter. Due to the fact that both characters are speaking English, however, one can conclude that the comic is directed towards a more Western audience.

A comic strip is an unusual medium in that it has the capability to convey a more serious message in a more relaxed manner than other types of communication. Since drug use may be a touchy subject, readers may be more likely to read and think about the message in the form of a comic rather than an essay. If so, this, in turn, may lead to a more effective means of portraying the message to this audience. Furthermore, the comic medium reaches a variety of ages, as not only does it appeal to adults but to some teens as well.

Works Cited

Hoge, Warren. "The New York Times Log In." The New York Times - Breaking News, World News & Multimedia. 25 June 2007. Web. 22 Mar. 2010. {http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/26/world/asia/26nations.html}.