2023: What we need in comics
The world of comics has always been a thriving and dynamic medium that has captured the hearts of millions of readers worldwide.
The world of comics has always been a thriving and dynamic medium that has captured the hearts of millions of readers worldwide. From characters like Spider-Man and Batman to series like Walking Dead and Saga, comics continue to prove that they are more than just fun stories featuring superheroes in capes. As we approach 2023, there are certain things that we need in comics to make them even more enjoyable and engaging.
Firstly, we need more diversity in comics. The comic book industry has been dominated by white, male characters for far too long. While some strides have been made with characters like Miles Morales, Kamala Khan, and Riri Williams, we need to see even more representation of different races, genders, sexual orientations, and religions. These diverse characters can act as role models for readers who rarely see themselves reflected in media and can introduce readers to new perspectives and experiences.
Secondly, we need more socially conscious comics. Comics can be a powerful medium for addressing social issues like racism, sexism, and homophobia. It's important that comics reflect the world we live in today, and writers should not shy away from tackling difficult topics. Socially conscious comics can help readers to better understand and empathize with people who are different from them.
Thirdly, we need more genre-bending comics. Although superhero comics have always been the most popular genre within comics, there's a huge range of genres that can be tackled by comics. From horror to romance to comedy, there's no reason why comics can't be enjoyed by a wider audience. By incorporating new and different genres into comics, we can appeal to a more diverse range of readers.
Fourthly, we need more female creators. The comic book industry has traditionally been a male-dominated field, but that's starting to change. More and more women are getting involved in the industry as writers, artists, and editors, and this is a great thing. Female creators can bring new perspectives and voices to comics, which can help to diversify the medium and make it even more inclusive
Moreover, personally, in 2023, I want to see more diversity in the comic book industry. Although there has been an improvement in recent years, it is still not enough. I want to see more stories with characters from different races, cultures, and religions. It is important to include diverse characters so that readers can relate to and feel represented in the comic book world. In addition, it helps readers learn about different cultures and experiences.
Furthermore, I want to see more female representation in comics. Female superheroes and characters should not only exist for the male gaze but to also provide young girls with role models they can identify with. Female characters should be depicted as strong and independent, rather than overly sexualized for the male audience. I hope that there will be an increase in female writers and artists to provide unique perspectives.
In addition, I hope to see a focus on mental health issues in comics. Mental health is an important issue that affects many individuals, and it deserves to be represented in the comic book world. There are already a few comics that discuss mental health, but I hope that more stories will be shared, and more writers and artists will tackle the issue.
I also want to see some new trends in comic books in 2023. Although superhero comics are popular, it is refreshing to see different genres approaching the medium. Comics offer a unique way of telling stories, and I want to see more experimentation with various genres such as fantasy, science fiction, horror, and drama. It will attract more audiences, and it could offer a different perspective in utilizing the medium.
In addiction, I would love to see more creator-owned comics. During the pandemic, we have seen a surge in independent comics, and in 2023, I hope that the trend will stay. Creator-owned comics allow writers and artists to explore their creative freedom, and it often results in unique and authentic stories. It will also offer more opportunities to writers and artists, where they dictate the fate of their creation.
Finally, we need more access to comics. People often think of comics as a niche hobby that's only enjoyed by a small subset of fans, but this is changing. Thanks to digital platforms like Comixology, it's easier than ever to access a wide range of comics from anywhere in the world. However, there's more to be done to make comics more accessible. We need to make sure that comics are available in more languages, and that they're priced in a way that's affordable for everyone, regardless of their income.
In conclusion, the world of comics has come a long way, but there's always more to be done. By increasing diversity, addressing social issues, incorporating new genres, bringing in more female creators, and making comics more accessible, we can make the medium even more inclusive and enjoyable for readers of all backgrounds.
About the Creator
Bill Maverick
Born and raised in Chicago, I love entertainment and comics. I'm a huge fan of superhero movies and I love to read and collect comics.
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Tension in Minneapolis has risen sharply in recent days as the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced plans to deploy hundreds more immigration officers to Minnesota following the fatal shooting of a local woman by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent. The move comes amid nationwide protests and deepening polarization over federal immigration enforcement efforts. The decision to send additional officers was publicly confirmed by DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, who said the reinforcements are meant to “ensure the safety” of ICE and Border Patrol personnel already in the Minneapolis–St. Paul area. Officials noted that more than 2,000 federal officers have already been stationed in the region as part of what the administration describes as its largest immigration enforcement operation ever. What Sparked the Deployment? The deployment follows the Jan. 7 fatal shooting of 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good by an ICE officer during an enforcement action in south Minneapolis. Good, a mother of three, was struck and killed by gunfire as she sat in her vehicle. Federal authorities have characterized the incident as a defensive action, saying the driver’s conduct endangered officers. However, local political leaders and community members strongly dispute that narrative. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and other officials have criticized federal accounts of what happened, pointing to bystander videos that they say contradict the claim that Good posed an active threat when she was shot. They have also condemned the broader federal immigration operation in the city, saying it has fostered fear and mistrust in local communities. The legal and investigative aftermath remains complicated. Minnesota authorities sought to investigate the shooting, but federal officials asserted exclusive jurisdiction, citing constitutional protections for federal officers. This has deepened frustration among state leaders who want greater transparency and local involvement in the inquiry. Protests and Public Reaction The shooting ignited protests in Minneapolis almost immediately and spurred demonstrations across the country. Over the weekend following the incident, more than 1,000 rallies were organized in cities nationwide, drawing tens of thousands of participants. Protesters have framed their actions as a call for accountability and change in how immigration policy is enforced. In Minneapolis, large crowds gathered near the site where Good was killed to march and call for an end to what they see as an aggressive federal presence. Many protesters have chanted slogans critical of ICE and the broader administration’s immigration agenda. Scenes from protests have been varied. In some locations, demonstrators have remained peaceful, holding signs and vigils in memory of Good. In others, confrontations between some protesters and law enforcement have occurred, with reports of officers deploying crowd control tactics. Supporters of the federal response argue that a strong enforcement posture is necessary to uphold U.S. immigration laws and to address alleged crime tied to illegal immigration. DHS officials also stressed that the officers being sent to Minnesota are there to protect their federal personnel and keep operations running despite protests. The Broader Context of Immigration Enforcement This episode is part of a much larger national debate over immigration policy and enforcement tactics. The Trump administration’s recent focus on interior enforcement — including deportations and raids — has been a defining pillar of its second term. Minneapolis, a city with a diverse population and sizable immigrant communities, has become a focal point for that strategy. Critics say that such heavy federal deployment in city neighborhoods undermines community trust and disproportionately affects non-violent immigrants and long-standing residents. Advocates for immigrant rights argue that punitive tactics fuel fear, discourage cooperation with local authorities, and erode civil liberties. Supporters counter that rigorous enforcement is essential for national security and upholding the rule of law. They argue that federal agents must be backed by sufficient resources, especially when facing hostile demonstrations or resistance. Voices from Minneapolis Local sentiment in Minneapolis remains deeply divided. Many residents expressed grief and shock over the death of Renee Good, while also expressing concern about the scale and nature of the federal response. A number of community members have organized vigils, public gatherings, and faith-based services to provide mutual support and to call for justice. Conversely, Minneapolis leaders have urged calm while also criticizing federal policies they claim escalate tensions. Mayor Frey has been vocal in his rejection of the federal narrative, insisting that the city deserves transparency and a fair process to understand what led to Good’s death. Looking Ahead As hundreds more immigration officers make their way to Minneapolis, the city and the nation find themselves at a critical juncture in the ongoing debate about immigration enforcement. The coming days will likely see continued protests, political clashes, and legal challenges as both sides defend their interpretations of events and advocate for their visions of public safety and justice. 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