Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"The Invention of Comics" is a poem by Amiri Baraka (formerly known as LeRoi Jones) that was first published in 1966. The poem is a reflection on the role of comics in American culture, as well as a meditation on the nature of art and its relationship to society.

Amiri Baraka was an African American poet, playwright, and activist who lived from 1934 to 2014. He was known for his powerful and politically charged works, which often tackled issues of race, politics, and social justice. Baraka was a key figure in the Black Arts Movement of the 1960s and 1970s, and his works continue to be celebrated today as powerful expressions of African American culture and identity.

The poem is structured as a series of vignettes, each exploring a different aspect of the history and impact of comics on American culture. The opening lines, "Superman, Blackhawk, Plastic Man, / Batman, the Human Torch, / The Sub-Mariner," immediately capture the reader's attention, invoking a sense of nostalgia for the early days of comic books.

Throughout the poem, Baraka's language is poetic and evocative, using vivid imagery and metaphor to convey the power and complexity of comics as an art form. The speaker notes how "The boys of America / All had war as their last argument / On every street corner / All the war comics selling," highlighting the way in which comics have often been used to promote militarism and violence.

The poem's themes of art and society are particularly prominent. The speaker notes how comics have often been seen as a form of low culture, but also acknowledges their power and importance as a means of expression and social commentary. The poem also touches on themes of race and identity, with the speaker noting how "Superman / White and perfect / Fought for truth, justice and the American way," highlighting the way in which comics have often perpetuated racial stereotypes and biases.

Overall, "The Invention of Comics" is a powerful and thought-provoking work of poetry that explores the complex relationship between art and society, as well as the history and impact of comics on American culture. Through its vivid imagery, powerful language, and uncompromising vision, it conveys a sense of the profound power and potential of comics as a means of social commentary and expression.

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