Mariko Tamaki: Breaking Out of Preconception
Mariko Tamaki, it's a name that comes along so much it's impossible not to look up. Just in NYCC 2019 she speaks in a panel about representation in comics. Now inclusivity is a difficult subject in that medium. Not because there aren't creators who know or are of these niche groups; but because of how hard it is to communicate something many people cannot understand. Still keeping everything bottled up and repressed is not the way to go. Tamaki shows her audience how to properly express themselves, communication is still key.
Mariko Tamaki: One Woman Flashback
Tamaki's education primarily focuses on writing, especially in terms of having outcasts express themselves. These early days focus on personal dramas about not fitting in with expectations. From groups like Cheap Queers and Pretty Porky & Pissed Off, Tamaki uses these experiences for her first novel. It's also more than possible some feelings of Tamaki's goes into it. How much is unknown but being an outcast is common for some people; anything specific however is private.
Coming Out Into Graphics
Despite her success, words can only express so much. In order to truly reach out to people; Tamaki transitions from plays to graphic novels. Coming out doesn't always mean revealing yourself to be homosexual; it's more about being honest with yourself. Skim is very much a reflection of all of this. Life is a series of difficult transitions that flows like water. The artwork itself shows this fluidity by showing rather than telling. Emiko Superstar meanwhile is almost like Tamaki indirectly expressing her transition phase into theater.
Mariko Tamaki in Major Comics
Self-expression and breaking out of conceptions is important and all; but sometimes it's just okay to have fun. Tamaki's first work in major comic companies is Dark Horse's Tomb Raider series. That franchise focuses on how the modern Lara Croft unlike the classic stiff sex symbol shows her transition into the titular role. Unfortunately with the games and Gail Simone already covering the important aspects; Tamaki instead chooses to enjoy herself with Lara. Magic mushrooms are certainly a useful plot device for some bizarre artwork. However, all Tamaki really brings is more place-in diversity. While not the most compelling romps, it definitely allows publishers to search for her name. It certainly seems worth the price of admission though; Tamaki gets the chance to work with something that's more up her alley in Marvel (and DC).
Being Comfortable vs. Getting Comfortable
The aftermath of Marvel's Civil War II leaves a lot of outrage from fans. So Marvel decides to channel all of that outrage into Jennifer Walters (She-Hulk). Jennifer Walters has always been comfortable if not better than her cousin Bruce Banner as a Hulk. However, after a traumatizing battle with one of Marvel's biggest baddies, she ends up in a coma. By the time she wakes up, things don't get better. Her cousin was killed off for shock value and Jennifer can no longer contain her rage. All of that pent-up frustration changes Jen, not as She-Hulk; but just a Hulk.
Instead of rip-roaring revenge tale though, Tamaki has Jen act like nothing is wrong. Despite her efforts however, nothing can contain the outrage. The gray skin color much like "Joe Fixit" implies a more adolescent outlook. Naturally that clashes with Jen's job as a lawyer. How can she help others deal with an increasingly cruel world when she can't help herself?
So Jen has to look at where her life is going, especially as a superhero. Throughout Tamaki's run, Jen faces people with problem's unlike hers. The most important part however is actually having to face herself. Finally in therapy and acknowledging her rage; She-Hulk returns but is still battling for her self-control. What a way to set up a new arc.
Super Normal
At DC, Tamaki does Supergirl: Being Super. Unlike the previous series that tries to retrofit the action; Tamaki shows her character strengths. Kara is first and foremost a teenager who struggles with her identity. For most of her life she keeps her heritage a secret. Unlike her cousin though Kara's powers don't help her all that much. Her bigger strengths come from her friends and trying to find happiness in life. Even when threats do come in, they are more emotional than dire. Worrying about a yearbook photo is just as stressful as not being in the same league as another Kryptonian. Because to Kara that means she's losing a part of herself. Like all struggles though, the most important personal triumphs require courage. Kara's friends actively encourage her when she's down. Makes me wonder how that relates to Tamaki.
Mariko Tamaki: Outgrowing Woes
There are still a lot of naysayers who speak about the things in Tamaki's work. I myself was disappointed when I found out Laura Kinney went back to being X-23. Part of what makes Tom Taylor's run so great is how Laura establishes herself as the All-New Wolverine. X-23 at first glance seems like the usual comic regression with the return of Logan. The purpose however is more subversive in Tamaki's hands. For Laura, she takes the title to mock people who make clones as weapons.
Even that is just icing on the cake when it comes to the topic of clones and relationships. Contrasting Laura is her relationship with her own clone Gabby (Honey Badger). They are like sisters who share a powerful bond. Laura also comes into conflict with the clone sisters The Stepford Cuckoos. They want to be reunited with their own sisters but require drastic measures. So Laura stands in their way unwilling to let them take her own family away.
Gabby meanwhile wants their family to grow even more when more Laura clones show up. Unfortunately, they don't have the ability to be anything more than killer weapons. It's a tragic tale that reminds Laura she could very well end up like that.
Love Yourself...
Ironically another Laura shows how seeing yourself as the problem can go. Acknowledging faults is always a great way to improve oneself. But saying it's your fault for all the neglect you have to endure strips away your dignity. Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up With Me shows some of the hardest things to look at in life. Teenage years are a period of uncertainty, especially with relationships. With people so unsure of their own self-worth in this pivotal point; they need some sort of assurance.
Self-esteem is a very fickle thing that can tear a person apart. As social creatures, we want to be loved and respected. Freddy's relationship with Laura however shows how that need for attachment becomes desperation. Laura despite being the most popular girl in school isn't monotonous and she's a bad match for Freddy. Freddy however feels that it's her fault for not living up to Laura's expectation. Her best friend wants Freddy to discover this toxicity for herself; but it's not without struggles, misinterpretations, and a lot of heartbreak. What good is love if it hurts all of the other people you care about?
In Order To Love Again
Look no further than Harley Quinn: Breaking Glass. Here readers meet a younger and more vulnerable Harley Quinn. Her parents are divorced, her mom is busy, and her grandmother died. Harley doesn't really show a healthy way of dealing with this thanks to her wild and violent outbursts. But in the story she has two different sides of support: her apartment's superintendent who manages and is a friendly drag queen and the Joker. Okay also Ivy, who is surprisingly not poisonous. But Joker in this case shows how bad Harley could be. He only likes Harley's worst traits because he can exploit her for wealth. That's the most toxic a relationship can get. It's a good thing Harley has a good found family who help her go the right direction.
Mariko Tamaki: What Barriers Remain?
Today subjects that people still find hard to believe are real get their portrayals. Comics and graphic novels may not be people's go-to when it comes to media; but it is where people start to take notice of certain subjects. Today homosexuality is still under censorship by major companies to appeal to large audiences. More than that, people are under the impression of normalized mental illnesses. Just because depression can happen to anyone; that does not mean it is only a phase. These are a part of people's lives that if not treated properly can ruin them. In a way it reflects how people tend to view comics. Comics are not always fantasies; they are reflections of people's mindsets.
I know and cannot for the life of me ever truly understand some of these creators. It's why I best guess and write these posts. All that I can say about Mariko Tamaki is that she has a life she keeps to herself about. But that's okay, sometimes it's enough to just express how you feel. There are no agendas or identity politics; all that it is about is telling people who you are.
Thanks for coming and as always remember to look between the panels.