Indigenous Superheroes Battle Colonialism in New Graphic Novel

A new graphic novel titled KABOOM! Volume 1: Blast Off! introduces a network of Indigenous superheroes who confront colonialism, environmental threats, and the reclamation of stolen artifacts. Created by Jay Odjick, a writer and artist from the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg community in Quebec, the book will be released on February 3, 2024, by Scholastic Canada.

Odjick aims to showcase interconnected Indigenous characters who embody heroic traits while addressing significant social issues. “We’re building a whole world of interconnected Indigenous people working together and trying to present heroic depictions,” he stated. This graphic novel marks the beginning of a three-part series, promising to deliver rich narratives that resonate with contemporary youth.

Dynamic Storytelling with Cultural Roots

Illustrated by KC Oster, who hails from the Rainy River First Nation in northwestern Ontario, KABOOM! blends science fiction, action, and comedy. Odjick describes it as a “sci-fi infused/high action/comedy/summer blockbuster-style book.” He notes that his experiences growing up reading comics have shaped his narrative style, emphasizing that storytelling in Indigenous cultures transcends oral traditions. He likens comics to petroglyphs and wampum belts, which also convey stories through visual symbols.

As a child, Odjick enjoyed films like the Indiana Jones series, but he now perceives them through a different lens. “As a kid, I was like, ‘I love Indiana Jones. This is fun,’” he recalled. “As an adult, I’m like, ‘He’s kind of a thief.’” In KABOOM!, the narrative flips this concept; the antagonist is an archaeologist named Montana Johnson, who believes he has discovered an artifact that, from the perspective of local Indigenous communities, has always belonged to them.

A Personal Touch in Character Development

The protagonists in KABOOM! are Anishinabe superheroes, part of a group called FUSION (First Universal Secret Indigenous Operatives Network), a global coalition of Indigenous operatives. Oster expressed enthusiasm about bringing these characters to life, stating, “A lot of these characters are people that I know. Like, these are my cousins and my aunties and my uncles — the kind of humour, the way that they talk, the way that they navigate the world.”

Both Odjick and Oster are passionate about creating relatable stories for Indigenous youth, ensuring that the characters reflect their communities and cultures. They believe that this graphic novel will have a significant impact on representation, making Indigenous heroes accessible to a wider audience.

Initially, KABOOM! Volume 1: Blast Off! will be available in English and French in Canada, with plans for distribution in Denmark, India, and Israel. Odjick stated, “We’re going to have these Indigenous heroes available on a mass-market scale, which I think is pretty unprecedented.”

The launch of this graphic novel is not just a milestone for Odjick and Oster but a step toward broader representation of Indigenous narratives in popular culture. With its compelling storytelling and relatable characters, KABOOM! is poised to inspire future generations and encourage conversations about colonialism and environmental stewardship.