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| Blue Ribbon Comics, Vol. 2, No. 9, June 1984 (Pencils -- Malcolm Davis; Inks -- Ricardo Villagran; Colors -- Barry Grossman) |
Here is some artwork that I find interesting. The scan doesn't do justice to the two-page spread, but I thought I would share it anyway. I have transcribed the text...
AGENTS of ATLANTISThis is too sparse for a full-fledged 'Inspiration' post, so I will just indulge in a mid-week rant. So, without further ado...
Featuring: Neptune – Vortex – Hurricane – Nebula and Dolphin
Location: Etherion, on the outer rim of Magna Graecia. Violet light from two moons illuminates a barren landscape…barren but for the remains of a temple amidst crumbled monuments of an ancient alien city.
The etchings on the temple are not prayers…but warnings!
This is a prison, housing a criminal of an advanced race which used suspended animation to keep criminals out of society.
The prisoner is about to escape!
Destination: EARTH!
Why would anyone think that putting criminals in suspended animation is a good idea? The deterrent effect would be minimal. “OK, you're going to sleep for a while. When you wake up, your finances will have generated interest and your DVR will be chock full.” No chain gangs, no dropping soap in the shower, just sleep.
Sure, it keeps the criminals out of society; however, since they're not dead, the assumption is that they will eventually re-enter society. That means people with criminal tendencies will be on the street and they will feel more alienated than they felt prior to their incarceration. Among other objectives, the intent of imprisionment is to have the prisoner reflect upon his or her misdeeds, then repent and ultimately reform. The degree to which this intent is realized is dubious, but it does occur for some prisoners. Suspended animation deprives the prisoner of this opportunity (as well as the opportunity to participate in an appeal).
Maybe a society would put criminals into suspended animation in the hopes that in the future they could be "cured" of their criminal ways. The same way that a terminally ill patient could be put into suspended animation while waiting for a cure. Maybe they just wanted the people who tended towards violence or anti-social behavior removed from society but they are saving them in a "bank" just in case these traits are required for the good of society at some time in the future. My question is how does one plan an escape while in suspended animation?
ReplyDeleteI suppose if you want to drag logic into the discussion, your points have some merit. However, the mere fact that it is possible to plan and effect an escape from suspended animation bolsters my argument.
DeleteI've never heard of the Agents of Atlantis before, but it looks like it's worth tracking down.
ReplyDeleteTo the best of my knowledge, the issue cited above is the only appearance of the Agents of Atlantis. In my opinion, the two-page spread is the best part, so it may not be worthwhile to track it down.
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