Blue Corn Comics' target audience is readers of graphic literature, especially teens, young adults, and adults. Its comics are aimed at those who want more sophisticated, challenging stories than those in most comic books. A market for such fare exists, but most of the existing products in this category are either dark and nihilistic or escapist fantasies that are difficult for Native youth to relate to. Few touch upon current political, social, or cultural issues that affect their lives, families, and communities.

A successful series of Native-themed graphic novels will achieve some or all of the following objectives:

• Increase awareness of Indian history, cultures, and issues among the public and especially among today's youth.

• Counteract stereotypes of Indians as savages, nature worshipers, mystics, drunks, freeloaders, or a dying breed, and instead portray them as a complex and vibrant people.

• Increase reading among youths, especially Indians and other minorities, who are averse to books and other materials not geared to their specific needs and interests.

• Increase the self-esteem and pride of Indian youths, who have few heroic models in today's culture to look up to and emulate.

• Provide opportunities for young Indian writers, artists, and business people to explore the comics medium.

• Promote established Indian writers and artists through PEACE PARTY's supplemental text features and artistic showcases.

• Provide publishing or copublishing opportunities for Indian tribes and organizations, furnishing skills and jobs and helping to bolster their self-sufficiency.

• Help stem the decline of Indian languages by publishing versions in these languages.

• Serve other Indian causes and projects by producing customized versions with targeted stories.

• Feed part of any profits back into Indian coffers, to help tribes and organizations enhance their economic and social development.

Related links
Age-appropriateness of material
Our Board of Advisors
More on the publisher's background
Classroom activities using PEACE PARTY
Quotes from interested educators

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