Historian Mark Bray claims in the foreword of The Antifa Comic Book: Revised and Expanded that comic books were created with the intent of combatting Nazism. He highlights how iconic characters like Superman and Captain Canuck were initially introduced in the 1930s and later incorporated into anti-fascist propaganda during the Second World War.
But what exactly is Antifa? According to author and illustrator Gord Hill, Antifa, short for anti-fascist action, originated in Germany in the 1930s through the German Communist Party. It resurfaced in the 1970s in West Germany to counter ongoing neo-Nazi activities. Hill explains that in North America today, Antifa serves as a broad term encompassing individuals involved in anti-fascist initiatives.
Antifa has evolved to represent movements opposing fascism, racism, and extremist ideologies. Hill acknowledges the appropriation of the term by the far right, likening it to the way “woke” has been weaponized.
The second edition of The Antifa Comic Book: Revised and Expanded continues the narrative from the initial 2018 release. Inspired by Donald Trump’s 2015 presidential campaign, author Gord Hill collaborated with Arsenal Pulp Press to create the comic book, drawing from his extensive involvement in anti-fascist and anti-racist activism.
Hill reflects on the changing landscape since the first book’s publication, noting the rise of right-wing and far-right movements drawing inspiration from historical fascist regimes. He emphasizes the need to understand and combat these ideologies to prevent their resurgence.
As a member of the Kwakwaka’wakw First Nation, Hill’s work is deeply rooted in activism and history, blending his experiences in organizing anti-fascist movements with his knowledge of colonization and resistance. The second edition of the comic book delves into recent events like the U.S. Capitol attack and offers insights into Canadian incidents such as the Quebec City Mosque attack and the 2022 Freedom Convoy.
The Antifa Comic Book creatively combines illustrations and storytelling to make historical and current events accessible to a wide audience, especially younger readers. Hill hopes that readers gain a deeper understanding of the history of fascism and anti-fascist movements, emphasizing the importance of learning from past victories against oppressive regimes.