During the course of my project, I realized that I did not want to add to the stereotype of the Superb Bird of Paradise. I think as humans we have a need to anthropomorphize the world that surrounds us. At first, when I saw this bird and its behavior, I compared it to the toxic masculinity I see today. But it’s not fair to compare these creatures to us. They are unique in their rituals and habits, and deserve a context of their own. I decided to use the anthropomorphic characteristics we see in the Superb Bird of Paradise, using a comic strip while turning the tables on the human perception of these creatures.
In the comic, a couple of Superb Bird of Paradise watch a YouTube video about their own species, disappointed in their portrayal of people. Then we progress to the male and female bird in the comic wanting to prepare for intercourse. In the last strip, we revisit the mating dance, but in a more scientific and corrective light.
I am making an illustration for each scene, 4 in total. Then I will be able to scan them into my computer where I can digitally illustrate them and put them together in a full comic strip.
