There’s something about looking at comics about witches that I find problematic. For one, Mike Mignola has a witch hunter hunt actual witches that cause curses; which is extremely divisive considering many of these trials were acts of misogyny. Although to be fair that character and his exploits are an exception not the rule in Mignola’s universe. The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina deals with the more horrifying aspects of witch culture (and by extension Satanism). But what we’re here to discuss is how Redlands and Hex Wives depict stories of witches going against abusive patriarchies. This being a topic of scholarly research, let’s look at some of the downsides.
The Witches’ Premises
In a time when men in various industries and communities are being ousted for sexual misconduct, these series might seem like a form of empowerment. But they also showcase how women of similar positions of power exhibit these same behaviors. This makes these sister series less of a battle of the sexes and more of battle of double standards.
In the Blood of Victims
From Image is Redlands; taking place in the titular Florida town in 1977. A trio of diverse women challenge the town’s patriarchy. Like in Hellboy and Witchfinder, the persecuted women are actual witches causing trouble. But unlike those series, the policemen don’t go against these ladies for being witches, but for being powerful women they need to dominate. You have to give them credit for being honest, it makes hating them easier. By the first chapter’s end, the witches take over the town. That is until a male serial killer comes in to try and take their authority away. This turns the threatening beginning into a dive on how things change from a different perspective. The southern-gothic art style really brings out the creepy factor.
Next Level Male vs. Female
More recently from DC’s Vertigo imprint is Hex Wives. In it, a multi-generational hidden war goes on. The fights are between the constantly reincarnating witches and the all-male hate group Architect. For a while the witches are winning; but after thirteen years, the current incarnations of the witches are under control via marriage. It is only by peeling back the layers of the seemingly good life that the witches have that they regain their power. Assuming people can deal with the gore that some people can’t, this seems like a good read.
Witches: Empowerment?
Now both of these witches can be seen as a case that people bring up; but are usually unable to criticize for fear of being labeled as a sexist, Radical Feminism. Events like the #MeToo Movement are ground breaking; it allows women to speak up about sexual harassment and assault. Most of the men guilty of these crimes were finally put front and center, no matter how influential they were. Naturally, ultraconservative men are against this as it gives women the power that men usually take for granted.
For the witches, their empowerment came in the form of powerful and often costly magic. For Hex Wives‘ Isadora, her loss of her memories and magic are secondary to an unsatisfying marriage. Yet it is also the thing that made the magic come back; allowing Isi to reform her coven and restart the conflict.
…Or Entitlement?
But unlike the MeToo Movement, the witches’ dark magic shows an uglier side of rising against the opposite sex. The Architects definitely commit many atrocities to maintain their hold on the witches. The witches fighting back against their enemies certainly feels righteous in that context. But while Redlands‘ witches get rid of all the chauvinistic boars, magical sows replace them. Despite the different rules, the witches do just as many heinous things like blood sacrifices to keep their spellbinding going. And the only men willing to go against the witches are still a bunch of bloodthirsty chauvinists. Nevermind the fact that both sides kill people who try to help them when it becomes convenient.
Two Wrongs Never Make a Right
But that’s the main appeal of these series. Despite the lukewarm general feedback; they’re meant to show two very extreme ideals clashing and how at their cores are inherently flawed. In a manner similar to the Girl Boss trope, despite breaking the glass ceiling nothing really seems to change. What drives the witches and opposing males isn’t some form of greater good, but power; the kind that gives them authority over other people’s labor. The only real difference comes from being open about their abuse or being subtle. Unlike the ideal girl/boy boss who put collaboration first, these witches are primarily defined only by their challenges and power.
But the ink’s not dry yet. Thanks for coming and remember to look between the panels.