This is a bit of an odd way to start out this article, but I promise that I'm going somewhere with this. In the words of a street rat turn prince, do you trust me? Joaquin Phoenix turned in one of the most transformative and engrossing performances last year with his turn as Arthur Fleck in Joker. During the awards seasons tour, Phoenix was like a hurricane. It seemed like almost everything he was nominated for, he had won. During his Golden Globes speech, though, he said something that really caught my attention. When they were televised in early January, the Australian wildfires were still heavily going on. While it has died down in the mainstream news, the residents of Australia still feel their scorn and impact. 

Phoenix ended his acceptance speech with acknowledging the gestures of those whom had addressed the wildfires. Those who had stated that the citizens of Australia were in their prayers. To which Phoenix returned and said "We have to do more than that. It's such a beautiful gesture...together we can be unified and make some changes." (https://youtu.be/i3pdeTv-8GI) We can make changes happen. For a comic editor, named Darren Close, he ventured to take that unification challenge.  He chose to raise that awareness, spark change and give back. Thus, the Australia Burns compilation comic book was born. 

This compilation features top notch talent from all over the world. While the project was birthed out of something heartbreaking, some of these stories will truly rip out your heart. Stand-outs include Martin Abel's "Courage and Compassion", Dan Watts' "Thank You", Stuart Black's "Ala and Roo" & Dale Maccanti's "Firewall." Stories that, in their boldness, are effective enough to pierce your heart. While not all the stories will pierce your heart. Another stand-out story is actually a comedy. I'll be honest that was the last type of genre I aimed to find within a book like this. Spencer Davis' "Witch and Punk". The story is honest, devasting but hilarious in its delivery. Its' outlandish approach to the story helps the short story stand particularly out. 

Burns is informative as well as entertaining. Yet, another quality that came as a surprise for me. I'm not up to date on the environment of Australia. However, Burns educates, quite well, on the normalcy of the fires. Darren Kozoil's "Tree of Life", in particular, is a perfect example of just that quality the book possesses. Though above all else that this book offers, I admire the heart behind it most. Even behind that I have to acknowledge the book's strongest factor, it's recognition of what true heroism looks like. I feel like we fantasize so widely of heroes like Batman or Iron Man, but we have firefighters. Ordinary men and women who sacrifice their lives day in and day out running into burning buildings. Pieces like Jamie Johnson & Bossllogic's pin-up, Justin Randall's "Relief”, Gee Hale's "Fire Within" & Jon Sommariva & Msassyk pin-up. All pieces reflecting the true definition of heroism. Side note, from the comic, thank you to every man, woman and junior firefighter. Thank you for your service and bravery.

Overall, Australia Burns, is a compilation overflowing with talent and heart. The book brilliantly marries creators from all over the world to create a wondrous book. The writers successfully establish quality emotion, in such short capacities, it'll leave you in awe. The art is equally as mesmerizing. The book is home to everything ranging from realism to animation. The only complaint with the book would be a bit more bite. The relationship between comics and pin-up can seem a bit heavy handed to the latter. Would have wished for a few more comics. Australia Burns is the ideal book to pick up. Everything from its comics to pinups to its emotional spectrum - this book has something for everyone. Not to mention, it was birthed out of a great cause. 

RORSCHACH RATING

If you or someone you know is reading this right now and you are struggling with suicide, depression, addiction, or self-harm - please reach out. Comment, message or tweet to us. Go to victimsandvillains.net/hope for more resources. Call the suicide lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. Text "HELP" to 741-741. There is hope & you DO have so much value and worth!

Victims and Villains is written and produced by Josh "Captain Nostalgia" Burkey. Music by Yuriy Bespalov & Beggars. Australia Burns is property of their respective creators. We do not own nor claim any rights. You can now pick up, your copy of Australia Burns, by clicking here.