'We Stand on Guard' is a cynical look at the state of affairs in the US that uses Canada as collateral fodder. The sci-fi graphic novel, written by Brian K. Vaughn and illustrated by Steve Skroce and Matt Hollingsworth, takes place 100 years in the future and depicts the US's shady invasion of Canada in order to steal their northern neighbor's most valuable resource: water.
In the novel, the US is sorely in need of freshwater, which Canada has in spades (a fact that exist in the real world as well, since Canada has the third most freshwater in the world.) After a (possibly staged) drone strike from Canada that kills the president, the US retaliates with force, lifting water in the process.
The novel is both a commentary on America's disregard for the environment as well as an allegory for the US invasion of Iraq.
North American Invasion Comics
'We Stand on Guard' Depicts the US Warring with Canada for Water
Trend Themes
1. Political Sci-fi Graphic Novels - There is a growing trend in the publishing industry for political sci-fi graphic novels that provide social commentary and explore current global issues.
2. Resource-based Conflict Narratives - There is a trend in storytelling to use resource-based conflicts as a backdrop for exploring socio-political topics, such as the scarcity of freshwater and its potential for international conflicts.
3. Environmental Awareness in Media - There is an increasing trend in media to raise awareness about environmental issues, using fictional scenarios to highlight the consequences of human actions on natural resources.
Industry Implications
1. Graphic Novel Publishing - The graphic novel publishing industry can explore opportunities for innovative storytelling that combines social commentary, political themes, and visual illustrations.
2. Entertainment and Media - The entertainment and media industry can develop films, TV shows, and games that address environmental issues, resource conflicts, and political dynamics in thought-provoking and engaging ways.
3. Water Management and Conservation - The water management and conservation industry can utilize the attention generated by fictional narratives to raise awareness about the importance of sustainable water practices and foster public engagement.