Author: Mark Filipowich

Mark Filipowich is a media critic whose work can be found on PopMatters and The Border House, Medium Difficulty, Game Church, Unwinnable, Nightmare Mode and The Ontological Geek. Many of his articles have been re-posted by Gamasutra, Critical-Distance and Good Games Writing
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Plural Protagonism Part 9: Fire Emblem: Awakening

For those new to the series, plural protagonism is based on this article I wrote for PopMatters. Plural protagonism occurs in a game when there is no individual main protagonist leading a group: the group itself becomes the hero. Each individual maintains their identity while contributing to the narrative in equal measure. Moreover, they are all … Continue reading Plural Protagonism Part 9: Fire Emblem: Awakening

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Rail Ways, Crop Rows and Line Mates: Masculine Isolation in Jeff Lemire’s “Ghost Stories”

Jeff Lemire’s Essex County explores numerous aspects of rural Ontario life, but perhaps none more than the ways that masculinity separates men from one another and prevents them from experiencing healthy relationships with one another. The examination of masculinity is particularly important to book 2 of Essex County, “Ghost Stories” which follows the diverging lines … Continue reading Rail Ways, Crop Rows and Line Mates: Masculine Isolation in Jeff Lemire’s “Ghost Stories”