Sunday, May 27, 2007
Joe Quesada weighs in on Marvel’s tentacle rape porn for 9-year olds
Heidi MacDonald from The Beat has been kind enough to post a portion of the weekly question and answer session between comic book website Newsarama and Marvel Editor-in-Chief Joe Quesada.
She saved me from having to go and read the sickening love fest passing as comics journalism over at Newsarama.
Quesada weighs (no pun intended) in on the recent controversy over the creepy HEROES FOR HIRE #13 cover that I wrote about here.
When I refer to “controversy”, I am referring to why Marvel Comics would stoop to putting porn on the cover of a comic book intended for 9 year olds.
I don’t care all that much for Joe Quesada. This is a prime example of why:
This one I can answer to. First, I think people are reading way too much into that cover than was ever intended. I heard terms such as “tentacle rape” being thrown around when that in no way is what’s happening, nor does it happen in the book. Those tentacles are the arms of the Brood who appears in the issue and is a major story point, the Brood have tentacles, sorry about that.
Secondly, the concept for that cover, soup to nuts came from a female artist. Thirdly, not being a deep follower of manga, I have no idea what recurring theme people are referring to or concerned with. While I appreciate the sentiment and the feelings that some may have about this, I honestly feel that there is way too much being read into this cover.
Also, HFH is a book that features two strong, lead female protagonist who kick major ass; somehow folks have forgotten to focus on that.
Reading too much into it, huh Joe? Why is the tentacle — you call it an arm — secreting some kind of mystery white goo on the woman’s breasts? The woman with her hands chained above her head to a stone pillar. What is that white goo supposed to be?
Also, just how old is Joe Quesada? When was the last time you heard someone use the phrase, “Soup to Nuts”? Talk about old-man speak.
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I especially like how part of his defense is that A WOMAN came up with the idea.
Well, I guess disturbing rape images on a children’s comic are okay if a lady came up with it. When he put it THAT way, it just made sense.
That’s what real men do when faced with criticism. They blame a woman.
Even more ridiculous is his “Strong female characters” bullshit. Most of these pathetic fanboys consider a strong female character someone like the She-Hulk, who can bench press a cement truck. I’m sure the ladies of nerd-dom are just flattered at these gents’ opinions.
First of all, comic books in general are not written for 9-year olds anymore. They’ve been aiming for the teenage and young adult demographics for decades now. As with anything else, if you don’t want your kid looking at it, don’t buy it! Jesus! Not that difficult! Freedom of press, people!
Second, if the cover featured MALE heroes tied to a pillar, there wouldn’t be any controversy. This is typical feminist bullshit, poking holes in the air and making noise for no other reason than to be heard and to stir up shit. It’s a goddamn comic book! It’s sole purpose is pulp entertainment, not to make a political statement about the integrity of the female species! Grow up, people!
Sorry, but I don’t buy it. Sure, Joe’s explanation is weak. But that doesn’t make your position any stronger. It’s just clear slime, not white. The cigar in this case is just a cigar. That you’re seeing something phallic likely has more to do with your own viewing history.
You want to complain about all the heaving bosoms, you’ve got something there. But that’s a criticism the entire industry faces.