It’s fair to say the Comics Industry is reaching a point where the division on either side of any issue is consistently drowned out by the most extreme, sometimes unhinged, voices. And I, being one of the most thoughtful people you know, am continually bothered when fans and creators express their points poorly by going on rants that belong in the published records of Crazy Town.
That bothersome ache of annoyance is amplified more when the creator going on a crazy rant is one of the most talented creators still active among the Big 2.
Invariably, you have to ask yourself, “Can you separate the art from the artist?” Or are you resigned to taking all the collected works you have from that creator and chucking them in a dumpster?
With one exception, the answer is up to you. To find out where you sit on this litmus test of tolerance, let’s look at one of the toughest examples around – Mark Waid.
What Did Mark Waid Say Now?
The online discourse is bubbling and stewing over two recent pieces of published opinions by LCS owners, one by Phil Boyle of Coliseum of Comics in an opinion piece published by ICv2 (covered here) and the other involving a brief video snippet by Glenn O’Leary of The Comic Book Palace (covered here).
In both cases, the LCS owners have decades worth of experience running a shop, and their opinions are chock full of pointed feedback wrapped in a layer of passion.
In both cases, the LCS owners received no small amount of vitriol, some of it personal, from comic creators who felt their feedback was antiquated, hateful, and potentially bigoted.
But the particular comment that got my attention was this Facebook post from legendary comic writer Mark Waid, published after more legendary comic writer Mark Millar expressed support for the LCS owners. In the post, Waid postured that he’d “rather see the industry burn down” than collaborate to create solutions from anyone he believes is alt-right. Waid does not go on to clarify how he defines alt-right or to whom he attributes that label, but his sentiment is clear – only the correct people should work in comics, or the industry should be shut down.
My Take On Waid’s Statement
This is an opinion piece, so my blunt opinion on Waid’s statement is that he’s saying something very stupid. If he truly means what he says, which is a direction contradiction to the common mantra – “comics are for everyone” – then it’s Waid who is espousing views of gatekeeping and division that are harming the industry.
It’s impossible to believe “comics are for everyone” and then simultaneously preach that comics are better off dead if a certain group of people are involved in their creation.
To be clear, I am in no way supporting any individual or group who spews hate-filled rhetoric that tries to keep a creator from making comics. But in a hotbed of political division where everyone who disagrees with established opinions is considered “alt-right,” the label has lost all meaning except for “person who disagrees with me.”
Should Stupid Be Punished?
As with all personal decisions, it’s up to you. As far as comics on LCS shelves, Mark Waid’s current runs on Shazam! and World’s Finest are the best DC has to offer currently. I genuinely look forward to reading those issues, so I vote ‘no’ on boycotting, blocking, or otherwise taking a pass on anything with Mark Waid’s name on it.
I choose to separate the art from the artist, even if Waid makes it increasingly difficult to do so because good comics benefit the industry. Lord knows there aren’t enough of them around at the Big 2.
Does that mean you should follow my example? No. You have to do what’s best for you. If the mere mention of Waid’s name and his conflicted preaching brings you to a state of white-knuckled anger, stay away. If you can look past the stupidity of Waid’s opinions and enjoy his work in isolation, go for it.
Is There An Uncrossable Line?
Yes. When a creator commits a crime, especially any act of violence, just having them around is a stain on any publisher. I’m not talking about a rumor or innuendo. This point is in reference to a verified crime.
That said, good people allow for a path to redemption, but that takes time, work, and a genuine display of contrition. If I want to count myself as a good person, and I try to, then anyone is capable of a turnaround. Again, you choose what’s best for you.
So, can you separate the art from the artist? The answer to this question, as with most divisive topics, is “it depends.” Ultimately, it’s a personal decision for you and everyone else, so the real question you should be asking is, “How much is too much for you?”
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