Is Diversity Killing Comics? (Response To Comicstorian)

Summary

The speaker discusses the controversy around diversity in comics, criticizing the notion that comic book fans are against diversity due to racism. Instead, he argues that fans are upset because their beloved characters and storylines are being replaced or altered without their consent, leading to feelings of betrayal. He highlights past instances where character changes caused backlash and stresses that giving fans choices is crucial. The success of DC's Rebirth initiative, which restored old characters, is cited as evidence of fans' desire for continuity. The speaker concludes that diversity isn't inherently bad but should be offered alongside existing characters to respect fans' investments.

Takeaways

• 📚 The current debate on diversity in comics is often mischaracterized in the media as comic book fans being inherently racist.
• 🤔 Fans are upset not because of the introduction of minority characters, but because their beloved characters and histories are being replaced or erased.
• 📉 The New 52 initiative by DC saw initial sales success but eventually declined because fans felt disconnected from the new versions of characters.
• 🔄 DC's Rebirth initiative succeeded because it restored the histories of beloved characters, which resonated with fans.
• 😡 The backlash against changes like the new Wally West or Riri Williams is due to fans' long-term investment in the original characters, not their race.
• 💡 Comic fans, like all people, are resistant to sudden changes, especially when it affects something they've been passionate about for years.
• 📈 Diversity in comics is not inherently bad, but it should not be forced at the expense of beloved characters and storylines.
• 👥 Fans want choices in the stories they read, rather than being forced to accept new characters replacing old ones.
• 🕵️ Comic book fans' resistance to change is not new; it has happened throughout the history of comics with every major character transition.
• 🎭 The key issue is not diversity itself but how it's implemented, with respect to the existing fan base and their attachments.

Q & A

What is the main argument against the claim that comic book fans are inherently racist when it comes to diversity in comics?

The main argument is that comic book fans are not against diversity due to race, but rather because they are invested in the characters they have grown to love and are upset when those characters are changed or replaced without their history intact.

What was the reaction of comic book fans to DC's New 52 initiative in 2011?

Fans were outraged and felt betrayed because the New 52 initiative reset most characters' histories, disregarding the time, money, and emotional investment fans had in the original stories and characters.

Why did sales of the New 52 initiative initially do well but then drop off?

Sales initially did well because of the hype and curiosity, but they dropped off as fans realized that the new versions of the characters did not resonate with them, and the stories did not feel authentic to the characters they loved.

What was DC's response to the declining sales of the New 52 initiative?

DC introduced the 'Rebirth' initiative, which brought back the old characters and their histories, aiming to give fans the best of both worlds with the old and new elements combined.

How did the 'Rebirth' initiative impact sales compared to Marvel during that period?

The 'Rebirth' initiative was a massive success, outperforming Marvel in sales significantly, with DC taking almost all the top spots in comic book sales, leaving Marvel with only a few titles in the top 30.

What is the common misconception about comic book fans' resistance to diversity in characters?

The misconception is that fans are resistant to diversity because of the race or ethnicity of the new characters. In reality, fans are resistant to change when it comes to characters they have a deep connection with, regardless of the reason for the change.

Why did fans react negatively to the introduction of new characters like Riri Williams as Iron Man and Jane Foster as Thor?

Fans reacted negatively because they were attached to the original characters, Tony Stark and Odinson, and felt that the new characters lacked the depth and history that made them invest in the original characters.

What does the script suggest is the key to handling diversity in comic books without alienating long-time fans?

The script suggests that giving fans choices is key. Instead of forcing new characters onto fans, comic book companies should offer multiple titles featuring both new and old characters, allowing fans to choose what they want to read.

What historical example is given in the script to illustrate fan resistance to change in comic book characters?

The script mentions the introduction of Barry Allen as the Flash, replacing Jay Garrick, and the subsequent backlash from fans who preferred the original character.

How does the script differentiate between forced diversity and organic diversity in storytelling?

Forced diversity is when new characters are introduced without considering the fans' attachment to the original characters, while organic diversity is likely to be more accepted if it grows naturally from the story and respects the fans' emotional investment in the characters.

What is the script's stance on the role of comic creators in relation to diversity and character development?

The script suggests that comic creators should use their imagination to create new and interesting stories rather than simply replacing existing characters with diverse counterparts without considering the fans' connection to the original characters.