Comic books are officially just a PC tool.

[kryptonianmutie]

I'm not familiar enough with Iron Man comics to say this with any certainty but I think Rhodes was in the comics for awhile before he stepped in for Tony, and I'm not sure if any characters knew that it was a different guy in the suit. And I doubt there were any news articles or press releases regarding it at the time. That's a very different situation.

 

[karamazov80]

Can I write an outrage blog about how some black chick is culturally appropriating white male nerd culture? What right does she have to steal white male nerd culture? WHAT RIGHT!!??

Or does it only work the other way around?

#originalcomicbookcharactersmatter

There was a time when I could buy a Captain Carrot or Spider-Ham comic book, and not worry about all this PC ********. Those times are gone forever!

Part of the problem is the knee jerk reaction from people about stuff like this. No one on this board actually knows what Marvel has planned for this character, but to think that Tony Stark won't be Iron Man ever again is ludicrous. Years ago, Rhodey replaced Tony Stark as Iron Man for awhile and I don't remember people flipping out about it--probably because everyone that read comics back then realized that these are comics and that the stories are fluid and sometimes stupid. To me, this looks like the same situation. After what happened to Rhodey in the comics, it looks like they're replacing HIM, instead of Tony Stark--yet no one gives a **** about a black male character being replaced by a black female character.

Yeah, but the Rhodey thing was a pretty natural evolution of the story and comic at the time. Iron Man had gotten stale, Stark had a crap load of demons to face personally, and this shook things up. In particular, it was neat seeing how that worked in the West Coast Avengers. And that change lasted a good, long while as I recall. Was the Rhodey change, in part, a marketing gimmick? Sure. But that is ALL we see in comics nowadays.

Having said all that, again, as others are pointing out, the sales of physical comics are in the toilets. Something like this allows a comic book to make national headlines, and results in a cheap, temporary bump in sales. Just like the death of Wolvie, Cap, Batman, or whatever. That's the most comic companies can hope for nowadays. Seems like just a matter of time before comics just don't make enough money to be worth printing anymore, with some obvious exceptions like Batman and Deadpool. So I don't blame them, but nor will I support any of this junk.

 

[RIDDICK]

the question i have is how is the new girl going to fit her hair in that little helmet?

Same way Wolverine did.

 

[filip629]

So we simply swap out identity/backstory to reflect whatever the current zeitgeist is? Is Spider-man being a white heterosexual male somehow not current? Are there no more white heterosexual males?

Geez exactly. It feels like a white heterosexual male character in comics nowadays is an affront to diversity and they MUST be changed to assimilate with the masses. So, let's make Thor a woman, Iceman gay, Ms. Marvel a Muslim, Cap an African American, then we'll bring back the real Steve Rogers as Cap but make him a Nazi. Not to mention that Wolverine is a girl, and Iron Man can now actually be called Iron Lass. I can't wait to see which existing white heterosexual male character they are going to turn into a transgender person. It's become a bad joke and if any white heterosexual male dares to speak out on it, they run the risk of being tagged a bigot, racist, or intolerant. So in other words, keep quite and let it happen. It's all for the best. I say BS. So Marvel, if you want gay characters, create them. If you want minority characters, create them. If you want female characters, create them. If you want transgender characters, create them. Marvel can create all of these characters and introduce them in a popular book. If these new characters are well written and become popular themselves, they will obviously be given their own monthly book because they'll make money. If they don't become popular enough to sustain a solo book, then Marvel can continue to use them as supporting characters in any monthly book they choose. As a long time reader of comics, I don't even recognize these books anymore. But hey, I'm one of the white heterosexual males that likes the way comics were, so I guess that just makes me a racist, bigot, or intolerant white man according to some around here.

 

[filip629]

To be fair, both sides are guilty of this. A ridiculous amount of people nowadays thinks they're right, that their opinions are fact, and that if you don't agree then you are not only wrong, but stupid.

I think it's hilarious that anyone actually thinks that Marvel isn't going to use Tony Stark as Iron Man anymore--ever. By all means, throw a fit if you want, but there is no way Tony Stark stops being Iron Man. Just like Superman didn't stay dead, Captain America isn't an old man anymore and isn't really a Hydra agent, Bucky isn't dead, etc. People are acting like in the next Marvel film, Iron Man will be played by Rihanna--which I'd still watch because of dat booty.

I understand your point but these books are not recognizable to old school readers anymore. Just about every monthly book has been hijacked. Thor is a woman, Wolverine is a woman, Iron man can now be called Iron Lass, Hulk is Asian, Iceman is gay, Cap is African American and now a revitalized Rogers has been turned into a Nazi. What's left for a long time Marvel reader who enjoyed those characters for decades as they were?

 

[GeneralZodLives]

I understand your point but these books are not recognizable to old school readers anymore. Just about every monthly book has been hijacked. Thor is a woman, Wolverine is a woman, Iron man can now be called Iron Lass, Hulk is Asian, Iceman is gay, Cap is African American and now a revitalized Rogers has been turned into a Nazi. What's left for a long time Marvel reader who enjoyed those characters for decades as they were?

I'm disappointed in the stories now as well. I've been reading comics since the late 70's-early 80's. For 35 years I've seen the best and worst of comics from DC, Marvel, and Independents. The quality of the stories goes up and down and we happen to be in a low point now. However, these changes more than likely aren't permanent because the companies will never get rid of their bread and butter. They'll act like they will with announcements like this but Tony Stark isn't going anywhere. This new girl will end up being a different hero and Tony will be back in armor at some point as Iron Man. If people don't like the new stories they can bide their time reading the good ones until this ******** passes--which it always does.

 

[Pork Chop Express]

If the Vatican uses name recognition to reach more people I dont see why it's a big deal if Marvel/Disney does the same. You can debate which stories are more fictional...

Bruce Jenner, it happens belive it or not. But I seriously doubt it'll happen to Peter.

White male heterosexuals have dominated pretty much everthing and I dont think that'll change anytime soon.

 

[filip629]

I'm disappointed in the stories now as well. I've been reading comics since the late 70's-early 80's. For 35 years I've seen the best and worst of comics from DC, Marvel, and Independents. The quality of the stories goes up and down and we happen to be in a low point now. However, these changes more than likely aren't permanent because the companies will never get rid of their bread and butter. They'll act like they will with announcements like this but Tony Stark isn't going anywhere. This new girl will end up being a different hero and Tony will be back in armor at some point as Iron Man. If people don't like the new stories they can bide their time reading the good ones until this ******** passes--which it always does.

You are right, stories nowadays are crap for the most part. At this point thought, I'm so infuriated with what Marvel is doing that I'm pulling the plug on ALL of their books. I'm just not going to support their gimmicks and poor story telling anymore.

 

[GeneralZodLives]

You are right, stories nowadays are crap for the most part. At this point thought, I'm so infuriated with what Marvel is doing that I'm pulling the plug on ALL of their books. I'm just not going to support their gimmicks and poor story telling anymore.

I don't blame you. It's a disappointing time to be a Marvel comics fan. I was getting that way with DC but am hoping they turn it around with Rebirth. I've been reading a lot of older comics again the last few years because the modern stories have been mostly garbage. The storytelling is weak and every 6 months everything gets rebooted so they can sell more #1 issues--because they know people buy #1 issues. Throw in the pandering and sensationalism and all of it together has left a bad taste in my mouth.

 

[Rotfish]

Can I write an outrage blog about how some black chick is culturally appropriating white male nerd culture? What right does she have to steal white male nerd culture? WHAT RIGHT!!??

Or does it only work the other way around?

Who said it belonged to white males to begin with? Isn't it everyone's?

I'm 90% sure your post was a joke, but I don't see what it's criticizing.

comics are always doing stupid stuff like this, or shocking stuff. thats no problem

the problem I see is how the entire entertainment industry wants to do this PC stuff.... the people in here saying that comics have always done dumb crap like this are right.

But thats not the current problem, the current problem is where the entire entertainment industry is heading.

you have comedians being boycotted, movies having things censored, studios getting in trouble for billboards, studios getting in trouble for jokes in a movie,

censorship and more censorship, If you think about it, movies like ACE VENTURA would NEVER be able to come out today.... and if they did it would a complete crap storm..............movies like Porkies and Revenge of the Nerds would be boycotted to hell, the studio would have to apologize.
People like George Carlin would probably get fired from stuff because of his humor.... the problem with the PC police is NOT just the forced diversity they want

what comes with that is the CENSORSHIP they want as well, you could cast the next Bond as a black woman if you want, WHATEVER...

but then they also want to ban the sales of ANY of the previews bond movies and they want those movies to be erased from the earth because of the sexism. they want to censor comics doing their stand ups,

thats a problem no one is noticing. the PC SJW groups are all about censoring everything offensive, and what they consider offensive can be ANYTHING

Boycotting isn't censorship. Outrage on social media isn't censorship. There's a difference between silencing a voice and using your voice to critique someone else's. We're on a dangerous path if we're threatened by mere dialogue.

It's still a free country and freedom of speech is as alive as ever (hell, look at the election). But along with that freedom comes the responsibility for how you use it. A comedian's audience has just as much right to boycott a show as the comedian has to tell a potentially offensive joke.

thats a problem no one is noticing. the PC SJW groups are all about censoring everything offensive, and what they consider offensive can be ANYTHING

I wonder why. I can't speak for everyone out there, but I pal around with outspoken feminists (both male and female), BLM supporters, and consent educators who attend rallies and hold seminars (refer to that "group" however you wish) -- and none of us have come across a single one of these militant, censorship-supporting activists in real life.

Perhaps there are a noisy few on the internet, but that is in no way indicative of what is actually going on. If your only basis for critique is the tired Tumblr stereotype (none of us even use it), I recommend further educating yourself on the "agenda" at hand.

 

[Mr. Green]

If the Vatican uses name recognition to reach more people I dont see why it's a big deal if Marvel/Disney does the same. You can debate which stories are more fictional...

Bruce Jenner, it happens belive it or not. But I seriously doubt it'll happen to Peter.

White male heterosexuals have dominated pretty much everthing and I dont think that'll change anytime soon.

True enough.

Also, creating new chars is a whole different thing. It's hard for a new char to stick. And the public have a short attention span. There are pros and cons to both side. But they're moving in the right direction, IMO.

 

[Khev]

Also, creating new chars is a whole different thing. It's hard for a new char to stick. And the public have a short attention span. There are pros and cons to both side. But they're moving in the right direction, IMO.

All you really need though is a hit movie to "cement" a new character into pop culture. For all intents and purposes Iron Man and the Guardians of the Galaxy were basically brand new characters to the public at large in 2008 and 2014 respectively. Same with Ant-Man until last year.

Poe Dameron's ongoing Marvel series is a hit and he literally didn't exist until just a few months ago. And he's Guatemalan. Imagine that. They didn't have to go out and change Wedge Antilles' ethnicity they just made a new guy from scratch.

 

[Sweet Rabbit]

The funny part is that looks normal.

 

[Sweet Rabbit]

comics are always doing stupid stuff like this, or shocking stuff. thats no problem

the problem I see is how the entire entertainment industry wants to do this PC stuff.... the people in here saying that comics have always done dumb crap like this are right.

But thats not the current problem, the current problem is where the entire entertainment industry is heading.

you have comedians being boycotted, movies having things censored, studios getting in trouble for billboards, studios getting in trouble for jokes in a movie,

censorship and more censorship, If you think about it, movies like ACE VENTURA would NEVER be able to come out today.... and if they did it would a complete crap storm..............movies like Porkies and Revenge of the Nerds would be boycotted to hell, the studio would have to apologize.
People like George Carlin would probably get fired from stuff because of his humor.... the problem with the PC police is NOT just the forced diversity they want

what comes with that is the CENSORSHIP they want as well, you could cast the next Bond as a black woman if you want, WHATEVER...

but then they also want to ban the sales of ANY of the previews bond movies and they want those movies to be erased from the earth because of the sexism. they want to censor comics doing their stand ups,

thats a problem no one is noticing. the PC SJW groups are all about censoring everything offensive, and what they consider offensive can be ANYTHING

Blazing Saddles would never make it past the script

 

[Mr. Green]

All you really need though is a hit movie to "cement" a new character into pop culture. For all intents and purposes Iron Man and the Guardians of the Galaxy were basically brand new characters to the public at large in 2008 and 2014 respectively. Same with Ant-Man until last year.

Poe Dameron's ongoing Marvel series is a hit and he literally didn't exist until just a few months ago. And he's Guatemalan. Imagine that. They didn't have to go out and change Wedge Antilles' ethnicity they just made a new guy from scratch.

Iron Man and Ant Man ain't new. Ant Man and others just became more popular. Sure some of the chars you listed are new, but they're not top tier chars. Mr. Green still don't know who Poe Dameron is and probably no interest. Comics are having hard time, they're playing all their cards to get the sales.

 

[Sweet Rabbit]

Iron Man and Ant Man ain't new. Ant Man and others just became more popular. Sure some of the chars you listed are new, but they're not top tier chars. Mr. Green still don't know who Poe Dameron is and probably no interest. Comics are having hard time, they're playing all their cards to get the sales.

Thing is, the Big 2 rely on events and garbage like this to boost sales for a few months, but it all falls back down because there's no meat in the industry anymore. The writing is god awful

 

[Sweet Rabbit]

Mel Brooks would have to leave the country if that was the case. would probably never make movies again lol

But Brian Singer gets a free pass lol

 

[Rotfish]

People have been voting with their wallets since the dawn of time. Just because the votes have changed, doesn't mean the options are getting censored. Sure, some things would no longer be mainstream, but it's not due to any sort of mandate. Niche markets continue to exist.

And did we not just get a movie called "Bad Grandpa" where Robert DeNiro yells "party 'till you're pregnant?"

 

[filip629]

True enough.

Also, creating new chars is a whole different thing. It's hard for a new char to stick. And the public have a short attention span. There are pros and cons to both side. But they're moving in the right direction, IMO.

IMO, that's a cop out. Every character was once new at one time. Even minority characters (like Black Panther, Luke Cage, and Sam Wilson). Create new ones and flesh them out with good story telling. Let them grow. No need to replace white characters with them. Some of those new characters may even become popular enough to carry their own book like Cage and Black Panther did. Just because there's an excess of white characters doesn't mean they have to be replaced or their history altered.

If the PC crowd and Marvel want diversity...Let's change Black Panther to a white guy, change Storm into a lesbian, change Luke Cage into a transgender person, and have Sam Wilson come out as gay. See, it can work both ways.

 

[Khev]

Iron Man and Ant Man ain't new.

To the general public they were.