Daily Comics Digression #2: Ethan Van Bridge Builder

Daily Comics Digression #2: Ethan Van Bridge Builder 

So comics seems to be having a little drama as some professionals grow weary of the current course charted by political progressives. A kind of counter movement is growing, evidenced by how quickly deliberately contrarian comics are being funded. Those who would classify these countercultural tremors as being the whinging of fringe malcontents must now acknowledge that among the ranks of those against the leftist politics currently ruling comics are significant writers and artists like Chuck Dixon and Ethan Van Sciver.

Ethan, who is currently running an amazing youtube channel, seems to occupy an interesting place in this growing comics movement. Although staunchly against SJW politics and their influence on superheroes (he recently made a somewhat tongue-in-cheek argument that Robin Hood could be seen as a Republican), this phenomenal artist for DC comics does not take the more belligerent stance that some have taken against the current politically correct regime. Some critics and fans, so weary and angry with the current state of the industry, practically want the likes of Dan Slott and Mark Waid strung up by their superhero undies and then tarred and feathered with shredded copies of One More Day, Squirrel Girl, and America.

Personally, I believe that mere contact with these comics classifies as a civil rights violation falling under "cruel and unusual" punishment and that their cancer causing properties should result in a Surgeon General's warning. Alas, that's another topic for another day...

In a daring move, Ethan Van Sciver has chosen the unheard of position whereby he simply...talks to people about their views and their work in comics. These interviews accomplish two important goals. Firstly, Ethan is able to cut through the twitter drama that seems to escalate tensions and further a culture of outrage. People who seem like violent psychopaths seem far more reasonable when they are simply talking about their favorite superhero. According to Van Sciver, he wishes to see comics be a place where people can enjoy entertaining stories, regardless of political affiliation.

Secondly, Ethan's interviews also provide the opportunity for some blunt questions to be asked, face-to-face. Once they've been directly asked a question and given a personal response, creators cannot simply hide behind twitter handles and online rhetoric. Consumers can then be more informed about what projects they wish to support.

There is one caveat that I would like to add to these discussions. When Ethan began giving interviews to Slott and Waid, some fans were outraged that someone seen as an ally against SJWs would act so friendly to people who have placed thousands of fans behind block-bots or insulted them with mean spirited comments. Ethan, committed to his goals of goodwill towards all, seemed perplexed that fans would react in this way.

With all due respect to Ethan's good work, I do think that he is missing one aspect of this situation. As a fellow comics professional, Ethan enjoys a certain level of respect given to him because he has earned his place in the industry. Neither Dan Slot nor Mark Waid feel like they can treat him like they would treat a nobody online. And here lies the problem. To the countless, nameless fans of the internet, social media can seem like their only voice. Being effectively silenced or badmouthed by professionals feels akin to being treated like a second class citizen. Seeing the same bad actors then act respectably when speaking with Ethan almost feels like another slap in the face.

So although Ethan Van Sciver is doing amazing work through his outreach, I hope he understands that fans, no customers need to be treated with the same respect that he receives while doing his interviews. Honestly, I don't think he needs to change much of anything with his approach. I just hope I can shed a little light on why customers are feeling so frustrated. There's been quite a lot of bridge burning on the part of comic book creators lately; I hope Ethan can continue to find ways to build them again.