Update: WGBGB: Val's Decline Into Madness

(Editor's note: this is republished from 2008. I had taken it offline as a draft, but put it live again because I think there's some revisionist history going on with the D'Orazio/Sims thing. I might try to restore the proper date if I can track it down.)

Update: I think Val might be addressing her fluff piece on the Ayre Force comic book due to a friend writing it, even when the company producing it is as diametrically opposed to feminism as you can get. I'm sure her friend did as good as one can expect with a vanity concept, but somehow I doubt her opinion would have been as positive if anyone else did it (like maybe Geoff Johns). Anyway...I wonder if any of the moderated comments she doesn't approve brought to her attention that Calvin Ayre uses scantily clad women, in addition to his gambling site, to make his money? :)
I now return you to the original column, already in progress.

I start off, first, with an explanation of the whole idea of WHEN GOOD BLOGGERS GO BAD.

Before I started this feature, I actually liked and respected Valerie D'Orazio. I indicated as much on several posts to her blog during my infrequent trips to it.

When I started this feature, it was with the thought that she'd be in the barrel just the once or only occasionally, not become the focus of the feature every single time.

But she's become fodder for this column because of the clear bias she exhibits on a regular basis, inability to behave rationally, and habit of completely trying to spin the counter arguments of others into something they are not (all while their actual words are still completely visible in the comments section, with the notable exception of my dust-up with her).

The latest?

Lisa Fortuner provides guidelines for writers of international characters, courtesy of "The Mainstream Comics Industry":

"However, the Mainstream Comics Industry advises against researching another culture and creating a well-rounded original character based on actual facts, because this could result in your readers thinking of foreign nations as places with a rich history and culture populated by a variety of individual thinkers who are worthy of respect as human beings. This leads to the audience raising their standards and refusing to pay for books that don’t adhere to that standard. "

But Lisa, if you just think of those characters as Legacy Heroes, and give them a chance instead of tearing them down because of supposed inaccuracies and "uninspired characterization" (my God, as if there really is such a thing), maybe they can blossom.

(runs)

Which reminds me...

Remember Faith from JLA?

What the hell happened to her?

See, when I worked on JLA, Faith was created to "kill two birds with one stone" by virtue of her Latin-American heritage. So you got a Woman (big W, trademarked) and an International Character.

Ask Morrison if he's going to use Faith in Final Crisis. Maybe she can be in one of those epic George Perez-like crowd scenes that get turned into a poster with a numbered identification index. She could be right behind Fire's shoulder. Boy, that Fire, I'll tell ya -- she's one hot Brazilian. Get it?

She goes on in the comments section (which is now closed) to lambaste Fire as a stereotype, ignoring posters pointing out that she's been rehabilitated over the years. It seems the extent of Val's using Fire as an example is going back to her creation as the Green Flame...which was born out of the Superfriends comic book in, I believe, the late 70s or early 80s. She would seem, despite having worked at DC, to not have any more modern examples of her behavior (missing the work Rucka has done on her, even though you'd think she would pay attention to the work of the guy who created Renee Montoya's persona and Batwoman).

She shamelessly tries to spin this:

"I think the South American/Latin American "spitfire" cliche for women has been pretty prevalent throughout pop culture, but you know none of my Latina/South American female friends or relatives fit that profile."

But Val, she has character development that explains her "spitfire" personality within Checkmate. I believe a character can be reappropriated. Once a sterotype doesn't mean always a sterotype.

And Val, just because your Latina females and relatives are not hot headed doesn't mean that none can be. My sister and a few of the girls I dated were hot-headed. It's a normal human emotion. As long as it's not her only characteristic, why is there anything wrong with that?

Greg Rucka goes forward and adds reasons to turn her into more than her stereotype. The way the character is right now, how is faith a better character for it?
I hate this idea that all minority characters have to be a stand in for their race. No one does this to white characters at all. No one goes and says that the Joker represents all whiteness. It infuriates me to hear this. Is it because whiteness is normal?

Into her response of:

I have to admit, every time I hear these arguments that there are no stereotyped characters in comics and no token characters in comics, I am fascinated.

Mind you...ABSOLUTELY NO ONE SAID ANY SUCH THING.

Many posters call her out on the straw argument, which she just answers with insults and inanity. When people ask her for a serious answer instead of just spitting out unrelated garbage, she goes on some hissy fit rant that sees her rapidly descend into insanity.

Examples:

Matt:

So why is a character that fits a stereotype, even though she has plenty of character development and is well-rounded, disqualified by default?

Val:

"So why is a character that fits a stereotype, even though she has plenty of character development and is well-rounded, disqualified by default?"

Matt, I ask myself this question about Witchblade everyday. I just don't understand why they just won't give Sara Pezzini a chance.Probably the bare ass with the cyber-webbing.

Matt:

Yes we know Witchblade sucks, but considering we're talking about Fire here I don't see your point.

Mind actually answering the question or are you still just throwing out "controversial" comments that you'll never back up in an endless quest for page views?

Val:

"Mind actually answering the question or are you still just throwing out "controversial" comments that you'll never back up in an endless quest for page views?"

You set up articles in Wikipedia for "imminent deletion" in your spare time just for kicks, don't you? Just to feel that rush. It's like your version of being in the jet in Top Gun. You engage in petty little arguments on the internet and smoke a cigarette after.

My God, Matt...it really *is* that important to you.

God, I didn't know...

Well, you're right, Matt: there is no overly-sexualized history of Fire in the JLA. There are no Latin stereotypes in popular culture. And I don't want to be quoted saying the thing about some stereotypes being justified, but if you did feel that way, I wouldn't rain on your parade.

You are right, Matt.

Matt Is Right.

It's going to be okay. You are Somebody. You are The Master Of This Comments Page, the Master of Post ID #2585950957379771360.

Enjoy it.

And it just gets worse from there (or better, if you're simply looking for the mesmerizing entertainment that can be provided by people who have completely lost touch with reality).

Oh...and she seems to have completely sold out her principles for an exclusive about a vanity press piece. Yeah...the proceeds are going to charity. But it is a vanity piece to fluff up Calvin Ayre's ego...you know him, the guy behind BoDog Poker and the BoDog Girls. Yeah...good ol' Calvin makes a portion of his loot parading women around as sex objects. Not that there's anything wrong with that, unless you're a rabid feminist...wait...no...that's an insult to feminists...unless you're an insane person who claims to be a feminist.

Good ol' Valerie is closing down comments sections left and right, going to moderated comments now. Why? Because she can't handle open debate. She wants to throw out controversial, inflammatory accusations without having to back them up. Check the comments section I linked to above and tell me she intelligently or rationally responds to a single commenter. Now there will be no evidence of her unwillingness to back up her off-the-wall assertions with something resembling facts.

Oh, I Guess I Should Stay Away From The Comics Blogosphere For Another Month

League of Extraordinary Gentlemen is set to become a TV show without the creators participating. From the clumsy write-up to all the pro- and anti-Moore folks that will be warring on the intertubes, this is gonna get messy.

Personally, I'm getting myself pre-upset at Hollywood screwing up the potential for the property a second time. Will there be another hack attempt to add a Fictional-American to the group?

At least my sainted wife will be happy until the cancellation is announced.

DC Comics Presents: The Orson Scott Card Universe

(feel free to republish any of the below, as long as attribution is given in the form of a link back to this entry) 

Due to all the heat and buzz generated by a yet-to-be-published two issue Superman run from Orson Scott Card, DC proudly announces a new line of comics springing from the renowned sci-fi writer and writers he's invited to join him.

ACTION COMICS: SUPERMAN of the People
Co-written by the Koch Brothers
Artist: TBA

When the masses creep closer and closer to a class war, attacking CEOs and vandalizing corporation offices, it is up to the Last Son of Krypton to save them from themselves. Backup feature from Citizens United Studios: in a shocking update to the Superman mythos, Kal-El realizes the version of Krypton's undoing he has believed all these years was programming from Brainiac and it was actually rioting by the labor class in subterranean factories that doomed his home world.

*Note to retailers: there will be a free handout offered in matching with all Action Comics orders titled THE TRUTH ABOUT ALIENS, where Superman details how the immigration process should go and why he's proud to go to the back of the line.

COMET & ACE: Star Crossed Love - A Graphic Novel
Written by Rick Santorum
Artist: Justiniano

After years of exchanging looks over the Super Pet table at the JLA/JSA Thanksgiving gatherings, the Horse of Steel & the Bat Hound plunge into a romance that no one else understands. Comet regrets his decision to expose himself to Gold K when Doomshog returns and kills Streaky in his war path. How will be regain the might to dispatch his greatest foe and, if he does, what will come of his relationship with Ace.

*Note to retailers: please see the Spotlight on the preceding page for the advance solicited COMET & ACE: Horse of Steel, Hound of Tissue one-shot written by Jim Norton.

JENNY SPARKS: My Two Dads Are Better Than Yours #1 of 4
Written by Rick Santorum
Artist: TBA

Apollo and Midnighter finally put their foot down and insist Jenny enroll in public school to see what it's really like to be her age in the 21st Century. But, as they attend a parent/teacher/student event in their mild mannered alter egos, a few small feats for them that would be nigh impossible for the other parents creates a hilarious problem when Jenny tells everyone that it's all because they're gay for each other. Chaos ensues as attendees try to lift cars and dodge bullets after having (what they'll soon wish was anonymous) gay sex with each other in the locker rooms.

ZATANNA: Nrob Niaga #1 of 666
Written by Christine O'Donnell
Artist: TBA

After falling in love with the angel Zauriel, Zatanna Zatara has come to understand her powers are not backwards spells, but backwards prayers. As a devout born-again Christian, her priorities in life have taken a turn. She has put all her good, honest, godly effort into trying to lead the people to the light, but when people still view her as a pagan, how can she get elected to Delaware's open Senate seat without saying, "gir eht etov ni ym rovaf!"

DEADMAN: Talking to Ghosts #1 of ? 
Written by Clint Eastwood
Edited by Clint Eastwood
Artist: N/A
Letterer: TBA

*Note to retailers: for this special collaboration, we've agreed to let Mr. Eastwood publish the work sight-unseen and for as many issues as he'd like. It is our estimate that he has many, many issues. Grab a chair, sit down and enjoy the ride. (Order with full knowledge that no guarantee is made of the contents and orders will not be returnable even if the title character fails to appear in any issues.)


ROSE & THORN: The Sanest in a Crazy World #1 
Written by Michelle Bachmann
Artist: TBA

By day, Rose is a patriotic legislator. By night, she assumes her guise as Thorn, criss-crossing the nation to battle instillations of the dangerous Ferocious Enraged Muslims of America. How have they been abducting god-fearing Christians to put in their FEMA camps and why does it seem that the White House is doing all they can to keep their existence from being public knowledge?

GUARDIANS OF THE UNIVERSE: LITTLE BLUE PILLS 
Co-Written by Rush Limbaugh and his eighteen (18) "personal" physicians
Artist: Pfizer Studios

For the last several years, the Guardians have been lifeless and limp. The highest ranking Corps members want to change this, but it will be difficult. On Maltus, there was a monument to a leader that brought a smile to even the hardest member of society. Mr. Happy was so revered that almost every man would make their decision based on what he would want. But, in order to erect such a monument that will stand straight when plunged into the depths of Oa, a crack team of ring-slingers would have to penetrate the Zamorran bush to get a particular pharmaceutical grade substance. Will their plan cover it or are they being too cocky? Penis. Vagina.

ROCKET RED: You Can See Home From Here #1 of 4
Written by Sarah Palin
Artist: Trig Palin

After realizing that communism is an affront to God, Mikhail relocates to Alaska to make a career change (to being the color commentator for local ice fishing competitions) that he hopes will make him happy. What he didn't count on was a Communist plot to take over the US...hatched from WITHIN our borders. Rocket Red is going to need a lot more than hope and change if his unretiring is going to save the day!

*Note to retailer: please stay tuned for communications from your sales rep about the new and exciting team that will be replacing the Palins as of issue 3.

DR. LESLIE THOMPKINS: Gotham's Free Medicine Woman #1 of 4
Written by John Boehner
Artist: TBA

The good doctor hosts a Congressional delegation to show them how the medical community and the charitable arms of corporations, such as the Wayne Foundation, are able to keep Gotham's citizens healthy without government programs. But when the Minority Leader accuses the clinic of being in violation of several pages of obscure federal regulations, Dr. Thompkins has to act quickly or risk the lives of good Americans that will no longer be able to receive her care.

CATWOMAN: Back on the Street
Written by David Vitter
Artist: TBA

After being run out of Gotham, Selina sets up to resume her original life of crime in Washington, DC. But when she gets caught up in an attempt to frame a Republican Senator from the great state of Louisiana, will she have to don a whole different costume to clear his name?

ATOM SMASHER & OBSIDIAN: Mr. & Mr. Rothstein, Finally 
Written by David Duke
Artist: Scott McDaniel

On the heels of having attended a nephew's parent/teacher/student event at school, Al suddenly has an awakening to feelings he never thought he had for Todd. After a whirlwind few weeks of making up for lost time, the two make plans to be married at the JLA Watchtower. But the dark things inside Obsidian refuse to let him live happily ever after with his white knight, setting up an epic showdown of black versus white for the soul of the soon-to-be Todd Rothstein. Whatever the result, when the dust settles, will there even be a wedding?

EXTRANO: Flamboyantly Exceptional
A collection of shorts written by #tcot members
Artist: Various

Top Conservatives on Twitter tell stories of the power of homosexuality in modern day America.

BATWOMAN & MANHUNTER: Strange Bedfellows 
Written by Dr. Laura Schlesinger
Artist: TBA

After the world's most adored radio personality, Dr. Nora Kissinger, is kidnapped in Gotham, Batwoman & Manhunter must team together. But when socialite Kate Kane becomes a person of interest and District Attorney Kate Spencer realizes she's the same person helping her at night, does she share her secret with her or keep the knowledge to herself. As they begin to see the real story is one that involves deviant sex clubs, can they stifle their own developing urges for each other long enough to solve the case?

GREEN ARROW: Modern Day Robin Hood 
Written by Ben Stein
Artist: Ethan Van Sciver

The American people are being oppressed and they don't even know it. Evil Durlans have taken over our government as tax-loving Democrats with a plan to steal every precious resource held by American hands and indoctrinate the youth. It's up to Oliver Queen to expose these illegal aliens one tax collector at a time.

-------------------------------------------

Leading the second wave will be the following projects we're developing:

ETRIGAN THE DEMON: No Sinner Left Behind
Written by Kirk Cameron
Artist: TBA

THE QUESTION: Kate Kane is the Answer
Written by Victoria Jackson
Artist: TBA

APOLLO & MIDNIGHTER: Kama Sutra
Co-Written by Dan Cathy and Tony Perkins
Artist: TBA

JUSTICE LEAGUE INTERNATIONAL: World Police 
Written by Chuck Dixon
Artist: Billy Tucci

VIBE: Pride of the Community
Written by Michael Savage
Art: John L. Byrne

MR. TERRIFIC: President of the New World Order
Written by Rush Limbaugh
Fully painted art by George W. Bush

THE PREACHER: For The Love of God 
Written by Shirley Phelps
Artist: TBA

WONDER WOMAN: Female Power
Written & Drawn by Dave Sim

RESURRECTION MAN: Legitimate Death & the Body's Way of Rejecting It
Co-Written by Todd Akin & Dick Cheney
Artist: TBA

PRESIDENT JOKER: Court Jester in Chief
Written by Glen Beck
Artist: TBA

STEEL: Who's the Master
Fully packaged by StormFront.org Studios

RAGMAN: The Right of Return to Gotham
Written by Mahmoud Ahmadinejad
Artist: TBA

Hail The Victor! (Quick, Get On His Good Side!)

It's funny how Hollywood news sites change their tone when they see who the winner of a dispute is.

When Tony Moore initially sued Robert Kirkman, I don't recall there being a lot of bias in the reporting. They treated it as a serious challenge that might have merits.

Now that the lawsuit is settled with Kirkman apparently retaining control?

Not so unbiased.

Look at the phrasing of the opening line:

Kirkman settles litigation with a childhood friend who was trying to grab co-control over the lucrative zombie franchise.

Then there are the additional lines that are too cute, not by half, but by three-quarters, as they find ways to jam in "walking", "dead" and "killing".

The smoke has cleared with Kirkman emerging victorious in Hollywood's eyes. Let the treating of the plaintiff's cause as frivolous commence!

Marvel Cinematic Universe Collection: Amazon's Customer Service Win

This morning, I woke up to the following e-mail from Amazon:

Dear Amazon.com Customer,  

We're writing to let you know that the Marvel Cinematic Universe: Phase One-Avengers Assembled Collection will not be released by Marvel as originally expected. Instead, Marvel is planning to offer a similar collection in new packaging. The new collection will include the original titles offered with the first version of the item, and is expected to be available in the spring of 2013. To make this easy for you, we updated your order for the original collection and will ship the new collection when it becomes available. The price of the new collection will be the same as the original collection.  

To show our appreciation for your understanding, we are providing you with a promo code to receive a free copy of Marvel's The Avengers (Two-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo in Blu-ray Packaging). To be eligible, you must have placed your order between June 1, 2012 and August 28, 2012. Any cancelled orders are not eligible to receive the free copy. Codes must be redeemed by October 15, 2012.

So, while the huge collection with whatever changed case is delayed for two seasons, I'm getting the crown jewel for free on its release.

If you pre-ordered the collection between the dates mentioned at Amazon, scour your e-mail to make sure you don't miss out.

An Exercise In Ethics

I stumbled on to ComicMix republishing the list of folks that donated (through The Hero Initiative) to help Robert Washington III's family in paying his funeral costs.

I remember it being a subject that many commercially successful websites that cover comic books covered. Many have themselves or contributors in that list, but there are some that are conspicuous in their absence.

I share the link above so that, if you're so inclined, you can reference the list versus a site you may have frequented that generated content and hits by covering it, but appear to not have donated a single penny.

Bleeding Hypocrisy

I've recently left the Bleeding Cool forums. I'm not trying to bring all of that here.

What I will bring is that, in defense of the criticism he received from myself and others, Rich Johnston took a swing at Newsarama:

As long as I'm happy with the article, yes. I can only write Bleeding Cool for an audience of one, that's how I've always worked. Once I start doing Top Tens you know I've stopped. 

Sometimes I do write articles to wind people up, but only because they are bad jokes. Bendis' Dialogue Tics for example.

Funny that.

Ten Horrible Histories Songs
Top Ten Couples In Comics (contributor, posted by him)
Top Ten Superhero Teams (contributor)
Top Ten Most Ridiculous Movie Posters At Cannes This Year (contributor)
Top Ten Best Films Of All Time, According To Hundreds Of Film Directors And Critics (contributor)
Top Ten Horrific Reasons To Love WonderCon
Top Ten Comic Girlfriends… And Boyfriends (contributor)
(Top Ten) Best Reviewed Films Of 2011 Vs. The Most Pirated (contributor)
John Waters Top Ten Favourite Films Of 2011 (contributor)
Tom Huxley’s Top Ten Comics Of The Decade (contributor)
Bleeding Cool’s Top Ten British Comics Of The Decade
Top Ten Tips To Blag Your Way Into San Diego
Top Ten Picks For Frightfest, With Trailers (contributor)
Top Ten British Christmas Telly – Rich’s Choice
Grace Randolph’s Stacktastic! (Top Ten) Death(s), The Gift That Keeps On Giving (contributor)

I think that's more than sufficient back up (and that's not counting the (at least twice monthly) sales charts). While not all are his, Rich is the king of content on that site: if he didn't want Top Ten lists, they wouldn't be there and, indeed, he has directly published a number that he didn't write.

The knock on Top Ten lists is that they're lazy click bait. Everyone employs them from time to time. No one judges a site if they're rare, so long as you don't pretend you're above it.

I can't find a context for what Rich is saying he will have stopped once he resorts to Top Tens, but it's obvious that, whatever it is, he stopped years ago.

Oh, and lest it be misinterpreted: I'm not defending Newsarama. Despite knowing and respecting several people there, I don't believe Mark Waid was off the mark when he pegged them as the new Wizard. Sad how the once mighty continue to fall so far.

Tasteless Critics

There are some folks that are taking shots at the recently deceased Joe Kubert over his participation in Before Watchmen. These are people that can't just be respectful for 24 hours before taking a shot.

One of them is Alan David Doane, who has compared Kubert's participation in BW to Joe Paterno's covering for a child molester on his Tumblr and on Twitter.

He feels that Kubert is lesser for having accepted a paycheck for a legally fine, morally debatable project.

Funny that it comes from a man advertising a payday loan site:

Those predatory loans that are technically legal (in some states, at least), but morally reprehensible (hence the term "predatory" involved in their classification).

He's a douche...and a hypocritical one at that.

Regardless of what you think of Before Watchmen, Joe Kubert deserves better than people taking cheap shots at him like this. Shame on folks that find themselves incapable of paying him any respect.

Need Geek-Friendly Wall Coverings?

Posters on sale over at AllPosters.com (20% off). Didn't expect to see a selection of comic book ones, but, when I did, I figured I'd share the info.

Justice League -...
34 in. x 22 in.
Buy This at Allposters.com

Personally, I don't have a spot at home to start throwing these sorts of posters up, as I have no mancave and our spare room is set up for the mothers to visit. So I'll likely be grabbing something more like this:


Starry Night, c....
Vincent van Gogh
Buy This at Allposters.com


But more power to those of you that can let your geek flag wave. Oh...and all of the above have affiliate links in them. If you're against that sort of thing, just type AllPosters.com into your browser. ;)