Controversial Religious Comic “SECOND COMING” Cancelled at DC
It was just 20 short days ago when I published a piece discussing an upcoming comic called Second Coming. The book was receiving some backlash amongst certain news outlets and the religious right. Well, looks as though DC caved to the pressure as the creators just announced that the book is now cancelled.
Before I jump into the details of that, let me give a brief summary of the solicitation for the book.
Witness the return of Jesus Christ, as He is sent on a most holy mission by God to learn what it takes to be the true messiah of mankind by becoming roommates with the world’s favorite savior: the all-powerful super hero Sun-Man, the Last Son of Krispex! But when Christ returns to Earth, he’s shocked to discover what has become of his gospel—and now, he aims to set the record straight.
The book was slated to arrive in shops to be put out under DC’s Vertigo line which is intended for mature audiences. It was slated to come out on March 6th. Now it’s up in limbo. The good news is that there seems to be no bad blood between the creator Mark Russell and DC. I guess Russell asked for the rights back and DC obliged. Russell has already aluded to the fact that we will see this book eventually. Most likely under a new Indy publisher.
This could actually work out better for them financially to be honest. Now that there is more buzz behind it, whenever it does get resolicited after it finds a new home...so would expect bigger numbers as far as the ordering goes.
Now we don’t exactly know why this happened or what it was initially caused by, but it just feels like DC caved and maybe didn’t want the negative press it was going to receive. At least they are being coolmand reverting the rights back to the creators so they can pursue this somewhere else.
What’s your thoughts?!? Mine is simple...don’t try to censor others work. If you don’t like it, don’t buy it. Fairly simple. There are plenty of people I disagree with for a plethora of reasons. I would never dream of trying to censor or bully someone into not doing their work. I simply wouldn’t listen to their show, or watch their movie, or read they book, etc.
Anyway,
If you’d like to see the initial piece I wrote about this and some of the comments, please check it out below.
https://steemit.com/art/@blewitt/controversyforsecondcoming-wyb2m5yl2o
Blewitt
The thing that gets me most is backlash occurring before it’s even seen/read. It reminds me of Kevin Smith speaking about all the shit he got when he made Dogma.
I’m also struck by the fact that from any of the promo material I’ve seen, Jesus/Christianity doesn’t appear to be portrayed negatively. I feel like some religious conservatives get incensed through sheer frustration when a satire like this points out some inconsistencies in their worldview. People want to see Sun-Man beat a criminal to a pulp... but when Jesus shows up with bread & compassion instead of a clenched fist, that premise and concept calls their morals and faith into question. But rather than explore the questions raised, the disconnect created just leads to frustration turned to anger.
Yup. I remember hearing that. People seem to just react without knowing why. It’s like they want to be outraged. They do t even know what it’s about, they just assume it go off of others reactions. Sad
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You'd think that Christians would understand censorship of ideas and take a freedom of speech and expression of faith position. Instead, they crucify those they disagree with.
HypoChristy.
This. I’ll never understand this approach. Very frustrating. I’m glad it’s still coming out and will support it even more next go around due to this. Hmmmm. Maybe an exclusive variant cover?!?!?!? Lol
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I think DC would cop a lot of backlash if they didn't do the right thing here. Regardless of whether you appreciate the subject matter, you have to respect the effort that has gone into creating something. If it's not your cup of shredded unicorn, then just skip it.
Exactly! Don’t like it?!? Don’t buy it!
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I agree that things should not be censored but I don't think that is really what is going on here, at least by my definition of censorship. When I think of censorship I think of somebody using force to prevent you from speaking (publishing a comic book in this case). DC is making a business decision based on what it perceives to be the opinion of its customers. DC could have published it if they wanted and the original author can still publish it. Nobody is stopping them. And people can still bitch about it too. Free speech works both ways. Speaking out against something or even boycotting something should not be confused with censorship.
Of course, this is probably all mostly a knee-jerk reaction as opposed to careful consideration of the subject matter but if you are going to put someone's God in a comic book I think you should probably be prepared for some criticism. There are no surprises here.
No it’s not censorship. Not saying that. But they did cave to pressure and the negative reactions. Which surprises me as they put out Preacher. Give that a read. Lol
They have every right to pull the plug on it. I just think it’s silly to. Especially since I never heard one person bitch about it at all. It was manufactured outrage. These news outlets find a few tweets of dissatisfaction and build an outrage hit piece based on that. It’s getting old and it’s happening more frequently.
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Yeah, these days people get outraged first and ask questions later. About everything.
I see what you mean about Preacher but I don't think a preacher draws as much attention as Jesus.
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Lol. True dat!
Sup Dork! Enjoy the upvote!!!
Thanks!!!
It's too bad to see DC fold again. There was that Heroes In Crisis Poison Ivy cover that was yanked by Tom King, an obvious edit on Batman Damned 2 on Harley's breast, and now this. I agree with you; put the artist's vision on the market if it fits the brand's strategy. Let the market figure it out. I was looking forward to this series, but it's typical and frustrating to see them back down again.
Yeah, DC seems to be in a weird place currently. I’m not sure what they are hoping for with their recent decisions.
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Howdy sir blewitt! well those guys clearly didn't want all the negative press this was going to generate. I want a free and open First Amendment country in all areas. In fact it would be nice if we had it on steemit.
God is not afraid of the message coming from a comic book and the strength and power of the Gospel is not affected.. no matter what twist someone puts on it.
I don't know what the backlash was like but it usually makes Believers look intolerant but most of us are totally tolerant.
Very interesting post sir blewitt!
Well said brother!!!