It's all about fate, Dr. Fate. Well, not just about Dr. Fate. James Robinson comes in for his monthly visit so be prepared for talk about EARTH 2, WonderCon and more.
"Mutant" isn't any more an offensive term than "Fat". You're fat if you eat too much and become visibly overweight. You're a mutant if you are a mutated being. People being bothered by what they are does not then make the word derogatory. I am a man. If I hated being a man, "Man" would not then be a derogatory term.
as of last night, It looks like the itunes podcast app is auto-updating. In order to get it to show up you will need to turn your phone off , then on again. This same issue happened with the giantbombcast.
SIGH... (that was an intentionally loud exhale). I guess since there's no iTunes download available, I'll have to try to listen to it here, again. I just hope I don't refresh the page by accident so that I'll have to start over again at the beginning. SIGH. If that little slider allowed me to fast forward, I guess there wouldn't be a problem... Dirty little slider....
SIGH.
Let's see... Clicking 'Play'....Oo! Little spinning thingees!
Uproar over Uncanny Avengers huh? I thought it was by far the best issue so far, so the controversy befuddles me. P.C. gone wild is what it sounds like to me, I didn't find it racist at all, granted im like milk toast white bread guy here, but lets all be happy that FINALLY we had a good comic to read with the title "Uncanny Avengers".
Honestly in a nearly 200 page thread about this on comicbookresources I haven't seen anyone call him a racist. I saw one blog about the series before this issue even came out that critized his character choices because everyone was white. On the actual thread one person called him a homophobe for telling a poster to "go suck Havok's red dick". That was it in about 200 pages. Everyone else was respectful with the exception of some people who supported Rick who resorted to name calling. The vast majority of people that are taking issue with this scene are not doing so because they think Rick Remender is a racist. It's not even about the character's actual viewpoint. It's the fact that in Rick's own responses to people about this has given the impression that he doesn't seem to be aware of the problems with the viewpoint of a character that he's writing. The topic of intergration is one that people do have the right to want to see written about with actual insight. There really is a difference here to people taking issue with what's going in Uncanny Avengers as opposed to the death of Peter Parker.
Mr. Robinson, if you were to bring Lian Harper back I would be eternally grateful. I was not a fan of "killing her off" in cry for justice because she was one of my favorite characters and it hurt to see her die, but I did enjoy when Green Arrow killed Prometheus. I am a big fan of your work such as Superman the whole New krypton, A world without Superman and of course your Earth 2. Thank you and I hope you bring her back.
Good to hear Mr. Robbing-sons on the cast, glad he could be on after an awesome issue so there was little conflict about silly stars. :) More time for wisdom from the Gandalf of comics is the payoff.
My 2 cents:
Uproar over Uncanny Avengers huh? I thought it was by far the best issue so far, so the controversy befuddles me. P.C. gone wild is what it sounds like to me, I didn't find it racist at all, granted im like milk toast white bread guy here, but lets all be happy that FINALLY we had a good comic to read with the title "Uncanny Avengers".
@solthesungod: I do think that a storyline of someone that is mutant and proud confronting Alex would be interested. Especially a confrontation with Cyclops.
Overall, I think we will never agree. I do believe Remender handle the speech with intelligence and sensitivity. There is nothing wrong with Alex's speech. I consider mutant a bad word and Marvel should change the use of that word. Years ago retard/retardation was somewhat normal term. Would you use that term? As we develop as society we understand how divisive some of these terms can be. Alex is simply addressing that issue.
No we probably won't agree. I do think we should see non extremists react to the Havok's view too. There are other people that would take issue with the phrasing of what Alex is saying. I mean what would Polaris say? She's very proud of the fact she's a mutant. I can't see her being happy with what Alex said.
I think there's a difference between the use of the word retard and the use of the word mutant. No one uses the word retard proudly. It's not like the word mutant. Back in the late 80s(I think it's ages since I read the article about this) a number of doctors who were well informed on this topic asked that the word for people that were retarded be changed to Downs Syndrome after John Langdon Down a british doctor who was a pioneer in the treatment of people born with that illness in a hospital called Earlswood in England during the late 19th century. The scientists didn't go "well we're all human and we should get rid of any term that makes people with this ailment the other". There is a scientific necessity to these kind of terms. Alex wants to do away with the classification of mutants but he's not offering up an alternative. Superhuman doesn't cut it. It's an umbrella term. Genetically mutants are different to humans, Asgardians, Inhumans etc. I just don't feel Remender understands this. I'm not basing that on the issue itself but his own comments that he's since deleted on his twitter. I would love to be proven wrong.
@solthesungod: I do think that a storyline of someone that is mutant and proud confronting Alex would be interested. Especially a confrontation with Cyclops.
Overall, I think we will never agree. I do believe Remender handle the speech with intelligence and sensitivity. There is nothing wrong with Alex's speech. I consider mutant a bad word and Marvel should change the use of that word. Years ago retard/retardation was somewhat normal term. Would you use that term? As we develop as society we understand how divisive some of these terms can be. Alex is simply addressing that issue.
Honestly, I have no issue with Alex's statement. He simply doesn't want to be defined by only one of his qualities. He's not discriminating against mutants, just attempting to point out that alone doesn't define them.
That would be all well and good if that's what Havok said but the language Remender used implied something else. He said he wasn't connected to other mutants because he had an X-Gene. He referenced mutants as a cult. He said the word was divisive and that it represented everything he hated. We're not going to get past prejudice if we classify words that are used to describe any kind of minority as negative. Mutant isn't actually a bad word in the marvel universe either so it was just weird. Regardless though Alex's viewpoint is one that we see in reality and I thought seeing other mutants react to this arguably puppet spokeman's words would be very interesting. I was actually quite excited to see that.
Then I read Remender's comments and it was clear that he was totally unaware of how negatively Alex's position could be received and how unrealistic the character's view on labels actually is. I think it's sad too that he seems unwilling to listen to this critiscm. He was writing a scene about labels and the majority of people I've seen take issue with that scene and how it was worded are people that have to deal with labels on a regular basis. Even if the intention was to have to this affirmational scene about how people shouldn't be reduced to labels I maintain that's not what was on that page. Rather than ignoring this feedback if he runs with it I think we'll end up with a much more powerful story that might explore Alex's own prejudices towards himself for being different. That's something about the character that I remember from those Claremont back issues. He hated being a mutant and what that meant.
I agree with k4tzm4n's view. I can't believe so many people are misinterpreting Alex's statement. The word mutant is divisive. It labels that group as a mutation. Someone that is different from normal people. It's was shortened to "mutie" in a derogatory manner in the 80's X-Men title. Die Mutie Scum! Of course the word mutant has been used throughout the Marvel U, but now Alex is pointing out that it really isn't appropriate. What's wrong with that?
Because the character is wrong and the wording of that speech would be offensive to people who proudly refer to themselves as mutants. Mutie is the derogatory form not mutant. Mutant itself isn't a bad word. Alex while trying to intergrate humans and mutants referred to the word that is used by mutants themselves to describe themselves as negative. That would obviously rub mutants up the wrong way. If you swap out the word mutant for any other real life minority the issues with that scene become more negative. It's just the wrong way to go about bringing equality. Whether it was self hatred or the words of a character not used to speaking about this kind of issue I would totally be on board with that. I actually thought the problems with Alex's speech were so on the nose that Remender had to have written it that way deliberately. Which actually would have been really interesting.
But that's not what happened. Remender didn't intend for that speech to be a talking point. That's the big issue here. He's made that clear. Given the backlash in the real world from real people that have personal experience with minority issues then we should logically see some backlash for the character in the marvel universe. There's been moments before were stories have had to be changed because what was intended in the script and what ended up on the page were something different like the Wasp/Hank Pym domestic abuse storyline or I hope the rape of Carol Danvers. I think there's an attitude that whenever comic book fans have any grievance they are just overreacting or being assholes for the sake of it. People taking issue with a scene about minority issues is a completely different thing that someone complaining about Thor kicking Hulk's ass. That's the kind of topic people are entitled to care about and what to see addressed with intelligence and sensitivity. I'm not condemning Remender but this series so far hasn't built confidence. When the only actually minority character debuted it's a japanese man with direct family ties to Hiroshima and he's called an atomic bomb....
Honestly, I have no issue with Alex's statement. He simply doesn't want to be defined by only one of his qualities. He's not discriminating against mutants, just attempting to point out that alone doesn't define them.
That would be all well and good if that's what Havok said but the language Remender used implied something else. He said he wasn't connected to other mutants because he had an X-Gene. He referenced mutants as a cult. He said the word was divisive and that it represented everything he hated. We're not going to get past prejudice if we classify words that are used to describe any kind of minority as negative. Mutant isn't actually a bad word in the marvel universe either so it was just weird. Regardless though Alex's viewpoint is one that we see in reality and I thought seeing other mutants react to this arguably puppet spokeman's words would be very interesting. I was actually quite excited to see that.
Then I read Remender's comments and it was clear that he was totally unaware of how negatively Alex's position could be received and how unrealistic the character's view on labels actually is. I think it's sad too that he seems unwilling to listen to this critiscm. He was writing a scene about labels and the majority of people I've seen take issue with that scene and how it was worded are people that have to deal with labels on a regular basis. Even if the intention was to have to this affirmational scene about how people shouldn't be reduced to labels I maintain that's not what was on that page. Rather than ignoring this feedback if he runs with it I think we'll end up with a much more powerful story that might explore Alex's own prejudices towards himself for being different. That's something about the character that I remember from those Claremont back issues. He hated being a mutant and what that meant.
I agree with k4tzm4n's view. I can't believe so many people are misinterpreting Alex's statement. The word mutant is divisive. It labels that group as a mutation. Someone that is different from normal people. It's was shortened to "mutie" in a derogatory manner in the 80's X-Men title. Die Mutie Scum! Of course the word mutant has been used throughout the Marvel U, but now Alex is pointing out that it really isn't appropriate. What's wrong with that?
James Robinson is great. And his middle name is Dale! Ha Ha! But seriously he's a captivating dude whenever I listen to him so it makes sense that his ongoing title be just as entertaining. I just can't get enough of it. He mentions at one point that there aren't many fun vampire characters. I would say Cassidy from Preacher was a pretty fun dude. Sure he takes a dark turn in the later parts but he's one lovable vampire transient.
Only other stuff I read was Animal Man, Deadpool, Green Lantern, and Superior Spidey. All of em' are still great. I have to say this Sara situation feels dire. So many interruptions and delays. I'm torn between my appreciation for her thoughts on current comics and my desire to see things run smoothly. I say keep doing it as long as you can but I want to see improvements as soon as possible. Keep up all the great work!
@g_man In iTunes when I right click on the podcast and choose "Copy Podcast URL" I get back http://www.comicvine.com/podcast/xml/, which doesn't seem to be the right address (I assume it's the address from before the redesign?). I guess iTunes is trying to download the podcast from the wrong place...
Any idea why new Comic Vine episodes aren't showing up on Downcast? Says there hasn't been an episode since the 23rd and the main one is no longer linked with Podcast of Stuff.
Worst thing about that, is that it highlights that most mutants have pretty much accepted that they are defined by their genetics in the eyes of others, and in some cases they aren't even human.
So let me get this straight. They are canceling the Starman Books all together? I wont be able to buy them at all? I only have up to volume 4. GRR! I have to go out and quickly buy 5 and 6, are there any others out too? This is not a drill people! How many should there be?
My favorite Crossover, Crisis on Infinite Earths by Perez and Wolfman. It was great because it was not only one of the very first crossover events, but it was meant for a specific task. To clean up DC comics, whittle them down to one universe. But it was such an epic story, done so well, with thousands of characters, that it didn't feel like a mandate.
What was that comic book store called? The one thats the Birthplace of Free Comic Book day? Red Flag? Red Five? What? And also, where is it? an hour from San Fransisco?
I've noticed James pronounced "Barda" as "Butter". lol For a second I honestly thought he say "you can't have Mr. Miracle without "Butter". " I was like "huh? what did he say" when I heard that but then I realized he said Barda.
Also, I don't know if you know Tony (@g_man) in Young Justice they have almost the same idea as James about Red Arrow. In Young Justice Red Arrow and Arsenal are two separate characters. Red Arrow is Speedy's clone. In beginning of Young Justice Speedy insisted to enter the secret headquarters of the Justice League. When they refused he decided to quit being a "sidekick" and work on his own. Speedy was gone for 8 years and somehow reappear as Red Arrow, later it was discovered he was a clone. Meaning the real Speedy was captured by Lex Luthor, cloned and kept in a cryonic state. Then Red Arrow had baby with Cheshire naming Lian Harper and they both decided to go look for the real Speedy. They eventually did find him with a missing arm, eventually Speedy replaces his arm with some tech from Lex Luthor and becomes Arsenal. When I noticed about this I always thought that Speedy is the example of Earth 2 Speedy while Red Arrow is an example of Earth Prime Speedy. Because if you look at Speedy's wiki it says that Speedy had went to retirement meaning he left the Seven Soldiers of Victory just like Speedy left in Young Justice. So, let James know he not the only one that thought of this idea. I actually love that Red Arrow and Arsenal are now two separate characters in the New 52 now! :-)
Great having James on the podcast. A belated Happy Birthday to you. Always appreciate the time he gives to the podcast.
It almost sounded like Sara was having her own dogcast there for a bit. Though, I love dogs. I hope Jonah's paw is feeling better. Yes, Sara. I'm from Kentucky. We've both had deer in our yard. Though it's weird for me, since I live in the suburbs. It was two does and a buck.
I've always been confused why Marvel has so many prominent women, but you really can't point to any as iconic. They don't really ever push them to the forefront.
Part of the reason I wanted to ask James that questions is becasue I felt he wouldn't shy away from the topic. Sara brought up a good point about performers being heavily sexualized I guess a better way I could have asked this question is "Why is it Western culture celebrates and enjoys watching violence, and it's sex that's seen as controversial and taboo?" An example would be how people flipped the eff' out over the Janet Jackson nip-slip at the Super Bowl. When I saw 300 in theaters, a couple brought in their maybe eight year of kid. The mom only covered the kids eyes on nudity and not on one scene of violence.
It was interesting that the violence in FURY didn't bother Tony, but the sexuality seemed unneeded.. If that audience can handle violence. They can surely handle the sexuality. I'm confused our the cheer for violence and death in media, an flinch as sex. If it's an issue about consequences of the act. Consequences for violence are far more threatening than with sexuality.
I have a long memory. I'll be sure to remember this question for James. That one was for everyone, but I appreciate him taking his time to seriously ponder an answer.
My iTunes feed has been giving an error since last week and showing the little exclamation point next to the listing in my window. I was able to go to the iTunes store and subscribed to Super-Massive (which used to come through on this CV Podcast feed) as its own feed and it worked fine.
So something is screwed up on the CV or Apple side with this feed. But fortunately I downloaded the episode here. The ones with James are the best.
Honestly, I have no issue with Alex's statement. He simply doesn't want to be defined by only one of his qualities. He's not discriminating against mutants, just attempting to point out that alone doesn't define them.
That would be all well and good if that's what Havok said but the language Remender used implied something else. He said he wasn't connected to other mutants because he had an X-Gene. He referenced mutants as a cult. He said the word was divisive and that it represented everything he hated. We're not going to get past prejudice if we classify words that are used to describe any kind of minority as negative. Mutant isn't actually a bad word in the marvel universe either so it was just weird. Regardless though Alex's viewpoint is one that we see in reality and I thought seeing other mutants react to this arguably puppet spokeman's words would be very interesting. I was actually quite excited to see that.
Then I read Remender's comments and it was clear that he was totally unaware of how negatively Alex's position could be received and how unrealistic the character's view on labels actually is. I think it's sad too that he seems unwilling to listen to this critiscm. He was writing a scene about labels and the majority of people I've seen take issue with that scene and how it was worded are people that have to deal with labels on a regular basis. Even if the intention was to have to this affirmational scene about how people shouldn't be reduced to labels I maintain that's not what was on that page. Rather than ignoring this feedback if he runs with it I think we'll end up with a much more powerful story that might explore Alex's own prejudices towards himself for being different. That's something about the character that I remember from those Claremont back issues. He hated being a mutant and what that meant.
I also have a problem with the podcast in my android podcast app.
if I search for the podcast i find it but there are no episodes, but when i copy the rss link i get only the podcasts from 03/15/13 and 03/22/13. the new one isn't there and all the others are only 3 to 12 kb big.
Just for your information as I can listen to it here, but it would be nice to listen in my app again.
@g_man: Yeah the Super Massive podcast section works but when i click on the regular podcast section i get error '301'. The same error i got with the old Giant bomb podcast until they brought out their new one.
@mucklefluga: No idea. I've been working on trying to figure it out. The RSS/iTunes feed hasn't changed. The Super Massive podcast has its own feed and that's on iTunes from the other day. Dunno if it's just taking longer.
@solthesungod: I had to record in a different studio. I noticed that after editing. It shouldn't happen again.
No worries. These things happen. I was just worried there was something else wrong with my speakers because no one else mentioned it.
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