DC Releases Script for Harley Quinn Contest, Internet Outraged
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![]() Unsurprisingly, DC didn't stop to think about the PR consequences of their actions. So, yesterday, we reported on DC's talent search for a new artist to draw a page of Harley Quinn #0. For all the flak we give DC, it seemed like a nifty idea to promote new talent, a novel concept considering how frequently DC drives its existing talent away. Anyways, we chalked the contest up as a win in DC's books and then moved on with our lives. Then DC released the script. For the record, this script was not initially included on DC's blog, or otherwise we might have taken a different take on things. Here it is in its entirety (Panel 4 bolded for emphasis):
Unsurprisingly, the Internet lost its shit over that last panel. From BleedingCool noting that DC wants its next artist to draw Harley Quinn naked to many on Twitter pointing out that DC was "sexualizing suicide", what could have been a fun contest turned into DC taking one on the chin....again. Before I go on, I want to stress that suicide is a pretty serious subject, one that affects plenty of people (especially online communities). Choosing this page (with no context to explain it) was a poor choice on DC's part. It turned what could have been a PR win into a PR fail that even has various creators (who usually shy away from beating up on DC) speaking out. While we here at the Outhouse have PhDs in Knee-Jerk Reactionary Science, the one good thing about missing the initial wave of controversy is that some context to the page was provided last night courtesy of co-writer Jimmy Palmiotti:
So, according to Palmiotti, Harley is complaining about what DC's writers might make her do in the comic series. It's a pretty humorous meta reference, doubly so in the light of DC's constant editorial interference and bizarre directions for its characters. It's entirely possible that the panel being depicted is Harley Quinn complaining about DC sexualizing her suicide. In light of yesterday's reaction to the panel, that's a little bit funny. I'll be honest, I'm not very familiar with how a comic writer instructs the penciller to layout and draw a comic. I feel this script would have benefitted from some context (to...you know, get the point across that this is Harley opining about what DC's creatives might to do to her), but to be frank, I don't know if that sort of detail is included in scripts or not. Much like the recent Superman/Wonder Woman and Lobo controversies, this is more of a case of poor PR rather than poor creative choices by the creators. I'm a firm believer that no topic should be off limits in humor, but it's important to 1) know your audience and 2) provide enough set up to successfully deliver the punch line. Harley Quinn's traditionally been associated with a darker brand of humor, and I don't think a topic like suicide would be off limits for her. And let's face it, a comic about Harley Quinn complaining about what DC's creative team might do to her sounds hilarious. DC should have just mentioned that beforehand. UPDATE: Here's a longer explanation from Palmiotti via his Facebook:
Written or Contributed by ThanosCopter READ THIS ARTICLE ON THE FRONT PAGE, HUMANS! |
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The internet lately is driving me crazy with all this nonsense of complaining and protesting. Things that should be a concern, no one wants to talk about. But put Ben Affleck as Batman and everybody gets a titty attack as if they saw someone punch a kangaroo in the ovaries. Is taking the joy away from harmless things the point of your being of existence? Then do the world a favor, and follow one of the panels in the Harley Quinn contest skits. And finally, for the love of Zeus all mighty, make sure you never ( And I do mean NEVER ) reproduce. |
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yeah about that...it's a twitter response, not a facebook conversation. It still exists. Nice try though. |
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Nagger, please. |
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Nothing, really, On the other hand, I doubt many public relations advisers would give DC a gold star for a week where they can be painted across the internet as being both anti-lesbian marriage and pro-naked psycho suicide! ![]() |
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