(*rant) What I'm about to present to you is an article I found in issue 67 of Wizard Magazine. After reading this article it gave me a better understanding of what it's like to be in Chad's shoes. I am not taking sides, I'm just offering a different perspective on things. This article is written by Ron Marz and is about the Green Lantern situation. However if you ignore these references and keep in mind the things Chad has had to deal with in regards to GBN\GBC maybe some of, I hope many of you, will see a different perspective.


" When I was tabbed as the new writer of Green Lantern in 1994, the plan called for getting rid of Hal Jordan as Green Lantern in favor of a younger ring-slinger. This envisoned as something different from the “death” of Superman or the breaking of Batman, this was permanent.

And boy, did we piss off a fair share of old-time readers in the process.

Even though it was a decision originating in DC editorial, it was my name in the credits. And even though I had a fondness for Hal's character, after some inital misgivings, I believed the new direction was the right decision. So I was perfectly willing to stand up and take my share of the expected heat. It was just the intensity of the heat that was unexpected.

I've always regarded change as good, as necessary. Without change, especially in a creative realm, we stagnate. But some fans didn't want to change. Their attachment with to Hal was passionate, to say the least. They took Hal's fate personally, like he was a member of the family. I was surprised at such a volatile reaction to something that…well, wasn't real. Despite the “new” Green Lantern's success, the outcry never quiets in some quarters: bring back Hal, get rid of Marz, fire the editor.

Angering readers isn't necessarily a bad thing. You're pressing the audience's buttons, generating an emotional response because of something you simply made up. That's one of the greatest satisfactions a writer can have. It means you've done your job:you've made people care.

I'd rather be vilified than ignored, but I've never written anything to intentionally anger readers. That's for Green Lantern or any of the other books I've written. The choices I make are dictated by my story sense, my views of what makes good drama and what I think best serves the characters. And yes, sometimes those choices anger fans.

So how do you deal with them? Generally, I and most othe creators don't. This isn't like playing for the Yankees, where fans can voice their displeasure over your latest batting slump because they come to your place of work. There aren't any jeering crowds in my office. Other than infrequent online exchanges and occasional conversation appearances, there's not a great deal of direct fan interaction. Those instances where I have had an exchange with an irate fan, I've had to to explain why I did what I did. And in alot of cases, the explanation falls on deaf ears. Incensed readers don't want an intelligent discussion, they want you to fall on your knees, admit the error of your ways and beg forgiveness. You can't win. And you can't allow yourself to be swayed by what the readers want; you can't prostitute your craft.

Ultimately, what it all means is….nothing. In the larger scheme of things, what I or anybody else in this industry does is diverson. It's entertainment, and with few exceptions, that's all it is. Once in a while, a Dark Knight Returns, or a From Hell, or a Maus is created, and we can all be proud. But first and foremost, comics aspire to give readers a 20 minute ride. Our art form is designed to entertain, and as such, it pales in comparison to real-world concerns. AIDS. Rain forest depletion. The Homeless. Animal cruelty. Pick your cause.

My point here is that those are the things that should anger us or fire our passions, not the “lives” of comic book heros. I don't mean to say comics are meaningless. Everyday I pursue my profession with as much energy and enthusiasm as I can muster. The fans pursue their hobby with a zeal that should flatter those of us lucky enough to be creators. But we shouldn't lose perspective. We shouldn't let comics take the place of the things that matter.

If a book consistently angers or fails to entertain you, you don't have to read it. If you don't like Green Lantern, though I hope you do, there are worse things you can do with the $1.75 than give it to a homeless shelter. If you don't like what Captian America has turned into (get in line), give your $1.95 to a soup kitchen.

Don't lose sight of what's really important."

ProtonPack666
If a book consistently angers or fails to entertain you, you don't have to read it. If you don't like Green Lantern, though I hope you do, there are worse things you can do with the $1.75 than give it to a homeless. If you don't like what Captian America has turned into (get in line), give your $1.95 to a soup kitchen.

Don't lose sight of what's really important."

Yeah, what's really important is getting Green Lantern back to $1.75, instead of the $2.95 they ask for. :p

I agree with many of the itlasiczed and bold items in that article and I can really see how that situation is similar. You have a guy trying to do his best with a character who has history and when you try to initiate change, your either damned if you do and damned if you don't. As for the caring about other things, true. It's been mentioned before that people's lives do not have to revolve around a message board and I think that last part of the article explains it neatly.

So I have a riddle for you: Why are Proton and an Oar so much alike? They both have a bow to take.

CJ
So I have a riddle for you: Why are Proton and an Oar so much alike? They both have a bow to take.

(^_^) Thanks for the positive feedback CJ. To me when I read this article alot of things in here seemed like things Chad was trying to convey but had a harder time doing considering he not only had to explain himself but defend himself at the same time. Keep in mind I'm not saying that is 100% exactally what is flowing through Chad's brain, only my interpretation of what he has tried on countless times to express.

Im must say ProtonPack666 that was quite an insight into another persons life. in addition if others bother to pay full attention to your full post they may share that insight as well and look at things from his shoes instead of standing in his place. alot of lifes decisions arent easy. life isnt always fair to you. but when it comes down to it, if you love something and want to share it with he world you god damn do it. I love making people laugh. and i do it every morning from 530AM to 9am weekly. so looking at it that way at another mans passion its highly understandable to me. and sure, for the record a few of people dont like what i play and mostly what i have to say alot of the time. they find it disgusting, rude and vulgar. Ive even been called the “howard stern of canada”. and i dont know if thats a compliment or an insult. but not everyone has to love you and what you do with your life to make life worth living. but theres always that group, large or small that looks up to you, appreciates what you do and thanks you for expressing yoiur passion for just the reason of “because i can and do”.
im gone.

im a huge stern fan back and I know sterns show, and no offense but you sir are no howard stern.

Can we say “Brown-noser?”

-Matt

Sure you can.

Sorry, it was an RGB reference, and I had to add to it.

Vego I highly suggest that you stay on topic, and for the record these were from hate/love emails from local listeners. I appreciate your input but off topic (once again (*egon) ) i do not relate myself to any well knowns & has beens or fictional characters in any way shape or form. now if anyone contines to reply to this most exellent thread do so but stay on topic, thanks.
im gone.

venkmanfan49
Can we say “Brown-noser?”

-Matt

Not really. But I can say that your accusation is pretty biased. Do not demean the main focus of this thread Matt.

Not really. But I can say that your accusation is pretty biased. Do not demean the main focus of this thread Matt.

Oh really. How exactly is my opinion biased? The main focus of this thread then…ok. Here goes, back on topic:

“Oh Chad I love you so much. Here I'm going to post this so you will hopefully one day make me a mod. Thanks. You have to go through some really hard stuff. I'm sorry, hopefully this will make you feel better and one day make me a mod.”

Main focus found.

-Matt