Geoff: Please Address Alex Ross's Comments Regarding Obsidian

[Joey Wilson]

Alex Ross's comments about Obsidian in his interview with Wizard Magazine smack of thinly veiled homophobia. Even worse, he claims to be speaking for you. This is completely unacceptable.

I've already filed a complaint with GLAAD (Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) about Ross's comments. I will continue to contact the gay press and I'm in the beginning stages of organizing a letter-writing campaign to DC about this issue.

You have the power to reign in Ross and reassure your readers. As a fan and as a gay person, I respectfully request that you address this issue as soon as possible.

[Jake1823]

Why should Geoff have to comment about this? Ross used his name unwillingly, and now Geoff has to make a statement? Geoff shouldn't have any obligations in this.

[Joey Wilson]

If Geoff remains silent, he's implying that Ross is accurate in speaking for him and his feelings of Obsidian's recent handling as "molesting."

[Terry Sloane]

Alex Ross's comments about Obsidian in his interview with Wizard Magazine smack of thinly veiled homophobia. Even worse, he claims to be speaking for you. This is completely unacceptable. I've already filed a complaint with GLAAD (Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) about Ross's comments. I will continue to contact the gay press and I'm in the beginning stages of organizing a letter-writing campaign to DC about this issue. You have the power to reign in Ross and reassure your readers. As a fan and as a gay person, I respectfully request that you address this issue as soon as possible.

Joey Wilson

What did Ross say? I don't read Wizard.

[Bruiser]

If Geoff remains silent, he's implying that Ross is accurate in speaking for him and his feelings of Obsidian's recent handling as "molesting."

Joey Wilson

That's really not fair. If Ross had used the phrase "molesting" in reference to a hetero character would you still see it as homophobic? Just to clarify as well my problem with Ross's comments lie more in the fact that he's openly dissing Marc.

[glguardian]

The last character I’m noticing on the cover of Justice Society of America #1 is Obsidian because you get a table of all these other characters you get to do in full, and all you get to draw for him is his floating eyes. Will you ever draw the full Obsidian? ROSS: I have no idea. I don’t know that that would be the case. Obsidian being put into the JSA is a lot like—and I’m speaking for Geoff here, which he may not agree with—but it’s him grabbing a character that’s just going to get molested further in other writer’s hands. So he’s grabbing him and putting him in the group so he at least can be shepherding this character that belongs in this association. Maybe he’ll make sure that no other writers get any “fun, creative” ideas with him.

Here is the quote.

[Jake1823]

If Geoff remains silent, he's implying that Ross is accurate in speaking for him and his feelings of Obsidian's recent handling as "molesting."

Joey Wilson

No, YOU'RE implying that. Geoff saying nothing may just mean he doesn't want to get involved.

[Joey Wilson]

What did Ross say? I don't read Wizard.

Terry Sloane

The last character I’m noticing on the cover of Justice Society of America #1 is Obsidian because you get a table of all these other characters you get to do in full, and all you get to draw for him is his floating eyes. Will you ever draw the full Obsidian? ROSS: I have no idea. I don’t know that that would be the case. Obsidian being put into the JSA is a lot like—and I’m speaking for Geoff here, which he may not agree with—but it’s him grabbing a character that’s just going to get molested further in other writer’s hands. So he’s grabbing him and putting him in the group so he at least can be shepherding this character that belongs in this association. Maybe he’ll make sure that no other writers get any “fun, creative” ideas with him.

http://www.wizarduniverse.com/magazi.../002614557.cfm

[Impulse]

What did Ross say? I don't read Wizard.

Terry Sloane

I have no idea. I don’t know that that would be the case. Obsidian being put into the JSA is a lot like—and I’m speaking for Geoff here, which he may not agree with—but it’s him grabbing a character that’s just going to get molested further in other writer’s hands. So he’s grabbing him and putting him in the group so he at least can be shepherding this character that belongs in this association. Maybe he’ll make sure that no other writers get any “fun, creative” ideas with him.

Alex Ross

From his interview at Wizard Universe.

[LouieAussie1973]

I can understand your feelings, considering the fact i am gay and a HUEG fan of Obsidian. I am not happy either but i think we maybe overreacting.

Let's just wait and see what Geoff has to say before we do something

[imarriedsatanII]

How about a nice refreshing watermelon break?

[Ramon]

Why should Geoff have to comment about this? Ross used his name unwillingly, and now Geoff has to make a statement? Geoff shouldn't have any obligations in this.

Jake1823

I will be happy with Geoff stating that he is going to continue to develop the character of Obsidian in the path that Andreyko started. He does not need to mention Alex Ross at all.
Ignoring that Obsidian is gay and in a healthy relationship while every year or so the other members of the JSA get an exposure of their personal life will simply be wrong. I know with a team book, there is not enough room to develop every character family, but in the previous tittle, everynow and then we saw glimpses of Dr. Mid-nites, Courtney's or Jakeem's family. I ask nothing more for Todd.

[glguardian]

I would like Geoff to comment on it, but I don't think he would need/have to. More to the point I think Alex Ross just needs to stop spouting off over things he has no control over.

[ConnorFan]

I'm kinda hoping that Ross will just say he is sorry about the comment, maybe offer to do some pieces for a gay rights charity. I dont think it needs to get too big. For all we know he could have been misquoted, or was mistakenly thinking of another character. It's unlikely but possible. I'd hate to see tension between the creative team if this was somehow a mistake.

Should it be looked into? Yes. But I'd hold off demanding that anyone take any action at this point.

[Impulse]

No, YOU'RE implying that. Geoff saying nothing may just mean he doesn't want to get involved.

Jake1823

But by not addressing it, he's allowing that statement to stand.

[flamebird*]

How about a nice refreshing watermelon break?

imarriedsatanII

Well, that's sort of Fabulous, isn't it?