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DISNEY URGED TO SUE POLICE DEPTS WHO USE THE PUNISHER SKULL LOGO
This is comics blog, not a politics one. But sometimes the two are inextricably linked. In the wake of Disney - who own Marvel - very publicly stating it's intention to donate five million dollars to non-profit organisations that "advance social justice", beginning with a two million dollar donation to the N.A.A.C.P. (National Association for the Advancement of Coloured People, a long established civil rights organisation) many comics creators have called the company out on social media - writer Matt D. Wilson's response being typical:
We'd respectfully suggest that it is, without question, inappropriate for any organisation connected to law enforcement to adopt the symbol of a character whose whole MO is the ruthless murder of anyone he has determined is in the wrong. It surely sets the wrong tone to identify police officers with a character who kills without any regard for due process - or indeed, the actual law.
That said, it seems unlikely that most of the people in police departments have never read an issue of The Punisher and know nothing about the character - they just think that the logo looks cool and like the name.
That too, I'd suggest is problematic. For a start, it's a worry if the police think of themselves as "Punishers". That's not the job of the police, that's the job of the courts. If you go out on the streets thinking of yourself as somebody who punishes wrong-doers, that puts you in a mindset that people you meet are in some way an enemy. They'd do better to go back to the idea that the police exist "to protect and serve".
Also, in any event, always think twice before you adopt a skull as your logo. I refer you to the "are we the baddies" sketch from Mitchell and Webb:
So. Will Disney step in and sue? It's a tough call. There'd be a mixed reaction in terms of PR, one that would probably split along the already polarised lines of U.S. politics. It may well be a publicity hornets' nest that the House of Mouse is unwilling to poke.
However, as many comic creators have pointed out, Disney is extraordinarily protective of its intellectual property - they once threatened three daycare centres in Florida with legal action because they'd painted Disney characters on their walls without permission - so who can say?
SPIDER-MAN SHOWS UP AT NEW YORK PROTEST
Staying with the protests in the U.S. we meant to post this yesterday:
MARVEL TO RECAST TONY STARK?
It seems unthinkable, but it's being reported that Marvel Studios have plans to bring in a new, younger, Tony Stark in one of their forthcoming "Phase Four" movies.
More HERE.
IT'S PRIDE MONTH!
Today's social media profile pic features Kim Q and Kim D "The fighting Kims". Art by Eva Cabrera.
DIAMOND DELIVERY SCHEDULE TO END OF JUNE
We have previously announced that Diamond would be recommencing weekly deliveries from 20th May. As a result of various factors (their own warehouse capacity if they are to maintain social distancing and protect their staff, availability and cost of air freight and the need to be consistent) they have now revised and reduced this schedule. Deliveries will now re-start on Wednesday 27th May, and be fortnightly until the end of June, at which point they will reassess the situation.
The new schedule is as follows.
Wednesday June 10th Wednesday June 24th
What will actually be shipping on those dates is unclear at present. We'll keep you informed.
GRAPHIC NOVELS ON DEMAND SERVICE NOW ACTIVE
For various logistical reasons we don't list our range of graphic novels and trade paperbacks online. However, we are now able to offer an ordering service - just tell us what you want, either by e-mail, through our social media or using the form on our website (click HERE to go to the appropriate page), we'll send you an invoice and have your book (or books) shipped directly to your door. We can even have them gift-wrapped if you're sending them to somebody else. (Or if you just like unwrapping things...)
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COMIC CONTEST STILL ONGOING
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GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE ONLINE
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C.A.T.S. EYES
Another mid-eighties action detective show - following the activities of Covert Activities: Thames Section, a pseudo espionage investigation team masquerading as a firm of female private detectives. It's awesome nonsense.