(no subject)
bluestalking disapproves of Aaron Diaz's superhero redesigns.
So a friend of mine tumblr'd these redesigns for five superheroes, and at first I was like, huh! Cool! And then I made the mistake of thinking about them too hard, so while I should be typing dissertation, I am going to quickly tell all of you what I think, which I know is vitally important.
1. Starfire
If your problem with Starfire's design is that it is completely impractical for a flying crime-fighting lady, why does your 'fix' include a miniskirt?
2. Dr. Strange
Okay, no pirate shirt. Just the most generic steampunk getup ever seen. The only thing that stands out about this is his hair.
3. Ms. Marvel
Oh yeah, it's definitely better to turn her into a faceless space waif than have her thighs showing. Don't get me wrong, I like the redesign outfit--star suit, A++. BUT NO FACE? LITTLE O MOUTH? The canon outfit is bad, but that is a COMPLETELY different character, posing with a completely different attitude. And do tell me why her backstory changes necessitate making her little and skinny and all sassy when, to my mind, the original is actually more empowering--you know, because she takes no shit, and has things like substantial breasts, and thighs that could crush an enemy. Presented correctly (DID YOU KNOW?), women characters with large breasts aren't SEXIST. They are REALISTIC.
Also eyes. In the original she has eyes.
4. Wonder Woman
Okay, no. This bothers me a lot. The more Grecian outfit? I dig it. But it's not 'one part Thor, three parts Xena.' What is 'three parts Xena' is, in fact...her original outfit. Zena adds: 1) shoulder pads, and 2) some leather mudflaps. Xena also: is not inexplicably a statue. Yes, I see your reasoning. I disagree with it. Because, first of all, glaze-eyed living statues are not that interesting. John in Watchmen is terrifying...but he's not a superhero you want to root for (uh, especially not as a feminist icon). Okay, okay. That one time when he's upset about maybe giving everyone cancer? That is interesting! But he's also not acting like a statue. The weeping angels in Doctor Who--okay, cool, but again, you wouldn't want them on your superteam long term. They'd just stand there. Occasionally relocate your teammates inconveniently. What I am saying is, bright-eyed, black-haired Diana is interesting and sexy and IS ALLOWED TO BE BOTH. Also: ALIVE.
Which brings me to my last problem with this redesign: the artist's removal of her whip, because it is too fetishistic. Um...what? First of all, it is sort of THE SYMBOL of her character. Second of all, I have no time for the length of rant that properly reiterates: WOMEN AND SEX ARE NOT BAD IF YOU ARE NOT BEING A JERK WHEN YOU WRITE ABOUT THEM. Why on earth shouldn't an Amazon's weapon be associated with her sexual prowess? AFTER ALL, MEN'S WEAPONS USUALLY ARE. And, second question, why exactly should that sexual prowess not include a little kink?
WILL IT RUIN OUR CHILDREN?
I just think that point is a little poorly considered.
5. Superman
First of all: you are putting a prime directive that includes not telling people he is an alien...on the planet where he lives. You are telling me your awesome fix is to make THE MOST MINOR MINORITY IN THE WORLD, THE MINORITY OF ONE PERSON...and to make them stay in the closet with everyone, forever, while fixing everyone else's problems.
My GOD, that is a horrible and depressing life you imagine for your little wonky space-shape. Poor little guy.
As for his outfit...Oh to hell with you. If you want to draw a character that is more ~like the people~, you don't make him wear something like that. That outfit would not inspire unity and hope. It would inspire a need to avoid his eyes because he is probably a street performer and you will hate what he is doing and anyway you need your change for coffee.
Context is flocked and QWP.
So a friend of mine tumblr'd these redesigns for five superheroes, and at first I was like, huh! Cool! And then I made the mistake of thinking about them too hard, so while I should be typing dissertation, I am going to quickly tell all of you what I think, which I know is vitally important.
1. Starfire
If your problem with Starfire's design is that it is completely impractical for a flying crime-fighting lady, why does your 'fix' include a miniskirt?
2. Dr. Strange
Okay, no pirate shirt. Just the most generic steampunk getup ever seen. The only thing that stands out about this is his hair.
3. Ms. Marvel
Oh yeah, it's definitely better to turn her into a faceless space waif than have her thighs showing. Don't get me wrong, I like the redesign outfit--star suit, A++. BUT NO FACE? LITTLE O MOUTH? The canon outfit is bad, but that is a COMPLETELY different character, posing with a completely different attitude. And do tell me why her backstory changes necessitate making her little and skinny and all sassy when, to my mind, the original is actually more empowering--you know, because she takes no shit, and has things like substantial breasts, and thighs that could crush an enemy. Presented correctly (DID YOU KNOW?), women characters with large breasts aren't SEXIST. They are REALISTIC.
Also eyes. In the original she has eyes.
4. Wonder Woman
Okay, no. This bothers me a lot. The more Grecian outfit? I dig it. But it's not 'one part Thor, three parts Xena.' What is 'three parts Xena' is, in fact...her original outfit. Zena adds: 1) shoulder pads, and 2) some leather mudflaps. Xena also: is not inexplicably a statue. Yes, I see your reasoning. I disagree with it. Because, first of all, glaze-eyed living statues are not that interesting. John in Watchmen is terrifying...but he's not a superhero you want to root for (uh, especially not as a feminist icon). Okay, okay. That one time when he's upset about maybe giving everyone cancer? That is interesting! But he's also not acting like a statue. The weeping angels in Doctor Who--okay, cool, but again, you wouldn't want them on your superteam long term. They'd just stand there. Occasionally relocate your teammates inconveniently. What I am saying is, bright-eyed, black-haired Diana is interesting and sexy and IS ALLOWED TO BE BOTH. Also: ALIVE.
Which brings me to my last problem with this redesign: the artist's removal of her whip, because it is too fetishistic. Um...what? First of all, it is sort of THE SYMBOL of her character. Second of all, I have no time for the length of rant that properly reiterates: WOMEN AND SEX ARE NOT BAD IF YOU ARE NOT BEING A JERK WHEN YOU WRITE ABOUT THEM. Why on earth shouldn't an Amazon's weapon be associated with her sexual prowess? AFTER ALL, MEN'S WEAPONS USUALLY ARE. And, second question, why exactly should that sexual prowess not include a little kink?
WILL IT RUIN OUR CHILDREN?
I just think that point is a little poorly considered.
5. Superman
First of all: you are putting a prime directive that includes not telling people he is an alien...on the planet where he lives. You are telling me your awesome fix is to make THE MOST MINOR MINORITY IN THE WORLD, THE MINORITY OF ONE PERSON...and to make them stay in the closet with everyone, forever, while fixing everyone else's problems.
My GOD, that is a horrible and depressing life you imagine for your little wonky space-shape. Poor little guy.
As for his outfit...Oh to hell with you. If you want to draw a character that is more ~like the people~, you don't make him wear something like that. That outfit would not inspire unity and hope. It would inspire a need to avoid his eyes because he is probably a street performer and you will hate what he is doing and anyway you need your change for coffee.
Context is flocked and QWP.