A bit from an old comic book controversy
A little under two months ago, DC Comics' attempt to do an artist talent search got overshadowed by a controversy when it turned out that the try-outs showed the main character, Harley Quinn, trying to kill herself. While naked in a hot tub. That didn't go over well. When the writer of the script said that the scene was intended as a tongue-in-cheek, over-the-top meta commentary, people still weren't amused. Especially because the script was released during the National Suicide Prevention Week (which was purely the case of bad timing, but honestly - somebody in DC's chain of command should've noticed).
At the time, the fandom responded with parody renditions. But there were artists who decided to take the assignment seriously. And because I'm subscribed to DeviantArt's ComicFemales group, I got a number of the try-out panels on my DeviantWatch feed.
Taking the controversy aside for a moment, it's interesting how different artists interpret the same script - and how their individual sensibilities about depicting women in comics affects the art.
Harley Quinn test page 15 by ~MatiasSoto on deviantART
Harley Quinn - DC comics by ~donnyg4 on deviantART
Harley Quinn by *RodGallery on deviantART
Harley Quinn #0 Page 15 (DC Open Talent Search) by ~Nezotholem on deviantART
Harley Quinn #0 by ~ExecutiveOrder9066 on deviantART
Harley Quinn Tryout Page by *Dave-Acosta on deviantART
I do hope that, if DC Comics ever decides to try something like this again, it will offer something that isn't all but guarenteed to raise a few eyebrows.
At the time, the fandom responded with parody renditions. But there were artists who decided to take the assignment seriously. And because I'm subscribed to DeviantArt's ComicFemales group, I got a number of the try-out panels on my DeviantWatch feed.
Taking the controversy aside for a moment, it's interesting how different artists interpret the same script - and how their individual sensibilities about depicting women in comics affects the art.
Harley Quinn test page 15 by ~MatiasSoto on deviantART
Harley Quinn - DC comics by ~donnyg4 on deviantART
Harley Quinn by *RodGallery on deviantART
Harley Quinn #0 Page 15 (DC Open Talent Search) by ~Nezotholem on deviantART
Harley Quinn #0 by ~ExecutiveOrder9066 on deviantART
Harley Quinn Tryout Page by *Dave-Acosta on deviantART
I do hope that, if DC Comics ever decides to try something like this again, it will offer something that isn't all but guarenteed to raise a few eyebrows.