Richard Neal, Eisner Award-Winning owner of Zeus Comics had
this to say about H4H #13's cover at the YABS board at CBR:
"I own a comic book store.
I'm not comfortable putting this book on the shelf. Its not because any single thing on the cover is wholly offensive.
a) It's everything when taken in total from every image on the cover from submissive women to goo being dripped on exposed cleavage.
b) That its rated 9 and up.
c) That its established characters from a popular/familiar publisher.
Now we can argue whether "you" find it shocking , but its your opinion against mine. We can talk about the fact that female artist created the cover or that the inside content rectifies the misleading cover - but all of that is deflection. No one walking by the cover in my store will ever know either of these things.
What is true? I don't want to have it on the shelves for my 9-year-olds to see and I've had good friends say the same. I've asked Marvel for an alternate cover that I can put up.
If I do not get an alternate cover? Then I as a comic book store will buy only what I sell for subscription customers.
The cover is an embarrassment."I applaud Richard for demonstrating what
real candor is. It's not excuses, rationalizations, backing and filling, and deflection. It's stating your principles out loud.
Good on you, Richard. I hope other retailers follow your example.
Info about Zeus Comics can be found at:
zeuscomics.com
Anyone not in Dallas can still shop Richard's store by ordering by mail!
http://www.zeuscomics.com/checklist.lasso
I urge EVERYONE wanting to support Richard to spread this info far and wide!
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bluecanarykit (who is going to get her Prickle!)
