Russel Dauterman removed/hid his twitter and Instagram post about his X-Men of Apocalypse variant cover.
It's a fucking shame that it's seen as perfectly okay to harass, send death threats, and try to have artists and creative teams fired over a ship you hate.
It's so completely childish.
The cover will still see print and be purchased and collected. The only thing this harassment has done is to, once again, show how absolutely immature, ill-mannered, and unlikable that other fanbase is.
*Tagged as mature due to the topic of death threats and suicide*
So, for the past few weeks, I have been seeing more and more posts and/or comments from people on Tumblr, Twitter, Reddit and other social media sites for people who like certain characters or ships in the X-men/Marvel fandom to "kill themselves," among other rather hateful messages directed towards them. Now, while I myself have not seen such messages directed towards Omega Red and his fans (for which I am deeply thankful for our fortune thus far, it can change at any time), I have seen these messages directed towards many of my mutuals here who like other characters and ships in Marvel, and it has reached a point where I feel I cannot be silent on this matter any longer. My mutuals are my friends, they have supported me in many ways, encouraged me to express my own love of the characters I enjoy, have put up with my weirdness, and have had my back at every turn. So, just as they have my back, I have theirs. To quote one of my favorite lines from the Lord of the Rings appendices about the hatred currently being directed towards my mutuals: "This cannot be borne." You attack one of us, you attack us all.
To those so-called "fans" who are writing such hateful and ugly messages on their accounts: just who do you think you are? What right do you have to call for the actual death of real people over their love of certain fictional characters and their fictional relationships? This is abhorrent behavior plain and simple. No one should be bullying other people and certainly never to the extreme of demanding death no matter the cause. These are real people, human beings you are threatening. Where is your compassion? Your empathy? Your ability to see others as equals and as fellow humans and fans of these characters? Clearly, you lost it somewhere along the way.
Many of these accounts -- I do note with a great deal of irony -- are fans of heroic characters or ships. I ask those fans: does being a fan of a more "heroic" character put you above reproach? That you are unable to ever be at fault because you chose to like a hero over a villain? Or like a ship you don't see as "problematic?" Do you think that makes your actions excusable? That you and the characters and ships you like are inherently better just because they happen to be the popular ones/heroes? If you sincerely believe that, then I am very disappointed in you. You do not truly understand what it means to be a hero or follow along the tenants that the characters you follow and love actually try to practice. Perhaps it is time to take a real good look at yourself and ask if the heroes you love and claim to support would support the hate you spread in their name. Knowing these heroes and what they stand, fight for, and believe in, I know what the answer would be. Do you?
In the case of X-men characters specifically, the entire message of that section of Marvel Comics is a message that asks for tolerance. Understanding of the minority and acceptance of others because of the differences they have. There is an understanding that mutants and humanity are not a monolith, and it is our differences that make us stronger. Allow us to see things from a different point of view. Challenge us. It's the same for the fandom. We are not a monolith, nor should we try to be. We all have our own tastes. Likes and dislikes. Things that attract us to one character over another. And people should not be hated, feared and bullied with death threats because of who they happen to like and connect to.
And I know what some out there are thinking. There is that hatred and disgust towards anyone would choose to like these characters and ships, asking: "Why them? Why these characters and relationships?" And I will tell you this: the things you hate and view as wrong with these characters and ships? Those things "fans" like you spout off as the reasons why people like these things? That is NOT why these fans like the ships and characters they do.
Speaking as an Omega Red fan, I know that there are people out there who dislike him. They have certain views about his character because he is a villain. But I still enjoy him as a character IN SPITE OF his flaws and worst traits. Why? Because I see a different side. I look deeper than surface level to see a human being in this fictional character, that human reminding me much of myself. I relate to his struggles. In Omega Red, I see a man who has been abused by the world at every turn, rejected by his family, society, and country because of what his mutant powers made him become. I saw a man trapped trying to chase for things he was never allowed to attain: a normal life. During the lowest part of my life thus far, I related strongly to his struggles and story -- looked forward to his appearances month to month in the Krakoa era -- because I related to Omega Red and his journey far more than I did any hero before or since. At that time, I was on the outside looking in at life. Left dreaming about a "someday" when my life wasn't so awful. And I found a character who best represented those real-life struggles I had. And I saw -- for once -- his life getting better. His journey as a character gave me hope that if his life -- as awful as it had been -- could actually get better, then mine could too. I just needed to hold on just a little bit longer. And I am in a much better place now because of that. Because I connected with the personal story of a villain over that of a hero.
Now, not everyone has a story like mine, and they don't have to. Everyone has a valid reason for liking the characters and ships that they do. They see something there that makes these characters and ships special to them. That they deeply relate to and oftentimes will never be comfortable with speaking out loud due to how personal those stories are. I ask that you try to understand that. Understand that these people you are interacting with are just that: PEOPLE. Real flesh and blood humans who have their own fears. Dreams. Desires. Hopes for life and parts of stories that they relate to and connect with over others. We are all different and do not look at these stories, characters, and dynamics in the same way. This is an art medium and, as such, is one open to quite a vast array of interpretation. It is NEVER right to dehumanize the people on the other side of your screen for the things they like. You don't know their stories, you don't know why they like the things they do, and speaking from ignorance makes you look exactly like the enemies that heroes like the X-men fight and oppose. You fear what you do not understand.
So if there is anything I want anyone reading this to take away from this essay it's this: stop spreading hate. Stop calling for death towards those who are different and who like different things. Educate yourself on these characters and ships. Try to approach these subjects through the lens of understanding and wanting to understand. I know it can be hard, but I sincerely ask that you try. Try to see that there is nothing that makes us different from you -- it's only in how our tastes are expressed that make us different.
And if you can't bring yourself to look deeper because of your hatred and disgust? Then I ask that you at the very least stop posting and commenting such hate. There are valid reasons for disliking any character or ship -- and there are places and times for such discourse -- but these messages my mutuals have been receiving aren't arguments or valid reasonings for disliking things, they're threats that can deeply affect the mental health of real people who use these stories as escapes from the harshness of reality. The world is cruel and difficult enough as it is. Must you make it harder?
To my mutuals: I stand with you. I support you. If there is ever anything any of you ever need, never hesitate to reach out. I'll do what I can to help you no matter what it is you're going through. And I extend this message to anyone else who is not a mutual of mine but who has similarly been threatened for the things they enjoy: you are not alone, and I stand with you.
Please, let us make the Marvel and X-men fandoms more positive places and at least accept fans of all characters and ships as equally valid in their own unique ways.
Disclaimer: Wrote this with old man Logan in mind, so if you ain’t into that ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Notes: Requested by @too-many-baes ! Thank you for the request 🙏🏻 I’ve never wrote for Logan before but I had fun and hopefully I didn’t do too bad 👀
Logan let out a long sigh as he claimed a seat at the counter. It’d been a long day, and he needed nothing more than a moment of relaxation. Which to him, meant a cold beer and a cigar. He placed one between his lips before going for his lighter, and after a few moments of searching he cursed to himself.
“Fuck me.” He grumbled. Of course he left it behind, just his luck. As the mutant was about to place the wrap back into it’s box, the small flicker of a flame caught his eye, inches away, followed by a voice.
“When and where?” It asked cheekily as his eyes slowly worked their way to the source, along with raised brows. There you held the match out for him, a sly smile played your lips as he let out a soft grunt...or perhaps a laugh?
His hand went up to cup the flame. And after successfully lighting the cigar, he raised it in the air, a means of saying thanks. “So you just carry those around on you?” He questioned after taking a puff, choosing to disregard your inquiry.
“No.” you replied innocently through a hushed laugh “but I know that the fuel from a lighter can affect the taste of a cigar, so.” Your shoulders shrugged and his eyes followed as you worked the taps behind the counter. “Oh?” He huffed, raising an inquisitive brow “and what else do you know?”
“Well...” You chirped matter-of-factly “I also know that a certain someone comes in almost every night and likes their pilsner fresh in a dimpled mug. This ones on the house, you look like you need it.” Your once sweet smile faded into that of a complacent grin as said drink was placed before the older man.
“So you’ve been watching me?” He questioned, both brows raised ever so slightly in astonishment before lifting the glass and taking a quaff. “Can you blame me?” You shot back, scanning his features before locking with hazel orbs “...It’s hard not to.” The last bit was mostly to yourself, but he definitely heard it.
The awkward clearing of his throat broke the eye contact “So, you’re sweet enough to memorize peoples drinks and make’em free? How often you do that? Bound to be bad for business.” He asked sternly, intending to cut the childish game you two had been playing up until this point.
But you had other plans. “Only for the ones I like....so once.” You stated, sealing it with a wink as a laugh escaped your lips.
His constant dismissal of your advances wasn’t hard to miss but you could tell he wasn’t completely against them either, and even played along a little. It’s just Logan couldn’t wrap his head around why you would want to flirt with him. Surely there was someone more deserving. Someone....younger?
He was lost in thought, occasionally taking a swig of his still fresh drink as his brain tried to work it out. Your voice was the only thing that caught his attention “So” you started, curiosity getting the best of you “What’s your story?” This had been the goal at first, you were genuinely interested and wanted to learn more about him.
Logan let out a puff of air, his head shaking side to side “I would need a lot more beer to barely even begin that.” His shut off nature only fueled you “That could be arranged. How about I join you on the other side of this counter sometime and you can tell me all about it over another drink?” His eyes fixed on you for a moment, as if he was waiting for you to crack and finally tell him that this was all a joke and send him on his way.
But the genuine look in your eyes made it clear that wasn’t going to happen “Listen sweetheart, the flirting was cute and all but I’m too old for this shit. Too old for you, and I’m sure you’d much rather spend your time with someone younger.” Logan felt confident in his words and downed the last of his beer victoriously.
It was true, he was on the older side, but you’d be lying if you said you didn’t like a bit of salt and pepper. Older men were more experienced and mature, and when compared to people your age the choice was clear.
“I don’t mind” was all that came out of your mouth, that innocent smile finding its way back to your lips. It was starting to get to him, that damned smile. You worked it so perfectly, and he began to hate that it was growing on him, that you were growing on him.
“I’m getting the feeling you won’t take no for an answer but unfortunately I’m all out of time” He said while checking the watch on his wrist and removing himself from the seat beneath him.
“So do we have a deal?” You asked eagerly, eyeing the man as he walked towards the door.
“Maybe” Logan replied with a dismissive wave of his hand, the smoke from his cigar now fading with the cool autumn breeze. It was only when he went for his keys that he noticed the folded napkin that snuck it’s way into his coat pocket. Carefully unraveling the folds he chuckled at the messy ink which contained a number and simply read “I’m free Tuesday nights -Y/N ;)”
It looked like Logan had no choice, and was actually eager to share a drink with you....though he’d never admit it.
Be sure to check out @cherikbigbangandbingo :0 the wonderful hosters of the event (they also have all the works posted so far in one convenient place!)
Two weeks ago, I met the beautiful mademoiselle @lifeseverchanging, in her town. My first meetup with a Romy pal!
We spent two days drinking coffee, eating delicious food, getting lost finding a botanic garden. And yakking about the heroes who brought us together: Remy ’n’ Rogue 4eva. AND . . .
Yessir, I made my Tumblr avatar a tattoo, above my right elbow. My very first tattoo!
. . . And so did @lifeseverchanging . . . not of a speech bubble, but a sneaky little girl, like her own kitties; Remy’s kitties; and the kitty heroine who persuaded her into the comicbook shop, where she first discovered X-men Gold #30! (See the resemblance?)
Since 2017, @lifeseverchanging and I have been chatting, by Slack and by phone, and by virtue of our other Romy friends (you know who you are) who made an incredible community for strangers to become real-life friends. During a tough year, I’m grateful for this. My tattoo is a reminder to me of how good we’ve been, even if we all scatter one day.
@lifeseverchanging, it was a total pleasure to meet you IRL and learn that you’re even more hilarious, kindhearted, bodacious, and fun than you already are online. Meeting you gives me hope. Let’s be Best Rubes Forever.
Sometimes I wish I had gotten into X-Men earlier, instead of in 2018 when my friend got me to watch First Class and I fell in love with the characters all over again. Coming in at the tail end of the fandom is a bit heartbreaking. I see people finally parting with characters or those who were fading finally breaking off. I suppose there’s the Cherik renewal, and I’m excited to see where the fandom goes post-Dark Phoenix, but it truly feels like the end of an era.
With that being said, I really loved every second of being here.
