“My name is Mark Waid. I’m a New York Times-bestselling comics writer. In September of this year, I was sued by one of the perceived leaders of a relentless online harassment movement called “ComicsGate” which I and many comics professionals strongly feel has unfairly and offensively targeted women, people of color, and LGBTQ+ creators working in our industry in an effort to make them feel unwelcome. I firmly believe this lawsuit is an effort to silence those of us who stand up publicly against bigotry and racism and who continue to defend diverse creators from harassment.
Even though I am confident that the claims made against me are entirely without merit, lawsuits are time-consuming and very expensive. Still, I have never backed down from bullies, especially those who denigrate my friends, colleagues and the values our community stands for, and while I am not a rich man, you have my solemn promise that I will fight this fight no matter the personal cost.
But I’m going to need your help.
If you believe, as I do, that women and people of color deserve to be able to do their jobs—or any job—without being bullied, donate. Stand with me. If you believe that someone’s gender or sexual preference should have no bearing on the career they pursue, donate. Send that message.
This isn’t just about me; it’s about standing together in the face of bullying. Every day that we don’t push back against online harassment, it only becomes nastier and more powerful.
This is an important fight. Thank you for having my back.”
Please consider contributing, if you are able. Mark Waid is being targeted by a hate group that has infected the comics community in recent years. Whether or not you’re a fan of Mr. Waid’s work (which we very much are), this is despicable and wrong, and any bit of support helps!
He’s already reached his goal so it’s not necessary; however, he did say that his extra funding goes to charity, so you can donate if you still wish to.
Either way, here’s the long story short:
- Comicsgate and “Diversity and Comics”, who is an asshole who spends his days mocking and being offended by diversity in comics, made their own comic series.
- Certain comic book stores did not want to stock their comics due to the reputation of Comicsgate. They would order in if someone requested it, but they would not put it on the shelves.
- Many of these stores, being indie stores, were targeted by Comicsgate, threatening them, encouraging their followers to leave low reviews on their sites, basically bombard them with negativity for refusing to sell their comics.
- Mark Waid found out, called the publisher of said comic to ask them if they were aware of the behaviour of the creators of this comic and if they were aware of who they were doing business with (they technically never answered so he kind of just left voice mail).
- The publisher pulled out its contract with the Comicsgate creators.
- Comicsgate sued Mark Waid for sabotaging their business or w/e.
So yeah Mark Waid is totally worth supporting in this.
Click here to support Mark Waid’s Legal Defense Fund organized by Mark Waid
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