June 27, 2003

Stupid British Comic Book Guy

I was enjoying this article by a comic-book-writer's preoccupation with the late Princess Di's "strange, mutant powers." But it is in the Guardian, so of course there was this bit near the end:

Being one of a small but influential bunch of British writers working in the very American world of comics and superheroes, it is nice to be able to inject something peculiarly British into the comic melting pot. In a sense, we're doing a public service, helping to drag some Americans out of their insularity.

Like an anchovy in a custard flan, it ruined the rest of the column for me. My mood of convivial amusement instantly changed to sour irritation at this example of, well, British insularity. Once again someone from across the big salty shows his blithe ignorance of the fifty states where his fellow comic artists probably get most of their income. I would like to say to this person -- one Peter Milligan -- that right off the top of my head the two comic book writers that I-- no huge comic afficionado -- can name are Allan Moore (V For Vendetta, hello?) and Neil Gaiman. They were British the last time I checked, though Gaiman at least now lives in the US. But I'd have to think a bit longer before I could name the American ones. But Americans are insular because, I can only guess, we made Moore's and Gaiman's names household words (at least in the comic world) instead of Milligan's. Winner of this Week's Honorary Ass Hat Award.

(Via Ghost of a Flea.)

Posted by Andrea Harris at June 27, 2003 12:38 PM
Comments

Relax. Peter Milligan's tongue never leaves his cheek. I reckon he was telling the Guardian reporters what they want to hear (given the themes of his comic, he knows a lot about that).

You want a real asshat, find some Pat Mills soundbites.

Posted by: Thad at June 27, 2003 at 01:25 PM

Excellent point. I was expecting enraged Diana fans so left out any witty commentary...

Posted by: Ghost of a flea at June 27, 2003 at 02:02 PM

I loved V for Vendetta! I actually bought two sets when it came out; one to read and one to collect. That was in my comic buying heyday.

Posted by: Jay Solo at June 27, 2003 at 02:03 PM

It doesn't read "tongue-in-cheek" to me, it merely looks awkward. It would work if there had been some reference to Americans in any other part of the article. As it is, the passage just looks as if it were dropped in there sans qualifiers. Perhaps I should have used the phrase "like a gumball in a quiche" instead to illustrate what effect it had upon me. I will give him the benefit of the doubt and speculate that maybe the editors got to the column and did some clumsy cutting.

Posted by: Andrea Harris at June 27, 2003 at 02:10 PM

I believe the Guardian has a rule that every story, article, or editorial has to take at least one shot at the US.

Posted by: Jeremy at June 28, 2003 at 11:38 PM