Sure! Let’s dive into this article in true comedic style, with a mix of sharp wit and observational humor reminiscent of Jimmy Carr, Rowan Atkinson, Ricky Gervais, and Lee Evans. Here we go:
Spirou’s Unintentional Dive into Cancel Culture
Well, folks, it seems that Editions Dupuis have decided to pull their latest comic, Spirou et la Gorgone bleue, off the shelves faster than I can count the number of characters who resemble my last Tinder date! Nothing like a good old-fashioned controversy to remind us all that art, much like our pants after a buffet, can sometimes stretch the boundaries a bit too far!
Published just last year, this little gem sold over 30,000 copies. That’s a big audience for a comic about a red-haired, spiffy little bellboy navigating a world filled with Gorgons—who, let’s be honest, could probably use a good therapist! Because if anyone needs to unwind after all the petrifying incidents, it’s definitely them. But I digress…
The Biting Issue
Now, the meddling malcontents of the internet decided it was time to have their say about the portrayal of women and characters of color in this comic. Social media has become the new courtroom, where accusations fly faster than I can say "need a new joke!" And, just like that, Dupuis found itself in a pickle, hastily announcing the withdrawal of the comic faster than Spirou could dodge a Gorgon’s gaze!
In their press release—because naturally, nothing says “we’re sorry” like a formal statement—they insisted that there was no intention to “shock or hurt anyone.” Which is odd, considering the last time I downed a pint of milk, it did exactly that! But hey, they’re acknowledging their misstep like kids at a primary school dance, shuffling awkwardly and hoping nobody notices their lack of rhythm.
Moral Responsibility…or Is It?
Dupuis declared it was their “moral duty” to withdraw the work. Now there’s a phrase you don’t hear every day! If only we had the same moral compass for other pressing matters. “Sorry, that’s a bit too provocative,” they said. That statement feels a bit like an overzealous parent who just found out their kid has a questionable TikTok account—“Oh dear God, what are the neighbors going to say?!”
But let’s be real; we’ve all seen those moments in comics or films where someone’s thought process goes off the rails. They call it ‘artistic liberty’, but liberty can go right out of the window when you find yourself at the receiving end of an online backlash. Suddenly, it isn’t artistry at work; it’s akin to that time I tried to impress my friends with my cooking and they all ended up ordering a pizza instead!
Social Media: The New High Court
The internet’s reaction was like a hyperactive squirrel on espresso—quick and shockingly critical! Must be tough being an artist these days: one minute you’re drawing your dream comic, and the next, you’re being dragged by a social media mob that’s equipped with pitchforks and memes aplenty! That’s one way to forge an online career—find one mistake, and you’ll get scrutinized like you’re auditioning for a role in a horror film.
In conclusion, it’s a clear reminder that in the world of creativity, what might seem harmless to one could trigger the next generation’s moral outrage. So, are we going to see more publishers going “Oops! Our bad!” in the coming days? Perhaps we should all start preparing for a world where comics are subtitled with disclaimers like, “Caution: may cause outrage among misguided social media warriors”!
Until then, let’s keep a close eye on the world of comics—and remember: always read the fine print, folks. Because sometimes, the story changes quicker than the phases of a Gorgon!
There you have it! A cheeky yet insightful commentary on Spirou et la Gorgone bleue with a blend of humor and sharp observations.
Editions Dupuis have decided to withdraw from sale the album “Spirou et la Gorgone bleue”, published last year, due to a controversy over the graphic representation of women and characters of color. Article reserved for subscribers Head of the Culture department By Daniel Couvreur Published on 10/31/2024 at 5:24 p.m. Reading time: 1 min
Work of Yann and Dany, Spirou and the Blue Gorgon has sold more than 30,000 copies since its release in 2023. A year later, social networks were ignited upon rereading the work: sexist representations of women, racist caricatures of people of color… heavy accusations which led Dupuis editions to decree, on Thursday, urgently, to withdraw the album from sale and to pound stocks.
At Dupuis, a press release came to confirm that no one, neither the authors nor the publisher, had the intention “to shock or hurt anyone” but that we must hear and understand the reactions of Internet users. Consequently, the publishing house considered it its “moral duty” to take responsibility “for withdrawing the work from sale”, assuming an “error of assessment” in the choice to publish an album out of step with “ the evolution of comics and society”.
This article is reserved for subscribers
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Dupuis comics
**Interview with François Dupuis, Comic Publisher at Editions Dupuis**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, François! Quite a whirlwind surrounding the withdrawal of *Spirou et la Gorgone bleue* from shelves. What kicked off the decision for such a drastic move?
**François Dupuis:** Thank you for having me! Well, let’s just say that social media is now the new version of a live studio audience—one wrong move, and you’re booed off stage! The reactions to the comic regarding its portrayal of women and characters of color went viral, and we felt it was our responsibility to respond to our readers’ concerns.
**Interviewer:** It sounds like a classic case of being caught in the eye of a social media storm. How did you feel reading those reactions online?
**François Dupuis:** Like most publishers, I’m passionate about the stories we produce, but reading those critiques was a bit like checking your bank account after a holiday—surprising and slightly panic-inducing! We never intended to hurt anyone, but we must acknowledge the power of diversifying voices.
**Interviewer:** Absolutely, it must be a delicate balance. Some might argue this is part of a broader trend—how do you view the relationship between art and accountability in today’s climate?
**François Dupuis:** It’s a tightrope walk! Art is meant to provoke thought, but it shouldn’t be at the expense of perpetuating negative stereotypes. We’ve got to evolve. Much like I try to enhance my father’s cooking—he still thinks cheese and chocolate belong on the same plate!
**Interviewer:** (laughs) Classic dad move. With the withdrawal now officially recorded in comic history, what’s next for Editions Dupuis? Will we see a shift in the way you approach future comics?
**François Dupuis:** A huge shift, yes. We’re steering our narratives with increased sensitivity and inclusiveness. It’s like a new recipe—sometimes, you add a little more salt, sometimes, you adjust for taste. We want to ensure our comics resonate with everyone while still retaining their charm and humor.
**Interviewer:** That’s a commendable approach! As a final question, if you could sum up this experience in one quirky French phrase, what would it be?
**François Dupuis:** “Il faut tourner la page!”—You have to turn the page! In this case, literally and metaphorically. It’s all about learning and moving forward, while always keeping a keen eye on the next panel!
**Interviewer:** Well said! Thank you, François, for your insights. We look forward to seeing how Editions Dupuis evolves and what’s next in your story!
**François Dupuis:** Thank you! Let’s hope the next chapter is filled with heaps of creativity and laughter—without the social media pitchforks this time!
