So let’s go where this all started. The podcast called Scriptnotes included an interview with David S. Goyer – who is writer and producer on Sandman, writer on justice League, tapped for a Superman sequel.
Now having insulted a character that was popular, he then discussed the Martian Manhunter that led into a crude She-Hulk Joke, and insulted geeks by suggesting those who heard of the character were probably virgins.
As you may guess, people reacted to this mix of sexism, anti-geekery, and disrespect rather forcefully. Just a sample:
- There was an open letter to Goyer that noted he’s obviously ill-suited to write Wonder Woman. And probably anything else. With a bit of profanity.
- Aylssa Rosenberg weighed in on She-Hulk not being a male fantasy and covers the ground well.
- The host of Scriptnotes spoke out and admitted he was wrong – but he also wouldn’t discuss it again.
- Stan Lee clarified things – She-Hulk was meant to be smart, she wasn’t there as a sexual partner for the Hulk, and her build is really quite standard for super heroines.
- Gail Simone laid the smack down noting that people in comics could screw up a dream audience and that people need to stop projecting their sexual content among other things.
- Finally, the important note that this is a great time to make a She-Hulk movie
There’s a lot to learn here relating to geek citizenship ( as well as the general lesson of “don’t be an a-hole.”). Let’s break it down.