A reference to the Tea Party movement in a Captain America comic has caused members of the movement to cry foul -- and Marvel Comics to back off.
In "Two Americas, Part One," Captain America and a black superhero named The Falcon from New York City come across a rally of angry protesters in Idaho.
At one point the Falcon remarks to Captain America that they wouldn't be welcome in the mob of "angry white folks."
But what really stirred the dander of the real-life Tea Party movement was a sign carried by one of the protesters in the comic, reading "Tea Bag The Libs Before They Tea Bag YOU!"
"The Tea Party movement has been very reflective of broad concerns of all Americans," insisted Michael Johns, a board member of the Nationwide Tea Party Coalition, speaking to Fox News. "Membership is across ethnic, religious and even political lines."
Marvel Editor in Chief Joe Quesada defended the issue, but apologized for the appearance of the sign.
"There was zero discussion to include a group that looked like a Tea Party demonstration," he said, according to ComicBook.com. "There was no thought that it represented a particular group."
The writer of the comic, Ed Brubaker, told Fox News that he did not write the message on the sign.
"I don't know who did it, probably someone who thought it was funny," Brubaker wrote in an e-mail. "I didn't think so, personally. That's the sign being changed to something more generic for the trade reprint, because I and my editor were both shocked to see it."
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Captain America's Tea Party Dig Prompts Apology From Marvel Editor Joe Quesada
Rob Kuznia -- HispanicBusiness.com
Source: HispanicBusiness.com (c) 2010. All rights reserved
Total Comments: 5 | Pending Comments: 0
OldBluEyez1956
2/12/2010 3:31:19 PM PST
Trying to be a reflective cross section of America? Is he kidding? Since when is Palin reflective of America? $500,000 speaking fee? That's what the Tea baggers would spend my tax dollars on?
I hate the sign in the comic... but it is VERY reflective of this organizations desire to stymie free speech against anyone who does not agree with them. They are HARDLY an anti-tax movement! Just another hate group in the new wolf's costume.
hickryhawkins
2/12/2010 2:29:57 PM PST
I find it funny that no one takes a comic book serious until someones feelings get hurt? I've seen alot crazier things than that on real signs during any kind of protest. And seriously, anytime you use the word 'teabag' it's always gonna be hilarious!
Chumama
2/12/2010 1:17:41 PM PST
What happened to freedom of the press? What is there left to read now that the government has there hands in everything?! "I am not a number, I am a free man!" I am happy that our politicians actually take the time to read comic books. I was told when I was a kid, "Don't read comic books, they'll rot your brain!" Well hopefully it will rot the brains of those same politicians that took offense.
Bob Thomas
2/12/2010 12:34:14 PM PST
Only those in agreement find it witty, all else find it insulting and ignorant. The intent was obvious and is continuously represented similarly in the media, to paint the tea party movement as an "angry white mob." Should someone ever depict liberals as predominately gay, baby-killing anarchists, I am sure it would seem "witty as hell". Marvel has treated social issues with respect and all due sensitivity, through the riots and peace marches, Presidential crisis and "man-made" disasters. To allow this type of proselitizing demeans the art and is beneath MARVEL. Is this what we can expect now that Disney has a hand in Marvel?
arthurespino
2/12/2010 11:29:25 AM PST
Marvel you sorry sack! don't apologize. It was funny ans witty!
What happened to freedom of speech. WIMPS!
