Some people just have issues, others have a hold box.
Holy crap, I just got linked on When Fangirls Attack for my comments on the Superhero Bratz Babyz. And just when I was trying to think of something to write up about that phenomenally awful Mary Jane statuette that everyone is up in arms about. Well, hey, it's not quite a doll per se, but close enough.

My take: I really don't mind the original concept art so much, because MJ looks cute and human and a bit goofy, and I can imagine she's just teasing an unclad Spidey who's just out of frame. But the "comiquette" (bleah) looks remarkably unlike its supposed inspiration. Someone at Sideshow — possibly several people — must really honestly have thought she'd be way hotter if she looked more gaunt and haggard, like an aging heroin addict. And greasier. And more evil. Seriously, check out that facial expression. You'd think she's a fembot with a spring-loaded Spidey-killer death cannon hidden somewhere in her buttocks and she's taking aim at him. Or something.

As for the WFA link, I'm kind of flattered because (as a bit of an aspiring comics artist myself) I read that blog all the time... but I'm a little worried that I could get some nasty anti-Bratz comments and have to clean up the ensuing mess. I've noticed that even very self-aware, analytical feminists can end up mindlessly falling into the same old "OMG BRATZ R WHOREZ (cuz of whut they wear LOL) LETS CALL HER NAMEZ" slut-shaming routine, or go into the "I didn't play with silly, frivolous girls' toys as a child, I played with superior masculine boys' toys, aren't I a unique little snowflake?" nonsense, without even realizing how they're endorsing misogyny. For the record: I'm a feminist, and I read comics and collect Bratz dolls, and I don't think that's a contradiction.

Oh, and on a happier note: Scott McCloud is coming to town! Yay!