Dragon Age #1, Orson Scott Card
Dragon Age is one of those games that leaves a happy memory with me, ending last year with a triumphant huzzah on both my gaming and gay hearts. Being a consummate nerd, therefore, I was intrigued at the announcement that there would be comic coming out this month, published by IDW. The iTunes and PSP version are already released, if you want a digital version; the actual printed format will be released March 30.
Back in October, Wootini informed us that Dragon Age #1 was on its way, and he already expressed his disappointment in one fact; something on which I would like to expand on a little. The comic is being written by Orson Scott Card.
Many of us here at the castle agreed with Dawdle's disappointment when OSC's world was being used for Shadow Complex last year. Reading over those words, some friends of mine actually asked my opinion of LGBT-oriented charities to which they could donate; I gladly informed them to either look at local NPOs or suggested some in the Chicago area.
Not just using his world, OSC is actually writing this comic. Instead, he is writing for a world I enjoy--a world that has acknowledged the presence of sexualities beyond heterosexual and does not demonize them. A world where the government is not against them. A world that does not look like the worldview OSC shares.
From reports, it does not seem he is touching the characters I have grown to love (and not just because they can offer me some same-sex loving). Having him write for either Zevran or Leliana would likely leave a foul taste in my mouth; the entire affair does not seem like a decision by the writers of the game so much as wholly planned and endorsed by marketing reps of the greater EA company. Particularly as the world that Dragon Age presented us includes not just Zevran and Leliana, but minor appearances by LGBT folk abound--something I cannot see Card willing to write in a positive manner.
Therefore, while I would gladly pick up the comic (I do have plans for the novels; and I would much rather endorse David Gaider, the lead writer for DA), I am struggling with putting my money anywhere near endorsing OSC. Your own thoughts may vary, but giving you this information at least allows you to make your own informed decision.
VorpalBunny
Posted to Video Games on 23 March 2010
· Comments (13)
Other stuff like this: dragon age, dragon age comic, idw, orson scott card
Sometimes you can pass on picking up an inferior product, even if it's just a spin off or tie-in. Your life will not end.
@DeadRobot That's the problem though, DeadRobot. OSC is far from a subpar writer, he's actually quite good. The problem comes from his personal politics being hate. It'd be hard to support even the greatest director in the world, whose works could change the way you saw the world, if he threw in an "Oh, by the way, (certain group) aren't people" at every other interview, and that's exactly what OSC does.
That being said, I won't be picking up this comic, though I understand why people would. I'd like to say that my decision comes from making a stand, but truthfully I have no way to get the comic anyway (in a town devoid of all things nerd save for glorified video game pawn shops, both corporate and mom and pop) so my decision to not buy it doesn't carry as much weight.
Agreed. Persuade your comic-reading gamer friends to NOT buy this comic. OSC will gladly call us names while taking our money, so I refuse to comply.
Such a shame.
I was actually looking forward to reading this comic. Until the whole OSC revelation.
Ugh, the whole Shadow Complex thing again. It's not like he's bashing everything you are in this comic, it's a work of fiction and has nothing to do with his own personal beliefs. Shadow Complex was amazing and he had so little to do with the product that it's a shame that people refused to actually play it.
It's just a comic derivatively based off a video game.. I really doubt it'll be that good regardless of the writing talent behind it. It should be a lot easier to forgo than a game itself. :P
It's really up to each individual how they feel about purchasing such things. I don't begrudge anyone on either side..
It is bigger than just 'he's not shoving his beliefs and anti-gay agenda at you in the comic.' Giving OSC money so that he could further his own pro-hetero organization and use it for funding is the issue.
I may be able to accept other people's views, or their hate speech, but I would be stupid to give a public figure any money that could be used against me, and who I am, and what I stand for.
So no thanks. Even though DA is now my favorite game ever, I will be passing on this. I'd rather give David Gaider, Sheryl Chee, or Mary Kirby #the writers# my money.
So... I guess he didnt write Priscilla Queen of the Desert or anything hey?
Brutal. No Love.
So... Lookin forward to DA 2?
So, I was just out havin a smoke, and thinkin to myself, Hey! Wouldnt it be fun to have a Dragon Age: Rage! comic? Zevran could be Rage, and im sure we could mod Alistair into being Jt. *melt*
It's gonna be disappointing and obvious when he starts to destroy the comic book, just like every series he has ever made: Ender's Game was ruined by Xenocide, Homecoming Earth started to get the sucking, and Alvin committed suicide by Book #4.
Oh yeah, here's a funny article, a little dated, but a satirical article about OSC on Cracked. Read the comments as well:
http://www.cracked.com/blog/orson-scott-card-wants-you-to-rise-up-against-the-government-but-in-the-worst-way-possible
I realize that this deal was set up long before most people found out about his hate filled columns where he referred to gays as "tragic genetic mix-ups", suggested gays should be jailed to keep them separated from society and basically endorsed violent overthrow of any government that dared to treat gays like human beings. I also doubt they knew he claimed a spot on the board of directors for one of the biggest anti-gay groups where he can put his hate into action. The Shadow Complex conundrum brought all of this to the surface so from here on out nobody can plead ignorance.
Nobody forced him to make a public spectacle of his bigotry. If his words and actions are putting a dent in his wallet the blame falls squarely upon his own shoulders. Any company irresponsible enough to try and profit from this sick son of a bitch from this point forward deserves to be boycotted. It's not like there's a shortage of talented writers who aren't actively harming millions of people.
I don't know. I played Dragon Age and I liked it, but I have to say I don't think its portrayal of its non-straight characters was very good.
First there weren't any gay people in the game - the increasingly common "homosexuality is okay but homosexuals aren't."
And the bisexuals are right out of Basic Instinct. It was the same old stereotypes. First there's the depraved killer - repentant assassin, repentant assassin's coldblooded ex-girlfriend, unrepentant assassin, woman who's happy her husband is dead, and axe-crazy monster Paragon.
Then there's the dead - an ex-girlfriend, and two bisexuals in the human noble origin.
One of the books does add a gay couple - and ups the body count by two.
There were a lot of reasons to recommend this game, but as a gay man it made me squirm a lot. Which is a shame since I bought it because I heard about how positive it was.
@TheFilmTwit: I read Enders Game when the whole Shadow Complex thing came to light and thought it was ok. However, his forward to the book was a 6 page love letter to himself. I'll never pick up anything by him again, regardless of his soci-pol views.
My point is that while we can't avoid or ignore the hate he spews, we can stop providing him with the means for him to continue (don't buy).