I learned today about a D.C. Comics super-villain named Snowflame. In their attempt to create ethnic diversity and inclusiveness, D.C. Comics introduced (in their infinite wisdom) a super-villain from Colombia.
All of Snowflame’s super powers, including superhuman strength, superhuman speed, and immunity to pain, derive from his cocaine addiction. Isn’t that special?
Here is a direct quote from the character himself:
“I am Snowflame! Every cell of my being burns with white-hot ecstasy. Cocaine is my God — and I am the human instrument of its will!”
I swear, I am not making this up.
Upon learning about this, I thought it a bit unfair of D.C. Comics to bypass an even more important Colombian export industry. I mean, if they are trying to win hearts and minds in Bogotá, perhaps they should make a super villain whose tag line is more like this:
“Every cell of my being burns with steaming-hot ecstasy. Caffeine is my God, and I am the human instrument of its will!. I am The Dark Roast!!”
In the spirit of science, let us extrapolate with a question: If you were a major comic book franchise, and you were going to create a fictional character who would effectively alienate a vast swath of your readership in one country or another, what character would you create?
There are so many cultures to choose from — so many potential readers to deeply offend! French, Italian, Latvian or Israeli, the possibilities are endless.
I am open to suggestions.
“Every cell of my being burns with the forearm swelling spirit of vengeance! Spinach is my God, and scat singing is my anthem. I am Popeye!”