Watchmen author Alan Moore says fandom can be a “grotesque blight” that “poisons” society

As a cinephile who has spent countless hours immersed in the fascinating world of comics, I find myself intrigued by the enigmatic Alan Moore and his unapologetic stance towards the industry he once called home. His latest musings on fandom culture have certainly stirred up a storm, much like the complex narratives that have made him a household name.

Known as a comic book icon, Alan Moore isn’t shy about sharing his views and isn’t afraid to voice them, often critiquing the field he was part of for decades. Although several of his graphic novels, such as “Watchmen” and “V for Vendetta,” have been turned into highly successful films, Moore maintains a clear distance from these adaptations. In fact, he has publicly distanced himself from many of his cherished works, feeling that their original messages have been altered beyond recognition due to Hollywood interpretations.

It appears Moore has been contemplating the current state of fandom culture. In an article for The Guardian, he expresses his viewpoint that fandom culture can at times be a disturbing contamination to society, fueled by its petty fixations and unjustified, inflated sense of ownership.

Moore often digresses into lengthy conversations. One topic he frequently touches upon is how the industry has transformed significantly compared to its past days. According to him, comics have progressed beyond their blue-collar roots.

An older animal for one thing, with a median age in its late 40s, fed, presumably, by a nostalgia that its energetic predecessor was too young to suffer from. And while the vulgar comic story was originally proffered solely to the working classes, soaring retail prices had precluded any audience save the more affluent; had gentrified a previously bustling and lively cultural slum neighbourhood. This boost in fandom’s age and status possibly explains its current sense of privilege, its tendency to carp and cavil rather than contribute or create. I speak only of comics fandom here, but have gained the impression that this reflexive belligerence – most usually from middle-aged white male conservatives – is now a part of many fan communities.

Moore expresses a positive view towards fandom in general, especially when it fosters creativity among the fans. However, he appears to express concern over older fans who regard creative works as untouchable artifacts that can neither be questioned nor altered. He provides instances of this behavior from other fan communities, such as Pokémon: “My 14-year-old grandson tells me some older Pokémon enthusiasts exhibit the same passionate dissatisfaction,” he writes. “Is it a matter of those reluctant to move past their childhood passions, perhaps because they serve as reminders of simpler and less complicated times, who now feel entitled to dictate the direction of their interest?

Moore remains faithful to his commitments, as he stays away from adaptations of his books, even the recently released animated Watchmen series. He ceased writing comics in 2019 and is currently dedicating himself to novel-writing; his latest work, titled “The Great When,” has just been published!

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2024-10-30 23:41