Politics is a fickle mistress to play with, especially when it comes to comic books. When the final hammer fell on the US 2016 Presidential election, many comic book artists, writers and creators expressed their feelings via Twitter, something we reported on in this article. Some were happy with the results, some were indifferent and looked to comedy as a response and some were outraged.
Many still are.
In fact, both George Perez and Humberto Ramos have taken their stance a step further by declaring that they will not attend comic book conventions in states that supported Donald Trump. What these two artists are protesting are the “offensive and racist things that Donald Trump said about Latinos”. George Perez’s website cites the HuffingtonPost article on this very subject as part of his decision.
Once the votes came in, Ramos’ feelings of welcomeness in America suddenly changed. “ I always felt welcome to the USA until last Wednesday, November 9.” He wrote in his now famous Facebook post.
He goes on to say, albeit with a seemingly heavy heart; “So I want to communicate that four al least the next 4 years I decide NOT to attend to any conventions that take place in the red states, those states who voted for Mr. Trump, those states where I am clearly not welcome. For the fans. I ask your understanding and support. Hey, we can meet in many shows across your beautiful country but please understand I can’t go to a house I’m not being invited, the vote clearly says that.
And no, I’m not against the republicans and their political agenda I am taking this decision because this particular candidate and now elected president clearly pointed at me, this one person these states voted for.
This is not a political statement is just me trying to explain a decision I took in order to show respect to myself, my family and friends, this is not a movement, it’s a very personal decision and I wish…. I hope you respect it.
One last thing, I love the USA and I love your people, those who share love and care, to all you we from the world beg you, don’t let the bullying an hatred win, we stand with you … make America great. Yes, you can. In the meanwhile I will do my share by drawing the funny books, those that inspire and gives joy and laughs and entertainment. We need to smile”
George Perez, who is of Puerto Rican descent, is going to follow suit as well, as declared on his website. That said, he will be honoring is 2017 obligations and his decision wont take affect until 2018. The states that will be affected include: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming.
Here is his most recent list of 2017 appearances:
- January 7–8: Los Angeles Comic Book and Science Fiction Convention, Los Angeles, CA
- January 14-15: Albuquerque Comic Con, Albuquerque, NM
- January 28: North Texas Comic Book Show, Dallas, TX
- February 17-19: Amazing Arizona Comic Con, Phoenix, AZ
- April 29–30: East Coast Comic Con, Secaucus, NJ
- June 23-25: Amazing Las Vegas Comic Con, Las Vegas, NV
- July 7-9: North American Science Fiction Convention, San Juan, PR
- July 28-30: Florida Supercon, Miami, FL
- August 10-13: Fetish Con, St. Petersburg, FL
- August 19-20: Terrificon, Uncasville, CT
- August 26-27: Wizard World Chicago, Chigagi, IL
- September 1-4: Dragon Con, Atlanta, GA
- October 20-22: Grand Rapids Comic Con, Grand Rapids, MI
Let us know your reaction and viewpoint in the poll!
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