Two events
have occurred in recent weeks that have been reflected by fan reaction:
1.
Game of
Thrones
came to an end after eight seasons. Some fans found the final episodes
disappointing, and one fan went so far as generate an online petition, asking
HBO and GoT producers to
re-write/remake the last handful of episodes. His petition drew a great deal of
support from other fans. He later admitted online he never expected the
petition to gain any traction with the powers behind the Throne; he merely hoped to send a clear message.
It would
appear he hoped to convey a sense of entitlement to the overall narrative of Game of Thrones. However, as a member of
the audience, he has NO entitlement
whatsoever. He and his supporters are end users of a product offered by HBO –
nothing more.
2.
Robert Pattinson was announced as the star of The Batman, scheduled for release in
2021. The casting decision was met with scorn and derision by fans, due most likely
to his association with the Twilight
film franchise. Comic books have historically been a boys club, and the four Twilight films were seemingly aimed at
the teen girl audience.
Batman is modern mythology, and playing
such an iconic part is comparable to Hamlet or Willie Loman. Nevertheless,
there were reports of an online petition was launched to have Pattinson removed
from the role.
The very first mini-series, c. 1979
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Such efforts from the fan community
brings to mind an anecdote from a comic creator with several decades in the
industry. Back in the early 1980s, he was on a convention panel regarding mini
series. Three and four-issue limited series were new at the time, and one fan
in the audience commented that he didn’t appreciate mini series because they
were too short to permit him to influence the outcome of the story.
Fans are NOT entitled to a say the manner in which their chosen
entertainment – comic book, television shows, etc. – is created and presented. Where is it written
that every time there is a new entry in a beloved franchise, a fan is
obligated to accept it with enthusiasm? One might argue that producers
of said material expect fans to buy it, but the ultimate decision
to part with hard-earned money for product we may not enjoy lies with
the consumer.
The only influence we, the audience, has is after
the fact. If watching Robert Pattinson as Batman does not appeal to you as a
fan, you are under no obligation to do so. Save your money, spend it elsewhere.
Entertainment is no different from any
other product. Consumers are not consulted on the flavor of cereal or the
colors of autos. The manufacturers make decisions basked on market research,
and the options are offered to consumers to buy, or not. For any fan of any
franchise to feel a sense of ownership and believe they have a say in such
matters is absurd.
Praise and adulation? Scorn and ridicule? Leave your comments below.
