Ha, ha...You thought I was gonna' be dirty huh? Nope...The other night Ethan and I were watchin' the news and the NEWS was covering the release of the latest comic-book bust to hit the shelves of your dust addled comic book store. Apparently, feminists are really hacked at the latest Sideshow Collectibles' Mary Jane Comiquette which features her doin' laundry for her man.

One "blogger" said that, "The statue represents a big step backwards for those concerned about the state and future of comic books," under a May 11 posting titled "Mary Jane, the Other White Meat."

I've also read, "because thats what we want to teach kids...." Um, that sometimes you help each other out by doin' laundry for your signigicant other, yep...I agree.

"*stares* That is just awful, and the pearls??? Next She'll be baking in nothing but an apron and a smile." You know the other day I was cooking. Yes, I cook for my Husband, daily too...and I was wearin' panties and a cami and flip-flops and it was waaaayyyy 50's sexy when he came into the kitchen and saw me bendin' over takin' homemade bread out of the oven...(Yeah, I homemake my bread too.) I have also been known to wear nothin' but pearls and apron; barefoot too, so you see what this says about me.)

And this was my favorite...A chick on this blog complained and warned all the chick "fans" of her blog to beware...this was a comment:

When you warned I'd want to throw my computer I thought "surely it can't be *that* bad?!" No, it's worse. Whoever came up with that deserves to be bitch slapped.

Really? 'Cause I love it. See, it's chicks like that; That give chicks like me a bad name.

Know what? I do Ethan's laundry and he's not even a web-slingin' genetic freak. I am a woman, in my youth I was quite the feminist...as I get older...This just cracks me up...Too bad, though, I think the controversy helped her sales 'cause at only $125 a pop (That is really, pretty cheap...) M.J. is all sold out...I didn't get one...So, sad am I... I think that people offended by this adorable little bobble are ridiculous, ridiculous and silly. Wives do laundry for their husbands and are glad to do it. Relationships are tit for tat. (Tee Hee)

I think Mary Jane is adorable in her "Wify Poo" charm. I want this statue so freakin' bad I would do laundry for a year.

What idiot at Marvel thought this was a good idea? I'm sorry, but that statue is obviously catered to some creepy fan fetish. They seem to have enlarged the chest...and is that a thong strap?

Looks like it.

MMmmMMmm hip huggers
i'd battle venom just to come home to that

BTW anime models are worse than that when it comes to overt sexuality

ccs1989
What idiot at Marvel thought this was a good idea? I'm sorry, but that statue is obviously catered to some creepy fan fetish. They seem to have enlarged the chest...and is that a thong strap?

Well, apparently it was a good idea, at least from a monetary view, since they sold out. =p If you're looking to make money, sex sells. As far as "creepy fan fetishes" go, I think Mary Jane with slightly larger than normal boobs is probably one of the least creepy ones I've heard of.

ccs1989
What idiot at Marvel thought this was a good idea? I'm sorry, but that statue is obviously catered to some creepy fan fetish. They seem to have enlarged the chest...and is that a thong strap?

I'd expect nothing less from you...Obviously, this thread was not created for you...You are not the intended audience...If you didn't agree with my posting...Well, have 'ya ever heard the old adage, "If you can't say somethin' nice?"

Applies here. Right here, to this situation here. Know what...I think you are a creepy fan fetish...so there. :gem:

Valid Soul
Looks like it.

Looks like what? Valid Soul, make a valid point...You're killin' me baby.

subcultured
MMmmMMmm hip huggers
i'd battle venom just to come home to that

See, that's all I'm sayin'!!! Heeeyy. (Have to imagine I'm doin' the little 40-Year Old Virgin Dance.) She looks awesome, it's like people think just 'cause they like a recent blockbuster movie they are freakin' authorities on Spiderman...In the cannon, this statue isn't random. Ugh...It's hot and I want it.

subcultured
BTW anime models are worse than that when it comes to overt sexuality

Riiiighhht.....But, there is some "F-UP" hentai and the like...

silentkitty

ccs1989
What idiot at Marvel thought this was a good idea? I'm sorry, but that statue is obviously catered to some creepy fan fetish. They seem to have enlarged the chest...and is that a thong strap?

Well, apparently it was a good idea, at least from a monetary view, since they sold out. =p If you're looking to make money, sex sells. As far as "creepy fan fetishes" go, I think Mary Jane with slightly larger than normal boobs is probably one of the least creepy ones I've heard of.

And again...THEY SOLD OUT! So, obviously it's fantastic and you are toooooo true in pointing out, sex does indeed--sell.

maritalbliss

Valid Soul
Looks like it.

Looks like what? Valid Soul, make a valid point...You're killin' me baby.

I'm sorry.... :(

I'll be killing you softly, then.

Valid Soul

maritalbliss

Valid Soul
Looks like it.

Looks like what? Valid Soul, make a valid point...You're killin' me baby.

I'm sorry.... :(

I'll be killing you softly, then.

With a chainsaw...

Honestly, looks like what? Like it's insultin' or like it's a thong...No fence sitters...Don't be mad and don't leave and don't just be silent...I went to your profile, but there ain't nothin' about 'cha...I'm thinkin' your young (from the Sprite comics) although, following your signature link you seem a lot older....Regardless---don't be silent...Just tell me what 'cha meeean... (You have to pretend I'm talkin' like Scotty from Star Trek for that last bit there.)

maritalbliss

ccs1989
What idiot at Marvel thought this was a good idea? I'm sorry, but that statue is obviously catered to some creepy fan fetish. They seem to have enlarged the chest...and is that a thong strap?

I'd expect nothing less from you...Obviously, this thread was not created for you...You are not the intended audience...If you didn't agree with my posting...Well, have 'ya ever heard the old adage, "If you can't say somethin' nice?"

Applies here. Right here, to this situation here. Know what...I think you are a creepy fan fetish...so there. :gem:

Detecting some hostility here. I just think if they had just made the statue with her doing laundry that would be okay, but the whole enlarged chest and showing thong thing makes it sorta creepy. That's my opinion.

ccs1989

maritalbliss

ccs1989
What idiot at Marvel thought this was a good idea? I'm sorry, but that statue is obviously catered to some creepy fan fetish. They seem to have enlarged the chest...and is that a thong strap?

I'd expect nothing less from you...Obviously, this thread was not created for you...You are not the intended audience...If you didn't agree with my posting...Well, have 'ya ever heard the old adage, "If you can't say somethin' nice?"

Applies here. Right here, to this situation here. Know what...I think you are a creepy fan fetish...so there. :gem:

Detecting some hostility here. I just think if they had just made the statue with her doing laundry that would be okay, but the whole enlarged chest and showing thong thing makes it sorta creepy. That's my opinion.

I misunderstood your tone, sorry mate. See, I disagree. I think it is VERY Todd McFarlaney and I don't see the "Overdone" Bazoombas...I see an older Mary Jane...That's what thirty year olds look like. And as for the thong, it says very "at home" doin' chores to me...I'm not seein' it creepy, 'cause my mind just doesn't go there, at all.

Personally I think it's cute. Obviously it's been made with a sort of post-modern wryness in mind, simply because the old stereotypes of wifey at home, barefoot and pregnant, slaving for her husband are dead and gone. If there are wives at home that do actually do the laundry for hubby, there are also plenty of single folks these days that do their own laundry as well as hubbys that do theirs and so on... Basically the statue is playing with some outdated stereotypes and funky imagery to create something iconic, wry, and memorable. ;)

maritalbliss
I misunderstood your tone, sorry mate. See, I disagree. I think it is VERY Todd McFarlaney and I don't see the "Overdone" Bazoombas...I see an older Mary Jane...That's what thirty year olds look like. And as for the thong, it says very "at home" doin' chores to me...I'm not seein' it creepy, 'cause my mind just doesn't go there, at all.

Alright. I guess my interpretation is just skewed by how I view these statue figures, especially when they focus on females, for example the anime ones Sub posted. They seem synonomous with objectification. But ozoneocean brings up a good point about the outdated stereotypes and so on. And I already said that this was just my opinion. I'm not trying to start conflict here.

maritalbliss

Valid Soul

maritalbliss

Valid Soul
Looks like it.

Looks like what? Valid Soul, make a valid point...You're killin' me baby.

I'm sorry.... :(

I'll be killing you softly, then.

With a chainsaw...

Honestly, looks like what? Like it's insultin' or like it's a thong...No fence sitters...Don't be mad and don't leave and don't just be silent...I went to your profile, but there ain't nothin' about 'cha...I'm thinkin' your young (from the Sprite comics) although, following your signature link you seem a lot older....Regardless---don't be silent...Just tell me what 'cha meeean... (You have to pretend I'm talkin' like Scotty from Star Trek for that last bit there.)

Haha, no worries. I was just replying to CCS' comment about it being a thong strap. Sorry for any confusion.

I'm 16 years old, by the way, i'm not sure how young that is, but take it as you will.

Heh, I think it's sorted out just fine. No conflicts! :)


Art is all about different opinions and reactions isn't it? Even if it is just a bit of comic kitsch. Reminds me of something by Jeff Koons... except that's not Cicciolina. lol!
Actually I think this is a more successful piece than anything by Koons, for getting reactions that is.

ozoneocean
Personally I think it's cute. Obviously it's been made with a sort of post-modern wryness in mind, simply because the old stereotypes of wifey at home, barefoot and pregnant, slaving for her husband are dead and gone. If there are wives at home that do actually do the laundry for hubby, there are also plenty of single folks these days that do their own laundry as well as hubbys that do theirs and so on... Basically the statue is playing with some outdated stereotypes and funky imagery to create something iconic, wry, and memorable. ;)

And that's what I love about it---I paint Retro Pin-Up's with Dialogue, for fun. Very Lichtenstein meets Vintagy Housewife: I have this print in my kitchen:



So, I am very tongue in cheek humor about "Marital" Duties. (I write a comic called Marital Bliss??? for fen's sake.) That is totally how I am viewing it. A fun little homage. I'm basically a housewife. Yeah, I write ALL DAY and network and learn HTML (the bloody--bloody whore) so I can build a better site ('Cause if I build it---they will come) so I dig it the most, baby.

Another thing to take into account is Mary Jane's character. Mary Jane has always been the model-sexy girl next door (literally). She was created in the 1960's and she reflects the blend of Marilyn Monroe sensuality and innocence. She's always had spunk but she's a hopeless romantic and no matter how much Peter hacks her off, she loves him. She wouldn't mind washing his spidey underoos. Not at all. And Mary Jane wears whatever Mary Jane likes -- with a smile. That's just Mary Jane.

I've been reading Spidey since the 1970s. :)

Feminists always make me laugh.
Its spiderman's laundry, you should feel fucking blessed. Thats kind of like doing Jesus laundry.

you think "well this sucks, but it IS spiderman"

Or he could always let the city burn while waiting for his socks to finish in the wash.

dueeast
Another thing to take into account is Mary Jane's character. Mary Jane has always been the model-sexy girl next door (literally). She was created in the 1960's and she reflects the blend of Marilyn Monroe sensuality and innocence. She's always had spunk but she's a hopeless romantic and no matter how much Peter hacks her off, she loves him. She wouldn't mind washing his spidey underoos. Not at all. And Mary Jane wears whatever Mary Jane likes -- with a smile. That's just Mary Jane.

I've been reading Spidey since the 1970s. :)

Right? She's the first like Rebecca Mystique. "Mary Jane would totally do that. Mary Jane was built to do that.
She's the do that girl."

objectification goes both ways...

i.e. if you look at underwear packages they show the types of guys that women like so that they will buy the package. I still find it wierd for me to pick out one of those and walk around the store with it.

anyways i still think nikki cox would have made a perfect mary jane based on how most of MJ's looks are almost similar to her.




mj is supose to be a hot model, not some 12 year old girl look alike. bleh

subcultured
objectification goes both ways...

anyways i still think nikki cox would have made a perfect mary jane based on how most of MJ's looks are almost similar to her.



mj is supose to be a hot model, not some 12 year old girl look alike. bleh

I always liked Nikki Cox too, so does Ethan. She's just a delight.

Hmm... Craving Cleavage anyone?

-get it? ^^

Haha. The Parkers can't afford a washing machine?

Urk. Look at what she's wearing!

I mean, what's with those stupid pre-torn jeans? If you want tears, then buy normal jeans and wear them while doing manual labor, don't be so lazy that you actually buy them with tears!

....
What?

To be honest, I'm not a fan of the bust. It's not the laundry part and I can forgive the whole "my jeans are ripped and look, there's a hole right near my butt! <3"

It's the posture she takes on that bothers me. I keep wondering if the other half of the bust is going to be released soon. You know, the one where Peter Parker is right behind her getting ready to do some spanking. :P

I don't have anything against sex. Sex sells and all that. But who does their laundry like that? Who bends over a bucket that's conveniently at mid-thigh level while raising her butt in the air? When I do my laundry, I'm wearing frumpy clothes and standing over a big washing machine throwing clothes in it.

Then again, I'm not Mary Jane Watson. :P

What a very subdued kerfuffle. :)

Black_Kitty
It's the posture she takes on that bothers me. I keep wondering if the other half of the bust is going to be released soon. You know, the one where Peter Parker is right behind her getting ready to do some spanking. :P

I think that is exactly the idea, she is looking behind her after all. :) I don't think she's making that pose for no reason.

skoolmunkee
I think that is exactly the idea, she is looking behind her after all. :) I don't think she's making that pose for no reason.

Maybe it's a Yoga move. :D The "two thousand bends over the laundry bucket" stance.

I personally see it as a very male-orientated statue. It's certainly not aimed at me as a consumer at least. There is a certain level of objectifying but honestly, I'm not too surprised by that when it comes to comics.

For those of you curious, you can see the statue here and at many different angles.

The statue actually made me go back and read Girl-Wonder.org again. (More specifically, Girls Read Comics (And They're Pissed) [girl-wonder.org] blog.) I think one thing that was said that I found interesting was how males and females are portrayed in comics and how they are defined. This statue could be an example of that. Can you imagine Parker taking on that stance? Wearing peek-a-boo jeans with his back arched just right so that he's presenting his butt to you as he turns his head slightly?

This is all generalization and I'm sure there are exceptions out there but male superheroes are generally defined as strong and manly. They don't do laundry in peek-a-boo jeans with their thongs peeking out. But girls? Oh yeah sure. And most are defined by their sexuality. And really Mary Jane is all about the sex in this statue.

Black_Kitty
The statue actually made me go back and read Girl-Wonder.org again. (More specifically, Girls Read Comics (And They're Pissed) [girl-wonder.org] blog.)

I actually read that blog kind of regularly and they bring up a lot of good points. I hadn't read the post about this statue when I wrote my post about it, but I do share their views on a lot of things. American comics have and continue to alienate female readers through too much overt sexual objectification of women in so many of their books, and as a male fan of comics I would like to see more females reading comics.