I know what you’re gonna say, “Jordan, we’ve seen this comic before.” Okay, yes, you have seen this one before as it was posted last year, around this time actually. It’s amazing, however, to see how truthful this comic reamins even today, and it may actually be more relevant than ever. As such, I decided to bring it back today and talk a little more about spoilers and “spoiler culture”, and it has nothing to do with the fact that I’ve been sick and my kids started school up again…Just saying:
This day and age, with as prominent as the internet has become, a click of the button can tell us almost everything about out most anticipated movies and video games. Particulary right now with some many high profile franchises in the works (The Force Awakens, Batman v Superman, Suicide Squad, Civil War, etc), it’s harder than ever for studios to keep the lid on their projects and having all the details leak out. The most promient example of this recently was at SDCC when just about EVERYTHING leaked out despite their best efforts. This has created a gap between cinephiles who enjoy reading all the tidbits (potential spoilers and all), and those who want to go into the movie theater with a blank slate.
I see both sides of the argument and I can appreciate the resolve of those who choose to remain spoiler-free…But I can’t do it. I HAVE to know! More than just having to write about all of these things (which means I do have to read on them), I get these scoops in my inbox from time to time. So it’s somewhat unavoidable in the work I do to see spoilers day in and day out. Even if that weren’t the case, however, I’d still be reading them.
For me, seeing a movie isn’t about the “surprise” factor. It’s about the overall story and the characters presented. Surprises can be fun in terms of Easter eggs, but I don’t feel they’re essential to viewing a movie. If that were the case, movies based on books/comics/video games wouldn’t make any money! In fact, I enjoy reading books they’re based on before seeing the movie. Then I get to experience the filmmaker’s interpretations of the scenes I’ve read. That’s fun for me, and can enhance the story for me in other ways.
I can see why that perspective isn’t for everyone, though. Some movie buffs, however, take avoiding spoilers to an all new level. In just the last week, we’ve seen people throw absolute fits about how the potential RUNNING TIME for The Force Awakens was a spoiler for them. I’ve had arguments with people over posting pictures of spaceships as being spoilers and ruining things for them. I mean, seriously, if a spaceship in Star Wars is a spoiler to you, I think there are other problems to address.
Personally speaking, I consider spoilers to be something that gives away elements of the film’s plot, or a twist on a character (like Miranda Tate was really Talia in Dark Knight Rises). But seeing a prop in a film…yeah, that doesn’t really constitute a spoiler. Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate those tyring to avoid spoilers, but I feel some common sense is needed in certain circumstances. If not, then we might as well consider movie posters and other officially released marketing to be spoilers as well; like all the toys that are about to hit for Star Wars.
If you’re in the spoiler-free camp, more power to you. I’m not saying that sarcastically either. You guys who avoid spoilers have far more willpower than me, and I salute you, but let’s not jump the gun on everything out there. Besides that, I do agree that some ACTUAL spoilers shouldn’t be posted so wantonly on the internet. Directly posting an image of an obvious spoiler in your social feeds just isn’t cool. Have some courtesy.
If you missed the last strip, make sure you check it out, and of course, be sure to hit up the Etsy Store where you can buy some cool prints! I promise next time to have a brand new strip of goodness prepared for your eyeballs, so I’ll see you then!
-Jordan
