this post was submitted on 10 Apr 2026
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[–] RoddyStiggs@lemmy.blahaj.zone 132 points 5 days ago (62 children)

I'm over 40.

I gave up Bill Cosby. I gave up Kevin Spacey. I gave up all of the 80s and 90s movies about toxic masculinity and misogyny. I gave up Aerosmith (maybe Steven Tyler hasn't been canceled yet but COME ON have you heard the lyrics to any single one of his songs). I gave up Michael Richards (and Seinfeld too). I gave up Michael Jackson.

You can give up Harry Potter. It's the right thing to do, it's worth it, and it's the adult decision. Grow up and check your allegiances. They'll define you.

[–] Floodedwomb@lemmy.world 79 points 5 days ago (13 children)

I'm not giving up the books I bought decades ago and before she outed herself as an idiot.

I'm not stopping enjoying the stories that helped me to grow into the person I am today.

I'm not pretending that as a gay kid having a positive gay role model in Dumbledore wasn't a wonderful thing.

I am not giving her anymore money.

I am not supporting her an anyway.

You can hate a person's opinions and still love their art.

Its almost like everyone is human and capable of holding contradictory ideas.

[–] Smoogs@lemmy.world 36 points 5 days ago* (last edited 5 days ago)

While you’re keeping an open mind then You can also expand your options to include artists who don’t have to be an asshole.

Separate the artist from the art doesnt just have to happen if they are an asshole.

There’s like a plethora of magic school books and films and tv series especially circa 2012 onward to dig into by other artists trying to compete. Sounds like a perfect opportunity to give them a chance.

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[–] muusemuuse@sh.itjust.works 58 points 5 days ago (6 children)

Might want to rethink Michael Jackson. A lot of what he’s been accused of turned out to be an Epstein smear campaign when he interfered with their ops. McCauley Caulkin spoke out about this recently.

[–] white_nrdy@programming.dev 28 points 5 days ago (1 children)
[–] Dearth@lemmy.world 24 points 5 days ago (2 children)

Mac culkin and Corey Feldman have both talked about MJ positively many times in the past few years.

[–] TheFogan@programming.dev 29 points 5 days ago

I mean that's great and all but a real source would be nice. Someone who was a kid speaking nicely about someone accused of harming kids, isn't an exoneration. That's like Kanye saying Nick Fuentes isn't racist.

Note not taking either side on the topic. I don't know or really care that much on MJ, an actual useful source would be say an epstein letter where epsteins announcing they want to make MJ look guilty. Fully plausible that MJ's scandal was a combination of people saying he's weird, with a few chasing a paycheck. But someone who fits the demographic saying "I was around him for years and I was never abused", is IMO not evidence.

[–] roscoe@lemmy.dbzer0.com 28 points 5 days ago

Corey Feldman is the reason I don't believe the accusations against MJ. What that kid went through is horrific and predators can smell prey a mile away. If Michael was abusing kids there is no way he would have missed that one, Corey would have been an easy target after what they did to him. But Corey comes out and tries to shine a light on the things that are happening and specifically says that Michael never did anything inappropriate.

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[–] Tollana1234567@lemmy.today 27 points 4 days ago (1 children)

her books were always about her "real beliefs" just hidden behind her writing. family guy joked about her writing-anti-trans years before she went full terf.

[–] Karjalan@lemmy.world 12 points 4 days ago* (last edited 4 days ago) (10 children)

family guy joked about her writing-anti-trans years before she went full terf.

When you add in the fact that they were referencing rapey winestein years before the me too revelations, that's twice they've been subtly speaking truth to power before it became common knowledge.

Edit - Added quote for clarity

[–] Simulation6@sopuli.xyz 8 points 4 days ago (1 children)

Winestein was the worst kept secret in hollywood for years before it was generally acknowledged. Same with cosby.

[–] prettybunnys@piefed.social 2 points 2 days ago

Hello Courtney Love told us all back in the day

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[–] S_H_K@lemmy.dbzer0.com 14 points 4 days ago (3 children)

Pirate the shit of any JK Rowling related thing...

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[–] UnderpantsWeevil@lemmy.world 56 points 5 days ago (10 children)

The really weird thing is how many LGBTQ folks latched onto HP in its early releases as what was recognized to be a kind-of pro-queer YA novel.

You had a young boy who was literally in the closet, disowned and disrespected by family, who is spirited away to a magical school where his differences are valued and cultivated. He's got a bunch of friends who could easily sub in for queer icons. There are gender-bending magical spells, the bad guys are explicitly fascist, most books end with some kind of "The power of friendship and love will triumph!" rejoinder. FFS, Dumbledore is canonically gay.

It is far more a testament to the psychologically corrosive power of plutocracy that JK Rowling went off the rails. I don't think it's unfair for people to like the books and hate the author. Just remember not to pay for anything and you're fine.

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[–] Avicenna@programming.dev 19 points 4 days ago (5 children)

Best way to punish RFK, sorry I mean JKR is for some LGBTQ+ people to shoot videos telling how HP helped them to come out of hiding and reveal their true self to the world. They can go onto to say things like HP has given them the courage to fight for this cause and in some cases, thanks to this courage, they ended up working in institutes that sets policies regarding LGBTQ+ rights.

[–] Soup@lemmy.world 13 points 4 days ago (1 children)

That just helps her point to all those people and lets her go “if I’m so bad, then how come…”.

Do not do this. Make content that tells her to go fuck herself. Be representation for others so that they can see that JKR and her incredibly mediocre books are not welcome in a world that cares about others.

Yes, it sounds funny on the face of it, but it’s ultimately just a terrible, bad, no good idea.

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[–] h3ll3rsh4nks@ani.social 27 points 4 days ago (2 children)

The best way to enjoy something that may benefit a problematic person is to simply acquire it in a way that doesn't benefit them. Perhaps whilst on board a ship with a nice barrel of grog.

[–] FatVegan@leminal.space 11 points 4 days ago (3 children)

You're not wrong, but even if you pirate the show and tell people about it, they might watch and buy it. I don't believe HP is something worth throwing anyone's beliefs away.

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[–] jagermo@feddit.org 86 points 5 days ago (3 children)

I have the same one talk over and over with my wife. No other author gets that much slack from their fanbase.

"But its such great storytelling"

its not. Its mediocre and needs time travel to work.

[–] rudyharrelson@lemmy.radio 74 points 5 days ago* (last edited 5 days ago) (3 children)

its not. Its mediocre and needs time travel to work.

This mentality misses the point, IMO. Even if the Harry Potter books were written in such a way that made even the staunchest critic go, "Wow, these books rival the works of of J.R.R. Tolkien and Shakespeare," that should have zero bearing on whether or not any given individual makes the decision to boycott an author's work on idealistic grounds.

I like plenty of art that could be classified as schlock; not everything we enjoy has to be masterpiece theatre. I've boycotted all HP content ever since Rowling became a professional asshole, but I won't pretend I didn't enjoy the books and the films as a teenager.

Here's a hard pill to swallow: shitty people can make good art. We can condemn bad people unequivocally without simultaneously needing their art to be bad. Michael Jackson was my favorite musician for many years, but hearing his music in 2026 always leaves a bad taste in my mouth. But I won't pretend that it wasn't my jam and I certainly won't suggest that the music was mediocre.

Edit: And although it goes without saying: this decision is always up to the individual. I have trans friends who don't concern themselves with Rowlings' sociopolitical views and continue to enjoy HP content. I don't begrudge them for that; we all have different, if arbitrary, boundaries.

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[–] TheTechnician27@lemmy.world 37 points 5 days ago (6 children)

Its mediocre and needs time travel to work.

My Immortal, a masterpiece in coherent plot, needs time travel to work too. I fail to see the alleged problem here.

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[–] binarytobis@lemmy.world 43 points 5 days ago* (last edited 5 days ago) (5 children)

While I agree it’s logical to boycott her, portraying HP fans as trans abusers is a bit much. If buying the HP books is equivalent to punching a chained down trans person in the face then absolutely none of us, including the artist here, haven’t done worse.

I’d bet anything they have bought products on Amazon, which makes them responsible for Bezos. Does that artist have an X account for advertisement? That gas they buy makes them responsible for violence the middle east. Are they one of the remarkable few who ethically source clothes without child labor? Bet not.

I boycott all kinds of stuff, but demonizing people for not joining you is nonsensical in this consumerist hellscape where complete harm avoidance isn’t possible.

[–] Hikyuri@lemmy.world 14 points 5 days ago (3 children)

Even with your example you're missing a big point though. It's pretty tough to get around without gas and just as difficult to find clothes that don't involve child labour. But this is one single fantasy franchise in a huge sea of other options and people will still happily give their money to the single person that actively harms a specific minority.

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[–] Iheartcheese@lemmy.world 74 points 5 days ago (7 children)

I WAS that Harry Potter fan. The overly obsessed nerd who was waaaaaay to into it. But now I'm over it because fuck Rowling.

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[–] glitchdx@lemmy.world 10 points 4 days ago (4 children)

I've historically been an advocate for separating the art from the artist.

For example, I know that Kovarex is a piece of shit but I still enjoy factorio. I actively avoid learning about the musicians I listen to. I do not want to know about the personal lives of the authors of the books I like.

But this bitch has taken it too far. There's only so much I can ignore. I will never spend another cent on anything related to her works, nor will I recommend them to anyone.

[–] brucethemoose@lemmy.world 7 points 4 days ago* (last edited 4 days ago) (3 children)

I know that Kovarex is a piece of shit but I still enjoy factorio.

You talking about this?

https://nichegamer.com/factorio-founder-kovarex-interview-cancel-culture-and-secret-support/

Eh, that's problematic, but it feels mild by 2026 standards. Tons of people are abrasive and won't admit they were wrong or went too far... shrug.

But yeah, I guess I'm saying I agree with you. JK Rowling's actions are not personality "quirks," nor one-off events, nor tertiary reactions. Not even close.

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[–] obinice@lemmy.world 56 points 5 days ago (10 children)

I mean yeah, so long as you're not actually giving money to the evil woman that wrote those books in any way, nobody's stopping you from enjoying your old Harry Potter books and DVDs.

Heck, if you're missing one you can buy it on eBay second hand, just so long as you're not supporting the evil woman with a shiny new purchase, ya know? That woman doesn't deserve a penny.

There's a separate conversation you might want to have with yourself on whether your can separate the author from the work while you're reading it, of course, and whether you're comfortable doing so or not is a personal decision you'll have to make for yourself.

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[–] daniskarma@lemmy.dbzer0.com 30 points 5 days ago (26 children)

Just don't pay for it and be done with it.

Enjoy Harry Potter, just don't give money to scumbag author.

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[–] JcbAzPx@lemmy.world 30 points 5 days ago (8 children)

Attacking people for liking Harry Potter is the epitome of pointless performative action. It does nothing to help with the root problem.

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[–] SpiceDealer@lemmy.dbzer0.com 19 points 4 days ago* (last edited 4 days ago) (3 children)

OK, this is a tough one and what I'm about to say might get me some dislikes. Let me just say something that might soften the blow: Fuck Rowling, her transphobia, and the bigots that defend her wretched views. Even if she decided, in an alternative timeline, to keep her loudmouth shut, she would still be the scum of the earth for her views on trans people. I repeat, Fuck Rowling.

Now, with that out the way, let's address the crux of the issue. I know that many of you in the LGBTQ+ community grew up with the franchise and enjoyed it long before Rowling exposed her true colors. If you're LGBTQ+ and you decide to reconcile, in some way, with the franchise without directly supporting Rowling, you're well within your rights to do so. The nostalgia you feel for something that brought you joy in your youth is yours to keep. No one, not even the creator themselves, can take that from you. As for the products themselves? You can: buy the books secondhand, pirate the movies, pirate the EPUBs if you have an e reader and buy fan-made merch from LGBTQ+-friendly sellers.

If decided to not reconcile with the franchise, you're also well within your rights to do so. Rowling has to made aware of the damage her views have on people. Demonstrate the hypocrisy of writing about a group of outsiders finding a place of acceptance and discovering their true selves and espousing bigoted rhetoric towards a discriminated group wanting acceptance for their true selves. There's plenty of other fictional universes you can draw your attention towards (more on that in a moment) that are far less problematic and worthier of your time.

If you're an ally (like myself), it's best that we don't engage with the franchise all together out of support. For me, this isn't a problem since I didn't engage with the franchise all that much in my youth (I was more of a LOTR fan). If you do decide to reconcile, much of what I have already said still applies.

In short, the question of reconciliation is a personal matter. So long as Rowling isn't benefiting, you should be happy with your decision and the stand you take. As for alternatives? Well...

The already mentioned Lord of The Rings

Dune series

Discworld

Elric of Melniboné

Wheel of Time

[–] Taleya@aussie.zone 13 points 4 days ago* (last edited 4 days ago) (5 children)

Discworld, hands down. Toss the terf and load up on Monstrous Regiment (and dwarfs)

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[–] HazardousBanjo@lemmy.world 36 points 5 days ago (13 children)

O don't mind anyone enjoying media from problematic figures if they enjoy it. I just don't want those fans to monetarily support those figures.

Sail the high seas if you wanna partake in such content.

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[–] Chronic_Intermission@lemmy.world 21 points 5 days ago (1 children)

So many people in this thread defend J.K. Rowling, or at least the Harry Potter works, under the guise that Rowling's anti-trans positions are just an opinion. She does so much more than just talk. She uses her personal fortune made directly from Harry Potter to fund legal attacks on the rights of transgender people in the UK.

Imagine if Elon Musk showed up one day to fund a civil case against you for playing rec league soccer or to get you fired from your job. This is what the beginning of genocide looks like. It may take years to get to the camps and the ovens, but we will get there. Hell, the camps are already built here in the US, and they will house more than the transgender.

https://www.advocate.com/news/jk-rowling-anti-trans-organization

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[–] umbraroze@slrpnk.net 24 points 5 days ago* (last edited 5 days ago) (1 children)

You can, you know, read another book

For Harry Potter fans in particular, may I suggest The Guy We Don't Mention in the Same Sentence. You know. Terry Pratchett.

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[–] MousePotatoDoesStuff@lemmy.world 34 points 5 days ago* (last edited 5 days ago) (10 children)

It might work better if you recommend them an alternative. "Don't do this" is bad instruction. "You can do this instead" is better.

I've heard good things about Discworld, for one.

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[–] Omegamanthethird@lemmy.world 18 points 5 days ago (5 children)

I think we should normalize acknowledging reality. JK Rowling is a POS, Neil Gaiman is a POS, many others are POS or problematic for different reasons. A lot of products are owned by problematic companies. Some have better alternatives.

Bashing people for it is just going to make people tune you out though. Just be aware. I'm really not interested in the Harry Potter show. But the movies are a staple. If I see Tom Cruise is in a movie I get a lot less interested in it. I still like Edge of Tomorrow though.

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[–] Pman@lemmy.org 38 points 5 days ago

I am going to admit I enjoyed the series a lot 20 years ago, can't say I've read ger stuff since the series ended and haven't done anything to support her since the whole TERF thing came out and she started showing what sort of person she was. I recently picked up my old books to see if they held up and by god is it filled with bigoted stereotypes, Cho Chang (two last names) for the Chinese girl, Goblins being the obvious stereotype/alehory of Jews from a European who was "open minded" about Jews pre ww2 but still wanted to make sure that they deserved some of the bad shit that happened to them because they're vicious even if unfair wizard laws were passed, the black auror being called Shackelbolt, the wezeleys being very much catholics for being poor with too many kids, the french being snobbish bafoons but classy, the Centaurs being either polytheists or gypsies, the list just goes on and Harry being the hero just gets rid of the head Nazi while leaving the institutions and culture in place, doesn't even think about the slavery aspect except for Dobby, and he and Ron make fun of Hermione for her pushing for their freedom. I guess the reason why people enjoy the series is because the world feels somewhat real and magical because she put her imagination and bigotry into the story and never thought of trying to have the protagonists actually solve a major issue and will let it fester.

[–] Smoogs@lemmy.world 24 points 5 days ago (1 children)

There’s a plethora of artists to choose from that aren’t assholes. These folks keep talking about opening mind to other points of view. If that’s their stance then they can open mind to new options.

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