Friday, April 06, 2007

Is This Gratuitous? Ms. Marvel #13


Ms. Marvel #13
Originally uploaded by Heidi Meeley.
Here is this week's installment of "Is This Gratuitous". The contestant is Ms. Marvel #13.

Jim and I have been eyeing this cover trying to make up our minds. On one hand, it is kinda patriotic with the whole Uncle Sam shout out, but the way the AIM guys are positioned, they have a pretty good view of her butt.

Also, the way she is holding the Iron Man helmet does seem a bit suggestive. Hmmm...

I can't decide. One one hand, it is patriotic. On the other, it is a bit naughty. It isn't my most gratuitous cover ever, but it really has me torn.

Help! Is this gratuitous?

17 comments:

Cybrludite said...

You say "Gratuitous" as if it were a bad thing...

Steve Flanagan said...

John Freeman pointed out that Mighty Avengers 1 is full of background characters checking out Ms Marvel's backside. Perhaps it's a new editorial mandate.

p'La said...

from an art perspective I think the cover shows a lot of quality, with excellent coloring skill thrown throughout it. I especially enjoy the fact that they leave no stone unturned, shadows everywhere they should be including under the arm, and the bright glow of the stars adds alot of dimension to the piece. It is well designed and there are likely additional reasons the AIM guys are peering at Marvel in this way, (but I haven't read this one, so that is just a hunch). The helmet part I think is in perfect arrangement and meant to put a question in your head since there is no head attached to it. Marvel kind of says to me, "you want to be next?" hmmm... well taken in a certain tone, that could definitely be naughty, but I will play on the side of doubt and say its just a beautiful piece.
Maybe you will have to ask the artist for an interview Heidi... hint ;)

kalinara said...

I have to say, I like the cover a lot too. I admit, I don't know where those guys are looking, but I really like her stance and attitude in the image. I can forgive them for staring at her backside as long as she continues to look so kickass while they do it. :-)

Carl said...

First thought that popped into me disturbed mind? "I want you for some ____ in the New Avengers Army!" (rhymes with red). Why would she be holding Iron Judas Man's helmet, Uncle Sam wore his hat on his head...
And what is up with all the displaced Marvel items, Cap's shield is all over the place and there's Iron Judas Man's helmet there, like he loans it out for fun. I sure don't get that. Let's just see you try to get Batman's cowl or Wonder Woman's bracelets to use in a funny art pose and not get an ass-whoppin'...

Unknown said...

Nah, I don't think it's gratuitous, although it's Yet Another Passive Pose as opposed to Ms. Marvel actually doing something.

Michael Bailey said...

In all honesty I can't call it gratuitous. There might be something suggestive about how she is holding Iron Man's helmet, but I can't see it. To me it looks as if she is simply holding it to the side.

Now if she were holding it in front of her crotch you would be on to something.

As fas as the AIM guys, well, I believe that was the best place to put them in the composition. Also, considering the helmets those guys are wearing I doubt they could see anything clearly.

Heidi Meeley said...

Thank you all for your perspective. It is extremely subjective, depending on artistic preference and experience. I have to admit to still being a bit torn. Your input is greatly appreciated, as I wrestle with this one.

LurkerWithout said...

No camel toe or butt floss, so I'll say no on this one...

Jessica & Luke said...

As someone on another forum once said, "If I know if a character waxes her pubic area, I know too much". Plus I think I can see part of her labia.

Jeff Rients said...

I'm going to go with "only a little gratuitous".

Matias Lobato said...

C'mon, you guys actually need a Uncle Sam poster on her side her to compare what is being said?

Body language, nicely done bikini wax (and swimsuit) and pointing finger that just says "I want you... SO BAD! OoooH! AAAHWWW! It's a MAN's life on MY 'army'"... Oooh, ok, I'll go smoke a cigarette now after my projection session.

What, do you really needed for Iron-Man's face to be turned towards her crotch with his back-neck to us?

Heidi Meeley said...

Wow. I am speechless.

You all have me in awe.

Must contemplate the big picture and come back with a conclusion tomorrow after carb loading.

I am not kidding.

Paul S. said...

Frank Cho frequently shows gratuitous covers, but this one didn't bother me so much.

Possibly just because it makes me imagine her using Iron Man's helmet as a bowling ball.

James Meeley said...

Frank Cho frequently shows gratuitous covers, but this one didn't bother me so much.


I wouldn't think it would, Paul, since this cover was done by Greg Horn. ;)

Fanboy said...

I don't think it's more gratuitious than most other covers featuring super-females. By that I mean, beachwear or dance outfits as combat fatigues. Since that's the norm, I don't think this one is particularly gratuitous (as opposed to many of the Emma Forst covers, for example). The composition is top-notch artistically.

Heidi Meeley said...

Fanboy, I would have to agree that compared to Horn's Emma Frost covers, this does seem a bit tame. I concede on that for sure.

I would have to rule that it is mildly gratuitous and leave it at that.