Thursday, May 03, 2007

Is This Gratuitous?: Astonishing X-Men #21 Variant Cover

This cover was brought to my attention by the friendly folks at the local comic shop. The general consensus there is that this cover, while more sedate then most, is a tad bit gratuitous.

Why, you may ask?

The very naughty/evil expression.

The tilt of her hip and posture.

The outfit in and of itself though she has worn less.

In the minds of my local joes, this cover is begging you to buy it because sex sells.

What do you think? Is this gratuitous?

8 comments:

Eaglewing said...

I can't see any gratuitous factor, myself. There's a lot worse out there. All that really struck me about the cover was...that's a lot of pink for a character called the White Queen. But then I've only read the trades so far, maybe Whedon turned her pink?

Jenny J. said...

I wouldn't call it gratuitous -- she's mostly covered up, and the position seems natural; she's just standing there.

But I would certainly call it ugly. That shade of pink is hideous, and WHY is she pink at all? I actually feel rather bad for poor Emma.

Elayne said...

Nope, not gratuitous, and the stance and facial expression are very much "in character" for Emma Frost.

Anonymous said...

I wouldn't say it's gratuitious. In fact, it shows some rather uncharacteristic restraint for a modern comic book cover.

Lisa said...

This is typical modern-day Emma. I'm going to say no, just because it's how she's usually depicted.

But - let me just say I'll NEVER figure out how a rich socialite business owner and teacher/high ranking school staff member can get away with this type of outfit. As the evil White Queen sure, but as Emma Frost - nope. Yet she's seen in these kind of outfits most of the time now. Doesn't make much sense to me - but comics ARE fiction I guess.

Heidi Meeley said...

I love you guys. Seriously. Your input is on the mark. The cover just isn't gratuitous. Garish, and a bit scary - yes. Gratuitous? Nah.

I agree with Lisa that I don't understand why Emma Frost the teacher dresses that way. It must definitely be suspension of disbelief!

Jessica & Luke said...

Gratuitous? Hmmmm..... It is Emma. But whether it is or not, I totally bought Armor alternative cover instead.

Regina Legaspi said...

I don't really find it gratuitous (it's one of Emma's more modest costumes) and it's not very boob or crotch tacular.

I do find it to be a bad design, however. She's all well rendered except for a strange flat shape on her side. Which is really weird looking.