From Mauro Mantella´s Fecebook

[u/Stunning-Computer125]

"I want to offer my most sincere apologies. I know I made a mistake, but at no point did I intend to spread a message of hate.I’m fully aware that many people are upset with me, and I understand why. And although it may sound foolish, the truth is I screw this up.When I wrote the script in Spanish, I wasn’t fully convinced by the line in that panel. So, when I translated it into English, I changed it a bit… but now I realize that was a huge mistake. I borrowed a common phrase used by haters and tried to adapt it to the fictional world of vampires I was building. But now I see that it was understood in a completely different way. Maybe my subconscious betrayed me when I tried to make a sharp comment, but please believe me: I was always referring to this fictional world where vampires force their children into eternal life without their consent.In fact —still within the fictional context of the story I wrote— there will be consequences for this in issue #2.Once again, I sincerely apologize, but I want to be honest in saying that I only used the phrase within a very specific narrative context, and under no circumstances did I intend to attack the LGBTQI+ community.I’ve also been asked about some of the things I’ve reposted in the past, especially regarding conspiracy theories. And yes, I do enjoy conspiracy theories. They fuel my stories. I often search for that kind of material because I find it fascinating and inspiring, but that doesn’t mean I support them. I’m not promoting those ideas — it’s simply something that entertains me and sparks my creativity, which is why I use it in my writing. I tend to have a very sharp, ironic and acid sense of humor, and I see now that this has caused problems. Because of that, I commit to being more careful and serious about what I share and write.In all the stories I’ve written, there has always been a humanist, conciliatory approach — one that focuses on people, not on conflict or on judging anyone.As for my political views, I have always been on the left. In my country, Everyone who knows me is aware of that. That’s why it’s truly painful to be accused of being far-right, when in reality I’ve always stood on the opposite side of that ideology throughout my entire life.I have no right-wing political inclinations, nor do I support fascism, or any form of totalitarianism or dictatorship. I do not follow or align myself with any political movement or entity of that kind, and everyone who knows me is well aware of my stance on this.In Argentina, I have written stories entirely in support of the victims of our civic-military dictatorship of the 1970s, and I am a devoted admirer of Héctor G. Oesterheld, creator of El Eternauta and a political activist who was disappeared during that time — along with his daughters — because of his beliefs.I enjoy creating stories that spark thought, doubt, and reflection, but it was never — never — my intention to suggest or promote any ideology. I believe doubt is healthy; I constantly question my own beliefs, my prejudices, and my views as I encounter new information.I feel very sad and ashamed to be in the middle of this situation, and I acknowledge my mistake. This has been a lesson for me, and I will do everything I can to make amends.I sincerely ask for your understanding."

[u/SynthErsatz]

Incredibly disingenuous to say that the people outraged aren't fans of Valiant, when the entire reason this is a controversy to begin with is because of the longtime hardcore Valiant fans feeling scorned by this. The only tourists I see here are the people popping up to say transphobic shit and get their shot in.

[u/striker_eureka_ → u/SynthErsatz]

Yeah, you can look at comment and interaction history here and on the Valiant fan Facebook group. The posts that are most outraged and calling for a boycott are both reliable and provably long-time fans.

While certainly not all Valiant fans think alike, it just cannot be surprising to anyone that the majority of this fanbase would not be okay with transphobia making it into publication. We tend to lean progressive. I mean like, come on! Livewire, Shadowman, Faith, Dr. Mirage, Punk Mumbo, Quantum, Toyo Harada... if a publisher focuses on diverse characters and inclusive stories, it's gonna attract likeminded fans. This is not new, it's just harder for some folks to ignore given the current situation.

[u/TheBroccoliMan_ → u/striker_eureka_]

That’s the thing, I just don’t see any transphobia in the now infamous dialogue, and I feel as if most of the people commenting on it are just seeking to be part of the outrage.

[u/striker_eureka_ → u/TheBroccoliMan_]

I mean this completely sincerely, not as an argument. But how much do you actually know about trans issues? Because that may be why it didn't stand out to you.

Let me offer a difference perspective. When folks are trying to be hostile and discriminate against trans people, the phrase "irrevocable damage" is often used. Specially, when making claims about trans people and the process of transitioning that are objectively false. It's a tactic meant to scare people into believing that being trans is evil and should be outlawed. But the big take away here - they do that by lying about trans people with phrases like "irrevocable damage" or "irrevocable harm".

(Seems to me that if trans people really were so bad, it wouldn't take lying to convince people of that, but anyway...)

That's why some people are so mad that it was part of the dialogue. It's very similar to a term that is extremely associated with transphobia and has been for quite a few years now.

I have a few friends and a family member who are trans. I have also seen some of them have to deal with some pretty awful discrimination, just for being different. Including having to deal with phrases like the one referenced in Bloodshot. So this is real, 100% genuine outrage of my very own making, from a long-time fan (check my comment history if you don't believe me).