r/valiant • u/Stunning-Computer125 • 23d ago
From Mauro Mantella´s Fecebook
"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."
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u/TheFerg714 23d ago
On one hand, I really appreciate this, and it reads as genuine to me. I want to believe he's not actually a transphobe. I can imagine a scenario in which he intentionally used that charged language, but didn't necessarily intend it to be directly compared to the trans issue.
On the other hand, I really struggle to understand how it was an accident. It feels very obvious, and more importantly, editorial should have caught it.
I honestly don't know what to think at this point. I'm mostly just sad because I loved Reloaded and was looking forward to more Bloodshot action.