r/valiant • u/Stunning-Computer125 • 22d 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/BipolarPrime 21d ago
That’s your opinion. Hell, I’m not even saying you’re wrong, but I’m open minded enough not to convict immediately. Especially when his explanation makes sense. Which, to me, it does. And as I’ve said, editorial is the bigger concern. Whoever was responsible for not catching that will probably be out of a job.