John Romita Jr Speaks On The Kick-Ass Controversy

John Romita Jr Speaks On The Kick-Ass Controversy

The comic book artist who worked on the Kick-Ass comic gave his thoughts on the controversy being stirred by the movie in an interview with Big Shiny Robot...

By MarkCassidy - Apr 13, 2010 08:04 AM EST
Filed Under: Kick-Ass
Source: bigshinyrobot

Just like we all knew it would, Kick-Ass has given an excuse for busy bodies the world over to kick up a fuss. The main target of their ire is of course Hit Girl, the 12 year old killing machine given to spouting the C word played pretty damn brilliantly by Chloe Moretz.

Big Shiny Robot had a chat with John Romita Jr and asked him what he though about the whole thing, both from the characters inception in the comic up to her big screen incarnation...

“I thought, ‘My God, there’s going to be some controversy about that character.’ And then I’ve lost all semblance of my morals, because I remember days when I would say, ‘That’s way over the top, I don’t care for movies like that,’ because when I had a baby, I had to be more careful about what my son sees and I’d never let him see that sort of thing and as he got older and he saw things on the Internet, I couldn’t shield him from every single thing, even regular TV. So here I am at the point where I have a 13 year old son and he was IN the movie as an extra, and I can’t keep him from seeing it, and he’s even talked me into reading the whole 8 issues, so, so much for me being a ‘moral’ father. I think that the controversy will actually help out. The minute some wacko on the right complains about the indignity of the film and the degrading nature of it, more people will want to see it. I don’t know if that’s good or bad, but from a financial point of view, more see it. From a fathers point of view, I’m almost embarrassed to embrace all the good that happens to it and I’m sorry to all the parents.”



Interesting stuff. Personally I just really don't see what the fuss is about. Yeah a young girl says c#nt and kills people..but when you see the film there is no way you could imagine anyone taking it for anything other than a bit of fun. And if a kid does manage to see this R rated film, they might run around saying c#nt for a while..and maybe kill their family with a samurai sword, I mean, whats the big deal?;)
KICK-ASS Star Chloë Grace Moretz Comes Out As Gay Woman In Heartfelt New Social Media Post
Related:

KICK-ASS Star Chloë Grace Moretz Comes Out As Gay Woman In Heartfelt New Social Media Post

KICK-ASS 3: More Confusing Details Emerge About Matthew Vaughn's New Trilogy Plans
Recommended For You:

KICK-ASS 3: More Confusing Details Emerge About Matthew Vaughn's New Trilogy Plans

DISCLAIMER: As a user generated site and platform, ComicBookMovie.com is protected under the DMCA (Digital Millenium Copyright Act) and "Safe Harbor" provisions.

This post was submitted by a user who has agreed to our Terms of Service and Community Guidelines. ComicBookMovie.com will disable users who knowingly commit plagiarism, piracy, trademark or copyright infringement. Please CONTACT US for expeditious removal of copyrighted/trademarked content. CLICK HERE to learn more about our copyright and trademark policies.

Note that ComicBookMovie.com, and/or the user who contributed this post, may earn commissions or revenue through clicks or purchases made through any third-party links contained within the content above.

1 2
LEEE777
LEEE777 - 4/13/2010, 8:23 AM
They can shove it!

KICK ASS kicks A$$! : p
ThisFan
ThisFan - 4/13/2010, 8:29 AM
this is film of the year and anyone who says bad stuff about a 12 year old killing people should watch the news cause a few months ago i heard about a 3 year old who killed her new born baby sister, thats much worse than hit-girl
WolvieCBM
WolvieCBM - 4/13/2010, 8:29 AM
@LEEE: Agree!Finally a comic book film that's done properly and it's rated R just like it should be.BTW I found this interview with Clark Duke where he talks about Kick-ass and comics in general.He really knows a lot about it:

Sespar27
Sespar27 - 4/13/2010, 8:31 AM
Just live with it, seriously. This is the culture we live in these days. Nothing is shielded from youth and frankly, we are thankful for that exposure. So stoked for the film.
MatchesMalone
MatchesMalone - 4/13/2010, 8:36 AM
Some people are just waaaaaaay too uptight. Smoke a bowl and relax already. It's a movie about fictional characters. FICTIONal characters. Going to go see this on Saturday with some buddies. Can't freakin' wait!
MarkCassidy
MarkCassidy - 4/13/2010, 8:39 AM
Yeah there hasn't been as much in our neck of the woods Tea, although one article in The Sun went on the high horse. The Sun..on the high horse. THE SUN!
superdog
superdog - 4/13/2010, 8:40 AM
lee777@ youll probably hate this movie. that seems to be your track record. :)
JoshWilding
JoshWilding - 4/13/2010, 8:44 AM
Ah, the violence wasnt all that bad - it's done in a fun way and I've seen a lot worse that hasnt recieved half the amount of attention that Kick-Ass has had about it!

tea/ROR: You guys should have seen the review in The Daily Mail - the guy went off on a tangent about paedophiles and knife crime! That's the Mail for you though...anything that's even slightly popular with the public get at least 2 stars or under in that paper! :P

Guys, check out my UNCANNY X-MEN Fan Cast!!! Just click the link!!!
DogsOfWar
DogsOfWar - 4/13/2010, 8:48 AM
This is the first time I've heard someone from the movie pull back even a little. He says he's sorry to the parents?

Don't be sorry to me. If I don't want my daughter to see it, she won't. That's why they call it parenting.
CorndogBurglar
CorndogBurglar - 4/13/2010, 8:50 AM
the ONLY thing i can see people complaining about is the fact that the previews on TV don't give you any reason to think its got the kind of language and violence thats in the movie.

i could totally see parents watching that preview and thinking its something they would want to take their kids to.

however, it plainly says RATED-R. if people are incapable of looking at the ratings, then its their own fault.

i'm a new parent myself, so i can appreciate the idea of knowing what you're buying or seeing ahead of time...now more than ever.

it just comes down to parenting...or lack there of. i just dont' get what people think all the complaining is going to do. do they really think that movies like this will be outlawed, or made illegal?? fat chance...

although i find it ironic that Romita talks about trying to "shield" his son from this kind of thing, but then turns around and makes him an extra in the movie, lol.
DarkWebs
DarkWebs - 4/13/2010, 8:58 AM
@Ror Good Find dude! Romita is one of the best and I can see his point of view having a 12 yr old myself and I have taught him to not repeat the words that I use lol but its a movie and there have been worse movies out there.
StephenStrange
StephenStrange - 4/13/2010, 9:20 AM
I don't think young children should be exposed to extreme violence or foul language such as what Hit Girl uses in the movie.

However this is hardly a kid's movie. It's not aimed at that demographic in any way.
JoshWilding
JoshWilding - 4/13/2010, 9:24 AM
tea: Lol, I read the review online - if a paper doesnt have boobs on page 3 then it aint worth buying! ;D

Image and video hosting by TinyPic
comicb00kguy
comicb00kguy - 4/13/2010, 9:28 AM
Sadly, as much as you may want to shield kids from the ugliness of the world, today that is extremely difficult. I have no quarrel with those who don't want their kids exposed to things they morally object with, but then, that is the PARENT'S job. If the parent raises the kid right (by their standards), the kid won't be affected by or interested in the uglier stuff that's out there. I've known enough that were like that, and I was cool with it. We don't all have to revel in the filth that pollutes modern society. Please let me clarify that I am NOT calling this film or comic "filth", just the general ugliness that pervades society today. Didn't want anyone thinking I was referring to this film, which I do intend to see.



superdog
superdog - 4/13/2010, 9:34 AM
my position is this, yes parents shouldnt let thier kids go see this. however, i recall sneaking in to many a r rated movie in my day as have many of you. so simply saying "dont let them see it" doesnt work. that being said, if you have done your job as a parent there should be no worry that your child will come out of the movie stabbing people or using the c@#t word. if they do, it is more a reflection on your parenting than the movie. we cannot shield our children from all things that we do not wish them to be exposed to. all we can do is trust that we have given them the proper tools to deal with those things when they occur. now having said all that, on to the boobs

peterparker420
peterparker420 - 4/13/2010, 9:35 AM
WELL, of course it's NOT ment for kids to see..If it was
it would be rated PG or G or even PG-13..but it's NOT
it has a NICE R rating! Sure some kids are going to sneek in or get their parents to go with them..But this movie is all in fun..I will be first in line opening day
for sure!

No matter what KIDS will find a way to see it! As foe the PARENTS well, If you LET you're kids see it and there scarred for life well, thats you're problem. and if you DON'T let them see it..and they HATE you for it, again thats YOU'RE problem..remember it is just a movie.

and buy the sounds of it a DAMN GOOD ONE!

MY parents let me RENT the EXORSIST and The Shining, when I was in 5TH grade, both rated R..and I turned out OK..I think?!

those were my FIRST rated R movies what was you're guys?
MarkCassidy
MarkCassidy - 4/13/2010, 9:37 AM
Yeah, what Dog said! I mean its pretty straight forward really isn't it? If you drag your kid up it won't take a movie to turn him/her to the dark side and if you raise em right nothing will. Except maybe Vader...

I think Terminator was the first one I remember seeing..I was really young and snuck a look on vhs.. loved every minute of it!..and never traveled back in time to kill any of my mates mothers or anything!
DarkWebs
DarkWebs - 4/13/2010, 9:37 AM
Aaaah no matter what the subject we can always count on Teabag for some JUGGS!! ha ha
screams
screams - 4/13/2010, 9:42 AM
I'm so excited to see this movie. It looks pretty hilarious.
number10
number10 - 4/13/2010, 9:46 AM
kick ass was class!
superdog
superdog - 4/13/2010, 9:47 AM
ror@ mine was children of the corn. ill admit it was hard to resist the temptation to summon an acient demon in the corn field and kill all the parents, but i resisted none the less. actually, the frigen movie gave me nightmares. i still have trouble watching to this day, not because of the actual violence but because of the child hood memory.

tea@ but i like when your misses plays rough so bring it on!!!!!
MarkCassidy
MarkCassidy - 4/13/2010, 9:55 AM
Ok, I was also an early Corn watcher, and i have to admit, that was one I should not have seen! I also had nightmares and got a little bit obsessed with He Who Walks Behind The Rows.. the funny thing is, the movie sucks! Although its still better than the dreadful remake.

Tea, but you are a necrophiliac remember?
twagoo
twagoo - 4/13/2010, 10:11 AM
@teabag: Haa..haa..dat sure looks like a pix taken from a cab in Singapore!!
MatchesMalone
MatchesMalone - 4/13/2010, 10:13 AM
You've been desensitized, teabag. That's what happened you brilliant, corpse-shagging bastard!

@superdog-Thanks for that pic. I'm going to go pour sulphuric acid into my eyeballs now. And maybe use some of it to rinse the acrid taste of vomit from my mouth.
peterparker420
peterparker420 - 4/13/2010, 10:13 AM
TEA- LOL! I remeber that movie..well now I own that movie..another movie from my past was Creepshow 2
now watching it, all it is a big cheese fest! abd it's not scary now, but I
still remeber not wanting to go swimming because of that BLOB thing in the water who killed people!
Growler
Growler - 4/13/2010, 10:18 AM
Going to see this tonight and I'm sooooooooo looking forward to it.
peterparker420
peterparker420 - 4/13/2010, 10:29 AM
Growler- TONIGHT? it doesnt come out until FRIDAY
in the STATES!?
CorndogBurglar
CorndogBurglar - 4/13/2010, 10:30 AM
@ peterparker, ror, and superdog

i think my first Rated R movie was Aliens, and i've never traveled to a planet in a far away galaxy, watched my friends get alien parasites stuck to their faces, later to discover that it laid a baby in their stomach.

actually, thats just the first one i REMEMBER watching, i know i was exposed to Rated R movies before that though.
Growler
Growler - 4/13/2010, 10:33 AM
I'm not in the States, UK born and bred.
Growler
Growler - 4/13/2010, 10:53 AM
I just read the review of Kick-Ass on the Sun website and it gets 5/5.

Didn't look any further for controversy on that site, but if anyone's interested, there's a few disgruntled readers of The Daily Mail (right-wing reactionary UK 'newspaper') leaving comments that are well worth laughing at. So check out their website if you fancy giggle at some old farts who'd never see the film anyway.
MarkCassidy
MarkCassidy - 4/13/2010, 11:00 AM
There is also Fox News's take on it...

http://www.bleedingcool.com/2010/04/08/fox-news-ask-if-the-kick-ass-movie-is-an-example-of-child-abuse/

Child abuse no less! Not having to endure Fox News here in Ireland I have to ask, are they really as brain numbingly ridiculous as people say?(like the above article isn't proof enough!)
superdog
superdog - 4/13/2010, 11:08 AM
ror@ as a staunch conservative i only watch fox news cause the rest of them are liberal bullshit. that being said, fox news is also ridiculous lots of the time. all news sucks, thats why i get my stuff from wikepedia. its about as accurate and honest as any news outlet these days :)
superdog
superdog - 4/13/2010, 11:25 AM
what teabag said
MarkCassidy
MarkCassidy - 4/13/2010, 11:31 AM
Yeah I don't really watch the news much either, although RTE here in Dublin is about as middle ground as you can get. We don't have conservatives or liberals, we just have farmers and priests!..and scangers:(

I'm bored. I watched Defendor last night, great movie you guys should check it out.
superdog
superdog - 4/13/2010, 11:36 AM
oh sorry all mighty ror that our conversation is not stimulating enough to keep you from getting bored........oh and whats that about scangers?

StephenStrange
StephenStrange - 4/13/2010, 11:42 AM
The interesting thing about the news is that if you watch at the right time ie at the short hour or so where they are just reporting the news, then you will find that they are reporting the same thing or close to it give or take an item there or there.
I tested it one day. I started out on Fox, and I gave it 15 minutes or so. Then I moved over to the state- controlled media (CNN) and heard very nearly the same stuff. Just some dude telling what all happened recently. So then I moved over to PMSNBC, and yep you guessed it. Virtually the same thing. Same stories, just told by a different person. But then I went over to BBC News and they had something totaly different! I couldn't believe it. They had this crazy story about the wanton exploits of some necrophiliac ghoul named Teabag!! Woah!!

But anyway as I said those periods during the broadcast day are relatively short. The rest of it is dominated by varying degrees of punditry and opinion based editorializing. Those comprise the majority of airtime and you know why? Because those shows are the most watched on cable TV. Those are the ones that get all the ratings. In short that is what people want. Or what they seem to want anyway.
It's kind of a miserable state of affairs.
KeithM
KeithM - 4/13/2010, 11:42 AM
In the UK, Kick-Ass is doing about half the business Clash is doing. While that's sad (for the people who saw Clash instead of Kick-Ass - luh-hooosers!), if it replicates that kind of business in the States, it will be seen as a MASSIVE success (considering it cost less than $30m to make).

Re: The Daily Mail - its own readers have been pouring scorn on the review and saying they love it, and it hasn't harmed the film at all - in fact, it's only made people more interested. Well done Tookey.

@Ror: I went to the States a couple of years ago - and really loved it. But you wouldn't believe just how bad Fox really is - the snippets we get over here just don't do it justice. The unashamed, right-wing conservative bias of it was the biggest culture shock of my whole visit (and I was in Vegas!). Yes, it really is as brain-numbingly ridiculous as people say - and more.

Oh and glad you liked Defendor btw. ;) :thup:
StephenStrange
StephenStrange - 4/13/2010, 11:42 AM
yeah wtf is a scanger lol
superdog
superdog - 4/13/2010, 11:51 AM
kieth@ i assume you didnt watch any of the other networks cause they are left wing communist stations. did you give them equal play or just biased against fox? and since fox is the most watched news network i assume you believe that most of america is right wing conservative? we are (thank god), just wanna make sure you know that :)
1 2
View Recorder