Fanning the Flames of Outrage

I’m sure people have heard about Nick Simmon’s “Incarnate” by now, seeing that he’s “paid homage” to popular series Bleach.

But to release a statement like this?

“Like most artists I am inspired by work I admire. There are certain similarities between some of my work and the work of others. This was simply meant as an homage to artists I respect, and I definitely want to apologize to any Manga fans or fellow Manga artists who feel I went too far. My inspirations reflect the fact that certain fundamental imagery is common to all Manga. This is the nature of the medium.

“I am a big fan of Bleach, as well as other Manga titles. And I am certainly sorry if anyone was offended or upset by what they perceive to be the similarity between my work and the work of artists that I admire and who inspire me.”

From: Manga Worth Reading
Nick Simmons Releases Statement, Takes No Responsibility

I am upset by this, of course, since I draw my own webmanga, 黑火子 and let manga fans read it online for free. There are ads, yes, but I really hardly make any money out of those. And it’s not that I’ve never used references before either. I mean, there have been comments about Rei Kuassary looking like Lady Anne of Gundam Wing… and let’s not forget, I mentioned tracing parts of this as a practice for using the pen tool…

So… I don’t know. At one point or another, artists have done their share of copying works in order to practice. I don’t think I’m that “pure” to be the one to judge him.

I do know this… All publicity? Most probably good publicity. I hope he manages to get out of this in one piece.