While the release of the new Bat-Manga! book has largely met with strong publicity and good reviews, there’s been a bit of controversy recently, as some reviewers and bloggers have noted that manga-ka Jiro Kuwata, whose Batman stories make up the bulk of the book, is not credited on the cover or title page of the book. His name only appears on the inside flap initially, though Kidd does credit him in the introduction, includes a one-page interview with him and dedicates the book to him as well. Laura Hudson has a round-up of comments and offers her own thoughts on the matter:
even if we accept that Kidd et al. played a very important role in designing and presenting this book to an American audience, I’m not sure how that justifies the de facto usurping of authorship here, or the diminishment of the role played by the actual creator of these materials, without whom Kidd and friends would have had nothing to compile, edit, and claim as their own.
I had interviewed Kidd last week about the new book and decided to email him to see if he had anything to say about the controversy. Here is his response:
First of all, I’d like to say to all the relevant reviewers/bloggers/whomever: I am heartened that you all have such concern for Mr. Kuwata’s welfare. So here’s a question: where were YOU for the last thirty years, while he was languishing in obscurity both here and in his own country? I won’t bother waiting for an answer.
As for my answer, it is multifold and complex, and if it comes off as self-serving, I apologize for that. Here goes.
First, Bat-Manga is not just about the work of Mr. Kuwata, although that of course makes up the bulk of the book. Rather, it is about chronicling the phenomenon—however short-lived—of Batman in Japan in 1966. To that end, the book itself as an act of pop-culture reconnaissance is entirely the product of Saul Ferris, Geoff Spear, and myself. Mr. Kuwata is prominently mentioned on the front flap (as is translator Anne Ishii) and on the back cover, so it’s not like we’re trying to deny him any credit. I would not have made the considerable effort to track him down, interview, and photograph him if that were the case. It is worth noting that before we took it upon ourselves to do this, NO ONE had any interested in collecting this material for reprinting, least of Shonen King (and they still don’t—Bat-manga has amazingly failed to find a Japanese publisher).
But I would put forth the analogy: when Ken Burns made his documentary on the Civil War, the subsequent book had his name, and his writer Geoffrey Ward, on the front. It did not have the names General Ulysses S. Grant, Robert E. Lee, or Abraham Lincoln, or any contemporary historians that Burns interviewed. That may sound like a stretch, but it’s the same situation. We took it upon ourselves to put this project together because of our love for this material. We spent far more of our own money amassing everything then we’ll ever see out of sales of the book; and without going into details, any money we did get as an advance went right back to Mr. Kuwata, who was thrilled to get it. As he is thrilled with the book—I’ve heard nothing but compliments and thanks from him.
So that’s what I have to say. In this culture of blogger-snark I’m sure this is just the equivalent of painting an even larger target on my forehead, but I can’t just say nothing.
Grrrr,
CK
PS: The most interesting observation on the book, so far anyway, is from Ain’t It Cool News—the reviewer there said that “it is an American re-interpretation of a Japanese re-interpretation of American pop culture.”
Now that I buy.
Update: Chris Butcher, who was cc’d on Kidd’s email, offers his thoughts on the matter.
November 7th, 2008 at 11:51 pm
Two dust jacket mentions, a dedication, an interview, a photo, and credit in the introduction sure doesn’t sound like the creator is being ignored to me.
November 8th, 2008 at 1:27 am
So, did anyone bother reading after Kidd’s first paragraph? Preemptive personal attacks are always the best way to win people over.
November 8th, 2008 at 3:31 am
>while he was languishing in obscurity both here and in his own country?
He’s never been in languishing in obscurity here in Japan.He’s regarded as one of legendary comic artist of post-war era.If you ask people over 60,almost everyone know his work on 8-Man,or Gekkou-Kamen.
November 8th, 2008 at 6:37 am
To put it one way, a book about abstract expressionism would not have names like ‘Jackson Pollock’ and a bunch of others plastered all over the cover, it would have the name of the author who compiled all the images and wrote the text and conducted interviews with and about the artists.
So I really don’t see what the issue is here.
November 8th, 2008 at 9:18 am
Wow—seems like everyone is forgetting the sheer beauty of this book. If I were the author, I would want my work exposed to the largest possible audience and to be credited. Kuwata gets both. And he gets it in a package incredibly, meticulously designed by a guy who is, for my money, the best book designer in the business.
November 8th, 2008 at 9:52 am
I liked Bat Manga and see no problem with the credits. In fact I thought Kidd promoted the artist quite well. The interview in the book was fascinating.
Now I would have liked to have seen a complete toy section of all the tin Batmobiles and all the Batman robots with boxes.
November 8th, 2008 at 9:54 am
I’ve never heard of Kuwata, Batmanga, or even this book.
But I HAVE heard of Chip Kidd!
He’s why I’d buy this book.
I can’t imagine anyone getting upset over this.
If I buy this book (I’ll look for it in stores) it’s because of Kidd’s name and great reputation for putting together beautiful books.
I can’t speak for EVERYONE here in America…but if it weren’t for Mr. Kidd’s work…I doubt anyone would have ever heard of Batmanga or Kuwata.
I think Kuwata should be thanking Mr. Kidd.
November 8th, 2008 at 12:22 pm
I was very surprised to hear that Chip Kidd was being attacked as not giving Jiro Kuwata proper credit. Mr. Kidd deserves the acclaim so often associated with his name. He’s a professional and his works just sparkles. I came across this lovely book recently and was very impressed with it ! How many fans, like myself, were not aware of Mr. Kuwata’s work ? Not me, but I don’t consider myself a fan of most manga. This would definitely be an exception. No harm, no foul. Can’t wait to buy this. Thanks for all the effort you put into it Chip !
November 8th, 2008 at 12:43 pm
Another internet tempest in a teapot.
November 8th, 2008 at 1:47 pm
“if you ask people over 60″
Well I guess, in your mind, the fact that he’s well-known among the senior crowd somehow supports your argument that he’s not languishing in obscurity?
“So, did anyone bother reading after Kidd’s first paragraph? Preemptive personal attacks are always the best way to win people over.”
Yeah, and it clearly seems like his intent was to win people over, right?
November 8th, 2008 at 4:39 pm
Wow. So people WILL bitch about anything.
November 8th, 2008 at 10:08 pm
“First of all, I’d like to say to all the relevant reviewers/bloggers/whomever: I am heartened that you all have such concern for Mr. Kuwata’s welfare. So here’s a question: where were YOU for the last thirty years, while he was languishing in obscurity both here and in his own country? I won’t bother waiting for an answer.”
…This ranks up with the old net.god retort on usenet anytime someone complained about some post the net.gods such as Old Ego Trip and Chuqi the Hutt would make: “What have *you* done for usenet?” Sorry Chip, I appreciate your work and your talent, but in this case the complaint is a valid one, and this response holds about as much water as a sieve.
November 9th, 2008 at 1:28 am
>Garth
His work has been reprinted time after time over 40 years.
His name always appear in when you see history on Japanese comic.
(at least,history written in Japanese)
Is that your idea of “languishing in obscurity”?
The reason no one tried to collect his Batman work ever,is just people who interested in American super hero is minority in Japan.Even Dark Knight movie is regarded as commercially failure(for critics,it’s masterpiece).
Although,the presence of his Batman work is well known amongst collectors.
I appreciate Mr.Kidd’s attempt on “Bat-Manga”,I’d buy one,but telling Mr.Kuwata’s “languishing in obscurity” is a bit of,arrogant.We’ve given respect to his work for decades.
And,there was “Hulk-Manga”,”Moon Knight-Manga” in 70′s……(both,not by Mr.Kuwata).
November 9th, 2008 at 11:58 am
Based on this article, I can’t find any fault in the way the material was presented. Kidd does not deserve the criticism he’s received.
But his response…
What an idiotic email! His claim that Kuwata was languishing in obscurity seems to be ridiculously hyperbolic, and the notion that we’re only entitled to have an opinion regarding whether Kuwata has been fairly treated by Kidd and his colleagues if we’ve done something for Kuwata is irrational.
What Kidd is saying is the equivalent of an orphanage care worker accused of mistreating orphans dismissing allegations as irrelevant based on the fact that those making the accusations had not helped the children while he had.
As it happens, I imagine that many of Kidd’s critics have done something for Kuwata. They bought this Bat-Manga, and if there hadn’t been a market for the book, it would not have been published and Kuwata would not have got any cash.
Also, it’s really unfortunate that Kidd comes across as condescending toward Kuwata, especially when you read the following two comments:
“where were YOU for the last thirty years, while he was languishing in obscurity both here and in his own country?”
“We spent far more of our own money amassing everything then we’ll ever see out of sales of the book; and without going into details, any money we did get as an advance went right back to Mr. Kuwata, who was thrilled to get it. As he is thrilled with the book—I’ve heard nothing but compliments and thanks from him.”
Kidd gives of the impression that he thinks of himself as some sort of savior to Kuwata. He probably doesn’t feel that way, but he’s communicating poorly.
Now let me make this clear: I don’t think that Kidd did anything wrong in his dealings with Kuwata. (The problems seem to come from people not understanding the nature of Kidd’s work.) It’s understandable that Kidd is frustrated. But all of that said, Kidd’s response is foolish, illogical and unprofessional. He chooses his words badly and engages with his critics at a level unbecoming of any individual with an IQ over 100 given the circumstances.
November 9th, 2008 at 1:44 pm
“in this case the complaint is a valid one, and this response holds about as much water as a sieve.”
NO, it ISN’T. Mr Kuwata did not write the book. He is not the sole subject of the book. PERIOD. END OF DISCUSSION.
November 9th, 2008 at 1:46 pm
“What Kidd is saying is the equivalent of an orphanage care worker accused of mistreating orphans dismissing allegations as irrelevant based on the fact that those making the accusations had not helped the children while he had.”
Sorry, that’s ridiculous, unless you include that the complaints against the orphanage worker were COMPLETELY BASELESS.
November 9th, 2008 at 1:59 pm
While I didn’t see any issue with the credits in the excellent Bat Manga book, I’m very sad to read such an unprofessional response from Chip Kidd.
November 9th, 2008 at 3:57 pm
‘Sorry, that’s ridiculous, unless you include that the complaints against the orphanage worker were COMPLETELY BASELESS.’
Why would that make a difference Garth?
November 9th, 2008 at 5:47 pm
“While I didn’t see any issue with the credits in the excellent Bat Manga book, I’m very sad to read such an unprofessional response from Chip Kidd.”
Well considering the way he was talking about the covers for All Star Superman and All Star Batman I really wouldn’t be surprised.
November 10th, 2008 at 3:17 am
“Kidd gives of the impression that he thinks of himself as some sort of savior to Kuwata.”
No, it doesn’t, Niall. It only reads that way if you’re intent on being a jackass and reading INTO it that way.
November 10th, 2008 at 4:03 pm
What was *I* doing? Suffering from the rather common(though debilitating) condition: CAN’T-READ-JAPANESE-ATITIS. If I’d know this existed, bet your bottom dollar I would have been promoting it left and right.
…call me names, you big meanie. You suck, Chip.
November 10th, 2008 at 6:07 pm
Sorry Gordon, but if you claim that someone was ‘languishing’ in obscurity before you came along and then emphasise how grateful they are for the cash you gave them, you’re going to be in danger of coming off as condescending. I don’t think that Chip is as arrogant as that and I imagine he has plenty of respect for Kuwata, but if he was an arrogant so-and-so with a messiah complex, he’d probably have written something similar – talking about the great things he done for poor old Kuwata, how grateful the old man was and how wonderful he was.
I get that Kidd is peeved. He doesn’t deserve the criticism he’s received. But this response is utterly unprofessional. It’s kind of funny that an expert on appearance could have released something that has the potential to be interpreted so badly. He needs some lessons in PR.
The thing is, all Kidd had to do was release the following:
“Bat-Manga is not just about the work of Mr. Kuwata, although that of course makes up the bulk of the book. Rather, it is about chronicling the phenomenon—however short-lived—of Batman in Japan in 1966. To that end, the book itself as an act of pop-culture reconnaissance is entirely the product of Saul Ferris, Geoff Spear, and myself.”
Sometimes, less is more. If Kidd feels the need to let of steam in response to undeserved criticism, then I’d advise him that next time it happens, he should do so in private.
November 11th, 2008 at 12:47 am
This is exactly why creative professionals should try and refrain from directly engaging with or responding to critics or bloggers online or in print, no matter how tempting it may be in the digital age.
I assume that Chris Mautner indicated that Kidd’s email response would be used for public dissection?
They almost always get sucked into the muck and it backfires in their face, which Kidd himself was aware of as he indicates at the end of his email. Just put out a statement on a website offering greater detail and clarification like Niall suggests. Unless you have nothing better to do than fight trolls all day. But I think World of Warcraft or something like that might be more enjoyable if that’s the case. You’ll still lose your soul but there’s a greater sense of accomplishment.
If some people still want to troll and make something out of nothing, that’s their deal and the comic community and comic journalism, with exceptions, suffers for it as a continuing wasteland filled with amateurish and petty complaints littered with poor spelling, a healthy dose of BS, and shoddy journalistic standards in general.
And I’m not sure if having bloggers and critics on a mass email list is such a good idea either, precisely because of these kinds of situations. And honestly, for bloggers or critics to slam Kidd for being “pissy” is pretty rich.
I don’t see how Chip Kidd is at fault here at all. Did Gerard Jones need to plaster the name of every single creator that he covered in his book, Men of Tomorrow, on the cover? Good lord, Chip Kidd designed the cover for that book and his name is only credited in small font on the back. I’m sure he was outraged that his name wasn’t in 60 point embossed font on the front. Who does Jones think he is? The author of the book?
November 22nd, 2008 at 10:05 am
“The reason no one tried to collect his Batman work ever,is just people who interested in American super hero is minority in Japan.”
I am forced to wonder, are the Japanese who are interested in superheroes as fond of nitpicky whinging as the Americans in this thread? I can’t help but think that the two hobbies go hand in hand.
November 9th, 2009 at 3:12 am
To put it one way. I assume that Chris Mautner indicated that Kidd’s email response would be used for public dissection?
January 17th, 2011 at 9:25 pm
After searching Bing I found your site about Blog@Newsarama » Blog Archive » Chip Kidd responds to ‘Bat-Manga’ criticisms . I think both are good and I will be coming back to you and them in the future. Thanks