Okay, so the big controversy this week seems to have to do with a certain Barbie doll dressed as Black Canary. The reactions so far have been interesting.
Brett Singer is bemused by the choice:
For what it’s worth (excuse me while I geek out again) Black Canary is, despite her appearance, a fairly positive female role model. She’s considered one of the best hand-to-hand fighters, male or female, in the DCU (that’s “DC comics Universe”) and is currently the leader of the Justice League. She takes no crap, kicks major ass, and asks questions later. Barbie once said, “Math class is tough!” (source) So you could make an argument that Black Canary is a better role model than Barbie, and therefore the doll is empowering.
I don’t really see the point of doing this, especially since Barbie’s target audience is young girls. So while I think the Vast Christian Right Wing Conspiracy is a bit over the top, I do think it’s kind of an odd choice for a Barbie doll. What’s next, Big Gay Ken? Oh wait, they did that already.
Glenn Walker thinks the Christian Voice needs to do their research:
The other thing, the most important thing perhaps, is that Mattel will be marking this product, due for release in September, for adult collectors. It is specifically part of the Black Label Collection, packaged and marketed specifically for the adult collector market. Hear that, Christian Voice? Not for kids. So why the whining?
And if Black Canary’s costume is so offensive, where have you been since 1947? Where were you when she was featured on popular TV series like “Smallville,” “Justice League Unlimited” (a cartoon! and you all know those are just for kids!) and “Birds of Prey?”
Livejournalist Jarodrussell just doesn’t like the fishnets:
You want to say “some girls just like fishnets,” fine. You wants to make the same, stupid crack about guys staring at her legs, fine. But then don’t go on about how from personal experience you know how wise it is to have a heftier material between one’s skin and the elements. That’s just…AURGH!
AURGH!
I’ve tried to just ignore this, because frankly I think that Barbie Canary looks more like Lord Fanny than Dinah Lance. But when someone goes on about how great a thicker material is for a fight and then all but says, “Except for her legs, because how else are the villains supposed to tranq., cut, stab, or claw her in a fight,” my inner geek won’t be quelled.
So what do you think?


Let’s talk about the Avengers, shall we?