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Meanwhile, the industry continues to produce an array of "rainbow-themed" merchandise, often criticized as superficial pandering designed to appeal to various demographics at the expense of authentic storytelling. Critics argue these marketing tactics commodify identity politics and manipulate consumer sentiments for profit.
The Future of Comics in a Polarized Culture
This controversy underscores a broader trend: the tension between tradition and progressivism within major entertainment franchises. While embracing diversity is often celebrated, critics argue that the method of enacting these changes—sometimes at the expense of character consistency and historical context—alienates core audiences and undermines the core values of heroic storytelling.