Debate: Is it gatekeeping or good taste to correct someone on a character's origin?

I started a thread last month about the original Secret Wars run and someone jumped in saying Captain America's shield was always round. I corrected them that actually it started as a triangle in the 40s and they got all defensive, called me a gatekeeper. Now I'm wondering where the line is. On one hand, if someone is new to comics and gets a detail wrong, do you just let it slide to keep the hobby friendly? Or is it okay to gently point out the real history so the fandom doesn't lose its roots? I've seen more experienced fans get roasted for correcting a younger fan about Spider-Man's organic webshooters versus the mechanical ones from the comics. That debate got ugly fast in a Facebook group I'm in. So what do you all think? When does helpful become hurtful in comic book discussions?

2 comments

2 Comments

sethc1212d ago

Honestly this whole debate reminds me of the time I tried to explain to a guy at a con that Wolverine's claws were part of his mutation and not some kind of robot attachment. He looked at me dead serious and asked if I was being paid by Marvel to protect their character lore. Nope, just a guy who's been reading since the 90s and can't help but cringe when someone treats the Ultimate Universe like it's the main canon. But I get it, nobody likes being told they're wrong when they're just excited about something new. For me the line is if the correction comes from a place of sharing the story instead of proving you know more. If you're making them feel dumb for not knowing, that's on you.

wells.morgan12d ago

Had a buddy who tried to correct some kid's MCU timeline at a party and the kid's friend literally googled it on the spot to prove him wrong. He was right but they still gave him crap for being a know-it-all. Sometimes you just gotta let people be wrong if they're having fun.