I think I should point out Kubo's response to this whole fiasco.
(Translation from Tite Kubo's Twitter page)
"12:07 - I've received tons of comments from fans overseas while I was sleeping stating that there is a manga in America that looks a lot like Bleach. I checked out the site that was all in English and not really knowing what it all said it appears that Gene Simmons' son Nick Simmons wrote a new manga.
12:08 - Quite frankly, more than whether it looks like it (bleach) or not, I'm more worried about the fact that Gene Simmons' son is a mangaka.
Now I may not be a fan of Bleach (dropped it a while ago when it became apparent Ichigo was never going to win against a single opponent he hadn't already lost to,) but this response is a characteristic of a world-class troll and for that, I give Tite Kubo my undying respect, even if I'm not into his writing style. Well done, Kubo. Well done.
As for Nick, though I don't read Bleach anymore, I'm a die-hard fan of One Piece and Fullmetal Alchemist and I keep up with Naruto because it's unintentionally hilarious. From what I understand, accusations have been made against Mr. Simmons of borrowing panels from these series as well, among others. Tracing art does not constitute homage, Mr. Simmons. Homage is a respectful shout-out to other materials and authors. Stealing images from them is not respectful at all.
Don't apologize for us, we did nothing wrong. Apologize to the authors for taking the easy way out by piggybacking on their success. Apologize to your fans for letting them down. Most of all, apologize to us for thinking us as fools when you are the one in error.
And while you're at it, apologize to your father for insulting the legendary name of KISS by proxy.
Last edited by Ace at 3:40:46 PM EST on March 4, 2010.
I guess mistakes happen at times. Looking over at the issue at least three times, I say I forgive Nick Simmons, depite how some "Bleach" fans are feeling right now. Nevertheless, there's a line between plagiarism and homage, but I think it's the syle itself, not the characters/story that's homage to "Bleach".
I am so glad I got one of the first cracks on this guy. Im going to form this like a letter, and I hope you enjoy.
Dear Nick,
You claim that your comic "Incarnate" contains "Homages" to titles and artists you respect. Your comic contains similarities that are way too uncanny. Changing a character's hair color, or which way a wisp of hair crosses another character's face is not an homage. ITS PLAGIARISM.
And not only do you deny that you flat out stole from other artists, but you go on to say:
“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.”
Nick, not only are you a creep for living in your father's shadow, using his fame to get a bad comic published. But you go on to insult the people who read your book, and went on to raise the flag about your so called "homages".
Ill make a couple of things clear, and then ask you a couple of questions. "Perceived similarities?" You flat out traced it, dude. "Homages?" Buddy, an homage is a public show of respect to someone to whom one feels indebted. Though I am sure you are indebted to Tite Kubo, for whom you would be able to steal.
Nick, where do you get off insulting your fans like that?
And please, who are you kidding? Just admit it, and go back to Daddy's shadow. Youre as good at art as he is at music.
Ace
Senile Hipster (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 03/04/10 | Reply
I think I should point out Kubo's response to this whole fiasco.
(Translation from Tite Kubo's Twitter page)
"12:07 - I've received tons of comments from fans overseas while I was sleeping stating that there is a manga in America that looks a lot like Bleach. I checked out the site that was all in English and not really knowing what it all said it appears that Gene Simmons' son Nick Simmons wrote a new manga.
12:08 - Quite frankly, more than whether it looks like it (bleach) or not, I'm more worried about the fact that Gene Simmons' son is a mangaka.
Now I may not be a fan of Bleach (dropped it a while ago when it became apparent Ichigo was never going to win against a single opponent he hadn't already lost to,) but this response is a characteristic of a world-class troll and for that, I give Tite Kubo my undying respect, even if I'm not into his writing style. Well done, Kubo. Well done.
As for Nick, though I don't read Bleach anymore, I'm a die-hard fan of One Piece and Fullmetal Alchemist and I keep up with Naruto because it's unintentionally hilarious. From what I understand, accusations have been made against Mr. Simmons of borrowing panels from these series as well, among others. Tracing art does not constitute homage, Mr. Simmons. Homage is a respectful shout-out to other materials and authors. Stealing images from them is not respectful at all.
Don't apologize for us, we did nothing wrong. Apologize to the authors for taking the easy way out by piggybacking on their success. Apologize to your fans for letting them down. Most of all, apologize to us for thinking us as fools when you are the one in error.
And while you're at it, apologize to your father for insulting the legendary name of KISS by proxy.
Last edited by Ace at 3:40:46 PM EST on March 4, 2010.
ChibiSasuke
13th Angel (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 03/04/10 | Reply
LMAO. I can't even believe this guy IS a comic artist xD
VillageIdiot
RaineDrops (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 03/03/10 | Reply
Pfft, never heard of this before. But I'm enjoying reading all the trolls' comments on his DA page XD
RedJ
Otaku Eternal | Posted 03/03/10 | Reply
....
*opens mouth*
*closes it and keeps inappropriate comments to self*
Instead, I'll just echo Miss A1's comment :x
Last edited by redjacketalchemis at 11:14:08 PM EST on March 3, 2010.
Miss Anonymous
Vagrant AI (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 03/03/10 | Reply
Taking-responsibility-for-your-actions fail.
LancelotConquista
Grand Otaku | Posted 03/03/10 | Reply
It's too bad that this guy doesn't seem to feel shame. In an honorable world he'd have killed himself by now.
Schultzie
Getaway Driver (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 03/03/10 | Reply
@:
Why thank you? But seriously, it was fun writing that. I may have to try my hand at it again.
stararnold
Otaku Eternal | Posted 03/03/10 | Reply
I guess mistakes happen at times. Looking over at the issue at least three times, I say I forgive Nick Simmons, depite how some "Bleach" fans are feeling right now. Nevertheless, there's a line between plagiarism and homage, but I think it's the syle itself, not the characters/story that's homage to "Bleach".
SolemnSerpent
Cupcake Constable (Moderator) | Posted 03/03/10 | Reply
Seriously.
"Homage"?
And here I thought that I wouldn't find something worth laughing over today.
ROFLCOPTER.
Schultzie
Getaway Driver (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 03/03/10 | Reply
I am so glad I got one of the first cracks on this guy. Im going to form this like a letter, and I hope you enjoy.
Dear Nick,
You claim that your comic "Incarnate" contains "Homages" to titles and artists you respect. Your comic contains similarities that are way too uncanny. Changing a character's hair color, or which way a wisp of hair crosses another character's face is not an homage. ITS PLAGIARISM.
And not only do you deny that you flat out stole from other artists, but you go on to say:
“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.”
Nick, not only are you a creep for living in your father's shadow, using his fame to get a bad comic published. But you go on to insult the people who read your book, and went on to raise the flag about your so called "homages".
Ill make a couple of things clear, and then ask you a couple of questions. "Perceived similarities?" You flat out traced it, dude. "Homages?" Buddy, an homage is a public show of respect to someone to whom one feels indebted. Though I am sure you are indebted to Tite Kubo, for whom you would be able to steal.
Nick, where do you get off insulting your fans like that?
And please, who are you kidding? Just admit it, and go back to Daddy's shadow. Youre as good at art as he is at music.
Sincerely
Schultzie