Alan Moore Critiques Toxicity in Fandom

In a recent opinion piece for The Guardian, Alan Moore, the creator of 'Watchmen,' discusses the mixed nature of fandom, acknowledging its potential to both enrich and poison contemporary culture. He describes fandom as a vital cultural organ but warns that it can also become a 'grotesque blight,' marked by mean-spirited obsessions and a sense of entitlement that leads to toxic behaviors, including harassment of creatives. Moore reflects on his experiences in early comics fandom and draws parallels between current fan culture and broader societal issues, including political extremism. He emphasizes the importance of healthy fandom that fosters creativity and community, in contrast to the destructive attitudes exhibited by some fans today. His comments echo sentiments he expressed a decade ago, which were met with backlash, highlighting a continuing struggle within fandom dynamics. Ultimately, Moore calls for a reevaluation of fan attitudes to cultivate a more constructive and supportive environment.