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Maher came under fire for a blog post he wrote on Saturday blaming Stan Lee and comic books for the rise of Donald Trump.
Comedian Bill Maher turned his spotlight onto Trump in his latest tweet, and first comments since he trashed Stan Lee posthumously, but Twitter wasn't ready to move on.
Maher was commenting on the fact that Trump made his way to California on Sunday for the first time since the most recent spate of deadly wildfires have rocked the state. He used the opportunity to praise the tireless work of California's firefighters while making a familiar commentary on the president's mental state.
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View StoryIt was a familiar refrain from Maher, who probably hasn't given much thought to his original comments about the creator (or co-creator) of many of Marvel Comics' most popular characters. He was already back to doing what he normally does, make fun of the establishment and focus on politics.
Great to see the president here in Cali. I'm kidding, it made me spit up. Glad the fire is 55% contained. Unfortunately, he's only 10% contained.
@billmaher
But clearly, Twitter wasn't ready to move on, lighting up the comments section to Maher's tweets with more trolling about his comments regarding Stan Lee.
In a blog post on Saturday, the "Real Time" host trashed adult fans of comic books and blamed Stan Lee for Trump's ascension to power. Maher's most direct criticism is one that has plagued the comic book medium for decades.
"They pretended comic books were actually sophisticated literature," Maher wrote in the post he titled "Adulting," continuing the narrative that comic books are inherently for children.
It was from this basic premise, and based on the popularity of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, that he made his rather dubious connection to the world of politics. "I don't think it's a huge stretch to suggest that Donald Trump could only get elected in a country that thinks comic books are important," he wrote.
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View StoryAnd yet, comic books are huge in many other cultures that don't have issues with leadership because of them. It was a misinformed statement based on prejudice and ignorance and social media was quick to let him know and rake him over the coals. Plus, making this commentary on the back of someone's death just reeked of opportunism. Just ask Armie Hammer.
It's not like this is uncharted territory for Maher, who also took a "superior human" stance when interviewing Stormy Daniels, insulting the entire adult entertainment industry because he's so much better than that. Just as he's so much better than comics. Except, you know, that he isn't. He's just small-minded and prejudiced, much like many of the people he attacks.
Check out some of the responses to Maher's attempt to move on (without addressing the controversy he stirred up) below, followed by some of the responses to his original op/ed.
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View StoryYep. God bless those firefighters ... and the man who wrote stories inspiring them to become heroes. #StanLee pic.twitter.com/NYTo1wpYXK
@Gutshot76
Know who else was in "Cali?"
@Yamstarch
Stan Lee. pic.twitter.com/P9b88t3035
Bill, rethink your Stan Lee position. It's wrong on many levels.
@TheJoeSlepski
It's called respect. His generalizing statement was quite Trump like in nature. Stan had a lot of grown fans who appreciated what he had done. Bill was Roseanne's Valentine's day photographer on an episode. Shouldn't throw stones.
@slade_100
It's amazing that you're aware of Trump's lack of critical thinking, yet can dismiss Stan Lee's legacy without irony.
@IantosWolf
Responding to Original Blog Post
somebody told me Bill Maher was trying to come for Stan Lee? pic.twitter.com/JbbAr5fuYP
@quintabrunson
The spectacle of Bill Maher, who's entire "stance" as a political voice is "Whatever supports my ambition of being a horny 18 year-old forever" pissing on Stan Lee's grave because some adults more functional than him (Maher) also enjoy SPIDER-MAN movies is... something else.
@the_moviebob
You know what? I could get angry by Bill Maher's stupid, misguided and uncalled for comments about Stan Lee and comic books but I would rather take solace in the fact that in 100 years from now, people are still going to remember who Stan Lee is. Not Bill Maher
@BedeJermyn
It's crazy to me that Bill Maher is using Stan Lee's death to insult the maturity of comic book fans. It's crazily out of character for him to try to assert his intellectual superiority over the ignorant masses in a shrill, strident, obnoxious and attention-seeking way.
@nathanrabin
Let's be honest. Bill Maher is an ignorant provocateur. Stan Lee's words will be remembered through generations. Bill Maher's words are transitory noise, forgotten as soon as the next fool utters a word.
@devilintime
"Comics were for kids, and when you grew up you moved on to big-boy books without the pictures."
@ScarfyConly
That's like saying animated films are for kids and you move on to movies with live action and adult stories with no fantasy elements.
Fuck you, Maher. https://t.co/LkOaYxPNuR
I feel like no matter what your political position is, comedian Bill Maher saying that "Stan Lee's Comic Books made people dumb so they elected President Trump" is one of the worst takes of 2018, and in fact one of the worst takes of the past decade. Why would anyone write this? pic.twitter.com/NHqPi8uDZp
@GIFSkull
Bill Maher is such a cool and smart guy that he SO doesn't care about Stan Lee. Bill wants everyone to know he thinks caring about Lee's life is dumb
@hEnereyG
Literally no one will miss Maher when he finally ceases his smug, racist, woman-hating existence. One of the worst people on TV pic.twitter.com/qleINY43Md
Bill Maher not only disrespecting Stan Lee, but the importance of comics, is incredibly out of touch, and idiotic, and uninformed. Please. Comics are a vital and vibrant form of literature, and so much of that work is made possible because of Stan Lee. #ripStanLee
@DaveAlexRoberts
So Bill Maher doesn't think much of comic book culture. Or Stan Lee. Yes the 60 yr old king of cool and co star of DC Cab has spoken🙄 Maher is so consumed w all things Trump. He at times really talks outta his ass. Dude always likes to clown what he doesn't understand. F*ck him
@KevZCastle
So Bill Maher decided to take a swipe at one of the most iconic people from the 20th and 21st centuries, whose name will live on for many more. Stan Lee spawned an entire industry, gave people new hope and inspired billions to dream. What does cynical comedy provide? Cheap laughs pic.twitter.com/AjEWg7DceK
@JosephAMichael
NEW RULE! @billmaher has officially reached his Grandpa Simpson stage. when you make Stan Lee seem more youthful & hip in comparison even when he passed away at the age of 95 (RIP), you've become a sad, tired joke of a person. get bent, Old Man Bill Maher! #BillMaher pic.twitter.com/XoqG2FZBaP
@u_chew
Bill Maher: Man, I'd really love an excuse to tell the world that I think comic books are dumb and the people who create them are worthless, but when should I bring it up?
@HSW3K
Stan Lee: *dies*
Bill Maher: pic.twitter.com/oW6Qcaccac
In honor of Bill Maher bashing Stan Lee and comics as a medium, here is a picture of way-cooler-than-Bill-Maher Humphrey Bogart reading a Comic Book. Because he was such a child. pic.twitter.com/r9WXopQuFO
@MisterUbiq
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