Dynamite Entertainment has reportedly destroyed two variant covers that parodied Dr. Seuss books after the estate of the children’s author announced that six titles wouldn’t continue to be published due to racist imagery. According to Bleeding Cool, Dynamite decided to destroy the remaining backstock of two variant covers for Die!namite #2 and #4 in an effort to avoid the controversy surrounding Dr. Seuss’s previous works.
Earlier this month, Dr. Seuss Enterprises revealed they would stop publishing six titles that have long been in circulation, due to the way they “portray people in ways that are hurtful and wrong.” The six books were “And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street,” “The Cat’s Quizzer,” “Scrambled Eggs Super!”, On Beyond Zebra!”, “McElligot’s Pool,” and “If I Ran the Zoo.” The books feature racist characterizations, including some directed at Asian people, including the use of yellowface and derogatory descriptions such as slanted eyes. ( While certain groups have claimed the books are no longer being published due to cancel culture, the decision to cease publication was solely made by the estate of Dr. Seuss.
Rich Johnston of BleedingCool.com reports that Dynamite Entertainment has decided to axe at least two variant covers that parodied Dr. Seuss. The two comics are issues #2 and #4. The second issue features a zombie parody of “The Cat in the Hat,” with Red Sonja on the cover. Meanwhile, the fourth issue features two characters eating animals. Both covers were done by artist Jacob Edgar. It’s unclear whether other issues of the series featuring Dr. Seuss parody covers are also being canned.
Both covers have already been published, but the remaining stock of the variant has been (or will be) destroyed according to reports. Dynamite Entertainment was in a tough position with these particular covers, as continuing to print them would have been controversial – even if their original intentions had no malice whatsoever. The variant Dr. Seuss covers for Die!namite were conceived and published months before the public controversy surrounding some of the author’s work ever started.
Ultimately, the estate of Dr. Seuss decided to finally act upon the harmful racist stereotypes that existed within their books. It couldn’t have been an easy decision to axe six titles by the famed children’s title, but in the end, it’s the right decision as the images are harmful and not acceptable – especially now, more than half a century after they originally came out. Dynamite Entertainment saw the racism controversy and decided it was better to detach and not be involved with the brand – even if they were parody covers. It’s hard to blame them for taking the stance.
