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Bluewater Productions has responded to critics of its Female Force: Princess Diana comic book, claiming that there is nothing controversial about the publication.
Following its July release, memorial group the Diana Circle UK denounced the book, branding it "disgusting" and "cruel" for its coverage of events related to the star's death. However, the Washington-based studio has now hit back at what it believes to be "misplaced outrage".
"Bluewater stands behind the portrayal of Diana, Princess of Wales. We believe it to be accurate and respectful. People are entitled to their opinion and free to share that opinion, but when it is based on faulty logic and fanatical biases and communicated with such disdain, we feel that we must respond," read a statement from the publisher.
"We understand there are many people who revere the memory of the Princess of Wales, but to ignore the facts of her life, as the Diana Circle would have us do, would be demeaning to the remarkable accomplishments she achieved during her lifetime. With that said, what [Diana Circle UK co-founder] Ms Funnell considers salacious or disgusting, a reasonable person might find newsworthy and accurately biographical.
"Although we did depict the venue where she passed away, we did not show the crash. Her indignation makes it seem that we revelled in picturing carnage. Nothing could be further from the truth, and her inference that we mock Diana is simply unjustified and categorically wrong."
The publisher claims that Funnell's opinion was shaped by images that were published out of context by The Sun newspaper. It also suggested that her views were a result of a misunderstanding of the modern comic book industry.
"Comic books, despite their name, are no longer Katzenjammer Kids or Peanuts. Comic books are meant to entertain, yes, but just as often are used as educational and inspirational tools for a variety of ages.
"The Female Force series tries to focus on female empowerment and provide biographies that show the whole story of a subject's life. If she had taken the time to read the entire book, she would see that it portrays the Princess in a very positive light."
Female Force: Princess Diana is available in stores now.
