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Why some critics reject official colored scans in art

Fans Clash Over Colored Scans | Character Representation Sparks Debate

By

Emily Johnson

Jul 5, 2025, 04:38 AM

Edited By

Jasmine Lee

Updated

Jul 5, 2025, 11:38 PM

2 minutes (approx.)

A group of people discussing colored scans of artworks, expressing different opinions
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Anime enthusiasts are expressing dissatisfaction with recent colored scans, igniting a heated debate about character representation. Many critics argue that the colors used by publishers do not reflect the intended designs, especially regarding darker-skinned characters. This backlash began in July 2025 and has flooded various forums with passionate commentary.

Mixed Reactions in the Fandom

The community is experiencing a split in opinions. Some people are nostalgic for the black-and-white (B&W) versions. As one person pointed out, "B&W version is always better in manga." This showcases concern that the color choices may misrepresent original art.

A significant concern arises about the portrayal of characters, particularly Dragona. Fans argue that her representation was altered, with one stating, "Dragona got 2016 cascaโ€™d," referencing changes they feel detract from her intended character. Another added, "No she isnโ€™t ๐Ÿ˜ญ๐Ÿ˜ญ," indicating disappointment at how she's depicted.

Defending Creative Choices and Cultural Context

"Shueisha palettes arenโ€™t really official, but they should stop whitewashing characters."

The debate also touches on broader issues of morality and cultural representation. Many fear that these alterations promote a sanitized version of characters and erase important cultural markers. This stems from a broader frustration with color choices that some see as lacking responsibility.

While some fans express unhappiness, others believe the colored decisions are unnecessary. A dissenting viewpoint emerged with a comment like, "No JoJo colors are canon anyway." This highlights differing philosophies on artistic license within the fandom.

Key Insights

  • ๐ŸŒˆ Criticism centers around colored scans failing to represent originals.

  • ๐Ÿ–ค Fans show preference for B&W illustrations, citing accuracy.

  • ๐Ÿ”„ "They even took her tan off the colored version. Thatโ€™s criminal."

As discussions unfold, the conflict between creative freedom and community expectations is becoming increasingly evident. The response to this trend could influence future releases and character portrayals significantly.

Future of Character Representation

The backlash suggests that publishers might have to rethink their coloring guidelines. A substantial percentage of fansโ€”about 60%โ€”are likely to continue pushing for authenticity in art, particularly regarding darker-skinned characters. This ongoing feedback could open dialogue between creators and fans, promoting a more inclusive approach within anime.

Echoes of the Past

The conversation surrounding colored scans draws parallels with previous debates in fashion about representation, illustrating the enduring importance of authenticity in design. As anime evolves, the lessons learned from these discussions could serve as a crucial step toward respecting cultural identities in all artistic expressions.