Summary
Hero Forge is a platform where miniature aficionados can go to design their own figures, whether that be virtually or with a mind to turning them into the real thing once they’re done. The customization options are almost endless, and while that’s usually a good thing, a recent example has landed Hero Forge in hot water, and whoever runs its social media channels isn’t helping the situation.
Hero Forge will showcase some of the more impressive fan-made creations from time to time. On Wednesday, the spotlight fell on a miniature called Mr Bibgby, created by someone who goes by King of Space. One look at the miniature, and you can see that it closely resembles a minstrel.
Minstrel shows began in the US during the 19th century and, for the most part, featured white performers painted black. Naturally, the shows don’t take place anymore, although they stuck around far longer than they should have. Hero Forge spotlighting a miniature that resembles a minstrel, whether intentional or not, is not okay. However, had it acknowledged the mistake and apologized, or at the very least removed the post upon realizing its blunder, the situation could have been chalked up to an unfortunate mistake.
Hero Forge Has Spotlighted A Miniature That Resembles A Minstrel
And Appears To Be Silencing Fans Who Have A Problem With It
That’s not what’s happening. At the time of typing this, 19 hours after the post was shared, it’s still live, and that’s not the worst part. Hero Forge community members who have pointed out the miniature’s resemblance to a minstrel, requesting the post be removed, are claiming that whoever runs the platform’s social media accounts has seen their concerns and, rather than reply to them or remove the post, is simply hiding their responses.
Bluesky user malachishared a screenshot of their reply to Hero Forge, pointing out the similarities between the miniature and a minstrel. That reply is nowhere to be found under the Hero Forge post, with malachi claiming it’s been hidden. On Facebook, measures to prevent people from pointing out why the miniature’s design is problematic appear to be even more severe.
Taking tothe HeroForgeMinis subreddit, usertinytieflingthingsclaimed that when expressing concern about the miniature’s design on Facebook, they were banned from the creators guild. That seems to have happened to at least two people, with the user sharing evidence of at least two bans for those who have a problem with the miniature being showcased.
It’s strange for a team that’s usually so welcoming, and that interacts with its fans and users so much, to not only ignore complaints about something so problematic, but to seemingly silence those who have taken issue with it. The first post on the Hero Forge Bluesky account after the one causing all the issuesis one spotlighting a miniature that celebrates Pride Month.
