By Mike Wheeler
June 21, 2025– Fund My Comic (FMC), a crowdfunding platform designed to support independent comic creators, is under fire for hosting campaigns accused of promoting self-proclaimed hate. Recent posts on X and web reports highlight growing concerns about the platform’s decision to allow projects with divisive themes, sparking debates over free speech, platform responsibility, and the ethics of crowdfunding. Notably, FMC explicitly mentioned hosting a “Muslim-hating comic” in a post on X, confirming their involvement with such content and intensifying the controversy.
Background on Fund My Comic
Launched as an alternative to mainstream crowdfunding sites, Fund My Comic aims to give creators full control over their intellectual property while fostering a pro-consumer, free-speech-friendly environment. The platform has gained traction among independent comic artists, particularly those aligned with the ComicsGate movement, a loosely organized group advocating for creative freedom but often criticized for harboring discriminatory views. FMC’s mission, as stated on their site, is to support “everyone” until they violate the platform’s Terms of Service (ToS).
Controversial Campaigns
Recent campaigns hosted by FMC have drawn significant attention. According to posts on X, the platform has supported projects including:
A comic accused of anti-Muslim sentiment, explicitly acknowledged by FMC on X.
A comic banned by four other crowdfunding platforms for unspecified reasons.
A comic by a teacher criticizing transgender inclusion in schools.
A satirical comic targeting transgender individuals in prison settings.
A project allegedly too similar to existing works, raising plagiarism concerns.
Src: https://x.com/fundmycomic/status/1936421850478776656
One high-profile campaign, “CG Master Racers,” led by ComicsGate figure Ethan Van Sciver, has been particularly contentious. Critics on X, including user @ATosspott, labeled Van Sciver a “scam artist” with a history of “racism, misogyny, drug use, and blasphemy,” questioning FMC’s decision to platform his non-comic toy project. Supporters, like @Av8rSurge, argue that FMC is a vital alternative to mainstream platforms, likening it to Image Comics’ early days. @EthanVanSciver himself accused detractors of hypocrisy, claiming they are attempting to “cancel” his campaign while decrying censorship.
FMC’s official X account (@fundmycomic) acknowledged the backlash, stating, “We’ve been doxed, slandered, threatened, attacked. It’s Tuesday.” They defended their stance by emphasizing their inclusive policy, noting that they host a wide range of projects unless they explicitly violate ToS.
Broader Context and Stripe’s Policies
The controversy surrounding FMC mirrors wider debates about content moderation on crowdfunding platforms. A recent Guardian article reported on extremist crowdfunding campaigns raising significant funds for individuals promoting racist actions, signaling a rise in public support for such views. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) flagged similar fundraisers for spreading “hateful talking points.” While these cases involved different platforms, they highlight the challenges of balancing free expression with preventing harm.
In contrast, Stripe, the payment processing company facilitating transactions for FMC, has publicly condemned racism and committed to combating discrimination. In June 2020, Stripe announced on X that racism is antithetical to their mission and they stand with the Black community against discrimination and police violence. A blog post from July 2020 detailed specific actions, including waiving $1M of fees for non-profits working to combat systemic racism, contributing $100,000 each to five organizations focused on reforming US policing practices or the criminal justice system, and committing to increasing efforts to hire and develop Black employees at all levels within Stripe. Stripe acknowledges that it cannot solve these problems alone but is committed to supporting a society that addresses these challenges and ensures safety, security, and equal opportunity for all.
However, Stripe has faced scrutiny regarding its policies and enforcement concerning hate groups. A 2018 article in The Times highlighted concerns raised by anti-racism groups about the platform’s use by some extremist organizations. Stripe responded by stating they have a longstanding policy prohibiting groups that incite or engage in violence from using their software, although they do not comment on individual users. This juxtaposition raises questions about the alignment between Stripe’s stated values and the content hosted on platforms like FMC that utilize their services.
Platform Responsibility
Luke Stone, associated with FMC (@LukeStoneStudio), responded to criticism on X, stating, “Support the campaigns you like and ignore the ones you don’t. It’s really not that complicated.” He emphasized FMC’s track record and neutral stance, but this has done little to quell detractors who argue that hosting divisive content implicitly endorses it.
Experts point to the broader implications. Brian Levin, founding director of the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism, noted in a Guardian report that crowdfunding campaigns defending inflammatory actions, like those seen elsewhere, reflect growing societal acceptance of overt hate. While FMC’s comics-focused platform differs, its permissive approach raises similar concerns about legitimizing harmful ideologies.
Supporter Perspectives
FMC’s defenders, including ComicsGate advocates, argue that the platform is a necessary refuge for creators censored by mainstream outlets. @LorenzoSleestak clarified that FMC is not exclusively for ComicsGate but is “CG-friendly,” valuing free speech and consumer choice. They see the backlash as targeted “hate-mongering” by opponents of creative liberty.
What’s Next?
As FMC continues to host controversial campaigns, the platform faces a critical juncture. Will it tighten its ToS to exclude projects accused of hate, or double down on its free-speech ethos? The involvement of Stripe, with its public opposition to racism and policies against violence-inciting groups, adds another layer of complexity. The comics community remains divided, with some praising FMC’s openness and others demanding accountability.
For now, Fund My Comic’s role in amplifying polarizing voices underscores the complex interplay of art, ethics, and platform governance in the digital age. As the debate unfolds, creators, consumers, and payment processors alike are watching closely.
We have reached out to the following X accounts for comment and have yet to receive a response: @stripesupport and @patrickc.
Sources: Posts on X, The Guardian, Comics Beat, IGN, Stripe Blog, The Times