The Controversial Persona of Jon Del Arroz: A Pattern of Provocation and Division

In the vibrant communities of science fiction, fantasy, and comics, Jon Del Arroz stands out as a polarizing figure. Positioning himself as a bold voice for traditional values, he has gained attention not through celebrated works but through a pattern of provocative behavior, online conflicts, and what many describe as targeted harassment. While Del Arroz presents himself as a principled advocate, his actions—marked by trolling, bad-faith critiques, and clout-chasing—have led to bans from major platforms and conventions, alienating peers and fostering division across diverse audiences. This article explores Del Arroz’s public persona, highlighting how his self-styled crusade, including his attacks on intellectual property holders, often overshadows his creative contributions and fuels accusations of exploiting fandom for personal gain.

A Trail of Exclusion: Bans and Community Pushback

Jon Del Arroz’s journey through fandom is littered with bans from prominent platforms and events, each tied to alleged violations of community standards. His 2018 expulsion from WorldCon 76, a major sci-fi convention, came after he announced plans to film attendees without consent, a move seen as disruptive. WorldCon cited concerns over his behavior, leading to his membership revocation. Del Arroz responded by suing the convention’s organizers, claiming discrimination tied to his identity and beliefs. The 2021 settlement included a $4,000 payment and an apology for any misinterpretation of statements, but critics argue he spun the incident into a publicity stunt, launching a crowdfunding campaign to rally support.

Beyond conventions, Del Arroz faced bans from Patreon in 2022 and Kickstarter in 2024 for his comic projects, with both platforms citing guideline violations. The Games Manufacturers Association also expelled him in 2022, pointing to issues with his conduct. His outlet, Fandom Pulse, has faced restrictions on social media, often after covering divisive topics. These incidents suggest a pattern: Del Arroz’s provocative approach consistently tests the boundaries of community norms, leading to his exclusion from spaces he claims to represent.

A Pattern of Online Conflict

Del Arroz’s online presence is defined by relentless attacks on industry figures, often framed as critiques but perceived by many as personal vendettas. Author Patrick S. Tomlinson has been a primary target, with Del Arroz joining forums dedicated to mocking him and sharing content meant to provoke. Similarly, bestselling author John Scalzi has faced repeated accusations—ranging from cultural insensitivity to baseless claims—despite avoiding direct engagement. Other targets, including reviewer Paul Weimer and moderator Laurel Amberdine, have endured ongoing attacks, with Del Arroz tagging their employers to escalate disputes. These actions, often amplified by his followers, create an environment of hostility that detracts from constructive dialogue.

His rhetoric frequently crosses into inflammatory territory, with documented instances of offensive language and provocative statements. While he avoids legal consequences, the cumulative effect of his online behavior has led to accusations of harassment, with critics pointing to a strategy of targeting individuals to gain attention and rally his audience.

Clout-Chasing Through Controversy and Attacks on Rights Holders

Del Arroz’s public persona thrives on manufactured conflict, often leveraging hot-button issues to drive engagement. By framing himself as a victim of industry bias, he appeals to a niche audience, using platforms like SubscribeStar to fund projects like his Zorro comics, which capitalize on otherwise licensed properties. However, his approach has drawn sharp criticism, particularly from companies like Zorro Productions, Inc., which holds the trademark for the Zorro character. Del Arroz has publicly condemned such companies as “vampires” for maintaining control over intellectual property through trademarks, accusing them of stifling creativity. This stance contrasts with the experiences of other creators, such as my first comic book of Zorro Kills #1, which I misunderstood as public domain, when the character is not. It was an R-rated indie comic addressing serious themes like child trafficking and historical abuses in old California. Despite being hailed by some in indie comic circles as a powerful and exceptional work for its use of historical figures and events that inspired the fictional Zorro, the comic was pulled at the request of Zorro Productions, who sought to maintain a more family-friendly, PG-rated image for their character. The company, described as supportive, even personally connected me with opportunities to write Zorro novels, due to my competence as a writer. Meanwhile, Del Arroz’s blanket condemnation of such rights holders ignores these nuances, framing their actions as oppressive while using the controversy to fuel his own narrative of victimhood.

His outlet, Fandom Pulse, further amplifies these attacks, critiquing mainstream comics and creators while dismissing industry trends as betrayals of fandom. By promoting his own work as a superior alternative, Del Arroz prioritizes attention over artistry, using controversy to boost his visibility and crowdfunding efforts.

Bad-Faith Critiques and Industry Disruption

Del Arroz’s reviews often lack constructive intent, instead serving as vehicles for personal attacks. His critiques of authors like Scalzi and Weimer twist facts to fit narratives of cultural decline, appealing to a small but vocal audience. At conventions, his presence has sparked tension, such as an incident at San Diego Comic-Con where his participation on a panel prompted heightened security concerns. While he frames these conflicts as evidence of industry hostility, others see them as consequences of his disruptive tactics.

Legal Maneuvers and Public Sympathy

Del Arroz frequently turns to legal threats to counter criticism, portraying them as defenses against unfair treatment. His WorldCon lawsuit is a prime example, where he sought reinstatement and damages, only to settle for a modest sum. By publicizing these efforts through crowdfunding and social media, he casts himself as a beleaguered underdog, a narrative that resonates with his supporters but draws skepticism from others who view it as a calculated play for sympathy.

The Persona vs. The Creator

Del Arroz’s self-promotion as a talented writer contrasts with his limited mainstream success. While his novel Rescue Run earned a Dragon Award nomination in 2017, his broader work has not achieved widespread acclaim. Critics, including some within his own ideological sphere, question the quality of his output, suggesting his focus on controversy overshadows his creative endeavors. His reliance on niche crowdfunding and a dedicated but narrow fanbase underscores a career built more on provocation than literary merit.

A Divisive Figure in Fandom

Jon Del Arroz remains a contentious presence in speculative fiction and comics, a figure whose public persona—built on bold claims, relentless conflict, and attacks on industry norms—often eclipses his contributions as a creator. His pattern of targeting individuals, exploiting cultural divides, and condemning rights holders like Zorro Productions has left a trail of strained relationships and fractured communities. While he presents himself as a champion of certain values, his actions suggest a deeper motive: to thrive on division, using the guise of advocacy to fuel his platform. For fans and creators alike, Del Arroz’s legacy is one of disruption, a cautionary tale of how provocation can overshadow potential.

Disclaimer: This article is based on documented public records and allegations. No formal legal charges of stalking or harassment have been filed against Jon Del Arroz. All claims are presented as reported by sources to avoid defamation.