the comics code...and how it destroyed comics

[o]

Don't know if anyone will be willing to discuss this, but I thought about it the other day when listening to an old Bob Kane npr interview along with a recent Frank Miller one. At one point in the Bob Kane interview, he mentioned how he was happy that the comics code was created because it got rid of all the "degenerate" comics that were being produced at the time (i.e. 50's). I must admit I was more than just a little peeved considering that my favorite books from that time period predominatly come from EC rather than silver age superheroes or something. In fact, in my mind superhero comics didn't define that time period quite as much as Frontline Combat, Tales from the Crypt, Mad and at least a couple of dozen other titles.

The shame is that it seems that the diversity of the American market was huge and then with the comics code all comics not deemed to be suitable for 10 year olds were forced to fold or take on the magazine format. I know that some people may argue that the Comics Code was appropriate because it was a children's medium, but the satire in books like Mad and even the anti-war messages in books like Frontline Combat (generally traumatic and horrible, realistic events from the frontlines) revealled a much wider audience.

While I wouldn't say that either the European or American markets are quite as huge or diverse as the Japanese, it is interesting to note that both the European and Japanese markets were not limited by age specific restrictions at the same junction (i.e. 50's and 60's). With much of the growth spawned by creators such as Tezuka and Herge, in their respective markets, the mediums became a part of the culture rather than limited to a specific target audience. On the other hand, the American market continued to shrink little by little. That isn't to say that overnight things crumbled, but clearly things could only go down as the target audience, children have fickle interests and the market that had grown up on comics would eventually move on to other interests if at one point or another the market did not cater to their interests.

As a final note, I don't think it is a surprise that comics are slowly but surely making forward movement and may eventually become a staple of a much wider American audience one day. The reason as I see it is that comics are finally enjoy their authentic roots that predate the creation of superman and developed along side superheroes. Great stuff like the Flash Gordon serials, the Spirit, EC comics (with their diverse line), Krazy Kat, Kin-der-kids, Little Nemo and various others.

Well, maybe no one will reply and that's okay. I think I just needed to get this little rant of my chest.

-

kaz

[Inkthinker]

Keep in mind that the Code was a response to two things: Frederick Wertham, may he be poked with sharp objects in a very uncomfortable place, and the Federal Government deciding what was and wasn't appropriate for the medium. the Code was a self-imposed restriction that was necessary in order to survive.

The fact that it effectively destroyed EC, one of the most prolific and poular publishers at the time, was a convenient side effect that I'm sure the other publishers shed a tear for.



I do think that comics have the potential to regain a much wider audience, espescially if we continue to push for higher quality and more diverse content. The success of Japanese comics in the States and of comics-based films will hopefully have the added effect of helping to shed the misconceptions that surround the medium, by hekping mroe people to see that comics are about so much more than superpowered musclemen in tights.

[o]

I understand the self imposed nature of the code, however the mere fact that there was the threat of "do this or else" as far as regulation of the medium was concerned is still very much linked to the slow move toward the market we have today.

[TheFightingFoetus]

Originally posted by Inkthinker
[B]Keep in mind that the Code was a response to two things: Frederick Wertham, may he be poked with sharp objects in a very uncomfortable place, and the Federal Government deciding what was and wasn't appropriate for the medium. the Code was a self-imposed restriction that was necessary in order to survive.

I'm one of those who believes that the industry caved and folded, because those who owned the publishing companies wanted to destroy EC comics.

EC outsold everybody back in the day. I firmly believe that if EC hadn't existed, the publishers would have fought the government all the way through the supreme court, and would have won.

The other companies tried to copy EC, but just figured it'd be easier to capitulate and wipe EC out. Afterall, the owners of those publishing companies didn't care about what they published, just so long as it sold.

[bushiboy]

The comics code was important because it stopped a lot of impressionable young boys from growing up to be morticians and werewolves, instead showing them how to become grown men in tights running around with "boy sidekicks".

[CWmax]

"To the Batpoles!!!"

[T-1000]

The code has had less and less meaning over the years. It's good to show that some comic are just for kids, but for standard Marvel, DC and other companies? Well, I'm glad it was dropped.

[red7ine]

Quite frankly, in my opinion, Bob Kane was a hack. He came up with a novel idea for a super-hero who, without the genius of Bill Finger, would be as forgotten as many of the other comic book titles from that era. Bob Kane may have created Batman, but Bill Finger defined him. He gave birth the 99% of the Batman mythos that we know today.

Kane was always bitter that he didn't reap more of the rewards from the Bat-franchise, and I think it haunted him for all his days.

And if I'm wrong, I've had around 14 beers tonight, so I think it can be looked over...

[Vendetta]

Originally posted by red7ine
Quite frankly, in my opinion, Bob Kane was a hack. He came up with a novel idea for a super-hero who, without the genius of Bill Finger, would be as forgotten as many of the other comic book titles from that era.

You are correct, sir.

I know I'm going to get killed by saying this... but, though not as important to Star Wars as Bill Finger was to Batman, Gary Kurtz also gets the short end of the creative credit for the Star Wars franchise. My point... Anyone notice that while visually stunning, the new Star Wars movies haven't quite been as good as the original? No Gary Kurtz. That is my opinion, don't shoot me

[astrocity20]

Originally posted by Vendetta
You are correct, sir.

I know I'm going to get killed by saying this... but, though not as important to Star Wars as Bill Finger was to Batman, Gary Kurtz also gets the short end of the creative credit for the Star Wars franchise. My point... Anyone notice that while visually stunning, the new Star Wars movies haven't quite been as good as the original? No Gary Kurtz. That is my opinion, don't shoot me

You know you just may be right. Kirtz also produced American Graffiti another one of ol' Georgy Boys good pictures..