What's your opinion of R-rated language in comics?

[emcee2]

I'm currently writing my first comic script (Detective/Horror) and the lead character has an R-rated vocabulary. (The story might also contain some borderline graphic graphic violence and gore if that matters).

The only comic I've read with a similar use of the english language is "The Walking Dead". So I know it's not completely taboo, but it doesn't seem very common.

I think the language serves the story and the characters and would hate to see it go, but if it would get in the way of publication, I'd think about altering it.

Do you think it can hurt the chances of the comic be published?

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At some point I'll probably post the script here at PJ for some crits. What's the policy concerning profanity? Is it allowed? Can I just use asterisks for the vowels in the words, or do I need to use symbols for all of the letters (I hope not). Or would I be required to link to the script?

Thanks,
Mark

[Carter]

Don't ever use that supid *&%$! stuff. I hate that so much. Kids don't read American comics anyways, so go nuts.

[krikkit13]

It depends on the context of the language, in my opinion. You'll see language like that in a lot of more "adult-oriented" comics - some Vertigo books, some of the books from Wildstorm, Marvel's MAX line. It's far from uncommon, but I think it should be used sparingly to maintain the impact. It also depends on who the book is targeting.

[Inkthinker]

I think it also depends on the intended audience (whatever that may be) and the level of gravity which you wish to impart on the story.

If it's meant to be a serious tale written for a mature (or at least reasonably intelligent) audience, then the language should be natural and appropriate to the characters.

DON'T use it just to get a rise out of the reader.

[G-man_2000]

Inkthinker has a good point. If the R-rated language is tied to the storyline you may want to keep it. If its just shock value then just tosses it, it will just hold you back for a not so good reason.

[Mike]

If you've got an R-rated comic, you might as well put the cussing in there, but treat it like you do any other word in the book and don't put it in bold or underlined or anything unless it's appropriate.

[emcee2]

I don't know that I would describe my tale as 'serious' although it is put forth in a serious manner.

The language is used for character development and humor and I believe adds a certain amount of realism to a story with supernatural elements.

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I've temporally placed the first 5 pages of the script on my server. If someone could take a quick look at them and let me know if the language is inappropriate, I'd be grateful. -- Feel free to offer any other crits, but my current concern is about the language. If everyone thinks it needs to be changed, I'd rather know now, so that I can figure out alternatives.

Necropolis_PD.pdf

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Thanks everyone for your insight, I appreciate it.

Mark

[smygba]

i really don'y have a problem with it. especially if it adds to the realism of a story.
pending on who's publishing tho, i'd expect it might cause problems, and as for your personal reputation. if someone reads it and feels you've done it for the sake of doing so, it'd probably count against you. so make sure its a well written solid story to apply it to.

[RetroTorque]

I don't usually mind adult language so long if it's not over used.

I watched a play not to long ago, and though many argued with me that it added to the realism, I didn't think using the word F--- more than 50 times really made the work any better than it would have been if it was used just a few times or none at all.

[WillTurner]

Exactly. If it's for comic effect, overuse of swearing can be funny. For realism it can help, but don't go over the top (Ray Winstone in All In The Game is a case in point, in which every second word was swearing).
I personally like to keep it PG13 personally to reach the widest possible audience. If you do choose to go down this road, I suggest you look at your material and say "Would this reach the people I want it to reach?"