As a person who enjoys comic books and more importantly, good stories that make me think, I like both kinds of comic books. I think many people are just like me, who enjoy the superfluous hi-jinks of their favorite classic characters, but also enjoy comics that make them think about themselves and their society. Again, with the rise of technology and the lowering cost of how comics are made, many more kinds of comics can come out and be profitable as well as being impacting on society today.
#8: It is known that the media can reflect socio-cultural changes. To what extent do you think comics can play this role?
I would say that as more and more things become acceptable and able to be talked about, more and more comics will reflect those changes. There was once a time where a word like “crap” was banned from Television, but now, harsh language is all through most television nowadays. The same is true for comic books. Take Garth Ennis’ The Boys, which is an over the top, graphically violent, and sexually explicit comic. So much so that DC felt the need to drop it and was the picked up by Dynamite Entertainment. A comic like that couldn’t have been done even a short time ago.
#9: In our course of the project, we have observed a trend that comics have an increase in representation of social issues in the content. Do you think this is accurate? What are your views on this possible hike in inclusion of social issues in comics and if possible, do assist us by citing other social representations, from your observations.
I would agree.
On one hand, some would say that comics are going away from their first market, children, but there are still many comics geared for kids. All one needs to do to see the issues of society is to go to the local comic book store. These comics directly tie into the issues of society.
War – Army@Love
Sexuality – Small Favors
Journal – American Elf
Religion – Chronicles of Wormwood
Crime - Criminal
#10: We have been making a claim that the increase in representation of social issues in comics has inevitably made a significant impact on the society. Do you agree to the statement? Can you please elaborate on your reasons for saying so?
I don’t know that I would say that comics have increased the change of social issues, but more reflect what is happening in society. If America suddenly went through a conservative upheaval and return to the 1950’s ethics of yesterday, I think you would surely see a diminishing amount of graphic comic books. We continually see comic books that touch on the different “voices” of society and will continue to do so. Gay comics are becoming more prevalent, as are journal type comics, chronicling an artists or writers days, months, even years. As long as people are interested in supporting these comics, there will be a market for them.
#11: There has been numerous comic codes reform, leading to multiple changes in storyline over the years.
Past - Blatant representation of readers demands - (Flood of violent comics content)
Transition - Comics Code Institutionalization - (Conservative Standards)
Present - Bold flood of socially sensitive issues
Do you think that these changes in storyline have been largely true? Or is there a much more significant change that you have noticed? Do you consider these changes in storyline to have an impact on the society? Please list down some of such examples.
It looks to me that your list of the past, transition and present seems accurate. But it also seems that the comics that have really impacted the culture and society as a whole are few. I would cite comics like Watchmen, Maus, The Dark Knight Returns, and Preacher as comics that have had an impact on society, well at least comic book society, at any rate. Comics like Watchmen and The Dark Knight Returns thoroughly declared the Golden and Silver Ages of comics dead and a new age had begun, one that allowed darker and more adult material.
#12: The Fredric Wertham fiasco rattled the comic industry.
Did you think that the claims raised by Dr. Wertham, like subliminal homosexuality suggestions between Batman and Robin, and a “lesbian” representation in Wonder Woman, are valid?
He cited that comics were a serious cause of juvenile delinquency. And that it severely affected youths’ minds. Do you think that comics could be a possible cause of crime?
I think one can read just about anything they want into something. There was a recent uproar about a couple of popular kids television characters there were seen as being gay. I didn’t personally see it, but some say it was true.
I don’t think that comic books can cause crime. Rather, people that already have a disposition towards violence might take delight in graphically violent comic books, and would do violence and crime regardless. There are many criminals and violent people that commit crimes already. I read comics, some quite violent, but am not a violent person.
#13: Lastly, do you have any advice to future comic artists so as to bring the comic industry to greater heights and revisit its peak?
As I have stated before, I think that comics are as strong or stronger than they have been in the past. I would say the time is now to start creating comic books. There are so many ways in which a person can make money and even a good living making comic books, and not work for “The Big Two,” Marvel and DC. There are more and more independent publishers out there and more ways to get your comic to an audience with the Internet. Starting out small and cheap with an internet comic book is a great way to hone your skills, get an audience, and start your path to become a comic book creator.
