What Has Happened to Comic Books?

“COMIC books have really changed!” So exclaimed one woman after looking through some of the comic books her brother was reading. An avid reader of comics in her youth, she remembered them as “light-hearted, stimulating, adventuresome and fun.” But now she found herself “shocked at the nudity and blood” that fill some comics.

“Nudity and blood​—in comic books?” you skeptically ask. It does seem hard to believe that a medium once the home of “Mickey Mouse” and “Donald Duck” could now be infected with such decadence. One man therefore decided to investigate matters himself. After attending the “Comics and Fantasy Fair” held in Atlanta, Georgia, he reported the following:

“My remembrance of ‘the funnies’ [as they are often called in the United States] goes embarrassingly far back. So I was curious as to whether the comic book had really changed all that much. Entering the comic fair, my first impression was of a huge exhibition and trading center. There were enormous showrooms crowded with rows of tables and counters, on which were long cardboard boxes stuffed with magazines. An atmosphere of library quiet reigned. People of college age and breeding pored over the literally millions of comics up for sale. They seemed to know what they were searching for.

“As I glanced through The Comic Book Price Guide, it became apparent to me why these collectors found comic books so attractive an investment. Why, one rare comic (the most expensive single book) goes for $14,000! And dealers told me that fantasy publications now outsold and outearned almost everything on the newsstands except ‘adult’ (pornographic) magazines.

“Since displays proclaimed ‘The Best in Comics,’ my eyes searched for comics​—the kind I used to read as a kid. What I saw, however, was out of my ken . . . Many were preoccupied with portraying the uncanny, the supernatural, the monstrous, the ghoulish and the horrible. ‘What in the world has happened to the comic books?’ I asked myself.”

This should be of concern to you if you are a parent! A survey taken just a few years ago indicated that 90 percent of youths in the United States read them. And they are popular with youths in other countries too. Have comic books really got that bad?

Comic Books​—What They Used to Be

IT ALL began with “The Yellow Kid.” This was a humorous cartoon feature that began appearing in the New York World back in 1896. It became enormously popular. Soon newspaper readers were also amused by the antics of the likes of “Foxy Grandpa,” “Buster Brown” and “The Katzenjammer Kids.” The funnies were born!

And funny they were. The titles alone reveal the mirth embodied in these cartoon creations: “Happy Hooligan,” “Maude the Mule,” “Mutt and Jeff,” “Krazy Kat,” and so forth. These playful characters well reflected the innocence of the age before the climactic year of 1914. In retrospect, however, perhaps not everything was truly funny. The popular “Katzenjammer Kids,” for example, made readers howl at what has been called “a systematic campaign of sabotage that successfully resists spankings, threats, and promises.”

The Rise of the Superhero

Soon publishers decided to reprint some of these popular features in book form. At first, however, these comic books were merely promotional items given away by advertisers. But in 1934 publishers Wildenberg and Gaines wagered that youngsters would be willing to spend 10 cents for a comic book they called “Famous Funnies.” It, too, was a success. So, using artists barely out of high school, publishers waged a fierce competition for readers.

In 1938 a turning point came. The young team of Siegel and Shuster found a publisher for a comic-book character they had invented​—Superman! According to one of his originators, he was to be “a character like Samson, Hercules, and all the strong men I ever heard tell of rolled into one. Only more so.” This “man of steel” captured the imaginations of young and old. Soon the monthly magazine was grossing a million dollars a year. And, spurred on by this success, publishers began inventing other caped crusaders.

But the next generation of comic books descended into the realms of sex, violence and horror. Graphically violent comics, such as one entitled “Crime Does Not Pay,” actually paid their publishers quite well. And as the 1950’s rolled around, comics also began to horrify their youthful readers with titles such as “Tales From the Crypt.”

In many cases, the comics no longer were comical.

The Public Protests

In 1954, Frederic Wertham’s book Seduction of the Innocent indicted the comic-book industry for corrupting youth. Dr. Wertham studied emotionally disturbed children and found that many of them were avid readers of comic books. Concluded Dr. Wertham, “Comic book stories teach violence.”

Some, however, felt that Dr. Wertham’s research did not prove that comics had a bad effect on normal children. Nevertheless, at least in the United States, steps eventually were taken to “police” the comics industry by setting up a code restricting excessive violence and nudity. But have such measures been effective? What are the comics like today?

[Blurb on page 5]

With the beginning of World War II, the next generation of comic books descended into the realms of sex, violence and horror

[Pictures on page 4]

“The Yellow Kid” was the first comic strip in the United States

The Yellow Kid

Buster Brown

Polly and Her Pals

[Pictures on page 5]

These playful characters also illustrate what the comics used to be

Tillie the Toiler

Happy Hooligan

Katzenjammer Kids

Krazy Kat

Mutt and Jeff

Comic Books​—The Way They Are Today

COMIC books have come a long way from the crude line drawings and simplistic writing that filled early issues. Today, the artwork is even praised in some circles. And a more sophisticated writing style may send readers on an occasional scramble for the dictionary.

The biggest change, however, is the fact that the superheroes must battle not only their comic foes but also the pervasive influence of television. A recently published study entitled “Television and Behavior” reveals that TV’s power to captivate a young audience is formidable indeed. How, then, do the comics contend with this potent competitor?

One innovation was to serialize the stories​—hooking the reader into keeping up with each installment. A recent issue of Rom, for example, tells an engrossing tale and ends when the superhero, Rom, and a companion from the lost continent of Atlantis are threatened by an awesome monster. What next? You must read the next issue to find out!

To sustain the interest of today’s TV saturated youths, comics have had all but to ignore their “codes” and give readers large doses of violence. One issue of Daredevil comics (about a blind superhero who wears a devil costume) was found to be violent in 53 percent of its panels. When Daredevil fights, a realistic, blow-by-blow depiction is drawn, punctuated with ‘sound effects.’ (“Whok,” “Klugg,” “Kangg,” “Chudd,” and “Thwakk,” to name a few.) And since skintight leotards are the standard garb for superheroes, readers can gape at rippling muscles. (Female superheroes are clad no less seductively.) It should be no surprise, then, that advertisers for muscle building and martial-arts courses often pick the comics to display their wares.

The religious and the occult are also comic-book attractions. For example, one issue of Thor begins on a pseudo-Biblical note: “In the beginning was the void. As time passed, matter grew within the void, and the matter formed stars, and the stars formed planets . . . The air above the earth crackled with power and life-energy . . . until the energy itself became aware of its own awesome potency.” From here on the reader is drawn into a tale of mythological gods and goddesses.

Writers also have a way of subtly working religious ideas such as the transmigration of the soul into their story lines. In one issue of Daredevil, a dead woman is resurrected by a mysterious man who nonchalantly says regarding the miracle, “Yeah. Tricky Stuff.” Comics with names like Ghost Rider and I . . . Vampire! show that some publishers want to cash in on the current fascination with the occult.

Even promoters of pornography have found the comic medium a handy way to display nudity and erotic behavior. Many of these obscene “comics” can find their way into the hands of children.

Naturally, not all comic books and strips are degrading. Neither are they all read merely by children. Hundreds of millions of adults follow the comics in their favorite newspapers. In the Philippines many​—including adults—​rent a comic book for a few cents and read it near the sales kiosk before handing it back. In Spain it is common on the Madrid or Barcelona Metro (subway) to see adults reading comic books.

One popular French series is published as a comic book in at least 18 languages. This is “Astérix,” a diminutive and fearless Celtic warrior who gets himself involved in all kinds of adventures in his travels across the ancient Roman Empire. The Encyclopædia Britannica says: “‘Astérix,’ besides being simply humorous and adventurous, indulges in sophisticated puns, witty anachronisms, and satirical flashes that have endeared the strip to millions of adult Europeans.”

However, it is undoubtedly true that many comics are designed primarily for children and are unwholesome, dealing in occultism, sadism, horror or gratuitous violence. Does that mean that concerned parents should forbid their children to read all comics?

[Pictures on page 6]

Some comics devote more than half their contents to violent scenes

[Pictures on page 7]

Many comic books portray sex and the occult

Comic Books​—Should Your Child Read Them?

“WHEN wisdom enters into your heart and knowledge itself becomes pleasant to your very soul,” said Solomon, “thinking ability itself will keep guard over you, discernment itself will safeguard you.” (Proverbs 2:10, 11) A discerning parent takes an interest in what his child reads. So, what about comic books?

It would be unfair to make a sweeping condemnation of comic books. For one thing, there are so many different types of comics. Some still are what they purport to be​—comic, amusing, entertaining stories. Comics can also be educational. Some cultivate a child’s interest in classical literature. The comic medium has even been used to portray Bible stories. And with TV drawing so many youngsters away from books, some educators feel that comics can be used to rekindle interest in reading.

Fantasy​—Good or Bad

‘But is it healthy to expose a child to fantasy?’ some ask. Well, a certain amount of fantasy seems to be a normal part of growing up. Observe small children at play and you will notice how easily a cardboard box becomes a spaceship, or how they love to imitate an accelerating auto. So some exposure to fantasy may not necessarily be harmful.

You should, however, weigh what actually appears in certain comics. What is the fantasy your child will be entering? Is he enjoying the adventures of a character that manifests reasonably sound values, or is he being entertained by ghoulish or demonic villains? Is the emphasis on constructive approaches to problems, or is everything solved with a “zap”?

Some children have difficulty separating imagination from reality. The younger your child is, the less experience he has in this. So if your child reads comics, you might want to observe if he or she is adversely affected by them. Does your child dismiss comic heroes as mere entertainment or does he or she excessively talk about these characters?

Comic-Book Violence

Another concern may be comic-book violence. Dr. Wertham, author of Seduction of the Innocent, claimed that “comic books may have such diverse effects on children, from distortion of human values to nightmares and violent games.” However, a study made in 1976 on the short-term reading of violent comics failed to establish a link between the comics and aggression in children.

So it is really up to parents to determine if the comics are having a bad effect on their own children. If a child continually fantasizes about “zapping” or destroying, a parent may wisely conclude that other reading material would be more appropriate.

True, some would claim that comics “provide readers both with an outlet for hostile and aggressive tendencies and with a way of learning to control them.” But that is not the way the Bible recommends dealing with such emotions. Rather, it says: “Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are of serious concern, whatever things are righteous, whatever things are chaste, whatever things are lovable . . . continue considering these things.”​—Philippians 4:8; see also Colossians 3:5-9.

A Comic-Book Buff Speaks

Danny, a Christian in his late 20’s, still occasionally enjoys thumbing through comic books. But he also remembers a time when he was thoroughly addicted to them, spending 50 to 60 dollars a month on them! “I’m kind of a dreamer and so I liked the comics because they stirred up my imagination. I didn’t go for the way-out superheroes​—they were unbelievable. But I did like ones like Spider-Man who used acrobatic skills. I could see myself being like him. If you’re not careful they become your idols and you want to be like them, to imitate them. For example, my friends and I used to pretend we were Captain America. Captain America always had this shield that he would throw. We pretended garbage-can lids were our shields and used to hurl them at one another.”

But how did he get hooked into spending so much money on comic books? “They’re like soap operas,” he explains. “They end with your hero in trouble and you can’t wait till the next issue to find out what happens to him. Before I knew it I had a gigantic stockpile of comic books. And when I would go to the newsstand, I wouldn’t buy just one book but eight or nine dollars’ worth.”

Did such a huge diet of fantasy affect him? “I have to admit that it did,” Danny says. “Often I would go for a walk on a cold winter day and just let my mind go, thinking about the adventures I had read about in my comic books. Before I realized it, I would have walked three or four miles​—and wouldn’t even feel cold!”

Teaching Children to Be Selective

Some parents might react to this by simply ridding their home of comic books. Danny, however, says that “if kept in balance, comic books can be quite enjoyable.” And comics are so popular with youngsters it might be next to impossible to prevent their reading them. Some of your children’s schoolmates may collect them by the hundreds. Said one youth: “I have over 600 comic books in my collection. But some kids have far bigger collections.”

So rather than simply becoming a “censor” you might try a more positive approach​—teaching your child to be selective. Dr. Gary Stollack of Michigan State University suggested to parents: “Take the time to read the material and talk about it with [your] child. Outlandish and immoral material can then gradually be shown to be what it is, and the child’s understanding sharpened and his tastes improved.”

Find out how your child feels about the comics. What does he like about them? Is there any other reading material in your home that would interest a child his age? Rather than condemning all comics, might it not be more helpful to encourage your child to branch out in his or her reading? If some of your child’s reading material is objectionable, why not explain how you feel about what he is reading and why you feel that way? Helping your child to be selective in his reading is a lot harder than simply making the decision for him. But you may need to do that, too, as a parent who really cares about the welfare of your son or daughter.

Of course, comics are only a small part of the immensely popular “fantasy” industry that caters to children as well as adults. But is it wise to get too immersed in fantasy? Is there a danger of confusing fantasy with reality?

[Picture on page 9]

Are you concerned if your children imitate violent comic-book characters?

Something Better Than Comic Books

IT IS understandable that some today should seek refuge in fantasy. They have grown up in a world that is morally and spiritually bankrupt. Religion has done little to satisfy the spiritual thirst of people. Politicians have often been wretched examples morally and have left their followers disillusioned. Popular philosophies have really broken down faith in God. Hence, it is no wonder that some youths experiment with everything from bizarre religious cults to drugs.

Fantasy and the supernatural, therefore, have a compelling attraction to some of these refugees from the world’s spiritual wasteland. But is wrapping oneself up in a cocoon of fantasy practical? No, for there is something better than fantasy.

If a person’s preoccupation with fantasy were to lead to his dabbling in the occult, he would be playing into the hands of one who has for centuries misled mankind​—Satan the Devil. Few people these days would confess a belief in the Devil. But the Bible assures us that he is a real, intelligent creature. “The whole world is lying in the power of the wicked one,” says the Bible at 1 John 5:19.

Pre-Flood “Supermen”

According to the Bible, this wicked spirit creature used disobedient angels to dominate the worldly scene. These angelic ‘sons of God’ became obsessed with the idea of having sexual relations with the “daughters of men” and somehow materialized to fulfill their selfish fantasies. Their offspring were a freakish race of giants called Nephilim, noted for their violent disposition. Along with their angelic fathers, they turned the world into a place of violence, and God was forced to bring that world to an end by means of a Flood.​—Genesis 6:1-7, 13; Jude 6.

Man has never forgotten these pre-Flood “supermen,” however. Likely, Greek mythologies about gods coming down out of heaven are but an echo of these real pre-Flood happenings.

In view of this a Christian avoids entertainment that borders on magic, witchcraft, spiritism and similar encounters with the supernatural. The Bible condemns all such.​—Leviticus 19:26, 31; Deuteronomy 18:10-12.

Nor are Christians impelled to retreat from the harsh realities of life in this system of things. They know that the Bible predicted these conditions and advises: “But as these things [the prophesied world conditions] start to occur, raise yourselves erect and lift your heads up, because your deliverance is getting near.” (Luke 21:28) This promised deliverance will come through the resurrected King Jesus Christ who has powers far outstripping any fictional superhero. (Revelation 19:11-16) His intervention in world affairs will mean destruction for corrupt governments and religions that have failed to satisfy the spiritual hunger of their supporters. (Daniel 2:44) His righteous heavenly government will take over the rulership of the earth and restore paradise conditions.​—Revelation 21:3-5.

These facts​—not fantasies—​merit your consideration, and that of your children. Jehovah’s Witnesses will be happy to examine the Bible with you so that you can understand the basis for this hope. Do not make the mistake of retreating into an unreal world of fantasy. Instead, turn to the promises of the Bible. They are encouraging, firm​—and REAL!

[Picture on page 11]

Bible stories​—far better than comics