Lesson 2

 

Comic book burning

- In the 1940s, comic book burnings were happening in the US to eliminate the perceived dangers of the “new” graphic comic books

- Many soldiers were returning home from seeing the same activities in Germany

- Although comics were associated primarily with very young readers, 25% of printed materials going to military camps in World War II were comics

- Narratives within comics started causing hysteria and moral panic in society, due to their realistic, violent and gruesome nature

Comics Authority Code (CCA) 1954 

http://cbldf.org/the-comics-code-of-1954

- CCA was voluntary, although a lot of companies and retailers found it reassuring. It was not a government regulator

- Was created by the comic book publishers to prevent backlash from the comic book community

- Excessive violence wasn’t allowed to be featured, neither were zombies, vampires or any other character of that kind

- Divorce wasn’t allowed to feature within comics

- Prohibited the presentation of "policemen, judges, government officials, and respected institutions in such a way as to create disrespect for established authority”

- Comics could not use the words horror or terror in their titles. - - The use of the word crime was subject to numerous restrictions.  

-  discouraged "instances of law enforcement officers dying as a result of a criminal's activities" 

- ”…in every instance good shall triumph over evil" 

Research: History of comics

- Golden era of comics: 1938-1956 - called the golden era/age of comics as the sales of comic books increased rapidly during WW2 - they were cheap, portable, and inspirational - stories of good triumphing over evil - reflects hope and values of time period

- Americans saved from depression by superheroes!

Development of stereotypical ‘superhero’ motif – secret identities, strengths, weaknesses

Comic style art – simplistic, basic colours, heroes associated with specific symbols

Heroes: justice, honor, traditional virtues

Villains: greed, power, chaos, insanity 

WW2 patriotism & propaganda: Superman, Batman, Captain America, Wonder Woman

- Silver era of comics: 1956-1975 - refers to a general time period in which the comic books were originally available

- Introduction of grittier themes, non-superhero comics

Higher quality illustrations and detailed panels

More diverse heroes/protagonists – ethnically and genders

More lifelike superheroes – Spiderman

Super hero teams - Justice League, Fantastic Four: emphasis on cooperation

- Bronze era of comics: 1970-1985 - period in history of American superhero comic books 

- Much darker plot themes – drug use, alcoholism

Experimental/alternative art – brighter and darker frames, vibrant colour palettes, intricate panel details

 Deeper exploration of team elements – minority superheroes (Storm from X-Men)

Development of non-hero comics – birth of Graphic Novel

- Modern Age of comic books

- Psychologically complex characters

Appearance of the anti-hero – protagonists questionable morality, hero to vigilantism

Publishing developments with independent publishers

Transition to graphic novel form – very detailed high quality panels, negative shading (Frank Miller), unconventional art forms and innovative storytelling

Big budget film adaptations