by Matthew Russell - Posted 5 years ago
How goes it, my good Vigilantes? If you haven’t noticed, I love calling you vigilantes. To me, it represents how we as a group are breaking the mold and going after everything we feel is good. Doesn’t hurt that this term is rooted pretty deep in our chosen profession.
Let me begin by stating that the opinions presented in this article are my own and do not reflect that of Crypto Comics. In fact, I’m pretty sure the boss man doesn’t know I’m writing it. I should make fun of him and see. He He
We once again learn about the evil history of oppression and torment. We travel back in time to when our loving government tried to silence us. A time when everything we hold dear was in jeopardy. A precariousness time when we were looked down upon for no reason other than what we read.
I should probably take a step back. I am making it sound like we are being persecuted in horrible ways. Granted, I believe that freedom of speech is amongst our highest liberties.
In Part 2 of the Censorship in Comics we began talking all about the antichrist team of Wertham and Kefauver. The Destructive Duo decided that they knew what was right and are going to force their views on the rest of America. Needless to say, it worked.
I will never understand why we so often as a nation vote away our rights so readily. Crap, I better stop before we get too far down that road.
Looking back, I ended by criticizing parents for just going along with their “research” without looking at any facts. I stand by my words. (Sidenote: I might get fired for this series if I don’t shut my mouth).
The Senate Hearings or the Judiciary Committee’s Subcommittee to Investigate Juvenile Delinquency that put a proverbial muzzle on an entire industry that had never bitten anyone at this point were in full swing.
You have to remember that this all began because the comic industry had to hire drivers to distribute their comics. Back then, you had no choice but to hire the Teamsters. Everyone knows that teamsters were controlled by the mob. Well, anyone who has ever watched a mafia movie.
This was all a plot to attach mob ties to distribution services of the times. It had nothing to do with comics. The sad part is that in the end, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters came out clean while comic publishers had their names dragged through the mud.
The hearings targeted both Superman and Wonder Woman. Ok, even I have to admit that during the early days of Wonder Woman, there was a lot of S&M, bondage, female domination, and ” interesting” concepts to say the least.
It’s hard to defend Princess Diana in her early days. Feel like they tried to be controversial.
Anyway, the hearings were going bad somehow. They had lines such as “The child's natural character must be distorted to fit civilization”. How does that make a good argument?
As I have stated before, I am a High School teacher and I say to you “Screw that! Let the world mold to the children, not the other way around.” Well, in most cases, let the world mold to the children.
You can read the entire Senate hearing here if you like. I have to warn you, it is pretty dry reading. There are no vocal or emotional flares in this translation. Good luck.
As a result of the hearing, the CCA (Comic Code Authority) was created. This meant that comics had to conform to a strict code of ethics and standards that stripped comics of their glory. By this, I don’t mean to endorse gore or slaughterhouse scenes. I mean that the comic industry could no longer stand up for itself.
Some of the rather odd regulations were the CCA prohibited the presentation of "policemen, judges, government officials, and respected institutions in such a way as to create disrespect for established authority."
This means that Superman could no longer stick up for the little guy against corrupt officials. Batman became a deputized officer of the law (sometimes).
Thanos would never have gotten away with his snap, “in every instance good shall triumph over evil” Also, no law enforcer was allowed to die while doing his job. Basically, no threat to any hero.
Speaking of Batman. As I have said before he used to really do some damage to his villains. Now he had to reform and became the lovable Adam West version.
Granted, I love West’s portrait of the “Adorable Knight” but he wasn’t dark anymore. Hell, he carried shark repellant...need I say more?
If you didn’t have the seal on your comic, then distributors would not distribute your comic. It was as simple as that. So many publishing houses went under during this time. Big publishers barely survived. They were falling out left and right.
Mad Comic almost went under as well. It survived by simply becoming Mad Magazine. This kept it out of the reach of the CCA. “Clever girl”
Never let it be said that you can keep a good writer (or artist) down. As it turns out, our kind is a little ballsy and brazen. Instead of submitting to the CCA, we went underground.
Comics not approved became known as “Comix”. There was nothing these sneaky bastards wouldn’t touch. They had their hands in everything devilish and deplorable. It was wonderful.
Join us again as we jump into part 4. This go-round will be “comin' straight from the underground” (no not the NWA song). See ya soon.
