History

A Short History of Censorship in Comics

1950's: Dr. Fredric Wertham publishes "Seduction of the Innocent", a book purporting that comic book reading causes juvenile delinquency. In true McCarthy-era fashion, the U.S. Senate holds hearings to investigate Wertham's claims. The Comics Code Authority is formed prohibiting any controversial comics. As a result, the most innovative company of the decade, EC Comics, is forced to cancel most of its line. This includes titles like Vault of Horror and Tales From the Crypt, which years later are judged to be classics. (Also: Check out Jamie Coville's analysis of which companies were targeted by the code.)

1960's/1970's: Beginning in the late '60s, the underground comix movement shirks the constraints of mainstream publishing. Heavily influenced by the EC line, especially MAD Magazine, underground cartoonists like Robert Crumb, Gilbert Shelton, and Robert Williams produce an acclaimed body of adult work. In New York, one of their titles, Zap #4, is prosecuted for obscenity. The trial lasts several years and goes through numerous appeals. In 1971, the Comics Code is revamped a bit to allow the resurgence of horror comics. In 1973, the comic is finally ruled obscene and banned. Since then, Zap #4 has been sold in New York without prosecution and the work of its creators has appeared in the Museum of Modern Art and other galleries.

1980's: As an outgrowth of the undergrounds, "alternative" comics flourish with publications like RAW, Love & Rockets, and American Splendor. Cartoonists Art Spiegelman, Dave Sim, Will Eisner, and others win widespread recognition for their ambitious work. At the same time, creators such as Frank Miller and Alan Moore push the boundaries of super-hero comics into more mature territory. Various religious and conservative leaders decry these developments claiming that "comics are for kids."

In 1986, Friendly Frank's, a comics store in Lansing, Illinois is busted for selling "obscene" comics. The titles in question are Omaha the Cat Dancer, The Bodyssey, Weirdo, and Bizarre Sex. The CBLDF is founded to support the defense. The case moves to the Appellate Court where the store manager is acquitted of all charges.

In 1989, the Comic's Code is again revamped.

1990's: Following the Friendly Frank's case, the CBLDF remains active as a watchdog organization. Prosecutions of comic shops escalate. Two shops in Florida are busted. One is accused of selling the adult collection Cherry Anthology #1 to an undercover officer. The charges are later dropped. The other store goes to court for selling a "mature" title, The Score, published by Piranha, an imprint of DC Comics, to a 14-year-old boy accompanied by his mother. The judge rules in favor of store owner Bill Hatfield. In 1992, police raid Amazing Comics outside San Diego, seizing 45 titles. No charges are filed.