Comic Relief

Over the past half-decade the popular masses have discovered that comic books are not exclusively for kids. There has been a general misunderstanding that this is a change from years past, but comics' main audience has always been more adult in nature.\nIn the 1950s, it wasn't unusual for even the least popular comic book title to sell over a million copies, a drastic difference from today's market where an issue is lucky to sell 100,000. This radical change can be attributed to many different elements. \nIn the 1950s, psychologist Fredric Wertham's novel "Seduction of the Innocent" insisted that children would mimic superhero comics, falling from buildings to their deaths. It also claimed that the relationship between Batman and Robin was far from platonic thus leading young males to "deviant lifestyles" as homosexuals. Other allegations insisted comic books were responsible for communism and child prostitution. In order to avoid further persecution, comic book companies began adhering to a strict Comics Code Authority or were completely driven out of business. The Code forced restrictions on the creative teams leading to bland and childish storytelling. As the years went by, the Code became more relaxed, and with the rise of comic book specialty shops, most companies no longer follow the regulations. By the time the industry discovered they no longer needed the Code to sustain itself, it may have been too late.\nDon Wilds, manager of the comic book store Vintage Phoenix believes the shift in the audiences began with the introduction of other entertainment media.\n"I think it's just been gradual. It started in the 50s with television. Kids were watching TV instead of buying comic books," Wilds said. "Over the years they've shifted (the audience) from children to adults."\nThe comic book industry has recently begun to reexpand and their sales are steadily on the rise for the first time since the mid-'90s. Part of the recent acceptance of comic books as legitimate literature is due to the successful blending of various entertainment industries and the understanding of these industries as art, not just mindless distractions. These industries were previously thought of as the potential downfall of comic books.\nComic book experts agree that the film industry has become a double-edged sword for comic books. Cinematic adaptations seem to distract an audience from the source material, giving them a lazy alternative to reading. \n"There's too much for comic books to compete with these days," says Greg Karras, owner of Galactic Greg's, a comic book store in Valparaiso. "There are movies, the Internet, television, music and video games." \nWith the recent comic book movie adaptation explosion, there seems to be -- for the first time -- a way for the two to co-exist and an opportunity for them to aid each other in order to gain mutual success, says lifetime comic reader Doug Robertson. \n"I think (movies) are doing a great deal for the medium. Every little kid from four to 12 is eating, breathing and sleeping 'Spider-Man,'" explains Robertson. "Comic properties in the movies are quickly becoming some of the biggest money-makers for movie studios."\nBesides inciting younger viewers to buy the comic book versions of their favorite movies, comic book movies are beginning to show adults who previously felt they could not relate to the characters that comics carry universal themes. \n"When (an adult) watches the 'Spider-Man' movies, they are forced to do a double take on themselves and realize that they understand the characters' emotions and motivations," begins Jeremy Juliano, comic book reader of 18 years. "After that they might be more interested in picking up the comic to follow the never ending stories."\nComic book movies may be beginning to open a market up to younger readers, but may prove to be disappointing to those readers when they go to pick up a copy of their favorite hero's book, Juliano says. He also says prices may be too high for comic books to appeal to young audiences.\n"The movies may be getting younger audiences interested in comic books, but the prices are geared towards adults," Juliano said. \nCost is something that senior Neil Curry agrees can deter readers. \n"It's the cost. A novel is $6 and lasts a while ... They are sturdier than a $3 comic book," Curry said.\nComplicated storylines may also be too sophisticated for some readers. \n"Both DC and Marvel are devoting a certain amount of energy to bringing in new readers, but more or less have found their niche markets and they stick with that," says Chris Joslin, employee of the local comic book store, P.C. Guru.\nThis added sophistication to comic books is another element responsible for the adult acknowledgement of comic books. Titles like "Powers" and the classic "Watchmen" both give gritty spins on the superhero mythos and neither is quite suitable for children. There is also conflict with other genres within the medium that are not typical superhero comic books. This includes the non-super hero books, "Y: The Last Man" and "Strangers in Paradise." Each of these titles has been rumored to be pursued by movie production companies for possible future projects. \nFor all the "Spider-Man" and "Batman" movies being produced by Hollywood, other far more adult-oriented comic book movies are also being released. "Blade: Trinity" received an R-rating upon release this past winter. Robert Rodriguez's adaptation of Frank Miller's highly successful "Sin City" series will also be released with an R-rating. Among other comic book movies with adult themes are the critically acclaimed "American Splendor" (2003) and 2002's Tom Hanks vehicle "Road to Perdition." \nIf film has become a mutual partner of comic books then video games have become something of a kindred spirit. Video game history parallels comic books as they have also been subject to criticisms and implications that they affect the behavior of those who interact with them. They were also viewed as a children's market until recently. \n"Games like 'Grand Theft Auto 3' and 'Metal Gear Solid' really paved the way for video games to be seen as an acceptable form of adult entertainment, much like Frank Miller's 'The Dark Knight Returns' did for comic books," mentions Rich Mayerik, manager of Game Crazy in Hammond, Ind. "The quality of game technology is bringing adults into the game store in the same way that the quality of the writing and artwork are bringing adults into comic book shops."\nRecent popular games have spawned from comic book franchises, while major publishers have adapted various video game properties into comic books including "Tomb Raider," "Resident Evil" and "Mega Man."\nAlthough comics have finally begun to gain critical and adult acceptance, some are worried about where the medium is headed. \n"I think certain characters will always survive, but whether or not titles continue to be released monthly or if the industry shifts to become more of a trade paperback-driven market remains to be seen," Joslin said. Trade paperbacks are collected anthologies of completed monthly storylines and are becoming a favorite buy amongst fans. \nFor comic books to continue being viewed as a medium open to all ages, many adults will have to stop confusing comics with animation and Saturday morning cartoons, Karras said. \n"The one thing that would help with the stigma that comic books are for kids is for society to look at Europe and the Far East, where (comic books) are as popular as newspapers," said Karras. \nIn order for the comic book world to continue its march of progress into the future, it's important for the iconography of the characters to continue to appeal to children while the stories remain relevant to adults. Although Hollywood may eventually grow tired of adapting comic properties, the exposure comic books are currently receiving has been enough to stabilize the industry and help it gain mainstream acceptance so the medium can now enjoy being considered a valuable art form.