I think Bill is wrong about comic books.
The industry had 2 major changes. It went from all ages to children only in the 50s when the whole comics code authority thing happened following some lefty claiming it was harming our youth.
Then it went from children back to all ages around the 80s with the CCA being tossed out on it’s ear.
It’s another form of literature. There is a range of products just like any other type of literature or art or film. Yes there are still funny animal and superhero comics for kids. There are horror and war comics and fantasy and science fiction. There are also pieces like Neil Gaiman’s sandman that are thought provoking.
I would argue there are fewer thought provoking films and plays now that people are willing to invest time in than there are thought provoking comics.
Maus won a pulitzer for a sad tale of the holocaust where the jewish were depicted as mice. It was definitely not for kids.
Some of the best comics I’ve ever read were the war comics - from the 50s through recently. They still portray the sacrifice of our service men in both fiction and true stories.
The visual art is in many cases better than you’ll see in any studio. Especially with all the modern and post-modern crap that is out there.
In many other countries the form is just considered another media and doesn’t have the remaining stigma it has here in the States. In some, like Japan, it’s used to teach subjects to adults ranging from cooking to gardening to stock trading to sales techniques.
Maher’s wrong on many levels - including this one.
Maus. OMG. I own the books and they really get under my skin. I learned more about the details of the Holocaust from them than my holocaust surviving parents and grandparents. The existence of Maus is evidence of how the next generation is still forever affected. I know I still am. I don’t trust any government and never will, even on this continent. It’s why I love our founding documents so very much. It’s the best the world has got.
I realize that I’m in the minority but I miss the CCA. I loved the comics of the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s. Today’s comics are too left-wing for me.
Maus is excellent. One can find it online.
Are kids still reading comics?
I thought it was all middle-aged collectors nowadays.