Keeping it in the family!
This May, Marvel Comics is set to release it's Civil War series. It's gaining a bit of notoriety in the national press, as it deals with a national tragedy, (9/11 style), and the reactions of governments, conservatives and liberals, all told through the stories of superheros.
Some people feel that comics should be a form of escapism, and have no right tackling sensitive issues of the day. Hogwash, says I!
Comics have a long and storied history of being born of topical events.
Captain America is a piece of propaganda, created to battle the Nazi war machine. Iron Man's anti-communist origin was forged in the jungles of Vietnam. And the X-Men - super powered mutants who are a minority in normal society, are an allegory for the struggles against racism and segregation in 1960's America.
And then there is Superman, who upholds Truth, Justice, and the American Way.
And, uh, also Incest. While we're at it, throw Adultery into the mix... Read for yourself! The following is an excerpt from a 1962 Superman comic that I did some colour restoration on a few years back.
Superman's cousin (the aptly named Supergirl), tries to find Superman a wife, and introduces him to a cavalcade of suitors.
Whoops-a-daisy. Supergirl! It seems you've set him up with "Saturn Girl", and her HUSBAND, "Lightning Man" ain't to happy about it! That looks like an open mouthed kiss to me! If I were Lightning Man (who names these dorks anyway?!), I would have said something after the first kiss, not the second! (Mind you, if it was Superman, I might be a bit scared to say anything!)
After all that searching, it seems that the gal Superman wants is right in front of his eyes!
Whoo-boy! Sounds like the writer of this particular rag had a few skeletons in his closet!
So there you have it! From racism, to commies and Nazis, to Truth, Justice and Adultery, the funnybooks have long been a sounding board for opinions on current events!
(And Superman apparently has the hots for his cousin!)
Currently playing: Orphan - Miracle
