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A guide for parents of comic book fans
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Copyright Comics Code Authority
Many people are under the mistaken impression that comic books are for children. This isn't the case. As explained in this earlier article, comic books haven't been only for kids for quite a while. In fact, it can be said that most comic books produced today are not meant for children. A word of warning; as this article discusses issues of appropriateness for kids, it might not be in itself, appropriate for children.
This is not to say that all comic books today are bad for kids; kids comics are still published and widely available throughout the world and Wichita comic book shops. And most publications could be rated PG or PG-13, if they were movies. The best way for parents to know if a certain comic book is appropriate for their children is to check them.
Still, there are a few tips for parents who want to make sure what they're buying is appropriate.
Rating Systems
Just like movies range from G to PG-17, comic books come in different ratings. Unlike movies, however, there is not a unifying system of ratings. Originally, there was a Comics Code Authority rating; however, as told in a previous article, this rating system is not often used anymore, as it was overly restrictive. Though it isn't as strict as it used to be, most comic publishers still find it restrictive. Only one major publisher, Archie Comics, still uses the Comics Code in all its publications.
Marvel Comics has its own rating system; DC doesn't have their own system, but will usually not go beyond the equivalent of Marvel's T+. Both companies have their own imprint for more adult oriented titles. Other large comic book publishers also usually follow Marvel and DC's lead, though they may be more willing to print adult titles under their own banner. The more specialized the press, the less likely that adult content will be seperated out.
Finally, the ratings and advisories on covers are just guidelines, much like the ratings and stickers on movies, video games or music albums.
Finding Appropriate Comics In Wichita
Luckily for parents of young comics fans in Wichita, local stores have clearly marked kid's comics section. Graphically adult comics are either missing, or kept out of sight (a simple courtesy that some comic book stores in other cities don't always follow).
Local and chain bookstores that sale trades and graphic novels can be a bit more worrisome, as both longer format modes are less likely to have age warnings on the cover, and also more likely to come from smaller presses, with less stringent modes of keeping tabs.
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