The Comic Code still works and needs no revision in our modern comic books markets. The Comic Code, written in 1954 and revised in 1971 and 1989 was created to set an industry standard by which all comic books and similar media should adhere to. The need for this code was to reassure both the public and the government of the ability of the industry to police themselves and provide morally responsible content in its products that were marketed to youth.
In part, what made the Comic Code unique was that it was written, drafted and enforced without legislative or judicial oversight. What the industry feared was censorship and lack of control over their business and its products and marketing to the youth of the United States. Although there were some in comic book writing and publishing that dared to push the bounds of public moral acceptance, most of the industry were very aware of public outlook on their work and quickly adopted the Comic Code into their business and marketing practices.
Over all, most who adopted the code found that their business did not suffer and they were able to not only maintain a morally and ethically sound product but also one that maintained writing and publishing quality.
Since the adoption of the original Comic Code, there have been two revisions. Although these revisions are different from the original code, they maintain many of the same concepts and standards that were acceptable in the 1954 version. Also, the code has remained in the control of industry peers since its beginning.
The Comic Code needs little to no revision. The code is not a law or governing authority over the industry to dictate its content. The code, enforced by only a mark of approval on a product cover is merely an indicator to the consumer that a particular product falls in line with a certain standard. When the code was first written, the vast majority of comic consumers were youth. Today, the customer base of the comic industry spans many generations. The code still protects the integrity of authors and publishers as they cater to youth.
The code, enforced against material written with adults in mind would damage the profits and hinder the creative reputation of popular adult publications. Many consider comic books a form a creative art and the writers, artists. Some of the unhindered content contained in comic books is not considered suitable for children. However, the code would indicate that these adult oriented publications are not recommended for youth by the comic’s lack of the Comic Code Authority’s (CCA) seal of approval.
If a new code were demanded by anyone other than the customer base or the industry, it may risk involving government to dictate its creation and enforcement. The United States Constitution provides for freedom of speech and press. By denying an industry who has demonstrated the ability to govern themselves in the past to continue to do so allows for a censorship of all of its materials. The Code was neither demanded for nor forced on the industry. Rather, the industry invited it upon itself and allowed each other the choice to either utilize or ignore it. It is up to the public to either accept or avoid the products that do not wish to use the code rather than force the comic industry, and further, the comic community to accept a standard dictated by those who do not participate in the community. If the Comic Code ever requires revision in the future, the CCA with the help of its customer base, as demonstrated in the past will likely police themselves or suffer damage to their own industry.
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