If you were a fan of American comic books in the latter half of the twentieth century, you undoubtedly came across the Comics Code Authority seal. This seal was prominently displayed on titles like The Amazing Spider-Man, Scrooge McDuck stories, and Jughead Double Digest. Although it may not have caught your attention at the time, the Comics Code Authority had a significant impact on the content of comic books during its inception in 1954.
EC Comics, known for its darker and more graphic content in titles like Tales from the Crypt and The Vault of Horror, played a crucial role in the formation of the Comics Code Authority. The video by YouTuber matttt provides a detailed look at how the Authority came into being and its effects on the industry.
One of the most notable stories affected by the Comics Code was “Master Race” by artist Bernard Krigstein. This innovative tale of an ex-SS officer in modern-day New York showcased Krigstein’s artistic aspirations and storytelling techniques. Despite facing challenges and missing deadlines, Krigstein’s work in “Master Race” pushed the boundaries of comic art.
While the Comics Code may be a relic of the past, its impact on the comic industry is still felt today. Artists like Krigstein paved the way for more daring and innovative storytelling, challenging the norms of the medium. As comics continue to evolve, the question remains: who will be the next bold artist to push the boundaries of the form?
Related content:
– The Disney Artist Who Developed Donald Duck & Remained Anonymous for Years, Despite Being “the Most Popular and Widely Read Artist-Writer in the World”
– 1950s Pulp Comic Adaptations of Ray Bradbury Stories Getting Republished
– Why the Short-Lived Calvin and Hobbes Is Still One of the Most Beloved & Influential Comic Strips
– How Art Spiegelman Designs Comic Books: A Breakdown of His Masterpiece, Maus
– George Herriman’s Krazy Kat, Praised as the Greatest Comic Strip of All Time, Gets Digitized as Early Installments Enter the Public Domain
– “Thou Shalt Not”: A 1940 Photo Satirically Mocks Every Vice & Sin Censored by the Hays Movie Censorship Code
