The DC Traveler

The theme of a Comic Book or “comic” for short can be funny, serious, historical or action-oriented, and many involve a super-hero or notorious villains. 

Dating back to the first American comic book, The Yellow Kid in McFadden’s Flats in 1897, the history of the comic book is divided into several historical eras.  The time when comics grew to mainstream popularity was during the 1940s and 50s, starting with the introduction of Superman in 1938, and is considered to be the Golden Age of comics.

But during that period, comics, especially the more violent and graphic ones fell under the scrutiny of parents, school administrators and even the Federal government.  Some moral crusaders claimed that comic books had an influence on children, leading them to commit crimes, used illegal drugs and neglect their schoolwork. (Sounds a bit like the concern with today’s video games or rap music, no?)

In the spring of 1954, the Senate Subcommittee on Juvenile Delinquency looked at the behavior of youths and how mass media - movies, music and especially comic books, with graphic violence and gore had an influence on delinquency.

The chairman of the committee, Tennessee Senator Estes Kefauver (D), ultimately became the running mate of Adlai Stevenson in 1956, but lost the presidential election to Dwight Eisenhower and Richard Nixon. 

As subcommittee chairman, besides holding hearings, he sent a survey to juvenal court judges, social workers and others involved with juvenile delinquency issues asking if there was relationship between reading crime comic books and juvenile delinquency and if banning the comics would decrease violence among children.  Over 60 percent responded no.

To head-off any possible censorship legislation, the comic book industry adopted a self-regulated code, which is still in effect today, although modified form its original form.

The 1954 code, included rules to:

• Avoid creating sympathy for criminals or making them seem glamorous.
• “In every instance” good shall triumph over evil and the criminal punished, as well as the ultimate telling of a lesson in morality.
• Prohibit scenes of excessive violence, bloodshed, foul language, nudity, or the use of the word “horror” or “terror” in the title. 

The small but well-stocked comic shop Aftertime Comics, located in the heart of Old Town on King Street in Alexandria, is a comic book lovers paradise. With a staff that’s considered by collectors and novices alike to be friendly, knowledgeable and helpful, it’s an interesting place to browse all the many genres of comic books, from fact-based historical stories to your favorite super hero with magical powers. They carry both current and vintage comics as well as action figure toys and other related items.

Aftertime Comics
1304 King Street
Alexandria, VA 22314 (map it)
703-548-5030

Hours  - Daily noon until 7:00 p.m., except on Tues and Thur. until 7:00, closed Mondays.

Nearest Metro Subway Station - King Street, Yellow and Blue lines, then a 3-block walk.

Parking - Metered and free street is available in the area.

Images - photos 3 & 4, personal collection

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