Alternative Visions
Alternative Visions |
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Page 28 of 29  Aargh! (Artists Against Rampant Government Homophobia) (Mad Love, 1988). Mainstream and alternative titles were attacked, but it was the alternative comics that caught the brunt. They were vilified in a fashion that had not been seen since the height of the underground: their sexual and violent content was sensationalised, while their creators were portrayed as 'barbarians at the gates'. Newspapers and magazines reproduced panels out of context, Wertham-style, and went to town on shock headlines. Once again, the old Mcguffin that the comics were 'dangerous' because children might get hold of them was wheeled out. The outcry was followed by the inevitable busts on both sides of the Atlantic. In Britain, Knockabout Comics became the subject of the attentions of police and customs on numerous occasions. In 1982, they were cleared at the Old Bailey after police seized drugs-related titles; in 1996, they were again cleared in court, this time of an obscenity charge relating to comics by Robert Crumb. Similarly, Savoy Comics were subject to continual harrassment, and had various of their horror titles declared obcene and destroyed. Additionally, numerous British shops and importers were raided. In America, the pattern was replicated, sometimes with even more serious consequences. In 1995, Mike Diana had the dubious distinction of becoming the first cartoonist ever to be imprisoned for obscenity, when his comics were confiscated in Florida.  'Shadowplay', Brought to Light (Eclipse, 1989). Art: Bill Sienkiewicx. Script: Alan Moore. A closely-researched expose of the Irangate affair, complete with academic footnotes.  Shadowplay  Aargh! |