I find it is hard to specify if comics are for adults or children, it is like saying books are only for adults. There are so many comics out there with a range of subjects, some more suited to adult, some more suited for children. I think in regards to Tin Tin it can be for children to read and enjoy especially the illustrations and slap stick, and there for adults to enjoy and analyse further such as one theme, the tolerance of cultures. So to conclude, I feel it is impossible to specify whether the comic genre is for adults or children solely.
Shay
Yes, it is difficult to generalize about comics because they are so varied, but what about the Blue Lotus in particular?
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ReplyDeleteHi Shay,
ReplyDeleteI think the answer here is that comics are for all age groups. Obviously, a younger readership is going to get something out of a title like Tintin, as well as nostalgic adults. But then there are more specifically adult comics. DC comics launched it's "adult" imprint, Vertigo, in 1993, after many prominent DC artists (Alan Moore, Frank Miller, Grant Morrison) began to include a wide range of adult themes.
This isn't to say that comics have only been for adults since the 80's. What has been referred to as 'the father of the modern comic', "The Adventures of Obadiah Oldbuck" published 1842, was described by the author as initially being a mild distraction he could share among his friends, who would've been adults, presumably. It later became a huge hit in the United States.
As for the kids thing, it's no secret the children generally make up a pretty large percentage of the comic book market. Because of this, the mid 50's saw the arrival of the Comics Code Association, a tool for the industry to self regulate, keeping comics within a PG type rating where it was safe for children; removing excessive levels of violence and any adult themes that may influence young readers.
James W
As Herge's Tin Tin comics originated for children I think that then yes this is aimed at children. Though in saying that when this was first published children comics and books ie. fairytales, were far less sensitive than they are now. They would tell of multiple death, murder etc where these days it would be a lot more controversial. In Th Blue Lotus they deal with opium use, drug smuggling, guns (Chang-a child with a gun), racism and even touches on suicide briefly! These would most certainly not be published today. However, I feel as a child they would not really understand what opium was and miss certain cues such as the touch on suicide. This was Herges 5th Tin Tin comic and the start of his more sophisticated/ less naive books, aimed at children yes but from The Blue Lotus evolves a lot more for an adult reader to enjoy.
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