the history of comics

Comics code authority (CCA)- 1954

• The CCA was voluntary, although a lot of companies and retailers found it reassuring. It was not a government regulator.
• Was created by the comic book publishers to prevent backlash from the comic book community.
• Excessive violence wasn't allowed to be featured, and neither were zombies, vampires, or any other character of that kind.
• Divorce wasn't allowed to feature in comics.
• Prohibited the presentation of "policemen, judges government officials, and respected institutions in such a way as to create disrespect for established authority".
• Comics couldn't use the words horror or terror in their titles. The use of the word crime was subject to numerous restrictions.
• It discouraged "instances of law enforcement officers dying as a result of a criminal's activities".
• "....in every instance good shall triumph over evil"

Four eras in comics:

The golden era of comics: 1938-56. During this time comics were being produced rapidly and growing in popularity, and superhero characters/ stories were being established. Many heroes wore blue, red, and white as they represented American heroes to give Americans something to believe in/ look up to after the depression. The stereotype of a superhero was created- secret identity, strengths, weaknesses. Comic style art- simple, basic colours, symbols

Hero vs Villains. (Wikipedia) IMAGE- https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/f/fa/Superman14.jpg  

IMAGE- https://www.google.com/search?q=golden+age+of+comics&sxsrf=ALiCzsaiY_RL1psiezMZnm82v3xv6oyw3g:1662627911936&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiekdbQ64T6AhX2i_0HHYdpA_UQ_AUoAXoECAIQAw&cshid=1662627974229792&biw=1280&bih=577&dpr=1.5#imgrc=clA1oJHLFFTDbM 

The silver era of comics: 1956-69. After WW2 the popularity of comic books declined and links to child delinquency were made and the comics code authority was created. Popular characters were the justice league of America and the fantastic four. Higher art quality. 

More diverse heroes- ethnically and genders 

More relatable protagonists. (Wikipedia)

IMAGE- https://www.google.com/search?q=Silver+age+of+comics&hl=en-GB&sxsrf=ALiCzsZgwirbV3wxGZuA3EDPUgLcb90pXw:1662628713155&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwi839zO7oT6AhUYhf0HHXScAaUQ_AUoAnoECAIQBA&biw=1280&bih=577&dpr=1.5#imgrc=RmE7g_nJFQOQKM 

                                                                                                      

The bronze era of comics: 1970-85. Followed the silver era, including many of the
same conventions but some darker themes were reintroduced into the plots- these related to current social issues. 

Experimental art- brighter and darker frames, vibrant colours.

Deeper exploration of team elements- minority superheroes: storm X-men(Wikipedia)

IMAGE- https://www.google.com/search?q=BRONZE+age+of+comics&hl=en-GB&sxsrf=ALiCzsZtpm1jAOT8fckpcaBJeTDeu4MS6Q:1662629009205&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjFl_Lb74T6AhUE_rsIHfEwDhoQ_AUoAnoECAEQBA&biw=1280&bih=577&dpr=1.5#imgrc=fHFS6FALFRRqhM

Are there any other recent eras? Yes, the modern age of comic books 1985-current. Also called the dark age of comic books- characters were redesigned and artistic flare was more prominent. Psychologically complex characters. The appearance of anti-hero: protagonists questionable morality, a hero to vigilantism. Transition to graphic novel form- more detailed

Big-budget film adaptations begin to appear.  (Wikipedia)

IMAGE- https://www.google.com/search?q=MODERNage+of+comics&tbm=isch&ved=2ahUKEwiP3PTf74T6AhUUaRoKHXU9DEwQ2-cCegQIABAA&oq=MODERNage+of+comics&gs_lcp=CgNpbWcQAzIGCAAQHhAHOgQIIxAnOgYIABAeEAg6BAgAEBg6CAgAEB4QCBAHUN4GWMwOYPkRaABwAHgAgAFfiAG9BJIBATeYAQCgAQGqAQtnd3Mtd2l6LWltZ8ABAQ&sclient=img&ei=mbQZY8-rJpTSafX6sOAE&bih=577&biw=1280&hl=en-GB#imgrc=BVVgOOwr5ZBt1M