Michael Breakfield of Lone Star Comics in
Since when did our heroes become a bunch of foul-mouthed little chuckle-heads? At risk of sounding like a bad Seinfeld joke, what is up with all the swearing in comics today? Now I'm not talking about the adult oriented comics under the Max or Vertigo banners. I'm talking about your general Marvel and DC titles. Everyone who reads comics knows that '@#$%' is the universal sign for one of the 'Seven Dirty Words' (as defined by the comedian George Carlin) that are forbidden to use in the mainstream media. '@#$%' used to be reserved for rough and gruff characters like Wolverine or Nick Fury. But now everyone from the Black Widow to All Star Batman curses like a sailor on shore leave.
Just between Hulk #2, Mighty Avengers #9, and New Avengers #38 (all comics currently on the rack) alone there are 14 examples of this. And I'm not even counting the time Iron Man calls the Red Hulk a 'Jackass.' You'd think super smart guys like Tony Stark and Victor Von Doom could convey their displeasure better, but I guess not. Whatever happened to tried and tested exclamations like 'Blue Blazes,' 'Great Scott,' and the truly classic 'By the Hoary Hosts of Hoggoth!'? I guess those are just too out of date and uncool for today's audience.
Put a little more imagination into it. Just because this may be the way a writer talks in real life, it's not the way everyone does. Just because it may be funny in a Kevin Smith or Judd Apatow movie doesn't mean it's appropriate for the comic rack. I'm a huge Avengers fan, and lately it's becoming increasingly harder to enjoy the book. I get tired-head every time one of Earth's Mightiest Heroes utters '@#$%' just because the writer couldn't come up with a better way to articulate the character's thoughts. How about the Director's Commentary for Mark Millar and J.G. Jones' Wanted that appeared in Wizard #197? Even though Millar is one of the best writers of today, is a magazine read by all ages really the forum to reveal some the over-the-top sexually explicit scenes that didn't make the already over-the-top comic? And with all due respect Mr. Millar, but Kick-Ass is going to be the name of your new series? Really... that's what you're going to roll with? OK.
There's a reason the companies have banners like Max and Vertigo. Writers are always trying to push the envelope, but the pendulum has swung too far in the other direction. These are heroes. HEROES! They are supposed to set the example by which others follow, not fall in line like the rest of the herd. I issue a challenge to the creators of today. Ease up on the soap opera and potty mouth and be more 'creative' with how you express your message.
The opinions expressed in this Talk Back article are solely those of the writer, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the editorial staff of ICv2.com.
