Ilan Strasser of Fat Moose Comics and Games in Whippany, New Jersey writes in to offer his opinion regarding the recent debate surrounding mature themes in current comic books:

I think the problem of mature themes in comic books begins with the fact that so many comic book writers think that mature themes revolve around three basic plot elements: sex, death, and violence.  And while there are certainly an almost unlimited variety of stories that could be written about those subjects, Marvel and DC have proven over the last few years that they certainly don't know how to do so.  Tony Stark dealing with his drinking problem dealt with an adult problem in a literate and moving away.  The death of Elektra at the hands of Bullseye was violent, but much more muted than today's excessive gross-outs.  And while Frank Miller has gone on to be a member in good standing of the gross-out club today, his Daredevil stories captured my imagination and moved me tremendously.  I could cite, as many older readers can, countless other instances.

The bottom line is that since comics are as much a written medium as they are a visual one, everything has to start with consistent, quality storytelling.  We don't need big events, endless crossovers, filthy language, gratuitious sex and/or violence, or the endless cycle of death and rebirth to keep or attract new readers.  What we need are our superheroes to act like superheroes -- blurring the line is okay so long as the line isn't crossed.  Moral indecision and confusion can be an illuminating approach to a comic story or series -- we old dinosaurs remember the Neal Adams/Denny O'Neill Green Lantern/Green Arrow stories of the 70's.  They may be outdated now to a degree in terms of style, but their themes still ring true and as a society, we still deal with the same issues that series tackled 30+ years ago.  And when those superheroes fall prey to the stress and pressures of their lives, writers must keep in mind that those superheroes are still regular people when not out fighting crime.  They have to write their stories so that we can not only be wowed and exhilarated by their exploits, but so that we can also relate to them on a human level.  This used to be a fait accomplit among the ranks of comic writers; sadly, the modern sensibility has abandoned good storytelling for shock value and for the ability to produce a story that meets the requirements that would allow it to be reprinted.  Good quality writing -- start with that -- nothing else needs to be said.

The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the writer, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the editorial staff of ICv2.com.