Mark Dudley, Illustrator and Sequential Artist, thought he was finished commenting on the topic of mature content/depictions of classic super-heroes, but feels the need to comment again after reading James Meeley's latest remarks (see "James Meeley of Sequential Treasures on Mark Dudley's Latest Talk Back"):

I had said this would be the end of it but again I think I need to clarify myself to likes of Mr. James Meeley.

Mr. Meeley you say that I have been taken to task about my view points concerning superhero comics, yet I feel that I have simply tried to open my mind to other view points.  Initially, I didn't really understand what the entire problem was with bringing these iconic heroes kicking and screaming into the year 2000, but now I do.  I understand now that these heroes are better off where they are.  Steve Bennett wrote something in his last post that kind of stuck with me.  He said that he had gone to the 2nd anniversary party for a comic shopped owned by a friend and the friend introduced him as "the Silver Aged" guy.  Mr. Bennett went on to say how uncomfortable this made him.  I couldn't help but feel for Mr. Bennett as it is the zeal of people like him who help keep the comics industry afloat and I think he deserves a bit more reverence than he got at this event.

There are fans who like their comics simple, cut and dry.  I may not be an uberfan of Silver and Golden Age books but I can appreciate what these fans want, or should I say I have gained an appreciation for what these fans want over the course of this dialog.

Mr. Meeley, you also bring up another good point, if we want comic book characters that cater to modern sexuality and mature viewpoints then people like myself should create said characters.  I'm already working on that sir.  So basically, you and people who share your view point are more than welcome to your heroes, the rest of us will move on to create our own mythos that reflect the more complex morality and sexuality we have come to know today.

As for Marvel, I hope they and Disney bring a more "family friendly" vibe to Marvel comics too because it's my hope that people like yourself, who like that type of thing, will be so engrossed in reading your pamphlets that you won't have time to try and censor the rest of us.  Change is a constant whether you like it or not.  I live in Michigan and our broken down plants and urban blight are a testament to people who are mired in the process of the past.  People who fear change.  I am not saying that all change is good and we should endeavor to manage it as best we can.  However, good or bad, change is inevitable.  Hopefully this will REALLY be my last word.

This thread is mercifully closed.  Have a great weekend. 
-- Editor

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