Authors: New comic books full of sex, violence

Some comic book authors are worried about what kids might see while reading new stories of their favorite super heroes.

DC Comics is targeting a more mature audience with its re-launch of comics like "Superman." Some say the new comics have more sex.

One of the few women comic writers in the business is G. Willow Wilson. The Wall Street Journal said that Wilson wrote that she has to "rush to her comic book pile" every time kids under 14 start to look at them because "some issues constitute soft porn. Never before did it occur to me how bizarre that is...having to keep a kid away from comics.

Russ Kamierczak is the author of the "Amazina Arizona Comics." It's a series of comic books that take a satirical look at current Arizona politics. But he's also been a fan of comic books for over 20 years and couldn't believe what he saw when he browsed through some new material at a comic book store.

"So I picked up Catwoman Number one to see what's going on," said Kazmierczak. "Catwoman's a household name, everyone knows who Catwoman is. But on the last page, she and Batman are getting ready to 'get it on.' It's very explicit."

Kazmierczak said sex has always been a part of comic books. He says "Wonder Woman" is one example, going back to the 1940's.

"When men bound Wonder Woman, that was her weakness. That was her Kryptonite. She had to break out of those binds," said Kazmierczak. "At the same time, her weapons were a lasso that tied up men and convicted them to tell the truth. She had bullet-reflecting bracelets which could look like S and M gear nowadays if somebody wears them right."

Kazmierczak said what was in comic books in the past was subtle compared to what is in comic books now. The Wall Street Journal said the size of the breasts of women characters is "exaggerated" with "exposed cleavage." The Journal said there is "serious debate about sex and violence in comics online between comic writers, artists and editors."

Some are saying the comics are also more violent. Kazmierczak said violence in comics is nothing new.

"In the 1940s, superheros were punching out Nazis. They were supporting the war effort, and it was almost patriotic." Kazmierczak said.

After the war ended, the violence lost a focus. Writers in the '50s turned the superheros to fighting gangsters. Kazmierczak said the 1960s were what he calls the "Adam West Batman era," influenced by the campy "Batman" television series and it's phrases that showed words like "Pow" and "Zoom" every time Batman and Robin threw a punch. Kazmierczak said it's "hard to say" whether the comics are more violent than they were in the past.

Kazmierczak is concerned about the sex. DC has started a line of "family friendly" comic books called "DC Kids." Kazmierczak fears that young people may find it too boring and reject it.

Kazmierczak noted that comic book companies have started putting ratings on their books, much like those that are on movies.

Kazmierczak had this advice for parents: When you take your kids to the comic book store, don't just sit in the car and wait while they go inside. Go in with them. Take a look at what's on the shelves. Get involved and see that your kids are picking up books that are appropriate for them. If you have any questions, don't be afraid to ask those who work at the store. Kazmierczak said there are many good comic book stores in the valley where the employees know the comics, and can give you good advice.