Organization: Penn State University
Date: Mon, 23 Nov 1992 18:52:42 EST
From: <JVI100@psuvm.psu.edu>
Newsgroups: rec.arts.comics.misc
Subject: PC in DC

       I've been meaning to write this article for awhile, but just haven't
  had the time. It concerns Political Correctness in DC comics(specifically
  in the mature titles). I think it's interesting to evaluate how the current
  writers handle their 'matureness' in the Vertigo universe; i.e, whether
  or not I feel as if views I hold are said to be totally wrong by the writer.
  (I am constantly amazed that as a Christian, I am told that I can't force
  my views on someone{which I don't anyway}, yet those very same people who
  say this, then turn around and, in the name of political correctness,
  force a view down my throat). Here goes my analysis:

       Sandman: Neil Giaman is the best at keeping different views equal{&
   hence, this is my favorite title}. Neil tells a story, for good, bad or
   otherwise. He presents REAL PEOPLE, not just a character thrown in to
   make some kind of point. If he writes about a woman who is a lesbian, it
   is just that, a woman who happens to be a lesbian who lives her life the
   best she can, not a lesbian thrown into the story to make a point. In A
   Game of You, Barbi mentions she had an abortion, but doesn't go on some
   kind of tirade about it being a woman's right or anything. Whether or not
   you support abortion(I don't), all Barbi is, is a woman who had a
   misfortune happen to her, and that's all that is presented. There are
   millions of women this has happen to, and it just so happens Barbi was
   one of them. Neil just told a story, and didn't advocate one side or the
   other(IMHO). You don't have to be offensive to write a good story,
   and  Neil is one of the best at what he does: Showing real people.

       Shade: Peter Milligan is a very interesting writer, and I find it
   difficult to determine if the title is pro-PC or anti-PC. Many things
   are thrown into the plot, such as: homosexuality, pre-marital sex and
   multiple partners, drugs... For all the advocating the characters do of
   these activities, the subplots keep revolving around all the intense
   problems that the characters are having do to them. I don't want you
   to think that I don't like Shade(It's my second favorite title), I'm
   just analyzing it.

       Doom Patrol: Haven't read much of Grant's work to say anything about
   it

       Swamp Thing: The only thing I know of the current writer, is the few
   issues that I've read, and the letters in the back. She seems to be the
   anti-Giaman. Everything I said about Neil's writing is just reversed
   (IMHO). I don't think I will be picking up any more of this title, pity,
   I like the art.

 I know I haven't gotten though all the mature titles, but what I've written
 has taken longer than I thought it would. Just keep in mind my point before
 you flame me or praise me, I just like to see characters be human, not
 some ideology with a name. Stories are all the better for this. Please
 respond, and don't stick with DC if you don't want too. Other companies
 have their share of PC problems too.
                                         the Morning Star.