In recognition of Independence Day, we should take a look back at some of the momentous events that have occurred over the last month. I'm not talking about the governor of Louisiana trying to pass a law that was restrained by the federal courts. Because when you have to worry about things like rebuilding New Orleans, the least you can do is waste some money trying to pass a law targetting video games as a source of violence. No, I'm talking about bigger events, like a subcommittee for the House of Representatives coming together and proving how out-of-touch and misinformed they are. But when has that ever stopped anyone from doing anything? Perhaps even more monumental than those two events put together is Spider-Man unmasking himself to the public in Marvel's Civil War series, sparking outrage and debate among readers over whether it was a good move or not. So, in celebration of government, comic books, and a nation declaring itself independent of tyranny, we'll take a brief look back into history at an organization known as the Comics Code Authority.

This institution was founded in 1954 in response to a book written by noted psychologist Dr. Frederick Wertham. In his infamous book, entitled "Seduction of the Innocent," he proclaimed that comic books were the root of childhood delinquency. He came to this conclusion by interviewing children held in juvenile facilities and discovering that all the delinquent children held within had one main thing in common: They all read comic books. He then took it upon himself to examine comics under close scrutiny, and "discovered" a wealth of evil, including themes of sexual perversion and violence. He later stated that all those who questioned the content of comic books were conspired against and labeled communists. Specifically targeted were horror-themed comic books, since they were the most popular at the time (super-hero comics were still pretty niche). What Dr. Wertham failed to take into consideration was that comic books were read by practically <>all<>> children at the time, the vast majority of whom were well-adjusted. Still, that didn't stop Wertham and his crusade. He had fell upon a hot-button issue which made it to a federal government that was all-too happy to investigate allegations towards contributing to the delinquency of children, conspiracy, and communism.

The topic was studied by the US Senate Subcommittee on Juvenile Delinquency in the United States, on which Wertham was a key speaker. It was at this time that he proclaimed that, "Hitler was a beginner compared to the comic book industry." The comic book industry could see the axe swinging their way, especially when William M. Gaines of the publishing company EC was asked to defend his series of horror comics, which featured scenes with severed heads dripping with blood. Fearing the destruction of their industry, comic book publishers together and created a form of self-regulation known as the Comic Code Authority. By affixing a seal of approval onto the cover of their comics, parents, educators, and the government would know that these books would be suitable for children. Wertham, of course, claimed that self-regulation was a sham, but the idea went forth anyway.

While the comic book industry was able to avoid annihilation by creating the CCA, it had effectively neutered itself. Among the stipulations for an approved comic book were:

• Crimes shall never be presented in such a way as to create sympathy for the criminal, to promote distrust of the forces of law and justice, or to inspire others with a desire to imitate criminals.
  
• If crime is depicted it shall be as a sordid and unpleasant activity.
  
• Criminals shall not be presented so as to be rendered glamorous or to occupy a position which creates a desire for emulation.
  
• In every instance good shall triumph over evil and the criminal punished for his misdeeds.
  
• Scenes of excessive violence shall be prohibited. Scenes of brutal torture, excessive and unnecessary knife and gunplay, physical agony, gory and gruesome crime shall be eliminated.
  
• Profanity, obscenity, smut, vulgarity, or words or symbols which have acquired undesirable meanings are forbidden.
  
• Suggestive and salacious illustration or suggestive posture is unacceptable.

Additionally, the CCA made it clear that the words "Horror," "Terror," and "Crime" were never to appear on any book title, and depictions of vampires, zombies, and werewolves were prohibited. This completely eliminated horror comics from the industry. Also prohibited were themes of sexuality and drugs, whether it glorified them or not. So, while the comic book industry was able to save itself, it was under conditions which were so restrictive that they could no longer be taken seriously. Stories had to be simplified to the point of absurdity. Even though publishing companies were under no obligation to follow CCA regulations, most stores refused to carry unapproved books. A number of publishing companies were put out of business while numerous talents left the industry and went elsewhere. The idea that comic books were only meant for children would resonate for decades to come. The campy Batman television series from the 1960's starring Adam West didn't help improve this image.

Neutered or not, the comic book industry would quickly take a back seat to an even greater threat to children coming over the horizon. Yes, Rock n' Roll would shake things up worse than comic books could ever imagine.

Famously, in 1971, Marvel Comcs' Stan Lee was approached by United States Department of Health, Education, and Welfare to do a story about drug abuse. He agreed and wrote a 3-part Spider-Man story, unglamorously depicting the dangers of drug abuse. The CCA refused to approve the content, but Marvel decided to publish the story anyway, making it the first time in a long while that a major book was published without the seal. The story was well received and the CCA was criticized. It wasn't until the mid-80's (32 years after the founding of the CCA) that Watchmen by Alan Moore was published, depicting a serious, adult-themed story featuring super heroes. This series, later collected into trade paperback format, was listed among Time Magazine's "100 best novels from 1923 to present." It would also have a profound and lasting effect on comic books to come. Maus: A Survivor's Tale, a biography of a holocaust survivor by Art Spiegelman won the Pulitzer Prize Special Award in 1992, the first comic book to receive the prestigious award. In 2001, Marvel Comics severed relations with the CCA in 2001, opting to create their own ratings system to satisfy consumers.

It seems that eventually, children grow up, and some of the entertainment that they loved as children, they can still appreciate as adults... so long as the content continues to grow up with them. The comic book genre is gradually being taken more seriously as a storytelling device, with mythic and iconic characters that resonate in the minds of the public. Ultimately, the story of the comic book industry and the CCA is just a very small snippet. The question is, do people really learn from history so that they will not be doomed to repeat it, or will it always be a case of "the more things change, the more they stay the same?"