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Is Dan Cruson The New Fredric Wertham?

Published Mon, 21 Mar 2011 10:00:42 -0500

The Comics Code is dead. Marvel and DC's replacement content codes for their books are glaringly inconsistent on a regular basis. And if kids ever do come into comic shops, the suitability of books for children (or to be honest, let's face it, their parents) is up in the air.

But the prevalent Tuesday-delivery-for-Wednesday-sale in the US, Canada and the British Isles has made for a new opportunity. And one that online store Dan's Comic Shop has seized with both hands, now giving their own independent age ratings to all comic titles.

Dan Cruson, owner of the store is quoted in a press release saying "I feel that comics are a great way to promote literacy in children. However, I have seen parents struggle with whether a title is appropriate for their child and want to help them make educated decisions."

"There have been a number of complaints lately about the ratings of some books, and have agreed that most of the ratings were incorrect. It occurred to me that being an avid comic reader and comic shop owner, I have the resources to do something about this."
They have nicked the industry game settings

AA – Appropriate for all ages.
10+ – Appropriate for individuals 10 and older.
T – Appropriate for individuals 13 and older
M – Appropriate for individuals 18 and older

and will allow people to browse by category.

Could we see others follow suit, bricks'n'mortar as well as online? Competing stores offering different levels of regulation?

Say, I wonder where Neonomicon out this week will end up…

It's good to be back.

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