Consider today to be a big day in the history of comics. DC Comics has announced it isn’t participating in the Comics Code, and will instead use their own branding to let readers know what is appropriate, and what is not.
Jim Lee and Dan DiDio posted the following at The Source earlier today:
As of January 2011, DC Comics titles will no longer carry the Comics Code Authority Seal of Approval. In 2011, DC Comics will employ a rating system consistent with that of the rest of the industry, as well as with our digital releases, which already utilize a rating system. As for our Vertigo comic books, they will not utilize the rating system, because they will continue to be labeled as “For Mature Readers”.
Beginning with our April 2011 titles, all DC comic book covers will utilize the following rating system:
E – EVERYONE
Appropriate for readers of all ages. May contain cartoon violence and/or some comic mischief.
T – TEEN
Appropriate for readers age 12 and older. May contain mild violence, language and/or suggestive themes.
T+ – TEEN PLUS
Appropriate for readers age 16 and older. May contain moderate violence, mild profanity, graphic imagery and/or suggestive themes.
M – MATURE
Appropriate for readers age 18 and older. May contain intense violence, extensive profanity, nudity, sexual themes and other content suitable only for older readers.
Why is this a big deal? Marvel left the code in 2001, which means this is the first time the big two publishers haven’t conformed to the code since the 1950s.
7 Comments
With DC dropping it, Archie is officially the only company still using the Code. It all but signals the death of the CCA’s authority, which is why it’s news.
I believe Bongo Comics still uses The Code.
UPDATE: Bongo dropped the CCA in April 2010. So Archie is the last hold out…
i thought DC had dropped it years ago.
DEATH TO THE CCA!!!!!!!!
I think since Marvel dropped it in the first place, the CCA has been pretty toothless. I’d say even before that, judging by the stuff in comics when I was a teen.
about time
This news definately makes DC the cool kid on the playground today. Tomorrow? Who knows…