Big Apple Hits Bottom

[comicwiz]

nearmint wrote

Interesting post, but would you agree with FD's post, suggesting that vendors dealing in pornography should have a designated area?

 

Sure, but how do enforce any transgressions?

 

Why are minors pulling porn mags off the shelf in convenience stores and flipping through them without the convenience store owner doing anything about it?

 

If I were to take a stab at explaining how a comic with sexually explicit content would find itself in a back bin and in view of a minor at a dealers table, I might draw on a couple of scenario's.

 

The first scenario would be that the parent is just too preoccupied with their own priorities to ensure their child isn't handling something they shouldn't be handling. Would you let your kid run freely through a store with expensive objects that could break easily if dropped, or would you watch over them like hawks?

 

The second scenario is that the dealer just didn't bother going through his back stock before putting the material out on the show floor. A scenario that would be like a field day for the average collector of mainstream titles, but because its sexually explicit content, the dealer should know better and should make sure they are kept separate.

 

The other aspect is that if most dealers wouldn't even bother with alternative and underground titles because they don't know anything about that market. So if their defense was they didn't know any better, then I would believe it because that's one of the aspects of collecting alternative and underground titles that makes it fun - and that is that most still aren't on to their importance and value.

 

In certain states, the dealer would be wise to go through the material, and to cordon off and create designated areas to insure its out of the view of minors. But if there aren't any laws in place, then playing dumb is what we can expect as a common theme from that type of transgression.

 

Again, in no way am I condoning it, but like I said, things break down more often than not because a dealer hasn't even flipped through a copy of Zap Comix 4, and by overlooking the inappropriate sexual theme's covered in that issue, they would find themselves making a huge error in judgement if they thought the book was fit for underage viewing consumption by merely glancing at the cover.

 

 

DeeDee wrote:

Sorry but the fact that comic heroes and heroines are drawn in a sexy way or with attractive features doesn't make them comparable to porn or even overtly explicit. Even in disney movies, female characters are drawn with ridiculously tiny waists and model-features... does that mean porn stars should be signing autographs at disneyland? The ideals of beauty are what they are, most people (male or female) would prefer to read a story with an attractive hero than an unattractive one, thats just how it is.

 

Porn and comics are not the same thing. For most of us comics are to be enjoyed for their artistic quality not for some kind of lame sexual gratification.

I don't see what porn stars have to do with comics or comic conventions. Porn stars belong in porn conventions... BUT, if we MUST have them, at least keep them and their "material" away from kids attending comic cons.

 

The "as it is" views you espouse regarding the ideals of beauty are far more frightening in my opinion, especially in a day an age when children are being bombarded in every which way by various forms of media. Its in the music they see and hear. Its expressed in their clothing, and body language.

 

Overweight kids are treated as outcasts. Other kids see this, and will do what it takes to avoid that degree of alienation and humiliation.

 

So what does a parent do when they receive that phone call from a school official, warning them that their child might be anorexic because they've seen them puking in the washroom on repeated occasions?

 

Or when their team coach breaks the news to them that they've caught their child with syringes and vials containing a series of banned performance enhancing substances?

 

Personally, I'd find myself having an easier time explaining sexual urges, and the need for control with my daughter or son, than I would explaining to them that the character or real-life individual they have chosen as a role model and are desperately trying to emulate from a comic book title, a music video, a fashion magazine or from some sporting event is not a suitable role model, and has in fact risen to their level of recognition and status by reinforcing a distorted form of beauty, achievement and by insulating themselves from truth and reality.

[comicwiz]

Well, to that I might ask what superpower does this "porn" start have?

 

The power to rob you of your wallet, remove all your notes and credit cards, leaving you wearing nothing more than a huge grin of satisfaction.

[drice6900]

Well, to that I might ask what superpower does this "porn" start have?

 

The power to rob you of your wallet, remove all your notes and credit cards, leaving you wearing nothing more than a huge grin of satisfaction.

 

That power only works on the weak willed and desperate.

[goldust40]

The "as it is" views you espouse regarding the ideals of beauty are far more frightening in my opinion, especially in a day an age when children are being bombarded in every which way by various forms of media. Its in the music they see and hear. Its expressed in their clothing, and body language.

 

Overweight kids are treated as outcasts. Other kids see this, and will do what it takes to avoid that degree of alienation and humiliation.

 

So what does a parent do when they receive that phone call from a school official, warning them that their child might be anorexic because they've seen them puking in the washroom on repeated occasions?

 

Or when their team coach breaks the news to them that they've caught their child with syringes and vials containing a series of banned performance enhancing substances?

 

Personally, I'd find myself having an easier time explaining sexual urges, and the need for control with my daughter or son, than I would explaining to them that the character or real-life individual they have chosen as a role model and are desperately trying to emulate from a comic book title, a music video, a fashion magazine or from some sporting event is not a suitable role model, and has in fact risen to their level of recognition and status by reinforcing a distorted form of beauty, achievement and by insulating themselves from truth and reality.

 

I'm sorry, but this is all getting ludicrous. I agree that certain dealers are indifferent regarding separating adult material from other stock (although the big GA and SA dealers simply don't generally carry such stuff), and that minors grab top shelf mags and nobody cares. That's the way things are....often, but certainly not always.

 

That doesn't justify anything regarding porn and its' relationship to comic culture. As has been already mentioned ad nauseam, comics are a medium, not a genre, of which undergrounds (which I collect) and porno comics (which I have no interest in at all) are two very small niche areas.

 

To come up with a similar strawman to those that have been bandied about in this increasingly silly thread - I don't see any Oscars being given away for Best Porn Film, or Best Erotic Scene in a movie. But why not? So many Hollywood films have gratuitous sex and violence! And Porn films exist! Why isn't Hollywood accepting them into the mainstream??? Why don't people accept them as part of their reality, and their perception of this medium? To hell with artistic pretension and aspiration!!! Let the porn in, dammit!!!!

 

And as for your argument (quoted above) that criticises comics for perpetuating and enforcing an idealized version of humanity that may harm those that take it as gospel - this is also alarmist and completely absurd. Kids "desperately trying to emulate" comic characters?? What on earth does a medium like comics have to do with axiomatic matters within society as a whole? Claiming that drawings of overproportioned superbeings are partly responsible for the woes of overweight or ambitious kids or teenagers is Werthamesque. Please!

 

Comics aren't and have never been taken as seriously as other media, from day one. And that includes the kids of all ages that read them. Yes, they provide escape, but do not, even though they have generally become more and more visceral, "provide insulation from reality".

 

And to equate them with porn is an exercise in belittlement which is very odd, considering that said argument is from a comic enthusiast.

 

And yep, I don't care for porn queens at Cons. I'm very far from being a prude, and have generally been indifferent to their presence at these events. But they're a tawdry, vapid, cloying presence that adds NOTHING to the event whatsoever. Yes, they have their place, which should be separate from the main event. Which, to bring the argument back to the beginning, would prove very difficult at a small show like the Big Apple one.

[langur88]

I remember when comic shows were about comics.

 

 

[towards2112]

But they're a tawdry, vapid, cloying presence that adds NOTHING to the event whatsoever.

 

Gads, I love someone that can properly speak the King's English !!!

Adjectives that wouldn't even cross my poor feeble mind.

 

Upon reflection, I think that this entire subject is certainly pointing

to the sad state of affairs that currently surround comic conventions

as a whole. If you were to peruse just about any advertisement for

just about any comic con, you would find an entire list of guests,

artists, writers, personalitities, celebs, etc ad nauseum, that were

to attend, and sign autographs, BUT very little listings on who the

BSD attendees were, or the products they were hawking.

"Our Silverage Alley, featuring BEDROCK CITY COMICS, METROPOLIS

COMICS, SPACE CITY COMICS, FLYING DONUT TRADING, ETC, ETC "

I don't see that. What I do see is that the title of Comic Con is now

a title that should read POP CULTURE CON. Comic books are now

strictly bush league. Sorry for the typos, new keyboard feels funky.

[langur88]

If people had been bringing their children to the shows and spending money in the first place,Mike and company wouldn't have needed to bring in outside artists to pump up attendence.

It was the decline of the monthly shows that forced promoters into seeking new markets,not the other way around.

Over the last several years,I can count the number of kids under 12 I've seen at shows with one hand.

 

It's the attendee's fault that there's porn at a Comic Book show?

 

Is this Bizarro world?

[langur88]

Well, to that I might ask what superpower does this "porn" start have?

 

The power to rob you of your wallet, remove all your notes and credit cards, leaving you wearing nothing more than a huge grin of satisfaction.

 

That power only works on the weak willed and desperate.

 

[towards2112]

I don't think there is anyone at "fault", that points blame, and it may

just be the way things were destined to move. Over 25 years since

I did my first con as a dealer, I saw strictly comic books and art, then

comic book collector cards accepted, then sports cards, then action

figures, pogs, pokemons, RPG, which is about the time I bailed, then

[Sid]

Big words confuse Hulk!

 

 

Anyways, in my opinion porn is NOT an artform thus my ignorance to the subject. You can't compare comic books to the porn industry. I think there are more people in support of having these people there but are quiet due to the original statement of the poster and the ones following after. To my nephews, I would have no problem explaining David but would have a hard time explaining North. Simple as that. And all because I'm ignorant enough to make an opinion that comic books are an art form while porn is porn.

[kc120us]

Well, to that I might ask what superpower does this "porn" start have? The "HTK" power (Hob the knob). "Most" of today's female superheroes couldn't even walk upright the way they are drawn. But maybe deep down the artists are hinting that these superheroes also have this power being the only way they could walk is on there knees.

[the blob]

Over the last several years,I can count the number of kids under 12 I've seen at shows with one hand.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It's the attendee's fault that there's porn at a Comic Book show?

 

Is this Bizarro world?

------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

I usually see 5-10 kids on the weekend days of the Big Apple rolling around. Of course, it's not like he offers reduced admission to kids or anything (or does he? I don't think he does...)

[comicwiz]

The "as it is" views you espouse regarding the ideals of beauty are far more frightening in my opinion, especially in a day an age when children are being bombarded in every which way by various forms of media. Its in the music they see and hear. Its expressed in their clothing, and body language.

 

Overweight kids are treated as outcasts. Other kids see this, and will do what it takes to avoid that degree of alienation and humiliation.

 

So what does a parent do when they receive that phone call from a school official, warning them that their child might be anorexic because they've seen them puking in the washroom on repeated occasions?

 

Or when their team coach breaks the news to them that they've caught their child with syringes and vials containing a series of banned performance enhancing substances?

 

Personally, I'd find myself having an easier time explaining sexual urges, and the need for control with my daughter or son, than I would explaining to them that the character or real-life individual they have chosen as a role model and are desperately trying to emulate from a comic book title, a music video, a fashion magazine or from some sporting event is not a suitable role model, and has in fact risen to their level of recognition and status by reinforcing a distorted form of beauty, achievement and by insulating themselves from truth and reality.

 

I'm sorry, but this is all getting ludicrous. I agree that certain dealers are indifferent regarding separating adult material from other stock (although the big GA and SA dealers simply don't generally carry such stuff), and that minors grab top shelf mags and nobody cares. That's the way things are....often, but certainly not always.

 

That doesn't justify anything regarding porn and its' relationship to comic culture. As has been already mentioned ad nauseam, comics are a medium, not a genre, of which undergrounds (which I collect) and porno comics (which I have no interest in at all) are two very small niche areas.

 

To come up with a similar strawman to those that have been bandied about in this increasingly silly thread - I don't see any Oscars being given away for Best Porn Film, or Best Erotic Scene in a movie. But why not? So many Hollywood films have gratuitous sex and violence! And Porn films exist! Why isn't Hollywood accepting them into the mainstream??? Why don't people accept them as part of their reality, and their perception of this medium? To hell with artistic pretension and aspiration!!! Let the porn in, dammit!!!!

 

And as for your argument (quoted above) that criticises comics for perpetuating and enforcing an idealized version of humanity that may harm those that take it as gospel - this is also alarmist and completely absurd. Kids "desperately trying to emulate" comic characters?? What on earth does a medium like comics have to do with axiomatic matters within society as a whole? Claiming that drawings of overproportioned superbeings are partly responsible for the woes of overweight or ambitious kids or teenagers is Werthamesque. Please!

 

Comics aren't and have never been taken as seriously as other media, from day one. And that includes the kids of all ages that read them. Yes, they provide escape, but do not, even though they have generally become more and more visceral, "provide insulation from reality".

 

And to equate them with porn is an exercise in belittlement which is very odd, considering that said argument is from a comic enthusiast.

 

And yep, I don't care for porn queens at Cons. I'm very far from being a prude, and have generally been indifferent to their presence at these events. But they're a tawdry, vapid, cloying presence that adds NOTHING to the event whatsoever. Yes, they have their place, which should be separate from the main event. Which, to bring the argument back to the beginning, would prove very difficult at a small show like the Big Apple one.

 

Hey, where do you get this idea that I'm justifying anything?

 

And finally, if your still against the idea of having sex linked with comics, and seeing porn stars at comic cons, then stop going, and stop buying comics. Otherwise, the industry is left with no choice but to follow the money-making trend that sex sells.

 

I'm not making anyones mind up about how to choose their platform of protest. You are completely misinterpreting what I've written.

 

My opinion as far as how beauty ideals and the sex trade are related are mine and my own.

 

What I find ludicrous is this notion that you somehow feel you have a sense of entitlement and final say on how a show should be run because your a purveyor of comic books.

 

Until you can figure out a way to keep adults interest levels in the same way sex does, and can devolve to show organizers effective solutions to finance the shows and show a profit, or better, are fronting the dough to run the show, then all you're left with is your right to avoid attending.

 

How I filter out what my kids should read, and whether its fits for viewing consumption is my prerogative. If boycotting a show because a porn star is a featured attraction is how some choose their platform of protest, then so be it.

 

But don't come trotting in on your moral high-horse telling others that they shouldn't, or using the kids card, because it still comes down to a right of choice, and parental supervision. Funny you should cite Wertham, because when you take that moral high-road, your ultimately abdicating the consumers ability to make their own choice, and quite frankly, its downright insulting because you're somehow telling everyone else that they're too stupid to see it for themselves, so you'll be making their minds up on the matter for them.

[topofthetotem]

Comics for kids/ Porn for adults

What's so hard to understand?

[Ze-man]

While not likely to happen, it would be neat to see Marvel or DC create an interactive enviroment like the the NFL, NBA experience has.

 

Interactive Superhero related activities that kids could enjoy, and learn about comics and Superheros.

 

Lets see, they could have

 

Create your own comic book area with realtime artists helping the kids draw.

 

The ever popular Superhero Tatoo, facepaint area.

 

 

 

A Superman area.

 

A kid could climb up and look through Superman eyes to see what it would be like to have super vision.

 

They could bend fake steel items and other things to see what it would be like to have super strength.

 

A blue screen photo area where they could lay down and get a photo of them "flying"

 

 

 

Spiderman area

 

Could have a wall climbing simulator. with sticky gloves and shoes.

 

A web shooting booth like a carnival game.

 

Take photos like Peter Parker.

 

 

 

Batman Area..

 

A Batcave area with several kiosks with Bat Detecting computers and such.

 

An interactive Batmobile driving simulator.

 

A Batarang Bat Dart game

 

 

Hulk area

 

Put on Big hands and feet and smash Styrofoam stuff area.

Jump around in the "Jump Like the Hulk" tent.

 

 

Well you get the idea.

 

Creating a family atmosphere is possible to try and promote a Con as more then a place to just buy comics, but rather a place to enjoy comic book related material with families and friends. And would obviously start with an investment from Marvel and DC to try and foster that atmosphere.

 

Just an idea, as I understand it is a big leap to take given the majority of people attending Cons is there to buy comics. And probably do not have any children.

 

Ze-

[delekkerste]

I'm just curious - for those who don't want porn stars at comic conventions, where do you draw the line? How about B-movie actresses and "scream queens" known more for their T&A than acting talent? Playboy Playmates? Swimsuit or lingerie models hawking signed photos?

 

For those who want comic conventions to be, well, just comic-related, while we're getting rid of the porn stars, should we also get rid of the actors and actresses from non-comic related TV shows and movies? If Chuck Norris' sidekick from "Walker, Texas Ranger" wants to show up and sign autographs for a fee, should a promoter say "no"?

 

Just playing devil's advocate...personally, I would rather not see porn stars at comic conventions, not because I'm a prude (I mean, come on, Amsterdam is practically my second home ), but because I don't think it's the right venue for it. I feel less strongly about the other actresses and models; I mean, hey, I'm a healthy, red-blooded American male, I don't mind seeing what some of these Playboy models look like in person! Though, I do agree that they (or at least any merchandise that may be deemed objectionable) should be cordoned off from where kids may be exposed.

 

Apparently, though, the Europeans do not feel as strongly about this. I went to the Belgian Center for Comic Strip Art in Brussels last month and they had displays of "adult" comic art RIGHT NEXT to the kiddie stuff like Tintin and the Smurfs. One of the displays even showed a graphic girl-on-girl sex scene! Gotta love Europe.

[underthebigw]

Over the last several years,I can count the number of kids under 12 I've seen at shows with one hand.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It's the attendee's fault that there's porn at a Comic Book show?

 

Is this Bizarro world?

------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

I usually see 5-10 kids on the weekend days of the Big Apple rolling around. Of course, it's not like he offers reduced admission to kids or anything (or does he? I don't think he does...)

 

I really think you guys are underestimating the number of kids. Mike and Brian have been kind enough to place me near the escalator at Big Apple shows, and my product also attracts kids' attention. They're there in significantly greater numbers, and I would suggest that these numbers would be even higher if more parents weren't worried about what they might have thrown in their line of vision.

[topofthetotem]

While not likely to happen, it would be neat to see Marvel or DC create an interactive enviroment like the the NFL, NBA experience has.

 

Interactive Superhero related activities that kids could enjoy, and learn about comics and Superheros.

 

Lets see, they could have

 

Create your own comic book area with realtime artists helping the kids draw.

 

The ever popular Superhero Tatoo, facepaint area.

 

 

 

A Superman area.

 

A kid could climb up and look through Superman eyes to see what it would be like to have super vision.

 

They could bend fake steel items and other things to see what it would be like to have super strength.

 

A blue screen photo are are where they could lay down and get a photo of them "flying"

 

 

 

Spiderman area

 

Could have a wall climbing simulator. with sticky gloves and shoes.

 

A web shooting booth like a carnival game.

 

Take photos like Peter Parker.

 

 

 

Batman Area..

 

A Batcave area with several kiosks with Bat Detecting computers and such.

 

An interactive Batmobile driving simulator.

 

A Batarang Bat Dart game

 

 

Hulk area

 

Put on Big hands and feet and smash Styrofoam stuff area.

Jump around in the "Jump Like the Hulk" tent.

 

 

Well you get the idea.

 

Creating a family atmosphere is possible to try and promote a Con as more then a place to just buy comics, but rather a place to enjoy comic book related material with families and friends. And would obviously start with an investment from Marvel and DC to try and foster that atmosphere.

 

Just an idea.

 

Ze-

This is a great idea! Start your own company Kenny!

[goldust40]

The "as it is" views you espouse regarding the ideals of beauty are far more frightening in my opinion, especially in a day an age when children are being bombarded in every which way by various forms of media. Its in the music they see and hear. Its expressed in their clothing, and body language.

 

Overweight kids are treated as outcasts. Other kids see this, and will do what it takes to avoid that degree of alienation and humiliation.

 

So what does a parent do when they receive that phone call from a school official, warning them that their child might be anorexic because they've seen them puking in the washroom on repeated occasions?

 

Or when their team coach breaks the news to them that they've caught their child with syringes and vials containing a series of banned performance enhancing substances?

 

Personally, I'd find myself having an easier time explaining sexual urges, and the need for control with my daughter or son, than I would explaining to them that the character or real-life individual they have chosen as a role model and are desperately trying to emulate from a comic book title, a music video, a fashion magazine or from some sporting event is not a suitable role model, and has in fact risen to their level of recognition and status by reinforcing a distorted form of beauty, achievement and by insulating themselves from truth and reality.

 

I'm sorry, but this is all getting ludicrous. I agree that certain dealers are indifferent regarding separating adult material from other stock (although the big GA and SA dealers simply don't generally carry such stuff), and that minors grab top shelf mags and nobody cares. That's the way things are....often, but certainly not always.

 

That doesn't justify anything regarding porn and its' relationship to comic culture. As has been already mentioned ad nauseam, comics are a medium, not a genre, of which undergrounds (which I collect) and porno comics (which I have no interest in at all) are two very small niche areas.

 

To come up with a similar strawman to those that have been bandied about in this increasingly silly thread - I don't see any Oscars being given away for Best Porn Film, or Best Erotic Scene in a movie. But why not? So many Hollywood films have gratuitous sex and violence! And Porn films exist! Why isn't Hollywood accepting them into the mainstream??? Why don't people accept them as part of their reality, and their perception of this medium? To hell with artistic pretension and aspiration!!! Let the porn in, dammit!!!!

 

And as for your argument (quoted above) that criticises comics for perpetuating and enforcing an idealized version of humanity that may harm those that take it as gospel - this is also alarmist and completely absurd. Kids "desperately trying to emulate" comic characters?? What on earth does a medium like comics have to do with axiomatic matters within society as a whole? Claiming that drawings of overproportioned superbeings are partly responsible for the woes of overweight or ambitious kids or teenagers is Werthamesque. Please!

 

Comics aren't and have never been taken as seriously as other media, from day one. And that includes the kids of all ages that read them. Yes, they provide escape, but do not, even though they have generally become more and more visceral, "provide insulation from reality".

 

And to equate them with porn is an exercise in belittlement which is very odd, considering that said argument is from a comic enthusiast.

 

And yep, I don't care for porn queens at Cons. I'm very far from being a prude, and have generally been indifferent to their presence at these events. But they're a tawdry, vapid, cloying presence that adds NOTHING to the event whatsoever. Yes, they have their place, which should be separate from the main event. Which, to bring the argument back to the beginning, would prove very difficult at a small show like the Big Apple one.

 

Hey, where do you get this idea that I'm justifying anything?

 

And finally, if your still against the idea of having sex linked with comics, and seeing porn stars at comic cons, then stop going, and stop buying comics. Otherwise, the industry is left with no choice but to follow the money-making trend that sex sells.

 

I'm not making anyones mind up about how to choose their platform of protest. You are completely misinterpreting what I've written.

 

My opinion as far as how beauty ideals and the sex trade are related are mine and my own.

 

What I find ludicrous is this notion that you somehow feel you have a sense of entitlement and final say on how a show should be run because your a purveyor of comic books.

 

Until you can figure out a way to keep adults interest levels in the same way sex does, and can devolve to show organizers effective solutions to finance the shows and show a profit, or better, are fronting the dough to run the show, then all you're left with is your right to avoid attending.

 

How I filter out what my kids should read, and whether its fits for viewing consumption is my prerogative. If boycotting a show because a porn star is a featured attraction is how some choose their platform of protest, then so be it.

 

But don't come trotting in on your moral high-horse telling others that they shouldn't, or using the kids card, because it still comes down to a right of choice, and parental supervision. Funny you should cite Wertham, because when you take that moral high-road, your ultimately abdicating the consumers ability to make their own choice, and quite frankly, its downright insulting because you're somehow telling everyone else that they're too stupid to see it for themselves, so you'll be making their minds up on the matter for them.

 

No, I'm sorry, but I'm afraid that you yourself have completely misunderstood what I've said here. I am not prescribing nor proscribing anything regarding porn at comic shows. I will still attend them whether the porn queens are in attendance or not. There is no entitlement, and I am not telling anyone to do anything. I merely stated that I thought they were feebly connected with the medium and not representative of it.

 

If sex sells, fine. If this is all about market forces and the need to make ends meet at Cons, then that is the way things are. You deal with your kids the way you want to deal with them. That, of course, is absolutely none of my business.

 

My point was that it was facile and unnecessary to state that porn is equal to comics, and that it's not just a necessity, but part of the fabric of comics culture.

 

There is no need to demonize comics the way that you just did to get your point across. One second you say that sex sells, get used to it, the next you state that comics are part of the problem in that they provide unrealistic icons or role models for impressionable children. Your message is confused because you no longer bother to make a distinction between an artistic and aspirational medium and porn.

[underthebigw]

I'm just curious - for those who don't want porn stars at comic conventions, where do you draw the line? How about B-movie actresses and "scream queens" known more for their T&A than acting talent? Playboy Playmates? Swimsuit or lingerie models hawking signed photos?

 

For those who want comic conventions to be, well, just comic-related, while we're getting rid of the porn stars, should we also get rid of the actors and actresses from non-comic related TV shows and movies? If Chuck Norris' sidekick from "Walker, Texas Ranger" wants to show up and sign autographs for a fee, should a promoter say "no"?

 

Just playing devil's advocate...personally, I would rather not see porn stars at comic conventions, not because I'm a prude (I mean, come on, Amsterdam is practically my second home ), but because I don't think it's the right venue for it. I feel less strongly about the other actresses and models; I mean, hey, I'm a healthy, red-blooded American male, I don't mind seeing what some of these Playboy models look like in person! Though, I do agree that they (or at least any merchandise that may be deemed objectionable) should be cordoned off from where kids may be exposed.

 

Apparently, though, the Europeans do not feel as strongly about this. I went to the Belgian Center for Comic Strip Art in Brussels last month and they had displays of "adult" comic art RIGHT NEXT to the kiddie stuff like Tintin and the Smurfs. One of the displays even showed a graphic girl-on-girl sex scene! Gotta love Europe.

 

Gene, I don't even think any of us are saying they shouldn't be there (we'd probably rather they weren't, it's potentially awkward, and it reflects poorly on the industry and hobby), but that there should be significant segregation from the main event. I think FD, Ze-man, myself, and everyone else pretty much feel the same as you about B-flick actresses, Playmates etc. Again, just because comics, B-flick actresses, and even Playmates may have strong elements of sexuality, there's a monstrous difference between these elements and porn. And, speaking as a former shrink, I don't care what country or culture you're in--exposing kids to porn is just not a good idea. I think most people with kids would agree.