A very big deal is made these days of the inappropriateness of certain types of media for children and teens. Video Games are too violent, Television is immoral, and the Internet is too lewd seem to be very common (and sometimes appropriate) complaints.

But the manufacturers working in these mediums don’t see a problem. They’re producing different kinds of material for use within a medium, some of it is intended for kids and some of it isn’t. You see, not EVERY video game is too violent, and the ENTIRE Internet isn’t a pornographic playground, but a lot of times it’s a certain aspect of a medium that gets picked up and played up, changing people’s perceptions of the entire medium.

Comics have had this problem in the past, and continue to have this problem today. The medium’s past is rife with unfounded speculation and wild accusations of indecency. In the 1950’s a gentleman by the name of Fredrick Wertham wrote a book called “Seduction of the Innocent”, which came to the conclusion that comic books disturbed and hurt children. This led to a ban of certain genres of comics all together (including most horror, crime, and romance comics), because of the adoption of something known as the Comics Code. The Comics Code was a stamp of approval that said “within this comic, the good guys win, the bad guys don’t profit from their badness, and everyone is basically really really nice to each other.” It went into a lot more detail, and you can find a copy of it here:

Standards of the Comics Code Authority for editorial matter as originally adopted.

But now, 40 years after the adoption of the comics code we’re looking at an industry which simply doesn’t abide by it anymore, or need to. The comics code was essentially a warning to parents who might pick up a comic off of the news stands or magazine racks and want to know that it was a wholesome book, and okay to pass on to their children. A comic book could not be distributed to magazine vendors or news sellers unless it had the Comics Code stamp of approval on the cover. However, comic distribution changed in the late 70’s into a “direct-distribution” method. Basically, stores were set up specifically to sell comic books, and were therefore not news stands. Books without comics code approval could find a place to sell themselves. Today, nearly half of the comics produced aren’t available on the news stands or magazine racks, and a lot of publishers don’t opt to get code approval, even if their books would easily pass. On top of that, there seems to be a severe loosening of the Comics Code regulations so that known murderers like Marvel Comics’ “DEADPOOL” and DC Comics’ “AZRAEL” can get their own comics books (which is a code no-no).

So, for many parents, confronted with comic choices that blur together somewhat, it’s a really tough choice finding suitable reading material for their children. That's why this month, I've decided to review (and hopefully promote) some excellent books which are intended and appropriate for kids.

I’m not an advocate of censorship, in fact, I’m exactly the opposite. I think that needing comics code approval hinders the distribution of a lot of otherwise excellent comic books. On the flip side however, I also don’t think that a comic with code approval should be inappropriate for kids, which a lot of books with code approval are.

It’s also important to note that what I consider appropriate or inappropriate might not gel with all parents (or kids) out there. A lot of times, it’s a very personal choice and I encourage you to read what your kids are reading and help make choices with them.

Without further ado, I present to you my picks and recommendations for excellent reading for kids.

Akiko
By: Mark Crilley
32 page black and white comic book published bimonthly by Sirius Entertainment

“Science Fiction meets saturday morning cartoons” best describes Akiko, a great series from Sirius. Akiko, a young Japanese-American girl is approached by aliens from the planet “Smoo” who tell her that she is the only person in the entire universe that can save the kidnapped Prince of Smoo. So, Akiko sets off across the universe to save the Prince of Smoo, leaving an android double to go to school for her and do her homework for her back on earth. What kid hasn’t had this fantasy?

Akiko is a really charming comic, and one that will instantly have you hooked. Along with Akiko we get to meet a fantastic cast of characters that you’ll never forget, including Spuckler, a roguish space captain that’s more than a little bit clumsy; Mr. Beeba, a reluctant hero who prefers to stay at home and be a librarian and royal consort; Gax, a rust bucket of a robot who is a little wiser than he sometimes lets on; and Poog, a floating purple head thing that’s actually really cool, even though he doesn’t speak a word in the series (that anyone can understand anyway).

Akiko is a fun book for anyone with a little fantasy in their heart, although girls will especially appreciate an adventure story where the girl is the hero and has to save the boy!

Also Available:
Akiko Volume 1 (Contains Issues 1-6)
Akiko Volume 2 (Contains Issues 7-12)
Akiko Website: www.geocities.com/Athens/Olympus/6912/

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Archie Comics & Friends
By: Various
Several 32 page full colour series’, published monthly by Archie Comics

Yeah, Archie, Betty, Veronica and the gang are still around from oh so many years ago, and they haven’t changed a whole bunch either. Sure, they’ve been update a bit to fit the times, but they still offer the same fun and light romance that the comics of yesteryear did.

The Archie series, for those of you not aware, is at it’s core about Archie Andrews, a somewhat geeky teenager that has the two most attractive girls at school both trying to be his girlfriend. Rich girl Veronica Lodge treats him bad and he runs to her; patient and understanding Betty Cooper is just a little too nice and always ends up being a “pal” instead of a girlfriend; while best friend “Jughead” Jones tries to convince him that girls lead to nothing but trouble. Mix in rival Reggie Mantle, and you’ve got Dawson’s Creek :).

The updates I was talking about start with the addition of cast member Cheryl Blossom, who’s richer than Veronica and prettier than Betty who decides that it’s going to be she who wins Archie’s heart.

Also of note is the Archie Comic “Sabrina: The Teenage Witch” who started as a back-up character in various Archie books, and has now graduated to not only her own comic book but a Friday night live-action TV Series as well as a Saturday Morning Cartoon Series coming in the fall of 1999.

Archie publishes nearly 20 comics a month, in both normal and “digest” sizes. All of them have similar styles, and all of them are wholesome solid reading for girls AND boys (although girls tend to like them more, as they focus a lot on the “dating” aspect of being a teenager). Sometimes the old standbys are the best books to choose.

I’d just like to make a special note recommending “Sonic the Hedgehog”, which is also published by Archie Comics. While I don’t have enough material for a full review, I’ve heard some really excellent things about this series, and so I’ll pass those recommendations on to you.

Also Available:
Archie’s “Americana” Series of books, which are collections of the best Archie comics from the 40’s, 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s. These are great gift ideas.
Archie On-line: www.archiecomics.com

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Batman The Gotham Adventures + Superman Adventures
by: Various
Two 32 page full colour series’, published monthly by DC Comics

Based on the Cartoon show The New Batman / Superman Adventures, The Batman The Gotham Adventures and Superman Adventures comic books deliver all of the pulse-pounding excitement of the show in comic format.

Batman: The Gotham Adventures begins just where this years television episodes did. There’s a new Robin named Tim Drake, and the old Robin Dick Grayson has become a hero named Nightwing. Batgirl can also be seen hanging around the old Bat-cave a lot more these days. Basically, if you like the cartoon show you will absolutely LOVE the comics. While they are as all ages friendly as the cartoon, they still have a bit of an edge to them that might put a little scare into some of the younger viewers. However, Batman: The Gotham Adventures is consistently cited as the best Batman book that DC puts out, which is quite an accomplishment.

Superman Adventures as well is a comic book set in the same timeline as the Superman Animated series. But while Batman:TGA focuses mostly on Batman and the villains in his mythos, Superman Adventures frequently introduces animated versions of lots of other DC Universe heroes like the Legion of Superheroes, The Flash, Dr. Fate, Supergirl, Steel, and many more. While not up to the high, high level of quality that the Batman book is, Superman Adventures is still a well-written and well-drawn book that fans of the TV show will enjoy. Superman Adventures is also the more kid-friendly of the two books, without Batman’s Dark Edge.

Both Books are published monthly from DC Comics, and are great alternatives for kids that want Superheroes and parents that don’t want a lot of violence or extreme situations.

Also Available:
Batman Adventures Volume 1
Batman Adventures Volume 2
Batman: The Lost Years (Chronicles the 5 year gap where Dick Grayson became Nightwing and Tim Drake became the new Robin! Not shown on TV! An excellent book!)

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Bone
By: Jeff Smith
32 page black and white comic book published 4-6 times a year by Cartoon Books

Another entry into the fantasy category, Bone is the story of three Cousins, Fone Bone, Phoney Bone, and Smiley Bone. They get banished from their home in Boneville when Phoney’s attempt at becoming mayor goes horribly, horribly wrong. They happen upon “the valley”, an idyllic medieval forest filled with talking animals and friendly (if not strange) villagers.

Bone was recently serialized in Disney Adventures magazine, and if that doesn’t say appropriate for kids I don’t know what does :). It’s actually a little bit like the smurfs, those little blue midgets of yesteryear, although not nearly as annoying or contrived. In fact, it’s downright entertaining for all ages. While it can get a little scary at times, it never dwells there too long and is generally filled with as much humour as action.

Bone also has an animated movie in production from Nickelodeon, due either late in 1999 or early in the year 2000. Bone’s also won numerous awards from both within and outside of the comics industry. Basically, Bone is a great all-ages book that will appeal to both sexes as well as parents and adults.

Also Available:
Bone Volume 1: Out From Boneville (Contains issues 1-6)
Bone Volume 2: The Great Cow Race (Contains issues 7-12)
Bone Volume 3: The Eyes of the Storm (Contains issues 13-19)
Bone Volume 4: The Dragonslayer (Contains issues 20-27)
Bone Volume 5: Rock Jaw (Contains issues 28-34)
Bone Website: www.boneville.com

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Books of Magic
By: Neil Gaiman, John Ney Reiber, Peter Gross, and Various
32 page full colour series published monthly by DC Comics’ Vertigo Imprint

Books of Magic is a mess of contradictions. For starters, it’s labeled on the cover as a “Mature Readers” book. However, this is mainly because it’s part of a line of comics which has a lot of “heavy” books in it, and although it in and of itself contains no swearing or nudity, DC Comics was afraid that parents might complain that this book might lead children to other books that were comparatively inappropriate.

The second contradiction is that it was originally conceived of as a four issue, limited series, but it is now an ongoing monthly book. The original limited series introduced Timothy Hunter, a 12 year old boy who was given the option of becoming the most powerful magician of all time. He was taken on a tour of the DC Universe (the place where Superman and Batman live) to visit all of the magicians and fairies and monsters and whatnot who lived there, before he could made his decision. The original mini-series was fully painted, and was a fantastic look at what “magic” really means, from great spells and travelling through time, to the ability to make tiny, positive changes in your own life. Timothy Hunter is a great person to see this universe through as well, as he is a sarcastic, forthright, and instantly likeable young man.

It was no surprise then when fans clamored to see more of Timothy Hunter. An ongoing “Books of Magic” series was launched, and this focussed mainly on Timothy and how he dealt with the magic in his life. It’s a great coming of age story as Timothy deals with finding, and losing, his first girlfriend, as well as how the magic impacts on his friends and his family. It is a fantastic story, and is like a classic fantasy or fairy tale story, in a contemporary setting.

As I caution with Thieves & Kings however, most classic fantasy has an “edge” with some unpleasant stuff happening. There are consequences to being the most powerful wizard ever, and it shows. However, I don’t think young teens and up will have any problems with the story, and always I invite parents to read the books along with their kids to discuss what’s happening.

Books of Magic is a fantastic series that both boys and girls will love, even though the primary protagonist is a boy. However, when Molly (Tim’s girlfriend) is introduced in the second story arc, anyone will be able to fall in love with the book.

Also Available:
Books of Magic (The Original Series)
Books of Magic: Bindings (Contains Issues 1-4 of the Ongoing Series)
Books of Magic: Summonings (Contains Issues 5-14)
Books of Magic: Reckonings (Contains Issues 15-20)
Books of Magic: Transformations (Contains Issues 21-25)

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Cartoon Network Books
By Various
Several 32 page full colour series published monthly by DC Comics

DC Comics is currently putting out a bunch of books based on cartoons appearing on the Cartoon Network.

Scooby Doo features the adventures of Scooby, Shaggy, Thelma, Fred, and Daphne as they ride the mystery machine solving supernatural problems and battling wacky monsters. Written in exactly the same format as the classic cartoon, fans of the original show will want to introduce this comic version to their own kids.

The Flintstones and The Jetsons is a monthly book that alternates between telling stories about televisions’ first two prime-time families, The Flintstones and The Jetsons. This book is totally kid-safe, and parents who enjoyed these shows when they were kids should enjoy passing them on to younger readers.

Finally, Cartoon Network Presents is an anthology book, that features stories from various Cartoon Network cartoons. For example, there’s Dexter’s Laboratory, Yogi Bear, Wacky Racers, and a host of other cartoon classics.

Cartoon Network books are totally kid safe, and will be enjoyed by young children of either gender.

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Evil and Malice
By: Jimmie Robinson
104 page Full Colour Graphic Novel coming from Image Comics coming in February 1999.

Twin sisters Evelyn and Malinda have a very big problem. Their dad, who just happens to be the criminal mastermind of Dooplis City, has three really mean villains cutting in on his turf and trying to take him out! The girls decide that there’s only one way to help their father, and that’s to become Superheroes!

Evil & Malice are the code names of Evelyn and Malinda, and their fun-filled (and damage-filled) adventures are fantastically drawn and scripted. While there is a modicum of violence, it’s all presented in a very fun, cartoonish way. The characters are all interesting and humorous, and a whole heck of a lot of fun.

Did I mention that the book is fun? It is. It’s a light comic tale, which feels and reads like a saturday morning cartoon, but without the commercials. The tagline of the series is “Remember when Comics were fun? We do!” and it definitely shows.

It’s very rare to find a book where the lead characters are girls, and this book has two of them. Couple that with fun pop-culture references with every thing from Hello Kitty to Teletubbies and you’ve got a really good book.

As a caveat, I should mention that I’m personally involved with the book. I’ll be colouring the majority of the book and it’s pin-ups. I’m very proud to be associated with such a great and unique book, and I heartily recommend it.

Also Available:
Evil & Malice Homepage - www.212.net/comics/evilmalice

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Leave it to Chance
By: James Robinson and Paul Smith
32 page Bi-Monthly full colour comic series from DC Comics/Homage Comics.

Take a world that’s just like our own, and add a touch of magic. Leave it to Chance follows the adventures of 13 year old Chance Falconer, a girl growing up in a magical city. Her father is Lucas Falconer, a crime-fighting magician who protects the city from all manner of nefarious threats. Chance wants nothing more than to follow in her father’s footsteps and become a great crime-fighter as well, but her dad seems pretty firmly opposed. Not that that will stop Chance...

A thrilling adventure, Leave it to Chance is a great hero story for girls. As I’ve mentioned, there are very few comics with girls as the protagonist, so when one comes along as good as this one it’s important to make sure it gets out there. The stories are all very positive, and although it features a female lead both girls and boys will enjoy this series.

The artwork is fun and innovative, and the stories are generally quite exciting. Perhaps a little too exciting for really young readers, as the stories deal with all sorts of monsters and bad guys. Also, because it’s very much a continuing series, there are consequences to the actions that take place. For example, one police officer is bitten by a wearwolf in the line of duty, and becomes a wearwolf for the remainder of the series. However, if you’re old enough to read “Goosebumps”, you’re old enough to read Leave it to Chance.

And you should!

Also Available:
Leave it to Chance Vol. 1: Shaman’s Rain
Leave it to Chance Vol. 2: Trick Or Treat

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Oh! My Goddess
By: Kosuke Fujishima
A series of 32 page B&W mini-series, from Dark Horse Comics

College freshman Keiichi dials out for Pizza one day, and ends up dialing the “Goddess Help Line”, which is a phone service where Goddesses man the phones and answer the wishes of mortals that happen to call. Keiichi thinks this is a joke, and says “if you’re a beautiful Goddess, then I want you to live with me and never leave my side!” which... COMES TRUE! Keiichi ends up being paired with the beautiful Goddess Belldandy, who, true to his wish can never leave him. This isn’t exactly an easy thing for him, considering he’s a poor college student living in a dorm with a bunch of other guys! Keiichi must survive the rigors of college life, as well as take care of Belldandy in this romantic comedy.

Drifting deftly between archie-level romance and wacky comedy, Oh! My Goddess is a perfect read for kids that may have outgrown Archie comics, but still want some romance. The series does play up the romance a great deal. It explores issues of friendship, and what it means to be in love with someone, and what you might have to overcome to stay in love. The Goddess Belldandy is a touching, sweet, perfect character who accepts Keiichi, even as her very presence makes him a better person.

The artwork in Oh! My Goddess is of special note. It’s fantastic! It features, clear, easy-to follow storytelling and great figure drawings and (of all things) fashions on the Goddesses.

It’s worth noting that this was originally a Japanese comic that has been translated to english. However, with it’s soft art and deft story, it will be very easy for any reader to both identify with and enjoy Oh! My Goddess.

Also Available:
Oh! My Goddess: 1-555-GODDESS tpb
Oh! My Goddess: Terrible Master Urd tpb
Oh! My Goddess: Sympathy for the Devil tpb
Oh! My Goddess: Love Potion No. 9 tpb
Dark Horse Comics Online: www.darkhorse.com

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Sailor Moon
By: Naoko Takeuchi
Published as a monthly 32 page black and white comic by MIXX, with newer adventures published as a feature in SMILE magazine, also by MIXX.

“Fighting evil by moonlight... Sharing love by daylight... Always ready for a real fight! She is the one named Sailor Moon!” Just like the hit animated television show, Sailor Moon is the story of a young girl imbued with special magical powers and abilities! Clutzy cry-baby Bunny transforms into Sailor Moon, star-powered defender of what’s right!

The Sailor Moon comic books were originally published in Japan, and have been translated for western audiences (much like the television show). And although EVERYONE has heard the rumours that in Japan Sailor Moon is sleazy or naked or whatever, they’re simply NOT TRUE. Sailor Moon was a comic/TV series aimed at young girls in Japan, just as it is here. And while the comics may be a little more straightforward than the television show was, they’re still perfectly acceptable for young viewers.

That out of the way, Sailor Moon is very much a comic for girls. The art style, layout, and way that the comic is written will very much appeal to girls. This may be a little jarring for parents who want to read along with their kids, but I wouldn’t necessarily let that stop you.

Of note is the fact that while the comic has been translated to English, the names of the characters were not changed. Which means that all of the girls have their original Japanese names. This might bug your little ones... for about 5 minutes until they realize the Japanese names are much prettier anyway (not to worry, the smashing prince Darrien keeps his name).

All in all, this is some great reading material for your little sailor scout.

Also available:
Sailor Moon Trade Paperback Volumes 1 & 2 from MIXX Publications

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Scary Godmother
By: Jill Thompson
Series of full Colour Storybooks published by Sirius Press

When you were a little kid, were you ever really afraid? Don’t you wish you had someone the could protect your from the night? You do! You have a Scary Godmother! Scary Godmother is the story of a young girl, and how she overcomes her Hallowe’en fears with the help of a special magical friend.

Scary Godmother currently has two storybooks, the self-titled debut book, as well as this year’s sequel, “Scary Godmother: The Revenge of Jimmy”. By storybook, I mean a sort of comic book/picture book hybrid that’s actually really fun to read. The pages are often laid out like a comic book, but instead of word balloons there are captions and large illustrations. It’s a really different and cool look.

Speaking of how it looks, this is another books that’s fantastically illustrated. Combining water-colour paints with traditional comic book art has produced a quirky, fresh look at typical storybook artwork. Looking at the covers will show you what I mean.

The stories themselves are wonderful, and they’re something that you’ll enjoy reading with your kids. While they deal with some potentially scary subjects, they deal with them in fun ways and generally teach kids that it’s okay to be scared sometimes, but in the end it can’t hurt you. Great reading for that little one that just won’t let go of their night-light.

Scary Godmother is an excellent, highly recommended series that, in addition to being available through your comics retailer, should soon be available through commercial book outlets like Chapters and Borders.

Currently Available:
Scary Godmother Hardcover
Scary Godmother: The Revenge of Jimmy Hardcover

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Thieves and Kings
By: Mark Oakley
32 page black and white comic book published every two months by I Box Publishing

Thieves & Kings is the story of a young thief, a princess, and a dark and mysterious shadow lady. Rubel, a 14 year old boy returns to his Ocean side home town after 5 years at sea to experience great tragedy. His uncle has passed away in his absence, all of his best friends have moved away, and the king has been deposed by the scheming and wiley prince.

What makes this book unique is that although much of it is told in traditional comic book format, that being panels with word balloons in them, there are sections in the book of prose text with separate illustrations.

T&K is a classic fairy tale style adventure in the vein of J.R.R. Tolkien’s “Lord of the Rings” series. A quest-adventure with lots of ups and downs, swords and sorcery, romance and betrayal, that adults and kids will enjoy. Just like Tolkien’s work however, it does have some rather heavy themes running through it that, while they add depth and enjoyment to the story also might confuse or frighten younger readers. For example, Rubel swears himself to the princess of the land, and later when he is confronted by one of the evil prince’s guards who speaks badly of the princess, Rubel kills him. However, this is not a light scene, and that action weighs very heavily upon him for the rest of the series. Like I said, some heavy themes run through it but to the benefit of the story, with no mindless violence contained within.

Ultimately, Thieves & Kings is a coming of age story for a young boy, but it contains a multitude of powerful and interesting female characters (of all ages) so that girls as well as boys will be able to relate to it (and parents to!). I enjoy it myself and highly recommend it.

Also Available:
Thieves & Kings: The Red Book (contains issues 1-6)
Thieves & Kings: The Green Book (contains issues 7-16)
Thieves & Kings: The Blue Book (contains 17-24)
Thieves & Kings Website: www.iboxpublishing.com
Read our Interview with Mark Oakley, creator of Thieves & Kings

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That’s it for this column. Now, while this is hardly a comprehensive list of available comics for kids, I stand behind all of the comics that I’ve suggested here today as excellent reading material, and I encourage you to seek them out for your kids. You can find information about how to order comics here.

I’d like to thank you for your time, and hope you find this information of some use. I’ll be on a monthly schedule from now on, and you can tune in February first for my Interview with Terry Moore, creator of Strangers in Paradise.

Thanks,
Christopher Butcher