[net.comics] Has Marvel dropped the Comics Code?

betsy@dartvax.UUCP (Betsy Hanes Perry) (06/03/84)

(panties 'n' capes, superheroes wear panties 'n' capes)
 
There I was, reading The New Defenders (yes, I have no shame), listening
to Cloud agonize about how sick it was to be gay.  Then it occurred to me
-- The Comics Code permits (gasp) homosexual thoughts?  Heavens Forfend!
When I checked the cover, sure enough, there was no Code symbol.  Same
goes for my current Alpha Flight, X-men, and Fantastic Four.  (In which
case, why didn't more of Aurora peek out of her towel??)
 
To quote a Golden Oldie,
"How long has zis been going on?"
Has Marvel given up on the Comics Code?  If so, rah for them.
 
Yours in puzzlement,
Betsy Perry
 
P.S.  After Alpha Flight #14, my vote for 'comical female I would
most like to resemble(physically)' is sewed up for Aurora.
-- 
Betsy Perry
UUCP: {decvax|linus|cornell}!dartvax!betsy
CSNET: betsy@dartmouth
ARPA:  betsy%dartmouth@csnet-relay

ciaraldi@rochester.UUCP (Mike Ciaraldi) (06/05/84)

As I understand it, Marvel 60-cent comics are
published in TWO editions.
One has the Comics code sticker on it, and a UPC box in the corner.
The other has no code sticker and a box in the corner with some
other symbol (spider head if nothing else).

The two sets are identical except for the cover.

The difference is that the ones with UPC are distributed through newsstands,
and the others are through comics stores.

Why bother?

Because the ones sold to comics stores are sold without return privilege,
i.e. they cannot be sent back for a refund if they don't sell, unlike
the ones sold through newsstands. So, this way Marvel doesn't have
to worry about unscrupulous dealers buyinbg at the
comics store price (which is lower), then returning  at the
newstand price.

Why the Code sticker is missing I don't know, but I think
it has to do with the idea that the Code only covers
"newsstand" comics, so it does not cover black and whites,
special editions, etc.
On the other hand, DC prints editions without a UPC box,
but leaves on the Code sticker.

Hope this clarifies things.

Mike Ciaraldi
ciaraldi@rochester