10 Uncomfortable “Adult” Comic Book Moments
The big two aren't afraid to try mature content, but sometimes they should be.
How many times have you been told that comic books are just for kids? It’s something older readers have to put up with constantly, but is it a fair statement to make? Well... No.
Even with the huge following the medium has had recently, thanks to various movie franchises and TV shows, the comic book industry still offers emotional, grounded and sometimes raunchy stories that are definitely not for children.
While a large percentage of books aimed at mature readers are tasteful and well executed, some writers use the higher rating as an excuse to be as crude and gory as they can.
Heroes would go on drug fuelled rampages, vigilantes would become increasingly violent and if the writers saw an opportunity to show off some flesh, they didn’t hold back.
Unfortunately, when it comes to adult material, what’s deemed as appropriate at the time can quickly become problematic down the line. This means a writer could have had the best of intentions when tackling a serious issue, but in retrospect comes off as patronising or just plain awful.
10. Everything To Do With Cyclops, Emma Frost And Jean Grey
While
most people think that Wolverine is the X-Men's resident creep (he is),
there is one thing about the team that's even worse.
In X-Men #1, we discovered that Scott, Logan and Jean have abandoned the years long feud and joined in a three-way relationship. It was assumed Jean was at the centre of that relationship, but it became clear that this was an equal partnership.
Scott and Logan have a peaceful, but intimate conversation one morning while looking out at the Earth. It's as plainly laid out as Marvel will allow: the two are hot for each other. However, along comes Emma Frost to once again shake up Scott's love life.
As if two lovers weren't enough, Scott is caught flirting up a storm in X-Men/Fantastic Four #2. It's clear Emma still has feelings for him, and is more than happy to engage in a little back and forth.
The issue is how vague Marvel are being. If you're going to write about polyamorous relationships, it needs to be in the open. With so many hints being dropped and no outright confirmation, it seems more like a sordid affair rather than one built on the true connection that is obviously there.