How can parents know whether particular comics contain mature content?
Most comic books now have warnings or ratings on their covers if they contain mature content. Marvel Comics and DC Comics, the respective publishers of Spider-Man and Superman, mostly publish material that would be “G” or “PG” at the theater, except when a rating or warning on the cover indicates otherwise. When such warnings are present, the material is usually comparable to a “PG-13” film or an “R” rated film if the comic is part of DC’s Vertigo line or Marvel’s MAX line but no more explicit than that. Parents can safely assume that Archie and its spinoffs are all “G” material, and that Mad magazine is usually “PG-13.” Parents should assume that comics from DC’s Vertigo and Marvel’s MAX lines are for adults only, unless parents screen specific issues. MAX comics are not available on newsstands, but are sold in comic-collectible stores. Parents should also assume that the following comics are for adults only unless screened: Heavy Metal, Vampirella, Love and Rockets and its spinoffs (
