Concern #3: "Comic Books Portray Violence, Sexism, Anti-Social Behavior, and Other Inappropriate Messages or Themes." The majority of currently published comic books, especially traditional super-hero comics, portray positive messages, such as using one's abilities to help others, the value of perseverance, and striving to be the best one can be. Comic book icons such as Superman, Wonder Woman, and Spider-Man provide positive role models for boys and girls alike. For example, Gloria Steinem has written about the impact Wonder Woman had on her and other young girls of her generation. Many of today's comic books do present questionable material, including raw language, extreme violence, sexual activity, the objectification of women, and flagrant disrespect for authority, to name a few. As with any collection-building effort, librarians must make an effort to identify comics and graphic novels appropriate for their user community.         back to: main page compiled and maintained by: Michael R. Lavin, Lockwood Memorial Library send comments to: Michael R. Lavin,mrlavin@acsu.buffalo.edu design by: Catherine Collins additional design work by: Don Gramlich with the assistance of the: Educational Technology Center last updated on: December 19, 2000

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