The Press: Code for Comics

The Comics Magazine Association of America, created to combat public criticism of horror comics, last week announced its Comic Book Code, which will be enforced by Censor Charles F. Murphy, former New York City magistrate. Among the provisions: ¶ The words "horror" and "terror" are not permitted as comic-book titles, and no "scenes of horror, excessive bloodshed, gory or gruesome crimes, depravity, lust, sadism or masochism" are allowed. ¶ Sympathy for criminals, "unique details" of a crime, or any treatment that tends to "create disrespect for established authority" are banned. ¶ "Profanity, obscenity, smut, vulgarity, ridicule of racial or religious groups" are not allowed, and "all characters shall be depicted in dress reasonably acceptable to society, [with] females drawn realistically without exaggeration of any physical qualities."