Page - 9 - in JRFM - Journal Religion Film Media, Volume 03/01

Editorial | 9www.jrfm.eu 2017, 3/1, 9–16 Alexander D. Ornella/Christian Wessely Editorial “the truth about comics can’t stay hidden from view forever”, argues scott Mc- Cloud in his comic book about comic books.1 in a way, this short quotation ex- presses the rich, ambivalent, and fascinating history of the medium that is the comic book. the comic book has been polarising opinions for more than 120 years: some have considered it a threat to the intellectual development of the younger generation, as venomous for the reigning moral standards in society, as cheap – and morally dubious – entertainment, as escapism, or as the reason for the demise of language. Others have praised the comic book for its creativ- ity, for its ability to put children in touch with the pleasure of reading, or for its contemporary and innovative expression. the comic book has also been a popular medium for political, ethical and economic manipulation.2 the comic transcends the merely entertaining, and fans of comics become engaged and invested in the field through a range of activities. Major cities host regular comic conventions, attracting hundreds of thousands of attendees each year, who search for special issues of their favourite comic book series, meet artists, attend workshops and buy merchandise.3 Many fans do not stop at just attending conventions; they do so dressed as their favourite comic characters 1 McCloud 1994, 211. 2 see the article by Christian Wessely in this issue, 17–44. 3 see, for example, the MCM comic con in London (http://www.mcmcomiccon.com/london/ [ac- cessed 11.4.2017]), the New york Comic Con (http://www.newyorkcomiccon.com/ [11.4.2017]), and the Vienna Comix (https://viennacomix.at/ [accessed 11.4.2017]). Fig. 1: The truth about comics still needs to be uncovered. Scott McCloud, Understanding Comics: The Invisible Art, New York: Harper Perennial, 1994 (1993), 211.