Sacramento's Old Comic Book Ban: Time for a Change?

In Sacramento, a law from 1949 still stands, prohibiting children from purchasing certain comic books. Though rarely enforced, some advocates are pushing to repeal it entirely.

A Comic Shop Owner's Fight

Lecho Lopez, who runs a comic shop in Sacramento, recalls his nephew reading his first word from a comic book: "bad." Lopez believes comics are beneficial for children and advocates for the law's removal, calling it outdated and silly.

City Council Takes Notice

The city council has agreed to discuss lifting the ban and even designating a week in September as "Sacramento Comic Book Week." The current law restricts comics with crime-related content, such as murder or arson.

Voices Against the Ban

Many argue the law is no longer necessary. Eben Burgoon, a comic book author, started a petition to repeal it, asserting that comics can empower people to speak out against injustice. He fears the old law could be misused to suppress comic books.

Sam Helmick of the American Library Association argues that the ban violates free speech principles and unfairly restricts children's access to reading material.

Changing Perceptions

Historically, comics were seen as harmful, accused of promoting violence and discouraging reading. However, modern views recognize their educational and cognitive benefits.

Lopez shares how comics improved his reading skills and kept him out of trouble as a child. He believes they can teach valuable lessons, even if some scenes are violent.

Teachers and Experts Weigh In

Benjamin Morse, a teacher, highlights the positive messages in comics, like Spider-Man, which tells the story of a hero overcoming loss.

Christopher Ferguson, a psychology professor, asserts that there is no evidence linking comics to violence, a claim also applicable to TV and video games.

A Call for Change

Lopez displayed comics with violent scenes to a reporter, emphasizing that they also carry meaningful messages. He urges the removal of the outdated law, advocating for children's freedom to read comics without restrictions.