In 2005, along with other books with gay themes, Stuck Rubber Baby was almost banned by a Texas library.
Cruse talks about being a pioneering gay artist, among other topics, in this interview with the Comics Reporter, as well as this one with Publisher's weeklyupon the reissue of Stuck Rubber Baby.
Here's Howard Cruse's site.
More on Cruse and LGBT identity in comics
Article on LGBT representation in American comics, Part 1 and Part 2
I think that for some people it is harder to accept LGBT comics than it is to accept novels or short stories about the same subject matter. However, I think it also depends on the artistic style of the comic. Many people enjoy and read Yaoi (male-love manga). In Japan its out on displays just like any other manga, but here in America that isn't always the case. Some yaoi can be found with the normal comics and manga section, but some stores will place yaoi and other homosexual comics in a separate section of the store where one would find pornographic reading material just because of its subject matter. Many people are not as opening minded about visual reading material as they are about reading material that does not have pictures.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately books and comics have been victimized over the years in many countries at various times.
I do not think that any book should be banned and I think it's ridiculous and violates our rights as free individuals who have the right to exercise our minds in any way that we choose. It's sad that anyone would try to ban Stuck Rubber Baby because of the LGBT aspects or any other book for that matter. It infuriates me that individuals feel they have the right to infringe upon the rights of others. If something is offensive to you then don't read it. But don't stop others from reading it and educating themselves on whatever issue they see fit.
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