Post by Silver Age Fan on Sept 15, 2011 19:58:26 GMT
If there's one storyline that appears to have divided fans, it's the 1970s story arc Demon in a Bottle, which saw Tony Stark tackle alcoholism. Fans either love or hate this story.
At one time, one big difference between DC and Marvel was that Marvel characters had personal problems (dating, marital issues, self-confidence, etc.). Whilst DC had some character-driven stories - and this is by no means a criticism - the likes of Clark Kent and Bruce Wayne usually just appeared in order to make the transition to their superhero identities.
Again, that isn't a criticism. Whilst a Spider-Man story may feature several dozen panels of Peter Parker worrying about money, his aunt, schoolwork, etc., a DC storyline would have Clark Kent or Bruce Wayne appearing in a few panels, mainly as a catalyst. Read Golden or Silver Age DC stories and there are very few stories where Clark Kent or Bruce Wayne mope around, deal with personal issues, etc. The focus was mainly on their superhero exploits.*
Getting back to Iron Man, would you believe I haven't actually read the issues where he deals with alcoholism, but I am aware of the story arc and where it led. So in that respect, I can't comment too much.
However, I'm not against certain issues, whether it be drugs, alcohol or physical abuse, being tackled in comics. In fact, although comics are certainly not a substitute for education and organisations such as Social Services, they can, much like Hollywood and TV, tackle issues in an accessible way. If, say, a Spider-Man comic tackles drugs - and gets a kid asking his parents about the dangers of drugs - then that can only be a good thing, right?
So, in theory, I'm not against the idea of Tony Stark and alcoholism in an Iron Man comic. Of course, most comics should be about superhero escapism, but if an Iron Man comic can showcase the dangers of alcoholism - and point readers in the direction of organisations that can help people with such issues - then I see no problem with it.
* Things have been different in the modern age, with various DC titles featuring Bruce Wayne's personal life explored or Clark Kent dealing with his problems. They are no longer just there to make the transition to their superhero identities.
At one time, one big difference between DC and Marvel was that Marvel characters had personal problems (dating, marital issues, self-confidence, etc.). Whilst DC had some character-driven stories - and this is by no means a criticism - the likes of Clark Kent and Bruce Wayne usually just appeared in order to make the transition to their superhero identities.
Again, that isn't a criticism. Whilst a Spider-Man story may feature several dozen panels of Peter Parker worrying about money, his aunt, schoolwork, etc., a DC storyline would have Clark Kent or Bruce Wayne appearing in a few panels, mainly as a catalyst. Read Golden or Silver Age DC stories and there are very few stories where Clark Kent or Bruce Wayne mope around, deal with personal issues, etc. The focus was mainly on their superhero exploits.*
Getting back to Iron Man, would you believe I haven't actually read the issues where he deals with alcoholism, but I am aware of the story arc and where it led. So in that respect, I can't comment too much.
However, I'm not against certain issues, whether it be drugs, alcohol or physical abuse, being tackled in comics. In fact, although comics are certainly not a substitute for education and organisations such as Social Services, they can, much like Hollywood and TV, tackle issues in an accessible way. If, say, a Spider-Man comic tackles drugs - and gets a kid asking his parents about the dangers of drugs - then that can only be a good thing, right?
So, in theory, I'm not against the idea of Tony Stark and alcoholism in an Iron Man comic. Of course, most comics should be about superhero escapism, but if an Iron Man comic can showcase the dangers of alcoholism - and point readers in the direction of organisations that can help people with such issues - then I see no problem with it.
* Things have been different in the modern age, with various DC titles featuring Bruce Wayne's personal life explored or Clark Kent dealing with his problems. They are no longer just there to make the transition to their superhero identities.
