In Sacramento, California, a longstanding city ordinance dating back to 1949, which restricts the distribution of certain comic books to children and teenagers, is now under reconsideration. This law, which bans comic books prominently featuring crime scenes or images of illegal acts such as arson, murder, or rape, though rarely enforced today, is being challenged by local advocates who argue that it is outdated and unjustified. A recent unanimous vote by a City Council committee to repeal the ordinance and to designate the third week of September as “Sacramento Comic Book Week” marks a significant step towards modernizing the city’s approach to comic books. The repeal now awaits a full City Council vote.
Sacramento native Lecho Lopez, owner of JLA Comics, is one of the vocal supporters of the repeal. He recalls how comic books have had a profoundly positive impact on his life. Lopez shared a personal anecdote about his 5-year-old nephew reading his first word aloud — “bad” — from a graphic novel, highlighting the role comics can play in literacy and learning. Lopez himself credits comic books with helping him improve his reading skills despite struggling with dyslexia, as the combination of visual storytelling and text provided him with necessary context and engagement. He also believes comics helped him steer clear of gang involvement during his youth. With a visible Superman tattoo on his forearm, Lopez passionately calls the existing law “a silly law” and emphasizes the many benefits comics bring to individuals and communities.
The roots of the Sacramento ordinance stretch back to a period in the mid-20th century when comic books surged in popularity but also faced intense scrutiny. At that time, there was widespread fear that comic books could negatively influence children, potentially leading to illiteracy or violent behavior. In response to public concern, the comic book industry began self-regulating, and various local governments across the United States, including places like Los Angeles County and Lafayette, Louisiana, enacted bans to shield young readers from what were deemed inappropriate or harmful images and narratives. Though these laws remain on the books in some cities, they are largely dormant and unenforced in modern times.
Today, advocates for repeal argue that such laws are not only unnecessary but also counterproductive, especially in the context of a growing wave of book bans and censorship efforts nationwide. Eben Burgoon, a comic book author who spearheaded a petition to overturn Sacramento’s ban, highlighted the unique power of comics to “speak truth to power” and offer meaningful social commentary. Speaking at a recent City Council Law and Legislation Committee hearing, Burgoon warned that these antiquated laws could render the comic book medium vulnerable to suppression by “bad actors” who might seek to curtail free expression. He emphasized that Sacramento has a vibrant comic community and hosts annual events like CrockerCon, which celebrates the art and culture of comics, making the city an ideal candidate to recognize a dedicated comic book week.
Supporting the repeal, Sam Helmick, president of the American Library Association, argued that there is “no good reason” for a ban such as Sacramento’s to remain in place. Helmick pointed out that such a law contradicts modern First Amendment principles that protect freedom of speech and expression. This perspective aligns with the broader movement against censorship, particularly of books and graphic novels, which librarians and free speech advocates have been defending vigorously.
Historically, attempts to censor new media are not unusual in American history. Jeff Trexler, interim director of the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund—which fights to protect the free speech rights of comic readers and creators—explained that each new medium, whether it be film, television, or video games, has faced moral panic and suppression efforts. He noted that in the 1920s, New York established a commission to review films and determine whether they were “obscene” or “sacrilegious” and could “corrupt morals” or “incite crime.” This pattern of suspicion towards new forms of media has repeated itself with comics. Trexler also cited a 1959 California Supreme Court ruling that struck down a similar Los Angeles County policy banning “crime” comics for minors, deeming it unconstitutionally broad. He suggested that Sacramento’s law would likely fail similar legal scrutiny.
Regarding concerns that comic books might influence violent behavior, current research is limited and inconclusive. Christopher Ferguson, a psychology professor at Stetson University in Florida, noted that there isn’t much recent evidence linking comic books to violence.