Curse words in comics have been a topic of controversy for a long time. Some argue that curse words are necessary to add realism and authenticity to the dialogues, while others believe that they should be avoided to maintain a more inclusive and family-friendly content. In the past, curse words were rarely used in comics due to strict regulations and censorship rules. However, as the medium has evolved and become more mature, creators have started pushing boundaries and including curse words in their works. The use of curse words in comics can serve different purposes. In some cases, they are used to emphasize strong emotions or add intensity to a scene.
Mostly, it’s perfectly competent storytelling–on both the written and artistic fronts. Wizord has a turn super early on that doesn’t make much sense. It happens way too quickly, and before we really get to know the character. Other than that, though, it’s well written.
Wizord comes to Earth from a dimension known as The Hole World, bringing along magical gems, a kickass staff that shoots blue light and an assortment of antagonists who, like Wizord himself, know no real limits to their powers. But Browne s art, as expressive and fun as any in comics, and Soule s words, clever and engaging, for a few minutes, made me forget the events of noon Eastern.
In some cases, they are used to emphasize strong emotions or add intensity to a scene. Curse words can also be used for comedic effect, making a character more relatable or emphasizing their personality traits. However, the inclusion of curse words in comics can also be seen as unnecessary and offensive.
“Curse Words” #1
Charles Soule and Ryan Browne on the surface – except for the silent ‘e’ at the ends of their surnames – don’t have a ton in common. Soule, a lawyer and writer of serious, dense comics and Browne, a cartoonist that pushes comics into absurd and surrealist places don’t jump out as a potentially simpatico pairing. But “Curse Words” shows you that appearances can be deceiving, and that this creative team is a match made in wizard heaven. Keep reading for our spoiler-free review.
Written by Charles Soule
Illustrated by Ryan Browne“THE DEVIL’S DEVIL,” Part One The new ongoing series from CHARLES SOULE (Daredevil, Death of Wolverine, Star Wars) and RYAN BROWNE (GOD HATES ASTRONAUTS) is COMING FOR YOU! A wizard has appeared in New York City, and he’s casting wonderful spells, getting famous, getting rich-it’s great! But it’s not. This wizard has everyone fooled. He is actually an EVIL WIZARD, and EVIL THINGS are on the way. CURSE WORDS is a gonzo modern fantasy, full of darkness, light…and MAGIC.
This feels like a Ryan Browne comic, from the moment you look at the cover. Browne’s style and touch are all over this issue. In fact, in many ways, this checks all of the Browne artistic boxes within the first five pages: horse? Check. Onomatopoeic sound effects? Check. Mystical apparitions and/or ghosts? Yup. Animals doing non-animal stuff? Uh huh. Some heretofore unseen act of violence? Yarp.
In fact, Browne is such a strong creative voice that it can be a little tough to spot exactly where Soule fits into this mix. This is such a change from the overwhelming majority of comics released in the past fifteen or twenty years. Sure, an artist always defines the visuals of their books, but Browne’s work is so idiosyncratic and specific that it is hard to imagine that anyone but Browne could write this.
If I had to venture a guess as to what Soule brought to the project from a practical standpoint, I would guess that he brought a certain clarity and focus to the project. Compared to, say, “God Hates Astronauts,” “Curse Words” feels quite refined. The main story is less obscured by minutia and side-stories, and is told in a reasonably straightforward way. That isn’t to say that “God Hates Astronauts” suffers for its scope because, frankly, it doesn’t. But “Curse Words” feels more like a conventional comic than anything Browne has written and illustrated in the past.
But to call this a conventional comic is a stretch. It is a story about an evil wizard that comes to Earth to conquer it, but falls in love with it. Soule and Browne do a wonderful job showing Wizord’s heart melting as his time on Earth continues. There is just enough obfuscation to hide whether or not his love of Earth is due to his genuine care for the planet’s inhabitants, or the allure of being the most powerful creature on it. He seems genuine, but it is tough to tell with wizards, isn’t it?
What is so striking about the book from its first issue is just how this feels like an inversion of what we have been seeing often in superhero comics: this isn’t a hero going dark, this is a villain getting better. There is an air of optimism throughout the book that feels truly different and exciting. Even if Wizord’s intentions may not be totally pure, he is making the world a better place. It is shocking how infrequently that is the goal of a superhero comic these days – everyone is reactive instead of proactive.
The book doesn’t just rest on a concept that can make you smile: it also works hard to make you laugh. The #teammargarget hashtag shows up throughout, giving his Koala familiar some internet love, and it gets funnier every time. There is the ultimate dad joke given a French twist that is just perfect, and on just about every page is something – either a visual gag or a line of dialogue, that is laugh out loud funny. Comics used to be called ‘funny books,’ but it isn’t often that they are actually funny, let alone this funny.
On a truly shitty day, this comic was a source of genuine joy. I feel better after reading it, and that is just about the best gift a comic could have given me today. It would be a stretch to say that I took inspiration from the story of an evil wizard who is changing his way, but it made the world a little less horrible for a few minutes. But Browne’s art, as expressive and fun as any in comics, and Soule’s words, clever and engaging, for a few minutes, made me forget the events of noon Eastern.
Final Verdict: 8.8 – Even though Wizord can promise no curse, wars, or loves, this book can promise a thoroughly enjoyable experience.
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Brian SalvatoreBrian Salvatore is an editor, podcaster, reviewer, writer at large, and general task master at Multiversity. When not writing, he can be found playing music, hanging out with his kids, or playing music with his kids. He also has a dog named Lola, a rowboat, and once met Jimmy Carter. Feel free to email him about good beer, the New York Mets, or the best way to make Chicken Parmagiana (add a thin slice of prosciutto under the cheese).
But to call this a conventional comic is a stretch. It is a story about an evil wizard that comes to Earth to conquer it, but falls in love with it. Soule and Browne do a wonderful job showing Wizord’s heart melting as his time on Earth continues. There is just enough obfuscation to hide whether or not his love of Earth is due to his genuine care for the planet’s inhabitants, or the allure of being the most powerful creature on it. He seems genuine, but it is tough to tell with wizards, isn’t it?
Some argue that it can alienate a certain audience, especially young readers or those who prefer a more wholesome content. Additionally, curse words can sometimes detract from the overall quality of the story if they are used excessively or inappropriately. There is no universal consensus on how curse words should be handled in comics. Publishers and creators have different guidelines and policies regarding their usage. Some comics may include a warning or age recommendation, while others may opt for alternative ways to convey strong language, such as using symbols or creative spelling. Ultimately, the decision to include curse words in comics is subjective and depends on the creator's artistic vision and the target audience of the work. It is important to strike a balance, taking into consideration the artistic intent, the impact on the readers, and the overall tone of the story. In conclusion, the use of curse words in comics remains a topic of debate. While they can add realism and humor to a story, they also have the potential to offend or alienate certain readers. The inclusion of curse words should be done thoughtfully and with consideration for the target audience and the overall impact on the storytelling..
Reviews for "The Art of Bleeping: Censoring Curse Words in Comic Books"
1. Sarah - 2/5 stars - I was extremely disappointed with "Curse Words Comic". The concept seemed interesting, with a magician-turned-wizard who uses his powers for personal gain. However, the execution fell flat. The story lacked depth and the characters felt one-dimensional. The humor was forced and often relied on vulgar language, which I found off-putting. Overall, the comic failed to engage me and left me feeling unsatisfied.
2. James - 1/5 stars - "Curse Words Comic" was a complete waste of my time. The plot was convoluted and hard to follow, with random jumps in narrative that did nothing to enhance the story. The artwork was mediocre at best, and the characters were forgettable. The constant use of foul language seemed like a desperate attempt to be edgy, but it only served to annoy me. I would not recommend this comic to anyone who appreciates a well-crafted story and compelling artwork.
3. Amanda - 2/5 stars - I had high hopes for "Curse Words Comic" based on the intriguing premise, but it failed to deliver. The humor fell flat for me, relying too heavily on crude jokes and excessive swearing. The plot lacked coherence, often veering off into confusing subplots that didn't add much to the overall story. The artwork was decent, but it couldn't save the comic from its weak writing. I was ultimately disappointed with this comic and found it difficult to connect with the characters or invest in the storyline.