is this comic book appropriate?...?

Question

my child is intrested in Johnny the homicidal maniac, by Jhonen Vasque. she is in 8th grade, should i let her read the comics, or no?

we already have all the ivader zim seasons on dvd (written by the same guy)

Answer 1

First off, thank you for asking the question in the first place. It's refreshing to see a parent actually take the time to find out what their children are reading AND also not dismissing something like this out of hand. It's responsible parenting, and as a comic fan, it's good to see that kids and parents are still interested.

I have read Vasque's SQUEE and I found it amazingly funny. For the most part, the humor is similar to Invader Zim, if a little less restrained. But it is still no worse than some of the things that you may see in Family Guy or on Robot Chicken on the Cartoon Network. Mostly the same kind of pseduo-toilet humor.

Johnny the Homicidal Maniac is mostly farce in that way. It does not encourage killing or violence, and comes off amusing as opposed to offensive. That being said, your best bet is to pick up the comic yourself and see if this is something that you wouldn't mind your child to read.

Alternatively, you may want to look at something like Hellboy or even reprints of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles if she's looking for something a little more mature in theme than other things she's reading. Or, if you have a comic shop in town then you can talk to the proprietor about it... I'm sure they will suggest something that will please both you and your daughter. If you're looking for something empowering, there's Runaways from Marvel (which you can get collected in digest form as reprints) or Teen Titans, Supergirl or Wonder Woman from DC. Supergirl is a younger character, but still trying to find her way, and Teen Titans has a number of younger, female leads. Runaways may be easier to jump into because it hasn't been published for too long, and the characters tend to be a little more real and less iconic.

Anyway, good for you for being interested in what your child is reading, and again, thank you for keeping an open mind to the choices.

Answer 2

It's not very appropriate at all, unless she can handle it. I have SQUEE! comics (which are written by Jhonene vasquez, the creator of invader zim) and some parts arent appropriate. but he has created some creepy stuff and jhonny the homicidal maniac (or JtHM) is supposedly gorery (I have only seen a few strips of the comic itself) I know someone in 7th grade who's interested in it and they don't care about the violence much so I guess it'so k.

Answer 3

You have to be a little more specific with what kind of comic your making. I don't know if your making a comic about a superhero, comic about daily life, a comedy, etc. If your doing something like Get Fuzzy or Garfield I suggest a theme of basic comedy, maybe something that can represent the character - sorta like "I hate mondays" and lasagna represent Garfield. If your doing an action/adventure comic I recommend the good old hero vs. villian thing. Set up a main villian and a main hero - like how Sonic the Hedgehog is the hero and Doctor Robotnik is the main villian. If your doing something like a basic life teen comic just make your theme like something from as told Ginger. Have the characters work together through different conflicts. Well I hope I helped --------------------------------------... Edit: Good themes for your student's would be Basic Life, The Hero vs Villian theme (having the hero win), imagination, Rivalry, or just Overcoming Fear. The Hero vs. Villian theme exists in most Marvel/DC comics, but I tend to look towards my Sonic the Hedgehog comics as my basic Hero vs. Villian theme. Teach them good things happen to good people (the hero) and bad things happen to bad people (the villian) in the end. Basic Life Would a good one also. Kids are wondering at such a young age about adults, finding a comic (I recommend a comic of Comedy, as Children enjoy comedy and this will get them intrested) showing the daily life of an adult or teenager would be a good thing to do. Overcoming Fear is a good theme as well, Fear is the emotion children fear most. We fear what we don't understand, therefore we have to learn to understand fear. Try finding material that shows Fear is something we need to move past. Batman: The Killing Joke is a wonderful example of The Rivalry theme. The comic ends with the Joker telling Batman a Joke and Batman laughs for the first time, this comic represents the Complicated Relationship that exists amoung their rivalry. Hero vs. Villian is also a theme that exists amoung this comic. Calvin & Hobbes, Garfield, and Get fuzzy are great examples of the imagination theme - the adventures you could never have but dream of having as a kid. Garfield ties into imagination and daily life, this is a great example of both themes.

Answer 4

It's good your kid is reading, but not Johnny THM. She should wait till she is 17 to be reading this stuff. It has way to much violence for an 8th grader. Stick with Invader Zim.

Answer 5

the stuff made by Jhonen Vasque are targeted at the teen audience, 13 up. ull hav nothin to worry about as it is very cartoony and does not incite violence as much as any ordinary action flik would. 8th grade kids would hav no problem reading this graphic novel series.

Answer 6

Only you can make that decision. I would suggest doing some research and then deciding. Also, sit down and talk to her about it. Communication is vital with kids that age.

Answer 7

sounds violent, but as long as she's aware that it's a comic book and to not repeat what she sees, it should be ok. Remember: it's not *what* you read that matters, it's *that* you read!

Answer 8

DOESN'T SOUND APPROPRIATE