Comic Books, 1967 - 1987

Series — Box: 10

Staff Only

Content Description

From the Collection:

Dr. Hoffman's papers include many historical organization journals and books, many including essays by Hoffman; his research materials, much literature related to the society E Clampus Vitus, newsletters and ephemera pertaining to Hollywood's Magic Castle, and a small trove of underground comic books ("comix"). There are also some materials pertaining to the Los Angeles Corral of Westerners, of which Dr. Hoffman is a prominent member.

Dates

Creation: 1967 - 1987

Conditions Governing Access

COLLECTION STORED OFF-SITE. Advance notice required for access.

Extent

From the Collection: 8.35 Linear Feet (14 boxes)

Language of Materials

From the Collection: English

Additional Description

General Note

The comic books in this collection are known as "underground comix." Unlike typical children's comic books such as Archie or Spiderman, underground comix are geared to an adult audience, portraying themes that are socially relevant or satirical in nature. Unlike mainstream comics, underground comix often depict explicit drug use, sexuality, and violence-- content forbidden to mainstream publications by the Comics Code Authority. These titles were termed "comix" in order to differentiate them from mainstream publications. The "x" also emphasized the x-rated contents of the publications. This "genre" of comic book was most popular in the United States between 1968 and 1975, and in the United Kingdom between 1973 and 1974. Well-known comix creators included Robert Crumb, Gilbert Shelton, Trina Robbins, Spain Rodriguez, among others.

Dr. Hoffman's collection of 53 comix includes titles published by Last Gasp, Print Mint, etc., and feature the works of Robert Crumb, Gilbert Shelton, and other well-known comix artists. The files are arranged in alphabetical order by title.