Sacramento’s Comic Book Ban for Kids May Soon End
Sacramento is on the brink of overturning a curious, decades-old law that technically makes selling comic books to minors illegal. For over 75 years, an ordinance has banned the sale of comics depicting crime or violence to anyone under 18, a rule many local shops have inadvertently violated. This archaic law, born from historical anxieties, is now facing a significant push for repeal, with city officials potentially designating a special week to celebrate comic books in our community.
Understanding Sacramento’s Outdated Comic Book Law
A Law from a Different Era
Dating back to 1949, Sacramento has had an ordinance on its books that prohibits the sale of comic books depicting crime or violence to anyone under 18. This law emerged from a national “moral panic” during that era, where comic books were controversially, and often mistakenly, blamed for contributing to juvenile delinquency. As local comic book creator Eben Burgoon points out, this meant individuals could theoretically face jail time or fines for simply selling a comic to a child, highlighting the severe, if long-unenforced, implications of the rule.
Local Shops Operating Under the Radar
For generations, Sacramento’s comic book stores, such as Big Brother Comics, have unknowingly operated in technical violation of this ordinance. Their shelves, filled with crime-fighting superheroes and fantastical adventures, have been a source of wonder for countless young readers. The fact that these establishments have served the community for so long without incident underscores the law’s impracticality and its disconnect from contemporary community values.
The Push to Repeal and Defend Free Speech
The movement to overturn this antiquated law is gaining momentum, spearheaded by local comic book creator Eben Burgoon. Burgoon has initiated a petition to repeal the ordinance, framing the effort as a vital defense of free speech against a backdrop of historical censorship. He emphasizes that the original law was a knee-jerk reaction to a perceived threat, rather than a thoughtful regulation.
Sacramento City Councilmember Phil Pluckebaum has publicly supported the repeal, recognizing it as a timely opportunity to correct a historical oversight. Pluckebaum noted that the law is “unneeded code that we weren’t going to enforce anyway,” and its removal would ensure that iconic characters like Superman and Batman are no longer considered “forbidden contraband” for young Sacramentans.
What the Repeal Means for Sacramento
The proposed repeal signifies more than just the removal of an outdated regulation; it represents a modern recognition of comic books as a legitimate and valuable art form that fosters literacy and imagination. Beyond simply legalizing comic book sales to minors, the proposal includes a forward-thinking initiative: designating the third week in September as “Sacramento Comic Book Week.” This would establish an annual celebration of the medium’s cultural impact and provide a new, engaging local tradition for comic enthusiasts and families alike.
The city commission is set to consider this pivotal repeal next Tuesday, marking a critical moment for the future of comic books and cultural expression in our vibrant city.
Comparing the Old Law and the Proposed Future
| Aspect | Current Law (Pre-Repeal) | Proposed Future (Post-Repeal) |
|---|---|---|
| Comic Sales to Under 18s | Technically illegal if depicting crime/violence | Fully legal for all comics |
| Enforcement Status | On the books, but unenforced for 75+ years | Ordinance removed, no legal concerns |
| City Recognition of Comics | No official recognition | Third week of September designated Sacramento Comic Book Week |
| Underlying Principle | Historical fear of juvenile delinquency, censorship | Defense of free speech, celebration of art and culture |
Frequently Asked Questions About Sacramento’s Comic Book Law
- What is the current comic book law in Sacramento?
Since 1949, it has been technically illegal to sell comic books depicting crime or violence to anyone under 18 years old in Sacramento. - Why was this law originally passed?
The ordinance was enacted in 1949 due to widespread national fears that comic books were negatively influencing youth and contributing to juvenile delinquency. - Who is leading the effort to repeal the law?
Local comic book creator Eben Burgoon initiated a petition, and City Councilmember Phil Pluckebaum is actively advocating for its removal at city hall. - What key changes are proposed with the repeal?
The proposal seeks to eliminate the outdated ordinance entirely and officially designate the third week in September as Sacramento Comic Book Week. - When will the city decide on the repeal?
A city commission is scheduled to review and consider the repeal next Tuesday.
This upcoming decision marks a significant step for Sacramento, moving past an outdated regulation to embrace free expression and celebrate a beloved art form. Keep an eye on city hall next Tuesday to see if Superman and Batman finally become fully legal for all ages in our community.
Sacramento to End Decades Old Comic Book Ban for Kids
