Marvel has announced that it is changing the terminology for two of its in-house comic ratings effective with products on sale August 6, 2003.  It is dropping the use of PG and PG+ as part of its terminology (in its Marvel PG and Marvel PG+ ratings) and substituting PSR (for parental supervision recommended) and PSR+.

 

'PG' is a trademarked term of the MPAA (Motion Picture Association of America), and according to the MPAA Website may only be used for films that are voluntarily submitted to the MPAA for ratings.  At the time Marvel began using the PG terminology for its own ratings, the company expressed little concern that the MPAA would object.  While we have no information that the MPAA asked Marvel to cease and desist its use of the MPAA term, the fact that Marvel is changing its terminology on books that have already been solicited is one indication that there was at least some haste in its decision. 

 

Here is the rating system as Marvel has announced it:

 

ALL AGES - 8+ years old

Carrying no cover label, these titles are appropriate for readers of all ages.

 

MARVEL PSR ('Parental Supervision Recommended') - 12+ years old

Appropriate for most readers, parents are advised they may want to read before or with younger children.

 

MARVEL PSR+ - 15+ years old

Similar to Marvel PG, but featuring more mature themes and/or more graphic imagery. Recommended for teen and adult readers.

 

PARENTAL ADVISORY/EXPLICIT CONTENT - 18+ years old

Most Mature Readers books will fall under the MAX Comics banner, (created specifically for mature content titles), and some may fall under the new EPIC Comics imprint.

 

These titles could contain content similar to an R rated movie -

Including harsh language, graphic violence, mature themes, nudity and sexual situations. MAX and Mature-themed EPIC titles will be designed to appear distinct from mainline Marvel titles, with the 'Parental Advisory/Explicit Content' label very prominently displayed on the cover. Any Parental Advisory/Explicit Content title (whether MAX or EPIC) will NOT be sold on the newsstand, and they will NOT be marketed to younger readers.