Jim Crocker of Modern Myths in Northampton, Massachusetts saw our article on the change in Avengers' rating for the current issue (see 'Avengers #71 Delayed, Returnable') and feels the change was unnecessary:

 

I am one of the retailers who was 'exasperated' at the ratings change made by Marvel on Avengers #71, mainly because it was completely unnecessary.

 

I was particularly disgusted to read that one of the reasons for the ratings change was the fact that Whirlwind 'beats up a prostitute'.  Apparently, the Red Skull, a Nazi Cabinet Official, chaining up and torturing a black man in the previous issue(s) is not something Marvel feels is offensive enough to warrant a ratings change, but smacking around a hooker is?

 

Marvel's continued assertion in their mainstream comics that adult men and women engaged in high-stress, life-threatening situations on a daily basis never actually have any sex has officially reached the point of absurdity with this brouhaha.

 

Personally, I was far more offended by the bad storytelling (since *when* has Whirlwind been obsessed with the Wasp?  How does Pym grow to the size of the Luxor without crushing hundreds of tourists?  When did Jan get a boob job?) and mediocre art this issue... those are what should have prompted the warning.

 

The opinions expressed in this Talk Back article are solely those of the writer, and do not reflect the views of the editorial staff of ICv2.com.