COMIC BOOK CAPITALISM

"He has fought against foes ranging from the Green Goblin to Doctor Octopus, but Spider-Man now faces an even more formidable challenge: improving the battered image of the United Nations. In a move reminiscent of storylines developed during the Second World War, the UN is joining forces with Marvel Comics, creators of Spider-Man and the Incredible Hulk, to create a comic book showing the international body working with superheroes to solve bloody conflicts and rid the world of disease. ...The latest UN initiative is not the first time US comics have been used for political purposes. During the Second World War, superheroes were shown taking on Germany’s Nazi regime. Marvel’s Captain America, together with other characters such as Superman, were shown beating up Adolph Hitler." (Financial Times, 26 December) The initial edition is to be given out free to a million school kids in the USA. Imagine the storm it would cause in the USA if China, Russia or some other rival of US capitalism was to do something similar in their country. We would certainly hear screams of "brain washing children" and juvenile propaganda. RD