The Presentation and Representation of Police Officers in comic books – The 1960’s

The Presentation and Representation of Police Officers in comic books – The 1960’s – All About Marvel!

Guest blog by Sergeant Clayton Brown

The 1960’s were a turbulent time when American society was full of protests about strong issues and tensions ran high. In some cases, the police were not seen as impartial and violent police action damaged the reputation of police officers which reduced trust between the police and the public. In the United States, in 1961 Felicia Shpritzer of the NYPD sued to allow women the right to take the sergeants exam. As a result of this lawsuit 126 women took the sergeants exam for the first time in 1964.  Shpritzer and another policewoman, Gertrude Schimmel became the first female Sergeants and after suing again the duo became the first female Lieutenants in 1967. Schimmel went on to become the first female police captain in 1971 and the first female deputy inspector in 1972. In Ontario, in 1963 a new modernization was taking place in the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) beginning with a change in the command structure supporting the 17 police districts of the time and new ranking and promotional programs were also introduced. 

In the 1960’s, there was significant growth in the world of comics. Although there would never again be a heyday like that which was seen with comics during the war (referred to as the ‘Golden Age’ of comics), but the ‘Silver Age’ was now underway and more and more comics were being published following a decline in popularity during the 1950’s. The ’60s saw the first comic book conventions begin. These were not on par with what we have now with major media presence, celebrities, panels and special guests, but it was a start that laid the foundation for what would follow. At that time the conventions were all about comic dealers and buying and selling without the extra attractions that would become a staple of future conventions. In print we saw the creation of such iconic titles by Marvel Comics as the Avengers, Hulk and Spider-Man.  Spider-Man and other characters became a huge success and remain popular today expanding into merchandise, animation and live action movies. 

DC Comics image

In 1961, intergalactic husband and wife policing team of Katar and Shayera Hol came to earth in pursuit of a fleeing convict, much like the U.S. Marshals or the ROPE squad. Although not from earth, Hawkman and Hawkgirl (now known as Hawkwoman) were all police officer…. with wings. They were created by Gardner Fox and Joe Kubert and made their first appearance in Brave and the Bold #34. They had advanced technology to assist them on their patrols, which were measured in galaxies rather than patrol zones, but it was their core essence of being universal police officers that set them apart from the other super-heroes of the time. They never considered themselves to be super-heroes, rather they were cops doing their job to keep the planet/people safe. This sense of right and wrong eventually brought them into the Justice League with other super-heroes of the time (Batman, Superman, Wonder-Woman etc.). The team solved many crimes on earth and when on the trail of a criminal, even one that ran to other galaxies, they were unstoppable and determined in their task to bring in the offender proving justice truly has no boundaries. 

In 1965 we are introduced to another character that, unfortunately, gets his powers as a result of being killed. Police Detective Steve Flint (no comment on what police service he worked for) was in pursuit of a mob boss when he is run over by a train. “When dispatched to the afterlife Flint takes the opportunity to formally request that he be allowed to return to earth to avenge his own murder”.  He returns to earth in a costume of shorts and a T-Shirt with a hood and the powers to fly, turn invisible and super strength. This character first appeared in adventures into the Unknown #154 published by American Comics Group and was created by Richard E. Hughes. This character has since faded into obscurity.

In 1967 we are introduced to Sean Cassidy — a former Interpol agent and NYPD police officer. Sean was a Marvel comics character that first appeared in X-Men #28. He was created by Roy Thomas and Werner Roth. Sean is of Irish heritage and possesses a ‘sonic scream’ capable of harming his enemy’s auditory system and causing physical vibrations. His scream can also be used to allow him to fly. He was named Banshee after the legendary spirit from Irish mythology. He was always a decade or so older than the other X-Men and his time with the team was relatively short.

In 1968 a unique comic was created by Custom Comics for the New York City Police Department. It was in this year that AT&T made 9-1-1 the emergency number and the book was created to educate the public.  “Your Friend the Policeman” was a 5-in X 6-7/8-in full colour comic and was created and printed on newsprint pages and given away for free to the public.

Also, in 1968 Police Captain George Stacey is created by Marvel Comics.  He works for the New York City Police Department and is created as a supporting character in the Spider-Man book. He is a strong supporter of Spider-Man often supporting the frequently misunderstood or persecuted hero and his character serves as a counterpoint to other Marvel characters that serve to persecute Spider-Man.

Join us next month when the ongoing special about Policing in Comics continues with a look at the 1970’s