Protest And Survive Because Big Brother Really is watching us all!

AAAGH!

Not the sound that comic book characters make when punched by a villain. No, it was in fact the sound made by protesting comic book artists and writers: Artists Against Anti Government Homophobia.

Published in 1988 to combat the Tory Clause 28, which was designed to outlaw the promotion of homosexuality in any way shape or form. A nasty spiteful attempt at victimisation.

The publisher was Mad Love, a start up company formed by British comic book writer Alan Moore (taking the USA by storm at that point) and his partners. This was the only publication from Mad Love but it proves a point.

Comic books can and do offer a forum for adult protest, it isn't just a child's medium; serious issues can be tackled and debated. The cover by Dave McKean is chilling enough and references the media support for government views on homosexuality in the late 80s.

Dark days that hopefully will never return....except there's a cctv on every corner of every street and ID cards insisting on knowing your sexuality.