January 22nd, 2015

Censorship

by Brian Walker, Greg Walker and Chance Browne

Sex is taboo on the funnies pages. Newspaper editors do not think it is appropriate for their readers, who range in age from young children to senior citizens, to be exposed to anything that might corrupt their morals. In the movies and on television they show all types of sexual situations. This makes it hard for cartoonists to compete with other mediums when it comes to dealing with risqué topics.

Hi and Lois is cleaner than most strips. We rarely use swearing symbols, known as grawlixes, when the characters lose their tempers. Although Hi and Lois hug and exchange kisses, and are often shown in bed together, there is never any suggestion of intercourse.

On a few rare occasions we have shown some nudity. Here’s a strip from 1958 with Ditto in and out of the bathtub.

Hi and Lois daily strip, June 30, 1958.

It’s natural for a young girl to be curious about her body. This wordless gag from 1964 is a classic.

Hi and Lois daily strip, July 28, 1964.

Lois is an attractive woman and we dress her in nice clothes and even in a bikini now and then.

This episode from 1971 is the only time I can remember her appearing topless.

Hi and Lois daily strip, September 28, 1971.

Somehow, these made it past the editors at King Features.

– Brian Walker