Importer defends comics

Press, 21 July 1976, Page 4

Importer defends comics

, PA Wellington Many professional people were keen readers of "Harold Hedd” comics, it was claimed at a hearing of the Indecent Publication Tribunal on Monday. Mr L. M. Hupert, of Hupert Book Distributors, told the tribunal that his company had [received many inquiries for “Hedd" comic books. Two hundred copies of • “The Collected Adventures lof Harold Hedd No. I” and [“Anus Clenching Adventure I with Harold Hedd No. 2’’ had [been referred to the tribunal by the Wellington Magistrate’s Court after they were [seized by the Customs • Department. Both books were [published by Last Gasp EcoI Funnies, of California. “While working in a bookshop, 1 have received many inquiries for ‘Hedd’ comics,” Mr Hupert said.

“They have come from lawyers, journalists, publishers, and broadcasting people.” <•

Mr Hupert said the comic books would be sold only to people over 18, and he was considering telling purchasers to keep them on high shelves, away from children. University newspapers in New Zealand had published "Hedd” comic strips, and one Wellington shop had sold 100 copies in a fortnight of a "Hedd” comic in 1974. Mr Hupert said comic strips with a similar style to those of “Hedd’’ were freely available in “Playboy,” “Penthouse” and "Man” magazines. The New Zealand prices for the two comic books would be $1.95 and 95c. The “hedd” comics contained no hidden messages and were humorous entertainment, he said. The artwork and continuity of the stories in the comics were highly professional.

Mr P. Leloir, of the Customs Department, said both comic books were likely to be injurious to impressionable readers. “It is suggested that Ixith the publications

deal with sex, violence, horror, crime, and obscene words in a way that is in places grossly offensive,” he said. Mr Leloir said the tribunal should declare both comic books unconditionally indecent. “A History of Underground Comics.” also imported by Mr Hupert, was to have been heard by the tribunal, but that hearing was adjourned. The Customs Department also asked the tribunal for a decision on a film review book, “R Films.” by an anonymous publisher. Mr Leloir said although the book purported to be a serious film review, it was merely a vehicle for a series of photographs of sexual activities, including lesbianism, accompanied by a pornographic text. "The publication is of poor quality, despite its price of $3.91,” he said. "The publisher has also declined to divulge his name.” The tribunal reserved its decision.