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Moore Collection of Underground Comix
MS 052  
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Collection Overview
 
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Description
Comic book publisher and collector Michael Moore donated this collection of underground comix in 1993. The collection contains comics from 1907 to 1993, with the bulk of issues representing underground comix in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Topics include feminism, marijuana legalization, Black Power, abortion, anti-war, and gay and lesbian issues. The collection reflects the resurgence of comix popularity as an alternative to mass-market mainstream comic books in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The collection also contains pre-press proofs, books about comix and the history of comics, catalogs, advertisements, rock n' roll flyers, and artwork. The collection is partially arranged.
Background
Michael Moore writes: "It all started with my parents making me burn my comic books. In 1954 Reader's Digest printed an article by Dr. Frederick Wertham that claimed that reading comic books resulted in "juvenile delinquency." My parents saw the article and called me and my comic books into the living room for an inquisition. Consequently I was soon standing in the back yard beside our rusty 55 gallon trash barrel watching my collections of The Vault of Horror, Mad and Weird Science, and others, going up in smoke. This was a defining moment for me; as the ashes spiraled up into the sky I realized how wrong my parents could be and thus began my lifelong negative attitude towards authority. In 1971 I got even with my parents by founding the Los Angeles Comic Book Company.
Extent
21 Paige boxes, 1 Hollinger box, 1 oversize box (26 linear feet)
Restrictions
In order to reproduce, publish, broadcast, exhibit, and/or quote from this material, researchers must submit a written request and obtain formal permission from Special Collections, Cal Poly, as the owner of the physical collection. Researchers should also consult with an appropriate staff member regarding literary or other intellectual property rights pertaining to this collection.
Availability
The collection is open to qualified researchers by appointment only. For more information on access policies and to obtain a copy of the Researcher Registration form, please visit the Special Collections Access page. The collection is stored remotely. Advance notice for use is required.