So I went analog and checked several covers of this series. Again, I could not find a rating. I do know from my DVR that the show is rated PG-13. So, some kids could read this. Upon further research, I discovered that about the first 80 or so issues were given the Comics Code Authority stamp on its cover until Bongo abandoned the dying system in 2010. Generally, Code approval was for materials deemed suitable enough that they could be read by readers aged 8-10 and up. So, with that evidence, I deem Simpsons Comics #141 worthy of Family Comic Friday review.
Simpsons Comics are pretty much an episode of the series in print form. There's tons of sight gags, funny signs, parodies, and much, much more. I've read a bunch of Simpsons Comics and watched almost every Simpsons episode ever aired. So, I can say with some authority that some of these issues are better than the show!
In this issue, Grandpa Simpson is tired of being ignored by his family and becomes adopted by the Flanders. Homer is jealous of the new found attention and auditions a replacement Grandpa. The winner of the Simpsons grandparent sweepstakes? Why, Mr. Burns, of course.
The story was fun, it was fresh, and it was hilarious. The only thing missing was a short story at the end of the book. Usually, there is a 20-page story starring the Simpsons and at the end of the comic, is a 4-8 page tale that focuses on one of more of the many residents of Springfield. That backup feature is omitted here for some reason. But since the Flanders, Grandpa, and Mr. Burns are really the stars of this story, maybe that's why there isn't a 'Citizens of Springfield' backup feature.
This issue really wasn't objectionable. Since the Flanders do appear in this issue, there are a few jokes about religion. Mostly, they involve Homer getting something wrong about the Bible. There is some violence in this book, like Homer strangling Bart and an Itchy and Scratchy cartoon which has the ubiquitous cartoon blood and gore. But I've seen worse in all-ages rated superhero comics and Bugs Bunny cartoons from the 40s.
One thing missing from this issue is the language. On the sitcom, there's a peppering of 'hells', 'damns', and the occasional b-word. In my readings of this series, I've only come across the occasional 'hell' and the Madman Family favorite Star Wars has a couple of those in it. So, you can rest easy that your little angel isn't going to learn how to speak like a sailor in these comics (unless the Old Sea Captain is involved. Then you're on your own.)
The biggest divide about this comic is that there is humor that a 10-year would get and a 6-year old would not. Topical humor, based on pop culture, current events, and famous people, is like beauty; as its humor can be found in the eyes of the beholder. A youngster isn't going to get a joke about Michael Jackson that an 18-year old might because Michael Jackson has been dead for five years now. But then again, I used to read Time Magazine at age 4, so some kiddos might understand a joke about the Kardashians or the war on terror while a grown-up might go "huh?"
If I had a child, I would let then read this book if they were about 10. That's probably about the age my wife and I would allow them to watch the show. I would advise parents and guardians of kids who like the Simpsons TV show with the following: if you're letting them watch the show, there's no reason you can't let them read this book.
Worth Consuming
Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.
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