Public Service Comics: Computer related

One reason I think the Public Service comics are interesting is because they blur the line between education, propaganda, and sales. For example, in the context of historical hindsight, the comics produced by GE help people learn about new technology, and might also convince some kids or adults to become scientists or technicians. But they are also used by GE to sell the idea of atomic power, and also to promote General Electric as a company that has a future, and that's a much more subtle message.

Here are some comics from computer hardware and software companies, and they're a lot more blatant. Sure, they're still trying to be entertaining, but the comic is really a showcase for the product. Click on any picture to see it in more detail.
Superman in the Computer Masters of Metropolis from DC Comics, 1982 for Radio Shack.
Superman, Wonder Woman and the TRS-80 Computer Whiz Kids tak on Lex Luthor. The cover is only the beginning. Learn how powerful transistors make the TRS-80 the most amazing thing since sliced bread. Check out the pre-Internet explanation for how to set up an "information retrieval system."



Tandy Computer Whiz Kids (A Deadly Choice Edition), produced for Radio Shack by Archie Comics, 1990.
The kids use camcorders, skateboards and computers to stop a drug dealer near the school. This issue has a confusing message, since the kids use the computer to set up a drug abuse hot line, but that's only a small portion of the story. It's mostly typical late 80's anti-drug propaganda.



SWAT: Software Warriors Against Tampering for XTree Company anti-virus software circa 1992(?).
I don't know where I got this, but it's a great example of a comic gone wrong. Sure, it catches your eye, but it's not really entertaining, and it doesn't explain the features of XTree anti-virus software, which might have been useful in 1992.