knowledge #5: comix

Underground comix are small press, self-published comic books. They differ from mainstream comics because not forbidden by Comics Code Authority. They were popular in the US (1969-1975) and UK (1973-1974). It was popular with the hippie, punk and other alternative subculture.

In 1982, comix were distributed through the emergence of specialty stores. Early underground comix are still on sale today alongside recent underground publications.

In the US, underground comix emerged in 1960’s as antithesis against mainstream comics. Early comix focused on subjects such as drug using, politics, rock music and sexual intercourse. These titles were termed "comix" in order to differentiate the comics from mainstream publications.

reference: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Underground_comix