"A nice, easy place for freedom of speech to be eroded is comics, because comics are a natural target whenever an election comes up"

Neil Gaiman's quote touches on the vulnerability of comics as a medium for expression, especially throughout politically charged durations like elections. He suggests that comics, by their nature, are prime targets for censorship and reviews, which can eventually cause the disintegration of freedom of speech.

Comics have actually always been a powerful platform for storytelling, often pressing boundaries and challenging societal standards. Their combination of visual and textual components enables developers to present complex and sometimes questionable concepts in an accessible and interesting way. This unique ability makes them particularly prominent, however also renders them vulnerable to analysis and censorship. Gaiman suggests that this vulnerability is increased during elections, times when political level of sensitivities are at their peak.

Elections are periods where control over stories ends up being vital for political entities. Political leaders and stakeholders end up being acutely familiar with media that can sway popular opinion. Comics, which typically function as a reflection of cultural and social subtleties, and often as an automobile for dissent, end up being a simple target. Their provocative nature, combined with their interest a broad audience, makes them a tactical point of issue for those wanting to handle public discourse.

Additionally, the simplicity frequently associated with comics might cause an understanding that they are less severe or sophisticated kinds of art, making it simpler for critics to assault them. This perception can be wielded by those in power to dismiss comics as minor or unworthy of the exact same securities paid for to other type of speech. Hence, policing or censoring comics during elections may not evoke the exact same level of outrage as similar actions versus more "major" forms of media, enabling subtle yet significant curtailments of freedom of speech.

In essence, Gaiman's observation highlights a wider concern about the fragility of expression within the arts, especially in politically delicate times. Comics, with their powerful mix of words and images, stand as both a mirror to society and a medium at threat, highlighting the perennial tension between innovative freedom and political influence.