Life — March 9, 1922 — page 11: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "Discharmament" Comic Strip Analysis This satirical comic depicts the Roman god Mars (god of war) attempting to seduce Venus (goddess of love) into disarmament. The title plays on "disarmament" and "charm." The narrative shows Mars progressively undressing or disarming himself to win Venus's affection. In the first panel, he claims to be "through" with armor. Venus remains unmoved, focused on her mirror and cosmetics. Mars becomes increasingly desperate, eventually throwing away all his weapons and military equipment in the final panel, crying "Then here goes everything!" The satire mocks post-WWI disarmament efforts and peace movements by suggesting that achieving peace requires nations to completely abandon military power—presenting this as both absurd and ultimately futile, since Venus remains indifferent to Mars's sacrifice.