Poll: App rejected. Is this offensive? Seriously Apple?

Our second attempt at the submission of the free version of our app, Comicstrips Lite got rejected again.

The first time was acceptable, but this time, they seem to be pushing it. They rejected the app due to the content linked below.

http://getcomicstrips.com/public/img_0067.png

It does not seem to me that it is "obscene, pornographic, offensive or defamatory". Wolfenstein 3D is on the app store and got approved and is way more violent.

Am I missing something here? Comments are most welcome.

I can see how they might consider a particular comic offensive, but...

Regardless of their terms, I think Apple is out of line to dictate how paying customers use their devices.

Part of the problem, I think, is that until Apple's iPhone OS 3.0 "pay for content" feature is available, the application and the content are merged.

I can only hope that once content can be purchased separately, Apple will loosen its restrictions on viewers.

Personally, I think society should trust people "not to buy" things they don't like, or "change the channel". This pre-screening of "offensive" material is frankly the only thing that I find offensive about Apple, YouTube, etc.

In the context of the comic, the guy is a "bad guy" and is holding the gun shooter's daughter hostage, threatening to kill her with a gun himself, and is about to shoot. Its a case of self-defense in a hostage situation.

While I do not deny that there is a certain level of violence depicted, is it grounds for rejection? Specially since games like Wolfenstein 3D are on the app store.

The main issue is Apple's consistency with the App approval process. This is the screenshot taken from Wolfenstein 3D on App Store, showing multiple shootings, body on floor and blood.

http://dl.getdropbox.com/u/82/wolfenstein3d.png

Apple is adding age based ratings [1] in 3.0. Since that is the case, I would guess that this is an example of content that could be rated appropriately and added to the app store. Personally I support as much artistic freedom as possible. Just rate it appropriately.

[1] http://www.theiphoneblog.com/2009/05/07/iphone-30-beta-5-app...