The pre-code era of comic books, spanning roughly from the late 1930s to the mid-1950s, produced several controversial comic books. These controversies often stemmed from the depiction of violence, sexuality, crime, and horror, which eventually led to the creation of the Comics Code Authority in 1954. Here are some of the most controversial comic books from that period.
Fight Against Crime (Prize Publications)
Fight Against Crime - PS Magazines - Issue 1
Fight Against Crime, published by Prize Publications starting in 1947, became controversial primarily due to its depiction of explicit and often graphic violence, which was deemed excessive for the time. The comic series featured a range of crime stories that frequently included intense and brutal portrayals of criminal activity, punishment, and retribution. This focus on graphic violence and the often stark portrayal of crime and its consequences were seen as pushing the boundaries of acceptable content in comic books, particularly given the post-war climate when there was growing concern about the impact of such material on young readers. Critics worried that the sensationalised depiction of crime could desensitise children to violence and skew their understanding of morality.
The controversy surrounding Fight Against Crime was further fuelled by its perceived impact on juvenile delinquency. Psychologist Fredric Wertham, in his influential book "Seduction of the Innocent," argued that crime comics like this one contributed to antisocial behaviour among youths. The series was also a focal point during the 1954 Senate Subcommittee on Juvenile Delinquency hearings, which scrutinised the potential harmful effects of violent media on children. This widespread criticism and concern eventually led to the establishment of the Comics Code Authority (CCA) in 1954, which imposed strict guidelines on comic book content to curb such influences.
Fredric Wertham's 1954 Seduction of the Innocent Cover
Suspense Comics #3 (Continental Magazines)
Suspense Comics - Facsimile Edition - Issue 3
Suspense Comics #3, published by Continental Magazines in 1944, stirred significant controversy due to its provocative and unsettling content, particularly in the context of the era's prevailing norms. The cover of this issue, depicted a scantily clad woman being tortured by a Nazi officer. The graphic and suggestive nature of the cover was highly controversial and led to public outcry over the exploitation of sex and violence in comics. This departure from the more sanitised and restrained content typical of the time sparked outrage among parents, educators, and community leaders, who were concerned about the potential influence of such material on young readers.
The Spirit (Quality Comics)
The Spirit - Trade Paperback Edition - Volume 1
Will Eisner's The Spirit was controversial primarily because of its innovative but provocative content that challenged the norms of comic book storytelling in the early 1940s. Eisner's incorporation of mature themes, such as crime, corruption, and moral ambiguity, in a format traditionally associated with juvenile entertainment, was groundbreaking but also unsettling to some. His stories often featured complex characters and intricate plots, which included elements of social commentary and psychological depth that were considered too sophisticated and unsettling for the time. The gritty realism and occasional dark humour in The Spirit pushed boundaries and drew criticism from those who felt that comic books should adhere to a more straightforward, sanitised portrayal of heroism and morality.
Adventures into the Unknown (American Comic Groups)
Adventures into the Unknown - Trade Paperback Edition - Volume 24
Adventures into the Unknown, published by American Comics Group (ACG) in the early 1950s, was controversial primarily due to its exploration of supernatural and horror themes during a time of heightened sensitivity to such subjects. The comic series delved into eerie and macabre stories that often included ghostly apparitions, eerie phenomena, and other elements of the supernatural. This focus on horror and the occult clashed with the prevailing standards of the era, which were increasingly wary of material that could be perceived as too disturbing or potentially harmful to young readers. The graphic depiction of supernatural elements in Adventures into the Unknown provoked concerns among parents, educators, and censorship advocates who feared that such content could negatively influence children's minds and contribute to societal fears about the impact of horror on impressionable audiences. Furthermore, Adventures into the Unknown became a focal point in the broader debate over comic book content and censorship during the early 1950s, a period marked by the rise of the Comics Code Authority (CCA).
Black Cat Mysteries (Harvey Comics)
Black Cat Mysteries - Trade Paperback Edition - Volume 5
Black Cat Mysteries, published by Harvey Comics in the 1940s, became controversial primarily due to its inclusion of mature and violent content in a medium predominantly aimed at younger audiences. The series, featuring the titular character, Black Cat, delved into crime, supernatural occurrences, and intense conflict, often depicted in a manner that some considered excessive for its intended readership. This blend of graphic violence and adult themes challenged the conventions of the time, leading to criticism from parents and watchdog groups concerned about the potential impact of such content on children. The comic’s more adult-oriented storytelling was seen as inappropriate for its audience and was critisised for its potential to corrupt young minds.
Blue Beetle #54 (Fox Feature Syndicate)
Blue Beetle - Trade Paperback Edition - Volume 1
Blue Beetle #54, published by Fox Feature Syndicate in 1942, stirred controversy primarily due to its portrayal of racial stereotypes and its depiction of a racially charged villain. In this particular issue, the character of Blue Beetle, who was portrayed as a heroic crimefighter, faced off against an antagonist who embodied exaggerated and offensive racial caricatures. This portrayal drew significant backlash from various communities and advocacy groups, who criticised the comic for perpetuating harmful stereotypes and contributing to racial insensitivity. The depiction of such themes in a popular comic book was particularly jarring given the evolving social awareness regarding racial issues during the 1940s.
Jungle Comics (Fiction House)
Jungle Comics - Slipcase Edition - Volume 1
Jungle Comics, published by Fiction House from the late 1930s to the early 1950s, was controversial due to its problematic portrayal of racial and cultural stereotypes. The series, set in fictionalised versions of exotic jungles, often depicted characters and themes rooted in colonialist and racist tropes. The portrayal of indigenous people, both in terms of appearance and behaviour, was heavily caricatured and presented in ways that reinforced harmful stereotypes of the time. This aspect of the comic drew criticism from various groups who were concerned about the perpetuation of such depictions and their impact on readers’ perceptions of race and culture.
Daredevil #1 (Lev Gleason Publications)
Daredevil - Slipcase Edition - Volume 1
Daredevil #1, published by Lev Gleason Publications in 1941, became controversial due to its depiction of violent and morally ambiguous content that was deemed unsuitable for the era's comic book audience. The comic introduced the character of Daredevil, a vigilante who fought crime with a mix of brutal tactics and morally complex decisions. Unlike many of his contemporaries, Daredevil's methods and actions were often depicted as harsh and morally ambiguous, challenging the conventional norms of superhero behavior and ethics. This departure from the more black-and-white morality typical of superhero comics at the time led to criticism from those who felt that the comic's portrayal of violence and the protagonist's methods were inappropriate for younger readers.
Eerie (Avon Publications)
Eerie - Bookshop Edition - Volume 1
Eerie, published by Avon Publications starting in 1947, was controversial primarily due to its explicit horror content and sensationalist themes that defied the prevailing standards of the time. The comic was notable for its dark and graphic storytelling, which often included detailed depictions of violence, gore, and the macabre. Stories frequently involved supernatural elements such as ghosts, monsters, and witchcraft, presented with a level of graphic intensity that was quite shocking for the era. This approach was seen as pushing the boundaries of what was considered acceptable in comic books, particularly during the post-war period when there was heightened sensitivity to the content of children's media.
"Planet Comics" (Fiction House)
Planet Comics - Trade Paperback Edition - Volume 20
Planet Comics, published by Fiction House from 1940 to 1953, was controversial due to its provocative content and themes, which included both mature and sensational elements that challenged the norms of its time. The series, which featured science fiction and adventure stories set in exotic and fantastical settings, often incorporated themes of violence, exploitation, and sensationalism. The depiction of female characters in Planet Comics was particularly contentious; they were frequently portrayed in revealing outfits and put in perilous situations that emphasised their vulnerability. Such portrayals drew criticism for being overly sexualised and exploitative, which was seen as inappropriate for a medium that included young readers.
Looking back at some of those covers again - no wonder there was a public outcry. Talk about gruesome and nasty !