"Comic Book Confidential" Documentary Clip
Comic Books
A clip from the 1988 film "Comic Book Confidential." The video features an interview with Dr. Fredric Wertham in which he condemns comics for corrupting children
Ron Mann (director)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_L7tHhnDw8s&feature=youtu.be
ViPlusGonzoArcade<br />published via YouTube.com
16 July 2011
Don Haig, Martin Harbury, and Charles Lippincott (producers); Ron Mann and Charles Lippincott (writers)
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/static?template=terms">Standard YouTube License</a>
Youtube Video Clip
Moving Image
What Parents Don't Know About Comic Books
Magazine Articles
A magazine article written by Wertham. He argues that juvenile delinquency is becoming more prevalent and violent due to the popularity of comics with children.
Wertham, Fredric (writer)
Ladies' Home Journal
1 November 1953
Ladies' Home Journal
PDF
Magazine Article
Horror in the Nursery
Magazine Articles
Presents the first publication of Fredric Wertham's findings on comics.
Crist, Judith (writer)
Collier's Magazine
27 March 1948
PDF
Magazine Article
War Declared on Lewd Books
Newspaper Articles
Discusses the war on lewd comics that was taking place in the 1950's, in which people found producing or selling "lewd" comic books could be prosecuted.
Unknown
Abilene Reporter News
11 February 1957
Journal Media Group
PDF
Newspaper Article
Sex and Crime Featured in 'Comic' Books Sold in City: Syracuse Tour Reveals Variety of Spicy Tales: State Committee Issues Threat of Censorship
Newspaper Articles
Explores the New York State Joint Legislative Committee's attempts to censor crime and love comics in 1951. The image features a number of the popular comics of the time laid out on a table.
Berger, Dick (writer)
Syracuse Post Standard
13 May 1951
The Post-Standard
PDF, JPG
Newspaper Article
Sales of Books Said Down: Youth Crime Rise Sparks Anti-Horror Comic Drive
Newspaper Articles
One of many articles that were written by Sigrid Arne on the topic of the backlash against comic books. Looks at how the war on comics was having a profound effect on the popularity of comics.
Arne, Sigrid (writer)
San Antonio Express and News
17 October 1954
San Antonio Express-News
PDF, JPG
Newspaper Article
Just a Few Words
Newspaper Articles
Claims that because little Johnny is reading crime comics, he will one day run over an old lady and leave her to die in the street.
Williams, Bill (writer)
Gastonia Gazette
7 November 1953
The Gaston Gazette
PDF
Newspaper Article
Encourage Good Reading Habits Best Way of Abolishing Comics Panel Discussion Decides Here: Sponsored by Women's Council
Newspaper Articles
Looks to schools and parents as being the ones that must take control of a child's reading habits, so as to instill in them a want to read books over comics.
Unknown
Portage La Prairie Leader
24 April 1952
PDF, JPG
Newspaper Article
Controversy Widens Over Comic Book Issues
Newspaper Articles
States that the public's reading tastes are changing as a result of newspaper coverage of the ongoing crisis. Some comic book publishers and distributors are choosing to self-censor, but this effort is not enough to protect children.
Arne, Sigrid (writer)
The Cedar Rapids Gazette
17 October 1954
The Gazette
PDF, JPG
Newspaper Article
Comic' Books - Who Are Their Readers: Nine Children of Every 10 are Subjected to Effect of Crime-Story Thrillers: Surveys Show Vast Audience of Impressionable Youngsters Under Influence of Publications
Newspaper Articles
A number of statistics are given about how many children read comic books.
Unknown
Southtown Economist
4 April 1945
Daily Southtown
PDF
Newspaper Article