I would say that it is very unlikely that Los Angeles City Councilman Ernest Debs is showing off his personal collection of EC Comics in this photograph. The picture was snapped in 1954 and was likely connected to the outcry over comic book content that was incited by the publication of the book Seduction of the Innocent by Frederic Wertham. That outcry ultimately led to to Senate Subcommittee hearings during the spring of 1954 that examined closely comic book content, especially within the crime and horror genres. As a result, the comic book industry voluntarily adopted the Comics Code Authority.
Monday, August 18, 2008
Windows to the Past: Ernest Debs' Comic Book Collection
I would say that it is very unlikely that Los Angeles City Councilman Ernest Debs is showing off his personal collection of EC Comics in this photograph. The picture was snapped in 1954 and was likely connected to the outcry over comic book content that was incited by the publication of the book Seduction of the Innocent by Frederic Wertham. That outcry ultimately led to to Senate Subcommittee hearings during the spring of 1954 that examined closely comic book content, especially within the crime and horror genres. As a result, the comic book industry voluntarily adopted the Comics Code Authority.
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2 comments:
I do wonder...
If the Internet wasn't such a great communication tool, would the Government be going after it, as well?
I guess Senators need their e-mail and YouTube too!
Do you think the Code hjelped to create a stronger Comic book industry or a weaker, more commercial one?
For a great perspective on this subject, I recommend reading THE 10-CENT PLAGUE by David Hadju.
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