Criminal For the Sake of American Youth
Nov 22, 2024
Saladin Ahmed, a comic book writer known for his engaging storytelling and fresh perspectives, joins the discussion to dive into the intersection of youth crime and comic books. They explore how comic book culture in the 1940s and 50s sparked concerns about juvenile delinquency. Ahmed discusses the societal fears surrounding comic narratives and their potential influence on young readers. The conversation also touches on the historical scrutiny comic books faced during the infamous Senate hearings and the lasting impact of these controversies on the comic industry.
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Plane Theft
- Two fifth-graders stole a plane in 1948, inspired by comic books.
- One claimed to have learned how to fly from reading a comic book.
Phantom Strikes
- In 1952, a 13-year-old boy robbed six houses, leaving notes signed "The Phantom Strikes Again".
- He admitted to copying crimes he saw in comic books.
Rising Crime Rates
- Juvenile crime rates more than doubled between 1948 and 1956.
- This rise in crime led to a Senate subcommittee investigation into the influence of comic books.
