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Frankenstein Comic
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Frankenstein Comic
US comic cited as an example of the need to prevent the sale of unsuitable comics to children, 1954-1955 Date: 1954-1955
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Media ID 7402855
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10474527
EDITORS COMMENTS
In the mid-1950s, the debate over the suitability of comic books for children reached a fever pitch in the United States. One comic that became a focal point of this controversy was "Frankenstein" by EC Comics, published between 1954 and 1955. This American comic book adaptation of Mary Shelley's classic novel of the same name was considered by some to be inappropriate for young readers due to its graphic depictions of violence and horror. The image from this particular issue of "Frankenstein" comic, now a historical artifact, shows the monstrous creation of Victor Frankenstein coming to life, with sparks flying from the neck of the corpse as it is brought to life by the mad scientist. The background is dark and ominous, adding to the sense of dread and unease. At the time, the comic code authority, a self-regulatory body established to address concerns about the content of comic books, was in the process of being formed. This image, along with others from "Frankenstein" and other comics, was used as evidence of the need for stricter guidelines to prevent the sale of unsuitable material to children. The 1950s were a time of great social and cultural change in America, and the debate over comic books was just one aspect of this broader conversation about what was considered appropriate for young people to read and consume. The image of the Frankenstein monster coming to life in this comic book serves as a reminder of this era and the ongoing debate about the role of fiction, particularly in the form of comic books, in shaping the minds of the next generation. Despite the controversy, "Frankenstein" and other EC Comics continued to be published, albeit with some modifications to tone down the violence and horror. Today, these comics are considered important historical artifacts, offering insights into the cultural and social issues of the time, as well as the enduring appeal of classic stories like "Frankenstein.
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