"Crime Comics Rise" explores the tumultuous history of crime comics in mid-20th century America, detailing their rapid ascent and the subsequent moral panic that nearly eradicated them.

The book argues that the controversy surrounding these comics was rooted in deep-seated societal anxieties about juvenile delinquency and Cold War paranoia, rather than simply objectionable content.

One intriguing fact is that the comics industry itself responded to the pressure by forming the Comics Code Authority (CCA), which significantly altered the landscape of comic book publishing.

The book meticulously charts the evolution of the crime comic genre and analyzes the arguments of those who saw them as a corrupting influence.

It examines the social, political, and psychological forces at play, offering a valuable perspective on media censorship and cultural anxieties.

For instance, the public hearings brought the issue to national attention, revealing the intense feelings surrounding media violence.

The narrative unfolds chronologically, beginning with the emergence of crime comics, progressing through the anti-comics movement, and culminating in the establishment of the CCA.

By examining original comics, archival documents, and government reports, the book provides a comprehensive account of this pivotal moment in comics history and its lasting impact.