THE CASE AGAINST THE COMICS

Second only to Dr. Fredric Wertham in decrying the so-called dangers of comic books in the 1940's and into the 50's was the Catholic Church. Bishops and other Catholic clergy were pervasive in their outcries during this period and their anti-comics campaign included a number of publications that enumerated their distaste with the objectionable material they claimed was rotting the souls of children who read them.

Timeless Topix was one such publication. Printed under the auspices of the Catechetical Guild Educational Society it strove to provide the proper guidance for youngsters by publishing what they considered a wholesome alternative to mainstream comics. In addition to comics, they published "educational" material for grown-ups intended to further their anti-comics agenda.

Shown below is one example, "The Case Against the Comics", a 28-page pamphlet published in 1944 written by Gabriel Lynn.

One would think if they were so fastidious abut children's education the Guild would have gone through the trouble of spelling "topix" correctly!

The Catechetical Guild also published several comics that are prized by "esoteric" comic collectors: IS THIS TOMORROW? (1947), BLOOD IS THE HARVEST (1950), and IF THE DEVIL WOULD TALK (1950; 1958). On a side note: Charles Schulz, the creator of PEANUTS got one of his first jobs lettering for Timely Topix.

NOTE: The image at the top of this post is from an 8-page summary of the full version below that was used as a supplement in other Guild publications.

THE TRUTH ABOUT COMICS

 

This anti-comics screed was published in late 1953/early 1954 by Back to Bible Publishers, Lincoln, Nebraska. Written by Ruth I. Johnson, it's disapproving sentiment regarding comic books is typical of the times, when similar newspaper and magazine articles sprung up like mushrooms across the country.

Ms. Johnson uses quotes from Dr. Fredric Wertham's article, "What Parents Don't Know About Comics" from the November 1953 LADIES' HOME JOURNAL, all infused with religious intonations warning about the dangers of the foul tomes.

Back to the Bible is a still-active international Christian ministry founded in Lincoln, Nebraska in 1939 by Protestant evangelist Theodore H. Epp (January 27, 1907 – October 13, 1985). His "Back to the Bible" syndicated radio show was heard on over 800 radio stations from 1939-1985. It is not known if his radio program discussed comic books or not, but his publishing company was ready to print any number of this 8-page pamphlet to anyone who requested it.