The following sections of this BookRags Literature Study Guide is offprint from Gale's For Students Series: Presenting Analysis, Context, and Criticism on Commonly Studied Works: Introduction, Author Biography, Plot Summary, Characters, Themes, Style, Historical Context, Critical Overview, Criticism and Critical Essays, Media Adaptations, Topics for Further Study, Compare & Contrast, What Do I Read Next?, For Further Study, and Sources.
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The following sections, if they exist, are offprint from Beacham's Encyclopedia of Popular Fiction: "Social Concerns", "Thematic Overview", "Techniques", "Literary Precedents", "Key Questions", "Related Titles", "Adaptations", "Related Web Sites". (c)1994-2005, by Walton Beacham.
The following sections, if they exist, are offprint from Beacham's Guide to Literature for Young Adults: "About the Author", "Overview", "Setting", "Literary Qualities", "Social Sensitivity", "Topics for Discussion", "Ideas for Reports and Papers". (c)1994-2005, by Walton Beacham.
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Crime Does Not Pay was a comic book published from 1942-1955 by the Lev Gleason company. Inspired by the MGM documentary series of the same name, Crime featured material based loosely on true criminal cases. The stories indulged in graphic violence, sadism, and brutality of a sort that was previously unheard of in children's entertainment. Bullet-ridden corpses, burning bodies, and horrific gangland tortures were among the more predictable themes found in these comic books.
An unusual comic book when it first appeared amidst the superheroes of the World War II era, Crime found a huge audience after the war. Arguably the first "adult" comic book, Crime also became one of the most popular titles ever, selling in excess of one million copies monthly. When Crime's formula became widely imitated throughout the industry, it attracted the wrath of critics who charged that crime comic books caused juvenile delinquency.
Benton, Mike. Crime Comics. Dallas, Taylor Publishing, 1993.
Goulart, Ron. Over Fifty Years of American Comic Books. Lincolnwood, Illinois, Mallard Press, 1991.