Crime Does Not Pay (comics)

Crime Does Not Pay was an American horror comic book series published by Lev Gleason Publications from 1942 to 1955. It is widely considered one of the most notorious and influential titles of the Golden Age of comics, and is often cited as a primary target during the anti-comics crusade led by Fredric Wertham and others in the 1950s.

The series was known for its graphically violent and lurid depictions of criminal activity, featuring stories of gangsters, murderers, and other evildoers meeting gruesome and often ironic ends. While the title's stated purpose was to demonstrate the consequences of crime, its sensationalistic content drew criticism for potentially glorifying violence and corrupting young readers.

Crime Does Not Pay proved immensely popular, becoming one of the best-selling comics of its era. Its success spawned numerous imitators, contributing to a wave of crime and horror comics that saturated the market.

The comic book series was a key exhibit in Wertham's book Seduction of the Innocent, and the focus of much Congressional scrutiny during the 1954 Senate Subcommittee Hearings on Juvenile Delinquency. This ultimately led to the creation of the Comics Code Authority (CCA), a self-censorship body established by the comics industry. Crime Does Not Pay ceased publication shortly after the CCA was established, as its content was deemed unacceptable under the new code.

The legacy of Crime Does Not Pay lies in its impact on the history of comic books and its role in the debate over media censorship and its potential effects on youth. Despite the controversy surrounding it, the series is now viewed by some as an important and historically significant example of the genre.