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.

Further Reading:

Benton, Mike. Crime Comics. Dallas, Taylor Publishing, 1993.

Goulart, Ron. Over Fifty Years of American Comic Books. Lincolnwood, Illinois, Mallard Press, 1991.