Discusses the first ever comic books award luncheon, in which Dr. William C. Menninger claimed that contrary to what was being said by some psychiatrists, comic books do not cause delinquency.
A study conducted by Dr. Averill establishes that 99% of children surveyed identified with the heroes, rather than the villains in comic books. It is suggested that any psychological damage must come from crime and horror comics, rather than…
Utilizes surveys in order to determine that comic books were not actually linked to juvenile delinquency. Rather, poor home life is truly the root cause for delinquency.
Discusses how the State Training School for Boys at Warwick N.Y decided to use comic books as a means of curbing delinquency. The comics utilized were written for the specific purpose of curbing youth violence.
Presents a study in which 62% of American comic books were deemed to be satisfactory reading material for children. Comics were rated according to how objectionable they were.
Psychiatrists cannot agree as to whether or not comic books are causing children to become violent. A majority agree children could be reading better literature, and as such they should visit the library in order to find new, better books to read.
Burton considers how educators can encourage their students to read books other than comics by utilizing "transition books" that carry similar appeal as comics.