Panic (comics)

If you are a fan of comics, especially those from the Golden Age of comics, then the name Panic Comics may ring a bell to you. Published by Trojan Magazines, panic comics had a brief but impactful run in the late 1940s and early 1950s. Although Panic Comics is not as famous as other titles from that era such as Action Comics, Detective Comics, or Marvel Comics, it still remains a significant part of comic book history.

Panic Comics was a horror-themed comic book that featured stories of monsters, vampires, ghosts, and other supernatural beings. It had a total of twelve issues that ran from 1953 to 1955. Each issue had a different cover, which was usually a creepy and haunting image of one of the characters from the comic. Panic Comics was printed in black and white, which added to its horror and suspenseful atmosphere.

One of the most notable things about Panic Comics was its artwork. The illustrations were done by some of the most talented artists of that era, including Ross Andru, Mike Esposito, and Carmine Infantino. These artists were known for their unique and imaginative style, which perfectly complemented the horror theme of the comic.

Panic Comics was also known for its unconventional storytelling. The stories were often surreal and had unexpected twists and turns that left readers on edge. One of the most memorable stories from Panic Comics is “The Corpse That Continued to Live,” which was published in issue 9. The story follows a man who is forced to dig up a corpse to retrieve a valuable ring that the corpse was wearing. However, when he brings the ring back to his home, he realizes that the corpse has come back to life and is seeking revenge.

As the horror genre became more popular in the 1950s, comic books like Panic Comics came under fire from conservative groups who believed that they were contributing to juvenile delinquency. The publication of the infamous book, Seduction of the Innocent, which claimed that comics were a corrupting influence on children, led to the creation of the Comics Code Authority. This authority imposed strict rules on comic book publishers to ensure that their comics were suitable for all ages.

Due to its horror theme, Panic Comics fell victim to the Comics Code Authority’s censorship. Its final issue, number 12, was significantly toned down from its previous issues, and the comic book eventually went out of print.

Despite its short-lived run, Panic Comics remains a beloved part of comic book history. It provided readers with spine-tingling stories and stunning artwork that continue to captivate audiences to this day. While it is unfortunate that Panic Comics was a victim of censorship, its legacy as a Golden Age horror comic is still celebrated by fans of the genre.

In conclusion, Panic Comics was a significant part of comic book history that showcased some of the most talented artists and writers of its era. Its horror-themed stories and illustrations continue to inspire and terrify readers to this day. While its run was short-lived, it remains a testament to the power of comics as a storytelling medium. So, if you are a lover of comics and horror, give Panic Comics a chance, and you might just find yourself caught in its web of terror!