The silver age

Post-World War II, the comic book industry faced scrutiny over content deemed inappropriate for youth. In 1954, psychiatrist Fredric Wertham published “Seduction of the Innocent,” arguing that comic books were a negative influence on children. This led to Senate hearings and the establishment of the Comics Code Authority (CCA), which imposed strict content guidelines.

Despite these constraints, the 1960s and 1970s, known as the Silver Age of Comic Books, witnessed a creative renaissance. Publishers like Marvel Comics introduced complex characters with human flaws, such as Spider-Man and the X-Men, appealing to a more mature audience. Concurrently, the term “graphic novel” was coined in 1964 by Richard Kyle, signifying a shift towards longer, more sophisticated narratives.