Impact

Introduction

Impact was an American comic book magazine published by EC Comics in the 1950s. It was one of several comics published by EC that helped to revolutionize the comics industry by introducing darker and more mature themes.

History

Impact was first published by EC Comics in the summer of 1955. The magazine was edited by Al Feldstein, who was also responsible for editing EC's other popular comics, including Tales from the Crypt and Weird Science.

The magazine was created in response to the growing popularity of superhero comics, which were dominating the market at the time. Impact was intended to offer readers a new type of comic, one that was darker and more mature than the superhero stories that were being published.

Content

Impact was known for its graphic and often violent stories. The magazine featured a mix of original stories and adaptations of popular works of literature, such as Edgar Allan Poe's "The Tell-Tale Heart" and H.G. Wells' "The Island of Dr. Moreau."

The magazine's stories were often critical of social and political issues of the time, including racism and McCarthyism.

Audience and Reception

Impact was initially popular with readers who were looking for something different from the superhero comics that dominated the market. However, the magazine's graphic content soon attracted the attention of parents and educators, who were concerned about the effects that it might have on young readers.

In response to this concern, the United States Senate Subcommittee on Juvenile Delinquency launched an investigation into the comics industry. Impact was one of the comics that was cited as being particularly harmful to young readers.

Cessation of Publication

In 1955, EC Comics began to introduce a self-regulatory code that would limit the graphic content of its comics. Impact was one of the magazines that was affected by this code, and its content became less violent as a result.

Impact ceased publication in 1956, along with several other EC Comics magazines. However, its influence on the comics industry can still be seen today, as its darker and more mature themes helped to pave the way for other comics that followed in its wake.{{Categories}}