Superheroes in WWII Comics: Symbols of Values and Ideals

During World War II, superheroes in comics showed what was important to the country.

Patriotism and Determination:

• One of the most famous characters, Captain America, came out in 1941. He fought against the bad guys from the Axis powers, showing American pride.
• Around 70% of comics published during the war had themes about being patriotic and standing strong.

Right and Wrong:

• Superheroes in these comics often stood for what was right. They fought against villains who were based on real-life dictators, like Hitler.
• More than 200 million comics were sold during the war, showing how much people wanted these stories.

Messaging and Support:

• Comics were also used to support the military. More than 1,000 comic strips were made to help teach soldiers and boost their spirits.
• The U.S. government wanted more people to read comics. Because of this, over 90% of American boys read comics during this time.