The Rise and Fall of a True Crime Comic Legend

The story of the comic book industry in the mid-20th century is marked by a blend of creativity and tragedy, exemplified by the rise and fall of the true crime comic, Crime Does Not Pay. Launched in 1942, the publication became a cultural phenomenon in both the United States and Canada, selling up to six million copies monthly at its peak. The comic book, which depicted notorious criminals and their gruesome fates, was the brainchild of Lev Gleason, alongside creators Charlie Biro and Bob Wood.

The publication thrived by presenting cautionary tales of infamous criminals like Baby Face Nelson and Machine Gun Kelly, capturing the interest of young men with its graphic depictions of violence, drug use, and adult relationships. As the comic’s popularity soared, early issues sold approximately 200,000 copies, climbing to 800,000 by the end of World War II. This success allowed Gleason to offer his creators a share of the profits, a rarity in the industry.

Despite its booming sales, the comic faced significant criticism. Psychiatrist Dr. Fredric Wertham launched a campaign against comics, arguing that they contributed to juvenile delinquency and illiteracy. This backlash culminated in the creation of the Comics Code Authority, which drastically impacted many comic books, including Crime Does Not Pay, leading to its discontinuation with issue #147 in 1955. Canada had already banned crime comics in 1949, reflecting a growing concern over their impact on youth.

From Success to Tragedy

Following the abrupt end of Crime Does Not Pay, Biro transitioned to a position as a graphic artist for NBC. Wood, however, struggled with personal demons, including alcoholism, which contributed to a tumultuous life. His downfall became public on August 27, 1958, when he was found in a disheveled state by a taxi driver named Paul Feingold. Wood confided in Feingold about his troubles, claiming, “I killed a woman who was giving me a bad time.”

Authorities discovered the body of Violette Phillips, a 45-year-old divorcee, in a hotel room where Wood had been staying. The scene was one of chaos, with empty liquor bottles strewn about and Phillips’ body showing signs of severe violence. The irony was not lost on observers; a co-founder of a comic that portrayed criminals facing justice became embroiled in a real-life murder.

Wood ultimately pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter and received a three-year sentence at Sing Sing prison. When he was released in 1963, his career in comics was effectively over. He struggled to find work and eventually took a job as a dishwasher in New Jersey.

A Tragic End

Wood’s life took another tragic turn as he became entangled in various vices, including gambling and alcohol. Speculation arose regarding the circumstances of his death on November 7, 1966, when he was found dead on the New Jersey Turnpike. Some reports suggested he might have owed money to individuals he met while incarcerated, while others hinted at an accident. Regardless of the true nature of his demise, it was a stark reminder of how far Wood had fallen from the heights of comic book success.

The history of Crime Does Not Pay serves as a cautionary tale, illustrating the thin line between fiction and reality in the world of crime. The tragedy of Bob Wood highlights the darker side of fame and fortune, revealing the often-unseen struggles faced by those who created the stories that captivated a generation. In the end, the comic’s catchy title proved to be a bitter irony, as it became clear that, for Wood, crime did indeed pay, but not in any way that he could have anticipated.