Criminology in the Frame: Graphic Narratives and the Study of Crime

This chapter delves into the dynamic intersection of criminology and comics, showcasing their role in shaping cultural views on crime, justice, and law enforcement. Beyond entertainment, comics have documented criminological themes, blended journalism and biography, and served as educational tools. Three key forms of knowledge emerge: popular, documentary, and pedagogical. From the pseudoscientific roots of criminology influencing early comics to the mid-twentieth-century moral panics over their ‘criminogenic’ potential, the chapter explores how these narratives mirror societal anxieties. Superhero tales dissect vigilantism and justice, while graphic journalism and true crime comics illuminate real-world issues with a compelling lens. Positioned as both cultural artifacts and tools for insight, comics are a vital resource for criminological exploration and education.