Polite Dissent

What commentary could exist on pyschologists and psychiatrists in comic books without touching on two real-life doctors who significantly influenced the history of comic books?

Dr. Frederic Wertham, writer of the infamous (and flawed) book Seduction of the Innocent, was a psychiatrist who was convinced that comic books were directly responsible for juvenile delinquency. His outspoken views led to congressional hearings, the fall of E.C., and the institution of the comics code. An excellent article on Wertham can be found here.

Dr. William Moulton Marston was a psychologist and an educational consultant for Detective Comics in the 1940s. Concerned that their were no female super-heroes, and thus no role models for female readers, Marston created Wonder Woman, who debuted in All Star Comics #8. An interesting article from the August 14, 1942 issue of Family Circle concerning Marston can be found here (link courtesy of Wonder Woman Online).