Comics are a uniquely American cultural creation, making them an appropriate subject for the study of American history. Comics not only reflect the interests and opinions of society, but they also often contribute to changing society by spreading new ideas and widely held sentiments. Comics have influenced our desires, our attitudes and even our fears. Their popularity began to reach its peak in terms of commercial success and cultural significance during the 1930s, giving rise to the "Golden Age of Comics" which lasted until the 1950s At that time, comic books were a cheap source of entertainment, they helped Americans deal with the bad guys of the New Deal, and they even inspired Americans to fight in World War II. The golden age of comics began with the Great Depression, a time when Americans were looking for new and different ways to brighten their moods in the midst of poverty. At the worst point of the Great Depression, in 1933, one in four Americans who wanted to work were unable to find a job. Thus, Americans sought cheap forms of entertainment, and comic books provided it in the 1930s and 1940s. At ten cents a comic, they were slightly cheaper than a ticket to a movie, and because they could be read more than once, they could be traded among friends. In addition to needing a cheap form of entertainment, the people of the United States of America also needed a hero during the Great Depression and afterwards, and that's exactly what the bands cartoons offered to them. Early comic book heroes, such as Superman, did not fight supervillains, but rather took down the real villains of the New Deal era: corrupt stockbrokers who sold faulty stocks, bosses evil people who refused to provide safe working conditions, and even a United States senator who conspired with munitions... middle of paper ... form of popular cultural entertainment was something that could corrupt the hearts and minds of young people. This ends the golden age of comics. Comic books may no longer be the cultural force they once were, but looking back one can see how great their cultural impact was on the nation in a time of need. “American comics: clash of races and cultures during World War II. » Universe of superheroes. 2002. August 7, 2011. .Krensky, Stephen. Century of Comics: The History of American Comics. Minnesota: 21st Century Books, 2008. Print. Murphy, Keith. “The March of the Patriot Superhero.” Graphic novels/comics @ Suite101. September 30, 2009. August 7. 2011. .