In 1956, the comic book world was reborn.
As science reshaped everyday life and the future felt newly possible, comic books followed. Stories turned outward—toward imagination, invention, and worlds larger than reality.
But this new optimism came with limits. Bound by rules and expectations, creators learned to speak indirectly, hiding deeper fears and questions beneath bright colors and bold ideas.
Something was changing.
Comics were growing up.
This is Part 2 of a five-part documentary series examining how comics evolved — and why those changes mattered.
New episodes release weekly.
Anthony Andujar Jr.