Dan Keyes

The best thing that can be said about this book is that it is an interesting snapshot into the comics industry of the 1950s. The characters and the visuals are a trip back in time. After that, it is pretty much negative. The introduction explains that these comics represent an introduction into psychoanalysis and much of the timeline is not representative of reality. However, what you read is just too much. Most every well-known aspect of psychoanalysis appears in the treatment of three characters - a teenage boy, a young woman, and a professional man - and they are all "cured" in 3-4 sessions. Yes, it is an introduction to basic aspects of the the field but the result is dangerously inaccurate. It could be argued that no one would take such a book seriously but you know that reader is out there. Submitted by SNW 5/9/24… (meer)

A journey into the subconscious minds of three people searching for answers and peace through personal turmoil

In The EC Archives: Psychoanalysis, Dark Horse is reprinting volumes 1 - 4 of Psychoanalysis in graphic novel form. First released in 1955, it was written by Dan Keyes (Flowers for Algernon) with art by Jack Kamen and Marie Severin.

The novel tells the story of three people who are seeking help from a Psychiatrist:

Freddy Carter, 15, who is being brought to see the Psychiatrist because, despite wealthy parents, he has been caught stealing from his much poorer friend

Ellen Lyman who is suffering from migraine headaches with no apparent physical cause

Mark Stone, 28, who despite financial success seems to his own worst enemy

The comics follow their stories from their first meeting with the psychiatrist through their therapy. Although the editor admits that Keyes has taken some liberties with the procedures used by psychiatrists, it gives an interesting look at the state of psychoanalysis at the time.

As interesting as the comic itself is, the Introduction by Grant Geissman and Forward by Bob Burden were just as if not more interesting, at least to me. They give the reader the history of EC from its 'rather modest beginnings' in 1945 to its end in1985 with only Mad Magazine (first issue 1956) left in its titles as well as a bit of the history of Psychoanalysis.

But, perhaps, because I loved comics when I was a kid (although this one was a bit before my time), I think I most enjoyed seeing the advertisements, the letters from readers and editorials that filled the middle pages of comics. I mean, seriously, what Silent or Boomer kid back in the middle of the 20th c didn't want that chemistry set or to try the Norman Rockwell art test?

Overall, an entertaining look at both the history of comics and psychoanalysis in the mid-20th c. And if that isn't enough to entice readers, it is also very well-written by Keyes and the art is in full colour and gorgeous.

Thanks to Edelweiss+ and Dark Horse for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review… (meer)