Dr. Werthless

He Studied Murder And Nearly Killed the Comics Industry!

From the team behind the award-winning “Did You Hear What Eddie Gein Done?” comes a nonfiction graphic novel examining Dr. Fredric Wertham, of one of the most polarizing figures in pop culture history.

Wertham wrote Seduction of the Innocent (1954), asserting that comic books were a cause of juvenile delinquency. His testimony before Congress about the supposed dangers of comics helped lead to the creation of the Comics Code Authority, and to Wertham being reviled by comic book fans as a witch-hunting zealot who stirred up a panic among parents for his own self-promoting purposes.

Wertham was also a renowned psychiatrist who, among other accomplishments, opened a clinic in Harlem for disadvantaged African-American patients and played an important role in the desegregation of the nation's schools.

Believing that murder could be abolished through a proper understanding of the mental and social roots of criminal violence, he took a genuinely humane approach to some of the most notorious homicidal maniacs of his time, while simultaneously exploiting their stories for his own commercial ends.

Acclaimed true crime author, Harold Schechter, and multiple Eisner award-winning cartoonist, Eric Powell, present a graphic novel that takes an unbiased look at this flawed and complex man, whose obsessive dream of freeing the world from violence nearly murdered the comics industry.


Featured in Booklist's Top 10 Graphic Biographies & Memoirs: 2025!


"Brutal, beautiful, and brilliant."—Matt Fraction (Hawkeye)

“A compelling biography that challenges readers to reconsider their assumptions and poses provocative questions about censorship and the influence of popular culture...a rich, layered portrait of a man commonly viewed as a villain. ”—Library Journal

“Dr. Werthless is an indispensable look at American history and the battle against censorship.” —David Walker (Bitter Root, The Black Panther Party: a Graphic Novel History)

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Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs