Linked Table of Contents:
Introduction
Superman and Batman, as well as corporations such as Marvel and DC, are typically associated with comics. American comics, especially Marvel and DC comic books, have grown in popularity with the 2002 release of Spiderman, starring Tobey Maguire. Everyone knows Superman or Iron Man.
What Are Comics, Exactly?
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Comics are a visual and spoken narrative medium in their most basic form. Comics are (perhaps) simpler to read than other narrative genres such as essays and novels.
Platinum Age (1897–1938)
The first full-colour comic book in the now-standard format, 6 5/8 x 10 1/4 in, Populaire en Angleterre et aux Etats-Unis, The Yellow Kid in McFadden's Flats, was originally published in 1897.
Golden Age (1938–1956)
A new Golden Age of Comics began in 1938 with Superman. Batman was born in 1940. Two prominent Golden Age superheroes are Wonder Woman and The Flash.
People may wonder why this occurred while comics were selling up to 1.5 million copies every month.
To put it in perspective, the Golden Age was during World War II. Hence, the superheroes were shown as fighting evil, with the main villains being Hitler and Nazism. The era saw the apex of patriotism through such works. Superheroes' attraction diminished as the Golden Age progressed.
Silver Age (1956–1970)
By the beginning of the Golden Age, readers were sick of superhero stories. They want novelty. During the Cold War, people complained that Wonder Woman was in servitude, Batman and Robin appeared gay, and Superman was a symbol of fascist ideas.
The genre was criticised for being too extreme, encouraging kids to misbehave. Several horror, romance, and mystery titles were cancelled.
Thanks to the Comics Code Authority, the Silver Age brought back superhero comics with humour, frivolity, and new topics.
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Bronze Age (1970–1985)
Looser limits allowed darker themes and stories to return to Bronze Age comics addressing real-life social issues.The Bronze Age began imitating American culture, from drug use to vampires to racism. A new generation of young authors with new viewpoints and daring narratives emerged.
Dark Age (1985–1996)
In the Dark Age, Alan Moore's Watchmen epitomised the anti-hero genre. Exciting new stories about Superman's demise and heroic murderers were presented. Sadly, comic book sales remained stagnant, and Marvel filed for bankruptcy in 1996.
Modern Age (1985–Present)
Modern comics are from the Modern Era. The psychologically complex characters and story twists have made it famous. After being adapted for movies and other media, comics re-emerged.
Characters such as Iron Man and Tony Stark became household names due to well-planned and executed Marvel Universe flicks (we won't even go into the DC Universe).
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Conclusion
American comics have progressed from pure good vs. evil to current cultural themes and real-life societal challenges across many generations. In today's world, comic books mirror who we are. It is a mirror image of ourselves. That is, in fact, a positive thing.
FAQs
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What was the first American comic?
Funnies on Parade was the first American comic book.
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Are comic books educational?
Comic book heroes do more than rescue the world in their fictional realms. They educate us on the last 80 years of American history.
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Who founded American comics?
Richard F. Outcault, who created the 1890s comic strip "The Yellow Kid," was undoubtedly the "founder of comics." He created other current comics tropes such as speech balloons.
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What is the oldest comic book?
Because it has "comic book" written on the back cover, The Yellow Kid in McFadden's Flats is thought to be the first.
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How did comics books originate?
Comics appeared in the 1930s. Initially reprinting newspaper cartoons, the volumes eventually developed their material. In 1938, Action Comics #1 introduced Superman to comic books.
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