Comic books have been around for longer than many people may believe. It’s pretty cool to think that the first comic to ever be released was published in Europe over 170 years ago – The Adventures of Obadiah Oldbuck. Since then, the comic book industry has only grown, with annual sales surpassing $1 billion.
How did comic books become so popular? That’s a long story, but below, we’ll be discussing a brief history of the evolution of comic books! Everything from the simple beginning to how they were used for propaganda during the war. There’s so much to learn, so if you’re intrigued, keep reading.
The Platinum Age
The unique style of storytelling didn’t become popular or common until the 1870s, even though the first comic book was released in the early 1800s. This era would become known as the Platinum Age.
Most comics during this time were based on political cartoons and used as propaganda. One of the most popular books published pre-1900s was The Yellow Kid in McFadden’s Flat. It was in this publication that the term ‘comic book’ was first coined.
Comic books could be about everything from superheroes and cars to politicians and sports. These Super Bowl betting apps are great for people who enjoy sports comic books and want a football theme in their betting.
Glossy covers and bold illustrations, the standard format of comics that we see today, first made an appearance around the 1920’s. This change in format, in 1935, also brought with it the first official ‘superhero’ comic book release. The popularity of these books dramatically increased after this. While it started with older audiences, the development of more complex artworks and more detailed storylines led to mainstream popularity.
The Golden Age
The mid-1900s marked the start of the Golden Age. As a result of WWII, most comics were still heavily based on political and war themes. It was in this age that many of the most iconic comic book heroes we know today started making their appearances. Superheroes like Captain America, Wonder Woman, and Superman came out of this time.
These new heroes provided people with a simple pastime to keep busy. It’s no surprise that the popularity of comic books skyrocketed. On top of that, comics were used to try to persuade young men to join the army, as military service was often glorified in the books. There isn’t a more obvious example of how comics were used in this way than good old Cap himself – Captain America.
The Introduction of Superheroes
During the late 1960s, superheroes began reinventing themselves. Marvel Comics became the most popular publishers, but they were (and still are) closely contested by DC Comics.
Superheroes weren’t the only big thing in town, though! This era also saw horror-themed comics starting to make an appearance thanks to restrictions on violence in media loosening up a little.
Before, comic books had always been socially motivated, but even still, many darker themes, such as racial exclusion, were avoided completely. However, the release of comics such as The Black Panther and Storm marked a change in that! It was the dawning of a new era.
Conclusion
From their humble beginnings to the diverse and powerful storytelling medium of today, comic books have evolved a lot. This colorful journey reflects the resilience and adaptability of this amazing entertainment.
Though there are simple topics and they’re fun to read, they also often mirror what’s happening in the world. So, you see, they’re more than just heroes in tights; they’re a social commentary, and that makes them powerful tools to be wielded very carefully.
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