American comic book

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Publication information
Publisher	Various
Schedule
Format
Genre
Publication date	Early 20th century - present
No. of issues
Main character(s)	Various
ISSN

The American comic book is a publication, typically in the form of a periodical, which consists of comic art in the form of sequential juxtaposed panels that represent individual scenes. Panels are often accompanied by brief descriptive prose and written narratives, and are usually used to tell stories in almost any genre.

History

The history of American comic books is commonly divided into different "ages" to denote significant shifts in the industry:

• Golden Age (1930s-1950s): This era saw the emergence of major characters such as Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman, and marked the advent of the superhero genre.
• Silver Age (1956-1970): During this period, comic books became more sophisticated, with the revival of superheroes and the introduction of the Marvel Comics characters like Spider-Man and X-Men.
• Bronze Age (1970s-1985): This age is noted for addressing more serious social issues through its stories, including drug use, racism, and environmental concerns.
• Modern Age (1985-present): Characterized by a diversity of styles and genres, and an increased focus on complex narratives and character development.

Cultural Impact

American comic books have had a significant impact on global popular culture. They have inspired a vast array of media, including films, television series, and video games, particularly through the adaptation of comic book characters and stories. The characters and narratives of comic books have deeply influenced youth culture and have played a role in shaping the American identity.

Genres

While superhero stories are the most iconic, American comic books cover a wide range of genres, including:

• Science fiction
• Horror
• Fantasy
• Mystery
• Romance

Production

The production of an American comic book involves several roles, including:

• Writers
• Pencillers
• Inkers
• Colorists
• Letterers
• Editors

Distribution and Publication

American comic books are distributed through comic book stores and other retail outlets, including online platforms. The traditional format is the single-issue, thin periodical publications, but many stories are also reprinted in larger collections known as trade paperbacks.

See Also

• List of comic book publishers in the United States
• Graphic novel
• Comic book collecting