Comic books

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Comic books are a medium used to express ideas with images, often combined with text or other visual information. Comics frequently take the form of juxtaposed sequences of panels of images. Often textual devices such as speech balloons, captions, and onomatopoeia are used to indicate dialogue, narration, sound effects, or other information. The size and arrangement of panels contribute to narrative pacing. Comic books emerged in the United States in the 1930s. The term "comic book" derives from the first book sold as a book reprinted of humorous comic strips, although the term has become synonymous with any book of comic content, even if it is not humorous.

History

The history of comic books dates back to the 18th century, but the comic book as we know it today has its origins in the 1930s in the United States with the publication of books such as Famous Funnies. Early comic books were mostly collections of comic strips that had originally been printed in newspapers. The popularity of these collections led to the creation of original content, marking the birth of the modern comic book.

During the late 1930s and early 1940s, known as the Golden Age of Comic Books, iconic characters such as Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman were created. These characters became staples in the comic book industry and have remained popular to this day.

Genres

Comic books cover a wide range of genres, including but not limited to superhero comics, science fiction, horror, fantasy, and romance. Each genre offers a different storytelling experience and has its own set of fans.

Cultural Impact

Comic books have had a significant impact on popular culture. They have inspired a vast array of media, including television shows, movies, and video games. Characters from comic books have become cultural icons, and comic book conventions such as Comic-Con have become significant events, drawing attendees from around the globe.

Collecting

Collecting comic books is a popular hobby, with collectors often seeking rare editions or particular story arcs. The condition of a comic book is critically important to its value, with mint condition comics often fetching the highest prices.

See Also

• Graphic novel
• Manga
• Comic book collecting
• List of comic book publishers