Why read comics?

When people think comics, their thoughts likely turn to men and women wearing brightly colored spandex. While super heroes comics started the industry, and still a major part of it, graphic novels have evolved into something entirely different. Comics have become a new medium for people to explore. They aren't limited by a single genre. Super heroes probably don't draw in the average reader and that's fine; there is something for everyone.

As comics have changed, so have the characters that were first introduced by them. The world of modern super heroes doesn't try and target a younger audience with their more featured titles. The content in these books tend to be much more adult oriented. In the last thirty years Gwen Stacy was murdered by the Green Goblin, Robin was killed by the Joker, and even Dr. Light, a relatively B-list villain, has been written as a rapist in recent years. There have been drastic changes regarding the subject matter of these comics. Super hero books are now mature enough to offer stories that can engage an older audience.

If you can't past the large groups of people running around in tights, there are many other alternative comics to enjoy. Sin City was one of the first books to steer away from the super hero genre, giving its readers gritty, sometimes over the top, noir tales. More recent books, such as Y: The Last Man or The Walking Dead, have grounded themselves in a more realistic world that deals with an otherworldly concept, evoking a somewhat cinematic tone. Others, like Queen and Country and Whiteout, have set themselves completely in the real world, telling stories that blur the lines between fiction and reality. These are only a few examples of the more mainstream comics available.

Comics are not simply a hobby reserved for those who are willing to follow years of continuity and read every issue that comes out. They are an underrated and accessible form of entertainment. There are many different types of graphic novels available at bookstores, comic shops, and internet sites. The only dilemma is finding the genre that suits you.