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Understanding the World of American Comic Books

Molly Meyers Ann PechacekLead Librarian Teen Librarian

Worthington Libraries

Generational Experience

Each Generation has its own comic.The love of comics is often handed down.Comics are a reflection of time.

History

Comic Books emerged in the 1930’sSuperman was our first SuperheroComics have gone in and out of popularity throughout the decadesComics have become political statements

Publishers

Formats and the Collector Mentality

Graphic NovelsMonthly'sOnline Downloads

Bag and BoardMint Condition

The Comic Code

Very strictComics code began its change in the 70’s

The Ages

Golden AgeSilver AgeBronze AgeModern Age

The X-Men

A Generation X SuperheroEveryman's superhero

Crossovers

Characters within same companyCharacters from different companiesTeen Characters

Politics

Civil RightsThe Cold WarWomen’s MovementHomosexual RightsReligion

Anti Superhero

Watchman1980’s Cold WarInspired a change and more in comic

After the Watchman

Superman and Batman Foes?Robin Dies!

Comic Stores Start

They were just for older comicsThey became a new outlet for sellingIt became clear most comics for adults

The 90’s

SexualityGLBTCreators could not make money!Image began to challenge Marvel and DCCreation of the Graphic Novel

9-11

NYC Backdrop to ComicsStores and comics were starting to dieSpiderman was there.DK2 was being written at the time. Commemorative Comics

Superhero Movie

Look what's comingBeing devouredGood and BadNon-fans meeting itComic Book more glamorous than the comic strip

Future?

BookstoresElectronic ComicsWill more than the classics be around?

Interesting Websites for the non-comic book readers

http://www.heroicworld.com/

http://comics.drivethrustuff.com/

http://www.comicartville.com/comicscode.htm

http://www.dccomics.com/minx

http://www.comic-art.com/

http://ala.org/ala/yalsa/booklistsawards/greatgraphicnovelsforteens/gn.cfm

http://www.noflyingnotights.com/

http://www.firstsecondbooks.com