The Appeal of Comic Books

Jingle Belle © Paul Dini

• Action
  Most comics offer fast-paced action, dramatic conflict, and heroic adventure.
• Powerful Images
  Pictures can indeed be worth a thousand words, and the very best comics provide dramatic, memorable images with strong emotional appeal.
• Important Themes
  Many comics address themes important to pre-teens and young adults, including issues of acceptance, nonconformity, prejudice, social injustice, coming of age, triumph over adversity, and personal growth.
• The Super-Hero as Modern Mythology
  Characters such as Superman, Batman, and Spider-Man represent recognizable cultural icons and in some cases, powerful archetypes.
• Given the remarkable diversity of comics publishing today, individual titles can be found for virtually any reader's tastes and interests.
• Enjoyment
  Stated in the simplest terms, comic books are fun to read.

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  compiled and maintained by: Michael R. Lavin, Lockwood Memorial Library
  send comments to: Michael R. Lavin, mrlavin@acsu.buffalo.edu
  design by: Catherine Collins, Educational Technology Center
  last updated on: December 14, 2000