If comics is a term you haven’t heard of yet, let me explain, or even if you’re familiar, let me improve your database. Primarily, comics are a medium that expresses ideas with images, often with text or other visual information. especially woven into a fictional story, which has a plot and basis for a particular theme in a genre. it usually takes the form of a sequence of image panels, also known as a comic strip. specifically, textual devices such as speech bubbles, subtitles, onomatopoeia are communication devices. additionally, these tools indicate dialogue, narration, sound effects, or other information.
The world of comics has given way to diverse storytelling and broadened the horizons of its fans around the world. representation has taken center stage in the real-life imaginations of popular comic book superheroes and superheroines. As with its predecessors, the comic can provide an intriguing, entertaining, and sometimes critical mirror of society. Furthermore, the comic’s predecessors include the political cartoon and the newspaper comic strip. Throughout the decades of the last century and into our own, comics have influenced and reflected culture.
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The representation of the comic world is an integral part of pop culture and has given rise to unprecedented worldwide attention. As evidenced by the launch trailer for Spider-Man: No Way Home. With the arrival of Marvel (1939) and DC Universe (1934), the pop culture phenomenon exploded in the world. mainly, attracting the attention of fans from all nooks and crannies of the world.
However, with its various types and genres and the exciting world of comic book covers, do you really know the enormous impact that the world of comics has on the society in which we live? but before we get to that, do you know how many genres of comics actually exist?
comic genres
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comics are written in a variety of styles and genres. mainly to suit every type of taste that exists in the world in order to appeal to a wide range of people. These are just a few of the many genres found in today’s world of comics:
superhero
one of the most celebrated genres of comics, and you should definitely be familiar with this genre. In addition, the superhero genre has permeated pop culture and the internet. Mainly, superhero comics feature characters like superman, batman, spider-man and x-men, individuals often clad in capes and masks, who use their extraordinary abilities to protect humanity. Furthermore, superheroes have captured the public imagination since superman’s first appearance in action comics #1 in 1938. this first issue was full of action, adventure and memorable iconic characters. it can be said that hero comics can be a form of modern mythology. While some characters and series have been around since the 1940s, new characters with different abilities, costumes, and universes are constantly on the verge of invention.
sleeves
Manga refers to an Asian style of commercial paperback graphic novel that has recently reached new levels of popularity in the United States. In general, manga contains various genres that are relevant to very specific types of readers. Furthermore, shojo (it also has the spelling shoujo) is a genre typically read by young teenagers, usually involving drama and romance. while shonen refers to manga primarily for children and features humorous stories and high levels of action. Mainly, manga is a translation of the original Japanese form, whose letter is from right to left, to preserve the authenticity of the original version. in particular, manga titles are also often part of a multi-volume series, and can be quite addictive!
slice of life
Many comics and graphic novels offer thoughtful depictions of real life. These can take the form of autobiography, relationship drama, or historical fiction, among other examples. primarily, slice-of-life comics are often popular with older teens and adults looking for a contemplative read. recently comics and scene-of-life graphic novels are having a moment as older teens tend to enjoy comics with a real flair to them.
Impact of comics on society
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comics have been one of the most popular segments of art and communication since they were created. During human history, comics adapted to the events of each moment. It is possible to note that not only the creation of Captain America in the 40s to support the soldiers in the Second World War. but also the character offered consolation when the attack on the world trade center building took place in 2001.
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Sexuality themes were also inserted into the comics to discuss contemporary issues. Mainly, to show that comics can change, tell stories of real people and respect their differences. while comics are part of pop culture, most people can have an inaccurate thought process. especially when it comes to comics. people can think something about children and adolescents, but not about adults. however, not only are they wrong about this, but they also don’t have any insight into how comics affect people’s lives. and how this type of entertainment and mass communication has been profitable over the years.
social issues take center stage in comics
Burning issues that remain relevant to this day include the views of women, lgbt people, and ethnic minorities within society. women have had a role in comics since their inception. early depictions of women generally cast them in the role of damsel in distress/plot device or simply as a sex symbol.
in 1940, the first true, though mostly unknown, superheroine is fantomah (markstein n.d, para 3). Fantomah, along with other early female comic book leads Wonder Woman and Sheena, fell into the category of goddesses of the jungle. however, the role of women in the background with the creation of the cca. Furthermore, female characters did not find a positive voice in comics until the 1980s and 1990s (Felton n.d., para 1). while series like love & rockets, ghost world and tank girl promoted strong representations of women, often with feminist leanings that approached the exploration of sexuality in a positive way and the rejection of expected roles in society.
lgbqia+and racial issues in comics
Gay characters also began to emerge during this same period. for example, the series y: the last man played with the idea that all but one man in the world died at the same time. he not only took a serious look at the complete reinvention of civilization through the hands of women. but he also delved deep into lesbian culture. specifically, views of women as masculine and feminine, theories of dominance, and ideas of where a man would be in a society dominated by women.
A more conventional example is Batwoman, which is written as an openly gay character. mainly, in series 52 (gustines 2006, par. 2). furthermore, ethnic minorities have been seen in comics for the last 100 years, but are generally cast in stereotypical roles, often overtly racist, with no depth of character. today, there are countless comic book characters of color who are portrayed the same way as white characters. Examples of this would be superheroes like Storm, a black woman who was the leader of the X-Men, and Cyborg, the black male leader of the Teen Titans. not to mention almost the entire cast of love & rockets who are of Mexican descent. one of the earliest known black superheroes, the black panther, has recently experienced a renaissance.
conclusion
comics are for everyone, since you’ve read all about the above. but what they represent and mean for each individual varies. Personally, I haven’t read a comic book so far, but I really enjoy TV shows and movies from the world of comics. the diverse and rich world of comic book storytelling offers solace in my mind and I hope to extend the same to you. So, I want to know what genre of comics you enjoy the most and what it means to you to read your favorite comic.