Cosmic Comic Misconceptions

“Oh, you read comics?” they say with a raised eyebrow, and a bit of condescension. As if the fact that I read comics makes me less somehow. I am sure those of you out there who read comics have gotten this reaction before. Like comics are somehow not art and do not count as reading. I am part of a comic book club, though it is on a hiatus right now do to covid. Anyway, when I tell people this, I usually get this strange look in response. “Comic book club?” they ask with a confused look on their face. “You mean a book club?” they ask. “Yes, it is a book club, with comics,” I always reply speaking slowly. It is as if this concept is confusing, but why? The reason for this reaction is simple, there are many misconceptions about comic books. Let’s tackle some of those misguided ideas.

1. Comics are just for kids. Nope.

• There are comics for children, and these comics are an amazing way to encourage reading. An example that recently started (we are on issue 3) is Orcs written and illustrated by Christine Larsen. Not only is my nephew absolutely enthralled by the comics, but I also am enjoying them. They are fun and engaging and the art is great, those evil squirrels made me laugh for like ten minutes. There are some comics that are written primarily for children, but what is wrong with that? There are children’s books too.

• There are more comics that are geared towards adults rather than children. Some comics go both ways, there are some superhero comics that would entertain children, but that are read by adult fans as well. One of my favorite comics Skyward, a delightful story with fun art and an imperfect spunky character is enjoyable for children and adults. I have read it multiple times and my ten-year-old nephew has also read it, and loved it. There are plenty of comics out there that children can enjoy, but they are not written only for children.

• Finally, there are comics out there that are not appropriate for children. Walking Dead comes to mind, I don’t know about you, but I wouldn’t hand that to an eight-year-old. I could sit here and list comics that are not meant for children, but there is no need for that. If you read comics, I bet you can think of quite a few, and if you don’t read comics, you’re just going to have to take my word for it.

2. Comics are not literature and have no value beyond basic entertainment. Booooo!

• Let’s just be clear, snubbing your nose at a media is never the right thing to do. I think because comics tend to have whimsical subjects there is an assumption that there is no value in them beyond entertainment. Is Tolkien random entertainment, or can wisdom be found within his world of elves, wizard, dwarfs, and hobbits? Literature has multiple genres and all of them have value above just simple entertainment, the same is true for comic books.

• Neil Gaiman, a prolific novelist, has several comics and I consider them literature just as I would consider his books literature. Jeff Lemire is a comic writer whose books are absolutely phenomenal and have wonderful themes and relatable topics. Tom King who takes superheroes and makes them real is one of the first superhero author’s I experienced. Mr. Miracle, by Tom King, changed the way I look at life, and if that is not literature, I do not know what is. These are just a few examples of what is in store for someone who is willing to appreciate the beauty and intelligence that comics have to offer.

• Of course, there are comic books that are just pure fun and might only be valued for entertainment, but then there are books that fall into that category as well. Comics are as varied as books and add an extra dimension with the art that people get to experience as well.

3. Comic books are just for boys! Um…

• Ok, as a woman who thoroughly enjoys the comic book world this one hits close to home, and I will be honest, it is in some ways true. Comic books are a bit of a boy’s club, there are more comics geared towards boys and men. There are a lot of superhero books out there, and there are more men superheroes than women. I know what you’re thinking, the women out there are scowling, are you saying women can’t like any superhero they want? No! I am not saying that, in fact I like Batman and X Men, which is mostly because I grew up watching 90s cartoons. However, busty girls and muscle-bound men who are mansplaining things can put off some woman (and rightfully so). Just to be clear I am not saying all superhero books or men protagonist are like this. I just jumped onto Nightwing and I am enjoying the story so far, and the art is off the charts good. There are books out there though that I have read that definitely did not have me in mind as the average reader.

• That being said, there are a lot of books out there that are for both men and woman, and there are a lot of authors out there who are conscious of their whole audience. Honestly, there is nothing wrong with writing to your target audience and that audience tends to be men. More men read comics than women, that is just the way it is. Plus, woman are breaking into the industry more and more as the years go by. There are a lot of amazing books out there that anyone could enjoy. Do you like horror, if so check out Red Mother, this creepy book has a woman protagonist and is engaging and terrifying. Do you want something uplifting, check out Skyward, follow Willa on her crazy adventure. Do you want something with a little bit of fantasy, check out Joe the Barbarian a charming coming of age story that takes the reader on a magical, yet harrowing journey. Those are just a few, there are any number of gems out there in the comic book world that both men and women can enjoy.

Do you love to read and like art too? Comic books are the ideal medium from you. Don’t let common misconceptions keep you out of the glorious world of comics. Superheroes are not the only heroes in a comic book shop, they are everywhere. Find your local comic book today and find your next adventure. Don’t judge a comic book by its medium!