Good or Evil? Comic Books and Their Influence on Kids

Are Comic Books Art? Fiction? Are They Good Reading for Our Children?

By Romona Lorelli, published Apr 19, 2006
Published Content: 56  Total Views: 115,136  Favorited By: 1 CPs
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Comic books gained early popularity in 1930's. Originally, Comics were funny squibs in the paper, intended for the whole family's enjoyment. Soon though, came the comic book, starting up with old classics like Superman and Batman, targeted in particular for younger people. This trend continues even today, and those old classics have grown, had many offshoots, and even been made into movies. 

The comic book's first step up from book was to Television. Cartoon's made from Comic books became popular in the 1970's-1980's, such as X-MenSpiderMan, and Batman. These cartoons were fun for all ages, and became classics instantly.

The next step came when D.C. took the leap, and made one of it's most popular characters into a movie on the silver screen. Superman was only a pioneer in this case, eventually having four movies to his name, and a wealth of fans.  Batman came out in 1989, and the idea immediately latched on, spurring the creation of Batman Returns, Batman Forever, Batman and Robin, and in 2005, Batman Begins. 

The idea of turning comic books into movies was picked up by Marvel in the late 1990's, and they countered D.C. with a multitude of block busters like SpiderMan, X-Men, The Incredible Hulk and Dardevil.   Action figures, stuffed toys, coloring books, full length novels, and other merchandise were then added to the tally of things touched by comic books.
   
The next question is though, is it for you?



Comic books have their place, for a certainty. They are easy reading, and fun reading. The characters and plots are memerable, and the illustrations are unforgettable.

How much though, is too far? 

In some comics, the violence and blatant sexual advances rival that of infamous video games like Grand Theft Auto and the Resident Evil series.  Some persue practices or customs that are tied to the occult, whereas others dabble in matters of society, like homosexuality, and drug abuse.

The real question is, who do you want teaching your kids about those things, you or the comic book? 

Takeaways
  • Comic books have been around since the 1930's.
  • Some comic books are not suitable for children.
  • Make sure your kids understand 'pretend' and 'real'.
Did You Know?
Comic books used to be known as 'comic strips,' because of their shape.
Comments
Showing Comments 1 - 12 of 12
 
 
your a fag thats WHY

Posted on 06/08/2008 at 8:06:24 AM

 
COMIC BOOKS FREAKING ROCK!!!!!!!!!!! IM 14. GO FIGURE RIGHT?

Posted on 04/01/2008 at 3:04:41 PM

 
Apparently you're not up on demographics as far as today's comic book fan is concerned. Have you been in a comics shop lately? You'll rarely come across a kid there these days. Most patrons at comics stores are 20-somethings on up. It's rare to find a kid reading a comic book now, at least those published in America (there is a trend toward Japanese manga, but that's another topic for another time). You obviously did little to no research for your article as I find you're relying primarily on archaic assumptions and your own opinionated observations. Know what many kids are into these days? I'll give you a hint; it involves staring at a TV screen with some kind of game controller in hand. Why should a kid spend 3 bucks on something that can be read in 15-20 minutes when he can go down to Game Stop and spend 20-30 bucks on something he can play for hours on end?

Posted on 02/29/2008 at 6:02:38 PM

 
ring me please

Posted on 11/21/2007 at 4:11:00 AM

 
every kid is different. comic books show macabre, bizarre things. for a kid who does not know ant better due to lack of experience or exposure, they ARE dangerous. You should see things in the proper perspective and know what is indulgent and misleading. If even parents dont have the right attitude, how can their young children.

Posted on 02/20/2007 at 9:02:00 AM

 
It's just incredible, you don't have the foggiest idea. Please, make some research, and then use facts. I'm not reading this web anymore

Posted on 11/23/2006 at 9:11:00 AM

 
you need to do your research when you write a piece, even on such a trivial topic as this, or no one is going to take you seriously.

Posted on 11/15/2006 at 8:11:00 AM

 
You are way off on a lot of points. For one thing, comics like Superman were adapted into films (live action serials and also animated shorts) long before television. Comics were NEVER only for children, and they were, in fact, quite popular among U.S. servicement, serving in Europe during WW2. Finally, comics are a FORM, not a genre, so they can embrace subject matter and be aimed at reading levels for all audiences, not just kiddies. We put pictures in museums and award novels Nobel Prizes, so why is it so hard to see the combination of pictures and words as a valid art form?

Posted on 11/10/2006 at 12:11:00 PM

 
Comic books haven't been known as 'comic strips'. Comic strips and comic books are entirely different things.

Posted on 11/10/2006 at 5:11:00 AM

 
excellent i try to get my kids (4 & 8) to read fairytales that teach them something found one SNODVARK THE NAUGHTY DRAGON www.amazon.com absolutely great

Posted on 11/08/2006 at 12:11:00 PM

 
The real question is, who do you want teaching your kids to SPELL, you or the comic book? In this case, I think it would be "benefitial" if kids were "expossed" to more comic books.

Posted on 09/15/2006 at 1:09:00 PM

 
Not all comic books are for children - many, like Watchmen, Sandman, Y the Last Man, and so on and so forth, are clearly intended for adult audiences. It is, I think, important to realize this, instead of thinking that one or two talks will cover the entire problem. Again, constant vigilance and awareness of the issues at hand is most important.

Posted on 05/23/2006 at 12:05:00 PM

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