Comic Book Day
National Comic Book Day, or just Comic Book Day, is celebrated in the United States on September 25. Both children and adults alike love comic books, and the genre has evolved from being just funny picture books to beautiful works of art that tell the stories of superheroes, anime characters, and many others. Comic books are a great source of entertainment and many people love them so much that they collect them, so of course, they need a day to be celebrated!
This day is not to be confused with Free Comic Book Day which happens in May.
Background
The origins of National Comic Book Day are uncertain, but one thing is sure, Comic Books initially gained popularity in America. The Adventures of Mr. Obadiah Oldbuck was first published in 1842, written by Rodolphe Töpffer, and is considered to be the first known prototype of the comic book printed in America.
Modern comic books as we know them derive from a comic book published in 1933 in America called Famous Funnies. This was the first standard-sized comic book to be made available to the public. This was a collection of comic strips that had been published in newspapers.
Then, in 1938, Joes Shuster and Jerry Siegel created the first Superman comic book effectively starting what is considered to be the Golden Age of comic books. This was the first superhero comic to be published, and it started the huge industry that we know and love now. The superhero story was revitalized in the 1970s by Marvel Comics with the introduction of many other heroes, such as Spiderman. This was also the time when comics began dealing with more serious issues, such as racism.
The Golden Age
The Golden Age of comic books is generally thought to be the period of time from 1938 to about 1956. It was during this time that superheroes like Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, and Captain America, first appeared.
The Golden Age saw the establishment of major comic book publishers, including DC Comics and Timely Comics (which would later become Marvel Comics). Some of their most famous early titles include Action Comics, Detective Comics, and All-American Comics. Their popularity exploded during this time with both children and adults.
The characters and stories from this era have left a permanent mark on popular culture, guiding the path of comic books ever since.
Comic books have expanded into many different styles and storylines now, and have become a huge industry. There are not just superheroes now, but something for every taste, such as the famous Adventures of Tintin, Lucky Luke, Peanuts, Calvin and Hobbes, and Asterix for those who love more classic comics. Japan also produces some of the best comic books in the style of Anime and Manga, with famous names such as Naruto and One Piece.
Comic books have remained popular throughout the years because they are great to teach children about values and responsibility, as well as encouraging them to read. Comics are also timeless, which means that they can be enjoyed at any age in any generation.
Good Guys Vs. Bad Guys
Comic books transport us to worlds where we can look up to the greatest heroes and tremble in fear at the plots of the evilest villains. But which ones are the most famous, or infamous? Here is our list of the most well-known:
Heroes:
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Superman: Maybe the ultimate superhero. With superhuman strength, speed, x-ray vision, and the ability to fly, he fights for truth and justice with courage and determination
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Batman: A very different crime fighter from Superman. As a vigilante without any superpowers, Batman uses his vast fortune to hone his skills and create technology to protect Gotham City from an army of criminals.
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Spiderman: A high school student called Peter Parker gains spider-like abilities after being bitten by a radioactive spider. He becomes Spiderman and uses his agility, and quick reactions to fight crime.
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Wonder Woman: As an Amazonian princess and a founding member of the Justice League, she has superhuman strength, the ability to heal and connect with animals, as well as other abilities.
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Captain America: The ultimate patriot and a symbol of heroism. Steve Rogers, a frail young man, is transformed into a super-soldier during World War II, then frozen for sixty-six years. In modern times, with his indestructible shield, he defends freedom and stands against tyranny.
Villains:
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The Joker: Batman's arch-nemesis, the Joker, is a chaotic and insane criminal mastermind. His iconic clown-like appearance and twisted humor make him one of the most well-known villains in comic book history.
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Magneto: As the X-Men's primary antagonist, Magneto can control magnetic fields. He fights for the survival and supremacy of mutants, often clashing with Professor Xavier and his team.
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Lex Luthor: Superman's most notorious enemy, Lex Luthor, is a brilliant billionaire and mastermind. He has a strong desire for power and dominance, using his intellect, resources, and often kryptonite, to challenge the Man of Steel.
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Thanos: The ultimate supervillain in the Marvel Universe. With his Infinity Gauntlet, Thanos seeks total power and control. He attempts to reshape the universe according to his own dark vision, which brings him into combat with the Avengers and other heroes.
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Catwoman: While sometimes portrayed as an antihero, Catwoman has often been a thorn in Batman's side. She is a skilled thief and martial artist. Her character is colored by the way she operates in the grey area between hero and villain.
What to do on Comic Book Day
- If you are a comic book lover, see if there are any conventions or comic book store events near you, and go mingle with some like-minded people and learn about the latest comic book releases. You might find your new favorite!
- And if you have never read a comic, today may be the perfect opportunity to give one a try, you may find a new passion!
- For artists and writers, this is the perfect day to give it a go and make your own comic book.
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