Why I Love Comics so Much, and Why You Might Too!

So, I’ve mentioned them here before, but I’ve never gone into why I love comics so much. It’s something I should have done a long time ago, because for years I’ve been asked why I love comics, and aren’t they for kids? I’ll be answering that question soon, and try to explain why I love comics as briefly as possible.

Comics are a medium I’m very fond of, and I hope that by sharing the reasons why I love them, you’ll consider reading some. So, allow me to get into why I love comics so much, and why you might too!

They’re not just for kids

Answering the easiest question first, no, comics aren’t just for kids. One of the reasons I love comics so much is that, like any medium – film, TV, books, music – there’s something for people of all ages, identities, and tastes!

Of course, there are some comic books that are targeted towards a younger audience, and I grew up with them and love them, but there are also adult-oriented comic books. These can include horror, action, and even drama stories that are so unique to the comic book format, and this is key to why I love comics so much. They explore topics such as depression, grief, relationships, and all things that adults experience and go through in their lives, complete with beautiful artwork and sensitive writing.

If you have a child who is interested in comics, I would recommend trying to read some with them, and if you don’t want to read a comic that’s more suited to them, maybe try getting yourself a couple of more mature comics.

They’re unique to their format

Just as I love film, TV, and literature, one of the reasons why I love comics so much is because they’re a unique format with their own rules, traditions, and techniques. But like the other art forms I mentioned, I love comics because there are things that can only be done in a comic book – one of the reasons I dislike a lot of comic-book films is because I think they try to mimic the panels too much – and they can’t be experienced in any other way.

Have you ever read a book that was made into a film and disliked how the film is nothing like the book, and, as a result, fails? Have you been so married to that story as a book that you can’t imagine it being in any other form? That’s why I love comics so much, because they have so many different ways of giving you information – visually, dialogue, narration, etc. – that can’t be brought to life in any other way.

The next time you see a comic book, open it up and look at all the ways it’s telling you the story – you might come to love them for the same reason I do if you try this.

There’s more to them than superheroes

One of the big criticisms I’ve heard of comics, and another question I’m often asked (it’s usually disguised as a criticism/statement) is that they’re just about superheroes. But no, that’s wrong. I mentioned before that there are comics for people of all ages, and that’s partly why I love comics so much. But another reason why I love comcis so much is because there’s so much more to them than just superheroes.

Are you into big, expansive fantasy stories? You might love The Last God from DC Black Label. Do you enjoy politically complex stories with deep characters? You may want to try out Ex Machina from Wildstorm. Fan of crime shows? You’ll love Nailbiter by Image. Are stories that explore gender divides at a nationwide level interesting to you, similar to The Handmaid’s Tale? Then check out Y: The Last Man.

I love comics so much because there’s something there to accommodate for all of my tastes, and if you’re trying to find something to meet your particular needs, then you will too!

They helped get me through some rough times

The biggest reason why I love comics so much is that they’ve helped me at some very difficult times in my life. I first started reading comics when I was eight (give or take a few months) and I experienced a lot of bullying around that age. Of course, reading comics didn’t help my image – everybody at my school loved Iron Man and The Dark Knight, but you were still a nerd if you read comics – but I didn’t care, because they comforted me.

A few years later, I was still not having a great time at school, but comics were still there for me, and they provided me with an escape from reality that I desperately needed. When I wanted to avoid the names and kicks and prods and retreat from everything, I plunged into a world of Batmen, Last men, and Scott Pilgrims. The combination of story and images provided me with enough stimulation to forget my troubles. If you’re going through a hard time or are struggling mentally, then you might find reading a comic book a comfort, too!

There’s so many ways to get into them

If you’re intimidated by comic books because you don’t know where you might start, then please don’t let that discourage you from starting them. Key to the reasons why I love comics is because you can start reading them at any time in your life. By the time I read my first Batman comic – The Killing Joke – the character had been around for almost seventy years. Seventy. But it didn’t stop me from reading his stories.

The biggest piece of advice I can give you with starting comics is simply going to a shop or online, and buying one that you think you might enjoy. It’s as simple as that

If you’re not wanting to read any superhero comics, then it’s probably going to be easier for you to start reading comics, because all series still start from issue #1, and are able to be purchased as a trade paperback. Many comic book shops and places online, as well as book shops will have a wide range of comic book series, and will definitely be able to help get your journey off to a good start!

I hope you’ve not been too bored by my explanation of why I love comics so much. Do you read comics? Do you think that you might start reading comics after reading this? What are your favourite comic book series? Let me know in the comments below!

Until next time,

Conrad 🙂