Why You Should Read Comics: An Essay Detailing Heroes

Reading comic books has to be one of the biggest thrills I've ever experienced. There is nothing like going to the comic shop, bantering with workers and other would-be fans, and purchasing a months supply of comics.

So why should you waste your time on comic books? It isn't a waste for anyone in any career or stage of life. Let me explain ...

For Children

The bread and butter of the comic medium is pandering to children. It's important for children to read comic books. As I learned to read, it became obvious I wasn't going to pick up a copy of Virginia Woolf or Stephen King like I could riding a bike. Instead, I was offered comic books by my parents, titles like Iron Man and The Thing and Batman, so that I would learn to read at a smaller level. This isn't to say comic books are always easy to read, but some titles like Spider Man are just as important to read in times of youth as that first time you pick up "The Hobbit" or "Harry Potter." Comic books teach just as much as a movie like Star Wars or books like "Lord of the Rings" do. Usually there is an emphasis on the battle between good and evil. Some comics will even bring up subjects children should acknowledge at a young age, including drugs and depression. Still, I wouldn't give a child a copy of The Punisher.

For Adults

If you like a good novel, there are plenty of comic books with comparable weight. While titles like Spider Man can be good for children, many tales are driven towards adults who began reading comic books at an early age. Try out longer forms like "Maximum Carnage" and "Revenge of the Sinister Six." There are always the classic graphic novels. Many libraries have whole sections of graphic novels, some even special collections with single issue comic books. Take a look at your comic shop for one that catches your eye; you'd be surprised how many adults find themselves walking down the comic shop aisles.

For Writers

Want to write? Want to be an artist? Comic book writing is a bursting field that is always looking for new talents. The medium actually pays well and many creators make a living solely off selling comic book scripts or illustrations. I have heard as much as $2,500 for a comic script from top publishers, though that was noted by Neil Gaiman ages ago, so it might be higher or less. That's a shot in the dark: If you want to write comic books you have to start with short stories for independent publications, then you have a chance at the big gig. If you have dreams of creating super heroes, it can be done. This leads into my point: If you want to write comics you will have to read them, just like writing a novel.

Still not convinced you should read comic books? I'm done arguing, but give it the same chance you would a novel by an unknown writer.