Throughout history, illustrated folios and wooden plates have played important roles in artistic and political communication. Images have been used to convey both serious and amusing ideas, from Roman graffiti to illuminated manuscripts. Illustrations have long been used to enhance storytelling in human culture. Graphic novels and comic books have evolved to reflect historical events, political disputes, and fashion fads.Were comics only meant to make people laughIt is crucial to examine the historical context and definitions of graphic novels and comics in order to better understand their evolution. Graphic novels are previously untold stories that are generally collected into a single volume and include both fiction and nonfiction works. Comic books and trade paperbacks, on the other hand, are serialised stories that are part of a previously established world or storyline. Comic strips and cartoons are formatted differently and do not require serialisation or numerous characters. For instance, Manga, a Japanese comic book style, frequently features a black-and-white palette and vivid aesthetic aspects. Comic novels primarily feature Marvel and DC superheroes. Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi is classified as a graphic novel despite the fact that the story it includes is a memoir. The world of the comic, which is usually understood as full of laughter, however, is also about a lot of other emotions and narratives. This heterogeneous nature of comics, while being mostly sarcastic, amusing and funny, makes it a perfect read for all ages, though every comic is not the same.Manga Comics (Image: Twitter)A page from Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi (Image: Twitter)Early comicsPolitical cartoons and propaganda dominated the Platinum Age of comic books, and even Superman and Captain America had their own political agendas. The Yellow Kid in McFaddens Flat, the first comic book, was a collection of previously published comic strips aimed at children owing to its slapstick humour and brief narrative. It was originally published in the United Kingdom in 1897 and was remarkable for being the first to refer to itself as a “comic book,” a phrase that had not previously been used. It did, however, feature racially motivated stereotypes and names, which were popular at the time.Image: TwitterComic Monthly, with its glossy covers and colourful images, introduced the conventional format we saw today in 1922. National Allied Publications, DC Comics forerunner, introduced the modern superhero in 1935, appealing to an older readership with lengthier plots, intricate artwork, and a distinct personality. However, it was not until the 1950s, when comic books were mass-produced, that they garnered a cult following and widespread pop culture influence.Comic books have an extensive and fascinating past dating back to the late 1800s. “The Yellow Kid,” developed by Richard F. Outcault in 1895, was one of the first instances of a comic strip. The strip, which appeared in the New York World newspaper, featured a bald child wearing a nightshirt and speaking in an unusual slang language. The success of “The Yellow Kid” gave rise to the phrase “yellow journalism,” which denoted the use of flashy headlines and overblown stories to attract readers.Comic strips became a popular form of amusement in the early twentieth century, and they were printed in newspapers around the country. “Little Nemo in Slumberland,” created by Winsor McCay in 1905, was one of the most famous comic strips of the period. The strip, which portrayed a young kid who visited a fantastic dreamland every night, served to enhance the comic strip medium with its rich artwork and sophisticated narration.Image: TwitterGreat Depression, World War and laughterComic books developed as a new material for laughter for young readers during the Great Depression. Eastern Colour Printing Company published the first comic book, “Famous Funnies,” in 1934. The comic book, which included reprints of popular newspaper comic strips, cost 10 cents. The success of “Famous Funnies” prompted the development of numerous comic book publications, including “Superman” in 1938 and “Batman” in 1939. A page from Famous Funnies (Image: Twitter)Image: TwitterImage: TwitterDuring World War II, the superhero genre grew in popularity as a form of propaganda and escape for Americans. During this time, many superheroes were created, including Captain America, Wonder Woman, and Spider-Man. In addition, comic books started to offer more intricate narratives and character development, helping to establish the medium as a genuine form of literature.Image: TwitterImage: TwitterImage: TwitterThe sudden decline of the comic book industryIn the 1950s, teachers and parents were concerned that comic books were leading to juvenile criminality. This resulted in the establishment of the Comics Code Authority, which regulated the content of comic books while restricting their artistic freedom. As a result, many comic book companies went bankrupt, and the industry collapsed.The revivalMarvel Comics revived the comic book industry in the 1960s by producing a new type of superhero that was more approachable and human. Characters such as Spider-Man, the X-Men, and the Fantastic Four had flaws and faced real-world issues, which readers identified with. This period in comic book history also witnessed the growth of underworld comics, which were created by independent artists and frequently dealt with contentious issues such as drug use and sexuality.Image: TwitterComic books remain a popular form of entertainment today, with the business expanding to encompass graphic novels, web comics, digital comics, and cinematic adaptations. Comic book conventions and cosplay have also become important parts of popular culture, with events such as Comic-Cons attracting tens of thousands of attendees each year. The history of comic books demonstrates the enduring power of narrative as well as the mediums ability to adapt and grow with the times.
