As a parent of a teenager, I was quite surprised to discover that a lot of kids are avid readers of comic books today. Mind you, this isn’t just for boys—I’m seeing girls getting into comics too! And even the younger kids are discovering the world of comics.
It’s great to see so many children reading comics these days—especially given how it was considered a nerdy hobby back in my day. Not only do comic books spark creativity and imagination for kids, but they also help to foster a love of reading.
Unlike TV, comic books only require the reader to invest a few minutes in order to get the full story, which is great for kids with short attention spans. They can fit in some reading time while doing other activities, like playing on their phones or walking the dog — allowing them to have fun and still get their daily dose of literature.
Comic books also provide prime opportunities for budding artists; many kids today are adept at drawing and coloring thanks in part to their experience with comics. Many story lines contain complex characters who display traits such as courage and bravery, providing lessons and positive messages along the way.
It’s no wonder that lots of kids read comics today. From spurring creativity and imagination to introducing children to nearly forgotten classic heroes and stories, there is no denying that comics offer an entertaining, enriching, and educational form of literature for the modern child.
The world of comic books has been around for generations and continues to be an integral part of popular culture. It’s no surprise that many youngsters want to be part of this captivating universe—and it appears that the number of young readers is on the rise.
A 2017 study by John Jackson Miller, a comics industry analyst, indicates that comic book readership has grown by 44% since 2009, with one in five comic book readers being under 18 years old. The survey found that younger readers prefer to purchase digital copies of comics titles instead of turning to more traditional print media. Marvel Comics alone reported an 83% increase in digital sales from last year.
The influx of young people into comic books isn’t necessarily new—however, the tenacity with which young readers are throwing themselves into this world is remarkable. According to StatisticsBrain.com, Marvel alone reported reaching 1 million subscribers in April 2011, a 36% increase over the previous year. This influx of new readers has brought along some interesting changes in the industry as well.
Publishers are also taking note and are creating more stories with characters and themes tailored to younger audiences. DC Comics introduced two new titles in 2017 aimed at teen readers, DC Zoom and DC Ink—highlighting the diverse characters and stories which many teens can relate to. Additionally, the company recently launched its superhero camp program, which hosts “immersive summer camp events featuring beloved Super Heroes at area libraries and schools.” These programs provide kids with the perfect opportunity to explore their creativity as part of a bigger comic book community.
It’s evident that more and more kids are turning to comics for entertainment, inspiration and education—a fact which is absolutely welcomed! With today’s technological advances, we can only expect that fans will continue to find innovative ways to access these thrilling worlds filled with captivating stories for many years to come.