Comic Books
Whether you are a seasoned collector or a casual reader, comic books are a versatile medium that can serve as both entertainment and commodity. Children of all ages can enjoy comics, and the multi-billion dollar industry has branched out to related products over the years, from action figures to major motion pictures. For more information, comic book fans and dealers will find many helpful Web sites devoted to the hobby.
If you are new to comic books or just want to learn more, there are many general resources online. From official sites of major publishers to fan sites that offer news and reviews, one can become a comic book expert with the help of the Internet. The sites below will give you a broad perspective on all things related to comic books.
- Some of today's most popular comic book superheroes, such as Superman and Batman, have been around since before World War II. If you are new to comics, the thought of familiarizing yourself with this long history may be overwhelming at first. However, if you learn just a brief overview of comic books through the sites below, you will be ready to enjoy today's superhero sagas to the fullest.
- Many of the following sites encourage user feedback and offer message boards for discussion.
For comic book history ...
The Comic Page
features one of the most detailed online accounts of comic book history, dating back to the late 19th century. This information is accompanied by colored images and biographies of major artists and writers. This is a great starting point for newcomers to the medium.
January Magazine
gives an accurate (albeit brief) lesson on comic books with its article, "A Short History of American Comic Books." This highlights the rise of the superhero, censorship in the 1950s, and the renaissance of comic books during the height of the Vietnam War.
The Grand Comic-Book Database
, or GCD, is a massive, ongoing project that is attempting to catalogue every mainstream comic book in history. A large collection of scanned covers can be found here, as well as key issue descriptions and creator biographies.
Comics Research & Such
is a regularly updated blog by Dr. Gene Kannenberg, a comic book art historian. This blog discusses comic books through the ages from an academic perspective.
For comic book news and reviews ...
Comic Book Resources
is possibly the largest and most popular comic book fansite on the Web. Offering news, reviews, and interviews with industry leaders, every comic fan should visit this site regularly.
Newsarama
is a comic news site with a unique format. The authors present the latest mainstream news in comic books, then allow readers to respond through a message board. It is a great way to find out what other fans think about major comic book events.
Comics Continuum
offers daily news articles on comic books, comic-related films and television, as well as animated series.
For official sites of major comic book publishers ...
Marvel
, one of the leading comic book publishers, has a massive official site that includes information on its comic books, films, video games, and more. Marvel fans would be remiss to ignore this site, though the navigation is a bit confusing in certain areas.
DC Comics
, a leading publisher of comic books since the golden age, has an official site that rivals its leading competitor, Marvel. DC Comics' site also encompasses films, television, and more.
Dark Horse
rounds out the three largest American comic book publishers. The official site offers a guide to its comic books and related merchandise.
There is a public misconception that all comic books, when properly stored, become valuable ... read more »
There was once a time when you could purchase comic books only at a brick-and-mortar store. ... read more »
Your comic books may be priceless to you, but they deplete in market value if they aren't cared for ... read more »
Looking to network with others for buying and selling comic books? Or perhaps you want to debate ... read more »
Most Recent Guides