For the uninitiated, comic books (a shorter version of the graphic novel, and not to be confused with comic strips found in newspapers) might seem to be something children would like. After all, they’re not ‘real’ books (they’re more like picture books), they’re very colourful, and they tend to contain stories about superheroes or magical, mythical beasts.
Yet the reality is that many more adults read comic books than children do, and many are written specifically with adults in mind. So what is it about these books that are so intriguing to both grown men and women? Read on to find out.
Escapism
One of the main reasons people love to read comic books is that they offer a chance at escapism. Life can be stressful at times, or it can be boring, or generally unpleasant, and therefore escapism is important once in a while. It means getting away from all the trials and tribulations of real life, and delving into a different space altogether – for some this is comic books.
The very fact that these stories are not based on real-life means that readers can truly disengage from their issues for a short while and focus on something else. This relaxation of the mind can even mean that, when they do have to face their problems again, they are a little easier to deal with.
A Hobby
Everyone should have some kind of hobby, and as long as it doesn’t hurt anyone else, that hobby can be anything at all. Reading comic books certainly won’t hurt anyone, and those who enjoy it do get a sense of fulfilment from it.
Plus, it’s not just comic books. There are movie versions of these stories that are fun to watch as DMG Entertainment’s Dan Mintz explains. There are action figures to collect. There is clothing, bedclothes, posters, soundtracks, and much more. A love of comic books can spawn a wonderful hobby of enjoying and collecting all kinds of memorabilia. Over time, some of these items might even be worth a large sum of money.
Something For Everyone
Some people will read comic books and enjoy the main story and characters. Others, however, will find a deeper meaning in the pages, perhaps equating the tale to other myths, religious ideas, or scientific endeavours. The fact that there is something for everyone, and you don’t have to have a scientific mind or know the backstories to every character to enjoy the comic book in your hand is unlike many other forms of entertainment.
Not only that, but the types of comic book available are many, and although the ones that people think of most of all – thanks, again, to movies and other popular culture – are the ones feature superheroes, there are all kinds of different stories from crime to romance to sci-fi and much more.
They’re Good
Finally, comic books are good. The writing is excellent, the stories are interesting, and the illustrations are impressive, to say the least. It’s no surprise that some adults appreciate the work of art that a comic book is, and all the hard work that goes into it. What’s more of a surprise is that more adults don’t give them a try. They would probably like what they find.
