comicbook

Comic books are periodical publications that tell stories through sequential art. They present events in a sequence of panels, using captions, speech balloons, and often sound effects to convey dialogue and action. Traditional American comic books are usually printed on newsprint or glossy stock and run about 20 to 32 pages, typically in color. While the format originated in the United States, it has become a global medium with regional variations. The singular term 'comic book' can refer to an individual issue or to the publication as a whole; 'graphic novel' is commonly used for longer, self-contained works.

American comic books began in the early 20th century, initially reprinting newspaper strips. By the 1930s original titles, including superhero comics, became widespread, contributing to what is known as the Golden Age of Comics. Over time formats diversified and editorial controls, such as content guidelines introduced in the 1950s, influenced storytelling. The 1960s and 1970s saw new publishers and genres, and the 1990s experienced a speculative boom. In recent decades, independent publishing and digital distribution have broadened access.

Global variations include Japan’s manga, serialized in magazines and later collected into tankōbon volumes, and European bandes dessinées and other album formats that resemble books. In the United States and Canada, comics are published as ongoing series, limited series, and graphic novels, with trades. The term graphic novel is often used for longer, standalone stories, though the distinction is not universally applied. Comics cover a wide range of genres, including superheroes, science fiction, fantasy, horror, crime, romance, and humor, and they influence other media as well as popular culture.