précomic

A précomic is a type of comic book precursor that serves as a prequel or a companion piece to a main comic series. It is often used to introduce new characters, settings, or storylines before they are fully developed in the main series. Précomics can be published as standalone issues or as part of a larger collection, such as a trade paperback or graphic novel.

The concept of the précomic originated in the 1980s and 1990s, with publishers like Marvel and DC Comics using it to expand their universes and introduce new content to their readers. Précomics can take various forms, including one-shots, mini-series, or ongoing series, and they often feature different art styles and creative teams than the main series.

One of the most notable examples of a précomic is "The Amazing Spider-Man: The Gauntlet," which was published by Marvel in 1991. This issue served as a prequel to the main "Amazing Spider-Man" series and introduced the concept of the Gauntlet, a powerful artifact that would later become a central plot point in the main series.

Précomics can also be used to explore alternate timelines, different versions of characters, or other variations on the main series. For example, "The Amazing Spider-Man: The Gauntlet" features an alternate version of Spider-Man who is not Peter Parker, but rather a character named Spider-Man 2099.

In recent years, the use of précomics has declined, as publishers have shifted their focus towards larger, more ambitious projects and events. However, they remain an important part of the comic book landscape, providing a way for publishers to introduce new content and expand their universes.