Sep 05 2008
Should comics be more kid-friendly?
If you’re a fan of comics, you should know who Robert Kirkman is. He’s the writer of such beloved independent series as Invincible and The Walking Dead. He’s also written for both Marvel and D.C.
So, yes, he’s an important name in the comics business.
Kirkman made some interesting points last month about the comics industry. One that struck me, in particular, was his wish that both Marvel and D.C., as the big two of the comics business, be more kid-friendly. He’s absolutely right: There just aren’t a whole lot of options for young comics fans these days.
For instance, when I was a kid, Spider-Man was my favorite. Today, if you’re a kid I can’t imagine you enjoying the Brand New Day version of Spidey. These stories are supposed to be more like the Stan Lee days of Spider-Man, but they’re still way too adult for most kids. One of the series’ new villains is Freak, turned into a monster thanks in part to his addiction to crystal meth. Have your kid read that story arc. You’re probably dying to explain what cyrstal meth is anyway, right?
This isn’t to say that both Marvel and D.C. don’t have options for younger readers. The Marvel Adventures series features all of the Marvel Universe’s most popular heroes in more kid-friendly versions. These stories are fun and kid appropriate.
But it’s a shame that there aren’t more comics out there that younger kids can read. The comics industry isn’t exactly the most thriving of businesses these days. The industry needs to expand its reach to kids who want fun stories filled with action. I appreciate that adult readers want more humanity in their heroes. But how about giving kids more to choose from, too? It’s one way, at least, to expand the number of potential readers. And isn’t that what the industry needs today?
2 Responses to “Should comics be more kid-friendly?”
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Well said. I’m looking out for comics for my nephew to read, and it’s a tough one. As you say, there are some options, like the Power Pack series and the Marvel Adventures, and there are some kid-friendly independents too. However, if a kid picks up a book straight off the shelf, more likely than not, it’ll be unsuitable.
Hi, Blackbird:
Thanks for your comment. Glad you mentioned Power Pack. I forgot all about it, but that’s a pretty fun one for kids. Certain stories and story arcs of Ultimate Spider-Man also work with kids who are bit older.
Dan