“Who’s your favorite superhero?” is the question everyone seems to be asking. Comic books have been trending all over social media with extreme growth this year, and some are calling it a “Comic Book Golden Age.”
It’s no surprise that superheroes and comics are popular right now. Not only are comics made to be entertainment, a fun escape into a thrilling world of fantasy, but they also serve as beacons of hope and a source of empowerment. For people experiencing hardship or injustice, comics may be just the reminder they need. That hope and courage are alive and you can become something greater than you are.Â
During an interview with Landon Franklin, a 49-year-old comic shop employee from Bills, Books, and More, in Canton, OH, there have been noticeable differences in the customers in the last four years. The buyers browsing these shelves are younger than years past. Â
“And that’s kind of been the best thing for this younger generation,” Franklin said. “That they aren’t really necessarily the speculators. They’re the ones wanting to actually enjoy the hobby, which is exactly where I started as a kid, just wanting to read comic books and enjoy these stories about these characters.”
Franklin has been a part of the comic book community since childhood, discovering some of his first comics on a spinning wire rack in a convenience store while shopping with his mother. As a child, his favorite superhero was Wolverine and remains so to this day, although he considers Batman to be a close competitor.
Sales for comics have rapidly increased since this trend began, but not simply because everyone else is doing it. It’s more likely a result of new comics being released that are holding up to new standards. Comic series’ and other inspired works such as the “Absolute Universe,”The Energon Universe,” Image’s “Invincible,” HBO’s “Lanterns,” DC Studio’s “The Batman,” “Superman,” Marvel Studio’s “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” and others soon to come, have been foraging a new path for comic books and their inspired media. While speaking with Franklin, he outlined his observations in comic sales.
“So there’s been a definite increase in traffic volume … I can look at those numbers and tell [Franklin’s boss] had to increase his ordering,” he said. “I think his first issue of ‘Absolute Batman’ he ordered 48 covers … and now an average issue he’s ordering over 100 copies.”
One devoted comic book fan is Camron Reeder, a sophomore human resource management major at Kent State University. He joined the scene after reading his first comic, “Mr. Miracle,” which led him to becoming a comic book collector, his first purchased comic book being “Absolute Batman: Issue One.” He finds social media to be flourishing with comic content
“I’m pretty big on Instagram reels … Basically, it gives me all of my knowledge on weekly stuff about comic books,” he said. “I would say that played a pretty big part in comic books.”
When asked what he’d say to be people interested in pursuing this refurbished hobby, he responds,
“I say go for it … But I also say support your local comic shop if you’re going to give the hobby [a try].”
Searching the word “comics” on platforms such as Instagram and TikTok will show you all of the latest trends, such as ranking your top five reads, comic shop date ideas and plenty of comic inspired media edits. We’re truly in the golden age of comics, and younger generations are here to let you know. So, it’s safe to say that comics are cool again!