Summary

• National Comic Book Day is observed annually on 25 September to celebrate artists.
• The first book of comics was printed in 1842, and its name was The Adventures of Mr. Obadiah Oldbuck.
• The name “comic book” came from the reprints of newspaper comic strips.
• The largest sector of the comic book economy is the Japanese manga market.
• If you are looking for an illustration diploma, you can check out Edison College’s online illustration course.
• Experts say filmmakers are now increasingly dependent on comic books.
• Some experts even say that the video game industry has learnt storytelling from the comic books.

What is National Comic Book Day?

As you know, the National Comic Book Day is observed annually on 25 September. This day is to celebrate the role of comic characters, films, and animated movies that they play in our lives.

For over a century, comic characters and books have been inspiring us. Some characters like Superman, Batman, and Spiderman have become so popular that today it is difficult to imagine popular culture without these characters and their films.

Many of these characters, such as the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, became so popular that they were turned into animated television series, toys, movies, etc. This series has four friends, Michelangelo, Leonardo, Donatello and Raphael, who are experts in ninjutsu. These turtle friends fight against the evil forces that are led by nemesis, Shredder.

All of these comic characters represent deep human emotions, camaraderie, action, humour, fear, and the list goes on and on. Many of these comics are cultural icons in different parts of the world; some are equally popular all over the world.

National Comic Book Day is to recognise the contribution of comics in different industries, especially cartoons, animated movies, films, video games, toys and other such industries. It is to celebrate these heroes, these stories, and their contribution to different art forms.

Role in the Entertainment Industry

Over the last few decades, the role of comic books and their comics has only increased, especially in Hollywood and the video game industry.

The film industry has always relied on cartoons and comics. But experts say filmmakers are now increasingly dependent on comic books.

Especially during the last decade, dozens of Hollywood films that were based on graphic novels earned billions of dollars.

For instance, by 2024, Avengers: Endgame had earned $2.7 billion, Avengers: Infinity War had earned $2 billion, Spider-Man: No Way Home had made $1.9 billion, The Avengers had grossed $1.5 billion, Avengers: Age of Ultron had bagged $1.39 billion, and Black Panther had bagged $1.33 billion, according to Forbes.

Another industry that is incomplete without comic books is the video games industry. Some experts even say that the video game industry has learnt storytelling from the comic books.

How Comic Books Changed Over the Years

Comics have not only inspired other industries, but they have also changed over the years.

The sales of comic books have also increased in recent years, thanks to better printing and marketing strategies.

Industry analysts believe the continuous success of films that are based on comic characters has also helped the comic book industry.

Over the years, one area where a massive increase is noted is the sales of digital comics. A large number of digital comics’ consumers use iPads, perhaps because it is easy to buy digital comics on these devices.

Analysts believe the success of superhero-based films and digital comics will continue to support the growth of the comic book industry in the coming years.

Conclusion

The impact of comics is more visible in popular culture than ever before. The recent phenomenal success of films inspired by superheroes has given a new dimension to the entertainment industry as well as the comic book industry.

Join the Applied Arts Illustration Diploma at Edison College

Edison College’s Applied Arts Illustration Diploma Program is a one-year comprehensive program that prepares students for a career in illustration.

This programme utilises both analogue and digital techniques, allowing each student to hone their unique skill, develop a marketable style, and strengthen their creative voice while learning the ins and outs of the illustration industry and how to thrive in it.

Through hands-on studio courses paired with theory, history, and business seminars, this diploma in art illustration will teach students technical, conceptual, and professional methods necessary to navigate a variety of illustration fields, including editorial art, picture books, comics, graphic novels, and concept art.

If you have questions or concerns, you can contact us today to learn more about this program. 

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