HISTORY OF AMERICAN COMICS AND THEIR IMPACT ON THEIR ERA

Picture Credit: Richard F. Outcault, New York World, 17 February 1895) They depicted the current situation of a country aimed at giving hope to its readers such as the oppressed, relaying thoughts on critical events and most importantly giving the readers a line of perception on different ideologies and beliefs apart from entertaining them. This significance of comics thus made it a medium that was not only accessed by children but also adults. Comics’ readers, therefore, enjoyed the stories while getting informed and transformed ideologically with a significant impact on the way of life, ideas, and understanding of social life as the story depicted. The introduction of yellow journalism and mass print media ushered in the start of American Comics during the 19th century by providing a medium of mass outreach.

The introduction of the Comics Code of Authority in 1954 during the peak of comic sales in the era reduced the creation of comics due to its regulatory impact on content created. The Silver Age of Comic Books was the next comic period of America characterized by the reemergence of superhero fans and characters. Comics as Flash and Green Lantern were introduced in this era by the modern comic giant DC Comics. (Picture Credits: Sheldon Moldoff, Flash Comics #1. January 1940) (Picture Credits: Sheldon Moldoff, All American Comics #16. (Picture Credits: Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, Action Comics-Superman #1, March 1938. ) In the comic, Superman was a more humanlike character with ability to beat up villains oppressing the common civilians than the modern superpower filled action figure with flying, x-ray vision and wind controlling hero.

The humanlike superhero character during his introduction in the 1930's made Superman more relatable to an individual with a strong desire of ending the vices of the society rampant in the society of the time. During the Great Depression Americans were placed under high rates of unemployment with increased poverty which led to increased evil deeds in the society. This led to development of the yearning for a triumphant individual in real life and an inspiration to live through the tough times from entertainment and Superman fulfilled this urge. ) The comic further revolutionized the American comic culture and history, providing a compelling basis towards the acceptance of future superhero comics such as Batman and Wonder Woman to date7. Superman’s comic success and influence on the comic history and survival culture during the Great Depression showed the impact of comics in individuals and social life.

The impending entry of America into a world war at the declining levels of Great Depression prompted the introduction of a comic fostering patriotic civilians who would rise up to defend their country shaping the creation of the comic Captain America. Captain America (1941) Captain America refers to a comic creation of cartoonists Joe Simon and Jack Kirby that were first presented in the Captain America Comics #1 of 1941, March. The comic was produced by Timely Comics that would, later on, change to Marvel Comics and is undoubtedly one of the most reputable American comics from the Golden Age of Comic Books. ) From the above illustrations, The Captain America Comic series thus undoubtedly served a more significant role than entertainment; the creation of patriotism and war-winning culture amongst the citizens.

In all the series, Captain America emerged victorious over the countries enemies building the perception of the superiority of American forces to their enemies to readers. As a result, the readers were influenced to believing in their country's ability to emerge as winners in the ongoing World War II. This served as a source of encouragement for the diversion of their resources into the war, offering both financial help and volunteering to be part of the great soldiers fighting for their country. Comics not only developed a patriotic culture and nationalism at home but also at the warfront, providing massive inspiration to soldiers at war8. Characters such as Wonder Woman, Supergirl and Cat Woman played supportive roles to male characters like Batman and Superman leading to an outcry for better female representation.

Picture Credits: Jerry Siegel. Superman’s Girlfriend), DC Comics (1944) As such, there was building pressure on major comic producers to introduce female characters with their own independent story plots leading to successful creation of Ms. Marvel, one of the most reputable Marvel superheroes as first appeared in the cover below. Picture Credits: John Romita Sr. Marvel (Carol Danvers), Ms, Marvel Comics (1977) Unlike other female superheroes, Carol Danvers was featured in a comic that was centered around her as the main superhero. In line with the American Feminist Movement of the time, she was labeled Ms. Marvel, a title that showed women can be fully independent of the men and still achieve equal success. Most women readers of the Ms. Marvel comic were, therefore, inspired by the main character to be superheroes of their own lives, championing for equality in social work and influence considerations even when subjected to male dominance at the time in their normal lives10.