The Comic Book Thread

[Retrodude]

Most mainstream comics are aimed at adult males.

What fantasy world are you living in? If we say that superhero comics are the most mainstream since that's what most people think of when they hear the term "comic book", superhero comics ARE aimed at kids and they ALWAYS HAVE BEEN. Think about this: Movies like The Avengers, Man Of Steel, Iron Man or Green Lantern always have lots of parents bringing their kids, right? Furthermore, DC and Marvel know this and so they've done a good job of keeping most of their films reasonably kid-friendly. If the movies are at least partially aimed at kids (and they are), why on earth would DC and Marvel NOT also aim the comics at kids? They wouldn't. Just because they sometimes have "mature" content (which is rarely as "adult" as you seem to think it is), that doesn't mean they're not keeping a child audience in mind when they write this stuff. COMIC BOOKS ARE FOR KIDS. There's nothing wrong with adults reading and enjoying them (the gods know I do), but to claim that the actual intended audience really isn't the intended audience is laughable at best and downright idiotic at worst. It's like saying the Harry Potter novels were written for adults when they clearly were not (although that doesn't stop some people from trying to say that).

[AppleQueso]

intended for kids:

[Retrodude]

I can't see the image, but my point remains valid. You can pull out all the examples you want, but that won't change the fact that the VAST MAJORITY of superhero comics ARE aimed at kids. To claim otherwise is to show that you're in denial because for some reason, you're terrified of the thought that you might be reading childrens' literature. Don't be. Like I said, there's nothing wrong with adults reading this stuff, but at least be honest with yourself about what you're reading.

[AppleQueso]

I can't see the image

Try it again.

I'm not pulling some sort of obscure example either, that's a fairly recent Batman comic.

Most of what's currently on the shelves is aimed at the very least around a teen audience or older. It's pretty clear just flipping through the stuff.

It's not like this stuff has mainstream penetration the way their movies and whatnot do. You can't just grab the newest Justice League or whatever off of the magazine rack at the grocery store. You have to actually seek out comic shops, or at the very least a book store or big media outlet.

And as for your "you're in denial!!!11" bullshit:
I've got several DVD sets of cartoons on my shelf. Shit like Powerpuff Girls, TMNT, etc. Stuff that's very obviously aimed at kids. I'm certainly not "ashamed" to consume media aimed at that audience. Secondly, I'm not even a regular comic book reader.

You can just take that shit somewhere else.

[BurningDoom]

Most mainstream comics are aimed at adult males.

What fantasy world are you living in? If we say that superhero comics are the most mainstream since that's what most people think of when they hear the term "comic book", superhero comics ARE aimed at kids and they ALWAYS HAVE BEEN. Think about this: Movies like The Avengers, Man Of Steel, Iron Man or Green Lantern always have lots of parents bringing their kids, right? Furthermore, DC and Marvel know this and so they've done a good job of keeping most of their films reasonably kid-friendly. If the movies are at least partially aimed at kids (and they are), why on earth would DC and Marvel NOT also aim the comics at kids? They wouldn't. Just because they sometimes have "mature" content (which is rarely as "adult" as you seem to think it is), that doesn't mean they're not keeping a child audience in mind when they write this stuff. COMIC BOOKS ARE FOR KIDS. There's nothing wrong with adults reading and enjoying them (the gods know I do), but to claim that the actual intended audience really isn't the intended audience is laughable at best and downright idiotic at worst. It's like saying the Harry Potter novels were written for adults when they clearly were not (although that doesn't stop some people from trying to say that).

I don't know if you're reading Archie or Scooby-Doo or something. But most super-hero comics are indeed aimed at adult males, as well as other genres like Fantasy and Horror. I've been reading comics my entire life, like since I can remember (I started on my Dad's collection). So it's not like I'm some newbie here, not knowing what I'm talking about.

And I have no problem enjoying things intended for kids. I watch cartoons all the time. I'm a regular poster on a video game site, for crying out loud. I just turned 30 and I still have action figures lining the top of my game and comic shelves.

[Retrodude]

most super-hero comics are indeed aimed at adult males.

Yeah, keep telling yourself that if it makes you feel more secure. It still won't make it true.

[BurningDoom]

most super-hero comics are indeed aimed at adult males.

Yeah, keep telling yourself that if it makes you feel more secure. It still won't make it true.

Okay, go to any regular comic book message board, and just ask the members their average age. I know the answer already because I'm a longtime member and moderator over at the ComicCollectorLive.com boards, and I post regularly at Comic Vine. We all range from our teens up to a few regulars all the way in their 60s. Most of us being in the 20s-30s range.

[Retrodude]

most super-hero comics are indeed aimed at adult males.

Yeah, keep telling yourself that if it makes you feel more secure. It still won't make it true.

Okay, go to any regular comic book message board, and just ask the members their average age. I know the answer already because I'm a longtime member and moderator over at the ComicCollectorLive.com boards, and I post regularly at Comic Vine. We all range from our teens up to a few regulars all the way in their 60s. Most of us being in the 20s-30s range.

So what? That doesn't actually disprove my point. You'll find lots of adult My Little Pony fans on the internet too. More adult fans than kids, I'd wager. In fact, I make regular visits to an entire forum full of adult fans. Would you say that My Little Pony was aimed at adults?

[AppleQueso]

most super-hero comics are indeed aimed at adult males.

Yeah, keep telling yourself that if it makes you feel more secure. It still won't make it true.

Yup, he's only saying it to feel secure, that's why he watches cartoons and proudly displays his action figure collection. He's extremely concerned about appearing "adultlike."

Geez how dense are you? Did you even read a single fucking thing he typed?

Tip: Drop the "You only disagree with me because [some bullshit I made up]" shtick. It makes you look like a complete asshole.

[Retrodude]

Tip: Drop the "You only disagree with me because [some bullshit I made up]" shtick. It makes you look like a complete asshole.

Why? Because he's acting elitist and I have the nerve to call him on it? How dare I!