More than just "Iron Man": A Brief History of Comic Books and Graphic Novels

Abstract

Comic books and graphic novels are a significant part of today’s culture. Popularity of blockbuster movies about superheroes such as "Iron Man" or "The Dark Knight" clearly indicates that stories created for the comic medium can captivate large audiences. Unfortunately, such stories are often considered to be lacking in substance and are often perceived as a very simple form of entertainment. The aim of this article is to briefly show how comic books and graphic novels developed throughout history. While observing how this form evolved, it is much easier to notice that this medium can actually be used to tackle serious subject matter and, contrary to popular belief, even superhero stories can have a significant level of dept