While there are comic books aimed at children, the majority of comic books produced are of a more adult nature. From torture to child death to sex, it has it all in variations of amounts, and even when it's not all dark and brooding, the jokes are adult jokes and the language, although not always, is generally more sophisticated.
Thankfully, the increase in comic book based movies has meant people are more open to it than they ever have been in my 23 years of life. I went out with a large group of friends just last night and managed to have a group conversation about comics. Although mine and my girlfriends knowledge was a bit more than everyone else's at the table, people were actually interested in what we were saying. Friends are listening to my ramblings about what comic story lines I think the movie companies are going to use next because it's now relevant to their interests too. It is now in fashion to be into comics, it is now in fashion to be a geek, to be a nerd.
When people call me a geek or a nerd now they do so with fondness, I got high fived in the bathroom because I was wearing a Superman shirt, and stopped for a compliment on one of my batman shirts. It is the THING now. You can't go into a Primark without seeing a superhero shirt. I saw a little boy the other day wearing a Green Lantern shirt, and then five minutes later an adult man with his girlfriend wearing the same shirt.
Comfortable and stylish Captain America shirt from Primark.
Like everything it'll go in and out of fashion, but if there was ever a time to get into comic books it'd be now, while it's cool to do so and people are more open about nerd and geek culture.
One of the beautiful things about comics is there is literally so many there is something for everyone of every age group. My mum even borrowed one of my Batman comics ('The Long Halloween' in case you were wondering) and enjoyed it. More proof that you don't have to be under the age of 12 to enjoy them.
They're also more accessible than ever with websites/apps like Comixology, where you can buy and read your comics digitally. Although I personally love the experiences and fun to be had with going to my local comic shop, I do use Comixology a lot for new series to save me buying individual issues.
I never feel more accomplished than when one of my friends say 'yeah I'd like to try reading some'. Yes! Do it! Here borrow some of mine! I'm sure I'll have something you like.
Unless you're 10 years old, I'm afraid I don't have anything appropriate for 10 year olds.
Unless you're 10 years old, I'm afraid I don't have anything appropriate for 10 year olds.
