What Are American Comics Called?

When you think of iconic American culture, superheroes in tights, epic battles, and larger-than-life characters probably come to mind. But have you ever wondered what Americans call their beloved graphic storytelling? The answer lies in the rich history of American comics, a medium that has captivated audiences since the early 20th century. While the term “comics” itself is commonly used worldwide, American comics are particularly known for their superhero genre, which continues to thrive in mainstream media, contributing to the massive $1.28 billion comic book industry in the United States as of 2023. But this is just the tip of the iceberg—American comics span a wide array of styles and genres, each with its own unique appeal.

From the colorful pages of Marvel and DC comics to underground graphic novels and webcomics, American comics have evolved dramatically. Though they are generally referred to as “comics,” the nuances of this term encompass more than just caped crusaders. In fact, comics in America often refer to both mainstream superhero books and alternative, independent comics that reflect a diverse range of artistic expression. With increasing global influence, these comics are helping redefine not just how stories are told, but how we see the world through a visual lens. So, what exactly are American comics called, and how did they come to shape pop culture as we know it today? Let’s explore.

Why Are American Comics in Color?

American comics are known for their vibrant colors, but why is color so essential to this storytelling medium? The decision to use color in American comics goes beyond mere aesthetics—it’s deeply tied to the way comics evolved over the decades. From the very beginning, color played a pivotal role in helping comics stand out, drawing readers in with their bold, eye-catching visuals. While early comic strips were often printed in black and white, color became the norm in superhero comics as they grew in popularity in the mid-20th century.

1. The Power of Color in Superheroes

One major reason why American comics embraced color is the association with the superhero genre. Color not only helped distinguish characters but also intensified the drama and excitement of their adventures. The use of color allowed heroes like Superman and Spider-Man to leap off the page in ways black-and-white comics couldn’t achieve. This concept parallels the use of color in visual art movements like cubism, where color was integral in breaking down and reinterpreting reality. In fact, as Artsy explains, cubism’s use of vibrant colors helped to reshape how viewers experience different perspectives, an idea that resonates with the bold, dynamic world of comic book characters.

2. Technological Advances and the Rise of Color Printing

Another reason American comics are in color is due to technological advancements in printing. In the early days, color printing was expensive and limited, so many comics were printed in black and white. However, with the advent of more affordable color printing techniques in the 1930s, comics became brighter and more visually stimulating. This new technology allowed comic artists and publishers to experiment with colors in innovative ways, making the pages more engaging for readers of all ages.

3. Color as a Tool for Storytelling

Color is not just decorative in American comics—it’s an essential storytelling tool. For instance, color can convey emotions, set the tone, and indicate shifts in time or location. In comics, a dramatic scene might be painted with dark blues and reds to evoke tension, while lighter tones might be used for peaceful moments. Similar to how cubism used color to break down traditional representations in art, comics utilize color to provide new dimensions to their stories. As Publishers Weekly’s 2023 report notes, the use of color in comics continues to play a crucial role in their commercial success, driving greater engagement with readers worldwide.

In conclusion, American comics are in color because of their deep ties to the evolution of visual storytelling. Color brought energy and vibrancy to the pages, enabling artists to create immersive worlds for their readers. Whether it’s the dynamic powers of superheroes or the emotional depth conveyed through carefully chosen hues, color remains an essential feature that defines American comics today.

What Are The Three Types of Comics?

Comics have come a long way from their newspaper strip origins, evolving into a multifaceted medium with diverse formats and storytelling approaches. Today, there are three main types of American comics recognized worldwide—each with its own audience, style, and cultural significance. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a curious newcomer, understanding these categories can enhance your appreciation of the art form. Interestingly, just like the art movement cubism revolutionized traditional representation in painting, each comic type challenges how we engage with narrative and visual storytelling.

1. Comic Strips

Comic strips are short, usually humorous sequences found in newspapers or online platforms. They often feature recurring characters and deliver punchy, episodic storytelling. Popular strips like Peanuts e Calvin and Hobbes have left a lasting cultural impact. Similar to how cubism fragmented space to show multiple perspectives, comic strips distill complex emotions and satire into minimal frames, offering a fast but effective narrative.

2. Comic Books

Comic books are the backbone of the American comic industry, typically published in serialized, monthly issues. These comics are often associated with superheroes, but the genre has diversified to include horror, fantasy, romance, and more. According to a 2023 Comichron report, the U.S. comic book market hit $2.16 billion in total sales, showing strong growth across both print and digital. Like cubism, comic books reinvent how space and time are visualized, especially through panel design and visual pacing.

3. Graphic Novels

Graphic novels are longer, self-contained comic stories that often explore more mature or literary themes. Titles like Maus, Persepolis, and Watchmen have received critical acclaim and helped redefine comics as a serious art form. These works often echo the experimental spirit of cubism by deconstructing narrative conventions and challenging linear storytelling. A 2023 study by Publishing Perspectives notes that graphic novels are especially popular among younger readers, contributing to a surge in graphic fiction readership across the U.S.

In summary, the three types of comics—comic strips, comic books, and graphic novels—each play a vital role in the landscape of visual storytelling. Much like cubism transformed modern art by shifting how we view form and perspective, these comic formats offer distinct ways to engage with narrative, emotion, and meaning.

Why Are Comics 32 Pages?

Ever wondered why most American comic books are exactly 32 pages long? It’s not a coincidence—it’s a blend of economic practicality, publishing tradition, and production efficiency. While seemingly arbitrary, this number has helped shape the format of modern comics, much like cubism reshaped modern art by introducing radical changes to perspective and structure.

1. Printing and Production Standards

Historically, 32 pages became the standard because of how paper is folded and printed. Comics are typically printed in multiples of eight pages, known as “signatures.” A 32-page layout allows publishers to maximize sheet usage while minimizing paper waste and printing costs. According to Printers Lounge’s 2024 guide, this configuration remains one of the most cost-effective setups for large-scale comic production.

2. Balance Between Story and Ads

In traditional comic books, not all 32 pages are used for story. Around 20–24 pages are typically devoted to narrative, with the rest allocated for advertisements, previews, or bonus content. This format struck a profitable balance between engaging readers and generating ad revenue—especially during the Golden and Silver Ages of comics. Like cubism’s calculated compositions, comic layouts follow a strategic structure that enhances both storytelling and commercial viability.

3. Reader Expectations and Market Norms

The 32-page length has become the industry norm, shaping reader expectations. Fans anticipate stories paced to that length, allowing for cliffhangers, plot development, and art showcases in a compact format. Deviating too far from this structure could impact reader satisfaction and sales. As with cubism, which initially challenged viewers’ visual comfort zones, the 32-page comic has become a familiar format that now defines the rhythm of serialized storytelling.

Today, even as digital comics and graphic novels diversify how we read, the 32-page comic remains a staple in the industry. It’s a testament to how practical constraints and creative storytelling can harmonize—just as cubism fused structure with abstraction to revolutionize the way art communicates.

What Do You Call a Person Who Writes Comics?

In the world of comics, the person responsible for crafting the story, dialogue, and pacing is known as a comic book writer or simply, a comics writer. These creatives are the narrative architects behind your favorite characters and plots. Just as cubism reimagined the visual language of fine art, comics writers reinvent storytelling through the dynamic blend of text and visuals.

1. Comics Writers vs. Cartoonists

It’s important to distinguish between comics writers and cartoonists. While a comics writer focuses on the script and storyline, a cartoonist typically writes and illustrates their own work—common in comic strips and indie graphic novels. Think of it as the difference between a screenwriter and a filmmaker. Much like how cubism blurred the lines between realism and abstraction, these roles sometimes overlap, depending on the project and creative vision.

2. The Collaborative Process

In mainstream comics—especially in companies like Marvel and DC—writers work closely with pencillers, inkers, colorists, and letterers. The writer scripts the narrative, which includes panel breakdowns, character actions, and dialogue. As noted in a 2024 report by Publishers Weekly, the demand for skilled comics writers has grown, especially with the rise of graphic novels and adaptations across film and TV.

3. Storytelling That Breaks Conventions

Comics writers bring innovation to the page, often experimenting with non-linear timelines, inner monologues, and multi-layered plots. Their work parallels the conceptual revolution of cubism, where artists like Picasso deconstructed subjects to reveal deeper truths. Similarly, comics writers break traditional literary forms to deliver stories that are emotionally rich and visually compelling.

So, what do you call a person who writes comics? A storyteller, a visionary, a world-builder—a comics writer whose creativity helps define the rhythm and voice of the medium. As with the legacy of cubism, their influence transcends the page, shaping how we experience narrative through a truly visual language.

What Was The First American Comic?

The origin of American comics traces back to the 19th century, with the first widely recognized comic considered to be The Yellow Kid. Published in 1895 in the New York World, this comic strip by Richard F. Outcault is often credited as the first American comics due to its serialized nature, visual humor, and use of word balloons—elements that would later become industry standards. Just as cubism revolutionized how we perceive art, The Yellow Kid redefined how stories could be told through the fusion of images and text.

1. The Yellow Kid’s Impact on Comics

The Yellow Kid wasn’t just a funny character—it was a cultural shift. It launched during a time of explosive growth in mass media and became the face of “yellow journalism,” a term still used today. The comic’s success demonstrated how visual storytelling could influence public opinion and entertain simultaneously. In this way, it echoed cubism’s disruptive influence on visual conventions by making art—and storytelling—accessible and dynamic.

2. A Format That Sparked an Industry

Though it began as a newspaper strip, The Yellow Kid soon transitioned into standalone comic book-style reprints, paving the way for the modern comic book format. According to a Library of Congress archive, these early comics were sold as separate publications as early as 1897, marking the beginning of comic publishing as a commercial industry in the U.S. As with cubism, which inspired whole new movements in design and visual art, this comic’s format sparked a lasting cultural and economic legacy.

3. From Yellow Ink to Superhero Universes

The success of The Yellow Kid opened the door for other cartoonists, eventually leading to the explosion of superhero comics in the 1930s and beyond. While early comics focused on satire and social commentary, their evolution mirrored the abstract experimentation of cubism: bending visual norms, amplifying voices, and innovating the way we absorb stories.

In short, the first American comic, The Yellow Kid, laid the groundwork for an entire industry. Its blend of humor, art, and serialized storytelling mirrored the experimental spirit of cubism, and its legacy continues to shape the vibrant comic culture we know today.

Is Batman an American Comic?

Yes, Batman is undeniably an American comic icon. First appearing in Detective Comics #27 in 1939, the character was created by artist Bob Kane and writer Bill Finger under DC Comics, one of the pillars of the American comic book industry. Just as cubism reshaped visual art by breaking traditional forms, Batman transformed the superhero genre with his dark, psychological depth and gritty realism—an approach that was revolutionary for its time.

1. A Dark Knight with a U.S. Passport

While Batman has become a global pop culture symbol, his roots are deeply American. Gotham City mirrors New York City’s shadows, tensions, and architectural drama. Over the decades, Batman’s stories have tackled themes like justice, corruption, and identity—echoing American societal challenges. Like cubism, which dissected reality into fragmented perspectives, Batman’s narrative arc deconstructs heroism, morality, and trauma in layered ways.

2. A Global Icon with American Origins

According to a 2023 Statista survey, Batman remains one of the top three favorite superheroes among U.S. fans, with 38% of respondents naming him their favorite. His popularity helped elevate comic books to a respected storytelling medium, paving the way for complex characters and mature themes. This mirrors how cubism encouraged artists to embrace abstraction and break artistic boundaries.

3. From Comics to Cinematic Legend

Though Batman began in American comics, his influence now spans film, animation, and video games. His storylines have tackled philosophical and psychological themes rarely explored in early comics. In that sense, Batman’s evolution is much like cubism’s journey—from misunderstood and avant-garde to iconic and transformative. Both changed the rules of their mediums.

So yes, Batman is an American comic through and through—but he’s also a symbol of how storytelling can evolve. Just as cubism broke the canvas wide open, Batman redefined what a hero could be, proving that even in a cape and cowl, depth and darkness can become a cultural legacy.

Is Superman an American Comic?

Yes, Superman is not just an American comic—he’s the blueprint of the modern superhero. First appearing in Action Comics #1 in 1938, Superman was created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, two sons of Jewish immigrants who sought to tell a story of hope, strength, and justice. Just like cubism revolutionized visual storytelling through fragmented form and fresh perspective, Superman changed the course of American Comics forever.

1. The Birth of the Superhero Genre

Superman marked the beginning of the Golden Age of Comics, launching DC Comics (then National Allied Publications) into the spotlight. His story—a powerful alien using his strength for good—resonated deeply with Depression-era America. Like cubism, which challenged viewers to see beyond the obvious, Superman encouraged readers to think about morality, duality, and justice in layered ways.

2. A Cultural Symbol Born in the U.S.

Superman’s iconic status is deeply rooted in American values, but his influence is undeniably global. According to a 2023 Morning Consult survey, Superman is the world’s most recognizable superhero, with 91% of U.S. adults familiar with him. His blue suit, red cape, and “S” shield are as culturally embedded in the American psyche as any flag or emblem. In this way, his legacy mirrors that of cubism—groundbreaking, transformative, and enduring.

3. Comics as Mythmaking

Superman’s narrative—an outsider using his powers for the greater good—transcends entertainment. It taps into American ideals of immigration, identity, and altruism. Much like cubism reshaped artistic norms to better reflect the fractured world of the early 20th century, Superman reshaped comics into vehicles of modern mythology and moral questioning.

In short, Superman is undeniably an American comic. But his story, like the legacy of cubism, is universal—proof that bold innovation can reshape not just a medium, but how we see ourselves in the world.

FAQ – American Comics