Comic books have been a source of adventure, imagination, and excitement for generations! From superhero battles to thrilling mysteries, these colourful pages have sparked the creativity of readers young and old. But did you know that comic books have a rich history full of surprising facts? From their humble beginnings to the creation of iconic heroes like Spider-Man and Wonder Woman, there’s so much to discover. Get ready to dive into the top 10 coolest facts about comic books that will make you see your favourite comics in a whole new way!

1. Comic books started in the 1930s.

Comic books as we know them today began in the 1930s, with the first modern comic book, Famous Funnies, published in 1933.

This paved the way for superhero comics to take off in the late 1930s and 1940s.

It started what’s now known as the Golden Age of Comics.

Make your own Thunderbirds comic!

2. Superman was one of the first superheroes!

One of the first superheroes to appear in comic books was Superman, who debuted in Action Comics #1 in 1938.

Created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, Superman’s introduction marked the birth of the superhero genre, inspiring countless characters like Batman, Wonder Woman, and Spider-Man.

3. Comics weren’t always about superheroes.

Before superheroes dominated, comic books covered a variety of genres like detective stories, romance, horror, and even Westerns.

While superheroes took centre stage in later decades, comics have always had a diverse range of stories to offer readers.

4. Stan Lee created many iconic heroes.

Stan Lee, a legendary figure in the comic book world, co-created many of Marvel’s most famous superheroes, including Spider-Man, the X-Men, the Fantastic Four, and the Hulk.

His creative influence transformed Marvel Comics into the powerhouse it is today.

5. The world’s most expensive comic sold for £4,700,000!

A copy of Action Comics No. 1, featuring Superman’s very first appearance from 1938, was sold at auction for a record-breaking price of over $6 million (£4.75 million).

When it was first published, this iconic comic only cost 10 cents (around 8p)!

Of the 200,000 original copies printed, fewer than 100 are thought to still exist, making it one of the rarest and most valuable comics in the world.

Learn how to make a comic in Activity Quest!

6. Comic books were once blamed for bad behaviour!

Back in the 1950s, some adults thought comic books were making kids behave badly!

They believed comics had too much violence and scary stuff.

Comic creators ended up making sure the stories were safe and didn’t have anything too spooky or inappropriate.

Superhero comics stayed strong, though, and kept kids entertained with action-packed stories.

7. Manga are comic books from Japan!

Manga, the Japanese version of comic books, is incredibly popular worldwide.

Manga stories range from action-packed adventures to romance and fantasy, often serialised in weekly magazines.

Series like Naruto, Dragon Ball, and One Piece have global fanbases.

Read Top 10 Facts about Japan!

8. Comic books inspired blockbuster movies.

Some of the biggest blockbuster movies today are based on comic books, like The Avengers, Black Panther, and The Dark Knight.

These films have brought superheroes to an even wider audience, turning comic book characters into icons.

9. The first woman-led superhero comic was Wonder Woman.

Wonder Woman, who first appeared in All Star Comics #8 in 1941, was the first major super-heroine to star in her own comic book series.

She became a symbol of strength and independence for women and is still one of the most popular comic book characters today.

10. Free comic book day is a real event.

Every year on the first Saturday in May, comic book stores around the world participate in Free Comic Book Day, where fans can get free comic books.

It’s a celebration of comic book culture and a great way to introduce new readers to the world of comics!

These facts show how comic books have evolved from humble beginnings into a major part of global pop culture, continuing to inspire readers of all ages with exciting stories and iconic characters.