Do People Still Read Comics?

[Someguy 24]

I recently found out that a few of my friends are big comic book fans, especially DC universe comics, and I was wondering if comic books are not cared about any more or if they are still popular and have many fans. If you read any comics post which you read.

 

[Shoggoth2588]

I don't read comic books really...well maybe...do graphic novels count? By graphic novel I don't mean to imply manga, I say Graphic Novel to mean Marvel Zombies and, Batman: The Killing Joke. Although I do kinda read manga too. Not as much as I used to but I do have a series or two which I follow (Detroit Metal City and, Petshop of Horrors)

 

[luckycharms8282]

They definitely arent as popular as the used to be. Theyve kind of gone out of style a little bit. I see one of my friends in my dorm reading a lot of comic books, so there are still people around who read them.

 

[GotMalkAvian]

Comic books have a bigger audience than ever, as far as I can tell. First, you've got the old-fashioned issue-by-issue die-hards. Then, you've got the people who wait for trade collections to come out (I fall into this category). Thirdly, you have people who buy independent graphic novels and one-offs (also this category). Finally, you have people who love comic book movies; not really comic book readers, but their money still helps to keep the publishing companies afloat (this category, too).

I may be wrong about the breakdown, but these are the audiences as I see them judging from the way my local comic shops are set up, and they seem to be making a hell of a profit.

I actually spend a decent amount of money on comics. I just won't buy individual issues because I don't have the space to store them and I like to have books arranged on bookshelves where I can see the spines and access them easily.

 

[Jonluw]

Well, I read some manga. I also read the comics in the newspaper.

 

[Fleaman]

I read the trade paperbacks at the library, but I don't actually buy anything.

 

[Hawk of Battle]

Well I've just ordered a bunch of the Buffy/Angel comics, due to being behind on them all. One of them arrived just today in fact, and I intend to read it momentarily.

 

[Legion]

I don't and never have read super hero comics (DC/Marvel) etc. but I do have some "niche" comics by a few artists.

Johnny The Homicidal Maniac, Squee!, I Feel Sick, Writhe and Shine, Nemi and Emily The Strange.

 

[AetherWolf]

I usually don't buy physical copies, but instead read them online or at libraries, but yeah, I still love comics. I've been going on a DC archive binge lately. Still quite a ways to go...

I read manga too, but seriously, nobody really buys them because they're so fucking expensive.

 

[Cowabungaa]

Yeap, I actually just got into them. Right now I've read only a few stand-alone superhero stories and a few bundles, but I'm planning on expanding that. Actually, just yesterday I ordered a Hellblazer comic (Constantine is apparently so much more awesome in the comics than the movie) and the first Dresden Files comic. Hope they're good.

I doubt I'll ever get into the monthly business though, bit too expensive plus they're barely available where I live.

I don't read comic books really...well maybe...do graphic novels count? By graphic novel I don't mean to imply manga, I say Graphic Novel to mean Marvel Zombies and, Batman: The Killing Joke. Although I do kinda read manga too. Not as much as I used to but I do have a series or two which I follow (Detroit Metal City and, Petshop of Horrors)

Comics, graphic novels, same thing really.

I don't and never have read super hero comics (DC/Marvel) etc.

You'd be surprised how good some of them are, like Batman: Arkham Asylum (most demented art ever) or Superman: Red Son (I never guessed Superman could actually produce an interesting story).

 

[Belthalmel]

(looks at pile of Fables graphic novels) ...yes, yes they do.

Anything by vertigo is pretty awesome, too bad the main DCU is just horrible.

 

[blankedboy]

I read Furthia High, Concession and Ballerina Mafia, if they count... Concession ends on Saturday. Wow.

 

[CrashBang]

Comic books have a bigger audience than ever, as far as I can tell. First, you've got the old-fashioned issue-by-issue die-hards. Then, you've got the people who wait for trade collections to come out (I fall into this category). Thirdly, you have people who buy independent graphic novels and one-offs (also this category). Finally, you have people who love comic book movies; not really comic book readers, but their money still helps to keep the publishing companies afloat (this category, too).

I may be wrong about the breakdown, but these are the audiences as I see them judging from the way my local comic shops are set up, and they seem to be making a hell of a profit.

I actually spend a decent amount of money on comics. I just won't buy individual issues because I don't have the space to store them and I like to have books arranged on bookshelves where I can see the spines and access them easily.

Agree with this word for word
I got into comics just over a year ago and, since then, have spent a significant amount of money on them and even more time researching continuity, character histories and storylines etc.
I buy trade comics a lot, usually one a week, from Amazon. At the moment I'm working my way through Mark Millar's 'The Ultimates' and Geoff Johns' Green Lantern story arc. I just finished Rebirth and will soon get my hands on Sinestro Corps War as soon as Amazon UK have it back in stock
My favourite comic books are: Watchmen, Kick-Ass, Batman: The Long Halloween & Dark Victory and The Ultimates
My favourite hero is Batman

 

[XT inc]

Comics have the fan base, but they are just so damned hard to get into. I mean to the average consumer it is a train wreck of finding a comic book store for one unless all you want is the kind of rag comics corner stores offer. Trying to sort through dozens of miss matched issues, eras, series, stories etc and then there is a cost involved.

take gaming its 70 bucks for 6+ hours of entertainment, with comics it will take you 6 minutes or less to blow through the average 25 page book at 3-4$ which is 30-40 bucks an hour of entertainment. I mean if you play a 60 hour rpg for 70 bucks it would cost you 1800-2400$ on comic books to read them for 60 hours. More if you have to pay your shop extra to order in sets or series so you can actually ready a bloody plot.

 

[Jesus Phish]

Today was comic release day and I went to my local store and bought my stack. Since they're still making new series of comics and new originals, they must be doing something right.

I think comics are more of a personal thing. I've seen people read books on a bus, a magazine or a newspaper. Never once did I see someone reading a copy of Iron Man.

 

[laol1999]

i read comics
reading v for vendetta right now

 

[Samwise137]

I love my comic books. But then again, I'm a collector. Of ALL things. Old MtG sets, vintage computer junk, old games, vinyl records, you name it. Let me put it this way: the comic book store I go to most frequently (other than the games store that HAPPENS to also carry comics and plays home to my subscriptions) has a bargain bin pricing at 70 back issues for $10.00 US. I'm more inclined to buy as many of those as I can carry than I am the latest bargain on Steam. Their selection of regularly priced back issues is amazing too. That said, I do also buy the latest Batman, Batman & Robin, and Futurama every month. Comics are still a major part of my life and gives me something to talk to some of the other teachers I work with about.