(picture from Wired.)

Recently we were asked for some suggestions for comic books that would be appropriate for, and enjoyed by, children. This is not as easy as it sounds.  There is no easy comic book rating system like movies and video games have.  Even if there is, having a system in place does not mean it works.  For example, a PG-13 movie gets one F bomb.  If there are two, that’s an automatic R rating.  Yes, something as silly as that is enough to alter a movie’s fate. Thus I’m going to come up with my own arbitrary system for what is and is not kid friendly.  The books below will have no swearing (maybe an “ass” at most), no graphic sex or blood, and clear cut heroes and villains.  There might be drugs, there might be fights, arguements, and various other conflicts within but it will all be in order to tell the larger moral tale.  Your children will read about good guys winning in the end, bad guys being punished, and lessons learned.

The next step is finding a place to buy these books.  Borders is gone.  Barnes and Noble has a comic book section but its impossible to carry everything.  The best bet is to find a good comic book store near you.  Locate one with the help of http://www.comicshoplocator.com/storelocator Just type in your zip code and the stores nearest to you will come up.  If the store is awful, move on to the next one.

Here is a short list of one’s I have found to be professional and friendly. Zeus Comics – Austin, TX Third Eye Comics – Annapolis, MD Midtown Comics – Manhattan, NY Meltdown Comics – LA, CA The Secret Headquarters – LA, CA Casablanca Comics – Portland, ME Ravenswood – New Hartford, NY Play the Game, Read the Story – Syracuse, NY But there are many many more across the country.

Worst case scenario, you can find these books on http://www.comixology.com/ then download them directly to your device of choice (iPad, etc).  Or head over to Amazon.com and compare prices between new and used.  There are deals to be found.

Next, here is the difference between comic books and graphic novels.  A comic book comes out every month (or so) and tells one story or part of a larger story within 20-30 pages.  A graphic novel is the entire story collected into a binded book form.  Think of it as a comic book being the weekly episode of your favorite TV show.  Sometimes its a single episode and other times its “to be continued”.  A graphic novel is the DVD box set of the “complete season two” that comes out at the end of the TV year.

If there are any other questions, or if clarification is needed, please leave comments at the end of the article and I will respond as best I can.

Now onto some comic books!

 

Marvel Adventures series.

From $6-$10 brand new this is the best bang for your buck.  Chances are if your child wants to read some comic books its because they saw one of the inescapable movies.  The Marvel Adventures series features Spider-Man, the Avengers, Hulk, the X-Men and more.  The stories are loads of fun, and the small size allows for easy reading on long car rides or trips to Grandma’s.

 

In fact, remember that “Adventures” title.  DC Comics also has Batman Adventures, Superman Adventures, Superman Family Adventures, and Justice League Adventures.  All of these are themed after the cartoon series and are thus safe for children. DC Super Friends and Marvel’s Super Hero Squad are great choices for around the pre-school age.  The heroes look a bit more wide eyed and are always sporting a smile.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid.

I’m counting this as a graphic novel.  It is a story that through the combination of words and pictures tells a story that neither the words nor the pictures could tell on their own.  Therefore graphics + novel.  Also a great story and series that is loved by children around the world.  Chances are your kid is going to find this one on his/her own.

Owly.

I cant write up a better description of Owly then this blurb for the first volume.  Approved for the Kindergarten age group and with a great moral lesson in every tale.  Plus, he’s so cute!

Owly is a kind, yet lonely, little owl who’s always on the lookout for new friends and adventure. The first graphic novel in the series contains two enchanting novellas, “The Way Home” & “The Bittersweet Summer,” wherein Owly discovers the meaning of friendship, and that saying goodbye doesn’t always mean forever.

Bone.

Once you read Bone you’ll be shocked its not a multi billion dollar empire.  Bone is Disney crossed with Lord of the Rings.  A simple story of some lost brothers that becomes anything but a simple story.  There is a world of adventure, of loyalty and bravery.  Plus one of the most amazing dragons in any medium.

 

By all means, if anyone else has suggestions leave them in the comments below.  Lets get a good list going that can help anyone who stumbles upon the article.