New titles seek to recapture kid market
February 21st, 2008 | by admin |Original Post here: Snikkkt!
Source: Star-Gazette
When comic books were first introduced to the public in the mid-1930s, the publications were considered throwaway entertainment directed at America’s youth. Teachers across the country considered them trash and bemoaned the fact that these periodicals would contribute to an educational decline that would somehow produce a barely literate generation for the future. Some 70-plus years later, illiteracy is a definite problem in the United States but comic readers, for all their imagined faults and idiosyncrasies, are some of the most well-read individuals in the country.
Despite the introduction of many new formats in comic books, sales figures continue on a steady decline. One of the reasons most often cited is the inaccessibility of most material to young readers. As long-time fans continue to age, modern comic books mature along with them. Publishers direct most of their works at the 18- to 34-year-old demographic, and in so doing neglect the target audience for which the medium was originally intended.
With the exception of the Archie Comics Group, whose entire line is dedicated to young readers, none of the major comic companies’ efforts in recent years seem to catch the attention of this overlooked one-time majority. Marvel publishes its Marvel Adventures line, which features books starring their major characters, and DC’s Johnny DC imprint carries books based on several Cartoon Network and Kids WB franchises, but these well-intentioned publications do not receive the aggressive promotion associated with their mainstream counterparts.
DC Comics is now trying to change the status quo by introducing several original titles to their Johnny DC line. Unlike previous books based on cartoon properties, the new works present DC characters in stories aimed solely at young readers. The first of these, “Tiny Titans,” is on sale now and features elementary school versions of the popular Teen Titans. Taking place at Sidekick Elementary, the situations faced by these future superheroes will seem familiar to anyone entering school for the first time. Cute without being cloying, “Tiny Titans” may end up with an adult fan base besides its intended target audience.
March will see the release of DC’s “Super Friends,” the second book in the line, featuring the Justice League of America in kid-friendly adventures. “Billy Batson and the Magic of Shazam,” starring the original Captain Marvel, will follow at a future date.
These titles are a perfect way to introduce the very young to the exciting world of superheroes. Visit your local comic shop for details.
Popularity: 3% [?]
Sphere: Related Content
You must be logged in to post a comment.