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Jacob Hix, 8, reads a comic as he waits in line with his dad, Tyler His, to meet Lou Ferrigno at Austin Books and Comics on Friday, Aug. 6, 2021. Ferrigno is known for playing The Hulk in the 1970s and 80s, as well as being a fitness industry icon.<\/p>\n
Mikala Compton\/American-Statesman, Austin American-Statesman<\/p>\n
Comic <\/a>lovers, it\u2019s your time to shine: Saturday is Free Comic Book <\/a>Day!<\/p>\n Here\u2019s what to know about the history <\/a>of comic books and how to score free ones in the Austin area.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n History of comic books, graphic novels in the US<\/p>\n Although today\u2019s comic books may seem like a modern phenomenon, the history of comics stretches back to the 1840s. \u201cHistoire de M. Vieux Bois,\u201d which translates to \u201cThe Adventures of Obadiah Oldbuck<\/a>,\u201d is considered the first iteration of a\u00a0comic. Swiss artist Rodolphe T\u00f6pffer began publishing in 1837, following the humorous story of a man told through a series of panels with illustrations at the top and descriptive text at the bottom. It was the first comic book printed in the U.S.,\u00a0according to Dartmouth Libraries<\/a>.<\/p>\n The Platinum Age of Comics, from 1897 to 1938, saw comic strips printed in American newspapers. Also called \u201cthe funnies,\u201d these typically appeared in Sunday editions as a way to attract readers. Comics like \u201cThe Brownies\u201d grew in popularity, and a collection of \u201cThe Yellow Kid\u201d published in 1897 is widely considered the first true comic book.<\/p>\n Advertising poster for The Great Sunday Journal, January 17, 1897. Lithograph by RF Outcault\/H.A. Thomas & Co. Litho.<\/p>\n The New York Historical\/Getty Images<\/p>\n The publication of \u201cSuperman\u201d in 1938 launched the\u00a0Golden Age. The character created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster remains among the most recognizable comic book characters today, PBS reports<\/a>. Its success inspired more action comics like \u201cBatman and Robin,\u201d \u201cWonder Woman\u201d and \u201cGreen Lantern.\u201d In the 1940s, \u201cCaptain Marvel\u201d surpassed \u201cSuperman\u201d in popularity among superhero comics.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Cover art for the “Superman” comic book, 1930s.<\/p>\n Hulton Archive\/Getty Images<\/p>\n The Silver Age of Comics spanned from 1956 to 1970, featuring characters based on the Golden Age\u2019s superheroes reimagined for a new generation. This era saw the birth of Marvel Comics’ creations: \u201cFantastic Four,\u201d \u201cHulk,\u201d \u201cX-Men,\u201d \u201cAvengers\u201d and \u201cDoctor Strange,\u201d to name a few.<\/p>\n The Avengers, poster, US poster, kissing from left: Adele Mara, John Carroll, dueling from left: John Carroll, Roberto Airaldi, 1950.<\/p>\n LMPC via Getty Images<\/p>\n The fantastical was pushed aside in favor of social consciousness in the Bronze Age. Comics published between 1970 and 1985 are characterized as darker and more mature, addressing issues like racism, alcoholism and drug addiction. Despite this shift in emphasis, Marvel and DC creations continued to lead the U.S. industry.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n The Modern Age of Comics can also be broken into three eras. The Copper Age from 1985 to 1992 continued to deliver darker and more sophisticated storylines like \u201cCrisis on Infinite Earths,\u201d \u201cWatchmen\u201d and \u201cBatman: The Dark Knight Returns.\u201d Between 1992 and 2000, the Iron Age\u00a0\u2014 also called the Dark Age or Chromium Age\u00a0\u2014 was recognizable by its extreme and violent anti-heroes. Lastly, the Modern Age can also refer to comics published in the 21st century\u00a0\u2014 nicknamed the Plastic Age or Pixel Age\u00a0\u2014 and encompasses digital distribution, made-for-TV comics and corporate crossover events.<\/p>\n When is Free Comic Book Day 2026?<\/p>\n Free Comic Book Day has usually been celebrated on the first Saturday in May since its inception in 2002, which intentionally aligned with the premiere weekend of the “Spider-Man” movie<\/a>. This year, it’s observed on May 2.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n What began as a U.S. event has now expanded across the globe, with over 2,000 shops\u00a0in all participating.<\/p>\n \u201cFCBD is built on one simple idea: there\u2019s a comic out there for everyone. Whether you\u2019re a lifelong fan or just curious, you\u2019ll find something you love among the incredible selection of titles for all ages and tastes,\u201d the event\u2019s website states<\/a>. \u201cYour local comic shop is more than a store; it\u2019s the heart of the comic book community. Each shop has its own unique vibe, packed with comics, graphic novels, collectibles, and more. It\u2019s the perfect place to discover new stories, meet fellow fans, and celebrate pop culture together.\u201d<\/p>\n Austin shops celebrating Free Comic Book Day<\/p>\n The official website for Free Comic Book Day operates a store locator tool that tracks stores participating in the event. Five are listed<\/a>\u00a0for the Austin area.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
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