Comic books are a medium that combines visual art and narrative storytelling, typically presented in a serialized format. They consist of a series of illustrations or drawings that convey a story or theme, often accompanied by dialogue and descriptive text within speech bubbles, captions, and panels. Comic books can cover a variety of genres, including superhero, fantasy, science fiction, horror, and humor, among others.
The format usually consists of a stapled or bound collection of pages, often printed in color, and may range from short single issues to longer graphic novels that compile multiple stories. The visual elements play a crucial role in the storytelling, as the sequential art guides the reader through the narrative. Comic books have a rich history and have evolved over the years, contributing significantly to popular culture and entertainment, particularly in the realms of superhero franchises, manga, and independent works. They are often targeted at specific age groups, including children, teens, and adults, and they are distributed through various channels, including comic book stores, online platforms, and libraries.