How to Find Comic Books for Children

Children, once the prime consumers for comics, grew up over the decades, causing many new comics to be created more for adults than for children. Take "Watchmen" or "The Dark Knight Returns." Both say something about society and humanity and while they can be enjoyed by children, but perhaps not understood completely. They also deal in adult themes. How does one find a good comic for a child? There are plenty of answers to that question.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. 
    
   Courtesy Marvel Comics

   Stick to signature heroes. You can go with any of the major heroes from any publisher and find quality stories for kids. "Iron Man" comics can appeal to any child, just like the philosophies of Batman and Superman show good examples. As noted in the next step, the publishers understand these signature heroes can toe the line of evil sometimes, but generally they must stick to taking the right actions and being good examples.

2. 
    
   Courtesy DC Comics

   Buy older comics from the days when children were the major readers. There wasn't much swearing or sex (actually none, for publishers like Marvel and DC) in the comics of the 1960s and 1970s. These comics are not boring: they appeal to any comic fan because often they are well written and illustrated. They were designed to bring in young readers with engaging storytelling and high-end art. Not perfect, but a nice beginning to teach children how to read or just pass the time.

3. Some publishers have children's lines. Like the rise of young adult novel lines, comic books intended for children are growing. Some publishers are focusing entirely on building new imprints just for kids. For example, IDW, a major publisher of top series like "30 Days of Night" and "Transformers" graphic novels, recently started a new imprint called Worthwhile Books.

4. Ask at the comic shop. If you have a child who loves comics, what better way to find the good comics than asking the staff at the comic shop? They will know loads more than most people who are generally aware of super heroes and comics. Point out what your child likes, what they hate and how you want something with no major bloodshed, swearing or sex. You never know--your child could become hooked on reading, which is good.

5. Ask on comic book forums or groups. Sometimes you don't want to travel down to the comic shop. Maybe you found a better deal on a site (which happens often). Ask on a comic forum or a Yahoo! group and you just might get advice. Follow the same strategy as at the comic shop. Still, asking a comic shop owner advice and buying from them is better all around.

Tips & Warnings

• Comic books are a good way to get a child to begin reading. If they are against books, start them out on comics and see what happens.
• Just because the cover looks good doesn't mean the comic is entertaining or that it's appropriate for a child to read. Flip through the book first. Better yet, ask someone else about it, like a fan or comic shop owner.