National Comic Book Day

National Comic Book Day is celebrated annually on September 25. While the comic book genre is relatively new, it has evolved significantly over the years. What began as short illustrated stories has grown into full-length books, and today, many comic stories serve as inspiration for major films and television series.

History

The first comic book prototype appeared in 1842, when the Swiss comic The Adventures of Mr. Obadiah Oldbuck was printed in English. Comics as we know them today began to take shape in the early 20th century, with the first standard-size edition being Funnies on Parade. In 1938, Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster revolutionized the industry by introducing iconic superhero characters, helping to establish comics as a major cultural phenomenon.

Interesting Details

• The introduction of superheroes in comics helped alleviate fears of nuclear war that troubled young people during that era.
• The history of American comics is traditionally divided into four eras: the Golden Age (the birth of the genre), the Silver Age (the revival of superheroes), the Bronze Age (the emergence of darker heroes), and the Modern Age (which continues today).
• Did you know that the Hulk was originally supposed to be gray?

How to Take Part

If you love comics, attending Comic-Con is a dream come true—but if you can’t attend, host your own festival with friends. Gather to discuss your favorite comics and share which stories impressed you most. Don’t forget to consider costumes for your favorite characters! If you can draw, try creating your own comics—plan the storyline and design the costumes for your heroes.

When is National Comic Book Day in 2025?

National Comic Book Day is observed on September 25 each year.

Observations