Credit: comics.org

Who among us doesn't love comics? It's a rhetorical question, as the world of graphic novels is closely intertwined with the lives of today's geeks not just because of our desire to visualize our likes by buying a figurine of our favorite superhero for decor, or a Batman-style gaming chair, and so on. Yes, today's comic culture is connected not only with magazines or books featuring images of humans (or super-humans) with their superpowers. It's a pop culture from which sprout branches like game development and the movie industry, clothing, and merch, or the manufacturing or customization of gadgets with custom designs, children's toys, and others. So the answer is - everyone loves comics. And let's take a look at where it all began.

If we briefly Google to explore what is comics, Wikipedia, not literally, shows us the statement that comics are a visual art form that combines images and text in a sequential layout to narrate a story or convey ideas. If we agree with this, the first comics appeared centuries before the present day, but it's unlikely you would call it a comic in the format you're accustomed to.

So the origin of comics is a complex and multifaceted topic. While we know different definitions and criteria used to determine what constitutes a comic, several notable works have been identified as significant milestones in the development of the medium. Let's not delve too deeply into ancient tapestries with text that draws parallels with the definition of comics, but move on to the more modern and typical graphic novels.

The origins of American comics are traditionally traced back to the comic strips featured in newspapers. These initial comic strips, emerging in the 1890s, hold a prominent place in comic history. Among these, Richard F. Outcault's "The Yellow Kid" in 1895 stands out as a pivotal work, often celebrated as the inaugural comic strip. It distinguished itself through its sequential narrative format and the employment of speech bubbles, setting a foundational structure for future comics.

Credit: lambiek.net

If you think of a comic book as a little booklet that tells a story with words and pictures, then "The Adventures of Obadiah Oldbuck" from 1837 might be the first comic's title.

Credit: dartmouth.edu

So, the first comic in the format we all recognize today was "Funnies on Parade." This gem from 1933 was a game-changer in the comic book world, thanks to the folks at Eastern Color Printing Company. Picture this: an eight-page newsprint tabloid packed with comic strip reprints, all meant to help sell Procter & Gamble soap and toiletries. Sounds quirky, right? But it worked! "Funnies on Parade" was a hit, proving comics had a big future and a hungry audience. This publication, along with some cool projects between Eastern Color and Dell Publishing like "Famous Funnies A Carnival of Comics" and "Famous Funnies Series 1" in 1934, really set the stage for what the comic book industry would become. Now, if you're thinking about a comic filled with new stuff, then "New Fun" #1 from 1935 by National Allied Publications (yep, they later became DC Comics) is your go-to for the first real-deal comic book.

Credit: comics.org

If we're talking about the big names everyone knows today, the guys behind those amazing fantasy worlds, like the comic giants - DC and Marvel.

As mentioned above DC (Nation Allied Publications - those days), published its first comic book, New Fun: The Big Comic Magazine, in 1935. This anthology comic book featured various genres, including westerns, comedies, and adventures, and introduced the character of Doctor Occult, who is technically the first DC Comics character.

The first comic book released under the DC banner was Detective Comics #1, published in 1937. This comic book marked the beginning of DC Comics as we know it today. However, it wasn't until the introduction of Superman in Action Comics #1 in April 1938 that DC Comics gained significant popularity and launched the superhero genre.

Marvel Comics was founded in 1939 by Pulp Magazine Publisher Martin Goodman as Timely Comics. The first comic book published by Timely Comics was Marvel Comics #1, which debuted in October 1939. This comic book introduced three superheroes: Human Torch, Angel, and Namor the Sub-Mariner. The Human Torch, created by artist Carl Burgos, is often considered the first Marvel superhero due to his appearance in the first issue of Marvel Comics.

Credits: Marvel, DC

These creators of the superhero genre have left their mark on popular culture. It is their characters that have created narratives reflecting societal changes and inspiring heroism. Their impact extends far beyond comics, shaping multi-million dollar industries related to the genre.

But it's not just those two comic book giants leading the pack. There are plenty of other top publishers out there, covering all sorts of genres and styles. They give creators a chance to share their visual stories with fans across the globe. The top five US comic book publishers include:

1. Marvel Comics - Leading the pack, Marvel Comics has been a dominant force in the comic book industry, thanks to its extensive roster of characters like Spider-Man, the X-Men, and the Avengers. Their widespread popularity has consistently placed them at the top in terms of sales.
2. DC Comics - A close contender, DC Comics houses some of the most iconic superheroes such as Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman. Its significant contributions to the comic book world have solidified its position in comic Big Two.
3. Image Comics - Known for its creator-owned titles that offer a wide range of genres and stories, Image Comics has established itself as a major player in the industry. Titles like "Spawn," "Saga," and "The Walking Dead" have been particularly successful.
4. Dark Horse Comics - With a mix of original and licensed properties, Dark Horse Comics has carved out its niche. Series like "Hellboy," "Sin City," and various popular manga translations have contributed to its high sales figures.
5. IDW Publishing - Specializing in licensed content from movies, TV shows, and video games, alongside original series, IDW Publishing has a diverse catalog that appeals to a broad audience, making it one of the top publishers by sales.

The most popular comic book hero of our time is all about sales figures, showing their popularity and impact based on how many copies they sell. Here are the American top-selling comic book series ever:

1. Superman by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster (DC Comics): Roughly 600 million copies sold.
2. Batman by Bob Kane and Bill Finger (DC Comics): Around 484 million copies sold
3. Spider-Man by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko (Marvel): About 387 million copies sold
4. X-Men by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby (Marvel): Close to 260 million copies sold
5. Captain America by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby (Marvel): Around 210 million copies sold
6. Diabolik by Angela Giussani and Luciana Giussani (Astorina): Something like 150 million copies sold
7. Spawn by Todd McFarlane (Image Comics): Also around 150 million copies sold
8. The Phantom by Lee Falk: Yep, about 150 million copies sold too

When it comes to single comic book issues, the record-breaker is X-Men #1, published in 1991, with almost 8.2 million copies sold.

Looking back at the rich history of comics, it's obvious they've had a huge impact on culture and society in so many ways. They've evolved from simple stories to a cultural phenomenon, showing that comics aren't just for geeks – they're for everyone. And it's clear that comics are more than stories—they're a cultural touchstone that continues to evolve and resonate, touching every corner of our lives in the most colorful ways.