Characteristics of Comic Books for Young Adults

Although the Comics Code Authority (CCA) began as a good way for a business group to police itself, today, with a few exceptions, most comic book publishers do not participate in the CCA. Thus, educators need to examine comic books carefully and identify those that are appropriate for various age levels of young adults and that will appeal to teenage readers. Considerations for Selecting Young Adult Literature: Comics contains suggestions for evaluating comic books.

Archie Comics is one publisher who is committed in all of their comic books to WFOP, or wholesome, family-oriented products. Their Web site lists a number of situations in which a character in one of their comics will never participate, such as drinking alcoholic beverages, taking drugs, smoking, or knowingly engaging in illegal activities (www.archiecomics.com/arcade/sunday/stumper/forparents.html).

Considerations for Selecting Young Adult Literature Comics

In general, ask the following questions when selecting comic books for young adults:

• Does the comic present positive role models and/or positive themes?
• Is the comic tied to popular movies, video games, or television shows?
• Are there good visual qualities with an interesting layout, quality illustrations (color is not necessary although new comic readers may be attracted to color comics), and good reproduction of the artwork?
• Is there good writing with original characters, an intriguing plot, and a style that will keep the reader’s interest?
• Does the comic avoid extreme violence, abusive behavior, or gratuitous profanity?