National Comic Book Day is an annual celebration dedicated to honoring the art, artists, and stories of comic books. This special day brings together fans, collectors, readers, and creators to celebrate the vibrant world of sequential storytelling.

Quick Facts

  • When is it: September 25th annually
  • Tagged as: Entertainment & Arts Holiday
  • What’s the hashtag: #NationalComicBookDay
  • When was it founded: Unknown
  • Who founded it: Origin remains unclear

History

Comic books emerged as a popular medium in the United States during the 1930s. The first recognized American comic book, “Famous Funnies,” appeared in 1933. However, the industry truly exploded with the introduction of Superman in 1938, marking the beginning of the Golden Age of Comics.

Timeline

  • 1842: First American comic book “The Adventures of Obadiah Oldbuck” published
  • 1933: “Famous Funnies” launches modern comic book era
  • 1938: Superman debuts, starting the Golden Age
  • 1956: Flash introduces the Silver Age
  • 1970s: Bronze Age begins
  • 1980s: Modern Age commences

Dates by Next Year

YearMonthDay
2024SeptemberWednesday 25
2025SeptemberThursday 25
2026SeptemberFriday 25

Observed

The day is celebrated worldwide through comic book store events, conventions, trading sessions, and personal reading celebrations.

Fun Facts About Comic Books

  • People who collect comic books are called pannapictagraphists
  • The most expensive comic book sold for over $6 million (Action Comics #1)
  • Comic books were initially created from newspaper comic strip collections
  • The term “comic book” originated despite not all content being humorous

Quiz

  1. When was Superman first published?
  2. What marked the beginning of the Silver Age?
  3. What was the first American comic book?
    -(Answers: 1938, The Flash in 1956, The Adventures of Obadiah Oldbuck)

FAQs

Q: What is a graphic novel?
A: A book-length comic book narrative

Q: Are all comic books about superheroes?
A: No, they span multiple genres including romance, horror, crime, and biography

Importance of National Comic Book Day

This celebration recognizes comic books as a significant form of artistic expression and storytelling that has shaped popular culture and entertainment for generations.

Related

  • Free Comic Book Day
  • Comic Con International
  • Superhero Day
  • Manga Day
  • Graphic Novel Day