Beginner Guide to Comic ages.

UNDERSTANDING COMIC AGES

Comic books are grouped to category depend on their age and represent various distinct year periods they were printed.

Here's is an overview of these classifications, including the approximate years they encompass:

Golden Age (1938-1956): The Golden Age marks the beginning of the comic book era, initiated by the release of "Action Comics #1" in 1938, which introduced Superman. This period is characterized by the emergence of superhero comics and saw the debut of many iconic characters like Superman and Batman.

Silver Age (1956-1970):  The Silver Age is noted for reviving the superhero genre, which had waned in popularity after the Golden Age. It began with the introduction of a new Flash in DC Comics' "Showcase #4" in 1956. This era introduced a new wave of superheroes, including Spider-Man, the X-Men, and the Avengers, and is noted for more sophisticated story-lines and character development.

Bronze Age (1970-1985): This period featured darker tones and more complex characters and narratives. It includes significant works like "Green Lantern/Green Arrow" and the "Dark Phoenix Saga" in "X-Men.

Copper Age (1985-1992): Sometimes considered a bridge between the Bronze Age and the Modern Age, the Copper Age is marked by a further increase in artistic quality and storytelling sophistication. Notable publications from this era include "Watchmen," "The Dark Knight Returns," and the rise of anti-heroes like The Punisher, but we also get Venom, secret wars an Wolverine; there are some epic comic in this time period.

Modern Age (1992-present): The Modern Age is characterized by a diversified approach to storytelling and genre, expanding beyond traditional superhero tales to include horror, fantasy, and realism. This era also sees the rise of graphic novels and independent publishing alongside mainstream comics.

The production quality greatly improved, and artistry having more versatility with the use of computer technology becoming prevalent

Wrap up

Each age brought its innovations and styles to the comic book industry, reflecting broader societal changes and technological advancements.

When collecting comics from the Golden to Copper Age, there are certain key issues that collectors often seek out, such as "Amazing Spider-Man #300." With a bit of research, it's possible to identify which comics are most coveted.

However, the condition of these comics varies significantly. Those that are ungraded often referred to as "raw" comics may show signs of wear due to handling over the years. On the other hand, comics in mint or near-mint condition are usually priced accordingly, reflecting their pristine state.

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Author: David Edwards, The Secret inked Comics