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Comic Books – The Modern Age

If one were to classify which the Modern Age of comic books would be, it would probably start in the middle of the 1980s and go right up to today. It really is a kind of a continuing of the Bronze Age with the difference being that there were suddenly comic book publishers that came out of nowhere. Of course, there were well known people from the two comic book giants who set up their own independent companies as well. Companies like First, Eclipse, Pacific. One wonders why there was this need to set up independent companies. Well, the main reason was the fact that there were no restraints and controls so there was a lot more freedom of expression. Creativity could be let loose again and this obviously made for much better comic books.

Side by side with this was the decreasing power that the Comic Code Authority could exercise so the two genres that took off in the light of this were science fiction and horror. So there came Conan the Destroyer and soon you had many more following suit with similar characters. Dracula returned and so did Batman – in fact they even had a comic book encounter! So super heroes and horror started coming together and suddenly the whole comic book saw a brand new character thanks to these independent comic book companies.

Of course, once things started flowing and creativity started gushing forth, it was time for a bit of a change – so enter the anti-hero. In fact, an anti-super hero. So we saw Batman morphing into his evil side like a Jekyll and Hyde. Then we saw the incarnation of Robin – Jason, who got killed by the Joker. The comic book character Wolverine was also pretty much in the same boat. He helped people and yet he had an attitude and he had a terrible temper which he struggled to control even though he helped a lot of people in need.

Another superhero with a dark side was Daredevil who wears a terrifying costume, like a devil and who is blind. However, all his other senses are alert even though he is a mutant. He is fully aware that he is different and while he does undergo trials and tribulations because of that, he has a strong personality and this perhaps is a super hero's best asset.

It isn't very easy to say when exactly the Modern Age began and whether it really is an age apart from the Bronze Age barring a few differences. However, it is great to see the whole comic world growing and expanding and evolving, creating characters who become a part of our lives.

Recap: Comic-Con 2010

Above: Marvel brought down the house on Saturday with -- among others -- Robert Downey, Jr., Clark Gregg, Scarlett Johansson, and Chris Hemsworth.

What's the big deal about comic books?

Everyone from "Twilight Moms" to "Family Guy" fans is waiting in line at Comic-Con. This nearly 40-year-old convention is mainly devoted to comic books, and it was sold out before the exhibitors and speakers were even announced this year. Why are so many people there?

New York Times Manga Best Seller List, July 11-17

Twilight drops; Naruto, Ouran , Vampire Knight, 2 Black Butler books, new Black Lagoon, Last Airbender , new Inuyasha, Soul Eater, One Piece

Comic book hero: Scott Pilgrim conquers readers' hearts

The first time Bryan Lee O'Malley hosted a comic book launch on Toronto's Markham Street, only about 50 people showed up for the party. How times have changed.

Super-empowered: Former Greenwich resident introduces female superhero in new graphic novel

Ever since she was a young girl, former Greenwich resident and Greenwich Academy grad Anne Elizabeth has loved comic book superheroes. Now, she has created one.