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Houston Graphic Novels Examiner

Parents, get your kids back into reading through comic books

May 10, 9:33 PMHouston Graphic Novels ExaminerHolly Westbrook
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"Tiny Titan" Robin Copyright DC

Parents once told their children to get their noses out of those comic books. Yet, now days with PS2’s and Wii’s anything to get a child to read is a good thing. This week is Children’s Book Week, and what better what to get your child who thinks books are dull and out of date, back into reading than put their noses back into a comic book full of color and adventure.

 From “Justice League Unlimited” to “Teen Titans GO!,” there is a comic book for just about every type of child. Each one creates a gateway for their imagination.
 
“My daughter is always glued to her video games,” Teresa Wesson, a mom of three, said, “but when her sister brings home the next copy of ‘Tiny Titans’ she stops everything to read it.”
 
Wesson said Scooby Doo is also one of her daughter’s favorites, too.
 
Here are some suggestions in no particular order (kid’s comic book information obtained from About.com):
 
This Eisner award winning series (think the Oscars of comics) delves into the story of Owly, a likeable owl who has many adventures with his friends. The great thing about this series of graphic novels is that they actually have no words, just symbols and pictures that help tell the story. This is a great way to help kids use their imaginations to tell stories and to encourage them to come up with their own meaning of the story. This is a great series for beginner readers to get comfortable with books, storytelling, and will be a great lead in to reading.
Content: No objectionable content.
 
Sonic the Hedgehog, Archie Comics
With a #1 television show, popular game series, and a 12-year run in comics, Sonic the Hedgehog has repeatedly proven itself as a strong comic book for kids. Sonic the Hedgehog is about a blue Hedgehog that keeps the land of Moebius safe from the evil Dr. Robototnik with the help of his friends Tails the fox and Knuckles the Echidna. With over 150 comics in the series, your child will never run out of great adventures to follow Sonic through.
Content: Mild violence, humor.
 
Disney Comics, Gemstone Publishing 
Disney is alive and well in the comic book world. Uncle Scrooge, Mickey, Goofey, Donald, and the rest of the hugely popular Disney characters are represented in many different stories. There is a huge amount of comics out there with the Disney characters and your local comic book store is bound to carry some of them. If your kids like the Disney cartoons or characters then this is a sure bet.
Content: Some slapstick violence.
 
Marvel Adventures: The Avengers, Marvel Comics
Marvel Adventures has poised itself as one of the best kids comics as of late. The material will delight both kids and adults with their witty dialog, fun storylines, and intense action. Issue #12 has been hailed all over as one of the best in the series with Ego the Living Planet making a move on Mother Earth, putting all life on the planet in jeopardy. It's classic.
Content: Mild violence.
Justice League Unlimited, DC Comics
Another comic book based on a television show, the Justice League Unlimited stars some of DC Comics greatest superheroes. Superman, The Flash, The Green Lantern, Wonder Woman, and Batman round out this cast of heroes that go on amazing adventures against the most powerful villains in the known universe. If your child likes action, then the Justice League is a great choice.
Content: Mild violence.
 
Spider-Man Loves Mary Jane, Marvel Comics
One of the few comics that is geared more for girls, this comic is set with Spider-Man, aka Peter Parker, and Mary Jane in high school. The art is light and whimsical and the stories have a romantic touch. This is a nice series if you have girls that are interested in comics and would just be as suitable for boys.
Content: Romance.
 
Teen Titans GO!, DC Comics
The Teen Titans are a group of super-powered teens that strive to keep the world safe from harm. Robin, Cyborg, Beast-Boy, Starfire, and Raven offer exciting action and hilarious comedy that will keep your child entertained and excited each and every issue. Even though they have had some issues with being cancelled, there are many trade paperbacks that collect many of the issues. Their fans are many and a writing campaign has started to save the series. Teen Titans GO! is still a great comic for kids.
Content: Mild violence, some mysticism, humor.
 
Scooby Doo, DC Comics
Scooby Doo, where are you? This is a reincarnation of the classic television series that sees Scooby and the gang solving mysteries with lots of fun and excitement. This would be a great way for parents and kids to connect with characters they both know and love.
Content: Slapstick violence, monsters.
 
Amazing Spider-Girl, Marvel Comics
Amazing Spider-Man isn’t only for the boys. In this comic, set in the future, Peter (the current Spider-Man) Parker’s daughter May has taken up the mantel given to her by her father and has made the Spider-Man legacy her own. Whether it’s falling in love with a boy from school or saving him from certain doom, you can be sure Spider-Girl will be there in the midst of it all.
Content: Mild violence.
 
Batman Strikes, DC Comics
Another DC item with the backing of a TV show behind it, Batman Strikes is based on the ever popular comic character Batman. By day, Bruce Wayne is a philanthropic businessman, and thrillseeker, but by night he patrols the streets of Gotham City, keeping the citizens safe.
Content: Mild violence.
More About: Kid's Comic Books

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