Early 20th Century:
* 1930s: The Golden Age of Comics began with the introduction of superhero characters like Superman and Batman. These early comics gained immense popularity, especially among children.
* 1940s: The popularity of superhero comics continued, fueled by World War II and patriotic themes.
Mid 20th Century:
* 1950s: Comics faced a decline due to concerns about their content and the "Seduction of the Innocent" controversy.
* 1960s: The Silver Age of Comics emerged with a renewed focus on science fiction and more complex storylines. This era saw the resurgence of superheroes, with characters like Spider-Man and the Fantastic Four achieving widespread popularity.
Late 20th Century:
* 1980s: The Bronze Age of Comics saw a focus on darker and more mature themes. Graphic novels began to gain popularity, with works like "Watchmen" and "The Dark Knight Returns" pushing the boundaries of the medium.
* 1990s: The rise of independent comics publishers and alternative genres like manga brought more diverse content to readers. The success of "Spawn" and "The Sandman" further solidified comics as a mature form of storytelling.
21st Century:
* 2000s: The popularity of superhero movies and TV shows, often adapted from comics, brought mainstream attention to the medium. Graphic novels continued to flourish, with works like "Maus" and "Persepolis" receiving critical acclaim.
* 2010s: The rise of digital comics and online platforms like ComiXology made comics more accessible than ever before. The popularity of superhero movies and TV shows continued to drive interest in comics, with Marvel and DC achieving cultural dominance.
Conclusion:
While there were periods of decline, comics have consistently enjoyed periods of widespread popularity. The 1930s, 1940s, and 1960s saw significant surges in interest, followed by a resurgence in the 1980s and 1990s. The 21st century has witnessed a further rise in popularity, thanks to the success of superhero movies, the accessibility of digital comics, and the growing recognition of graphic novels as a legitimate form of art.