Start Reading – The alternative comic is a term that combines many different comic styles. All of the units by the complete creative freedom of the authors in the work on the book. It including the absence of any restrictions related to the policies of publishers and their status. In addition, alternative comics are not published in the publishers of the notorious “big two”, namely Marvel and DC Comics, precisely because of the strict practice of doing their business that has developed over the decades, which greatly restricts the creative freedom of authors. In contrast to them, publishing houses began to be created, in which authors could fully reveal their creative potential, independently resolve issues of distribution of publications and receive large profits from their own books.
Alternative Comics
It generally accepts that the term “alternative comics” originated in the early 1980s. It was then that their main characteristics finally took shape, which resulted in the creation of comic anthologies by Robert Crumb and Art Spiegelman – two leading figures in the history of the alternative. In general, the first alternative comics began to appear back in the 60s in response to the tough policy towards comics, which became a consequence of the famous Comic Code – a set of harsh rules that actually banned any genres other than naive superheroes and science fiction.
Despite this, many authors and artists continued to create more and more grotesque, “forbidden” stories that were spread exclusively underground. As a result, by the 80s, when the influence of Comics Code faded away, there was a real boom in the comics industry in alternative comics: one after another, publishing houses began to open, ready to publish books with the most extreme content, touching on topics previously not discussed in comics. Thus, given the abundance of genres that the alternative covers, several directions of alternative comics can be distinguished.
Experimental comics
They are “trash”, “psychedelia” and many other amazing names. Stories with the most unpredictable plot twists and turns (” Fight “, ” Irving, the evil wizard “), with the most provocative, frank, and, at times, repulsive scenes (” Prison Pit “, ” Kid’s Club “, ” Magg, Mogg, and Owl “), with a variety of drawing styles, from minimalistic black and white (” Roman, Winner of Swallows “, ” Asian Supermarket Junkies “) to bright and detailed (” Dogs. Galaxy Gang “, ” Jack Teagle Presents. Comics”). Experimental comics are the most extensive niche among alternative comics, where you can find stories for absolutely any taste, regardless of age, interests, views, and preferences.
Social comics
Social themes fully disclosed among the alternative. Since the themes of concern to the author can be presented here directly and uncompromisingly. And not subtly and veiled, as is the case in super-heroics. Any sphere of human activity, global or local. The struggle for rights (“The Fruit of Knowledge “), family relations (” Knees “), religion (” Matter of Life “), internal self-examination (” Search “), the life of a “little” person (” Kolya “), alcoholism (” Fante Bukowski “). It discussed and considered by the author with his interest in mind. As a result, we often get works that are incredibly soulful and impressive in their depth. Which makes peoples start reading the comics.
Parody comics
Another direction of the alternative, from which you never know what to expect. After all, here the authors give free rein to the imagination in the spheres of pop culture. That we recognize – it can be caricatures of characters from famous films, cartoons, and comics (” All the heroes from a psychologist “). Parodies of famous franchises and subcultures (” Magic Academy of Super Mutants “, ” Incredible transphobes “, ” People “). The author’s variation of this or that character (” Batman. Life and Death “), and even whole comic adaptations of literary classics (” Masterpiece comics “, ” Crime and Punishment”). This kind of alternative comics will definitely appeal to satire lovers, fans, and connoisseurs of pop culture. As well as simply connoisseurs of subtle and not-so-humor concerning famous works of art. This makes the knee interest on people to start reading the comics.
Teen comics
In recent years, a separate category of alternative comics has formed. Which will be of interest to people of school age due to the topics raised in these comics. For example, the theme of growing up (” Dora “), falling in love (” Scott Pilgrim versus all “), games (” Klava and the last life “), problems at school (” Hollywood Jean “), and others. Such comics will certainly find a response in any age category – for example, “Scott Pilgrim vs. All” Already considered a classic comic book, even with a film adaptation. Nevertheless, the theme of such comics is, first of all, close to readers aged 12 to 18 years.
