History SmallReferencePools / ComicBooks

In the USA comics are seen as either {{Superhero}} stories and/or NewspaperComics ("the funnies"). These are typically seen as children's stuff or geek material. If some more artistically interesting or "adult" comics are needed people will automatically assume you're talking about UndergroundComics or a GraphicNovel. The only American comic book magazines to gain some notability are ''Creator/{{DC Comics}}'' (best known for ''Franchise/{{Superman}}'', ''Franchise/{{Batman}}''), ''Creator/{{Marvel Comics}}'' (best known for ''ComicBook/TheIncredibleHulk'', ''ComicBook/SpiderMan'' and the ''ComicBook/XMen'') and ''Magazine/MadMagazine''. The most famous American comics world wide are usually ''ComicStrip/KrazyKat'', ''ComicBook/{{Popeye}}'', ''ComicBook/MickeyMouse'', ''ComicBook/DonaldDuck'', ''ComicStrip/{{Peanuts}}'', ''ComicStrip/{{Garfield}}'', ''Franchise/{{Superman}}'', ''Franchise/{{Batman}}'' and ''ComicBook/{{Spiderman}}'' to name the most iconic.

In Europe the market is domineered by FrancoBelgianComics. These are typically adventure comics and even more perceived as children's stuff, despite also having a lot of comics aiming at a more adult audience. Worldwide ''ComicBook/{{Tintin}}'' and ''ComicBook/{{Asterix}}'' are the most famous European comic strips. In France the most well known comic book magazines are or have been ''Pilote'', ''Métal Hurlant'' (translated as ''Magazine/HeavyMetal''), ''Fluide Glacial'', ''L' Echo des Savanes'' and ''Hara Kiri'' (nowadays ''Charlie Hebdo''). In Belgium ''Tintin'' and ''Spirou'', with ''Ons Volkske'' and '''t Kapoentje'' solely in Flanders. In the Netherlands ''Eppo'' and the still enormously popular ''Donald Duck'' magazine. In the United Kingdom ''ComicBook/TheBeano''.

In Japan all comics are {{Manga}}. The most famous Japanese comic books are ''Manga/{{Astro Boy}}'' and ''Manga/{{Dragonball Z}}'', both far better known as {{Anime}}.

In Europe the market is domineered by FrancoBelgianComics. These are typically adventure comics and even more perceived as children's stuff, despite also having a lot of comics aiming at a more adult audience. Worldwide ''ComicBook/{{Tintin}}'' and ''ComicBook/{{Asterix}}'' are the most famous European comic strips. In France the most well known comic book magazines are or have been ''Pilote'', ''Métal Hurlant'' (translated as ''Heavy Metal''), ''Fluide Glacial'', ''L' Echo des Savanes'' and ''Hara Kiri'' (nowadays ''Charlie Hebdo''). In Belgium ''Tintin'' and ''Spirou'', with ''Ons Volkske'' and '''t Kapoentje'' solely in Flanders. In the Netherlands ''Eppo'' and the still enormously popular ''Donald Duck'' magazine. In the United Kingdom ''ComicBook/TheBeano''.

** For Batman, Comicbook/{{Robin}}, Alfred, Comicbook/{{Batgirl}}, and Commissioner Gordon. Robin will usually be the Dick Grayson version and Batgirl is always Barbara Gordon. This, despite the fact that Robin became ComicBook/{{Nightwing}} in 1987 and unlike other examples he ''never'' returned to being Robin, and Barbara wasn't Batgirl for 23 years.

** For Batman, Comicbook/{{Robin}}, Alfred, Comicbook/{{Batgirl}}, and Commissioner Gordon. Robin will usually be the Dick Grayson version and Batgirl is always Barbara Gordon.
* Comicbook/{{Spawn}} and the Franchise/TeenageMutantNinjaTurtles are the only comic book characters not created by either Creator/DCComics or Creator/MarvelComics.

In the USA comics are seen as either {{Superhero}} stories and/or NewspaperComics ("the funnies"). These are typically seen as children's stuff or geek material. If some more artistically interesting or "adult" comics are needed people will automatically assume you're talking about UndergroundComics or a GraphicNovel. The only American comic book magazines to gain some notability are ''Creator/{{DC Comics}}'' (best known for ''ComicBook/{{Superman}}'', ''ComicBook/{{Batman}}''), ''Creator/{{Marvel Comics}}'' (best known for ''ComicBook/TheIncredibleHulk'', ''ComicBook/SpiderMan'' and the ''ComicBook/XMen'') and ''Magazine/MadMagazine''. The most famous American comics world wide are usually ''ComicStrip/KrazyKat'', ''ComicBook/{{Popeye}}'', ''ComicBook/MickeyMouse'', ''ComicBook/DonaldDuck'', ''ComicStrip/{{Peanuts}}'', ''ComicStrip/{{Garfield}}'', ''ComicBook/{{Superman}}'', ''ComicBook/{{Batman}}'' and ''ComicBook/{{Spiderman}}'' to name the most iconic.

In the USA comics are seen as either {{Superhero}} stories and/or NewspaperComics ("the funnies"). These are typically seen as children's stuff or geek material. If some more artistically interesting or "adult" comics are needed people will automatically assume you're talking about UndergroundComics or a GraphicNovel. The only American comic book magazines to gain some notability are ''Creator/{{DC Comics}}'' (best known for ''ComicBook/{{Superman}}'', ''ComicBook/{{Batman}}''), ''Creator/{{Marvel Comics}}'' (best known for ''ComicBook/TheIncredibleHulk'', ''ComicBook/{{Spiderman}}'' and the ''ComicBook/XMen'') and ''Magazine/MadMagazine''. The most famous American comics world wide are usually ''ComicStrip/KrazyKat'', ''ComicBook/{{Popeye}}'', ''ComicBook/MickeyMouse'', ''ComicBook/DonaldDuck'', ''ComicStrip/{{Peanuts}}'', ''ComicStrip/{{Garfield}}'', ''ComicBook/{{Superman}}'', ''ComicBook/{{Batman}}'' and ''ComicBook/{{Spiderman}}'' to name the most iconic.

** Or [=superheroes=] that were filmed into a huge blockbuster movie adaptation. Or sometimes characters from the animated adaptations, such as ''{{WesternAnimation/Justice League}}''. For example, because John Stewart, who was African-American, was the only Franchise/GreenLantern known to many non-comic readers, many accused the live-action ''Green Lantern'' film of whitewashing by casting {{Creator/Ryan Reynolds}} as the lead role. They genuinely didn't realize John was only one of an entire group of characters (including men, women, aliens, and animals) to assume that mantle.
** If someone is making reference to a hero who runs fast, it is almost always Comicbook/TheFlash.

** Batman has TheJoker, The Penguin, The Riddler, Comicbook/{{Catwoman}}, Mr. Freeze, Two-Face, and Poison Ivy. (The Scarecrow ''might'' get mentioned.) Before 1990, bet heavily on it being one of the first four.

** The only Spider-Man villains are the [[NormanOsborn Green Goblin]], Comicbook/DoctorOctopus, and Comicbook/{{Venom}} (and maybe the Lizard).
** The only ComicBook/XMen villains are SelfDemonstrating/{{Magneto}}, Mystique, Sabretooth, and Juggernaut.
** The only enemy of the ComicBook/FantasticFour is DoctorDoom (and sometimes SilverSurfer). ''Maybe'' {{Galactus}}, because of the movie, but movie!Galactus is a lot different from comic!Galactus.

** For Superman, ComicBook/LoisLane, ComicBook/JimmyOlsen, {{ComicBook/Supergirl}}, and ''maybe'' Ma and Pa Kent or Perry White. Good luck when it comes to Comicbook/LanaLang, Pete Ross, or Steve Lombard. [[ComicBook/KryptoTheSuperdog Krypto]] ''might'' also be recognized (thanks to his 2000s TV show). Unless one was a fan of ''[[WesternAnimation/YoungJustice Young Justice]]'', {{ComicBook/Superboy}} is either "who?," "Superman when he was a boy," or assumed to be a reference to ''{{Series/Smallville}}''.

* The only female [=superhero=] is apparently Franchise/WonderWoman. Sometimes ComicBook/{{Storm}}, Jean Grey, ComicBook/{{Supergirl}}, or ComicBook/{{Batgirl}} (''only'' Barbara Gordon) might get a nod too. ConversedTrope on the ''WesternAnimation/ThePowerpuffGirls''.

* If a comedic or romantic comic is needed to be referenced, it'll likely 1940s-1960s era ''Franchise/ArchieComics''. Even then Archie, Betty, Veronica, and Jughead are apparently the only characters.

In Japan all comics are {{Manga}}. The most famous Japanese comic book characters are Manga/{{Astro Boy}} and Manga/{{Dragonball Z}}, both far better known as {{Anime}} characters.

** Or [=superheroes=] that were filmed into a huge blockbuster movie adaptation. Or sometimes characters from the animated adaptations, such as ''{{WesternAnimation/Justice League}}''. For example, because John Stewart, who was African-American, was the only {{ComicBook/Green Lantern}} known to many non-comic readers, many accused the live-action ''Green Lantern'' film of whitewashing by casting {{Creator/Ryan Reynolds}} as the lead role. They genuinely didn't realize John was only one of an entire group of characters (including men, women, aliens, and animals) to assume that mantle.

** For Superman there's LexLuthor and...uhhh, maybe Brainiac? (And, briefly in the 1990s, Doomsday.) General Zod (from the second movie), or rarely some other Phantom Zone villain, might get the odd mention.

** For Superman, ComicBook/LoisLane, ComicBook/JimmyOlsen, {{ComicBook/Supergirl}}, and ''maybe'' Ma and Pa Kent or Perry White. Good luck when it comes to Lana Lang, Pete Ross, or Steve Lombard. [[ComicBook/KryptoTheSuperdog Krypto]] ''might'' also be recognized (thanks to his 2000s TV show). Unless one was a fan of ''[[WesternAnimation/YoungJustice Young Justice]]'', {{ComicBook/Superboy}} is either "who?," "Superman when he was a boy," or assumed to be a reference to ''{{Series/Smallville}}''.

* {{Superhero}}es will be Franchise/{{Superman}}, Franchise/{{Batman}}, or Franchise/SpiderMan.

** The only ComicBook/XMen villains are {{Magneto}}, Mystique, Sabretooth, and Juggernaut.

** Batman has TheJoker, The Penguin, The Riddler, Catwoman, Mr. Freeze, Two-Face, and Poison Ivy. (The Scarecrow ''might'' get mentioned.) Before 1990, bet heavily on it being one of the first four.
** The only enemy of the Franchise/GreenLantern corp is Sinestro.
** The only Spider-Man villains are the Green Goblin, Dr. Octopus, and Venom (and maybe the Lizard).
** The only ComicBook/XMen villains are Magneto, Mystique, Sabretooth, and Juggernaut.

** For Superman there's Lex Luthor and...uhhh, maybe Brainiac? (And, briefly in the 1990s, Doomsday.) General Zod (from the second movie), or rarely some other Phantom Zone villain, might get the odd mention.

** The only enemy of the ComicBook/FantasticFour is Doctor Doom (and sometimes Silver Surfer). ''Maybe'' Galactus, because of the movie, but movie!Galactus is a lot different from comic!Galactus.

** For Batman, {{Robin}}, Alfred, Comicbook/{{Batgirl}}, and Commissioner Gordon. Robin will usually be the Dick Grayson version and Batgirl is always Barbara Gordon.

** For Batman, Robin, Alfred, Batgirl, and Commissioner Gordon. Robin will usually be the Dick Grayson version.

* The only female [=superhero=] is apparently Franchise/WonderWoman. Sometimes ComicBook/{{Storm}} or Jean Grey might get a nod too. ConversedTrope on the ''WesternAnimation/ThePowerpuffGirls''.

** The only ComicBook/{{X-Men}} villains are Magneto, Mystique, Sabretooth, and Juggernaut.

* BritishComics: In the UK itself people will likely think of ''ComicStrip/DennisTheMenaceUK'' and ''[[ComicBook/TheDandy Desperate Dan]]''. Outside the UK the most famous British comics are ''ComicStrip/RupertBear'' ([[AdaptationDisplacement though in some circles it's only known for the Nick Jr. animated series]]), ''ComicStrip/BillyBunter'', ''ComicBook/JudgeDredd'', ''ComicStrip/AndyCapp'', ''[[ComicBook/StormDonLawrence Storm]]'' (which despite being drawn by an Englishman aims at the Dutch market) and ''ComicBook/VForVendetta''. {{Creator/NeilGaiman}}'s {{ComicBook/TheSandman}} sometimes comes up as well.

** Or [=superheroes=] that were filmed into a huge blockbuster movie adaptation. Or sometimes characters from the animated adaptations, such as {{WesternAnimation/Justice League}}. For example, because Jon Stewart, who was African-American, was the only {{ComicBook/Green Lantern}} known to many non-comic readers, many accused the live-action Green Lantern film of whitewashing by casting {{Creator/Ryan Reynolds}} as the lead role. They genuinely didn't realize Jon was only one of an entire group of characters (including men, women, aliens, and animals) to assume that mantle.

** The only ComicBook/{{X-Men}} villains are Magneto, Mysteque, Sabretooth, and Juggernaut.

** The only enemy of the Franchise/GreenLantern corp is Sinestro

** The only ComicBook/{{X-Men}} villains are Magneto, Mysteque, Sabretooth, and Juggernaut
** The only enemy of the ComicBook/FantasticFour is Doctor Doom. ''Maybe'' Galactus, because of the movie, but movie!Galactus is a lot different from comic!Galactus.

* The only American newspaper comics are ''ComicStrip/{{Garfield}},'' ''ComicStrip/{{Peanuts}}'' and ''ComicStrip/{{Dilbert}}''. If it's a single panel strip, then it's ''ComicStrip/TheFamilyCircus'' or ''ComicStrip/TheFarSide''. If the setting is the earlier half of the 20th Century, swap out all three for ComicStrip/DickTracy.

* BelgianComics: Worldwide ''Franchise/{{Tintin}}'' is the prime example, followed by ''ComicBook/TheSmurfs'' and ''ComicBook/LuckyLuke''. In many European countries and the francophone market ''ComicBook/BlakeAndMortimer'', ''ComicBook/GastonLagaffe'', ''ComicBook/SuskeEnWiske'', ''ComicBook/{{XIII}}'', ''ComicBook/{{Thorgal}}'', ''ComicBook/BouleEtBill'', ''ComicBook/BuckDanny'', ''ComicStrip/QuickAndFlupke'', ''Franchise/{{Marsupilami}}'' and ''ComicBook/{{Blueberry}}'' are well known. Within Belgium most of these titles are well known, but in Flanders people are most likely to name ''ComicBook/SuskeEnWiske'', ''ComicBook/{{Jommeke}}'', ''ComicBook/DeKiekeboes'' and ''ComicStrip/{{Nero}}'' as the first comics they think of. ''ComicBook/SpirouAndFantasio'' has a huge fandom as well, to the point of being run by Belgian artists multiple times.
* BritishComics: In the UK itself people will likely think of ''ComicStrip/DennisTheMenaceUK'' and ''[[ComicBook/TheDandy Desperate Dan]]''. Outside the UK the most famous British comics are ''ComicStrip/RupertBear'', ''ComicStrip/BillyBunter'', ''ComicBook/JudgeDredd'', ''ComicStrip/AndyCapp'', ''[[ComicBook/StormDonLawrence Storm]]'' (which despite being drawn by an Englishman aims at the Dutch market) and ''ComicBook/VForVendetta''.

** Or [=superheroes=] that were filmed into a huge blockbuster movie adaptation.

In the USA comics are seen as either {{Superhero}} stories and/or NewspaperComics ("the funnies"). These are typically seen as children's stuff or geek material. If some more artistically interesting or "adult" comics are needed people will automatically assume you're talking about UndergroundComics or a GraphicNovel. The only American comic book magazines to gain some notability are ''Creator/{{DC Comics}}'' (best known for ''ComicBook/{{Superman}}'', ''ComicBook/{{Batman}}''), ''Creator/{{Marvel Comics}}'' (best known for ''ComicBook/TheIncredibleHulk'', ''ComicBook/{{Spiderman}}'' and ''ComicBook/TheXMen'') and ''Magazine/MadMagazine''. The most famous American comics world wide are usually ''ComicStrip/KrazyKat'', ''ComicBook/{{Popeye}}'', ''ComicBook/MickeyMouse'', ''ComicBook/DonaldDuck'', ''ComicStrip/{{Peanuts}}'', ''ComicStrip/{{Garfield}}'', ''ComicBook/{{Superman}}'', ''ComicBook/{{Batman}}'' and ''ComicBook/{{Spiderman}}'' to name the most iconic.

In the USA comics are seen as either {{Superhero}} stories and/or NewspaperComics ("the funnies"). These are typically seen as children's stuff or geek material. If some more artistically interesting or "adult" comics are needed people will automatically assume you're talking about UndergroundComics or a GraphicNovel. The only American comic book magazines to gain some notability are ''Creator/{{DC Comics}}'' (best known for ''ComicBook/{{Superman}}'', ''ComicBook/{{Batman}}''), ''Creator/{{Marvel Comics}}'' (best known for ''ComicBook/CaptainMarvel'', ''ComicBook/{{Spiderman}}'' and ''ComicBook/TheFantasticFour'') and ''Magazine/MadMagazine''. The most famous American comics world wide are usually ''ComicStrip/KrazyKat'', ''ComicBook/{{Popeye}}'', ''ComicBook/MickeyMouse'', ''ComicBook/DonaldDuck'', ''ComicStrip/{{Peanuts}}'', ''ComicStrip/{{Garfield}}'', ''ComicBook/{{Superman}}'', ''ComicBook/{{Batman}}'' and ''ComicBook/{{Spiderman}}'' to name the most iconic.

** The only enemy of the ComicBook/FantasticFour is DrDoom. ''Maybe'' Galactus, because of the movie, but movie!Galactus is a lot different from comic!Galactus.

* BelgianComics: Worldwide ''Franchise/{{Tintin}}'' is the prime example, followed by ''ComicBook/TheSmurfs'' and ''ComicBook/LuckyLuke''. In many European countries and the francophone market ''ComicBook/BlakeAndMortimer'', ''ComicBook/GastonLagaffe'', ''ComicBook/SuskeEnWiske'', ''ComicBook/{{XIII}}'', ''ComicBook/{{Thorgal}}'', ''ComicBook/BouleEtBill'', ''ComicBook/BuckDanny'', ''ComicStrip/QuickAndFlupke'', ''Franchise/{{Marsupilami}}'' and ''ComicBook/{{Blueberry}}'' are well known. Within Belgium most of these titles are well known, but in Flanders people are most likely to name ''ComicBook/SuskeEnWiske'', ''ComicBook/{{Jommeke}}'', ''ComicStrip/DeKiekeboes'' and ''ComicStrip/{{Nero}}'' as the first comics they think of. ''ComicBook/SpirouAndFantasio'' has a huge fandom as well, to the point of being run by Belgian artists multiple times.

* DutchComics: The most well known Dutch comic strip is ''ComicBook/TomPoes'', which is an institution in the Netherlands and was also popular in other European countries. ''ComicBook/{{Storm}}'' has gained some fame, despite being drawn by a British artist, Don Lawrence. Within the Netherlands itself ''Erik De Noorman'', ''Kapitein Rob'', ''ComicStrip/PaulusDeBoskabouter'', ''ComicStrip/JanJansEnDeKinderen'' and ''ComicBook/DeGeneraal'' are the best known.

** The only enemy of the Franchise/GreenLantern corp is {{Sinestro}}

* BelgianComics: Worldwide ''ComicBook/{{Tintin}}'' is the prime example, followed by ''ComicBook/TheSmurfs'' and ''ComicBook/LuckyLuke''. In many European countries and the francophone market ''ComicBook/BlakeAndMortimer'', ''ComicBook/SpirouAndFantasio'', ''ComicBook/GastonLagaffe'', ''ComicBook/SuskeEnWiske'', ''ComicBook/{{XIII}}'', ''ComicBook/{{Thorgal}}'', ''ComicBook/BouleEtBill'', ''ComicBook/BuckDanny'', ''ComicStrip/QuickAndFlupke'', ''Franchise/{{Marsupilami}}'' and ''ComicBook/{{Blueberry}}'' are well known. Within Belgium most of these titles are well known, but in Flanders people are most likely to name ''ComicBook/SuskeEnWiske'', ''ComicBook/{{Jommeke}}'', ''ComicStrip/DeKiekeboes'' and ''ComicStrip/{{Nero}}'' as the first comics they think of.

* French Comics: Internationally definitely ''ComicBook/{{Asterix}}''. In Europe and the franchophone language community ''ComicStrip/{{Becassine}}'', ''Comicbook/{{Blueberry}}'' are well known. In Belgium ''ComicBook/SpirouAndFantasio'' has a huge fandom as well, to the point of being run by Belgian artists multiple times.

* BelgianComics: Worldwide ''ComicBook/{{Tintin}}'' is the prime example, followed by ''ComicBook/TheSmurfs'' and ''ComicBook/LuckyLuke''. In many European countries and the francophone market ''ComicBook/BlakeAndMortimer'', ''ComicBook/SpirouAndFantasio'', ''ComicBook/GastonLagaffe'', ''ComicBook/SuskeEnWiske'', ''ComicBook/{{XIII}}'', ''ComicBook/{{Thorgal}}'', ''ComicBook/BouleEtBill'', ''ComicBook/BuckDanny'', ''ComicStrip/QuickAndFlupke'', ''Franchise/{{Marsupilami}}'' and ''ComicBook/{{Blueberry}}'' are well known. Within Belgium most of these titles are well known, but in Flanders people are most likely to name ''ComicBook/SuskeEnWiske'', ''ComicBook/{{Jommeke}}'', ''ComicStrip/DeKiekeboes'' and ''[[ComicBook/LePetitSpirou De Kleine Robbe]]'' as the first comics they think of.

* DutchComics: The most well known Dutch comic strip is ''ComicBook/TomPoes'', which is an institution in the Netherlands and was also popular in other European countries. ''ComicBook/{{Storm}}'' has gained some fame, despite being drawn by a British artist, Don Lawrence. Within the Netherlands itself and, to some degree, in Flanders ''Erik De Noorman'', ''Kapitein Rob'', ''ComicStrip/PaulusDeBoskabouter'', ''ComicStrip/JanJansEnDeKinderen'' and ''ComicBook/DeGeneraal'' are the best known.

* French Comics: Internationally definitely ''ComicBook/{{Asterix}}''. In Europe and the franchophone language community ''ComicStrip/{{Becassine}}'', ''Comicbook/{{Blueberry}}'' are well known. In Belgium ''ComicBook/SpirouAndFantasio'' has a huge fandom as well, to the point of being taken over by Belgian artists multiple times in its career.

* French Comics: Internationally definitely ''ComicBook/{{Asterix}}''. In Europe and the franchophone language community ''ComicStrip/{{Becassine}}'', ''Comicbook/{{Blueberry}}'' are well known. In Belgium ''ComicBook/SpirouEtFantasio'' has a huge fandom as well, to the point of being taken over by Belgian artists multiple times in its career.

* The only American newspaper comics are ''ComicStrip/{{Garfield}},'' ''ComicStrip/{{Peanuts}}'' and ''ComicStrip/{{Dilbert}}. If it's a single panel strip, then it's ''ComicStrip/TheFamilyCircus'' or ''ComicStrip/TheFarSide''. If the setting is the earlier half of the 20th Century, swap out all three for ComicStrip/DickTracy.