comics for young children?

November 13, 2012 12:20 PM

I'm looking for comic books that are age-appropriate for a 9-year-old boy...

I was thinking of taking my 9-year-old son to a local comic book store, as they occaisionally have comics for $.25-$.50. The problem is that I did not grow up reading comics, so I have no idea of what titles would be appropriate for someone his age. While I'm sure that the people at the comic book store would be knowledgeable and happy to help, they have a vested interest in having me buy stuff.

What are some titles that might be OK for a 9-year-old boy?

For extra credit, can you tell me if you know of titles that are appropriate for a 6-year-old girl?

Thank you for your help!

-DM

posted by dfm500 to society & culture (23 answers total)

Marvel Adventures (special imprint just for younger kids - my son loved them)
posted by jquinby at 12:22 PM on November 13, 2012 [3 favorites]

Most comic shops actually have an whole rack of titles that are appropriate for children. There will be age-appropriate versions of superheroes like Batman and Iron Man (look for the word Adventures) and versions of all the shows they watch on Nickelodeon and Cartoon Network.

Personal recommendation: "Bone".
posted by inturnaround at 12:24 PM on November 13, 2012 [3 favorites]

Bone is awesome for any age. Owly is very gentle and charming. And Amelia Rules is a lot of fun.
posted by Lemmy Caution at 12:25 PM on November 13, 2012 [1 favorite]

How about some of the old Scrooge McDucks by Carl Barks? I got a few for free from a local place and they're both enjoyable and (from what I've seen so far at least) appropriate for younger kids.
posted by DingoMutt at 12:32 PM on November 13, 2012 [1 favorite]

(and nthing Bone as a good read at any age)
posted by DingoMutt at 12:33 PM on November 13, 2012 [3 favorites]

Marvel Adventures (special imprint just for younger kids - my son loved them)

DC had a similar line, although you may want to pre-screen them as, AFAIRecall, they were a bit more "adult."
posted by griphus at 12:34 PM on November 13, 2012

All I can think of is Axe Cop.
posted by elizardbits at 12:35 PM on November 13, 2012 [1 favorite]

Asterix and Obelix?

They are mostly in French, but there's an English language series, as well.
posted by ablazingsaddle at 12:37 PM on November 13, 2012 [1 favorite]

Have you seen this previously, seeking suggested comics/graphic novels for a 7-y.-o. girl?
posted by MonkeyToes at 12:47 PM on November 13, 2012

Bone is amazing, and I came in specifically to recommend the Marvel Adventures line, which is great for kids and just plain fun.
posted by Holy Zarquon's Singing Fish at 1:37 PM on November 13, 2012

Brave and the Bold had a comic run coinciding with the animated show. Batman teams up with other DC heroes to fight for justice!
posted by robocop is bleeding at 1:49 PM on November 13, 2012

If you're not up on comics, be careful that you pick up the bright, cartoony Brave and the Bold -- which I heartily recommend as well -- and not the regular one.
posted by griphus at 2:14 PM on November 13, 2012

For your daughter, Zita the Spacegirl!
posted by PhoBWanKenobi at 3:19 PM on November 13, 2012 [1 favorite]

I've heard good things about the Adventure Time comics.
posted by Chenko at 3:24 PM on November 13, 2012

Asterix and Tintin are both great comics for kids, but not that likely to appear in the bargain bins -- not only are they classics, but I think that they were always published as longer books rather than monthly issues.

I would also second the recommendation for Bone as a great all-ages comic, but again, I would be surprised if it ever appeared in a bargain bin.

Does your local library system carry comics and graphics novels? Mine has a very large collection these days, including a lot of manga and comics for kids -- and the children's librarian will likely have suggestions.
posted by jb at 3:25 PM on November 13, 2012

Well for the 6 year old girl I would look at the Wizard of Oz comics.

My kids (2 eight year old boys) have enjoyed the little books, not made of comic book paper and very colorful. There's a great Star Wars series.

For comics there is a "super dinosaur".

Graphic novels - Beasts of Burden? I THINK it is age appropriate.

Just make sure it's rated "E".

I vote bring a dozen different ones home and see what he likes. My kids like some, and not others.
posted by beccaj at 5:07 PM on November 13, 2012

Avengers Assemble. Only if you allowed him to watch the recent Avengers movie. :-)

Toned down enough to be suitable for audiences. Reasonable priced, and currently being re-issued so you can give the feel of getting a new comic book once per month.

Works for me and my boys, 12, 10 and 8 years old.
posted by vidarling at 6:57 PM on November 13, 2012

I got into Uncle Scrooge/Donald Duck reprint issues at around 9 and absolutely loved them. This was stuff from the '50s and '60s, though, so steer clear of any generic new material. I'm not sure if they still do reprints, but there are book collections out there also. Carl Barks is definitely the name to look for.

On the other end of the scale, maybe look for used Archie digests. They're light, brainless fun, if dated. Sometimes I'll still look for pre-'90s issues (with as much Samm Schwartz work as possible). The 6-year-old would like them too.
posted by TheSecretDecoderRing at 7:38 PM on November 13, 2012

My guys didn't care much for Bone; but the youngest one, who is eleven now, has liked the Dragonbreath series for a couple of years now. He also really enjoyed Giants Beware.

I haven't read them, but I have read some enthusiastic reviews of the Zita comics, and Hildafolk.
posted by thylacinthine at 8:27 PM on November 13, 2012

I got Mouseguard for my nephew when he was that age.
posted by not_that_epiphanius at 10:31 PM on November 13, 2012

My 7-year-old son is crazy about Tiny Titans -- all jokes, no fighting.
posted by escabeche at 8:05 AM on November 14, 2012

Apparently I bought a copy of Hildafolk some time recently, because it arrived yesterday. It's really good! I recommend it for your 6 yr old! The book is quite short though, which is my only complaint.
posted by thylacinthine at 6:58 PM on November 15, 2012

Useful previouslies:
What are great graphic novels for kids?
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posted by mediareport at 7:55 PM on November 20, 2012