Of Bats and Spiders: An Examination of the Appeal of Comics

DOI: 10.5176/2251-3566_L31291

Authors: Leng Ho Keat

Abstract: Comics are popular even among adults. It has been suggested that the popularity of comics lies in its characters being real and believable even though they are considered fictional fantasies. The aim of this paper is to examine this argument by studying two of comicdom’s most popular superheroes, Batman and Spider-Man. The first part of the paper reviews some of the reasons offered for the appeal of comics. This is followed by an examination of the two superheroes including its origins and the main events in the storylines. The examination suggests how both Batman and Spider-Man remain real and believable to readers as fictional characters.

Keywords: comics; popular culture; leisure reading; Batman; Spider-Man