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Follow Izzuddin as he uncovers the reason why hobby of collecting
comic books is going through a revival

Collecting comic books was once considered a thing of the past.

However, recently, theres has been a revival of interest towards the
hobby, especially among the youths in Singapore, with at least
82.4% of people seeing a trend in collecting comic books, according
to a survey.
There is variety of genre of comic books available catered to
everyones interest. Ranging from fantasy, horror, to lifestyle, comic
books are always going to be something that will appeal to every
individual.
History
So where did it all start? How did comic books become a lifestyle?
Comic books have been around since the 19th century. However, it
was not until 1938 when people started to immerse themselves in
the universe of comic books - This was known as the Golden Age.
Benny Teoh, 70, owner of Comics World said, The publication of the
first issue of Action Comics gave rise to a revolution of the comic
book lifestyle. This was the debut of Superman.
Following the success of Superman, many other superheroes were
born. This included Batman And Wonder Woman. This time period
witness the rise of the comic books, many of the characters

cementing their presence in the world, even today. However, their

popularity waned soon after the World War II due to people losing
interest in them.
The comic book industry went through two more cycles of incline
and decline, known as the Silver Age and Bronze Age, according to
Benny, before establishing itself as a staple in the entertainment
industry, and as a pop culture.

How they differ from the past

Comics have gone through a lot of changes to become what they
are today. They used to be a platform for entertainment in the past
when people had extra time in their hand. Soon after, it became a
tool. Comic book had the power to influence readers and make them
aware of certain issues that are prevalent in society, such as the
usage of drugs and homosexuality.
There was a point of time when comic books were used as a tool for
propaganda. Benny said, This was apparent in Captain America and
many other superhero comic books. Captain America was often
portrayed fending off Nazi soldiers, fighting for justice in the country.
The comic book also influenced the readers to go against the
Germans.
Lim Beng Ann, 28, owner of Absolute Comics said while glancing
over his collection of comic book, Writers started to realise the
extent of influence comic book had over their readers, and they
started using it to address issues that are prevalent in society. The
issue of the use of drugs that was portrayed in Green Arrow as well

as Spiderman was one of the few. It depicted how the use of drugs is
able to destroy an individuals life.
Comic books went through a multitude of stages in its use as a tool entertainment, propaganda and addressing issues that are
prevalent in society. However, despite various stages it went
through, the artworks have remained true to its roots throughout
the years. Most of the characters that were created in the past were
still omnipresent in the entertainment industry, with Superman
being an example. Beng Ann said, One of the few changes that
comic books went through was the advancement of technology that
produced artworks of higher quality. At the end of the day, the
vintage element of comic books remains preserved until today.

Why do people collect comic books?

Comic books have recently been integrated among the youths in
Singapore. Youths seeking an alternative to their mundane life often
turn to comic books to fulfill that desire.
Avid comic book reader Syukri Sudirman, 18, mentioned, Comic
books have always helped me in escaping from reality. It has been
with me since I was a young boy. It also has amazing artwork,
especially comics that were drawn by John Morita, that I greatly
appreciate.
He added that storybooks do not have the same appeal as comic
books do, saying, Comic books add pictures to the texts and thats
what I like about it. I always look for the quality of the artworks
before I start on a new series.

Beng Ann said, People who collect comic books look at it as a form
of art.
Why is there an increase of people collecting comic books?
Movies have amplified the popularity of collecting comic books.
Flying from the between the pages to the big screen, they have
attracted a larger audience. In 2016 alone, at least 10 movies based
off a comic book series is going to be made.
Benny Teoh said, The movies have provided a bridge for new fans
to peak their interest towards the characters. Once these people
form interest towards the characters, they start to immerse
themselves and read up on them, through comic books.
TV shows have also attracted new fans into the comic book world.
Daredevil and Jessica Jones, both lesser-known characters from the
Marvel Comics, have started to see a rise in their number of fans.
According to a survey done, 9 in 10 people have watched a movie
based off a comic book, and 88.2% have heard of TV shows based
off a comic book series.
Syukri said, The TV show Daredevil peaked my interest in the
character. I started to find out more about him through the show
and started reading his comic book series from then on.
The outlet for people to collect and read comic books has also
increased. The recent Singapore Toy Game and Comic Convention
(STGCC) had attracted over 40,000 visitors over 2 days. The
convention featured comic book collectors and artists and allowed
fans to discuss and exchange their knowledge, further fuelling their

comic book interest. Alliances were formed, opinions exchanged,

collections shared.
The Internet has also remolded the way people get their reading
materials making comics more accessible than ever, and
ultimately amplifying the fan bases.
Syukri said, It has made it easier for me to get access to my
favourite comic books. However, I still prefer having a physical copy
in my hand. Its a totally different feeling when you have it in your
hands.
Uncle Benny agreed with Syukri. Genuine comic book lovers will
never go digital. Theres an absence of vibrancy in colours in the
digital copies and they are unable to replicate the experience you
get when you read off a physical copy of a comic book, he shared.
Its definitely a kryptonite to the comic book industry.
Sidebars
How do you store your comic books without damaging it?
Comic books are very fragile, and it takes minimal effort for its condition to get
affected. If you want to sell off your collection, the condition of your comic book plays
an important role.
Step 1: Place your comic book in a plastic folder once you are done reading it.
Step 2: Handle your comic book with care. Always avoid having drinks when youre
reading your comic book. Also make sure your hand is dry before you grab hold and
drown yourself in the parallel universe of comic book.

Pictures

SyukrirecentlygothisnewcomicbookfromComicsWorld,thestorehegetsallhisothercomic
booksfrom.

SyukrireadingoneofhisfavouritenewcomicseriesDaredevil,afterfindingoutaboutthecharacter
throughtheTVshow.

Syukriscollectionofcomicbookhehascollectedsincehewasaboy.