Bronze Age of Comic Books
Origins
The Bronze Age is a period in the history of American comic books that is typically said to run from 1970 to 1985. It follows the Silver Age and precedes the Modern Age. The Bronze Age retained many of the conventions of the Silver Age, including stylized artwork, and superhero genre predominance. However, a return of darker plot elements and themes began to blend with the traditional superheroic narratives, leading to a unique blend of storytelling that still resonates in modern comics.
Characteristics
The Bronze Age is characterized by a number of trends. First, there was a continued emphasis on the superhero genre, with characters like Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman remaining popular. However, there was also a resurgence of genres that had been popular in the Golden Age, such as horror, science fiction, and war comics.
Another defining characteristic of the Bronze Age was the introduction of social issues into storylines. This was a departure from the Silver Age, where stories were generally self-contained and avoided serious or controversial topics. During the Bronze Age, comic book writers began to tackle issues such as racism, poverty, drug abuse, and political corruption. This was a reflection of the times, as the 1970s and 1980s were periods of social upheaval and change in the United States.
Notable Works and Events
Several key events and works define the Bronze Age of Comic Books. In 1970, Jack Kirby, co-creator of many of Marvel's most popular characters, moved to rival publisher DC Comics. There, he created the Fourth World saga, a series of interconnected titles that introduced the villain Darkseid, who would become a major antagonist in many DC stories.
In 1971, Marvel published an issue of The Amazing Spider-Man that featured a story about drug abuse. This was notable because it was published without the approval of the Comics Code Authority, the industry's self-regulatory body. The story was well-received and led to a revision of the Comics Code.
In 1982, Marvel launched the X-Men spin-off series New Mutants, featuring a new team of teenage mutants. This was the start of a trend of X-Men-related titles, which would become a defining characteristic of the next era, the Modern Age.
Impact and Legacy
The Bronze Age of Comic Books had a significant impact on the medium. The introduction of social issues into storylines made comics more relevant and appealing to an older audience. This, in turn, led to the growth of the direct market, where comics could be sold in specialty stores rather than on newsstands.
The Bronze Age also saw the rise of the graphic novel, a format that allowed for longer, more complex stories. This format has since become a major part of the comic book industry.