Why Comic Book Fantasy Still Captivates Hearts

When I examine myself and my methods of thought, I come to the conclusion that the gift of fantasy has meant more to me than any talent for abstract, positive thinking.

Albert Einstein (1879 – 1955) Physicist & Nobel Laureate

Fantasy is as old as humanity itself. People love imagining, especially about things that are improbable or even impossible. Fantasy’s evolution began in oral traditions that later developed into fantasy literature and drama. It remains enormously popular.

Today’s fantasy genre includes a wide range of media including comic books, graphic novels, animation, film, television and video games. Simply put, people can’t get enough fantasy stories.

Fantasy can be important in comic books and graphic novels for a variety of reasons, including:

Our Need to Explore

Fantasy tales often use timeless themes like good versus evil and the human condition. For both children and adults, fantasy allows readers to explore these and other topics and ideas that may seem too frightening or overpowering in real life. Fantasy in comic books and graphic novels takes us one step away from reality to a safe, pretend world where we can actually prepare for the realities of our current world. In short, fantasy puts fear within a safe context that children, teenagers and adults find entertaining and often educational.

Our Need to Escape

People need a way to break away from the pressures of everyday life.  Comic books and graphic novels provide a unique opportunity for people to escape through fantasy. Taking a break from everyday life into a better, imaginary world can be mentally healthy. Readers may even come away from their fantasy experiences with a clearer perspective on real-life issues.

Our Need for Political and Social Commentary

Fantasy comic books and graphic novels have historically been action-packed with deep political and social commentary, according to a 2022 Scripps News article, “Comic Books Have A History of Social, Political Commentary.” The article points to some of the most famous comic books, like Captain America, having significant political implications. Created by two Jewish artists in the 1941 lead-up to the U.S. entry into World War II, the first issue showed Captain America taking a punch at Adolf Hitler. This was at a time when U.S. opposition to Nazi Germany wasn’t a given. 

Beyond the most well-liked comic books, graphic novels have offered commentary on social and political issues ranging from immigration and racism to sexual assault and gender identification. This inclination to use fantasy to address relevant social issues also makes some graphic novels targets of book bans.

Our Need for Inspiration

Fantasy can inspire creative thinking. Comic books and graphic novels often employ alternative storytelling approaches and artwork that can encourage readers to make right-brain connections between unrelated ideas and concepts. This non-linear approach can inspire readers to think of their own storylines and character journeys for the story they’re reading, or perhaps even create their own tale.

In short, it’s hard to dream if you have no imagination. It’s difficult to get past the ordinary if you have no ability to visualize what could be. Fantasy can provide that inspiration.

Our Need for Visual Stimulation

The stunning visual elements of fantasy comic books and graphic novels not only immerse the reader in the story but also stimulate the imagination. And it’s easier to draw a reader into fantasy that’s presented primarily in visuals. Comic book and graphic novel artists are experts at world-building that might include the creation of interstellar and futuristic settings, advanced technology, mythological beings and escapades that expand the imagination.

The Future of Fantasy in Comic Books And Graphic Novels

According to a post by Brad Kern in Medium (“The Most Eagerly Awaited Genres of Comic Books in 2024,” Jan. 23, 2024), “Fantasy world continues to captivate audiences with its magic creatures, epic adventures and well-crafted imaginary worlds.” Kern believes comic book writers will continue tapping into the timeless allure of fantasy by offering tales set in “dragon-infested realms, wizard-populated dimensions and featuring mythical heroes.”

And don’t expect readers’ fascination with fantasy to go away anytime soon points to fantasy being the second highest trending book genre in 2024. That’s a rise from the third position the fantasy occupied in 2023.

Matesic collects her data by analyzing a year’s worth of posts on X (formerly Twitter) tagged with #MSWL, which stands for manuscript wishlist. The posts are almost exclusively issued by literary agents and acquiring editors.

Within the fantasy sub-genres, Matesic notes that literary agents were asking for adult fantasy, middle-grade and YA. So, there is also a broad range of age categories within the fantasy genre. 

Build a Fantasy World With Walsworth

We live and breathe special-interest publications. Our multiple publication facilities currently print and distribute more than 225 monthly and quarterly titles.

We also have experience printing and distributing comic books and graphic novels. Our clients include some of the industry’s most recognizable names, from Dungeons & Dragons, Alien Books and Minecraft to art books for Larry Elmore, the noted fantasy illustrator whose work appears in Dungeons & Dragons, Dragonlance and his own comic strip series, SnarfQuest.

Walsworth constantly invests in the equipment, services and solutions to meet the demands of this dynamic publishing segment. Our ability to handle quick turnarounds with ease is supported by advanced premedia capabilities, multiple print platforms, a robust bindery and deep mailing and distribution know-how.

We can help you reach your audience where they are. While print forms the core of your distribution strategy, you may also incorporate digital strategies to expand your reach, enhance engagement or address readers’ preferences. We can provide you with digital publishing apps, website solutions and other content delivery options to maximize your reader connections.

Getting in touch is simple. Just submit your information and a friendly Walsworth associate will be in touch within 24 hours.