Superhero Universe - What Type to Create?

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Now that you’ve decided you want to create a superhero comic, you have to decide what kind you want to do, and what age group to target.

Types of Comics
Ratings/Age Group

The Hero Within:

Six Archetypes We Live By

Types of Comics:

There are actually many different types of superhero books these days for folks of all ages, so here’s a quick little guide to what they are to help you decide what you want to do.

Standard: Your typical kind of comic book, monthly issues usually focusing on a single character or team and more-or-less set in the real world. Stories can continue for several issues as part of an ongoing series or a mini that runs for a few issues. Example: Invincible (Image Comics)
Classic: A bit more “old school,” with things a bit more black and white in terms of who the good and bad guys are. Usually done as “all ages” books, they can also be done as “standard”-style books. Example: Marvel Adventures line (Marvel Comics)
Anthology: This type doesn’t focus on just one character, but instead shifts from different characters with each story. This allows for further exploration of a superhero universe, with either one story per issue or several short ones. Example: Astro City (DC/Wildstorm)

Exploration: These books explore the aspects of a superhero world and what life could be like in it, not just for heroes, but for villains and the average citizen, as well. While they can be done as comedy, they can often take a darker turn, exploring the negative side of superhero life. Example: Hero Happy Hour (webcomic)
Spoof: This kind of pokes fun at superheroes and the various cliches that have popped up over the years. Obviously done for laughs, this allows one to totally rip on the superhero genre. Example: The Tick (New England Press)
Realistic: This type is truly grounded in reality, showing how things might really go if superheroes existed. From costumes to public reaction, these books are usually aimed at mature readers due to the themes involved. Example: Watchmen (graphic novel)

Those are the types, now let’s look at...

Ratings/Age Group:

All Ages: Aimed at younger readers but can be enjoyed by all, kind of like a Disney film. Action and themes are lighter in tone, similar to a Saturday morning cartoon, with deaths happening off-panel with little to no blood.
Teens: Usually what comics are rated at, the action and violence being like that of a PG-rated film. Deaths can be seen but not done in too graphic a way.
Older Teens: Similar to a ‘Teen’ rated book, only with more mature themes and more graphic imagery. This would be similar to a PG-13 rated film.
Mature Readers: Typically aimed at adults, with more graphic violence and language, as well as themes most younger readers wouldn’t understand. Similar to an R-rated film or late night cable programming.

Plenty to choose from, right? You can even mix and match, like doing an all-ages classic-style anthology series or a standard-style exploration tale. There’s no rule, so take your pick. It’ll all depend on what you want to do with your characters and how creative you want to be in a buzzing kids world.