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Comic Culture: A look at fans and the industry
The comic book industry has been going through a transformation. Technology, movies and merchandise are revamping the comic book experience for both traditional and new fans.
Kevin Taverner/CNN
Digital drawing is a trend, where the traditional sketch book and pencil have been replaced by new devices like digital drawing pads and graphics tablets.
Kevin Taverner/CNN
Technology has changed production for artists, and reading habits for fans. Like other forms of literature, comic books are now available on digital platforms, allowing fans to easily access their favorite stories.
Yoshikazu Tsuno/AFP/Getty Images/file
A 2012 Bloomberg report noted that digital sales are rapidly rising. Aside from print, many fans are consuming their comics on apps like comiXology, which has over 30,000 titles available.
Kevin Taverner/CNN
Superhero movies are among the fastest growing cinematic genres. According to Forbes, in 2012, Sony's "The Amazing Spider-Man" brought in $140 million to the US over the opening weekend. Together with video games, movies have become a new gateway to comic books and their characters.
Kevin Taverner/CNN
"Because of the resurgence in the movies, the younger adult audiences have discovered comic books and they want to know more," says Bryan Cooney who leads Marketing, Sales and Advertising for MCM Expo - the organizers of UK wide comic conventions, including MCM London Comic Con.
CNN
Conventions are significantly important to the industry, acting as focal point for fans, collectors, artists and publishers.
Kevin Taverner/CNN
Bryan Cooney noted these large scale events have also changed in size and are reaching out to a wider, younger audience.
Kevin Taverner/CNN
At the recent London Comic Con, fans, like Sky (left) stated it was time the industry branched out to include more original female characters.
Kevin Taverner/CNN
But old classics like Bananaman (left) are still popular. Esme and Ellen decided to dress up as Batman and Robin. "The muscles won us over".
Kevin Taverner/CNN
Comic Culture: A look at fans and the industry —
The longest running comic convention in the US is July's San Diego Comic-Con, where the old and the new will meet. It isn't too late to dress up and make your way there.