In the atmosphere of culture, we dive deeply into the intangible aspects contributed by
the collective consciousness and energies of cultural individuals such as language, morals,
traditions, and legends. These aspects represent the ethereal fabrics used to design the
quintessence of each culture. Cultural artifacts, in contrast, represent the tangible elements of
culture such as clothing, artwork, and language script. These relics carry their cultural essence
through time.
From their earliest origins to their contemporary impact, comics have played a significant
role in shaping American culture, as well as leaving a lasting imprint on my own. In this analysis,
we will explore how comics have emerged as a transcultural medium, precisely woven into our
identities, and seamlessly integrated with visual elements from a plethora of backgrounds.
Comics, if compared to these extremely historical cultures, may be shamed, or
discriminated against due to the extent of time these cultures have had to establish their legacy.
As a comic enthusiast, considering there is an official culture behind comics while growing up in
the oppressor’s land, it pains me to hear any comic slander, it inspires me to show my pride and
defend it.
Growing up, I felt a significant detachment from my family’s heritage. The lack of
opportunity to engage with cultural traditions or the language barriers all assisted in shaping who
I am today; without it, I would not have an inner desire to pursue these things. I am a product of
the part of my family that is much more American than the ancestors being that they immigrated
the family to where we are today, three generations ago.
Knowing you have a means of escaping the simulation by retreating to your favorite
comic book is one thing, but having the opportunity to network and create friends behind a
community of comic enthusiasts is a whole other gift. These individuals are from all types of
cultural backgrounds from all over the planet with one common interest: comics. The audience
can connect with the creators of comics too by their talent to artistically express themselves.
Within comic fandom, there is love and passion, something that may not be easily accessible in
today’s American world of oppressed cyborgs.
Jumping into the tangible facets of comic culture and its enduring relics, we must begin
by recognizing the comic itself as a universal time capsule of this vibrant cultural realm. It is the
physical embodiment that has left an influence on our collective consciousness.
So, what sets a comic apart from a graphic novel or a children’s picture book? To put it
simply, comics have come a long way since the days of 1840’s “The Adventures of Obadiah
Oldbuck.” In those early years, they were characterized by the basic triple-stripped panels,
mediocre quality, and access to colors. The paper quality, like the paper used for the U.S.
Constitution, and the outdated printing techniques of that era contributed to their nature. Comics,
by their very essence, come with certain expectations – panels that seamlessly weave a visual
narrative, speech bubbles that give voice to characters, and a kaleidoscope of abstract colors that
stir our imagination.
As William Gaines once remarked in the documentary “Comic Book Confidential,”
“Superman did for comics, what Milton Berle did for television and what Babe Ruth did for
baseball.” This comparison highlights the monumental impact comics have had on American
culture and their journey from humble beginnings. Just as these iconic figures revolutionized
their respective fields, comics transformed from basic triple strips, exemplified by ‘The
Adventures of Obadiah Oldbuck,’ to a sophisticated and diverse medium that continues to shape
our collective consciousness.
While exploring the tangible dimensions of comic culture and its enduring relics, we
must begin by recognizing the comic itself as a universal time capsule of this vibrant cultural
realm. Comics have a rich history dating back to the early days of illustrated storytelling. The
Adventures of Obadiah Oldbuck, one of the oldest documented comics, offers a glimpse into the
humble beginnings of this medium. In clear contrast to today’s multicolored superhero epics,
Oldbuck’s basic triple strips and black and white palette exemplify the primitive roots of comics.
While the tangible components of comics have undeniably evolved, it is essential to
recognize how historical events have influenced their intangible cultural fabric. The early 1930s
marked a pivotal moment in American comics as the world grappled with the aftermath of
devastating conflicts. Cartoonists, driven by a collective desire to contribute, turned to their
superheroes as symbols of resilience and courage. Will Eisner aptly expressed this sentiment,
stating that there wasn’t a formal gathering of cartoonists, but there was a shared longing to join
the war effort. As he put it, ‘We also knew that we were up against an enemy of mighty
proportions, so naturally, we enlisted our superheroes. After all, who was better to defeat
Blitzkriegs, Stukas, and Invincible Panzer Armies but our superheroes?’ This era transformed
comics into a powerful medium that mirrored the cultural spirit of the times, blurring the lines
between fiction and reality. The world was grappling with the aftermath of military conflicts, and
voices were locked in the minds of citizens. As Jack Kirby observed in the documentary “Comic
Book Confidential,” “I found a way to help the war effort by portraying the times of comic
characters. I was saying what was on my mind. I was extremely patriotic.” This period ignited a
collective spirit that led to the development of comic culture as we know it today. Comics
became a powerful medium for expression and storytelling, reflecting the cultural vibe of the era.
While the tangible attributes of comics, such as their physical format and artistic
techniques, are undeniably significant, it is the intangible side that breathes life into this medium.
Comics are more than just ink and paper. They reflect our collective consciousness and shared
narratives. Across time and cultures, comics have explored universal themes like heroism,
justice, and self-discovery. These intangible elements serve as bridges connecting diverse
audiences and forging a sense of community. The cultural fabric of comics extends beyond
borders, creating a global fandom that finds common ground in their passion for storytelling. It is
this intangible transcultural essence that not only shapes American culture but elevates the
overall textile of interwoven cultures worldwide.
In conclusion, comics have evolved significantly from their humble beginnings in the
form of basic triple strips like “The Adventures of Obadiah Oldbuck” to the sophisticated and
diverse medium we know today. Throughout their history, comics have been more than just ink
and paper; they have reflected the collective consciousness and cultural dynamics of their times.
We have explored both the tangible and intangible dimensions of comics. The tangible
aspects, including their physical format and artistic techniques, have undeniably played a crucial
role in the medium’s development of comic culture. However, what truly enriches the cultural
tapestry of comics is their intangible essence. Comics have explored universal themes that
resonate across time and cultures, fostering a sense of community among diverse audiences. This
intangible transcultural essence not only shapes American culture but also elevates the overall
fabric of interconnected cultures worldwide.
As I reflect on my own journey with comics, from that serendipitous discovery in my
family’s attic to the profound impact comics have had on my identity, I am reminded of the
power of this medium. Comics have not only been a source of entertainment but also a source of
connection, inspiration, and self-discovery. They are a testament to the enduring influence of
cultural storytelling. In the end, comics are more than just stories on paper; they reflect the
human experience, a testament to our collective imagination, and a bridge that connects us all. As
we continue to explore the ever-evolving world of comics, may we remember the intangible
threads that weave this vibrant cultural tapestry and unite us as enthusiasts, storytellers, and
dreamers.

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Töpffer, Rodolphe. The Adventures of Mr. Obadiah Oldbuck. Cartoon. Published circa Dartmouth Library
https://www.library.dartmouth.edu/digital/digital-collections/adventures-mr-obadiah-oldbuck.
Accessed 21 September 2023.

Gaines, William. “Superman Did for Comics, What Milton Berle Did for Television and
What Babe Ruth Did for Baseball.” Comic Book Confidential, Directed by Ron Mann, Sphinx
Productions, 1988

Kirby, Jack. “I found a way to help the war effort by portraying the times of comic
characters. I was saying what was on my mind. I was extremely patriotic.”

Eisner, Will. “There wasn’t any great conclave of cartoonists to fight the war, but all of us
wanted to join. We also knew that we were up against an enemy of mighty proportions, so
naturally, we enlisted our superheroes. After all, who was better to defeat Blitzkriegs, Stukas, and
Invincible Ponzer Armies but our superheroes?