B4

Comic books started out as collections of comic strips from   newspapers. They are known as 'funny books', because the comic stripes were humorous. It wasn't until the 1930's that the first adventure stories started to appear.

 KNOW

B5

The heroes of these stories were characters like Dick Tracy and the Phantom. But although they had some cool gadgets, these heroes were still just ordinary people.

 HAVE

B6

Then in June 1938 a new comic came out. It had a new kind of hero. His powers were far greater than any normal person's. His name was Superman, and he wasn't just a hero; he was a superhero.

 GREAT

B7

Since Superman made his debut there have been many comic book superheroes.

 BE

B8

Most worked alone but sometimes they teamed up with other superheroes.

 TEAM

B9

Today the most popular superhero team is the X­men.

 MAN

B10

Outside the USA comics have developed in different ways. Japanese comics (known as 'manga') include many more topics than American comics do. Topics range from giant robots and time travel to cooking, sport, romance and much more. There are also a huge variety of artistic styles.

 BE

B11

Although now manga comics is starting to become popular outside Japan, they still aren't as well known as American comic books. 

 START

B12

Most people outside Japan wouldn't know who Captain Hurlock was. But you can bet they have heard of Superman.

 HEAR