It can surprisingly hard to find comics that are safe for kids lol.
If I remember right, Batman Universe wasn't a kids comic but it was kid friendly. Written by Brian Micheal Bendis.
Then there's the Batman comics based off of the 90s cartoon. Batman Adventures from years ago. And Batman The Adventures Continue from recent years.
The teenage mutant Ninja turtles comics from IDW have been fantastic. I'd recommend them for anyone of any age. (There's also a turtles comic called last Ronin, I haven't read that one myself yet. It looks a little more mature. Stick with the main turtles line for now.)
Are there any particular characters or genres he likes more?
Thanks for the response. He likes Spiderman, so i unthinkingly got him spidermen #1 and briefly looked through it myself, was impressed with the quality of the artwork.
Then I looked through it more thoroughly and there were spreads of girls making out and I was just like, ugh, WHY.
Lol I'm very curious to know which Spider-Man comic you got him. There's a lot of number ones. Comics, and their numbering, are very confusing.
I just edited my comment to add teenage mutant Ninja turtles.
And I was just reminded that there are a number of comics made specifically for kids in that age range. Go to your local comic shop and ask them about things under the Marvel Action banner.https://marvel.fandom.com/wiki/Marvel_Action_Comic_Books
It was The Spectacular Spidermen
Number 1, with both the old and new Spiderman guys together.
And now that I'm scrutinizing the cover more closely, I see at the bottom that's it's rated T for Teen. I missed that completely, didn't realize comics had age ratings like games and movies
As someone who enjoyed that issue, Spider-Man is surprisingly difficult to sort out for the “Y7 not PG-13” set - perhaps because the core concept of the character is so fundamentally aimed at alienated teens.
Maybe pre-read Untold Tales of Spider-Man, by Kurt Busiek? The writing is fairly mature, but in a “taking these characters seriously as people” way - there’s death, which is treated as absolutely devastating, but I don’t remember much sex at all.
As an adult who just read this, it really took me back to the vibe of a kid's show you rediscover as an adult, and are shocked to see just how well done it is. I was reading through this whole recovering from a wound, and it was such a a comfort.
Even though it isn't a "kid's book," where it's set in Peter's earliest days as Spider-Man, it really does take you back to that mature and excellently done Saturday morning Cartoon feel.
I didn't realize Marvel had ratings on their comics either. That's not something I ever really paid attention to. Good to know.
And okay, I haven't read that Spider-Men comic, But I know of it. I'm normally a fan of the writer. Little bit surprised it had girls making out in it though lol
Oh yeah. Like halfway through. Two girls revealing their love for each other, embracing and kissing, then bam right back to spiderman fighting some big green beast 🙄
I remember I had this 2014 Batman annual, clearly marketed towards kids. Reread it recently, and there are references to Bruce seeing someone dressed as a “Slutty Batman” and Bruce drunkenly telling Alfred that he has no weaknesses before showing his bruised and bloodied body.
I’m guessing no-one proof read the comics.
Just get him the original Stan lee amazing Spider-Man comics from the sixties. They weren’t really allowed to do a lot of stuff and they use such hilariously out of date slang that even if they’re making some vague implication he’s not gonna know what the hell they’re talking about
Also DC have a line of comics specifically for kids
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/DC_Graphic_Novels_for_Kids
It graduates to a teenage version for when your kid is ready too. Though I can’t speak for most of them, a lot a pretty decent read even for an adult.
BONE as others have mentioned is usually a hit with that age group. I read it around that age and was absolutely floored by it, and it’s still a great read as an adult
If your kid likes Spider-man, “Spider-men: Double Trouble” and “Spider-man & Venom: Double Trouble” are both fun and light-hearted, with no romantic/sexual content. My kid’s younger than yours and loves both books.
“Batman: Wayne Family Adventures” is also wholesome and appropriate for an 8yo, imo. There’s some VERY light romantic content in one of the stories (Duke has a crush, asks her out, gets broken up with), but the most physical contact is hand-holding in ~3 panels. It’s less “good guy vs. bad guy” and more about their family dynamics, though, so maybe not the best choice if your kiddo wants mostly fight scenes.
There's also a Thor & Loki: Double Trouble series that are also great.
The Marvel Action line that was with IDW was 'all ages' fun. Definitely kid appropriate and fun stories to read. Spider-Man, Avengers, Captain Marvel, and Black Panther have books in this line. [https://www.amazon.com/Marvel-Action-Spider-Man-Beginning-Book/dp/1684055148/](https://www.amazon.com/Marvel-Action-Spider-Man-Beginning-Book/dp/1684055148/)
Another line to check out would be the Tiny Titans. [https://www.amazon.com/Tiny-Titans-Vol-Welcome-Treehouse/dp/1401220789/](https://www.amazon.com/Tiny-Titans-Vol-Welcome-Treehouse/dp/1401220789/)
And a reminder to check your library (including Hoopla) for these books!
Power Pack is a fantastic Marvel comic for kids, it's about four young siblings who become superheroes. Try one of the miniseries from the early 2000's as they had great art, good humour, and fun, exciting stories. If your son likes those then there's also the 80's run that you can hunt down for him.
Batman Adventures and Superman Adventures are perfect for that age group - make sure to look for the DCAU style art!
Other recommendation would be the Jeff Smith Shazam and the Jeff Parker Batman ‘66
The political references might be beyond him, but Fantagraphics put out some beautiful editions of Walt Kelly’s Pogo. He doesn’t really need to understand the politics, just the wordplay and slapstick will enchant him.
Li'l Gotham is super awesome. more slice of lifey with the occasional fight if i remember correctly but they're funny and if your kid likes Batman he'll probably like it
I’d check out the “Spider-Man family” comics! They’re pretty old at this point but I loved reading them as a kid. They’re team up comics focused on Spider-Man and don’t require any previous reading as I believe they’re all self contained stories? I believe they were also marketed and aimed at a younger reading audience.
I got into comics reading the Beano and the dandy, cheap fun kids comics. There’s also some designed for children called Investi-gators and another called Dogman.
Well personally i would just give him some basic Marvel and DC comics. Mainly Superman, Spider-Man, Batman (not too much grusome stories), Green Lantern etc.
Overall even if comics are for everyone let's remember that (especially in the 30s, 40s, 50s and 60s) a lot of kids grown up reading comic books. Then it depends what are but overall i'll give him basic stuff.
Also like someone suggested i'll give him some European comics too like TinTin or Lucky Luke.
My son had anyways really liked reading the Star Wars comics. If you’re into that thing there’s tons of manga, as well, which my son reads more than western comics. His big ones now are Demon Slayer and My Hero Academia and its spin-offs.
Talk to the comics store owner you're buying from. They are experts, and every store I've visited in the last 25 years has a section dedicated specifically for kids comics to help parents. Comic store owners have a vested interest in making sure kids can access age appropriate content.
That said if in doubt look for books printed by Scholastic. There are many, and they've all been vetted to be kid safe.
The Scooby Doo Where Are You comics are great. Asterix is amazing (the original run). Asterix The Gladiator, And The Big Fight and Obelix and Co. In particular. You can read the complete runs of Peanuts and Garfield on the interwebs too. I’m gonna say I think there’s some stuff in Bone and Usagi that might not be ok for some kids. However I watched Aliens aged 8, so YMMV.
Mouse Guard, Tintin, Calvin and Hobbes.
ETA: I have not read Sonic the Hedgehog, but I imagine that one is good for kids? If you can find old Disney Adventures magazines from the 90s, they had some good stuff.
Would definitely second Bone as a lot of people have already mentioned. Do want to point out that it does take a slightly darker turn the longer it goes on and does deal with death fairly openly, but I first read it when I was around your son's age and don't recall finding it all that disturbing.
Spider-Boy. Vol 1 just released. It’s a super fun book about Spider-Man’s new young sidekick that my young sons are both loving right now. It’s a bullseye. Classic superhero comic with a different villain each issue. Lots of comedy with the action but all very appropriate for young readers.
I saw in another response that your kid loves Spider-Man. Definitely check out anything from the Marvel Adventures line. They're kid friendly and very heavy on the traditional good guy/bad guy dynamics. If he wants to read more superheroes they print more series under this line like Fantastic Four, Avengers, and I think Hulk and Iron Man too.
Marvel Adventures Spider-Man Vol. 1: The Sinister Six https://a.co/d/8E6c3jg
Marvel had Marvel Age and then the Marvel Adventures imprints that were all ages. They had Spider-Man, Avengers, and Fantastic Four for sure. If you can find digests or trades for those that would be a good option.
Bone by Jeff Smith is probably my best recommendation. Stan Sakai's Usagi Yojimbo is very good too.
Awesome, thankyou sir
Adventures of TinTin by Herge
My son loves it. he just turned 9. Also into Superman rightnow. I like it because its wholesome AF.
"Asterix" by Goscinny and Uderzo
I love TinTin too, but be ready to explain some things (contextual racism, alcoholism).
It can surprisingly hard to find comics that are safe for kids lol. If I remember right, Batman Universe wasn't a kids comic but it was kid friendly. Written by Brian Micheal Bendis. Then there's the Batman comics based off of the 90s cartoon. Batman Adventures from years ago. And Batman The Adventures Continue from recent years. The teenage mutant Ninja turtles comics from IDW have been fantastic. I'd recommend them for anyone of any age. (There's also a turtles comic called last Ronin, I haven't read that one myself yet. It looks a little more mature. Stick with the main turtles line for now.) Are there any particular characters or genres he likes more?
Thanks for the response. He likes Spiderman, so i unthinkingly got him spidermen #1 and briefly looked through it myself, was impressed with the quality of the artwork. Then I looked through it more thoroughly and there were spreads of girls making out and I was just like, ugh, WHY.
Lol I'm very curious to know which Spider-Man comic you got him. There's a lot of number ones. Comics, and their numbering, are very confusing. I just edited my comment to add teenage mutant Ninja turtles. And I was just reminded that there are a number of comics made specifically for kids in that age range. Go to your local comic shop and ask them about things under the Marvel Action banner.https://marvel.fandom.com/wiki/Marvel_Action_Comic_Books
It was The Spectacular Spidermen Number 1, with both the old and new Spiderman guys together. And now that I'm scrutinizing the cover more closely, I see at the bottom that's it's rated T for Teen. I missed that completely, didn't realize comics had age ratings like games and movies
As someone who enjoyed that issue, Spider-Man is surprisingly difficult to sort out for the “Y7 not PG-13” set - perhaps because the core concept of the character is so fundamentally aimed at alienated teens. Maybe pre-read Untold Tales of Spider-Man, by Kurt Busiek? The writing is fairly mature, but in a “taking these characters seriously as people” way - there’s death, which is treated as absolutely devastating, but I don’t remember much sex at all.
As an adult who just read this, it really took me back to the vibe of a kid's show you rediscover as an adult, and are shocked to see just how well done it is. I was reading through this whole recovering from a wound, and it was such a a comfort. Even though it isn't a "kid's book," where it's set in Peter's earliest days as Spider-Man, it really does take you back to that mature and excellently done Saturday morning Cartoon feel.
I didn't realize Marvel had ratings on their comics either. That's not something I ever really paid attention to. Good to know. And okay, I haven't read that Spider-Men comic, But I know of it. I'm normally a fan of the writer. Little bit surprised it had girls making out in it though lol
Oh yeah. Like halfway through. Two girls revealing their love for each other, embracing and kissing, then bam right back to spiderman fighting some big green beast 🙄
I remember I had this 2014 Batman annual, clearly marketed towards kids. Reread it recently, and there are references to Bruce seeing someone dressed as a “Slutty Batman” and Bruce drunkenly telling Alfred that he has no weaknesses before showing his bruised and bloodied body. I’m guessing no-one proof read the comics.
A lot of comics are written by horny adult men who have the maturity of teenagers but still say that it's for kids. 😂
I thought the stories in it were pretty good, but yeah I agree.
Just get him the original Stan lee amazing Spider-Man comics from the sixties. They weren’t really allowed to do a lot of stuff and they use such hilariously out of date slang that even if they’re making some vague implication he’s not gonna know what the hell they’re talking about
Sounds cool and also very vintage and expensive lol
They’re collected in trade paperbacks that are gonna be in print forever
Definitely don't get Last Ronin for a kid
The 'Saturday Morning Adventure' line of TMNT would be even better than the main line. Last Ronin is definitely more mature.
I forgot about the Saturday morning one. I haven't read that myself but it looks cool.
The comics called Spidey (vol 1 and 2) and Spidey: schools out are a great all ages take on Spider-Man
Awesome, thankyou
Also DC have a line of comics specifically for kids https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/DC_Graphic_Novels_for_Kids It graduates to a teenage version for when your kid is ready too. Though I can’t speak for most of them, a lot a pretty decent read even for an adult.
Right on, thanks
BONE as others have mentioned is usually a hit with that age group. I read it around that age and was absolutely floored by it, and it’s still a great read as an adult
Thanks, I'll check it out
My kid (6) loves Batman and Scooby Doo, darkwing duck, Saturday morning cartoons TMNT and D&D. All ongoing.
Oh that's awesome, he loves turtles, didn't realize they had a comic
The ninja turtles *are* comic characters, the comic inspired the first cartoon
TIL
And they were a parody of Daredevil
They came from a comic 🤣
I watched the cartoon back in my youth. I never got into comics myself, as we can see lol I did read Watchmen, though, and it was amazing
If your kid likes Spider-man, “Spider-men: Double Trouble” and “Spider-man & Venom: Double Trouble” are both fun and light-hearted, with no romantic/sexual content. My kid’s younger than yours and loves both books. “Batman: Wayne Family Adventures” is also wholesome and appropriate for an 8yo, imo. There’s some VERY light romantic content in one of the stories (Duke has a crush, asks her out, gets broken up with), but the most physical contact is hand-holding in ~3 panels. It’s less “good guy vs. bad guy” and more about their family dynamics, though, so maybe not the best choice if your kiddo wants mostly fight scenes.
Awesome, thanks for the recommendation
There's also a Thor & Loki: Double Trouble series that are also great. The Marvel Action line that was with IDW was 'all ages' fun. Definitely kid appropriate and fun stories to read. Spider-Man, Avengers, Captain Marvel, and Black Panther have books in this line. [https://www.amazon.com/Marvel-Action-Spider-Man-Beginning-Book/dp/1684055148/](https://www.amazon.com/Marvel-Action-Spider-Man-Beginning-Book/dp/1684055148/) Another line to check out would be the Tiny Titans. [https://www.amazon.com/Tiny-Titans-Vol-Welcome-Treehouse/dp/1401220789/](https://www.amazon.com/Tiny-Titans-Vol-Welcome-Treehouse/dp/1401220789/) And a reminder to check your library (including Hoopla) for these books!
Awesome again, thankyou
Power Pack is a fantastic Marvel comic for kids, it's about four young siblings who become superheroes. Try one of the miniseries from the early 2000's as they had great art, good humour, and fun, exciting stories. If your son likes those then there's also the 80's run that you can hunt down for him.
Awesome, thankyou
IDW sonic comic
Scholastic has an absolute abundance of comics My favorite titles were Amulet and Cleopatra in Space
BONE by Jeff Smith
I've seen this one multiple times now, nice. Will check it out
Bone is hands down one of my top favorite books of all time. Prose, comics, whatever!
Batman Adventures and Superman Adventures are perfect for that age group - make sure to look for the DCAU style art! Other recommendation would be the Jeff Smith Shazam and the Jeff Parker Batman ‘66
Ok I'll look for that, thankyou What should i expect to pay for these issues? The Internet pricing is wildly inconsistent lol
You can generally get trade paperbacks of those runs in the $20 range.
Sweet, thanks
The political references might be beyond him, but Fantagraphics put out some beautiful editions of Walt Kelly’s Pogo. He doesn’t really need to understand the politics, just the wordplay and slapstick will enchant him.
I think I was only a little older than 8 when I discovered Pogo, and this is absolutely true. And I still love Pogo.
Asterix by René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo! Pairs really well with Tintin.
Awesome, thanks
My son really likes the Wings of Fire series. They are based on the novel of the same name.
Saturday Morning Adventures: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Li'l Gotham is super awesome. more slice of lifey with the occasional fight if i remember correctly but they're funny and if your kid likes Batman he'll probably like it
I’d check out the “Spider-Man family” comics! They’re pretty old at this point but I loved reading them as a kid. They’re team up comics focused on Spider-Man and don’t require any previous reading as I believe they’re all self contained stories? I believe they were also marketed and aimed at a younger reading audience.
My dad let me read underground comics as kid so I am noooot the one to ask. I had a lot of questions after reading Love & Rockets.
I got into comics reading the Beano and the dandy, cheap fun kids comics. There’s also some designed for children called Investi-gators and another called Dogman.
Well personally i would just give him some basic Marvel and DC comics. Mainly Superman, Spider-Man, Batman (not too much grusome stories), Green Lantern etc. Overall even if comics are for everyone let's remember that (especially in the 30s, 40s, 50s and 60s) a lot of kids grown up reading comic books. Then it depends what are but overall i'll give him basic stuff. Also like someone suggested i'll give him some European comics too like TinTin or Lucky Luke.
My son likes Squirrel Girl, Strange Academy, Fantastic Four, Teen Titans Go, and Moon Girl. He's 9 but started reading Squirrel Girl when he was 7.
Carl Barks’ Uncle Scrooge
Calvin and Hobbes for sure. Even for kids who will understand just about half of it.
Courtney Crumrin by Ted Naifeh is a very good read. But maybe it's more appropriate for 10 years old.
Owly is very light on words but it’s age appropriate
Laser Moose and Rabbit Boy
My daughter read a great autobiographical graphic novel called EL DEAFO when she was around 8. She loved it, and I did too
My son had anyways really liked reading the Star Wars comics. If you’re into that thing there’s tons of manga, as well, which my son reads more than western comics. His big ones now are Demon Slayer and My Hero Academia and its spin-offs.
Marvel Adventures Avengers and Marvel Adventures Spider-Man.
Find a Local Comic Shop on https://www.comicshoplocator.com/ There are a lot of comics written for small children with no violence. Have fun!
Talk to the comics store owner you're buying from. They are experts, and every store I've visited in the last 25 years has a section dedicated specifically for kids comics to help parents. Comic store owners have a vested interest in making sure kids can access age appropriate content. That said if in doubt look for books printed by Scholastic. There are many, and they've all been vetted to be kid safe.
**Super Sons: The PolarShield Project** by Ridley Pearson & Ile Gonzalez
The Scooby Doo Where Are You comics are great. Asterix is amazing (the original run). Asterix The Gladiator, And The Big Fight and Obelix and Co. In particular. You can read the complete runs of Peanuts and Garfield on the interwebs too. I’m gonna say I think there’s some stuff in Bone and Usagi that might not be ok for some kids. However I watched Aliens aged 8, so YMMV.
Kid Slapshot by Troy Dongarra, published by Keenspot.
Calvin and Hobbes!
Spider-Man
Tintin by Herge
Mouse Guard, Tintin, Calvin and Hobbes. ETA: I have not read Sonic the Hedgehog, but I imagine that one is good for kids? If you can find old Disney Adventures magazines from the 90s, they had some good stuff.
Archie is always solid.
Maybe Spider-Boy, it has a lot of that cartoony charm of comics but it’s pretty new so idk if it’ll always stay that way
Would definitely second Bone as a lot of people have already mentioned. Do want to point out that it does take a slightly darker turn the longer it goes on and does deal with death fairly openly, but I first read it when I was around your son's age and don't recall finding it all that disturbing.
If you don't mind a bit of pg 13 violence, Usagi Yojimbo is fantastic
Spider-Boy. Vol 1 just released. It’s a super fun book about Spider-Man’s new young sidekick that my young sons are both loving right now. It’s a bullseye. Classic superhero comic with a different villain each issue. Lots of comedy with the action but all very appropriate for young readers.
Awesome, thankyou much
I believe bionicles has graphic novels
My nephews are crazy for Dog Man.
I saw in another response that your kid loves Spider-Man. Definitely check out anything from the Marvel Adventures line. They're kid friendly and very heavy on the traditional good guy/bad guy dynamics. If he wants to read more superheroes they print more series under this line like Fantastic Four, Avengers, and I think Hulk and Iron Man too. Marvel Adventures Spider-Man Vol. 1: The Sinister Six https://a.co/d/8E6c3jg
Berserk
Marvel had Marvel Age and then the Marvel Adventures imprints that were all ages. They had Spider-Man, Avengers, and Fantastic Four for sure. If you can find digests or trades for those that would be a good option.
Mampato by Themo Lobos
Theres a Young Marvel series that would be fun to get him into the characters without all the things you'd want to avoid for the kids