For over 70 years, graphic novels and comic books have been entertaining young and old alike. The medium has begun to see substantial changes in the new digital age. The industry has matured and the characters are more fully developed. The villains tend to be more villainous, the superheroes are more powerful and the relationship between the two has evolved.

Comic book universes became more cohesive as characters moved from one book to another in one sitting the overall story arcs. Plot lines and subplots have become more intricate and appealing as they interconnect between various comics series. The sophistication of comic books have made Hollywood squeal in delight as the comic books come into the film industry. This symbiotic relationship between comics and film has drawn fans from both media together to share the excitement of this amalgamation.

Whether adapted for movies, television or radio back in the 40s, comics have always been inadequately translated and recycled for popular consumption. Filmmakers just did not grasp the proper technique for translating the unique storytelling style of comics to their medium. Many of the new directors, writers and designers had an intimate reference to comics and graphic novels; they knew the language and how to translate it. Oftentimes I was delighted at the films, despite the fact that I had a different version of what should have been done.

Over the last decade, we've watched heroes fall or lose their moral compass. They are usually killed for the enormous ratings potential but of course, in the comics universe that isn't always final. The realism sought by the writers and artists are a testimony to the alteration that have taken place. If a character dies, you feel their death. You feel cheated. Evil may have temporarily triumphed over good in spite of the noble efforts of the survivors. Like any police officer or firefighter, these heroes understood the risk they were undertaking; the writers understood those risks as well and continue to play them out to the bitter end. On occasion you may even feel you were present when the incident occurred. If someone was injured, either a scar or another feature was incorporated within the next comic book. The comic book industry slightly altered the looks of heroes as the time went by.

Aging has never been much of a factor in the comic book universe, it only matters when the writers need to try something creative. Another factor to consider is why the comic book industry changed the looks of their characters. Outside of the iconic images of certain comic book legends, heroes and villains are allowed to change their clothing every once in a while. Whether the change takes place to fit the expectations of a new generation or to conform with their cinematic counterparts heroes and villains now easily make the stylistic transition. Many characters have not only changed costumes but even races; they are unrecognizable when faced with their original design.

After many decades, comics and graphic novels have reentered the mainstream consciousness. There's something fresh and vibrant about an industry that understands the need for change and flexibility in service of its market. I continue to read comics for those very reasons and will probably continue for decades to come. I had been enthralled as a young boy reading comic books in my bed. I read them as an adult and am just as captivated. I admit that the most consistent element in the medium has been the amazing imagination of comic creators and their ability to draw you into their world.

About the Author
I'm currently producing an online series called Jax and Hellhound. This is a remake of one of my miniseries from the 80's. Stop by my graphic novels online blog or visit my online graphic novels website for a bit of leisurely entertainment. You can read reviews or enjoy the ongoing series Jax and the Hellhound as well as others. Go to http://www.graphic-novels.com Dennis Francis may be contacted at http://www.doublemyrevenues.com/profits. Click here to view more articles by Dennis Francis.