Comic Book Chronicles: Flashback to the ‘90s, When Comics Were Our Internet
- Ruchi Acharya
- Apr 17
- 6 min read
Flashback to the ’90s—when comic books were our internet. Before Netflix binges or endless Instagram scrolls, there was a magical time when children devoured comic books, and iconic Indian titles like Chacha Choudhary, Tinkle, Amar Chitra Katha, Pinki, and Motu Patlu ruled our imaginations. It brings back memories of a world where phones had cords, TVs had backs, and family drama unfolded live in the living room.
In this blog post, we’re diving deep into those delightfully unanswered questions: Can comic books be considered literature? What are the top must-read graphic novels? Should we be turning comic books into movies—or are novels the better source? And what about the age-old debate: Are book-to-movie adaptations a go or a no-go? Let’s talk.
BAM! POW! ARE COMIC BOOKS LITERATURE?
Long before superheroes donned capes and punched villains through skyscrapers in glossy-covered books, there existed a time when the earliest form of sequential art emerged. To answer this question, we need to rewind all the way to ancient Egypt, around 3200 BCE—a golden era of sand dunes and pyramids. The ancient Egyptians were the original storytellers, using hieroglyphics to narrate tales of gods, pharaohs, sphinxes, and the afterlife through sequential visuals and even early versions of speech bubbles, known as speech scrolls.
Fast forward to 113 AD in Rome, where the Trajan’s Column stands tall—literally. This marble monument unravels like a vertical graphic novel, carved with dramatic scenes of Emperor Trajan’s victories. A cinematic universe etched in stone? Yes, please.
And then there’s France’s Bayeux Tapestry from the 11th century—a 230-foot-long embroidered saga of the Norman conquest, unfolding like the world’s most intricate horizontal comic strip.
Why am I telling you all this? Because it proves something powerful: humans have always had a flair for visual storytelling. Marvel and DC may have added spandex, but the essence of comics—art meets narrative—has been with us for centuries. If ancient comic storytelling isn’t literature, then what is? It’s not far-fetched to say the very idea of writing stories began with comics.
This blog post will be incomplete without me recommending my dear readers.
REVIVING LEGENDS: THESE 5 GRAPHIC NOVELS ARE YOUR TICKET TO THE GOLDEN AGE
Maus by Art Spiegelman
A hauntingly brilliant retelling of the Holocaust, Maus reimagines Nazis as cats and Jews as mice—infusing dark history with symbolic storytelling and proving that comics can bear the weight of profound trauma. Imagine a world where cats don swastikas and Nazi uniforms—every panel bootstrapped with chilling detail. Art Spiegelman's masterpiece is a gut-punch in black and white, transforming the horrors of the Holocaust into a raw, unforgettable graphic narrative. The themes are dark, unflinchingly real, yet layered with surreal humor and emotional nuance. Maus isn’t your average Sunday comic—it shatters the notion that graphic novels are just for children, standing instead as a testament to the power of visual storytelling to preserve memory, confront trauma, and honor legacy.
Suitable reader: If you appreciate details in storytelling, Maus will keep your mind racing.
Watchmen by Alan Moore & Dave Gibbons
Want a solid first impression of what comics can really do? Start here. A gritty, genre-defying graphic novel that redefined the concept of a comic book, Watchmen beautifully deconstructs the superhero saga with one haunting question: Who watches the Watchmen? Set against the backdrop of 1980s America teetering on the edge of nuclear war, it follows deeply flawed, morally complex vigilantes. The non-linear narrative and deeply philosophical questions will knock you out of your chair. It challenges the very foundation of what makes a hero. From Rorschach’s chilling journal to Dr. Manhattan’s existential detachment, every character adds psychological depth. This isn’t just a comic—it’s a masterclass in storytelling, politics, and the human condition.
Suitable reader: If you enjoy stories that make you question morality, identity, and society, this one’s for you
Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi
Set in a war-torn world where survival feels like a luxury and existence itself is on the line, it asks: what’s scarier than dodging bullets? Questioning why you're here in the first place. It's not just a read—it’s a gritty, gut-punching pep talk in panels.
A brave-hearted, powerful, and bold autobiographical journey that captures a young girl’s coming-of-age during and after the Islamic Revolution in Iran. Told through stark black-and-white visuals, this masterpiece brings revolution-era Iran to life with raw honesty—something every comic writer dreams of achieving. Satrapi’s voice is rebellious, unfiltered, and laced with dark humour as she navigates war, upheaval, and self-identity. It breaks down cultural walls while highlighting the universality and diversity of growing up. Persepolis isn’t just a memoir—it’s the visual embodiment of a rebellious soul wrapped in ink.
Suitable reader: This one’s for the souls stuck in an existential traffic jam—if you’ve ever lost your sense of purpose and need a cosmic slap of inspiration, this graphic novel is your wake-up call.
V for Vendetta by Alan Moore & David Lloyd
This is my personal favorite, where a masked anarchist takes on a totalitarian regime. Voilà! A poet’s delight, indeed. This dystopian thriller—laced with vengeance, ideology, and style—is nothing short of a writer’s retreat. V for Vendetta by Alan Moore is a brilliant graphic novel that blends political rebellion with poetic justice. Set in a future fascist Britain, a mysterious masked anarchist known only as “V” orchestrates revolution after revolution against a corrupt government, which becomes every citizen’s dream. His Guy Fawkes mask becomes a symbol of resistance, anonymity, and the power of an idea. With themes of identity, liberty, and state control, the story is as chilling as it is inspiring. Moore’s work isn’t just a random graphic novel—it’s a bold manifesto wrapped in shadow, fire, and unforgettable quotes.
Suitable reader: It's ideal for fans who appreciate thought-provoking stories that challenge authority, explore personal freedom, and engage with timeless themes like identity and rebellion.
Sandman by Neil Gaiman
The Sandman by Neil Gaiman is a mythological masterpiece that weaves together dreams, horror, and fantasy in a literary feast of captivating storytelling. With its rich, detailed, and intricate plot, it explores the realms of the Dreaming, where ancient gods, immortals, and mortals collide. What more could you ask for? Gaiman's storytelling is both spine-chilling and sensitive, blending deep philosophical questions with supernatural elements. The graphic novel's visual artistry further enhances its narrative, making each page a work of art.
Suitable reader: If you’re passionate about dark fantasy and myth, and are hungry for a literary feast that challenges the boundaries between reality and imagination, The Sandman is a must-read for you.
It’s the characters, the creators, and the wonderfully wild chaos that made these graphic novels leap off the page and etch themselves into your brain. So, grab your imaginary slingshot, slap on those nostalgia goggles, and let’s blast back to the golden age of comics!
NOT JUST FOR NERDS: THE IMAX-SIZED IMPACT OF COMIC BOOK MOVIES
Who doesn’t like the magic and the madness of making comic books ink into IMAX movies. Let me whisper you a secret – Hollywood’s favourite superpower is comic book adaptations. From the spine-chilling and neck-crawling alleys of Gotham city to the sparkling web-slinging skyline of New York, comic books have won hearts of millions around the globe. We all have our favourite superhero to admire and to look upon at and nothing can replace that feeling. From panels to popcorn is both art and a gamble in those 2 hours of cinematic ride.
Some adaptations, like The Dark Knight or Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, swing for the stars and land gracefully. Others? Let’s just say even a super serum couldn’t save them.
So, is it easier than adapting a novel? Maybe. Is it risk-free? Definitely not. But one thing’s for sure—comic book movies aren’t just popcorn flicks anymore. They’re culture-shaping, meme-making, fandom-igniting machines.
It’s more than an entertainment, Watching a comic based movie gives you a ray of hope, faith in humanity and a support that good wins over evil no matter what. This is indeed a blessing for the cruel world that we are living in today.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ruchi Acharya, an Indian-born writer born in 1995, is the Founder and CEO of Wingless Dreamer Publisher, a global platform dedicated to uplifting writers and artists. Holding a summer graduation in English Literature from the University of Oxford, Ruchi's poetic prowess shines through her acclaimed work, including the poetry book "Off the Cliff," available on Amazon. Recognized in over 100 journals worldwide, she advocates for the preservation of literature, culture, and history.
Her literary journey includes accolades from publishers like Borderless Journal, The Washington Review, The Kintsugi Journal, Conchas y Café Zine and The Elevation Review among others. Ruchi, a passionate explorer of historical sites, resides in Mumbai, immersing herself in its vibrant culture. Her dedication to fostering creativity and encouraging aspiring writers positions her as a leading figure in the literary realm.
Website: https://www.ruchiacharya.com
All worries are less with wine.
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