Henry Herbert Does Indeed Read Comics

I am starting this blog to write about the benefits that I see, as a father, to my son reading comics.  He has been reading comics, or having them read to him, since Free Comic Book Day 2009 when he was almost 2 years old.  He is three and a half and he loves going to the comic book store and is one of the biggest fans of reading that I know.  As a parent, having my child love to read at the level he does is very rewarding.  He is beginning to understand how words are formed from the sound effects like BAM! and BOOF! and it is a joy to see.  This blog will assess the kid's comic book market from a parent's perspective.

Free Comic Book Day introduced him to a multitude of comics and he really gravitated towards the Top Shelf comic.  Do yourself a favor and visit http://www.topshelfcomix.com/ right now.  While he loved all of the stories in the book, he was drawn to Owly the most.  Owly is a series by Andy Runton (http://www.andyrunton.com/) that I can't recommend enough.

Image via www.topshelfcomix.com

What I love about Owly is that he is able to read the stories to himself, because the dialogue is told through a series of images in the speech bubbles.  He is free to use his imagination to make the story come to life.  The Owly stories include good moral lessons, including teamwork, sharing and a care for the environment.  Owly and Wormy's friendship is a pleasure to see and I enjoy these books as much as he does.  The artwork is fun and accessible and he has loved Owly from the moment he laid eyes on him.  His number one choice when he is allowed to pick a "big book" is almost always Owly.  I would like to personally thank Andy Runton for creating such an endearing character that has brought joy to so many.  Go out and buy an Owly book for your child right now!

At the 2010 San Diego Comic Con I was fortunate enough to meet Andy and he signed a print that we put in my daughter's nursery.  Even though she wasn't 1, his whimsical art and happy characters captivated her and she is now an Owly fan.  She picks up her older brother's books and carries them around like they are a prized possession.

As this blog continues I will post reviews of books and hopefully be able to interview some of the creative forces behind these great kids comics that can get our kids reading again!  Direct any email comments, suggestions, etc. to henryherbertcomics@gmail.com.

Thanks!