This is driving me crazy. We’re trying to find comics that are appropriate for my son. Marvel (our universe of choice) rates comic books and trade paperbacks for 9+ as “A.” But there is no way to search on their site by rating and many books don’t have a rating at all. I can’t search on Google for them either. So how the heck do I find “A” rated comics for my son? Even most of the online comic shops I’ve looked at don’t include the rating in their description. The easiest way would be, I guess, to drop by the comics shop but that’s not always possible. You would think there would be a way online somewhere! Does anyone have any ideas?
I have a lot of trouble with the organization and functionality of the Marvel website, so I feel your pain.
I’ve found that the tone and age-appropriateness of a book remains pretty consistent in a series, so if you’ve found a title that feels appropriate, it will likely remain as such.
For what it’s worth, Marvel is right now going through a transition in their all-ages offerings from their now defunct Marvel Adventures line to the the new Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes and Ultimate Spider-Man Adventures. Link
There’s a book coming out in a couple of months that may help you. It’s called “A Parent’s Guide to the Best Kid’s Comics: Choosing Titles Your Children Will Love.” From the look inside thingy at Amazon, the books are split by grade level.
That book sounds really helpful, thanks. I miss
Marvel Adventures–hopefully the new titles will be as good. Thanks.
In Amazon’s “advanced search” page there is a filter for reader age. That might help.
In my neighbourhood, there is a comic book store which is aimed at the younger crowd. It’s name is Little Island, and it might be useful to search through their website/blog for recommendations.
Of course! You mentioned it to me once before and I even bookmarked it! Thanks for reminding me!
Do they have to be new comics? Look around and buy some guy’s collection of mainstream comics from the 1980s- early 1990s. Very little potential for offensive material there. They might even be cheaper - offer a dollar a book.
So, wanna buy some comics?
Yeah, this is where you need a Friendly Neighborhood Comic Dude. We’ve got one, and I can waltz in and ask “What’s good this month?” If I’m with the kids, I get a very different answer.
My youngun’s LOVE the old Silver Age 'books (we find 'em 3 for a buck, some without covers, in the budget boxes). They laugh at what I took seriously back in the 60s, and absolutely HOWL at the old ads.
This is a great tip. Thanks. I never noticed that option.
My husband’s got 3 boxes of comics, probably from 70s and 80s but he won’t let them touch them. 
Maybe we should take a look at them. And they can read them while he slowly turns the pages.
Check out www.comictouch.com
Hope that site helps you.
Cheers.