Did you know that many comic books and graphic novels include age recommendations to help readers find titles that are right for them?
While most books aren’t “rated,” comics are a little different. There’s a long-standing assumption that comics are for kids, but today’s titles span a wide range of genres and maturity levels. From wordless picture stories for early readers to gritty, complex narratives for adults, comics are as varied as any other media so knowing where to look for age guidance can be helpful.
A Brief History: Why People Think Comics Are for Kids
In the 1950s, public concern about comic book content led to the creation of the Comics Code Authority (CCA - a voluntary industry group meant to pre-empt government censorship).
The CCA enforced strict guidelines in an effort to make comics "safe" by removing anything that might scare, tempt, or provoke thought:
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- No monsters (like vampires or zombies)
- No blood or visible violence
- No challenging authority figures
- No profanity, sex, or suggestive themes
While this was never a government mandate, many publishers followed it for decades. This helped cement the idea that all comics are for kids, which was never quite true.
The Comics Code began fading in relevance in the early 2000s, and by 2011, it was officially defunct. Today, the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund (CBLDF) owns the rights to the old seal and uses it for educational purposes - not as a content rating.
Where to Look for Age Recommendations Now
Today’s comic publishers generally use age guidelines similar to movie ratings. There’s no single standard, but most labels follow this general model:
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- All Ages / Everyone – Appropriate for all readers.
- T (Teen) – Ages 12 and up. May include mild violence or suggestive themes.
- T+ / Teen Plus – Ages 15 and up. May include more mature content.
- Mature / Explicit Content – For older teens and adults. May include graphic content or adult themes.
Where to find ratings:
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- On single issues: near the barcode on the front cover
- On graphic novels or trade paperbacks: near the bottom of the back cover
What About Manga?
Japanese comics, or Manga, are hugely popular and often clearly labeled with age ratings on the back cover. Most U.S. manga publishers, like Viz Media, include age recommendations and post detailed rating guides on their websites.
Other Tools to Help Parents
Like most public libraries, TRL uses classification systems to guide readers:
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- Picture Book
- Easy Reader
- J (Juvenile)
- YA (Young Adult/Teen)
These labels provide a general sense of age range and reading level. Many books also include age/grade suggestions or Lexile scores near the title or copyright page.
Final Thoughts
Comics and graphic novels are an exciting, engaging way for kids and teens to read, but, like any media, content varies. Parents and caregivers have many tools available to make the best choices for their families including age labels, publisher guidelines, and library classifications.
Need help finding age-appropriate comics or graphic novels? Use our Personalized Picks form or ask a librarian - we're always happy to help!
