Flash Gordon
Created in 1934, the Flash Gordon comic book was a space opera comic strip that strengthened the popularity of comics immensely as they rose to prominence. With the main character (Alex Gordon) being a charismatic teenage protagonist and hero, these comics inspired young adults to take risks while heavily weighing options, be optimistic about the world, and feel comfortable in the occasional lack of success. King Features Inc has sold Flash Gordon internationally, yet due to the outbreak of World War II, it was forbidden in many countries, including Spain, Germany, and Italy, despite having 50 million readers between 1930 and 1940.
The audience of this comic is not exclusive, as young children, teenagers, and adults can comprehend and enjoy the plots and themes. Since Flash Gordon among other superhero comics portrays violence, it can have an effect on the development of children. It is a common tendency of children to mimic what they see. Children who are exposed to violence have an increased risk for behavioral and mental health difficulties such as violence perpetration, victimization, substance abuse, depression, and suicide. Furthermore, explained in The Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology, children many not understand certain complexities of plot events beyond the violence ("The Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology" 3). Due to this, they may only consider the concrete violence they read as it is dominant in superhero narratives, and fail to consider motives and other characteristics of the plot.