The term comic books or simply comics refers to a form of sequential art that combines images, text and speech balloons to tell narratives in a humorous way. The medium has evolved over time from early newspaper strips featuring characters like Little Orphan Annie and Dick Tracy to the more complex storytelling found in modern graphic novels. Comics can be used for various purposes such as entertainment, education or even social commentary. They are enjoyed by people of all ages and have become a popular form of artistic expression around the world.