‘‘It’s because you can walk into a cinema and not be branded a weirdo,’’ Morris laughs.

He has a point. Comic books are still regarded, by and large, as silly kids’ stuff and the realm of stereotypically dorky figures like Comic Book Guy in The Simpsons.

‘‘Take The Dark Knight movie, for example – it sold millions while the latest Batman comic didn’t even hit 100,000 copies of its first issue,’’ Boxshall says. ‘‘The same people who watch that film have absolutely no intention of ever reading a Batman comic.’’

They both agree that this is a sad state of affairs, with the quality of writing, not to mention striking visuals, on display in some of these comics far outstripping the calibre on the big screen. Morris in particular rates comic-writing luminary Alan Moore’s Watchmen, listed among Time magazine’s top 100 English-language novels of all time in 2005. “Everyone talks about Watchmen, almost to the point you get sick of it, but it’s important for that very reason,’’ Morris says. ‘‘If you could convince anyone to read it, chain them to a radiator with a copy and enough food for a couple of days, they’d get into it.’’

Written in 1986 and touching on heavyweight issues like the Vietnam and Cold wars, the graphic novel proved the medium had literary chops beyond whammo, bam and kapow. For comic book lovers like Boxshall and Morris it is a seminal text that informs the more serious undertone of films like Nolan’s gritty Batman portrayal.

Whether or not the increased popularity of superheroes in the movies will ever translate into the widespread mainstream popularity of comics remains to be seen. But the hardcore faithful who lap up the source material are a fiercely dedicated bunch. That’s clear when you look at the success of Supanova – a pop culture expo that attracts comic book artists and writers, as well as television and film stars. The event is expected to draw about 12,000 attendants in Melbourne this year, up from 10,000 in 2010, and 60,000 across Australia, often fully suited up in superhero outfits.

‘‘We’ve made it our mission to go out and bring the best international talent we can find to Australia so that the fans can meet them in person, ask questions and prise ideas out of their brain,’’ says Supanova’s event director Daniel Zachariou. ‘‘There are master classes and special panels, and fans can get their comics signed by the creators, which is a real joy.’’

So what does he think is behind the enduring attraction to DC and Marvel’s finest?

‘‘They are all about empowerment,’’ he says. ‘‘They give us the definition of good versus evil, and the comics themselves are artistically dynamic. You have these amazing static images moving from panel to panel, and it’s up to you to visualise the energy and action. It’s like you’re storyboarded through a movie every time.’’

It’s no surprise then that comic books lend themselves well to the silver screen. ‘‘The movies help awareness

of who the characters are, and show that there

are some really cool stories out there.’’

This year’s Supanova has scored an impressive coup, attracting the superstar talent of Chris Claremont, who still maintains his record for the longest unbroken stint writing any comic book – an impressive 17 years on Uncanny X-Men – and is credited for turning the mutant franchise into the juggernaut it is today.

In a heroic move worthy of Wolverine himself, this year’s Supanova will be giving a little back to the flood-ravaged communities of Australia, getting artists and writers to donate their talents to one page of a comic book titled Tides of Hope. Claremont has written one page, and all proceeds from the book will go towards the appeal.

Steve McCredie, manager of 21 years at Melbourne’s largest comic shop, Minotaur, says he loves comics first and foremost for the art. ‘‘It’s like falling in love with someone – you’re going to see them before you get to know them,’’ he says. ‘‘Then, if the writing’s good, that’s a bonus; if it’s terrible, the art won’t keep me there.’’

McCredie is a big fan of the movies for the same visually stimulating reasons: ‘‘The technology has finally caught up with what the comics have been depicting.’’

In a game-changing moment for the industry, the powerhouse that is Warner Bros bought DC, the publishing house behind Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman. Shortly after, Disney swooped on Marvel. While the big dollars that both bring to the table will likely strengthen the industry and maintain the non-stop release schedule that’s currently bombarding movie-goers, there are fears from some fan-boys that they won’t know what to do with their new toys.

McCredie isn’t worried, as long as the companies maintain a hands-off approach. He says: ‘‘It’s bringing greater prominence and exposure to the characters, which can only be a good thing, as long as they leave them be. We don’t want to see Mickey Mouse and Hulk crossovers.’’

Boxshall agrees but worries the wealth behind these corporations will open the legal floodgates for creators who smell big money.

‘‘DC’s already going through legal issues with the Superman property, and Marvel’s going to experience that soon,’’ he says.

There may be battles ahead but, we hope good will triumph. After all, we are dealing with the world’s greatest heroes. With more than 75 years of inspirational stories behind them, plus a new wave of popular movies, they will continue to go from super strength to strength. ■

For more information,

visit noncanonical.com or supanova.com.au

Supanova will be at the Melbourne Showgrounds

on April 8-10. The weekly Noncanonical podcast

can be downloaded from iTunes.