The American comics started as "comic strip" (in magazines and newspapers) in the early twentieth century. The American comic book (booklet with dozens of pages) became very popular in late 1930's when superheros like 'Superman' and 'Batman' came out. Those books are usually sold at newsstands/kiosque, never at regular bookstores.
In early 50's, because of horror and violent crime in comics, the comic circle was severely criticized by the society. The comic publishers made up their comic code to restrict the representation. This movement got away comic artists' freedom and interfered the development of the American comics.
In 1960's the new type of heros such as 'Fantastic Four,' 'Spiderman,' 'Hulk,' 'X-Men,' and others emerged. And then, the underground comics and the alternative comics as new genre have developed since late 60's and 1980's respectively.
The Japanese MANGA got its reputation in the U.S., especially monthly book "Shonen Jump" published in 2003 and "Shojo Beat" (for female readers) in 2005.#
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