Exploring Comic Genre Preferences Among Undergraduate Students: A Quantitative Cross-Sectional Study

This study explores undergraduate students’ preferences for comic genres, focusing on the influence of gender, age, year of study, and socio-economic status (SES) on genre selection. The objective was to examine how these demographic factors shape engagement with comic narratives, with particular emphasis on gender-based trends and SES-related media consumption patterns. A total of 260 students participated in a structured survey, which collected data on genre preferences and demographic background. Descriptive and comparative analyses revealed notable gender differences: male respondents favoured action-oriented genres, such as superhero and manga, while female respondents preferred narrative-driven genres, including romance, fantasy, and drama. SES also influenced genre choices, with higher-income students showing greater interest in complex and niche genres, and lower-income students gravitating toward mainstream genres such as humour and romance. These findings suggest that comic genre preferences are shaped by intersecting cultural, social, and economic factors, with gender emerging as a central determinant. The study highlights the evolving nature of media engagement across developmental stages and proposes future longitudinal research to investigate these trends further.