A question that I have been asked by people and I have often asked myself is this: Why do I like comic books?
As I think about it, there are many reasons.
The older I've grown, the more I've learned to appreciate all the aspects that go into making a comic book. The time an artist spends illustrating a story. The framework the medium allows and how more creative artists really explore that space. The imaginative stories that writers create. If you pay attention, you can see writers really pouring out their heart and souls into their books. They reveal more about their own personalities than you think they do. With the rise of Image comics, you get to see some of your favorite writers/artists really flex their creative muscles without the trappings of working for a big corporate company like a Marvel Comics or a DC comics.
Then there's the business side of things. Why is company X promoting this character? Is that company a proponent of diversity in their books? Do they have TV shows/movies coming out?
There is really a lot more variety in comic books than there have been in recent years. I think it's this depth of diversity that is really lost on the layman. Most people associate comic books with capes and cowls, but it's a lot more than that.
I like comics books because like movies, they are a very visual medium.
Comic books are like comfort food to me. I take great enjoyment in reading about the X-Men, Fantastic Four, Daredevil, Batman, etc. I am and always will be a sucker for super hero comic books. I like to think that as I've branched out, I have begun to enjoy a lot more espionage and crime stories along with more historical fantasy books.
I get immense joy out of reading and it is one of the things that truly comfort me when I want to relax. I always say to myself that if I had a dream job, it would be running a comic book store. I feel like it is something that is so ingrained in me that I could probably be good at it. Unfortunately, I'm not good at business so I think it would kill some of the joy for me.
The mundane task of keeping a database, bagging and boarding my comic books, storing them in longboxes are all things that I also enjoy. I can spend hours on these tasks and be completely at ease. It's therapeutic for me.
Comic book fans are some of the most passionate fans out there and I love to be a part of that community. Although I do not dress up often, I can appreciate what other people put into their costumes. I get more joy out of meeting a favorite artist or writer than I would any movie star. When I go to comic book conventions, I'm not there to see actors. I'm looking for the artist/writer that I am a fan of so that I can thank them personally for doing such great work.
I adorn my walls with art I have purchased in person from these artists that I enjoy.
These are the reasons I love comic books.
