I want to talk about comic books. This is because I’m a comic book fan, so I’m also a reader and collector. It’s funny, because I have a hard time remembering when comic books were not part of my life. For some reason, I had a large cardboard box filled with comics, underneath my bed, when I was young. Where the comics actually came from, I have no idea.
Maybe they came from older cousins; maybe they were donated from family friends; or maybe my future self, travelled backwards through time and placed them there, in order to maintain a linear timeline. 1
Before I ramble on any more about comics, I need to clarify something. When I am talking about comics, I am not just discussing superhero comics, but comic books of any and all genres. 2
Great, let’s crack on then.
Let’s talk about the stigma that comes with comics, especially with adults. What I mean is, why would a grown adult choose to read literature that has hand drawn pictures to guide the reader through its narrative? Why bother reading about something that is like a child’s fantasy, as well as looking at female characters whose physical dimensions are grossly exaggerated? Why read something that is obviously designed for children and the illiterate, along with people that are not intelligent enough to read a real book? Or something like comics appealing to people with poor social skills, unable to grow up or face reality? 3
Harsh words I know, but I have heard similar and even worse than this about people that like comics. Sometimes directed at me and sometimes directed at comic fans in general. Because of this, it’s amazing what time and self-confidence can do to someone.
I think maybe for nearly twenty years, I was ashamed and embarrassed for people to learn that I read and collected comics. Nearly twenty years. I think I was afraid of what people would think of me; however now…it doesn’t bother me. If someone wants to think less of me, because I read comics, then I can’t help that.
Over the years, I had collected hundreds of comic books and I was running out of room. So I decided to start selling some online via Trade Me; it’s basically the number one website in New Zealand, for buying and selling anything! Anyway, after eight years of selling second hand comics part-time, had provided me with a small fund.
The problem was that I was saving that money for something special, but I didn’t know what. Enter the solution; my fiancée. I got engaged and suddenly I had an expensive wedding to pay for, but with no money…except my secret comic book selling fund. In a nutshell, Bruce Wayne, Peter Parker and all of the other uncountable comic book characters, paid for my wedding.
Sorry, I got side tracked. Over the years, my taste in comics has changed, because of the different genres that are available. You can read horror, romance, superheroes, thriller, crime noir, fantasy, all ages, foreign, science fiction, drama, humour, mystery, politics, non-fiction, supernatural, teen, war and western; to name a few. There is seriously a comic book for everybody.
Image by lisistent from Pixabay
So…why do I read and collect comics? That is an interesting question, to which I’m not entirely sure. 4 I think a lot of it is linked to comics themselves and also the messages they give. I love the marriage of what literature and art can do in a comic book. Whether it’s spaceships and alien worlds or a zombie apocalypse or good old cape story, having the narrative unfold with mind blowing art, solidifies how profound the medium can be.
Imagine Judge Dredd cruising around on his Lawmaster 5; or Spider-Man swinging around New York; or Wonder Woman head butting Ares the God of War; or Michonne killing her 23rd zombie for that issue; WITHOUT the artwork. The cultural and visual impact would not be the same, because how I would think the Phantom’s costume would look like, could be different to your version.
Also please name another medium, where each week or month, your favourite characters return to continue their adventures. Each issue is like a chapter in a book, but instead of waiting to turn the page to see what happens next, you have to wait for the next issue to be released. Being a comic book fan teaches you to be patient. 6
Now I am going to get a bit predictable here, I’m sorry. I want to discuss the messages and themes comics carry and the importance of them. It sounds geeky and corny, but comics have taught me things, I really don’t if I would ever learn anywhere else.
Peter Parker taught me about having great power, comes great responsibility. Clark Kent taught me that I’m stronger than I think. Mar-Vell taught me that everybody has the capability to change. Charles Xavier taught me about tolerance. Al Simmons and Daniel Ketch taught me to say no to the devil, while Anung Un Rama taught me that my destiny is my own. And Bruce Wayne…well he taught me to never give up.
There are so many comic book characters that I feel have left nuggets of wisdom for me to follow and absorb into my own philosophy. From the Fantastic Four (don’t show off to your girlfriend and her little brother) to Green Lantern (you’re never alone) to Invincible (family is forever) to Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (the proper way to dispose of chemical waste) to Wonder Woman (it’s ok to be a paradox).
Though there is a group of characters that have given me one of the best lessons: supervillains. They have taught me that it doesn’t matter if you get knocked down for the 1st time or the 1,000th; if you stay down for 1 minute or 10 years; pick yourself up and try and try and try again.
I try to teach some of these messages to my UMCs, because I want them to believe in themselves and in the future, so if they are ever in a relationship with someone that likes Sour Cream and Chives, they will have the strength to be tolerant.
Basically the takeaway message is this: be curious and brave and go to your local library; or even better, visit your local comic book store and start your journey into the wormhole of comics. Your future self will thank you for it!
Now I know there are many things wrong with the comic book industry, but there are so many things right with it. Yes, I kind of feel like a walking, talking comic book encyclopedia; but I love comic books. I always have and I always will.
Thanks for reading and see you in a fortnight!
1 In my humble opinion, linear time travel is the one that rules them all.
2 To be fair, superhero comics were my gateway drug.
3 I’m playing Devil’s Advocate here, I don’t believe in any of that.
4 What kind of idiot asks himself a question that he can’t answer?
5 Drokk!
6 Let’s not mention titles on hiatus. I’m looking at you, Saga. I’m 100% looking at you.
SOME GEEK TOLD ME 
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