What's Love Got to Do With It?

       Comic books...

Dan Panosian- urban-barbarian

Why do we even read them?  Some discover comic books in their childhood, through a friend, or a family member.  Some stumble upon them by accident in a store, library, attic, or even the garbage can.  And, some do not discover the magic of a comic book till they are in their adult years.  So, I pose the question again, why do we even read them? 

I fight my first instinct, and may I add that I am fighting with every ounce of galactic strength, to go directly to the Internet and research what studies have been previously done, polls that have been taken, and theories have been established per this question.

I would "assume", that nostalgia would be first on the list of reasons for the adults currently reading comics, who started as kids.  But what about new readers?  Or, readers who have ventured into new story territory? 

According to articles I have read and that have peaked my interest, comic books are doing more than just satisfying the want to relieve the golden memories of yesterday.  According to a study done by Kaplan International Colleges, Spiderman is doing his neighborhood duty by teaching people English.  Yes, as always proving that, "with great power, comes great responsibility."

Spiderman the new ESL teacher

I would venture to say, with the recent boom in comic publishers and indie titles that are now available - it can be even more confusing than ever to decide what to read.  There is definitely a GRRRR factor, if you do not know what you like or if you are new to this reading style. However, it can be done. And new comic books sales are proving that "indie" is here to stay!

Issue #100!

I find it interesting that our culture is finally catching on to the idea that comic books are more than just "silly child's stories" with "drawings."  The art is intricate, and goes through sequence and processes that are detailed and finite.  Story lines can be as simple or as ridiculously difficult as the reader would like them to  be.  There is most definitely something for everyone.  

What I appreciate even more, and have enjoyed myself about recent developments, is that the education system is now beginning to look at graphic novels and comic books as a way to get through to children by using visual connections.  

Art by Robert Atkins

Whats love got to do with it? Everything when it comes to comic books.  For the creators it is obvious - their heart and soul is bled onto each page.  Each story writer, penciler, inker, colorist, letterer, editor, and publisher - a comic book is  a collaboration of a work of art.  

Why do I read comic books? 

I read them because I like to feel the story.  I enjoy using as many senses possible to make that happen.  I notice the textures, colors, lines, saturation, hues, word bubbles, fonts, point types, story lines, and every detail that makes the comic book complete.  I try to understand why the story was written.

It is only then that the story becomes not just a past time, but an experience. 

"Elders of the Runestone" - Fantastic new story to check out! Story by Quinn Johnson, Art by Robert Atkins

Favorite Superhero - or Do You Like To Breathe?

When I am asked the question, (innocently), "Who is your favorite Superhero?" 
I panic. I freeze with the fear of a 1000 blazing suns!
My eyes start to twitch and I feel a full system shutdown heading my way.  
I am not one to brag, but I have knowledge.
I know DC characters from Marvel characters.
I can name all the Thundercats, Voltron, Masters of the Universe, Transformers,TMNT and a good portion of GI Joe characters plus villains, not to mention a smattering of other swashbucklers.  So, the task of actually knowing a character and having the data to back it up should be easy. 
Alas, my brain goes to jelly. 

I have come to a couple of conclusions of why this physical comic meltdown seems to occur. Let me make it clear that all my conclusions could fit in a fanny pack and have not aided my dilemma. However, the train wreck in me says keep going...

My first conclusion is this, simply: When the word superhero is typed into google a plethora of hits come up. One exciting tidbit is: The Ultimate List of Superheroes and Villains by Comic Vine. There are literally thousands of superheroes and wonders of the universe listed on this fantastic page. 
Donald Duck is #5.
I do not know if I really need to expand on this much more, expect to say I do admire sassy attitude.

Another conclusion: picking favorites is so overrated.
If I was asked which do you like more, breathing or the use of your brain?  And then told to hurry and pick one! AAAAA...seriously?!?  There is just too much involved. 
There are times I would love to flip the off button for the ole' noggin, but I was never good at holding my breath for very long. 
And if I picked just one does that mean I am judged for still liking the other. 
"Nope sorry - You like breathing so today you have a LOBOTOMY scheduled!"
I guess in comparison, when I finally do come out with an answer and say, "ummm my favorite is well, oh gee, OK - I enjoy Daredevil"
Then I trot off to the comic book store and see said asker, and they see me buying a heaven forbid - Spiderman, Thor, Superman, Wolverine...it is pure confusion, head scratching, stammering - you get the drift. Can't a girl just love the universe? 

Now, getting to the nitty gritty of it all for me, why is it "Who is your favorite Superhero?", not "Who is your favorite Super Villain?" 
Dark Helmet in "Spaceballs" said it best, 

"Evil will always triumph because good is dumb." 

The way I look at it - villains are cool. 
Without our neighborhood villains there would be no need for Superheroes. 
As Vic the Publicist so eloquently states from "Mystery Men":

"VIC THE PUBLICIST:  I think right now we should focus on the positive. Tonight was good.

CAPTAIN AMAZING:  Yeah - you think so? 'Cause I was worried it was, um, I don't know... PATHETIC! "Amazing triumphs at a nursing home"? That's great copy, Vic.

VIC THE PUBLICIST:  Look, I'm a publicist, not a magician. You want big news, you have to have big fights. A superhero needs a super villain. And thanks to you, we've got none left." To sum it up, I have my favorites on certain days. I have the characters that make me laugh - ALWAYS. Then there is the good ole' fashion dose of nostalgia and I will never be able to shake those tried and true characters from my bones. (Note to self - have it written in my will to have He-Man and Lion-O buried with me.) I have my femme-fatal side that rages true and strong and I consider that a class or category of its own! Then I have my all time favorite villains. So I guess the question for ME is not, "Who is your favorite Superhero?" but rather "Who is your favorite comic character TODAY?!?"