Why Comic Books?

I often get asked why are you a fan of comics? What got you into that? Why do you like that stuff? Have you been asked that? If you are a fan like me I bet you have. It’s a question that will eventually pop up.

When you are a fan you just get it. If you know, you know. Not everyone understands though.

The answer is simple really. Right ? Or is it complicated? Well, maybe it’s both. When I answer this question in person it’s often at work and I’ll give a short answer. To save on time, or to not show how much of a geek I am or, maybe I just don’t feel like it’s information I need to share with that person.

Well here is the real answer for me. Comics has always been there for me. Ever since I was a kid I could rely upon comics being an escape from my reality. Even if it was for a brief moment.

Sure as a kid I was drawn to the art, the flashy colors and the larger than life characters, but slowly something else happened. I got to know these characters and their lives and personalities. Before comics I wouldn’t even read or really didn’t know how to.

Comics forced me to learn so I could get to know these characters better. Then these characters taught me some new lessons about life.

“Sworn To Protect A World That Fears And Hates Them." To me the X-Men always had complex stories.

Here's a group of people that doesn't fit in to regular society at all. Some people hate them, some want them dead, yet the don't run and hide. They fight. They save the world.

The X-men taught me that doing the right thing isn't always the easiest.

I've always been drawn to superhero comic books because they are about characters and stories that inspire.

Green Lantern is great, not because he lives with no fear, it's because he has the ability to overcome great fear. He demonstrates that time and time again. Staring right into the impossible and coming through in the end a better person.

"With Great Power, Comes Great Responsibility." Words that Spider-Man lives by after he let a criminal go that would later kill his beloved Uncle Ben.

I always loved Spider-Man since I was a kid. It wasn't until I got a little older that the power and responsibility quote really sank in. If you have the power to do the right thing shouldn't you or is it not your problem?

The only survivor of a world that was destroyed. Superman comes to Earth and is adopted by 2 loving parents. He develops all these amazing powers. He could've chosen to use them to get whatever he wants, rule over the world. Instead he uses them to help the people of his adopted planet. Superman's greatest strength isn't his powers, it's his humanity.

I could go on and on about the various characters and different groups. Even the different genres like crime, horror, fantasy, etc. It’s a very big and wonderful world.

I’m thankful and grateful that comics helped me get through the toughest times. Losing family members or my dog, when I broke my leg, lost a job or went through a bad break up. I could always pick up a book and forget about my troubles for a little bit.

None of this would be possible without the incredible talent that put these stories and comics together. Here is to the writers, artists, inkers, letterers, colorists, editors and publishers.

Thank you 🙏

Until next time, keep it epic!