MIKE PELLERITO, was recently named the new Managing Editor of Archie Comics. In addition to looking over the Archie universe he also editÃs some of Archie Comics most popular titles,
This column came about after having very few avenues to promote and find out about All Ages and Younger Reader Comics and Graphic Novels. Most knowledge seems to be passed along by word of mouth, so this is in the sprit the column is written. Now, sit back and join in the conversation!
To learn more about any of the above-mentioned projects please visit Archie Comics.com
Why Are You Reading That Comic?
Why are you reading that comic
For some reason comics seems to be the on place where commerce is less welcomed than others. Granted there’s the movies, toys etc, but when it comes to actual comics it seems the rules differ. This debate has been coming up more lately with so many comics not coming out when they are supposed to. In no way is this meant to disparage the brilliant talents, the fantastic publishers or wonderful stores that sell all the fun stuff we love to spend our money on, but this all really comes down to one question. The question is why are you reading that comic?
So, why are you reading that comic?
Most answers no matter how the answers are worded come down to expectations. Some expectations are manufactured like the big blockbuster event the massive crossover, something that is can’t miss. Honestly most that have been hyped over the last few years were fun to read. Which lends to better expectations for the next big event.
Some expectations are hard earned. If you’ve read comics for any length of time you develop a list of writers and artists that if they are attached to a project, it will always get your attention.
Another expectation is based on the comic itself or more appropriately and importantly the characters themselves. You want Superman and Spiderman to save the day, Archie to make you laugh, Sabrina to tug at your heartstrings, Katy Keene to make your mind explode with clothing designs, Bone to take you on an adventure. 
If you are willing to spend countless hours and dollars reading the adventures of any character in any given title it should be because it is interesting. Granted some stories are better than others, some creators are better than others, and some stories are more interesting than others. You should read Superman because the character, and the world they inhabit are interesting. When Spider-Man has an amazing problem to overcome the concept should make you interested. When Archie has a double date dilemma, which he always does, you should want to see how he’d get out of it.
The only tangible way to find out if what you are doing is well received is by sales numbers. Doesn’t mean something is better or worse or more creative or uninspired, just how well it is being received. 
Recently it was shocking and sort of off putting to read a major player in the comics world talking about lateness not being a problem with the fans because sales were still strong. Despite a pretty big outcry from fans and retailers expressing their dissatisfaction with lateness.
So who wins commerce or art? Are the sales numbers more important or are expectations more important. Consider the most important expectation hasn’t been talked about.
Whatever got you to the comic you are about to read you expect people to deliver. You have stores customers and every step from creation to shipping to marketing involved and a product people are waiting for. You never sat halfway through a movie and were told the second act didn’t work out right so it will be ready in a few days. If you go out for a meal you would be a little annoyed if the waiter came out and said the chef was not artistically inspired to create you meal please come back later. People world be fired!
When a comic’s creator says these things people seem to believe it. But it is still not fair. It falls on editors and publishers to keep people honest. Just because the writer or artist believe that they will make the deadline and you want to believe that the will make the deadline doesn’t mean they will actually make the deadline. Sorry guys.
The ultimate expectations come down to what the readers, what the fans want. While most of that can change on a dime, the one thing people can agree on, is that they want comics. It seems fair to expect good entertainment on a regular basis. A comic that delivers for it’s audience. If every comic happens not to be the greatest comic ever people don’t seem to mind. If we are consistent, if we are good, if we are honest and we are respectful we can live up to the audience’s expectations. Every day we take for granted, every issue we fail to deliver on time is lowers those expectations, and ultimately that is not what we should expect of ourselves.
Next Tuesday it’s time for some reviews featuring the latest crop of Eisner awards All Ages nominees. To be honest you might be surprised with what made the list and what didn’t.
See you next Tuesday!
If you have a great All Ages project, let us know!
Get in touch: mikep(at)silverbulletcomicbooks(dot)com
Thanks for the opportunity to talk about comics! Here are some more comics to talk about-
Check out some new All Ages comic reads on sale this week:
APR073398 BETTY & VERONICA DIGEST #176 $2.49
APR073404 JUGHEADS DOUBLE DIGEST #132 $3.69
APR073407 SONIC THE HEDGEHOG #177 $2.25
APR073406 SABRINA VOL 2 #86 $2.25
APR073411 VERONICA #181 $2.25
MAY070189 BATMAN STRIKES #35 $2.25
MAY070193 CARTOON NETWORK ACTION PACK #15 $2.25
MAY072100 AMAZING SPIDER-GIRL #10 $2.99
MAY072115 FANTASTIC FIVE #1 (OF 5) $2.99
MAY072101 SPIDER-MAN LOVES MARY JANE #20 $2.99
APR073639 NODWICK CHRONICLES COLL NODWICK VOL 6 TP $15.99
APR073641 PS238 VOL 4 NOT ANOTHER LEARNING EXPERIENCE TP $15.99
Entertainment for Every Age is © Mike Pellerito 2006-
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