The Good, The Bad, & This Kid: “Comic Books and Me”

This week I received my new notebook that I ordered from Gateway a month ago. Gateway and I ran into some problems, but I’m happy to announce that our relationship is stronger than ever. It’s really cool having a new computer, I’ve never had one before. All my other computers were built from used parts by my uncle or a family friend, and well, they sucked. They did what I needed them to do, but certain luxuries were not included. Anyway, that’s not why anyone is here. No one cares about my new computer and I can’t say I blame you. However, I’m having a bit of trouble coming up with a topic this week, I’ve got a lot of stuff happening and my mind is not on GBK. So, too bad. My column and my readers are something that’s very important to me, and my personal finances are no excuse to skip out on that. Unfortunately like I said before, I’m having some problems with a topic. So, like every some-what decent writer, I have a back up plan. I knew the week would come when I wouldn’t have much to say, so I had a topic stored away. It’s a generic topic and it’s one that’s been used countless times by writers in need, and well, I’m in need.

What do comics mean to me? It’s a question that so many comic book fans and creators ask themselves at least twice a week. There’s nothing wrong with asking yourself this question, people do it for whatever their love may be. As obvious as this is, remember that this is my opinion, this in no way reflects the thoughts of anyone else at SBC or even people I may know. So, now that the legal jazz is out of the way, we can actually have some fun around here, or at least something that resembles fun. Let’s jump right in.

I’ve loved comics since the day I learned how to read. Okay, a comic book wasn’t the first thing I learned how to read, but it was shortly after Hop on Pop that I moved into comics. I’m not discrediting Seuss here, I’m just glad I stayed with comics, I think it made me a better person. Anyway, when I first started reading comics is was because of the super-heroes. Every little kid loves to see buff men in spandex kicking the crap out of the bad guys, and I was no different. Then I reached a stage in my childhood when it was more important to me to find a means of escape from the things around me. The world is a scary place and I began to find comfort in the same super-hero comics. Spider-Man was always a character I related the most to as a child. I identified with his pain and need to not let that pain control him. Later I discovered Daredevil and Batman, but at this point I am finding great relief in everyone’s favorite web-slinger. Even to this day I relate very well with the Peter Parker/Spider-Man character.

Like I said, super-heroes were a great tool for escaping the real world, which is flooded with so many negative things. As a kid the proverbially flood gates were opened wide and I was in search of something to help stop up the water. I saw hope in super-heroes, I saw that if you face your fears head on, they’re really not that bad. This was a real beacon of light for me, and is one of the reasons I continue to come back to comic books to this day, and the main reason I want to create comics. I saw the good that comics can do, and I want to be a part of it.

Comic books are more than just silly little stories with pictures, they’ve moved beyond that and onto something far more complicated. Furthermore, I’ve moved beyond that. I’ve went from viewing comics as tales of super-heroes saving the day, to tales of just about anything the human mind can imagine. Comic books are limitless, their glory knows no bounds. Anything can be told using the wonderful story-telling style of pictures and words. You’ve got your classic super-hero fare and you’ve got your slice-of-life drama that just seems too real to be a comic book. I’ve written a screenplay (that I’ve ended up pushing back production on), that I feel would be a great movie. It’s a “coming of age” tale that I’ve recently decided to turn into an original Graphic Novel, I say that like it’s that easy. Anyway, I mention that only to prove a point. The idea started out as something I and others thought would be a good movie, but it turns out that it can be turned into a great comic book as well. That’s really where the magic is with “funny books,” they’re so damn versatile. If someone can think it up, it’s fair game. Besides, it’s a hell of a lot cheaper than making a movie.

Comic books have made their stamp on our society, there is no doubt about that. So, they must mean a lot to a lot of people. I really don’t do them any justice by writing down my rambled thoughts on what they’ve meant to the person I am. No one does them any justice by doing that. Comics aren’t just books, they’ve become a way of culture and a way of life for many people. Comics have touched the lives of millions of people in a million different ways, and that’s why they’re so much more than just books. Books touch and move the soul, don’t get me wrong, but comics have the ultimate edge. They combine written words and imagery, and never underestimate the power of an image. “A picture is worth a thousand words,” so think of how many damn words are going into comics. There is something so beautiful in the way of comics, it’s almost impossible to put your finger on it. That’s why people judge comics so harshly, because they have such potential that it’s painful to read a bad comic. You know in your heart of hearts that out there somewhere there is a wonderful story that needs to be told, and instead someone puts out garbage and taints are wonderful ocean of comics.

That to me is what comics are all about. They are a way for people to step outside themselves or to step back inside of themselves. It’s a way to explore new worlds, or to explore ours in a new way. I can’t say it enough, the possibilities are endless.

The Good

Besides my brand new computer, I also got another new toy this week. I know, I can’t believe it myself. I am the proud new owner of a Directv system. I’ve wanted to get Directv for a very long time, and now I can afford it. So, that’s the good this week, Directv.

Again, I apologize for not coming up with a better topic, but if it wasn’t this week, it would’ve eventually happened. Also, I’m pretty late getting this column to Craig Lemon, (editor extraordinaire) so if this is posted late I’m sorry for that as well. In my defense, it’s been a weird week and my mind has been so many other places. Next week I promise to have a more original topic and to give it my 110%. Of course, I say that now, but who know. ‘Til next time…

-Josh Stone

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