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Yup, More Stuff From FCBD…

While I am certain many-a-reader enjoys the exploits of four-color characters (that would be comics to the uninitiated). I am equally certain a fair number of you wish I would move onto other topics, like the news that Gillian Anderson, years after a Geek cares, is finally doing a nude scene or that Die Hard 4 is going to be PG-F’ing-13…. Well, I got bad news for you… With KaraokeFanboy flying at maximum Warp through his books and my own ramblings about to hit the page, you’ve got a couple more postings of comic book commentary to deal with. Although bringing attention to an industry I love is one of the reasons I started Geek in the City, so I shouldn’t apologize… and I won’t.

If it helps… This posting will have pictures!

See, told you…

With the clock reading 12:15 pm, Cosmic Monkey Comics was already packed. This is no small feet when you consider the size of this store and a FCBD “start time” of noon. Having a colorful cast of characters, standing outside your store does indeed help. (Note to self, if the day ever comes for me to open a store… Hire Star Wars characters… Star Wars equals cash-money)! Walking past Boba Fett, I received a fantastically confused look when I turned down a picture with said bounty hunter with the reply: “No thanks, I got plenty of pictures with Mr. Fett when he was at my wedding”… Good times. Although I will admit, knowing the dude under the helmet doesn’t remove any of the intimidation factor… When that cold Mandelorian mask stares at you, minute after minute, you will get the willies and make a mental note to pay any and all debits on time! (Seriously, if Visa ever switches to masked bounty hunters to get their money back, I’m screwed).

I was pleasantly surprised when I walked into Cosmic Monkey Comics. See, I’ve been to many a Free Comic Book Day event, and while each time has been fun, you tend to see the same faces. The same faces I see every Thursday when I pick up my weekly stash of books. For an event designed to draw in new readers, FCBD never seemed to live up to its task. Not so this time out. The store was packed with (to coin Bill Murray in Ghostbusters 2) “straights”. Yes, I just made a Ghostbusters 2 reference, deal with it. Sure, you had your normal allotment of “basement dwellers” looking for a free handout, but for the first time in my memory, I saw kids dragging their parents into a comic book store. I saw people having their eyes opened to the wonderful world of comics. I heard, on more than one occasion, an adult admit to not understanding the depth a “funny book” can reach. Yes folks, while the capes and cowls are still the industry bread and butter, comics are not just about masked vigilantes and muscle-bound fliers saving the day. From what I saw within Cosmic Monkey Comics, Americans are finally catching on to the fact that comics are not just for kids… Something most of the world has known for years. (Decades if you consider Japan and it’s proliferation of Manga into darn near every facet of their culture).

The event was packed with writers and artists signing books, offering advice, and flat out enjoying conversations with both fans and peers. I’ve been to many a convention and store event where the guests seem (at best) bored and I’ve even seen a writer tell a young fan, quite bitterly, “’Cause I’m [name] –mutha- [name] – F’ing – [name], that’s why!” Thankfully, nary a self-righteous or idiotic “talent” was present at Cosmic Monkey Comics. While I didn’t personally speak with any of the guests (as I am, ironically, poor at whoring myself in person) I did observe many a flamboyant conversation. In retrospect, I really should have introduced myself…or at least said “hi” to the creators I do know… I’m not a snob, honest... I just clam up when I am around writers and artists whom I hold in such high regard. Although next chance I get, I am going to ask Matt Wagner if he still makes that horrendous “vinegar pie” from a few years back. (It’s a long story and is filled with blatant name-dropping and since I’m not [name deleted] I won’t bring it up here. Drop me a line if you must know). Whew, that entire paragraph was nothing but navel gazing… I apologize… Let us move on.

It did give me hope to see so many kids at the event. Sure, the Star Wars characters and free Spider-Man 3 comics brought them in, but I saw many of them leave with all kinds of comics. As I’ve stated before, the comic industry isn’t in the best of shape and with big publishers targeting an aging demographic (a demographic I must sadly include myself within), it needs all the fresh blood it can get. Observing so many kids and young readers attend the event gave me a sliver of hope. Not even the idiotic father who kept saying, “Great, another lesbian superhero” whenever he saw a female in tights or a cape could dissuade my enjoyment of Free Comic Book Day. (However, attention said nitwit father… Your young daughter had a huge pile of comics in her arms and she really liked the parallel universe Superwoman action figure… The Lords of Irony have a keen eye dude, just ask Dick Cheney)…

Anyway, if stores can continue to promote books and draw in new and young readers… Then perhaps comics will have a fighting chance as the industry stands up against the Internet, tailor-made television on demand, and direct marketing movies… As “The Man” once said… “You keep reading them, I’ll keep writing them”.

‘Nuff said.