Mike Eakins
Memories are a powerful thing. They immediately whisk us away at speeds of 88 miles an hour and deliver us to an extraordinary place and time. Using memories as a form of escapism can serve as a healthy tool to stop and recharge the soul which is important especially in this day and age and what better way to trigger a memory than that one special comic that immediately brings us back to a safe and happy place. Comics have been providing not only entertainment but comfort for many years and in some cases are the only stable entity in people’s lives. We need them, we depend on them, and in turn, comics are always there for us.
Among my boxes of comics, there are various books that tell stories of personal heartbreak and triumph. From my pre-teen years and now into my 40s I still rely on those books to put a smile on my face and take me back to times of bliss and they do just that each and every time. The feeling of pulling out Youngblood #1, Wolverine #8, or House of M and being transported back to being a teenager, being a newlywed, or on my last deployment, comics will invoke both a smile and teary eyes. There’s magic in those boxes and pages that is so powerful, nothing can compare to the feeling that comic book magic provides.
Comics have always had my back. The bullies were powerless when it came to The Punisher. When I was homesick Wolverine provided the calmness, I needed and assured me it was going to be ok. Whether it is the smell, character, or story of a certain comic I could always depend on it being there in the darkest times and the happiest times. No questions asked, no judgment passed, just the warm and safe feeling that was needed at the time.
Having comics around has definitely made a difference in my life and I’m glad about that. Besides being the constant rock in my life comics have also opened doors to memorable experiences. I have made friendships with people that are an absolute treasure to be around. I get to write for a great website that has some of the greatest people this world has to offer. I have gotten to interview some of my childhood comic heroes in Ron Marz, Erik Larsen, Jim Valentino, and Kevin Eastman as well as some of my favorite current creators.
Comics will always be a part of who I am. I plan on going into the comic shop with my walker and Beltone and picking up my subscription and complaining about Marvel canceling a series that I was enjoying. In a beautiful and perfect world, Comic Watch will still be around and we will be a bunch wrinkly old prunes bringing you “Fandom News & Pro Reviews”. These past 41 years have been up and down happy and sad, however, comics made sure that I got through it all with a smile. Everyone always asks, “if you could go back in time and change one thing, what would it be?” I never really had an answer to that but what I would do is go back to my 10-year-old self and let him know that you’re going to get to interview Kevin Eastman and it’s going to be so rad so hang in there because it gets better. Thanks for reading and see you next time!
