Mike Eakins
HOLY COW! It’s been a while since we’ve written a CC&M; definitely long overdue, and I can’t think of a perfect way to hop back on the train than to talk about the love of comic books. But more importantly, when kids see their heroes on the shelves, and their eyes light up, their whole demeanor changes. It’s an amazing sight that is filled will unbridled energy and love. I’ve been reading comics for over thirty years, and I still get a little giddy when I open those doors to my LCS; it’s so infectious and awesome. But there’s a different vibe going on when that next generation is getting their turn digging through boxes, looking at statues, and staring at the new releases. With Plenty of entertaining support coming from television, social media, and the like, it was only a matter of time for natural progression to take hold. Even if the hobby doesn’t fully sink its claws into their souls, there will always be that little tick of energy that reminds them to check out the collected section of their local book store, you know, just to “check up on” Captain American and see what he’s been up to lately. Infectious.
Time changes. Comics change. People change. It’s been that way since the dawn of time. But one thing that hasn’t changed is the draw to comics. As I previously mentioned, the draw is generational, but it’s how we, as elder proprietors of the industry, use the comics to aid that glorious feeling that the youth feel when they go into a shop. I love to see whole families come into my LCS and break off into factions and then regroup at the cash register. Nothing is better than hearing a tiny little voice shout SPIDER-MAN, BATMAN, HOWARD THE DUCK! Ok, maybe not Howard (dammit, Marvel, bring Howard back!), but you get my drift. Their amazement, energy, and excitement are enough to keep you going for years.
I remember the first time I took my daughter (she’s 5) to my LCS when her words were just starting to come together; she was the same way. Spy-Man, Harwy Kin, she would ask who this is, what that is, and the like. Being able to be a part of her joy when she walks into the LCS is pure magic. Dare I say, a core memory. About two weeks ago, she told me that she needed a box for her comics. She chose the small one with Harwy Kin and Poison Iby. Seeing her gravitate to and discover her own comic book interests has been nothing short of beautiful soul food.
The industry is in good hands. We have some really great creative teams that are doing some really spectacular stuff. The amount of indie books we have to choose from is phenomenal. The subjects that these books are tackling are beautiful and inclusive. Seeing a little kid light up with pure joy over Spider-Man will always be dope, but seeing a kid light up because they see themselves in those books. That’s the good stuff.
To the younger crowd, may your energy never wain. May your love never stale. And please, don’t stop digging in those boxes. The industry is in good hands.
Thanks for reading.