Mike Eakins
Over the past year, I’ve thought of how I was going to write this. What did I want to say? Sure, this could have been a series of DMs, but this needed some room to move and stretch out. Since March of 2019, I’ve done all sorts of great things with Comic Watch. I’ve gotten to meet some of my comic heroes; I’ve had my reviews quoted, but more importantly, I got to do this with some of the coolest people I’ve known. As someone who used to be skeptical of the validity of online friendships, this was a life lesson that I’m glad I was able to relearn. Regardless of how often we may talk/interact, over the past six years the connection I feel with my nerdy colleagues is just as real and authentic as my day job. I’m truly grateful.
There are plenty of metaphors to go around to soften the discussion of mental health, but in 2025, I’m not sure how much softer we need to go; however, if I’m anything, I’m a team player. Metaphor-bridge incoming – “Mental health is like a garden.” In order for a garden to thrive, it must have the proper nutrients, environment, and so forth, so it can have a fruitful existence. Well, I wasn’t the best gardener (never really have been), but I was making do. I always have. Sure, duct tape is cool, but you get tired of using it. See what I did there? One of the hardest things I’ve had to do is tell my EiC that I needed to step away and “tend to my garden.” Over the past year, I’ve gone through many different mental and physical changes, that at times it would trigger my anxiety, and then it’s all down hill from there. But I came to find out that I wasn’t tending my garden alone. When the diagnoses were rolling in like D20s, comics, culture, and more, the community was there. From looking at the schedule and thinking of how proud I am to be a part of this. Seeing all of the FREE hard work that is going on re-emphasizes just how special Comic Watch is. They really embody the culture and more. Interacting on Twitter (RIP) and BlueSky has definitely had its place. Seeing all the great indie podcasts, reviewers, and the rest of the magnificent comics journalists out there who are doing the lord’s work and not getting nearly enough credit for what they do.
Comics and their geeky galaxy have always been a foundation in my life and have been one of the few constants that continue to not only hold me up, but provide an undeniable safe space, getting to share that with the likes of Comic Watch makes it that much better. All communities have bad people who will try to tear down what they perceive as not fitting into their small-minded box. But nonetheless, we nerds are resilient and caring. Always making room at the table, because that’s what we do. I say that to remind you of when I mentioned needing to take a break from Comic Watch. Remember, my garden needed some love. I had to redirect my focus, and while I was doing that, occasionally I would see that someone had stopped by the garden. I was never alone, and that was cool. I may not have been talking about comics or writing as much, but there was still a presence. Folks reaching out, having other conversations; it’s a great feeling when the community comes through. Because now, more than ever, we need community, and we need each other.
If you’ve made it this far, thanks for reading. I guess this has ended up as a sort of a “thank you letter” to Comic Watch and its community, more so than the original intention. But that’s fine, because I owe a lot to this community. I guess if there’s a message to be delivered, it’s this: stay hydrated and keep being the lovable nerdy souls that you are. Thank you.
*Thanks to Sly and the Family Stone for the title.
