The Purist of the Pure Part I
It occurred to me that there are different types of comic book readers out there. I’ve dwelled on it for some time now. I’m not one to typically categorize people and put them into a box, but this seems to be a pretty set standard in the world of comic readership.
This is a working theory that I will be examining over the next couple weeks and giving perspectives from each of these types of readers. Again, I’m not trying to pigeon-hole anybody or force them to conform to some sort of standard, this is just the way I see it.
Leisure Larry (Lisa): This is the reader that picks up a book every now and then. They may have a favorite character or two, but they don’t keep up with current happenings in the comic’s world. Most of the time Larry’s are the folks that really enjoy comics movies because they have little attachment to continuity and just like a good action flick. Larry’s also are more likely to pick up their books from the magazine section of their local bookstore or retail magazine rack. They tend to not have pull boxes at the local comic shop because they just aren’t that dedicated. They know enough about comics to know that Superman and Batman are DC, and Spiderman and the Hulk are Marvel. They may even be familiar with a couple indie characters, but they just read comics when there isn’t much to do. Don’t count these casual readers out though; their nickels and dimes continue to help support the industry we all love.
Marvel Mike Michelle) and DC Dave (Diana) : These are the purists. Dave and Mike are the guys that go head to head every week inside your LCS and on the message board about which universe is better and who would win between Superman and Thor. Both Dave and Mike believe that their universes are infallible, that the company they support is superior in writing art and first and foremost characters. They know just enough about the opposing universe to debate over it and anything they don’t know they can look up on Wikipedia. Many times their argument for not liking the other universe is actually the same as the representative opponents. These Ford or Chevy guy versions of comic fan usually can be seen just trying to reach a point where they can agree to disagree. I will go more in depth on Dave and Mike in future columns so we can see these infallible arguments in action. Fortunately both Mike and Dave also like to dabble in independent comics especially if they are scribed by one of their favorite writers.
All-around Al (Amy): Al is a good guy. He may be somewhat of a social misfit because he spends entirely too much time reading comics. These guys light up their local LCS owners eyes with $dollar$ signs every time they walk in. Al usually feels like he is the voice of reason in the debates between Mike and Dave, as both try to persuade him to take their side. Al typically can recount a history of both universes to another person and often makes threads on message boards comparing similar characters from the different universes. Al is often times similar someone I’ll introduce shortly (Fan Favorite Fred) and is most likely to have favorite artists or writer that they follow around the industry. Overall Al is sometimes the envy of much of the comic readership world because of the size of his pull-box.
Indie Ike (Ingrid) : Ike has given up on mainstream comics. Sometimes they have good reason and other times they could just be doing it as a form of rebellion against the industry for the sake of being trendy. Ike often likes to judge people who are fans of the BIG TWO, and can come off as a bit pretentious. A big part of their argument is that the larger publishers are more about the money and less about the story and sacrifice quality for quantity and massive crossovers. Ike is a useful resource for anybody that wants to find something new to read. They can make great recommendations of publishers to try out and books or graphic novels that can be a change from the norm. They have a similar problem as Dave and Mike when it comes to nerd arguments in regards to writing and art. Often times Ike doesn’t realize that IDW, Dark Horse, and Image are also major publishers that have a vast ownership of popular established properties.
Everything Eric (Erica) : Not to be confused with all around Al. Eric actually reads everything. Eric could be the guy that works at your LCS (not the owner they usually have too much business stuff to deal with) they are the cigar aficionados of the comic reading world. They read everything that comes out. Eric’s are great for recommending books to people after they find out your interests. Having read everything their recall comes in varying degrees but they usually have as much knowledge the 5 major publishers as they do about any indie title that comes through their stores. Eric is fun to talk with and definitely has a pulse on the industry.
Fan Favorite Fred (Fred is good for the ladies too...I watched Angel): This is the guy that picks either a handful of characters or creators and follows them. They may dabble in multiple universes and even like creators and characters that are for the most part unpopular. They are a source of some very special knowledge and are not to be mistaken for Larry’s just because they choose not to delve into major events. Fred will contribute to the medium by seeing comic movies but often be critical of how their favorite character is handled and quickly run to the defense of their favorite creators. (You know like Liefield fans.)
Collector Carl (Carla): This is the guy that is in it for the money. They want to scoop up every variant cover and #1 issue that comes out in hopes that it will be worth money someday. Carl may have vast knowledge of the industry but for the most part care about the value of something more than the artistic integrity. Carl’s stuff is always worth more than yours (even if it is identical). Carl may own some of the greatest stories ever printed but hasn’t read them because they are sealed in a hard plastic block and put up on a wall for display and bragging rights. Kevin Smith hates Carl, and a lot of other readers blame him for everything that was wrong with the industry in the 90’s. The one thing about him though is that he may have that one HTF issue that you’ve been looking for to fill a gap in your stuff. It is a good thing, but it will cost you.
Hardcore Harry (Harriet): Harry focuses on one aspect of the industry and that alone. Nothing you can say to him will ever make him change his mind. He is the rock of the characters fan base and the bane of casual fan’s existence. Nobody beats their character (Lots of Harry's like Batman.) They often belittle people that disagree with them and super critical of the handling of their character. They are not to be confused with Fred…Fred’s are typically nice guys and you don’t mind talking with them. Harry is what many message board goers would refer to as a troll, because they aren’t afraid to make it personal over a work of fiction.
Old School Oscar (Ophelia): This is the guy that remembers everything from the silver and golden ages. He doesn’t really read books anymore, but is impressed with the movies. These guys are everywhere. There is a retired US Army Colonel that I talk about funny books with all the time. He may be 2 or 3 generations removed from you but he knows all the classics, everything from Joker’s boners to Cap punching Hitler in the face. Ollie is a rare treasure and everybody should be glad to know one. They deserve the utmost respect, because Oscar’s helped make the industry what it is today.
Super Casual Sam (Samantha): This is the person that picks up a book because a movie came out and was popular. They read comics even less than Larry. Sam didn’t know there was a Watchmen until it was in the theater. They may watch many movies, such as Ghost World, not even knowing they were based off a comic or graphic novel. You never see Sam on a forum or message board. About the only place you see Sam is the theater. To me this is one of the most important comic readers out there. This is the beginning. Sam will read a book because someone recommended it and they could be hooked. Every reader out there should be recruiting Sam’s; along with children are the growth and future of the industry we all love.
There you have it a simple analysis of complex people who enjoy and vast industry. One thing that all of them have in common is they like comics. One other thing they manage to do is have a small space in their world for the indie/small publishing industry. Comic fans like a good story and there are tons of small company titles out there in every genre that can be enjoyed. There are many great studios out there such as Creators Edge Press, Moonstone, Avatar, BlueWater, APE Entertainment, Dynamite, Boom Studios and Virus Comix.
I’ll go into the people that don’t like comics at a later date. My next few entries will be in depth looks at these fans. This list may seem pretty elementary but everybody knows each of these people. If you see anything I’ve missed don’t be afraid to comment.
Where do you fall in?
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