"The definition of mainstream is not up for debate."
"Whatever you want to believe. But, that definition does not mean anything or go with comics as a whole."
Of course it means something, its a definition. It literally is Meaning. And what i "want to believe" doesnt even factor in, a definition is a matter of fact, so thats why i included a link to the Cambridge dictionary website. Along with Oxford, they are the authoritys on what words mean.
Honestly mate, at this point in the argument your not making valid points anymore. I just dont think you can or want to be persuaded, and i know that may sound weird about "wanting" to be persuaded, but i certainly do. You just havent provided any sufficient arguments to do so. I believe its intelligent to think you can be proven wrong and its honest to admit when you have the weaker argument. I only hope for the sake of this argument that you believe the same things.
The definition of mainstream is not up for debate. http://dictionary.cambridge.org/define.asp?key=mainstream*1+0&dict=A
To paraphrase, mainstream means "common and shared by most people". Which means that if a title is to be mainstream it must be "common", which means it must be possessed by many people, which means it must have high sales.
To say that all marvel and DC comics are mainstream is to imply either that all DC and marvel comics have high sales or that even their poorest selling titles are mainstream despite the fact that most people don't own or read them. Neither is true.
Personal experience about some locals who've stopped collecting, regardless of the reason, isnt good enough to support your statements about what mainstream titles should be or what the commercial status of the comic industry is.
Superman, Hulk and Spiderman are all mainstream comics, and they all sell well. Blue beetle and booster gold do not sell well and are not mainstream comics.
And you havent refuted any of my points, you just made a list of seemingly random titles and talked irrelevently about collectors.
1. I am talking about mainstream superhero comics. 2.If a comic doesn't sell well then it isnt a "mainstream" comic is it? 3.Theres a world of difference between personal experience like local fans and objective evidence like sales numbers.
But, some of the "mature" topics have been moving into their mainstream titles and that makes me not want to buy that title any more."
Of course. This is a statement purely about personal choice and what comics you like and buy. I'm not saying anything against that and i wouldnt want to. I'm disagreeing with your statements about what you think mainstream titles should be. You think they should be all ages because that is what you like, and i'm not saying that they should be whatever i like either. That would just be hypocritical. I'm of the opinion that whatever "Rating Level" a mainstream title is, should be whatever the creators and audience want it to be. And that's a matter of consensus, not individual desires. If a mainstream title you like changes its tone, it's not an injustice against you and its certainly not an "against the grain" marketing move. Its simply what the majority want and if your in the minority that disagree's...Tough luck. Try something different, they are plenty of all ages comics out there that are good enough to deserve another fan.
"... the companies have backed themselves into a corner trying to be "mature."
Cezar_TheScribe said:
This is comics, good vs evil and that's all it needs to be about."
It seems the only one backing the comic industry into a corner is you. Superheroes can be more than just "good vs evil", and for that matter, comics can be more than just superheroes If theres a market for mature comics, why should'nt companies produce mature comics?
"this is ridiculous. i dont care if its been featured in the comics or not. i dont care if shes a lesbian or straight. shes like 30 something and i dont see my heroes as being 30 something year old virgins. that just screams sexual dysfunction and social deviant. i see a strong woman and a feminist idol as sexually secure."
Spot on. Ever since this post started there's been some half-formed thought in my head about the reality of Wonder Woman being a virgin, trying to get out, and this says it perfectly.
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