PoppinFreshDoh
Name: Steve Seelig
Bio: Greetings to one and all!After spending my wee years being nourished on a healthy diet of Archie Comics, Gold Key Comics and Harvey Comics belonging to my sisters, I graduated to Superhero comics with a copy of DC Comics Presents Annual #1,purchased for me by one of my sisters after we had gone to see Superman II, in the theatres. (A copy I read many times.) Between the two, I was hooked for life! (Who wouldn't be after seeing Zod and company, especially the company!) From there, I became an avid reader of West Coast Avengers, which led to Avengers and also Daredevil. Frank Miller was great but I was also a big fan of Ann Noccenti. Romita Jr. was icing on the cake. I bought most of my early comics down the street at my local 7-11 in East Las Vegas or at the local Thrifty Drug where the spinner rack was right next to the ice cream scoop counter. Back Issues were discovered at a thrift shop that sold them for next to nothing. Good times! I discovered X-Men in 1991 (Imagine that! Damn you Jim Lee!) after years of just not seeing what the big deal was, thanks to the beautiful art of Jim Lee, on a chance visit to one of the first Comic Shops I ever encountered in Long Beach, CA. I have since built up quite a collection of said franchise, especially Uncanny, despite all of the madness the franchise has endured. It saddens me that the neo-architect of the franchise's greatness, Chris Claremont, has become such a bitter old man. Like many, I left the hobby for most of the 90's largely due to the over emphasis on the value of books, and the introduction of variant covers, holograms and trading cards. (Plus there were way too many mullets going on in comics) Like a fool I gave my cherished collection to a deserving young lad as I had felt as I had outgrown them. (Fool!) While I have since built up a healthy collection, I have only begun to rebuild the collection of my youth.I was drawn back in with the announced release of the first X-Men movie and was impressed with how much comics had progressed and how writing had once again become valued in regards to comics. I truly believe comics creatively are in a golden age. There is so much quality material out there. While my roots are with Marvel , at present I find myself attracted to both the DC and Marvel universes. To be honest, I am surprised that I didn't end up a lifelong DC fan. I love the idea of a multiverse and the iconic, historical and legacy driven nature of the DC universe. I fully embrace Superhero comics but also find myself exploring more artistic and independent fare as well. In the end, what ultimately matters to me is whether the comic is engaging, both in terms of art and writing. I tend to steer away from titles where the violence or sex is over the top. (Not perfect in avoiding this completely; I am mostly bothered when it gets in the way of telling the story.) I'm not a big fan of Variant Covers and prefer Floppies over Trade Paperbacks and Hardcovers (Unless I am purchasing an indie title, limited series or it is historically or artistically relevant). I like TPB for the convience but in terms of collecting superhero comics I prefer floppies. Call me a purist, but I do also think I am, in part, driven by nostalgia in this choice of preference.In life I am a Librarian with a background in History and Sociology, and as such am attracted to the history of comics and the influencial role they have played in society at large. To my mind, they are modern mythology and are just as significant as Norse, Greek, or Roman Mythology. I am an avid supporter of the role comics and graphic novels can play in promoting reading and creativity and believe they are a powerful and effective means in which difficult to discuss issues such sexuality, domestic violence, war and the like can be addressed.
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On the Kirkman point:
While I recognize his sincerity and admire his boldness in seeking to get the discussion started, I don't think it is the lack of creator owned properties that is causing the industry to suffer. I believe instead that it is a more secure and stable environment for creators when they seek a balance between working for Marvel/DC and puting out creator owned material. Often the one supports and encourages the other. The real problem is lack of access. There really isn't any cross promotion of comics and they are not placed with high traffic retailers. If a distribution deal was struck with the likes of Wal-mart or Target just think of the sales that would be possible. If books were included with displays of movies, toys, clothing and the like I don't think we would be having this discussion about the long term health of comics. Comics quality-wise are at an all time high but they are suffering from a lack of accessability to the casual fan. A comic book display at the concession stand at the local movieplex would make money had over fist. (Talk about a mecca for impulse purchases!) In an era of cross marketing, the comics industry shows a lack of engagement and foresight in how to get the product to the customer.
@Josh
In some small way that makes all in the world seem right. I say sign Pete as a free agent. Pete in Beserker mode would add something special to ifanboy podcasts.
Question for all:
What writers do you feel have had quality runs in terms of Action Comics and the Superman title? Who has had the worst? Also, am I the only one who finds Batman R.I.P. just a little bit reminicent of the Death of Superman? I love Batman but R.I.P. just made me want to walk away for awhile.
@ Jawshoowah
I am also a big fan of the guys at the Stack. It would be fun to have Pete and Ron trade places for one show.
@Josh
Josh, I totally have your back. I marvel at what each of you have collectively created and the sense of community, conversation and dialogue that has been created. For that I am very grateful and would like to say thank you to each of you for your selfless and dedicated efforts. I find your observations thoughtful, engaging and laced with a love of comics and all that includes without taking yourselves too seriously. I would describe iFanboy as akin to Bart Simpson giving Comic Book Guy a kick in the nuts. You do so much for destroying the stereotype of Fanboy by having productive lives, real world relationships, and most of all not taking all of this so DAMN seriously! All of this done with a unifying thread of professionalism. I hope someday to meet each of you in person and shake your hands. Anyone tempted to call me a brown noser can stick it where the sun don't shine. If you want news go to newsarama!