I find myself often wondering why more fans of
comics don't read more creator owned titles over series from the Big Two. I
know there are some obvious answers like:
they know the characters, they want to
read Spider-Man or Superman or Batman etc. I've heard the argument that people
don't want to commit to an indy book if it’s going to just end in the middle of
the story. But all the arguments I've heard make me feel that the people who
actively shun creator owned titles are just lazy or willfully ignorant comics
fans. I don't say this to be combative or derisive, well, maybe I do a little,
but committing to independent books is the best thing you can do as a fan of comic
books and here's why.
If you read comic books; you love the infinite
possibilities the medium can explore. Literally anything can happen, the
limitation being only that of what the creator can imagine. Unless it’s a
corporate owned property, then the limit is what Editorial, Legal and Management
impose. Independent books allow a creator to fully express their vision, and
often time, make a better experience for you as the reader. Still, these books
often don't get the recognition, publicity or attention they deserve, and can
end prematurely because of it. Readers don't want to commit to a book that will
end without notice or resolution. I understand that argument, it’s also the
argument for waiting for trade collections, but it’s an argument that feels
false to me. A book you enjoy you should buy because you like it. We can’t live
in fear of what will come tomorrow and not live for the day.
Another argument I hear is that creator owned books
don't have familiar characters or worlds that they know like the super hero
universes of the Big Two. To me, this is an argument for creator owned books,
not against. Sure it’s more work getting
to know new characters and new worlds but at the same time it’s a brand new place
to explore and learn about. Isn't discovery
core to the enjoyment of visual and written media?
I don't want to make this a post about how
mainstream books are bad and independent books are good. There is good to be
found in both places. I think independent books often require more commitment
than mainstream books, but it’s a commitment that often comes with bigger and
better rewards too. Do yourself a favor and do the work to find these books.
Your imagination will thank you for it!
