I just realized I was gatekeeping my own comic collection.

My friend's kid came over last weekend. He's 10. He saw my longboxes and asked about Spider-Man. I started with the 1963 stuff, talking about Ditko and the classic arcs. His eyes glazed over. Then he pulled out his phone, showed me a clip from the new Spider-Verse movie. He was so excited about Miles and Gwen. I was about to say 'the comics are better' but I stopped. The way he talked about the characters, it was the same joy I had at his age. Just a different door into the same world. I've been a snob about 'real' comics for years. That moment tipped me off. My collection isn't a museum. It's supposed to be a launchpad. Anyone else have a moment that made them drop the comic book elitism?

3 comments

3 Comments

murphy.zara1mo ago

Ever try to explain why a single issue is worth more than someone's car? I did that at a con once and the blank stare I got back was a gut check. Now I just say I like the pictures and the stories.

the_brian29d ago

Oof, that stare hits different. Diana_black has a point about the entry fee thing, but man, some of those fees are wild. Easier to just say "cool art" and move on.

diana_black1mo ago

Didn't someone say a comic's price is just the entry fee for a long story?