Reply #43: smalll is right. [View All]

[proteus_lives]

Wow, I've been a lurker at DU for years but I never thought I'd join but your post was the straw that broke this camel's back.

I'm a 25-year old man who has collected comics since he was six, a devoted sci-fi fan, anime fan, con attendee and fanboy. I was angry when I first read your post but now I figure what's the point of anger? You obviously don't get it and you're lashing out because you don't understand.

Comics and other forms of fandom are more then just fun escapism. They are art forms and genres. Adults consume them, adults write/draw and profit from them. Do you think kids buy thousands of issues a week?

"What does this say about our culture that otherwise putatively smart dudes obsess about such adolescent follies?"

Well, I suggest you read Watchmen, Red Son, Transmetroplitan, Miracleman, 300 and many others. These are anything but adolescent follies. (I could suggest a more complete list if you like.) Don't be put off by the medium. They can be as powerful as a prose novel, painting or serious film.

I'm also a 25-year old man who is a tax-payer, a employee, a freelance worker, a Democrat, a college graduate, a friend, a brother, a son, an uncle. I'm a lot of others things but rest assured, a fanboy is high on the list!

I have a friend who is a small-business owner and husband yet he spend at least one night a week hunched over a Warhammer table.
I have a friend who is pre-med and loves elves. She's read anything with elves in it.
I have a boss who has a bigger comic collection then I do. (Trust me, that's saying something!)
I have a friend who dresses up like a storm trooper.
I have a friend and she makes the most wonderful sci-fi costumes.
And on and on.

Trust me, it's no different then following a sports team, collecting artwork or first editions of Tolstoy. Collecting and hobbies are a great part of life.

Sorry if this long-winded for a first-time poster. Glad to be here on DU!