ROGER’S COMIC RAMBLINGS: A positive OUTLOOK

This post is Filed Under:

Home page Highlights,
Interviews and Columns

by Roger Ash

Roger Ash with the legendary Nick Cardy. Baltimore Comic-Con

A few weeks back, I asked the question “Are comic books mainstream?” My answer was (and remains) no, but they can be. but there are advantages to not being mainstream as well. one of those is the comic convention.

The relationship between fans and comic creators is unique among fandom. I think part of that comes from the fact that comic books aren’t mainstream so fans have banded together to discuss what they love. It started with comic book clubs and continues today with online fan sites. but whether meeting in person or online, the talk is about favorite comics, favorite characters, and favorite creators.

In the early days of fandom, the main communication with creators was the letter column where folks could write in with their thoughts on what was happening in the comic book. It’s fun to go through older letter columns and see how many fans eventually ended up becoming comic professionals. The contact between fans and professionals grew with the advent of comic conventions where they could meet face to face. That’s special. I could possibly meet members of a favorite band if I go to a concert. I could maybe meet a favorite athlete or two if I go to sports convention. but I can meet a substantial roomful of my favorite creators simply by going to a comic convention.

And there are so many of them as well, from industry giants like San Diego and new York to regional shows like Seattle, Baltimore, and Heroes to local shows that aren’t much more than boxes of back issues on card tables. The number of opportunities for fans and creators to interact in person is really quite amazing.

Roger Ash & Walter Simonson. Baltimore Comic-Con.

Of course, with this close interaction there are plenty of bad fan/bad creator stories out there. If you want a primer on bad fan stories, I suggest you find a copy of Stuart Immonen’s 50 reasons to stop sketching at Conventions (which I think is unfortunately out of print). The bottom line is if fans treat the professionals with courtesy, it can lead to memories that you’ll never forget.

For example, the first convention I attended was the Chicago Comic-Con back when it was held in a few rooms at the Rosemont, Illinois Ramada. At one of those early shows (possibly the first, I don’t recall), I had the opportunity to meet artist P. Craig Russell. I had long been a fan of his work, so getting him to sign a few books and talk with him was a treat. I asked if he was doing sketches. He was, but I was only there for one day and his list for the day was already full. I did get to watch him work though, and it was amazing. I’m not sure what the final piece ended up being, but while I was there he was drawing a tree. I have never seen anyone put such heart, soul, and care into drawing a tree. It’s a moment that is burned into my memory.

There are some fans and creators who no longer attend conventions because the Internet allows them to interact on a daily basis. While I respect their decision, it’s not the same thing. Typing at someone online is not the same as being able to meet them in person, shake their hand, and tell them how much their work has meant to you.

So while I do hope comics become mainstream, I also hope we don’t lose some of the things that make comic books special, like the conventions and the interaction fans and creators have. So take advantage of that. get to a convention. They happen all over the country throughout the year. For those in the Midwest, C2E2’s less than a month away. reading and collecting comics is supposed to be fun. enjoy yourself!

Now, go read a comic!

Special thanks to beau Smith for his help with this column and for planting the seed for a future column as well.