c/comic-book-fans

Hot take: Some gatekeeping at the comic shop really got under my skin

I was at the local shop in Springfield last Tuesday, just looking at the new releases. This guy next to me saw me pick up a Miles Morales trade and said, 'You know, the original Spider-Man stories are the only real ones.' He said it with this smirk, like I was holding a fake comic. It wasn't even a debate, just a weird put-down. Has anyone else had a random fan try to make you feel like you're not a 'real' fan for what you like?

2 comments

rowan849•5d ago

A fellow fan shut me down for liking a specific villain

I was just talking comics with someone at the shop and mentioned who I think is the best bad guy. They immediately got mad and said only people who don't get comics would pick that one. Have you ever had another fan make you feel dumb for what you like?

2 comments

jennyh33•10d ago

My local comic shop's potluck revealed something cool about fans

Last weekend, my comic book club had a potluck at the local shop (we do this every few months). I decided to make these little pizza rolls inspired by Deadpool, because, you know, he loves chimichangas but I wanted something easier. I used store-bought dough and filled it with pepperoni and cheese, then cut them into little X's like his logo. Everyone went nuts for them, and it started a whole conversation about other character-themed foods we could try. One guy brought Batman cookies with little bat symbols, which was pretty clever. It's funny how food can bring fans together and spark these creative ideas. Now I'm thinking about making a Hulk-themed green dip for the next meetup. Stuff like this really makes the fandom feel more like a community, you know?

3 comments

fox.tessa•12d ago

Appreciation post: A comic trade circle with friends fixed my collection gaps

I was always on the lookout for old X-Men issues, but some were just too pricey online. Then I thought, why not trade with other fans? I mean, idk, maybe it's just me, but I asked around at my local comic shop. A few of us decided to meet up once a month with duplicates we had. We wrote a simple list of what everyone needed and what they could give. It turned into a regular thing, and now I've filled gaps in my collection without spending extra cash. The key is to keep it casual and honest, so no one feels pressured. If you're struggling with hard-to-find issues, try forming a small trade circle. It's really fun and saves you from hunting alone.

3 comments

the_jesse•12d ago

Heads up: Fake comics are showing up at local fan meets

I was at a comic fan gathering near the park last week. Someone was selling what they called vintage first editions. The paper quality was off, and the colors were too bright. A buddy of mine paid fifty bucks for one and found out it was a cheap reprint. This seller has been seen at a few different spots around town. If you're buying from a new face, get a second opinion. It's better to be safe than sorry with your collection.

3 comments

taragrant•14d ago

It bugs me how some comic fans act like a secret club

I've been into comics for years, but lately... the way some fans talk down to others just gets to me. Like at my local shop, I heard a guy mock someone for only picking up the new Spider-Man book. They said it doesn't count if you skip the indie stuff. Online, it's worse... people will argue for hours if you haven't read every crossover event. It feels like they care more about being right than sharing the hobby. Comics are for everyone, not just experts with encyclopedic knowledge. This attitude just pushes new readers away, and it's honestly sad.

3 comments

harper480•16d ago

Finally got my sister to read a comic after years of thinking they're just for kids

I left my copy of 'Ms. Marvel' on her nightstand as a joke, and she actually finished it in one go. She texted me asking if Kamala Khan has her own series now (which felt awesome, to be honest). Now I'm trying to find similar books with relatable characters for her age group. Any suggestions for someone new to comics but not to good stories?

3 comments

barbara385•16d ago

Never thought I'd care about variant covers until last weekend

I always saw variant covers as a cash grab and ignored them. But then I went to a local con and saw how artists use them for unique art, and it clicked for me. What's the best variant cover you've ever picked up?

7 comments