“Many people think comic readers are nerds,” freshman Julian Tarian said. “They think that they don’t have a life just because they read comics.”
Tarian is a comic book reader who follows comic book series’ like The Amazing Spiderman, Green Lantern, The Avengers, and many others. As well as being a devout comic book fan, he is in band, as well as recreational basketball.
While the old notion of comic book readers being social outcasts is still prevalent in a lot of people’s minds, many are actually surprised to learn who reads and collects comics. People like CA teacher Tyson Ostroski are believers.
“I collect DC, Marvel,” Ostroski said. “All the staple series.”
But what is it about word bubbles and vibrant pictures that turns people off from comics?
“I think it’s the superheroes and the tights,” Tarian said. “A lot of people think they are very cheesy.”
“A lot of people think they’re childish,” Ostroski said. “They think they are a nerdy thing.”
Maybe it’s the fact that people don’t understand the complexity and oddness that comics sometimes have. For instance, if a newcomer to comics wanted to get into them, and proceeded to pick up the latest issue of Batman, they would soon discover that Bruce Wayne is dead, he has a son named Damian who is now Robin, and the former Robin is now Batman — try and wrap your head around that one. As history has shown, people often don’t like what they don’t understand. So what is a person who is new to comics supposed to do?
“Read Ultimates,” Tarian said. “It’s newer, it refreshes the stories in a modern way.”
A person does not have to pick up a monthly mag either if they are looking to get into comic reading.
“I would suggest looking for the bound series,” Ostroski said. “They are big books filled with past issues.”
In fact, many consider graphic novels on par with normal literature — for instance, the popular graphic novel Watchmen is on Time magazine’s 100 greatest novels. Comics are a part of the American pop culture and instead of shunning those who embrace them, try reading one. Just giving comics a chance is no different than trying a new food — you don’t know if you like it until you’ve tried it.
Top 5 Comics for non-comic people
5- Superman Red son :Superman, instead of landing on a humble farm in Kansas, lands in Soviet Russia. What entails is a alternate history story that examines the ideals and values of both communism and democracy, as well as analyzing who Superman really is.
3-Batman Year One- It is the classic story of Batman, as told by Sin City creator Frank Miller. The book is exactly what the title suggests, it’s Batman’s first year of crime fighting, with beautiful noir-esque artwork and a brilliant story, it is a must for anyone who wants to start reading comics.
2- The Walking Dead Vol.1- Throw in zombies, a character driven story, and the beautiful artwork of Tony Moore and you get the Walking Dead. The story of a group of survivors trying to live life after the zombie apocalypse, it is one of the most character driven books out there. After you read volume 1, you will be dying to get your hands on volume 2.
1- Watchmen- Regardless if you are interested in reading comics or not, all high school students should read Watchmen. The story is of an alternate America where super heroes are real, watchmen is a murder mystery, a noir thriller, and an epic action book all rolled into one. The book makes the reader question the decisions of the characters, as well as portray some of the most realistic characters ever put in a book. Whatever your opinion is on comics, this one defies all conventions laid before it, it’s a must read.