PopSyndicate.com

How do we tell a writer, artist, colorist, that we appreciate what they do? Sure we can buy their book but is that it? There has to be more meaningful ways to show some gratitude and appreciation.

Recently, at a local event celebrating Marvel’s 70th Anniversary I met three of Marvel Comics current writers. They all shared their experiences, their histories, and some of their current projects. The discussion was followed by a book signing at which I asked some of them to sign their independent books, and some I asked to sign their works published through Marvel. The one thing I did for each of them was shake their hands and say “Thank You.”  I think they were surprised at the gesture. I hope I wasn’t the only person who did that but I have to wonder: why don’t we thank the writers, artists, and editors who are involved in comics?

First, I’d like to admit that comics are, at least in part, part of a business industry. I have no allusions that they are not. Marvel and DC create a product for the public to consume. When you consider comics as a product, thanking the creators does seem awkward because you cannot apply that same line of thinking to other products generated for mass consumption.  Recall all the things you purchase on a regular basis, has the thought ever crossed your mind to thank the developers of the clothes you wear, the food you eat, or any other product purchases?  We probably should, but in our current economy it is highly unusual to come into contact with people who produce what we obtain, or those who obtain what we produce.  The only time I find myself thanking anyone for a product I’ve purchased is the cashier at the story. Yet, they didn’t make anything I’ve purchased. This changes if we consider the aspect of services, because some services involve paying someone to completer or generate a product. 

It does seem typical to not thank anyone for a product being purchased, but there is something different about comics. There is something different about comics that make them more than a product or a commodified form of entertainment. If it was just a simple product I doubt there would be as many loyal readers and fans. Comics do more than entertain those who read them. I believe they offer entertainment on one level but also joy, hope, adventure, suspense, danger, everything that is great about story is delivered in a comic.  How many comic book stories have you read where you have been in suspense or been affected emotionally in one form or another?  While I may be purchasing a product captured in the form of paper and ink, I am actually receiving much more than what I’ve purchased. The reason for that can be traced back to the writers, pencilers, inkers, colorist, letterists, etc.

While Marvel and DC are selling me books, it’s the creative energy placed into those books that I enjoy. The amount of creative energy placed into each issue of a comic can never be justified at 2.99 or 3.99 an issue. Imagine the time and processes that go into creating a comic, whether it’s the letterist, writer, or artist. If you think about the creative energy put into the book the price doesn’t seem to justify it. While there are personal financial limits each one of us have for a book, I don’t think we could ever truly pay each person involved a dollar amount for what they’ve given us. If money is not an option for showing appreciation, then what is left? I would say genuine effort to show gratitude and, when possible, reciprocation would work well. It’s up to all of us to decide how that will look or what form it will take.  For me, I do that by saying ‘Thank You’ when I have the opportunity. I don’t see writers and artists every day, but when I do, I let them know that I’ve appreciated what they’ve created and just want to thank them for it. Maybe next time, I won’t be the only one.