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I thought hardcore fans were the real deal. Then I helped a new reader pick a first comic.
I mean, I always looked down on others who just knew characters from movies. Idk, it felt like they weren't true fans. But at my local comic shop, I saw a guy struggling to pick a starting point for Spider-Man. I helped him out, and his excitement was genuine. Maybe it's just me, but that moment showed me fandom should be about sharing joy, not judging.
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nina_jenkins2mo ago
Helped my buddy's younger brother start reading Batman last summer... he only knew the movies. His total excitement over a simple story reminded me why I got into comics. Gatekeeping just sucks the fun out for everyone.
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simonp472mo ago
The fact he only knew the movies is a bit hard to believe. Those adaptations miss so much of the actual character. But seeing him get excited over a simple comic is the whole point. Gatekeeping just makes everything feel like a chore. It's nice to remember this stuff is supposed to be fun.
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the_thomas2mo agoTop Commenter
How many people do you think start with the movies though? It's a super common way in. I get being sad they miss the book stuff, but that excitement is the real deal. Seeing someone light up over the source material for the first time is the best feeling. Gatekeeping just kills that spark before it can even start.
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