Hey folks! Welcome to another edition of Knowing is Half the Battle.
And if you’ve noticed, I’ve moved from my normal Friday slot, to Monday. Ahhh Monday!!! Some people hate you. Other people look at you as the opportunity to start a new week, and grab life by the tail (bring it!!!).
As for me, I just wanted a change. I wanted to shake things up a bit.
Since I’m shaking things up, there is something I want to know from you, trusty readers of Comic Book Daily. What do you look for from us?
Do you visit CBD for hard-hitting news and opinion?
Or do you visit it for a fun and refreshing look at the world of comics and general geekdom?
I’ve been talking to readers and also my CBD colleagues about writing. After talking to people, there is one thing I have noticed about my writing, I try to be optimistic. I try to be positive. I don’t like writing negative articles, and if I happen to write something negative I try to find the silver lining in the story.
But is that something you are wanting to read?
Would you prefer me to write about the things that interest me? Do you want to read about my experiences in comics, and try to get you to understand who I am?
Or would you rather I write a scathing review about “whatever piece of drivel is released this week”? And pine away about the good old days of comics, when every story was awesome and the artwork came from a “realm of heaven where only saints and angels tread”?
I’m not sure I can write like that.
I try not to take comics too seriously. I try not to take myself too seriously some days too. Comics are supposed to be fun. It is a hobby. I believe comics can be educational, and on some level I think they are more important than being referred to as “literary junk food”. But on the same side of that argument, I think the comic book community takes it’s self too seriously, and as a whole we need to lighten up.
I would love to hear your input. I want to know what you would like to read. I can’t promise I’m going to deliver on a weekly basis, but if you want stories and honest opinion I will give you that on a weekly basis.
A quick little side note: this column marks the anniversary of me writing for Comic Book Daily for two years. I want to thank you readers, and the other CBD writers (current and alumni) for supporting me, and making this adventure worthwhile.
Hello Ed, Good article. I like to discuss subjects that are at least a little bit controversial, but done in a spirit of friendship and on a positive note. A negative story can have a positive objective. I may be one of those that takes comics too seriously…sometimes. I never buy anything funny although I do like humor in my serious stories. I also tend to like my tales a bit dark and gritty with only trace elements of lighter fare. That’s why Batman, Green Hornet, Dark Shadows, Sherlock Holmes, The Shadow, Wolverine and others are my favorites. Never did like the “lighter” or “ridiculous” characters such as Blue Beetle, Tick….that kind of waste of paper and ink. Overall, I like hard-boiled, detailed, serious story telling. That is why I have a collection of only 1,400 books over a period of 45 years. My collection looks like one only and Edgar Allan Poe would love….and STORY should be more important than ART too. Give me a good story with OK art over Good art with an OK story anytime.
Stay positive Ed! It’s my favorite part about your writing
Thank you Leigh!