My whole view on comic fans changed at a tiny shop in Portland

Honestly, I was at this little comic store called The Nook about six months ago, just looking for a back issue. This older guy, maybe in his 70s, was talking to the owner about a Silver Age Flash comic. He wasn't just listing facts, he was telling this whole story about why he loved that specific artist's run. It wasn't about being right or knowing more, it was pure joy. I used to think being a fan was mostly about collecting or arguing online. Seeing that guy, his face all lit up, it hit me. It's about the stories and the feeling you get from them. That one chat made me stop caring so much about having a perfect collection. Now I just buy what makes me happy. Has anyone else had a moment like that, where you saw a fan and it just clicked for you?

3 comments

3 Comments

noahr433d ago

Yeah, that's way better than the usual gatekeeping. My wallet hates this new outlook though.

laurag643d ago

Totally feel you, @noahr43. I used to just buy one or two games a year, but now there's always something cool dropping that I actually want. Last month it was that new space game, this month it's the big fantasy RPG expansion. My bank account is just constantly taking little hits, lol. It's a good problem to have, but man, it adds up fast.

sanchez.ivan3d ago

Right, the "good problem to have" part is where I get stuck. It's not really a good problem, it's just a problem. These little hits add up to a real bill at the end of the month, like @noahr43 said. They design it that way so you don't feel the big purchase all at once, but you're still spending the same money. It feels like you're getting more, but your wallet is just as empty.