LISNews: Librarian News

I remember when they were a dime.

My comic store is closed on Saturdays so the regulars got our freebies early this year. There's a good mix of kids and not-for-kids titles. I got the Oni Press Scott Pilgrim comic, which was set in Toronto so I got to do a lot of "Hey! I know where that is!"BTW, if you haven't read it already, volume two of Scott Pilgrim has an awesome ninja girl fight that takes place in the Metro Reference Library. I kept waiting for a librarian to pop out and shush them. Didn't happen, though.RE: #3) I grew up reading comic books and thankfully they've matured with me. I don't feel like any less of an adult because I read them. Most really aren't for kids anymore and haven't been for years.

I like free comic book day. Last year, my children and I went up to one of the local shops and got a couple of free comic books. I think it is a good thing.

A few observations from someone who has not really purchased comic books on a regular basis since I was 11. I fondly remember riding my bike up to the 7-Eleven on A1A next to the North Palm Beach Country Club and purchasing comic books for $.25 and ordering Slurpees (Query: Does anyone remember Slurpee Baseball & Football Collector Cups?).

1. Comic Books are really expensive. Gone are the days of $.25 and $.50 for Giant Sized versions.

2. Some Comic Books have gotten more than a little dark. I know, they aren't for kids anymore but nonetheless. I didn't just read Casper, Archie and Richie Rich comics back in the mid-1970's. I still have the 1st edition Giant Size X-Men and I purchased large of amounts of both Marvel and DC Comics.

3. Comic Books aren't for kids. Tis a shame. It is like baseball & football cards. I really don't object to them being aimed at adults but there may be something to adults reading comic books and a failure to fully grow up. From the pot-calling-the kettle-black file: I regularly use my children's PS2 and I own PS2 games that my children would never play.