To Read or To Skim

There are some comics that I know I must read. You don't breeze through a Sandman or a Hellblazer. Other comics have maybe a couple issues/chapters to grab my attention before I start skimming. Supergirl was one of these comics--a book I only picked up because of my interest in the other Superman books.

I'm finding the same thing happening with X-Men. After the initial miniseries House of X and Powers of X, my interest has all but evaporated. So I've been skimming through the books spinning out of that event more than I have actually been reading them.

I feel like I am confessing something--that I should feel guilty about something. But the truth is, I sampled some books and I wasn't enjoying them. I am old. I can't just buy a book because it ties in with a better book. I can't just buy a book because the publisher promises me it will be the MOST IMPORTANT book.

I have been reading comics for a long time. I am older now. I already know who my favorite writers and artists are. I know how to listen to the buzz in order to find other creators who seem interesting to me.

I should not feel bad for trying out a new book and finding it wanting.

Maybe next time get them from the library instead, though.

Part of the problem is that I often make the decision to read the book before I've properly sampled the book. So I buy the series, usually from ComiXology, and I start reading it, and sometimes it's just a slog.

People loved the Batgirl book pre-Rebirth. I was excited to read it. And I actually did read it. But when it was behind me, I didn't remember much about it, except perhaps some delightful art. But a comic needs to be more than that. I'm not just here to be dazzled. I want an engrossing story.

I can't waste my time like that anymore, reading 40 issues of a book that I can't even be bothered to remember. I desire to be more selective. I only want to read the books that I will get the most out of.

And for the most part, I've done that.

I was interested in Bendis's Superman, so I got a volume of Supergirl. Wasn't for me. Don't plan on getting any more.

I was interested in Hickman's X-Men, so I picked up the two miniseries and enjoyed them very much. But when I picked up the spinoff series, my interest had waned and they weren't really doing anything for me. I sampled the first issues of these series, and I was already done with them.

That's as it should be. I will focus on other things, then.

Many fans feel offended or dejected when they dislike a book. They complain about it rather than use it to inform future purchases. So-and-so "ruined" my favorite character. Whatever.

This doesn't bother me as much as it used to, because I know there is still great writing out there. Batman may be my favorite character, but Batman books will not always be great. I need to make sure my attachment to the character is not causing me displeasure.

And I need to make this clear: If I dislike a team's take on my favorite character, it is not because their interpretation is "wrong," but because my attachment to the character is getting in the way (or the story just isn't my cup of tea). It is not their fault. And there's no point in getting upset with them, as long as I have other options.

Most comic book readers are habit-based. They need their Batman or their X-Men. If they don't like the way those stories are going, then the books need to change, rather than their own reading habits. It causes problems. It makes people frustrated.

I don't want to be frustrated, nor do I want to cause trouble for others.

So, yeah, I picked up some books and didn't find them very interesting.

I skimmed them.

And now they are behind me. And now I will move on to (hopefully) better things.

So it goes.