This is the next article in the 5 part series, “5 Of The Most Common Complaints Made By Comic Book Fans” you can find, The
1st,
2nd, and
3rd Complaints by clicking on their links respectively.
“Other Comic Book Fans Are Wrong!” The Usual Statements “This guy has no clue about the comics, or what he is talking about!”
“Don't feed the trolls.”
“I don't think you've ever read a comic, I bet you've only just got into comics after watching the movies!”
“Are you serious? You don't know what you're talking about, trust me, I know what i'm talking about!”
“You're an idiot for not understanding what I am saying!”
“Marvel is better than DC!”
"DC is better than Marvel!"
What? Why? Who The F*** Cares!? Entitlement is the main issue i've seen in this argument; although there are many arguments, i'm only exploring a few of them here. the general concept here arguing amongst each other is almost the same as people arguing in religion, if not exactly the same.
Comics are artful, and many times, extremely soulful things. Such a wonderful art form, that when someone actually feels something from any given story, character, or universe, they will defend their point of view; and will lash out at anyone that thinks their individually believed point of view is something else. Especially if that point of view partially, and in very minor cases, fully, validates or encompasses the observers world view.
The truth behind this is a simple one, and among the reasons it took me a little longer to write this article. I had to go about a little more research into the notion I had about this common complaint, and performed a few social experiments. I had to see what people have been debating; how they debated, and (if at all) how they resolved their debates. Did these fans agree to disagree, or did they (simply) continue to berate each other more for differing opinions? Sometimes what I encountered was, to such a large degree (of used time), the "sport" of the debate turned primary to the enjoyment of the material being argued over. One such comment I've observed since the beginning of this series of articles was polarizing for me for the particular argument of this article.
"If you haven't realized that hating it is half the fun. Then you live in a very nice bubble." The Media has taken notice of debates within the comic community, and more so have decided to play devil's advocate in many moments. Whether it's Ben Affleck (in our day and age), with hundreds of tools to spread our message pan-globally. Whether it was Michael Keaton's announcement to the same beloved role in the late 80's, with the limited means we had to spread the same message across the globe, or perhaps a simple matter of Snyder changing how he kills Jonathan Kent in Man of Steel. The media will always thrive on our disagreement and descension among ourselves. Sometimes fueling the same descension with their own propaganda to aide in maintaining a split audience, for ratings.
Famous arguments that were heavily debated among fans, and are still heatedly unresolved, regardless of outcomes BatFleck
Michael Keaton
Spider-Man 3
Nolan's Realistic approach to Batman
Iron Man 3
Snyder's Man of Steel
Green Lantern
X-Men Franchise
Ryan Reynold's as a hero, or character in any Comic Book Films
How it all turned out. Well, not all of it. In the end these arguments will always be about individual interpretations that are subjective to each reader. This truth may be a larger problem overall. Because this is all observed in most human behavior, toward any subject, that can have an artistic, spiritual, or (generally) intangible aspect that requires interpretation.
The moment you separate technical understanding from artistic, then you have to rely on different opinions of people that you may look to for reasoning, if not yourself. As these trusted guides, critics, writers, directors; what have you. To only end up possibly branching out to their own interpretations. This gives rise to new aspects, rituals, and possibly rules, even laws, as to what should be done and / or what is expected.
While we, thankfully, don't have rules or laws to dawn against each other, we certainly have proverbial kneelings to the imagined alters of Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, John Romita Sr., Jerry Siegal, Joe Shuster, Bob Kane & Paul Dini, among many others. If it can be called a "ritual", many of us pilgrimage to Comic-Con each year almost nearing the million man mark.
Most common among these arguments is the DC versus Marvel issue. Which is somewhat pointless, in my opinion. By all means rage on amongst yourself, if you must; but I think many of us will just carry on loving both, flaws included.
Editorial Note:
While I'd love comic book nerds fighting to be more like this:
The truth of the matter is simply that it is almost always like this:
We need to learn, in the end, we all love the same things, regardless of how we interpret them. We need to learn to share in those things, not bicker like children over our differences. Simply? Because we rarely benefit or edify ourselves from the myriad of stupid arguments we all partake in (me included). But I do accept that some of the greatest ideas are born from disagreement, competition, and discord.
Where are you in debates among fans? Do you stay true to your arguments, do you bandwagon on popular notions, even if they differ from your own? Do you troll? Do you feed trolls, wittingly, or unwittingly?
Comment, tweet, share, bitch, moan, praise, adore, flame, complain about a typo, or add to the conversation however you please. You’re comic book fans, it’s your right!
@emanuelfcamacho