Marc Alan Fishman: In Defense of Modern Comics, Part 2

Marc Alan Fishman

Marc Alan Fishman is a graphic designer, digital artist, writer, and most importantly a native born Chicagoan. When he's not making websites, drawing and writing for his indie company Unshaven Comics, or rooting for the Bears... he's a dedicated husband and father. When you're not enjoying his column here on ComicMix, feel free to catch his comic book reviews weekly at MichaelDavisWorld, and check out his books and cartoons at Unshaven Comics.

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5 Responses

  1. Russ Rogers says:

    I go by the general rule of thumb that 90% of any art medium and any genre within a medium is crap! If you happen to LIKE a certain genre or medium, the percentage of quality stuff will seem higher.

    But bold, blanket statements like, “All Rap Music is Crap,” only work until that really amazing, transcendent RAP piece comes along to show you what an “artist” can do with the medium.

    Comics have grown and matured. I think they took a leap forward in the eighties with more creator controlled titles and story aimed above a 4th Grade reading level.

    But, there is a discernible arc of development and maturity within comics. Comics are being aimed at a more diverse audiences. There are more genres to appreciate. I won’t say that means that there is less crap, but that makes for more and maybe more interesting ways for the cream to rise to the surface.

  2. I agree with almost everything you said except the part where you fail to understand the barrier of entry to comics is considerably higher than desire. Most majors are impossible to follow, to the point that it’s impossible to stand in front of a shelf and grab the next book you need to have to continue the story. I know that the only reason that I no longer spend money on comic books is that exact reason. Helpful hint: If you need a reading guide to figure out what to read, you are doing it wrong.

    • Now Stephen, that is a GREAT point… but a debatable one. When I wanted to get into comics (because I happened to like the cartoons I was watching), I just asked the counter jockey at the store, and my friends. A handful (like 1 trade, and 2-3 floppy copies) of titles later? I had enough to go on and enjoy the books. And ESPECIALLY now that DC’s titles are all only 10 issues old? There’s far more ability to “jump in” without needing a “reading guide” per say. Sure, there is a barrier to entry in comics more than ANY other medium, but the same might be said for other serial driven entertainment. Take the WWE for example, or soap operas. Both require a working knowledge of the players and plots… and after enough immersion? You’re able to enjoy the final product better.

  1. June 11, 2012

    […] Marc Alan Fishman: In Defense of Contemporary Comics, Portion two Be forewarned, some time has passed given that my final article – one particular week to be exact – but I&#39m even now indignant as all get-out. For these just joining us: Tim Marchman&#39s assessment of “Leaping Tall Buildings” in the Wall Avenue Journal was an incendiary piece of … Read more on Comicmix.com […]

  2. June 13, 2012

    […] Gold: Old Farts Are The Best Farts by Mike Gold In this space last Saturday, my dear friend and adoptive bastard son Marc Alan Fishman stated “modern comics are writing […]