Introduction Post

[eponymous]

Hello!

Open Beta is almost upon us, and since it appeared no one had created a community specifically for discussing the medium of comics, I decided to do so myself.

Although I read a few comic books here and there as a teenager, my interest in comics was more recently discovered this year. This means that I'm just beginning to explore the form and all that it has to offer. At the moment, I find that I'm most interested in single volume works (what are sometimes referred to as graphic novels). On the other hand, I can't sustain the attention to follow open-ended series, it seems.

My vision for this community is to have a place where other people who are interested in and enjoy reading comics can discuss them. I'd like this to be a place where seasoned readers and total newcomers will be equally welcome. This is a place to discuss history, content, form, theory, trends, genres, styles, themes, artists, writers, etc... And while fans are welcome, it's not a forum to discuss 'ships or cosplay or othersuchthings.

Hopefully that provides us with a good starting point! If you have any suggestions or would like to help out, let me know.

Comments

Ideas

[zetta]

Sounds like it could be fun!

I'm not sure what would be a good way to get it started though. Maybe a weekly pull-list type thing, where people can say what they are planning to get, and maybe discuss the issues/trades that are out for that week? While that might get convoluted, right now it might work since the community is just starting.

Since FCBD tomorrow, maybe a post about the free comics that are coming out? *shrugs*

Oh, or maybe like a monthly/bi-monthly graphic novel recommendation. If we can get some people to commit to reading one, then having a discussion?

Re: Ideas

[eponymous]

Thanks!

Yeah, getting things started is always the hardest part. But, getting people onboard who are better versed in such things is definitely helpful. For example, because serial comics aren't really my thing (at this point, although that could change in time)--I would have never thought about doing discussions on issues/trades! If that's something that you'd be interested in initiating it would be really cool. (And if not, then I can always put out a request for a "leader" for those posts).

Also, good call on FCBD.

The monthly graphic novel discussion is something that I'd definitely enjoy! Of course, people can post recommendations/reviews at any time, but having a reading group within the community sounds like a fun activity (and a good way to build community).

Re: Ideas

[zetta]

I could do a weekly pull list on Tuesday nights until someone more capable comes along. I mean, I purchase floppies online and only get them shipped once a month, so I'm usually not too on top of what comes out during the week. (Plus I'm not too familiar with comics, it's only been about a year or so since I've been actively going out and buying them.)

If you want, I can try to remember to post next Tuesday.

And for FCBD here's a list of the comics: http://www.freecomicbookday.com/comics.asp

Re: Ideas

[eponymous]

If you want to do that, it would be awesome. It seems that you at least have an idea of how to go about it, unlike me. And, soonish, I'll be putting up an RFC (request for comment) to establish some community principles--and possibly to ask for people to help with particular projects within the community.

Hooray FCBD! I went out today and got a few, and will put up a post for discussing.

[kespionage]

I was pretty much like you--I didn't grow up with comics, I found them on my own, and had to work my way up from single-volume things I could find in bookstores to continuing storylines in trades I could get off Amazon. I'd like to join up and do what I can to help out.

*sigh* If only I could go to Free Comic Book Day! But I have an obligation and the nearest comic book shop is thirty-five minutes north. So I figured I'd come here and do what I like best in my spare time: nerd out!

[eponymous]

Welcome! I'm not sure if serials will ever be my thing, really. I know that in written literature I'm not big on serials, either. My favorite tv shows are series and not serials. So, I think that I've just got a more general media preference. But--I think that's OK! Comics is a rich and diverse medium, and I like that there's so much possibility.

Like I said above, I'll put up an RFC soon so that we can establish community principles. And, I'll definitely be looking for people to help out as moderators or project/discussion leaders, etc.