I have to admit, it took me two readings to get what they were trying to say. I admit that I was blinded by accusations of fake geekery and not being allowed to participate in the subculture before I really gained that comprehension. However, I still am bothered by the article, mainly because I've been taught before that you can't be told not to like something based solely on how much of the Universe you've immersed yourself in.
Really, Misters Cruz, I get what your message was: you're addressing the fact that people use the word "graphic novel" to safeguard their douchebaggery in a masterful disguise of hipster glasses and thinking they know all about comics because they've ~*~*read The Sandman and Alan Moore*~*~ and the misuse of comics altogether. I acknowledge and commend the fact that you're defending what you love!
But a lot of the words came off to me as hypocritical and self-righteous.
And trust us, no one rants more than comic geeks, so it’s best to stay on our good side.Not pretentious at all...?
It is not meant for you to work on your vanity. If that is your end goal for reading Green Lantern, then we are telling you right now, you are doing it wrong.
It should not be used as a step in your social ladder to gain acceptance in whatever cool group you want to be a part of. You read comics because you like them and that’s it.
Debating on whether or not it’s a graphic novel shouldn’t be stressed over. If you like comics, take each as it is. Read it and judge it according to your own prejudices and opinions. Whether it’s Archie or V for Vendetta, the enjoyment should be based on what it is and not on what others claim it should be.All I'm saying is that it seems weird how they're ranting about people who use the term "graphic novel" as arrogant and putting their bragging rights and "all-around knowledge" over having fun in reading comics, and yet here they are, generalizing a lot of people who just want to read comics and get involved in discussion as "wannabes" and "fake geeks" and basically (at least, from what I got), telling these people to earn their approval before ever daring to invite themselves into their Dungeons & Dragons playing circle or whatever. Get what I'm saying?
I'm sorry if I'm being one of those "fake geeks", okay? I'm sorry I use the word "graphic novel". I'm sorry I don't fit into your amazing, expert standards, so much so that I'm not allowed to like what I like. I'm sorry I can't afford to have a weekly visit to the nearest Comic Alley or Sputnik in order to qualify as someone who actually enjoys comics. I'm sorry I haven't passed the Aptitude Test for being a superfan. But God Almighty be my witness, I am f*cking working on it. And I will never, ever let anyone (with all due respect, not even you, Jiggy and Jonty Cruz) discourage me from doing so.
Finally, I leave you with a quote that perfectly encapsulates how I feel:
Calling it whatever name you can think of should not stop you from appreciating what it essentially is. It’s not only pointless but it is one that hurts the industry. It does not in any way encourage new readers and it insults the audience it already has. It alienates rather than accepts, and the longer it continues, the weaker the industry gets. End of discussion.Sure, Misters Cruz, keep telling yourselves that. I know you're referring to people preferring the term "graphic novel" over "comics", but doesn't it occur to you that that's exactly what you're doing? Discouraging people to use "graphic novel" because you think it makes them look like "pretentious assholes who don't want to seem immature just because they use 'comics'" is the same as that.
Just a thought. :(
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