Ever read comics in public?
Jill Pantozzi | August 28th, 2010
Some people feel weird about reading comics in public, possibly because most of the general public thinks they’re for children. Whatever the case may be, there’s nothing to be ashamed of, unless you’re reading Marvel. Just kidding! Do the world a favor today and join lots of others for
International Read Comics in Public Day!!
The folks from the Daily Cross Hatch came up with the idea and I have to say, it’s simple yet brilliant. Here’s the gist:
The concept is fairly simple: we’re asking that everyone take an hour or two out of their day on August 28th (also the birthday of Jack “King” Kirby, incidentally) to read a comic book in a public setting—a park bench, a beach, a bus, the front steps of your local library (we do ask, however, that you be mindful of local loitering laws). Let strangers see you reading a piece of sequential art.
Take to the streets. Be proud. If someone asks what you’re reading, say, “a comic book” (the phrase “graphic novel is also acceptable, but let’s face it, it sort of defeats the whole purpose). Heck, lend them a book, if you’ve got an extra—what better way to make a new friend and convert a new reader?
I told you it was simple! The blog
DC Women Kicking Ass (I totally approve of that name.) has taken the concept a bit further with “Women Read Comics In Public.” It’s nothing different than the event as a whole, they’re just encouraging the ladies to get out there in force since, you know, girls don’t read comics. ;)
Both sites suggest you having someone take a picture of you in the act as well and sending it to them. The addresses are readcomicsinpublic [at] gmail [dot] com and dcwomenkickingass [at] yahoo [dot] com I say send it to both. You know that’s what I’ll be doing.
The folks from the Daily Cross Hatch came up with the idea and I have to say, it’s simple yet brilliant. Here’s the gist:
I read comics in public alot.
Right now I'm re-reading (for the 9000th time) Preacher during train rides.
If I ever see a woman just reading that comic in public I'll ask her to marry me.
I read Kick Ass on the Subway, but it made me feel kind of dirty as some points. Maybe I should just stick with GL or the x-men.
well, generaly in iran everyone has the habit of reading papers everywhere, and people are sure nosey to see what the other guy is reading, i was reading a disaster calculation of earthquake in tehran in subway, and the guys just could resist not reading what i was reading, lol, at the end of the ride he gave me his number telling me that he had a job for me!!!
i bet reading comics is as thrilling, i'll sure try it out this time. it's gonna be totally wierd and cool.
Nerdy: Great advice. I am an advocate of same. I live in South Florida, so for me "public" often means the beach. A cooler of beer, a big shade umbrella, my favorite collapsible chair; AND a beach bag of comics – with the ocean before me. Heaven. Pure heaven.
I read my books at work all of the time. On Wednesdays, some co-workers and I get our weekly books and we'll leave them on our desks for a few days. When others who sit near us (non-comic regulars) get a bit bored on a slow day they tend to ask about the comic and the characters in them. With comic characters starting to dominate the movie (and soon television) medium, people are starting to realize that there may be more to these picture books.
Example conversation: "So he isn't the real Captain America, he is the former sidekick of the real Captain America who was killed but then was later saved from being lost in-time…cuz he wasn't actually killed. Bucky, the ex-sidekick and now current Cap was turned Russian secret agent Winter Soldier due to manipulation after he was blown out of the sky in the 40's. Before the real Cap was killed (but not really) Bucky got his mind back on the side of good and is…like I said…now the current Cap."
I don't understand why more people can't get into comics…
Two summers ago, my wife and her friends wanted to see the midnight premiere of HARRY POTTER. I knew we'd get there way in advance, and also knew that my wife and her friends would likely chatter amongst themselves, so I brought a DMZ graphic novel with me.
At one point, the following exchange tooke place…
My Wife: So. You just shamelessly read those in public huh?
Me: Are you joking? There are two grown adults sitting in the front row dressed as house elves. I'm the coolest person in this room!
I have been known to read graphic novels when I am on the subway. I see no reason to be ashamed of it.
While I cannot read comics in public because I am working 12 hrs today, I promise to make up for it by reading comics at work.
But then I do that alot of the time I am at work anyway :)