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Malcolm Gladwell's book The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference talks about "tipping points" as the point where the momentum for a change becomes unstoppable. While his book talks about this concept in regards to society at large I am starting to wonder right now if I am approaching one in my own microcosm of self. I'd wonder if I'm doing it in my own circle of friends but I don't have one (locally). The problem is that right now I'm seeing myself approaching a point where the role comics play in my life is going to change. It is likely to become stronger, or significantly weaker (including me stopping collecting as I have been doing for more than 20 years).
I am thrilled that people seem to be more accepting of comics and the characters and stories contained within than ever before. I don't need their stamp of approval that my interest is OK with society in large, but it's nice not to immediately be seen as "odd" just because I happen to wear a comic shirt from time to time. OK, pretty much any time I'm not in work clothes, but you get the point. I'm also thrilled that the medium seems to be a place where other mediums are now turning to in order to find and offer support (prequels, unfilmed/unproduced stories, writers, etc).
Still, I find myself wondering what the future of comics will be. I have already decided that I will go the route of trades for a number of titles rather than buying them monthly (something I thought I would never do), and I find myself almost forgetting to order my comics regularly. Once this year already I have forgotten to order my comics and there was nothing unusual about the week that I did it. In fact, I didn't even realize I had done so until I received a number of titles and realized I was missing issues. Am I losing my connection to comics or are they losing their connection to me? I really do not know.
I've mentioned a few times that I am uncertain if the comic industry can continue as it does regarding cost. When I was a kid I could buy an issue for less than a dollar. That was great for the allowance I received as a child. Now, as an adult making a very decent wage I find that the prices of today's comics sometimes make me feel like I don't make enough to engage in the hobby as I would like. I can't even imagine how difficult it would be for a youth to become involved in the hobby other than by probably reading the issues their parents have. Maybe that's why I see so many kids standing around in stores reading the issues instead of buying them?
My number of titles has dwindled. I am not really excited for any titles right now except for the Green Lantern family of titles. I also find myself feeling "ho-hum" regarding all the upcoming movies that are being planned, produced, or are finished. If ever there was a time to be excited about being a comic "geek" per say, now is the time. Yet, I just don't seem to be there. It's not the "they're invading my territory" mindset either. I've never been like that. If I'm into a something that later becomes a trend or popular, then that's fine with me. If others enjoy it, that's great. If anything it just gives me sense of being a bit ahead of the curve at times. So, I know that's not it. The problem, again, is that I don't know what IT is that is lacking in me right now in regards to comics.
I still wear my shirts, I still wear my Green Lantern ring almost daily (the officially produced/licensed one from many years ago), and I still buy my comics. I still plan on returning to Comic-Con in 2010. Yet, I it seems sometimes as though I'm doing it all just because it's what I've always done. That is no reason to do something in my mind. The heroes no longer inspire like they did (other than Green Lantern), nor do the stories. The anti-hero and the gray area between hero and villain are no longer the thought provoking stories that would grab us in rare instances, they are now par for the course. "Where is the justice?" "What have we avenged?" These statements are becoming redundant, as are the stories that follow them.
I have made the statement in the past to others that comics are not only my hobby, they are really the only thing that can be considered my vice. That statement used to be a joke based on the fact that I spent so much money on my hobby. However, now that I wonder why I am continuing to read and buy comics and yet I still do so regularly I really must wonder has it become more of a vice than a hobby? How I am different from anyone else that engages in an activity in a dependent or habitual fashion? I am fast approaching a tipping point and my greatest hobby may fall by the wayside depending on what happens when I reach it. Until then I will ponder why I believe I am doing what I am doing regarding collecting comics. Perhaps I'll find an understanding, or perhaps someone will provide me with one. It does make me wonder though, why do others read comics? Why do you read comics? I thought I used to know those answers. I don't think I do anymore, and that's what concerns me.
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