Thanks for coming back to check out another installment of What Do You REALLY Know About Comics?, the interview series where I try and spread the good work of comics to people completely unfamiliar with them. By finding out the person’s interests I try to tailor a specific reading list to give them to best show what the medium of comics are all about.
This is the first installment on MultiversityComics.com and I want to thank them for hosting it.
Before we start I just want to say that I appreciate all the love and support you guys have given to COMIXTRIBE, SCAM, myself and these articles over the last year. Growing a community that believes in you and your product is key in any entertainment industry and I’m extremely appreciative and fortunate to have people like you interested in anything I do. So thank you very, VERY, much. If any of you are going to the New York Comic Con October 11-14 PLEASE make sure you stop by the COMIXTRIBE booth# 2380 in small press. And on Thursday October 11th we’ll be hosting a Drink-N-Draw event at the Tempest Bar, 407 8th Ave, between 30th & 31st. Would really like to get the chance to meet, have a drink and talk comics.
Okay now on with the interview.
Today we’re joined by Heather, so let’s find out what she REALLY knows about comics.
Joe Mulvey: Thanks for doing this, Heather. It’s very much appreciated.
Heather: It should be fun.
JM: Absolutely. Okay so do me a favor and tell us a little bit about yourself.
H: My name’s Heather, I’m 27. I’m not married, no kids and work as an administrative assistant in Queens NY. I run a lot. Bit of a foodie. Fan of going out and trying some good food. What else do you want to know exactly?
JM: That’s fine. Okay, Heather, so what do you know about comics?
H: I know that they’re books about super heroes. They’ve been around for almost a hundred years. The movies about them aren’t that good and make about a bazillions dollars. They’re small. Smaller than a magazine at least.
JM: Fair enough. Safe to say that you don’t read them, but are you a big reader at all? Of anything?
H: Yeah. Always have a book at the beach or a good one to read in the winter. I would honestly say I read about ten times as much in the winter.
JM: Indoors more I guess?
H: Yeah. Plus a nice bottle of wine, a good book. It’s my own date night when I’ve got no dates.
JM: I doubt that happens often.
H: Eh, it happens. But this is New York, so it’s more by choice.
JM: Okay, so when you’re having your winter date nights, what are some of the books you enjoy reading?
H: I just finished up The Hunger Games books. Didn’t like them as much as I’d hoped to. My friend who gave them to me over-hyped the shit out of them. Not bad, but not the great books she was making them out to be.
JM: Okay, what else?
H: Hmmm…Fifty shades of Grey.
JM: Appropriate for a self date night.
H: HA! Right? Yeah but I wasn’t into it really.
JM: The bondage or the book?
H: Ha! Both. Yeah I just didn’t get it. Not my brand of book.
JM: Okay then what books have you read recently that are more your style? Doesn’t even have to be books, per se, could be movies, TV. I just need to get a better sense of what you’re into, your entertainment tastes.
H: I haven’t really had a book grab me in a while now. The last one I really liked, I guess, was The Best of Me. Well, that was okay. I can’t say I was really happy with it. Let me think, People have given me James Patterson books or Grisham books and they just collect dust. Can’t bring myself to try. Running with Scissors was good. That was definitely something I was talking about for a bit. Books are kind of giving me a problem right now. To think of at least-Oh well I liked Girl with the Dragon Tattoo I guess.
Continued belowJM: What about TV shows or movies? What are you watching?
H: Don’t think I’m cheap or crazy, but I don’t have TV…at the moment. I was in a relationship and was always over my boyfriend’s place and my cable bill was like seventy or eighty bucks a month. So I cancelled it. So now I just have my DVD player and have been watching Netflix on my computer or borrowing peoples DVD’s.
JM: I get it. So what have you been watching?
H: I’ve been bouncing between the first season of Dexter. The Glades, I think that’s the first season too. I have Lost and the Soprano’s season ones waiting too. I guessed I missed out on a lot of stuff. So I’m playing catch up.
JM: That’s kind of cool. I wish I had some stuff to catch up on. Actually, I don’t know if you’ve heard of or have watched Mad Men or Braking Bad? Those are the two shows I’m still behind on and have to see.
H: Yeah, I’ve heard of them but haven’t seen them.
JM: Let’s just maybe try and go with your favorites. Favorite movies, books, TV shows, anything.
H: Favorite movie is probably, like, While You Were Sleeping, Miss Congeniality or Bridesmaids. I like movies where I can pay attention or not.
JM: You’re tough to get a bead on, I’ll give you that. Have you gone to any movies lately?
H: Yeah I saw the new or last Bourne movie, the one with Jeremy Renner in it.
JM: Like it?
H: Yeah it was fun. Saw The Campaign also, that was okay. Nothing great.
JM: Now when we first started talking you mentioned how comic book movies weren’t good but made a ton of money. What ones have you seen that you didn’t like?
H: I thought the Avengers was dumb. Which sucked because I kind of liked Iron Man. The first one anyway. I like a rich guy who has a iron suit more than Thor or Captain America. And YES I get it that these guys are all super hot and that’s what gets people to go see them.
JM: I can say that the attractiveness of any of the men in the Avengers isn’t what made me watch it.
H: Well, for the women or gay men, that’s what got us there. Trust me.
JM: Well, okay but then all Hollywood movies with attractive people would do well, and that’s not the case. There’s something more.
H: Super Hero movies are huge now. They get buffed up guys playing out superhero fantasies on screen. I get it.
JM: Yeah but these are characters and stories that go back generations. The strength of these characters and the history they have has a bigger part to play than I think you’re giving credit to.
H: We can each have a different opinion, no?
JM: Yeah, but it’s just that by your idea, I feel like Magic Mike or any of the Step Up movies would be like Titanic or Avatar at the box office.
H: Well, maybe I’m off a bit. That’s why we’re talking right? Show me what comics REALLY are.
JM: Yes, Ma’am. Good point. So it’s fair to say your entertainment sense seems to lean towards romantic comedy but you do like some good action.
H: Sure. I guess. I mean, I know I’m not into the super hero stuff but I do like action movies. I liked 300 or Braveheart. I’m not all girly.
JM: Got it. So now I’m going to give you some books, you read them and as soon as your done and ready to talk about them, call me and we’ll see what you think. Sound good?
H: Sure.
At this point I gave Heather her reading list. Runaways Vol.1 from MARVEL. Locke and Key Vol. 1 from IDW. All Star Superman TPB from DC. Who is Jake Ellis from Image. Batwoman: Elegy from DC. Morning Glories Vol.1 by Image. The Strange Talent of Luther Strode by Image. Scarlet from Icon. Y The Last Man Vol.1 from Vertigo. The Alcoholic from Vertigo.
It’s been 3 weeks to the day since Heather and I last spoke. Let’s see what she thinks.


Continued belowJM: It’s been exactly three weeks. Did you read all the books?
H: I did.
JM: And?
H: And…I can’t really say I liked them.
JM: Okay. Well can you tell me what you didn’t like?
H: Yeah, after I read the first book which took me a while-
JM: What book did you read first?
H: Batwoman.
JM: Okay, sorry to interrupt, go ahead.
H: Yeah it took me a little while to get through and I just really didn’t enjoy it. It felt silly.
JM: Silly? What about it made you feel silly?
H: I’m not trying to be rude but the idea of having to look at pictures to understand a story just seems extremely childish to me. You know?
JM: I couldn’t disagree more in terms of with comics, but that’s fine. It’s your opinion.
H: I mean, you use pictures to learn how to read as a kid, at some point to take the next step to reading real books. You don’t need the training wheels anymore and your able to use your imagination.
JM: Okay, again your opinion’s fine for you, but that’s the method of storytelling in comics-it’s called sequential storytelling. Parts of a story, told in sequence, that paired with the image allow the reader to follow the story. And in comics it’s actually the moments in between the panels that use your imagination, probably without you even thinking about it. Do you get what I’m saying?
H: Not really.
JM: So you see Batwoman and she’s diving through a window at someone. The next panel the two of them are wrestling on the floor. Your mind has filled in automatically, what’s happened in between those two panels.
H: Okay but if I’m not even conscious of my mind or imagination doing something to enjoy what I’m reading, what’s the point?
JM: In this case that’s just an element of the storytelling in comics that I wanted to point out. I’m not saying your opinion is wrong and honestly I’m fascinated to hear more about why comics didn’t work for you. I don’t want you thinking that since you said you don’t like comics, I’m going to force you to. Your mind’s made up, I just want to know now if you have a different appreciation or at least understanding of what comics really are.
H: That’s fine.
JM: Now you said you read Batwoman first, why?
H: Not sure. I looked through all the other covers and that one just got me.
JM: That’s cool, and how did you feel about the art in the book?
H: The art? Good I guess. Fine.
JM: Yeah, the guy who drew that book is amazing. J.H. Williams.
H: Again, he was fine. I understood what was going on.
JM: Is his type of art what you had in your head when you first thought of comics?
H: Again, I’ll say the silly thing again. I mean, I don’t know what else he does, but there’s got to be a certain level of skill when you have to draw a woman in tight rubber and a cape, page after page. Don’t get me wrong, I can’t draw at all. So the person is talented, but it’s just drawing that stuff I guess interests me less.
JM: Wow. So it’s the fact that it’s in a comic book that detracts the value of the guys work for you?
H: I know it sounds mean but maybe if I saw him do a drawing of something else I could better enjoy it. I’m not sure.
JM: Okay, you keep saying the word silly. Let’s get back to that. So I’m guessing you’re talking silly when it comes to superheroes or those types of books. What did you think about some of the others I gave you? Morning Glories or Y The last man? How did those work for you?
H: Some of the other stuff felt like a movie or a TV show. If they were that, maybe I’d be interested but to look at a picture and read the words. I’m sorry I keep saying it, but it’s silly. It’s just a silly way to tell a story to me. I’d much rather see a movie or read a book than look at it like this.
Continued belowJM: What’s so silly? Honestly, I don’t get the silly thing.
H: It’s the pictures. The idea of having to read or follow along with pictures to get the story, it seems dumb to me. It takes no imagination or thought on my part.
JM: Let me try this as an example, and again you don’t have to like comics and clearly you don’t, but my hope is to help you appreciate them a little bit more. I think your understanding of them and the way comics deliver their storytelling is a bit out of whack. For example, you watch a TV show or a movie, and say why did they show me everything, because THAT’S the way they tell their story. Someone writes a script, people design sets and stuff around it, actors say the words and they get it down on camera, edit it up all nice and pretty and send it our way. You wouldn’t say I feel silly watching a TV show or movie, would you?
H: No, but that’s two different things. These are comic BOOKS. BOOKS. Not picture books. They are meant to be a literary works of fiction or non fiction. The images just add to helping people understand and having them on every page leads you to read a simpler form of book. My little niece reads books with pictures. I shouldn’t.
JM: Look, I don’t want to harp on you about this so let’s just going to leave it at the fact that you just don’t get what comics are. And that’s fine.
H: No, I’m okay discussing this but isn’t it fair to say that you might possibly be over-valuing what comics are?
JM: But I’m not asking you to value them, I’m asking you to understand them. Big difference. You don’t understand comics. Which is fine, I’m sure you’re not alone. But you’re than kind of discrediting them, the storytelling, the art, all because of a misconception and bias you have towards what you see as simple storytelling.
H: I don’t have a bias. I’m just telling you what I see. My honest opinion. I wanted to like these books. I’m bored with the same types of TV shows and books. But writing on a picture isn’t exactly the best way to tell a story.
JM: You understand that’s like saying pointing a camera at a guy who’s acting in a movie is a dumb way to tell a story. You’re dismissing the entire method of storytelling.
H: It’s a stale and boring attempt at storytelling. Give me something that engages me with a book.
JM: Comics are the blend of art, storytelling, graphic design and writing that’s really not seen anywhere else.
H: Do you go to museums?
JM: Not regularly, but yes I go.
H: A picture, an image, can tell a story. Rembrandt and Picasso didn’t write all over their work. If I was an artist in these books, like that guy who did Batwoman, I’d be mad that my art had to have writing all over.
JM: But that’s the storytelling of comics! You’re comparing fine art to illustration and graphic design. That’s like saying I can play golf so I’m going to try out for the JETS!
H: I disagree. I think comics use pictures to attract younger readers. That’s why KIDS read comics and not adults. Kids connect with that, it’s easier for them. And most adults prefer novels.
JM: Look, I do these interviews in the attempt to change the misconceptions people have about comics. It’s a much better form of entertainment than people realize. And the mind set you had going into these books is the same one you still have. Unfortunately. But the more we talk and you share your opinions, the more you seem to insult what comics are. You keep saying the storytelling is poor, the art’s not Picasso, etc. etc. I have zero problems with you not liking them or the storytelling. But you, YOU, do not actually understand that model of storytelling. That’s a HUGE part of what’s the problem here.
H: I don’t agree. And don’t you think if the storytelling was as good as you think it is, I would’ve enjoyed it?
Continued belowJM: No. I don’t. I really, REALLY, don’t. I think you have an opinion and have no interest in informing that opinion.
H: So I’m ignorant? That’s kind of rude.
JM: Yet accurate.
H: You’re asking me for my opinions, I’m giving them. That’s what you wanted. Would you prefer I just agree with everything you say?
JM: C’mon that’s not what I’m about. I appreciate every opinion. I’m trying to learn how to better get people interested in comics. What I want is for you to realize what you’re saying is the equivalent of “The radio is silly because I can’t see the person who’s talking.” It doesn’t work. You can say you don’t like comics. But you can’t say the method of its storytelling is silly. You can’t be dismissive of an entire form of entertainment. I don’t like ballet but I’d never say it’s a failure as an art form. That’s rude.
H: When was I dismissive?
JM: I’m recording this, we can listen back. I think you do it so much we could probably make a drinking game out of it. I’m not trying to insult you. You tried the books, which I appreciate and you didn’t like them. Comics aren’t for you. You’re not a fan of them. I don’t want to push you any further.
H: I can see you’re a frustrated by this. I apologize.
JM: You don’t have to, this is what I want to come out of these interviews a discussion about comics. I love to debate stuff.
H: Yeah, but I went and read some of your other ones you did and it seems like people seem to enjoy them. And good for you, you’re sharing something you love with other people. But it’s just not for me. But I will say that some of the ideas in the books were good. If they were a novel or a movie, I’d probably be more interested.
JM: What books do you think would translate to film or shows?
H: The tortured teens in the school-
JM: Morning Glories.
H: Yeah, I’d watch that. I feel like that would make a great show. Scarlet with the angry girl striking out, that’s a great movie idea. So comics do have great ideas. See, I’m showing comics some support.
JM: You’re the Rosa Parks of comics, no doubt.
H: Again, I don’t like the books but I like the ideas. That’s something, no?
JM: Oh it’s definitely something. I have a question for you. When we’re done I’m going to type this conversation up and put it on my site. I get a good amount of people to check it out and make comments and talk about it. Most of those people read comics and aren’t kids. What would you say to them?
H: I wouldn’t say anything. People can do whatever they like.
JM: But they probably read comics that you think are silly, so I’d imagine a good amount of frustration will come of that.
H: For me they are. But that’s not for everyone.
JM: Right. But you’ve said the books are more for kids. Simple storytelling, not adult. Your words not mine — it is talking down to an art form I and my readers love. You can see how it’s a bit insulting. I’m not saying you don’t have a right to your opinion, you absolutely do. I’m just saying your opinion might make some other people a bit angry.
H: How many people are we honestly taking about? This is on your site, right?
JM: Yeah I’m not CNN. I’m less than nobody but I’m sure I have some people that might want to discuss your opinion. Would you be open to that? Answering some of the replies?
H: Sure.
JM: That’s awesome! I appreciate that. I think that will definitely be interesting. Let me just ask you this, I know the books didn’t really interest you. But like you said with Scarlet and Morning Glories, The Alcoholic- did those books at least surprise you about the content as far as being in a comic? You said comics were superhero stories and those are most definitely not. So would you at least say the stories told in comics might not be as categorized as JUST superhero stuff?
Continued belowH: I guess, so. Yeah. The Alcoholic one was definitely not what I was expecting.
JM: So maybe in the future you’ll think comics aren’t all capes and tights?
H: Probably not.
JM: I’LL TAKE IT! By the way, if the book was called Fifty Shades of Capes and Tights you might’ve liked it more. I appreciate you doing this, Heather.
H: No problem.
Okay, that wraps up this installment. I can’t convert them all. Heather has said she will jump in on the replies thread so let’s try and be nice and help her towards appreciating comics more. I’m excited to see the interaction and I hope it’s a new aspect we can bring to the interviews.
Editor’s Note: As a note, the comment sections of Multiversity are moderated, so if any interaction is viewed as offensive or inappropriate, it will be removed.
I want to thank MutliversityComics.com for hosting us and want to thank all of you for reading.
As always I suggest all the books listed in today’s article for reading. And if anyone has any suggestions on books I should be using to get others into comics, please let me know.
Thanks again for reading and I’ll see you next time OR at NYCC at the COMIXTRIBE BOOTH #2380
You can always reach me at:
@JoeMulv on Twitter
JoeMulveyArt.com
JoeMulveyInc@me.com
