It's not something I really want to do, but it is getting harder to justify continuing the hobby. The space required to store my books is one consideration (I always dread loading the comics when moving), and the cost is another. Comics are not getting cheaper, and with a new bundle of joy at home my expenses are not getting cheaper either.
I love my comics. I love reading about heroes who do what is right simply because it is the thing to do. I love the creative application of superpowers, in both combat and non-combat situations. I mean, I'm just as interested in the creative application of super powers to clean the Mansion as how they would be applied to defeating Ultron.
However, with the cost of comics these days, am I doing him a disservice by getting him into the hobby? I've spent a lot of money on comics, and the majority wasn't purchased at the current prices! To start collecting now with the prices as they are would be pretty expensive getting towards a collection as extensive as mine. And a lot of the comics I have from back in the day can be read as stand-alone issues, which isn't the case now.
As I write this though, I do recall the argument I used to give to my father when he would rag on me for buying comics; "Would you rather I spend my money on reading material or on cigarettes & alcohol?". He never had much of a comeback for that one.
Still, the thought of selling off my collection and getting out does have some appeal. Going digital has some appeal, if the prices were to drop; having my comics accessible on my tablet and not taking up space in the basement is pretty handy.
For now I think I'll be standing pat and continue my love of comics, but I have to admit the temptation is there to get out. The idea that a long-term fan like myself (20+years) is thinking of getting out due to the current story structures and pricing should be an alarm bell to the publishers, but it doesn't seem like it's much of a consideration.
Everyone's thought about doing away with their hobby, I've started and quit at least four different hobbies, and sometimes comics to seem to be a sort of roadblock in my life, but then I look at my collection and remember all the good memories I've had with them. And if I can't look back and be happy with a book I own, I give it away to someone who could appreciate it.
ReplyDeleteSo, my advice would be to look long and hard at everything you own, and maybe consider culling the heard a bit. I just moved, and after I got my book shelf of trades figured out, well, I just wanted to vomit. But then I calmed down and realized all my books were still enjoyable.
Blah blah blah, buy what you honestly like, get rid of what you can't say you care for.