This Week in Fan Appreciation....Praise the comic gods. Bitch Planet returned at long last after a lot of delays and scheduling issues. Though the ending had some readers pretty fucked up in their feelings, the real attraction that deserves discussion is the letter column. In addition to a lengthy blog-type entry from Kelly Sue Deconnick, there was a pretty legit essay on victimhood from a GQ writer. Last week, Grant Morrison's series, 18 Days, included a letter column that included an essay from the Supergods author himself on the differences in the Eastern superhero myths and the post 9/11, militarized superhero films of the West. And, of course, there's Brian K. Vaughn's always engaging, charming "To Be Continued" section at the end of the Saga. It's probably the only time I've ever heard of a fan proposing to his girlfriend via an editorial section in the back of an indie comic before Saga came around. Guys, letter columns are starting to matter again. It was really just a matter of time, too. In the era of social media, readers like knowing the creators are accessible. It maintains the feeling that they're grounded. They also help to build the foundation, a watering hole for the fan base, if you will. And it's funny that the best letter columns seem to come from creator owned books. As much as I like Marvel and DC, the indie stuff seems to be vastly more adept at keeping an open line of communication with the fans.
My comic reviews on Batman and Planet Hulk are up and available on Black Nerd Problems for your viewing pleasure. Like, comment and share at your discretion.
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