May 7: Free Comic Book Day

When I was six or seven years old, I received my first comic book: a hand-me-down 4-color issue of Walt Disney's Donald Duck. I was mystified. It was like a comic strip, but longer! And funny, too! But, alas, comic books weren't "scholarly reading," so my selection was limited to my cousin Jay's decade-old collection.

As a preteen, my cousin Ashley (the closest thing I had to a sister in those days) would slip me her old copies of Betty & Veronica. My parents thought B&V was too racy, so I hid them in the bottom of my socks drawer. I loved sweet, innocent Betty ... but I related much better to sneaky, moody Veronica.

Then, in college, I found Sandman -- the first comic that turned my world upside-down and touched me deep within. I felt such strong emotions for Sandman: I laughed at Matthew's antics; I cried when Wanda died; I longed to be just like Thessaly; I had a crush on beautiful, caring Death. The Endless were like family -- who hasn't met Delirium walking her butterflies and fishies during twilight on a Tuesday?

So I took a master's level class about graphic novels, where I was introduced to other groundbreakers: The Dark Knight Returns, Black Orchid, Watchmen and Maus (among others). The class -- which was taught by the head of the English department -- was one part art, one part history, one part psychology. It was difficult but fun; I learned a lot.

This Saturday, May 7, is Free Comic Book Day at comic book stores nationwide. Here's why you should go:

• If you've never picked up a comic book, you need to get over the misconceptions. There's a lot more out there than Superman and Wolverine -- truly something for everyone. Me? I like the feminine one-uppage of Girl Genius and the off-the-wall antics of Lenore.
• If you haven't read a comic book since you were a child, grow up! New titles crop up every month, and many are for adults. The Japanese recognize that anime and manga are perfectly acceptable media for adult content ... it's time Americans catch up.
• If you are already a comics reader, support your local comic book store. Stop by on FCBD and pick up your exclusive Batman HeroClix and FCBD minimate. And, for god's sake, bring a friend. That's what this is all about.
• If you're a parent (or have young friends), introduce them to comics now. There are a ton of great titles out there for younger readers ... and we need to teach children that comics can be deeper than Garfield or Peanuts. Really.
• And (most importantly), if you love your First Amendment rights, show your support for artists and comics fans. Do your homework by reading up on the Comics Code Authority and the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund. Video gamers: This should be of particular importance to you, because games are on the brink of censorship now. Every time CBLDF takes on a case, it's likely to set precedence for other entertainment media, such as video games. Speak up and be heard.
  

I suppose I come off as a rabid fangirl -- which I'm not -- but I do think it's important to support and protect the many faces of graphic art: funny or frightening ... juvenile or mature ... educational or entertaining.

Saturday, I'll be at Comics & Collectibles in Memphis. Hope to see some of you local folks there.

And, please, I'd love for you guys to post comments about your first/best/favorite comic book experiences. Favorite artists, titles and characters ... even words of wisdom you've learned from a thought balloon. Now get to it.