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National Comic Book Day 2017: Comic book love and obsession

OMG! It is National Comic Book Day 2017 and as I furiously type the day is nearly over!

As I think of things to type, I am only aware of the ticking of the clock!

I only found out late in the day that it was National Comic Book Day when I got an email (that I can no longer find) giving five ways to celebrate. I decided to make the above video and discuss why we love/are obsessed with comic books?

I suppose we could get obsessed with anything but comic books for me were always this visually appealing medium that also always satisfied my desire for story.  In the first grade, I started to develop a taste for mythology. While I was raised Catholic, the idea of the Greek gods always fascinated me? In one sense, I could buy into the idea that myths were simply away of explaining natural events prior to the development of reason and the scientific method, on the other hand, the characters in the myths had needs and desires I could comprehend. Luckily, I hadn't read the Metamorphosis by Ovid back then because that would have put me right off the myths, and maybe that was Ovid's point, to move people away from these capricious gods that sometimes punished humans, many times by turning them into trees, for the most minor or reasons.

But I digress. The introduction of the comic book was the re-introduction of the old gods into the modern world. Everybody from Christopher Knowles to Grant Morrison say so. But what is the appeal? The Mayan Popol Vuh has beautiful illustrations and reminds me most of the modern day comic book of all the ancient forms of art on cave walls or pottery I have scene. The Egyptians come in a near second.

Reading Marvel: The Untold Story, as far as I am so far, which is the Jim Shooter era, it is clear that the professionals are as affected by the obsession/love of comics as the fans. When creators like Jack Kirby are seemingly cheated by the machine that is, or was, the publishing business is infuriating! Give Jack back his art! But it's too late for him, isn't it?

At any rate, it is nearly 9:30 PM where I am writing and only 2 and 1/2 hours remain on this national comic book day. How did you celebrate? Why are you obsessed/love sick over comics?

Let me know below or in the comments of the video.

Much love this National Comic Book Day and may all our favorite characters grow and expand and continue to be, in spite of the controversies.

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