7 Reasons You Should Give Up Superhero Comics In 2017

DC and Marvel are like an abusive boyfriend. You remember how things once felt and you silently hope for a return of those good feelings even though he beats you up once a week. You’re not happy where you are and maybe your friends think you should leave, but it’s just too hard. He’s a part of your life and you can’t picture it without him. DC and Marvel know this. They make you feel like you’ll be losing a part of yourself if you give them up. Don’t you like being a part of this exclusive club? Don’t you just love tracking your favorite character’s appearances through multiple titles you don’t actually like? Don’t you love being blamed by creators for the failures of their books?

Frankly, DC and Marvel take you for granted. They know you’ll continue to gobble up whatever they release; they’re counting on it, in fact. There are fanboys who continue to purchase books, bag and board them, but never actually read them. They’re hooked. They can’t cope with the idea of not having every single issue of Thor that comes out. Some fanboys purchase multiple copies of a book: one to read, one to store, and one to sell for an inflated price on eBay. And then they buy the hardcover when it comes out! That’s why the Big Two have the attitude they do. They’re the abuser, sitting on the couch, knowing you’ll never move out because the last thing you want to do is start boxing up all your clothes and bubble-wrapping your dishes. That’s a major life change and change is scary! Here’s the latest issue of Rocket Raccoon.

Fans have been complaining about the practices of the Big Two for well over a decade, but the parade of gimmicks, events, and overall !*$% has only increased. DC really shot itself in the foot with the New 52, but they’ve gained a lot of goodwill trying to correct that. Marvel is due for something similar any day. But don’t expect these changes to be revolutionary; they’ll be just enough to keep you from heading out the door. The true power you have as a consumer to demand change doesn’t come from twitter updates or tumblr reblogs: it’s your wallet. The only way the powers that be will truly learn is if they start losing their foundation audience, their bread and butter. Not only will you spare yourself the grief of exploding with anger every time you read the solicits, but you’ll be exposing yourself to new work and possibly getting DC and Marvel to end the practices that drove you away in the first place. If you’re truly that disgusted with the direction they’re going, don’t stick around. Don’t make yourself angry for no reason. And don’t give up comics altogether. There’s a whole world out there.

Got any other suggestions for great indie books? Share them in the comments!