After spending the last week and a half mulling sexism in the comic book industry and trying to come up with solutions in general to salvage what we have, I want to dramatically change gears for a moment. I know from being a long time heavy metal fan that bands like Motley Crue, Def Leppard, and even Ratt have always had their share of groupies.
How does this apply to the comic book industry, you may ask? I am very curious about something. If there are creators out there that have a rock star mentality, does that mean that lurking out there are comic book groupies? Also, are they just women, or are there men as well? What drives these people, and what is the prime point of satisfaction therein?
I have been at cons where there were two really gorgeous guys in line for Phil Jimenez. They weren't conventional readers, but had specifically attended to meet Phil. I was listening to some of their comments, and one included a mention of Phil's posterior that I won't repeat here. Also, I was in a line for Michael Turner and overheard a couple of ladies talking about how "hot" he was, and how shy he seemed. They were hoping to talk him into dinner afterwards. Those are examples of overhearing innocent conversations.
What I want to know is if there is such a thing as a comic book groupie and if so, I want examples, as I am very curious about this phenomenon.
I know the question is controversial, but after making musician-like comparisons, it is only fair to give any potential "super fans" their day.
Any takers?
Friday, January 13, 2006
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4 comments:
There might be some in today's community but I think that you may have to go back to the big boom of the 90s to truly seek the answers to your questions. Maybe you should ask the premier rock star of that time (and the olny comic book guy who had his own 501 commercial)..
Hmm, I don't know that there are "groupies" per se, but there are those that treat creators like teen idols - which is to say "groupies without the sex part," which is to say not really groupies at all. :) Most of us wind up befriending or dating or marrying the guy. I had a crush for the longest time on Mark Waid, but found out my soulmate was actually Robin Riggs, so go figure!
Britt- you are tempting fate my friend! Ha ha.
Actually, that is probably not far off the market- the introduction and explosion of Image Comics is probably the most blatant example of creators becoming "rock stars". Comic book variants going for big $$$ at cons was not uncommon, so it would be wise to assume that the Image founders definitely had their share of undue/due adulation.
Great thought!
Elayne- I agree that definitely there is more of a sense of star treatment than the actual debauchery associated with a groupie that the rock star would have, so technically groupie is definitely not the right term in that respect. Thank God!
I love the fact that you did find your soulmate and the fact that it was a wonderful end result is the best part of it. I also love the crush part- that is too true. My husband thinks it is humorous that I get shy at the idea of meeting someone like Grant Morrison or Garth Ennis, when I normally don't have a shy bone in my body!
Take care!
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