Givin' the AVENGERS some more love!

Well its been announced that the AVENGERS flick is now the highest opening weekend movie of all time. And I couldn't be happier. It was a great movie and I'm not just saying that cause I am in the comics world. I can recognize good and bad when I see it. The Avengers flick is a hell of a ride of a movie. And I know its only a matter of time before the nerds start deconstructing it. But I don't care for that. I enjoyed the hell out of it and its going to be the one to beat for a long, long time.

I think I take a bit of pride in this flick because of my recent work on the Avengers card set through Upper Deck. Here's some of my cards:

I did 90 cards in total for the set and it was fun to do. Admittedly, I never read much Marvel as a kid. I read X-men when Jim Lee was on it and a few books here and there. I was very casual with it. But I remember getting the trading card set in the 90's and my first pack I pulled the coveted Hologram Wolverine. I was hooked on it. As my path in comics production would take shape, I'd kinda go the other way around the barn and stay in the indie side. But I never once ever knocked on the "big two" as the "enemy" of comics. I certainly voiced my frustrations because I wanted to be a reader. I really wanted to check in with these characters every month and see what was what. But too many titles, too many changes always sort of deterred me from that. So I settled for a casual fandom. I'd admire other people's statue collecting and check out the art on certain runs here and there. Going to the conventions, you couldn't help but stay up on it. Know your industry, am I right? But still, when the general public make comments that comics are for kids, or only for guys that live in their parents basement and generalize what we do and what it is, I get a little irritated. I can't help it. Cause its not true! And I want to raise awareness of that.

I've always felt that the characters and books of the big two (Marvel and DC) and indie guys like me and millions of others, were all part of the same pond. So when a comic book movie got greenlit and made, I got excited, even if I knew it wasn't for me. Like another one crossed over. More people are gonna get interested in these characters. See when I was reading, you could buy comics on the spinner rack in any grocery store. Now they are harder to track down and there's a fight about old business model vs. all digital model. Its in flux right now. But what still stands when the smoke clears is one thing: GOOD STORIES. Stories that stand the test of time and entertain. That is what makes good art, even in a commercial art form like comics. Maybe you are only enjoying it for 20 minutes on the pot while taking a dump, but its still art. So when something big happens in comics, I get excited. People start talking and its great fun.

I feel a great responsibility to stand up and do the best I can with my art and my stories and bring my A game to the table. Sometimes in wanting that excitement to come to life, I tend to rush a bit. Thats my biggest fault. But I certainly never have stopped in my quest to make the best I possibly could. And I am just one guy. There's hundreds of people right now writing and creating comics and art for you to read and enjoy. We sit alone and create worlds for you to take in and enjoy. And believe me, the stigma that "comics are for kids" is way over. Take a look at my book ANNA POCALYPSE (available right HERE btw!), its not for kids. No way. So if you think comics are only for kids, I got news for ya. Comics are the same as regular novels or movies: Many genres, many styles, many stories. And its ALLLLLL GOOOOODDDDD!!!!

SO: If you liked Avengers or any other comic book movie out there, I urge you to take the time to hit up a shop or online shop and get some comics to read. Give em a chance. Doesn't have to be mine (although I appreciate it!), just find something cool to read. For those that liked Avengers, check out the early issues with Jack Kirby art. They are collected in nice volumes for easy reading. Or want a more modern take on the material? Check out Marvel's ULTIMATES by Millar and Hitch. Or just want a well written solid superhero comic with not much change in style or artists constantly switching? Check out INVINCIBLE by Kirkman, Ottley and Walker. Try those and tell me they aren't good. Want more? Email me and I'll give you a list to try out. And I'll try not to keep plugging just my books!

I just want to keep spreading awareness that I and many others work hard, long hours to make comics and make respectable stories and art. Its not a job, its a life! A lot of time and work goes into them and if you gave em a chance beyond the stigma of what pop culture or stereotypes tell you, I think many would find something in comics that they would like too. Try it out. Give it a chance. Get some comics. Give a read. Keep us working and feeding our families. We appreciate it. And the more love spread, the more cool movies you'll get that will come out, like the Avengers!

Thanks for your support and thanks for giving us a great life!

T