The Four Color Media Monitor

Denny O'Neil, Roy Thomas and Gary Friedrich all attended the Cape Girardeau Comic Con this week. The organizer, store manager Ken Murphy, had something to say that I agree with:

Murphy, a sports-loving family man, hates the stereotypes that often are attached to comic book and gaming hobbyists -- people who Murphy says come from all walks of life. But Murphy also said the area has long supported comic books as a hobby and a creative pursuit, as evidenced by people like Thomas and Friedrich -- respected comic book names from Southeast Missouri.

I completely concur with that. That's why I find the word "geek" which originally referred to a circus performer who ate chicken heads or something in the mid-1950s, so appalling. I remember that several years ago, when the first X-Men movie was being produced, there were quite a few press sources who seemed to use the word geek, and while it's always possible to wear it with staunch pride, that still doesn't mean it's justified. Sometimes I wonder if "fanboy" is also an unfair stereotype. A very good question.

Labels: conventions