I always get vaguely annoyed when people react to mainstream media coverage of comics in a petulant way, as though they're angry that a discussion of, say, X-Statix or something in the Guardian isn't given the same depth of loving, doe-eyed admiration as you might find on newsarama.com.
The fact is that most people in the world don't really think comics are a viable means of telling a story to adults. Things might have improved upon that score in recent years, but the majority will still roll their eyes and not be able - and, more to the point, can't be bothered - to make a distinction between the Beano, Ultimate X-Men and Palestine.
We've got to come to terms with the fact that there's nothing actually wrong with this. If people don't want to read comics, then let 'em continue not to do so. Unless you're a particular type of comic evangelist - and, let's face it, who'd want to invite someone like that round for a party? - the fact that the world at large either ignores one of your favourite media or takes the piss out of it is a bit... so what?
Once you take away Burchill's Saturday column's usual plethora of me-me-me-ness and guff about voting rights which, let's face it, we know she doesn't really mean but that's her stock in trade writing style, you actually get a piece about a woman who used to think comics were tripe but has now changed her mind.
Fanboys should be rejoicing because someon's writing a pro-comics article and name-checking Daniel Clowes, and then they should be coming in their Hulk underoos because the piece is written by a girl. |
