by RyC – Behind The Lens

Every time I conduct a personal examination of the good and bad aspects of my life, reading comics consistently emerges as one of the best things that ever happened to me. It’s simply an experience I will never regret – a source of joy. And we could all use more of that, couldn’t we?

The core attraction of comics is the simple and primeval allure of stories. The art of storytelling is as old as mankind and will always be with us. That’s what comics are: words and images that come together to form a story.

If you’re not into reading comics but want to give it a try, the entry point is easy. It’s how I got into this hobby when I was eight years old. It’s how it took hold of me and never let go – a sublime addiction that has stayed with me throughout my life.

It begins with one issue. A typical comic book issue contains 32 pages of full-color art and story.

Pick up a comic book, any comic book. Perhaps the cover catches your eye, someone recommended it, you read something positive about it on a website, someone gifted it to you, or you stumbled upon one. Pick it up and read it.

Read it. Set it aside. Let it settle. Heck, try to forget about it.

Chances are it will work its magic on you, just like it did on me. Then you try another. And another. Issue after issue.

Eventually, you’ll become aware of the comic book concept of universes. Comics published by a specific company, such as Marvel, DC, or Image, all occur in the same space, and a story in one issue affects characters in another – a shared universe where stories build upon each other, forming rich histories from the contributions of all the writers, artists, editors, colorists, letterers, and inkers who have worked in comics over the years. The older the publishing house, the richer the universe. The richer the universe, the more interesting the stories become. The more you know about a specific universe, the more you’ll appreciate the issues you read set within that universe.

Without any effort, your hobby becomes more engaging. You find yourself visiting websites and participating in online forums. You purchase not only the comic books but also magazines about comic books. You become familiar with the biographies of your favorite artists and writers and find yourself intrigued by the happenings in the comic book industry. All of this occurs effortlessly; it all unfolds naturally, creating an aspect of your life that wasn’t there before. A place of fun, a place where you can be excited, and, dare I say it? Happy.

Manuel Marino

Manuel Marino is a seasoned Senior Producer, Music Composer, and Artist with over a decade of experience. He specializes in branded entertainment across various mediums, including video games, films, and advertising campaigns. With 20+ years as a game music composer, Manuel has worked on numerous platforms, creating diverse orchestral soundtracks. HIRE ME