If not DC’s exact demographic, I probably come close: a guy in his early 40s with a job and a family, both amused and grateful that comics — basically, a happy childhood pastime — have grown up enough to keep my interest all these years later. I see guys like myself every time I shop at Midtown Comics in Manhattan, in far larger numbers than the adolescent fanboy set (or any women at all).

But think about what my demographic means. To keep my interest, the comics that I read (and I read a lot of them) need to meet some basic criteria. They need to preserve the childhood joys while simultaneously offering adult pleasures — better plots, dialogue and characterization than the Silver Age was capable of. Childlike and grownup at the same time — it must be a challenge for writers, which is why so many of them fail at it.

Michelle’s post, though, helps me understand the problem in more detail. After all, an industry (or company) that deliberately targets adolescent boys is going to miss me as much as it misses her. Sure, I share their Mittyesque fantasies of power; but it has been a long time since I shared their perverse objectification of women, as scary fetish objects or whatever else. It just isn’t enough to have show me a pretty girl in a tight outfit, and occasionally have her either in chains or bursting out of them. I’m looking for stories about credible people, with credible motives and relationships. (“Credible” apart from, y’know, the flying and heat vision….).

In other words, the same kind of writing that ticks off thoughtful women is going to tick off (or at least bore) thoughtful men, at least once we get out of our teens and start earning enough money to buy comics.

Mark: Thanks for dropping by. You’ve been busy! I’ve seen your name just about everywhere, and I’ve got to admire your courage in braving all these blogs and boards where emotions are running pretty high. It’s both reassuring to know that our concerns are reaching someone, and disconcerting to know that creators are listening in on our conversations ;-) Oh, and I’ve bought comics specifically because I enjoyed the creator’s online participation (White Tiger, most recently), so hanging out with us does pay off =)

Ami: that was my impression too. Thank you for coming by just to hear me *smiles* I’m really flattered, and more encouraged than ever to keep posting my own peculiar impressions on things. I would have posted sooner, but I only stumbled upon it by accident the day before. And that’s when my head exploded…!

Still, I guess we’ll see. I DO like the new artist tho IF he keeps drawing her like he drew her for the Holiday Special :) However, the writing has to match up. :|

Great post tho! I kept checking to see if you had written nething about this cuz I like your opinions and writing :D