A podcast by Dr. Andrea Letamendi & Brian Ward, dedicated to the psychological analysis of Batman: The Animated Series.
Thanks for having me! + Comic Book Usage Question
Hi friends!
Thanks for having me!
After years of avoiding comic books, the Arkham Sessions, along with the recent release of the DCAU movies - I've decided to get back into Batman comics. Starting with Detective Comics #937
I'm torn between using the comic books as books, allowing them to age and wear through repeated readings or preserving them in as pristine of a condition as possible.
What's the consensus amongst Batman fans?
All the best,
Ravyn




This issue has been plaguing me my whole life, not just with comics, but with regular books as well. On the one hand, when I buy a book, it's because I want to read it. But I really want my books to stay as clean and new looking as possible. I always wash my hands before reading because I can't stand the thought of a book in good condition going dirty; I do it even if my hands are already clean just to make sure.
Oddly enough, I sort of like the feel/smell/etc. of old worn out books. But for some reason it annoys me when new, undamaged ones get that way.
So, to answer your question, I do read the books I buy (sometimes multiple times), but I handle them very carefully. However, keep in mind that I do not consider myself a collector.
If you're financially at ease, the obvious solution is to buy two copies, so you can read one and keep the other safely locked away; however, that is not an option most people can afford. Or you can go full digital and never have to worry about the condition of your comics again, but it's not the same thing as having a physical collection.
Thanks Wisp,
I think you're on to something there. I want them to have usage, and character, much like I do with regular books. But I understand the drive for posterity.
Given that I'm starting with one title, I'll pick up two of each and see how that goes.
I appreciate the advice!
All the best,
Ravyn
Oh my goodness, you have so much comic book goodness to get into! Something my partner and i have begun to do is just get the single issues/floppies of our favorite comics so we can read them right away, and then bag and board them after reading. But then when the trades come out for those series, we buy them as well and make that our main reading source. While a bit more expensive, it has the double benefit of giving twice as much money to the creators we love for their work, and it leaves the singles in pristine condition (unless we take them to get signed of course!)
Another option with a lot of comics anymore is getting the digital versions, especially for single issues, so you can keep up as you go. There are a few comics i get digitally because i know i won't get to my comic shop on Wednesday and i absolutely cannot wait to read them. Plus, it makes it easier to carry them with me on the bus.
I read them. I lend them out. They're heavy. Yet I love serialized fiction. The devotion of going to the Local Comics Stores once or twice a month. I roll them up and stick 'em in my back pocket...sometimes. Not DKIII The Master Race or DKR: The Last Crusade but iDigress...
I like the monthlies YET!!!...since Detective, et all will be bi-weekly, I'll hang back for the trades. Except for Scott Synder's ALL-STAR BATMAN. I'm in every issue. ^_^ After DKR: The Last Crusade, I love the look John Romita, Jr. gives Batman & his world & people. Very Kick-Ass & Hit-Girl if you were lucky enough to read all 4 volumes (going to #5...squee!!!). JR, Jr was not meant to draw Superman. It looked so odd that New 52 Supes he did. And we're getting Declan Shelvey on All Star and Sean Gordon Murphy has a Bat-Project he cannot talk about on Twitter.