Wednesday Morning Quarterback - I Rant Because I Care

By Mike "blackmore" Maillaro

Welcome to the first in what I hope will be a long series of columns here on Waiting for Wednesdays. When Gambit told me he was going to be opening this site up, I immediately jumped at the chance to write my own rant column. There is nothing I like more than ranting and raving about what's right and what’s wrong with the comic industry. And believe me, there is a lot I can say about either side.

Instead of my usual piss and vinegar, I decided to take this week to explain who I am, what I will be doing in this column, and what gives me any right to say these things.

As you can see by the top, my name is Mike Maillaro, blackmore on GameFAQs, I have been reading comics for around 15 years. I have about 300 trades and 12,000 single issues. Not to mention a pretty extensive collection of comic related statues and mini-busts. I’ve written about 300 comic reviews and comic-related articles and columns for various websites. I am a complete comic geek!

I am also a journalist, by nature and by career. Not like those shoddy journalists you see on TV or writing for magazines and newspapers, but someone who actually takes the time to, you know, CHECK HIS FACTS! Amazing, I know. I’m sure I could be rich and famous if I just checked my ethics at the door like the rest of those hacks out there.

As for what right do I have to write this column, it’s exactly the same as yours, faithful reader. Too often you hear people say that we have “no right to criticize” something because “you couldn’t do any better.” But the reality is, that we are the ones who are paying to read these comics. When the companies and creators do something we don’t like, it is our role as the customer to criticize it. But too many people go about it all wrong.

If something or someone in the comic industry is pissing you off, the easy way out is anonymously posting sarcastic messages on message boards and getting all Goth about it. The problem is: THIS DOESN’T SOLVE ANYTHING! If you want some positive change,, you need to make sure your voice is heard! Send letters, make phone calls, and most importantly, STOP BUYING BOOKS THAT YOU HATE!!! Every single person can effect change, but they have to first find the balls to do it.

Also, it’s important to realize that the reason I bitch and moan so much is because I truly do love comic books. There is nothing I like more than sitting down with a big stack of comics and losing myself in the world of superheroes. I’ve been saving comics for my nephew since the day he was born. I want the industry to flourish and grow so my kids will be able to read comics. But, I think there are a lot of stupid things done by all the big and small comic companies, and I hope that this column will in some small way make some impact.

This week, I will spare the industry my ire, but I’ll be back here next Wednesday morning with a topic dear to my heart: WHY I THINK INFINITE CRISIS SUCKS SOUR FROG ASS. See you in seven!

BTW, please e-mail me any questions, comments, or whatevers to jackknight@gmail.com. I do read all my e-mails, and I’ll post them with my column. Who knows, if I ever get ambitious enough, I may even start doing some contests in the near future. Keep your eyes peeled for that.

Also, remember to swing by GameFAQs and check out Eisner Cup season 3!