This year's annual Comic-Fest in New Jersey set a new attendance record and proved once and for all that comic books aren't just for kids anymore, even though they should be.
Since the convention began in 1989, the age of the average comic fan has increased by 300%. Coincidentally, sociologists claim that maturity rates are down by that same percentage.
"There's nothing to be ashamed of in this day and age," insisted a man dressed as Thor, the God of Thunder. "Comics have grown up along with their readers. There's, like, metaphors in them now and stuff... Don't use my real name."
Comic-Fest isn't just about comic books, however. It's also about science fiction and fantasy, animation, collectibles, video games and anything else that will keep girls away. Many filmmakers choose Comic-Fest to announce their upcoming genre projects, seeking the approval of those who can either praise or blast an upcoming movie via the Internet for the next year of their lives and consider it time well spent.
"We have more power than ever before," said an anonymous man in Hobbit attire. "My scathing review of Spiderman 2 would have cost them ten million dollars on opening weekend. Unfortunately, my roommate wrote a positive review and we ended up canceling each other out."
It isn't uncommon, while strolling through the convention, to see fathers and sons celebrating their fondness for comics with each other. For these fans, comics are an activity that strengthens the father-son bond in much the way that normal fathers and sons play catch.
"My son here is just as big a fan of Batman as I am," said an enthusiastic man who would only call himself Dave M. "Although I don't think at age ten he can fully appreciate the complexities of the Dark Knight in the same way I can."
Asked if they ever fought over who gets to read the comics first, the boy responded: "I let Dad have them first. He gets really excited when the new issues come out. You should see how his face lights up. It would be cruel to make him wait. When he's done, I'll skim them and pretend to be having fun, but I'd rather just play catch."
