Not Fitting in With My Peers- Comic Fandom Snobbery

Every time I go to my local comic book store or to a comic book gathering, I find myself cringing.
Why, you may ask?

It is because I don't like some of my fellow fans.

Not cool, I know. I can't help it.

Let me explain with examples why I get this way.

I usually go into the comic store on Wednesdays full of energy and excitement. As I am thumbing through the new issues, inevitably one of my fellow fans will pipe up with "Man, this sucks because the _______(insert art, creator, price, experience) is crap (something to that effect)". Now, it isn't so much that something isn't to their taste that gets me irritated, it is the fact that they are trying to influence other buyers with their very important opinion, and if you ignore them and buy the issue they commented on, you are instantly judged as inferior.

Screw that noise. I want to buy certain comics because I like them. Thanks for the opinion, but I am a big girl who can make up my own mind. I don't judge your taste, so don't judge mine!

I also don't like flippant comments that are made if my husband and I spend $50 for that week's books. I really hate the "Wow, you must be rich" comment. The fact is that I choose to spend my money on comic books rather then other toys or vices like alcohol or cigarettes. Sue me!

Further irritating is the stereotypical, but very real customer with bad odors emanating from them. Please brush your teeth and shower before you go out in public. All you are doing is perpetuating the hype, and I don't want to have to hold my breath while I am browsing the aisles.

I hate being talked down to because the fellow fan thinks they are the ultimate expert on certain characters or books. The fact is that I don't always care about specifics. I read comics for the enjoyment, not because I want to be the most knowledgeable. There is a difference between knowing fun facts and fighting for supremacy.

I have a job, so I can't stay and chat. I come pick up my comics during my lunch hour and have to go back to work. Don't give me crap or comment about me being bitchy or "PMS" because I am in a hurry. That just makes me dislike you, and it makes my husband want to kill you. I don't need the aggravation and my hubby doesn't need a jail sentence.

At any rate, I mostly hate how smart most fans think they are and how much they think their opinion matters. The best example I can give is message boards on the internet, and I won't go there!

I try to be patient and nice, and I really like quite a few of the fellow fans I interact with, but there is a select group that makes me feel uncomfortable or upset. I don't mind talking to anyone, but I refuse to be talked down to, or chastised for my taste. Let me like Birds of Prey even if you think it has sucked since Dixon left. Also, don't grab Uncanny X-Men out of my hands and laugh at me, while saying the X-Men have sucked for the last 20 years. Good for you for thinking so, but leave me the Hell alone. I like the frigging X-Men, okay?

Do any of the rest of you encounter this? How do you deal with it? I love comic books and will probably always find a way to collect. My husband works for the local store, and loves comics as well, so we are regulars. I just really dislike the opinionated, non-hygenic snob. How do I get around this group?

I am up for suggestions. I don't like being a hater. It isn't my personality, and it frustrates me.

Fellow fans, help me to deal!