“The father who would taste the essence of his fatherhood must turn back from the plane of his experience, take with him the fruits of his journey and begin again beside his child, marching step by step over the same old road. ~Angelo Patri“
When I was at school it’s fair to say that although I did well enough academically, I wasn’t a geek. I loved my football, cricket and tennis and I cycled here, there and everywhere to play them. I certainly wasn’t locked away in my bedroom reading books or comics.
Nor have I ever been much into Star Wars (I only watched the first movie) or Star Trek (I only watched the 1960s series). And even Doctor Who was abandoned once I strapped on an electric guitar and acquired some teen attitude.
So while I might be introducing Oliver to football sessions and cycle rides, it is interesting to see that he is developing a passion for comic super-heroes. Spiderman, Superman and Batman were his early passions, but now figures of Marvel characters such as Wolverine, Captain America and Magneto are amongst his favourite playthings.
This is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it means that my second journey through childhood through the gift of my son has a whole new dimension beyond that of my own childhood. That is a wonderful realisation. I not only get to be a kid again, but a different kid at that.
On a more practical level, I haven’t the faintest idea which comics I should be buying for him! I tried my high street newsagent but ended up with “comics” that had all the right characters and all the wrong storylines – way too advanced and adult in their themes and presentation.
So what should I buy him? Are there any classics out there? Have I just been unlucky in my first attempt to enter the world of super-hero comics? I need your help. This is a job for…?
Don’t bother with the stuff you get in the newsagent. Go into one of the proper comic shops in town and ask what they’d recommend, or have a look round yourself. I’m really out of touch comic wise, moreso with kids comics so can’t really make any recommendations.
why not take him in with you some weekend?
Re “proper comic shops”, any recommendations of where?
I took him into town to WH Smith and ended up with one he chose that turned out to be hopeless, but the others were sealed in plastic(!) so I couldn’t tell if they were any better.
I can’t recommend any place on the right side of the Atlantic, but I second a “proper comic shop.” The people there sometimes seems really horrible, but once you get to talking to them, they’ll really appreciate that you’re trying for your son. Because a lot of parents don’t.
As far as comic recommendations, remember that ALL comics are written with a freedom of format that cartoons or movies don’t have, so you have to beware and read what he reads. There are comics made for kids and I know DC has a line of comics for kids with the classic heroes.
The sealed in plastic, in my experience, is usually reserved for back issues, and new stuff should be out newsstand style. Also, shops will often just order what they know they can sell, so establishing a relationship and saying, “Hey, I’m interested in this and I’ll come in once a month and pick up a few issues if you stock them,” is helpful once you figure out what you’re interested in. Does your library have comics? Mine mostly has graphic novels, but it can still give you an idea what’s good and what’s too old.
Good luck! I love comics, but I’ve never been rabid. (I am however rabid for Doctor Who and very envious of people who actually live where they can watch it with any regularity. I’m dying to see the new doctor and have no idea when he’ll appear on BBCAmerica.)
Thanks Jessi, that’s great advice. I hadn’t thought about checking our local library.
I must confess that I don’t know when the new Doctor will debut in a series of his own even over here. I’ll look into that.
i think the new Doctor is out in April on both sides of the Atlantic.
Comic shops in manc – can’t remember the names but there are a couple in the Oldham street/Northern Quarter end of manc. There’s a “Forbidden Planet” opposite Vinyl Exchange or round about there.
As Jessi said, some of the staff can be a bit snotty but if you give them the chance to show off what they know, they’re usually happy to.
Thanks for that. I rarely get into Manchester city centre these days but I’ll have to try to find time unless I can find something around here.
I was amazed that I couldn’t find something suitable more easily online.
Right then!!
Your best bet is to look for some specifically aimed at kids. the ones based on the animated adventures of batman or superman or the Justice league would be perfect.
I’m a bit out of the loop these days, but i’m going to try and send some people in the know your way.
Dan, That would be great. Thanks. I think I see one incoming now…
There are several children focused comics currently being produced that feature the big characters from Marvel and DC.
The first one I’d personally suggest is Marvel Super Hero Squad. they do a good job of softening the more edgy characters such as Wolverine
Tiny Teen Titans looks like a lot of fun, Super Friends is similar to what they did with Super Hero Squad – children friendly depictions of the characters.
Lee,
That’s great, thanks. I’ll have a hunt around for Marvel Super Hero Squad, it sounds just the job.
The “comic” I bought on my first attempt was all about Wolverine and Deadpool. It launched straight into the first World War trenches and was so inappropriate for a 4-year-old…
Looking forward to Marvel Super Hero Squad though. Cheers.