On my new comic addiction, and why it’s important.

Comics, and graphic novels. Oh my!

I’m sure that anyone else out there that reviews books as a hobby, or as a living, can attest to the fact that we go through reading slumps. Those sad, desperate times where no matter how many times you try to pick up a book you just can’t get into it. Oh sure, you’ll try over and over to pick something new. Maybe a Fantasy will help! A re-read? Alas, your motivation to read has come and gone. I used to think it was hopeless.

Then, I fell headfirst into the world of comics and graphic novels.

Now, to be fair I’ve dabbled before. My friend gifted me her Fables series before she left the state, and I devoured those. I’ve also read the Scott Pilgrim books because my sweet husband bought them for me for Christmas. So I knew this world was out there. I knew that it was vast though and, truth be told, I was scared. Where do you start when you don’t know what you’re doing?

As things often do though, everything soon fell into place. I found Panels, the sister site of Book Riot and a treasure trove of female friendly comic information. My library signed a contract for a digital comic lending service, so suddenly there were free comics to be borrowed with the touch of a button. My BookLikes friends introduced me to Comixology. There was no turning back.

I’m hooked. It’s an amazing experience to feel a book slump coming on, and still be able to enjoy fabulous stories through comics and graphic novels. I’ve met new characters, found new favorite authors, and I’m loving every minute of it. It’s so interesting how much the comic scene has changed since I first peeked my head in. There are books like Lumberjanes, which are all about girl power and working together. There are new characters like Kamala Khan from Ms. Marvel who are real women of color. I can go from experiencing a full on novel from Joe Hill, to diving into a gorgeously rendered graphic novel that he’s written the story for. 

No more book slumps for this girl. I found comics, and I’m hooked. It’s a good time to be an addict, and I intend to enjoy every minute of it.