But why?
Were they protesting? No signs. A closer look revealed some were wearing costumes. There was a subdued kind of festival atmosphere.
With some trepidation, we walked between them into our destination, where the mystery was solved.
"They're giving away free comic books tomorrow morning," the clerk replied to our inquiry.
Apparently, today is designated as "Free Comic Book Day," and the huddled masses were hunkering down so they could be among the first to get their freebie.
I often forget that the comic book store is located in Kamms Plaza. Apparently, it is a hot go-to place for those who are into such things.
Growing up, my parents would cast disapproving glances our way when we became engrossed in comic books. Librarians would gasp at the thought of carrying the rags. And thus, they became something of guilty pleasure in my growing up years. However, I must admit that I was more prone to read Archie than Batman or Spider-Man. Somewhere, in the pit of my closet, I still have some beat-up copies of comics from my childhood. I think there's even a Man From Uncle issue.
Fast forward to today, and comics plus graphic novels (which didn't exist in my youth) are all the rage.
Comic Con is huge. My local Barnes & Noble has shelves full of graphic novels. And even the library carries them. Today's librarians rationalize that at least kids are reading something.
Of course, it isn't just kids who are captivated by the genre. Plenty of adults will dress up and play out the characters. The level of detail they achieve is impressive. And while, admittedly, it's not my scene, I can certainly appreciate the thought and creativity that goes into developing their persona of choice.
The super hero theme is a topic Mr. Ginley and I have discussed. He can't get past the idea that, if Superman is super in all phases of his life, this must also apply to his skill between the sheets. In which case, wouldn't he fatally injure mere mortal Lois Lane, who would not be physically equipped to handle such aggressive lovemaking. (And yes, I'm cleaning up ALL of the language here, I'll let you create your own mind picture.)
We have also had the Betty versus Veronica discussion. (Mr. Ginley picks Betty every time.) And pondered the question, "Which super hero would you be?" There's just so much responsibility associated with saving the world, I'm not sure I'd want that.
However, if I had to be a comic book character, I think I'd choose Cat Woman. Neither hero or villain, she lives in the grey area. And she's got some really great moves. Plus Cat Woman has the goods on Batman. I like that.
On the other hand, I could be The Invisible Woman.
With the state of affairs in this country today, it wouldn't be much of a stretch.
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