I must confess to being somewhat of a comic book geek. For some years now, a monthly subscription of
“Judge Dredd Megazine” has been delivered to my home alongside its sister
periodical, the weekly “2000 A.D.”. I pour
over every story, review, interview, and even reader opinions.
In issue number 338 I discovered a disturbingly damaging letter
from a reader. This fellow called the
interviews cheap filler and essentially a waste of his time. He is clearly no artist (or perhaps a bitterly
blocked one); those stories are gold to someone like me! And I know how much hurt can come from
unconstructive criticism.
The editors followed his opinion with a note stating that such
thinking “does the writers a disservice.” What a serious understatement. While appreciating the diplomatic approach, I
simply had to write in to the magazine.
The artists deserved proper defense, even if only the email monitor were
to read mine.
My email stated my joy in those personal accounts, “especially
when shared with humility, praise for the artist's forebears, and encouragement
toward aspiring artists.” I also praised
the Megazine’s publication of fan fiction pieces, submissions which were also rudely
disparaged.
Before telling the editors to keep up the good work, I
couldn’t resist a dig at all the complainers who malign comics they dislike for
whatever reason. “Having favorites is one thing, but I feel
these publications would do a disservice by not exploring different styles and
disparagers would do well to keep that in mind.” Apparently, parents no longer teach children
that if they have nothing nice to say they should say nothing at all.
Time passed and I thought no further about the matter. Yesterday a package showed up. Inside I found a lovely comics reissue from
“2000 A.D.” publications. Neither my
partner, who knew nothing of my action, nor I ordered had ordered anything. Another reach into the envelope disclosed explanation
for the mysterious surprise. My rebuttal
letter got printed in issue 340’s Dreddlines section!
The beautiful graphic novel you see pictured below was my prize. As for the title given my letter, “First Dibs
on the Nibbles”, I confessed to sometimes saving favorite stories for last like
a little girl nibbling off the bread crust.
It made my day to be rewarded for speaking out against
negativity. I hope you’ll take any
reasonable opportunity to do the same.
