
Reading comic books has been a passion of mine since I was in grade school. Like many people it was comic books that sparked my interest in reading. Unlike a lot of people I continue to read comic books to this day. Unfortunately many people “grow out” of reading comic books as they are often seen as kids stuff. Those of us who grow up with comics discover that there are more to comic books than capes and tights. There are as many worlds in the pages of comic books as there are channels on television and the fun comes when you open that comic book and immerse yourself into that world. So how do we get others to see that comics rock and that they are not just for kids?
Miguel Cima has the same question and he’s looking for answers.
This past Saturday at Jim Hanley’s Universe I got to preview Miguel’s
documentary, Dig Comics. The documentary is written and directed by
Miguel. It explores why readership in the American comic book industry
is dying and what can be done about it. Dig Comics takes a look at the
history of comic book readership and where it began to dwindle. It not
only looks at the problem but discusses some solutions to raising the
readership of comic books.
In Dig Comics Miguel speaks to industry insiders like Jeff Loeb and
Scott Shaw to gain their perspective on the problem and what they see
as possible solutions. He also takes it to the streets. Going out there
and asking people why they don’t read comic books when they enjoy
the movies based on them. Some of the answers will surprise you. He
left comic books with many of the people he spoke to in hopes that their
interest in comics will be sparked and grow from there.
Dig Comics is very informative and makes you think about the comic book
industry and how it will survive the years to come. This is something
every comic book fan should be interested in and as fans we should all
take up the cause along with Miguel. I’ll leave you with the same
challenge that Miguel left everyone the audience at the screening. Get
people to dig comics. Give them out as gifts for the holidays. There’s
a comic book out there for everyone let’s do our part to get it
to them.
To see the trailer and learn more visit Dig Comics.