After tomorrow, when I publish my review for Doomsday Clock #12, I will no longer be a member of the Batman News review team. With most books that I had been covering wrapping up– along with getting involved in more and more comics projects outside of Batman News– I have decided to step down from weekly reviews. It was a tough decision to make, believe me, but it is time.
When I first started on the Batman News review team, I was honestly looking for something to do. With a job that barely gave me enough hours each week to make up for the gas it took to drive to work and back home again, and without any promising prospects for better employment, I just wanted something to occupy my time as a creative outlet. So when Andrew started asking for submissions to join the new team, I thought it was a great opportunity to get back into both reading comics and writing. After all, I loved comics (even though I didn’t read them as much as I’d have liked), and I was a journalism major, so why not? It was exactly what I needed at that time.
And it turned into so much more.
In the five-and-a-half years since I started, I’ve had more amazing opportunities arise out of this hobby than anything I’d ever done before. I’ve had the chance to interview creators, get cool merchandise and books for review, attend comic conventions, and so much more. Whether it’s hanging out with writers after a panel, chatting with Sam Humphries about all sorts of crazy stuff (and always coming back to Tad Ryerstad), or running into Mark Ruffalo in a bathroom, I never thought I would have been able to do a tenth of what I’ve done in the past three years alone.
More than that, though, there’s one thing that I’ll cherish more than anything else: the friendships. Sincerely and earnestly, I can say that I have made some true lifelong friends thanks to Batman News. When Josh, Elena, Brandon, Jesse, and Sean started in 2014, I had no idea what to expect. Though we’ve lost and gained members over the years, I can genuinely say that these people are my friends. We have broken bread and forged friendships that will continue for years to come.
While he wasn’t part of the original group, Brian might as well be an “O.G.” member of the team, stepping up right from the start and proving that he’s one of the best writers on internet. Ours is a friendship that blossomed into a desire to cover all sorts of comics content, not just Batman (and yes, there is such a thing), so out of that initial idea to do a part-time podcast came the idea for Comics Now. It is one of my favorite things I’ve ever done, and I’m proud of the work Brian and I continue to put into it. And it all came about because of Batman News.
I’ve also greatly enjoyed the passionate readers who I’ve connected with in the comments and on Twitter, taking initial thoughts about comic books and turning them into a full-on conversation. After all, we write so you know what to expect from the weekly releases, so even when there’s disagreement we love the discourse.
And then there’s Andrew, our dearly beloved and handsome Comic Chief. Without him, there wouldn’t be a Batman News comic section, let alone a review team. Without him, I wouldn’t have gotten back into two things that I love so very much. Without him, Brian and I would have never met, and there would not be a Comics Now. Like with Josh, Brian, Brandon, Elena, Casper, Nick, Matina, and Michael, I’m glad for his friendship, his leadership, and his love for Batman.
While I may not be writing weekly reviews any longer, I’ll still be around. I’ve discussed a few feature ideas with Sean– who has been a fantastic site-runner, it must be said– and he has graciously left the door open for any future contributions I’m inspired to make.
I’ll always be grateful for Batman News, and how big a part of my life it will always be. If you ever want to talk comics, food, music, or anything else, don’t be afraid to reach out. And if you don’t know how to find me, just ask.
Someone will always be there to turn on the signal.
