Dear Santa, More Comic Love Please?
We hope Santa is listening. The Happy Sorceress asks Santa for more Comic Book Love.
Dear Santa;
I hope this letter finds you and Mrs. Claus well. It’s been a heck of a year, hasn’t it?
It hasn’t been as easy to be good, but I’ve tried my best. There’s a lot going on in the world, and it tests even the best of us. I don’t claim to be the best of us. I know you’ll take that into account when you check your list.
Santa, there’s something special I’d like to ask for this Christmas. It’s not a book or a new Wonder Woman action figure, or a shiny new KitchenAid. No, this time I want to see better representation of love, romance, and marriage in comics.
I keep seeing couples broken up for ratings, or to appease a certain group of ‘fans’ (I’m sure they’re all on the ‘Naughty’ list), or simply because a writer or editor thinks showing two people in a committed relationship is boring. That it means an end to storytelling.
Established couples, new couples. It doesn’t seem to matter. The message we’re getting is that long-term or married couples are bad… For readers or business, I’m not sure.
This is even more applicable to superheroes, with their already complicated lives. Whether hiding a secret identity, and the hi-jinks that ensue, or welcoming a new love into the world of masks and capes and powers, and the exhilaration and danger that come with it. We both know that’s not the case though, don’t we? Being in love is exciting! We all have stories about figuring out a life with someone new, the joys and mistakes it brings.
Santa, we read comics to not only to escape from the world around us, but to see a version of ourselves doing what we’ve only imagined. Fighting evil in the world, solving mysteries, helping and changing lives. Making a difference.
These stories don’t need to end with the fictional versions of ourselves going off alone to an empty apartment, or drinking themselves into numbness, when they could be coming home to their amazing-in-their-own-right and supportive partner. Or coming home with them, because two superheroes making the world a better place is even more thrilling!
Santa, I know there is room for love in these stories. It may not be for everyone, but that’s the beauty of comic books: there’s something for everyone.
Unless you’re looking for happy, loving couples.
It’s a tall order, but I still believe, Santa. So this Christmas, I ask that you sprinkle a little magic over the comic-publishing world, and change the hearts and minds of the editors and writers behind the characters and books we all love. Show them the beauty and wonder to be found in relationships. Let them see that being with someone you truly care for is only the beginning, not the end.
Show them that the adventures continue.
Thank you, and I’ll have all your favorite cookies ready Christmas eve.
The Happy Sorceress bakes for superheroes (and civilians, too). She is very active in the comic book community and can often be found under a pile of friendly dogs. You can find her on Twitter
What are you asking Santa for in your comic book love dreams? Tell us on social media! #dearcomicbooksanta
