What I.F. (click for source) By Jacob H Baxter
Everyone loves established products. I've always driven a Ford truck. I love Dr Pepper. And, I am staunchly in the Microsoft camp when it comes to the console wars. However, once in a while a dark horse rises up and makes a strong showing.
All too often, these products are unknown gems waiting to be discovered. But, therein lies the problem. They are independent because they aren't known. And, they can't become known because the independents don't possess the advertising budget nor the clout to muscle in beside the big boys.
That’s where we come in. We, as fans, are the greatest force there is. People talk about ‘the pulse’. How do we find the pulse? We don't. Rather, we just look in the mirror because we are the pulse. We determine what is popular and unpopular.
Everyone loves established products. I've always driven a Ford truck. I love Dr Pepper. And, I am staunchly in the Microsoft camp when it comes to the console wars. However, once in a while a dark horse rises up and makes a strong showing.
All too often, these products are unknown gems waiting to be discovered. But, therein lies the problem. They are independent because they aren't known. And, they can't become known because the independents don't possess the advertising budget nor the clout to muscle in beside the big boys.
That’s where we come in. We, as fans, are the greatest force there is. People talk about ‘the pulse’. How do we find the pulse? We don't. Rather, we just look in the mirror because we are the pulse. We determine what is popular and unpopular.
Gambit (click for source) So, how do we shift the pulse? Well, friends and neighbours, for this guy, it involves writing an article about an independent comic that I really like. Whether you're writing an article, telling a friend verbally, or on a message board, it all boils down to the same thing. Grassroots advertising. So, I'm about to sow some seeds and hope it results in a better lawn for a special small company.
Last year, Cosmic Times, a small comic book company in Florida, published a one shot comic called What I.F. It’s a charming tale with an even deeper back story – the story of an imaginary friend giving up his slot. Sometimes art imitates life just a little too much. Sometimes we are the imaginary friend. How many guys have endlessly chased girls just to be ignored and finally lose hope? We can all identify with that right? Well, I can anyway.
I'm not going to give away too much of the story because I don't want to spoil it. I'm hoping most of you might even purchase a copy so that you can read it for yourselves. I own two copies, one from each printing. My first run issue is even signed by the guys who made the magic happen, DJ Strong and Jeramy Hobbs.
I will say this much. This isn't your average everyday comic book. Sure, I love to see Gambit throw his Cajun charm and cards about in an explosion of awesomeness. Optimus Prime will always be my personal hero in life. And, I love to chuckle at Wade Wilson's humourous inner monologue in Deadpool. However, sometimes a fresh change every once in a while is just what the doctor ordered to dodge redundancy.
Last year, Cosmic Times, a small comic book company in Florida, published a one shot comic called What I.F. It’s a charming tale with an even deeper back story – the story of an imaginary friend giving up his slot. Sometimes art imitates life just a little too much. Sometimes we are the imaginary friend. How many guys have endlessly chased girls just to be ignored and finally lose hope? We can all identify with that right? Well, I can anyway.
I'm not going to give away too much of the story because I don't want to spoil it. I'm hoping most of you might even purchase a copy so that you can read it for yourselves. I own two copies, one from each printing. My first run issue is even signed by the guys who made the magic happen, DJ Strong and Jeramy Hobbs.
I will say this much. This isn't your average everyday comic book. Sure, I love to see Gambit throw his Cajun charm and cards about in an explosion of awesomeness. Optimus Prime will always be my personal hero in life. And, I love to chuckle at Wade Wilson's humourous inner monologue in Deadpool. However, sometimes a fresh change every once in a while is just what the doctor ordered to dodge redundancy.
What I.F. (click for source) There are no superpowers in this story. No special abilities are to be found. There isn't even an action scene. The only fight present is the protagonist Jackson Leviathan's struggle to accept the changing world around him. I know it might seem a little bland and boring to some. But, I challenge each and every one of you reading this to give it a shot and see what you think. You just might get a nice little surprise after the last page is turned.
Most people might be wondering why I am making such a case for everyone to try out a small independent venture. Well, to be completely honest, I won’t deny that the writer DJ Strong is one of my best friends. However, I would have still appreciated the story even if he had not penned it. Beyond that, the truth is that every big fish started out as a little fish. It had to grow and learn before it rose up. Even giants like DC and Marvel were once much smaller than the behemoths that we see today. Would they have had the chance to do so if people had not given them a chance? No, they most certainly would not. Think about that for a little while.
So, I'm going to end on this. Whether it be What I.F., any other of the great titles from Cosmic Times, or any of the assorted others out there, please give an independent comic a chance. Sometimes they really are little Easter Eggs sitting between the big boys. When you find one of this calibre, it’s like finding buried treasure. So, go out and do some plundering today. And, while you're at it, recommend some of the hidden treasures that you've found to others. I and the hard working creators of such titles will certainly appreciate it.
Love independent comics? Can't wait to get your mitts on What I.F.? Let us know what you think below.
Most people might be wondering why I am making such a case for everyone to try out a small independent venture. Well, to be completely honest, I won’t deny that the writer DJ Strong is one of my best friends. However, I would have still appreciated the story even if he had not penned it. Beyond that, the truth is that every big fish started out as a little fish. It had to grow and learn before it rose up. Even giants like DC and Marvel were once much smaller than the behemoths that we see today. Would they have had the chance to do so if people had not given them a chance? No, they most certainly would not. Think about that for a little while.
So, I'm going to end on this. Whether it be What I.F., any other of the great titles from Cosmic Times, or any of the assorted others out there, please give an independent comic a chance. Sometimes they really are little Easter Eggs sitting between the big boys. When you find one of this calibre, it’s like finding buried treasure. So, go out and do some plundering today. And, while you're at it, recommend some of the hidden treasures that you've found to others. I and the hard working creators of such titles will certainly appreciate it.
Love independent comics? Can't wait to get your mitts on What I.F.? Let us know what you think below.
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