One of the aspects of the comic book business that I don't think gets talked about enough is the sense of community that exists among everybody who's involved within it. Most often, you hear about the in-fighting, the back-biting, and the rumor-mongering, because that's a sexier story. But while there's the typical amount of all those things, and while not every single person gets along with everyone else, there's nevertheless a surprising unity that exists throughout the business. Comic book people are, for the most part, very willing to help one another out in a myriad of ways.
You can see it in the support people give to organizations like the Hero Initiative, or the CBLDF. Or the charitable auctions that are organized when a beloved writer has maxed out their health insurance coverage. But even more so, it exists in a million tiny ways that are never really spoken about aloud, when one person extends a helping hand to another within the industry, not because there's any particular relationship that exists between them, and not because there's anything to gain, but simply because people feel like part of the larger family.
I think that's a pretty special thing. This past week or two, I had a number of people step up to help me out with a situation that, while in no way life-threatening, was significant. And guys with whom I've had very little contact, people for whom I've done nothing in particular other than sit here and be part of the world-space, came through in a meaningful way. It's very much appreciated, and while I don't want to embarrass anybody by naming them and putting that kind of spotlight upon them, I do want to note their efforts --especially including those folks who made efforts to help out, but weren't able to come through in the way I needed. Their efforts are no less genuine and worthy of regard than those who got the job done.
More later.
Tom B
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