Today’s spotlight is on Mason! You can find her on Tumblr, where she reblogs (but not exclusively) a lot of comics material.
Tell us about yourself!
I’m 23 years old and just moved to Boston from MN last year. Working at Starbucks until I find something better. Hobbies are mostly playing video games (mostly Arkham City) and reading and Tumblr.
How did you get into comics?
I blame a literature class. Comics as lit. We didn’t read any superhero comics, unfortunately but I did do a presentation on Wonder Woman for which I bought a few comics. Months after the class was over I finally decided to actually read them and was hooked on her character instantly. It was Gail Simone’s run. It all spiraled out of control from there! Thankfully I’ve kept it confined to DC.
Do you just read comics, or do you express your love in other ways?
Mostly just reading. Some merchandise. I reblog any cool comics stuff I come across on Tumblr.
What are some comics you’re currently reading and enjoying?
Currently I’m following a number of titles in the new 52. I’m also reading Nightwing’s old series and I seem to constantly be rereading Steph Brown’s Batgirl run.
Who is your favorite character?
I’m obligated to say Wonder Woman! But Cass Cain, Steph Brown, and Selina Kyle are all pretty amazing too.
Who are your favorite artist(s) & writer(s)?
Gail Simone, Nicola Scott, Amy Reeder, Dustin Nguyen, Bryan Q. Miller, Greg Rucka
Do you have a favorite comic storyline?
Steph Brown’s Batgirl hands down.
How do you usually buy your comics?
I have a couple subscription so I’m getting individual issues but I prefer to get the books where they’ve put it all together for me.
What are some things you love about comics? Some things that frustrate you?
I love the fantasy of it all, especially in the Bat books how any ordinary person can do such extraordinary things. Also the impossibility of it all. It’s really quite absurd but that’s most of the fun. But my absolute favorite part of comics are the characters. Characters are the only reason I read anything. If it’s a crappy story but has good characters, I’ll love it. Amazing story but with weak characters? I won’t like it.
The treatment of women frustrates me. Their rarity, their weaknesses, their reliance on men for saving or approval, their costumes, for god’s sake, have you seen the things these people make them wear?? Their poses! Just the way they stand! And I’m fairly certain most of these artists don’t have a clue how breasts work and what they look like underclothing at all. I’m probably preaching to the choir here but that’s my main source of frustration. The way women are treated IN the comics themselves makes some books very hard to get into. And that’s not even touching on how women in the industry are treated or represented mostly because I don’t know much about that side of things.
What does your dream book look like?
My dream book would be very improbable. It would have all my favorites! All my favorite characters would have parts and all my favorite creators would work together to make a masterpiece hodgepodge.
Any final thoughts?
I would just like to say that I have nothing against Marvel, I just can’t afford to expand my interest.
