Reality Amuck™

When I first delved into the strange and mysterious world of webcomics creation, I heard about “Webcomics Appreciation Day”. Back then it was on May 5^th, usually around the time of “Free Comic Book Day” and as I’m learning today, “Cartoonist Appreciation Day”. Later the name was massaged into different variations to include “Webcomics Awareness Day” and “Online Comics Day”.

While I appreciate being appreciated as much as the next webcomicker I still think the latter two choices are still very necessary initiatives. Since first going into webcomics in 2003 I have seen a growth in awareness of comic art created specifically for presentation on the web. But even with the outstanding success of the New England Webcomics Weekend I feel that much work needs to be done to make the public aware of our comics.

Much more so than in 2003, people are becoming accustomed to using the web for their news and entertainment. Look at recent events and see how many newspapers are going out of business. At the ones that are staying afloat how many are firing their cartoonists or dropping strips every week? People are turning to the web to get their “Garfield” and “Peanuts” fix. Why then would it be odd to also get their “Penny Arcade” and “Chainsawsuit”?

So as you go about today with your Dos Equis and Corona and see a cartoonist be sure to buy him or her a drink and show your appreciation. At the same time in the more likely event that you meet someone who has never heard of webcomics, mention a couple and see if you can spark their interest in something new.