COMIC BOOK READERS GUIDE - JUST DO IT!

Did you know that Batman inspired many different people to do many different things? He inspired Mister Bean to promote Curried dishes in Canada. He inspired Robert De Niro to play badminton for Baghdad. And he even inspired my great mate, the Comic Book Reader Guy, to create a blog about comic book reading devices and software. Here, check out this conversation I had with 'CB' only the other day, whilst we became inspired by Canadian Curried dishes in Baghdad.





1) What are your own origins, Comic Book Reader Guy? Plus what path did you take in life to get to where you are today?   The best way I can explain it is this: When I was a kid, I wanted to be Batman. And now -- years later -- I still do. I've never lost my childhood fascination and have loved comic books, comic art, the medium, and how its evolving my whole life. No only personally, but professionally, I have had the privilege to work on comic book inspired projects for Nick, Disney, Marvel, and Archie Comics in games, print, broadcast and on the web.

With comic movie franchises, tablet computing exploding and the industry embracing digital (and growing!) its an exciting time. And while Its exciting to work with characters and companies -- at the end of the day -- it always comes back to the comics and reading comic books... my first love.

2) In your own words how would you describe your website ‘Comic Book Reader Guide’?   Your ultimate guide to the best comic book reader apps with reviews, videos, screenshots, and more.

3) What inspired you to create this site?   I go to conventions and am excited for the future of comic books when I see high profile comic book franchises thriving like 'The Avengers' and 'The Dark Knight' alongside advances in tablets and experiments like 'Marvel Infinite Comics'. I started Comic Book Reader Guide to give back to the community and share my enthusiasm for the future of comics books.

5) What was the first comic book you ever read? And do you still read mainstream comic books today?   First comic book I ever read was 'The Brave and the Bold' #180. featuring Batman and Spectre. 

Do I still read mainstream comic book today? Oh yes. More than ever. I love seeing new creative teams, long arcs that build to big pay-off and even those big events when done right. After being a consummate fan for decades, I really have come to really appreciate re-imaginings and not be tied to "canon" or worrying about "retcons". I read comics because I love comics: whether its a wealth of material from the big two, kids comics, Japanese manga, going back in to time to my personal golden age of the mid 80's to early 90's or going even further back in history to the true golden age of comics. 

5) If ‘CBRG’ was a song, what song would it be and why?   Probably the soundtrack to 'The Dark Knight'. CBRG was started the night right after I saw 'The Dark Knight Rises'.

6) If you could get a celebrity – either living or dead – to promote your wares, who would you choose, and again, why?   If you are talking comic books and promotion, there is one name that stands above: Stan Lee. He more than a publisher, writer and creator, but a pioneer and always experimenting and pushing the boundaries of the medium. I can't think of a single individual who has done more to get comic books and comic book characters in the hands of the masses than him -- and who better than to embark in the new world of digital?

7) What is the main thing you've learnt whilst managing, ‘CBRG’?   You don't know what you don't know. There are a lot of people out there who want to read comics on their Kindle. And I am constantly surprised at the variety of preferences for reading comics in the digital world. There are definitely some emerging standards, but one person may view a feature as the best thing since sliced bread... plus that same thing may be an absolute deal breaker for someone else.

8) If your site had a motto what would it be?   Well? I guess it would be in the words of my celebrity promoter -- 'Nuff Said'. I tend to sign off my posts with -- 'There you go' -- though. While I like to share the enthusiasm I have for comic books, its a lot like drawing -- 'Just Do It'! Start digging in and get to reading and enjoying comic books. There is something for everyone.

And so say all of us, Comic Book Reader Guy. And so say all of us. So there you have it, folks. Comic Book Reader Guide in a can. You know what you have to do when you've got the time, right? Give it a click or ten, and then follow them on facebook, youtube, twitter, and g+. Go on. Scram. It'll be an education.