"Been there, Done that...again"
by Darnell (Hero)

If you're reading this at all, you are in some way interested in comic books. Why wouldn't you be? They're a unique form of literature, they present the reader with wonderful stories, along with beautiful drawings. What's not to like? Unfortunately...a lot.

Comics became a center of interest for me during my deplorable middle school years. I was something of a recluse, I stayed mostly to myself, in fear of being hurt. I'd been hurt before in elementary school by my peers, I didn't want to experience that again. So, I feel into another world where no one judged, where I could be anyone I wanted. The X-Men were my first dip into the comic pool, they were a great ride. They pretty much kept me excited...for the first few years that is. But like the famous phrase "It's BEEN a great ride." That doesn't mean it is now.

Believe me, it isn't just the X-Men, although the stories they've feed this reader lately have lacked in more areas then one. It's really all comics, I just don't have the drive or emotion that I once did. I'm not trying to dislike comics in any way shape or form, I need for them however is gone. The thing most likely is the change I've gone through since my first comic book, I've aged. I've matured, I have friends now, a job and other activities to occupy my time. Not only that but these other activities take up the majority of time, the biggest obstacle being school.

Time may get in the way but I think that if there were something truly worth looking forward to in the industry would help me. Especially something that concerns the X-Men. There isn't, at least to me, such as the retelling of tales told many a time. The breaking up the team, Professor Xavier's mental capacities being shattered and more of the Phalanx. These simply lack any creativity or originality. And those are the things I expect from the X-Men, I expect spectacular adventures, sure these upcoming books may be spectacular but they've been done before my far more innovative people. In the X-Universe, the light may be on...yet no one's home.

I only hope my love and aspiration for comics returns...hopefully soon.

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