This week, I’m proud to present our Fourth ITHACON student winner- Eric Haas. It’s a good one, and I’m sure you’ll enjoy it:
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How Comics Grew Up with Me
By Eric Haas
When I was a kid, walking into Barnes & Noble felt like stepping into a playground. I didn’t care about the bestseller table or the café with those giant cookies! Instead, I went straight to the comics section. There, I would drop to the floor and dive right into the comics. I would flip through the latest Simpsons, SpongeBob, or Archie comics. Back then, I wasn’t reading them so much as looking at the bright colors, funny faces, and sound effects that popped off the page.
At that age, comics were pure fun. I didn’t need deep plots or complex characters. I just wanted to laugh at Homer Simpson messing things up again or see what Archie and Jughead were up to. It was simple. It was awesome.
Another thing I always loved about comics was how they introduced me to new characters and worlds I might never have found otherwise. One day it was Archie and Riverdale, the next it was Spider-Man swinging through New York. Even if I didn’t fully understand all the backstory, it didn’t matter. Comics had a way of pulling you in just one issue and could make you curious enough to want more. I didn’t need to know everything that was going on to enjoy the ride. And that’s the beauty of it: comics are accessible. You can jump in anywhere and still find something to enjoy.
As I got older, I started to actually read the comics I had once just flipped through. I began to appreciate the jokes, the dialogue, and the way each panel moved the story along. I’d even go back and reread the same issues, noticing new things each time. Comics transformed from being just background fun to becoming stories that I wanted to sit with and explore.
When I went to summer camp, my family used to send me comics in the mail. They would send me all of my favorite comics like Archie, Simpsons, and some Marvel ones sprinkled in. It might’ve just been a thin envelope, but it felt like a care package from home. Whenever I felt homesick or just needed a little break from all the chaos of camp life, those comics were my escape. They gave me something familiar, something fun, and always managed to calm me down and lift my spirits.
Then came high school, and my time was limited. My time was spent on the baseball field, doing homework, and working part-time. Comics took a back seat while I focused on everything else. I didn’t lose interest, just didn’t have the time. My stack of comics sat on the shelf like old friends waiting for me to visit.
Cut to college, and the spark came back. I found myself scrolling through comic news, checking out graphic novels again, and even talking to friends about old favorites. But what really brought comics back into my life in a big way was getting involved with Ithacon, Ithaca College’s long-running comic book convention. This year, I helped with the social media aspect of ITHACON’s 48th year. Being surrounded by comic creators, fellow fans and nonstop comic conversations made me remember how much comics meant to me.
What I’ve realized is that comics grow with you. When you’re a kid, comics are bright and silly and comforting. As you get older, you start to see more in them like the clever storytelling, humor, even lessons tucked between the panels. The best part is that there’s always something for you, no matter your age.
I also think there’s something special about the way we read comics. For me, it was never just about the stories, it was about the whole vibe. Whether it was sitting on the floor at Barnes & Noble, reading by flashlight in a bunk bed at camp, or flipping through pages between college classes, comics always fit the moment. They didn’t require hours of commitment or total silence. You could read one while waiting for practice to start or during a rainy afternoon inside. That flexibility made them feel like they were made just for me ready whenever I needed a break, a laugh, or a quick escape.
Where else can you find something that hits like that? Something that works for both 8-year-old you and college-aged you? Not many places. Comics are something that don’t ask anything from you except your time. Comics are always there to give you something fun in return.
So, if you haven’t picked up a comic in a while, I would say that you should and that now is a good time to get back into it. There’s something really fun about getting back into it. I started with Archie and The Simpsons, and they still hold up because comics are for everyone. They’re forever.
