Comic Books made me the reader that I am [View all]

As well as a real sci-fi nut. I will read most anything, just something I have always loved. But it was comics that really got me started and I would bet this is true for others.

As a child, I began as a paperboy when I was nine years old. The reason for me was twofold. I wanted to earn my own money to buy things I liked (comics, music, snacks) and I wanted to use that money to go to a barber so someone other than my dad would cut my hair. Dad only knew one haircut and it involved a bowl.

Mom and Dad would only allow me to keep so much in my pocket, the rest I had to open a bank account and deposit it. They did the same with my brothers once they got paper routes of their own. So, every other Saturday after collecting from my customers for the paper (the price was .84 cents for two weeks), off to the local drug store I went to look at the comics.

After picking up the latest Superman, Batman and Archie comics, I would head home to the upstairs bedroom we shared and read them cover to cover. It was a great feeling reading those and got me started on a lifelong love of reading. By the time I was twelve mom knew where to find me if I was not home, the library. Reading.

I loved sports too and us guys and gals would play whatever sport was in season but yes, reading was great and still is.

BTW, I purchased the original Spider-Man which debuted in Amazing Fantasy and after reading once, I kept that in pristine condition. All was fine until I attended college and mom (darn it mom!) tossed out all my comics and sports cards. I was not a happy camper when I found that out. I have long since forgiven her but man I would love to have those back!