Not Sure if I Want to get Into Comics Anymore After First Comic Shop Experience
I (20F) have always liked Marvel media and am interested in starting to read comics, but an experience I had recently has left a sour taste in my mouth.
I went to a local comic and collectible store. I didn’t have a specific run or anything like that in mind so I really was just flipping through what they had to see if anything caught my eye. While I was browsing a guy approached me. I don’t know anyone who reads comics personally and don’t have many friends who are interested in superhero media in general, so I’m always up for a friendly discussion with someone with similar interests.
The first thing he said to me was “who’s your favorite hero?” I told him that my favorite is Captain America and asked him his, but instead of answering me he just said “I bet you don’t even know his real name.” I laughed awkwardly, told him that of course I know it’s Steve Rogers (Like seriously??? Why was he asking me this???), and tried to pivot back to asking him which heros/series he was interested in. He continued to ignore my questions, and just kept talking about things that he “bet I didn’t know.”
It became clear that this was not going to be a friendly conversation. It seemed like he just wanted to belittle me or make me feel like a poser. I felt so angry in that moment but also a little sad and embarrassed, I had never experienced anything like this before. After he finished what was basically a monologue about the world’s most basic Marvel lore, I left the store with my tail between my legs.
I want to be able to shop for comics in person and meet people who share my interests, but I have yet to go into a comic shop again because remembering that moment makes me feel like I’m not welcome in a space like that (whether it’s because I’m a girl, new to comics, or whatever).
Has anyone else experienced something like this while first trying to join the comic community? Is it common for longtime fans to act this way towards people just starting out? Any advice on meeting comic fans who are not like that guy?