Giving Thanks

I’m not one for turkey, mashed potatoes, and stuffing. I’m more a vindaloo guy. But I like the ritual of giving thanks.

And on this Thanksgiving, I’d like most of all to thank you, Sequart’s readers. It’s because of you that Sequart exists. If it weren’t for your readership, Sequart would still be a few of my random writings about comics, trying vainly to make the case for comics as a legitimate form of art. Your readership led to others contributing. And every time we’ve expanded, whether into books or movies, you’ve stuck with us and supported us, not only reading but sharing what we were doing and supporting our Kickstarters. It still boggles my mind. You’re the best readership anyone could have.

And you’re consistently the best readership of any comics site. When other sites were filled with bashing of women who dared to criticize a mainstream comic, you were engaged in a reasoned debate about the issue. We’ve done so together, in the spirit of being willing to learn. I’m consistently amazed at how the ugliness that sometimes dominates comics criticism is almost entirely absent from anything Sequart does. You consistently distinguish yourself by your intelligence, your civility, and your kindness. You should be proud of yourself, and I’m immensely thankful for you.

I’m also thankful for Sequart’s many contributors over the years. Writing is intrinsically solitary, and I’m a solitary man. Sequart’s contributors are like family to me, and they make me feel like I’m part of a team. They make me feel less alone. I’m proud of their work, which at this point is an immense body of criticism and scholarship. Some of these contributors have gone on to other things; some are still writing for Sequart. But it’s their wonderful work and their kindness that has let Sequart flourish… and that makes me so happy to keep doing this, after all these years.

Sequart has been an astounding journey. It’s a huge part of what my life is about. But it wouldn’t have happened and wouldn’t mean anything without Sequart’s incredible readership and its talented contributors. You make me feel lucky and blessed. You are loved and appreciated. And I feel a tremendous sense of debt to you all.

Wherever you are, whoever you spend this day with, I wish you a Happy Thanksgiving!