Thanks for your question. I've been waiting for a chance to discuss this very topic. First off, I need to address the losers at your local comic store: It isn't 1985 anymore, guys. The comic book store is no longer your personal clubhouse. These days, the best comic book stores (like Brooklyn's Rocketship or Meltdown in Los Angeles) are more like hip bookstores-- safe, new customer-friendly places that push graphic novels and comics that cater to both sexes over the usual T&A-heavy superhero fare. It's time the "Comic Book Guys" of the world put down their mint-condition copies of Spider-Woman #1 and got with the program.
Comic book stores (and conventions for that matter) are indeed a great place to meet like-minded geeks, er, fans of graphic novels and speculative fiction. And, yes, the stereotype of male comic book fans as emotionally stunted, socially awkward types is sometimes true. But, really, the guys at your store are probably just reacting to you the same way they would to any other customer. Hopefully they aren't actually terrified by the presence of a real, non-spandex clad woman and are just trying to purchase their books and be on their way.
My advice would be to ask an employee to recommend new titles and graphic novels to check out. Ask enough questions about the different comics and characters, and eventually one of the male customers is bound to pipe up. (They just can't resist the urge to show off their encyclopedic knowledge of, say, the history of Hawkman.) If you see a guy reading a comic you like, ask him if he'd recommend anything else by the artist or writer. To that end, store signings, readings, and other events are also a great place to socialize with fans-- your shared love for the work of the creator in attendance is an instant conversation starter.
Or, how about starting a local comic book meet-up? Friends of mine routinely meet up to draw comics, drink beer, and swap new titles. Maybe organize a meet-up at a local coffee shop, and post a notice at the comic book store. Offer free cookies. You'd be surprised how many geeks will come running for free cookies.
Also, if the guys at your store are engaged in a heated debate about, say, the virtues of the Watchmen comic versus the movie, definitely pipe in. They'll be impressed with your knowledge of the works of Alan Moore, and immediately start fighting over who gets to ask you out.
Comic book stores (and conventions for that matter) are indeed a great place to meet like-minded geeks, er, fans of graphic novels and speculative fiction. And, yes, the stereotype of male comic book fans as emotionally stunted, socially awkward types is sometimes true. But, really, the guys at your store are probably just reacting to you the same way they would to any other customer. Hopefully they aren't actually terrified by the presence of a real, non-spandex clad woman and are just trying to purchase their books and be on their way.
My advice would be to ask an employee to recommend new titles and graphic novels to check out. Ask enough questions about the different comics and characters, and eventually one of the male customers is bound to pipe up. (They just can't resist the urge to show off their encyclopedic knowledge of, say, the history of Hawkman.) If you see a guy reading a comic you like, ask him if he'd recommend anything else by the artist or writer. To that end, store signings, readings, and other events are also a great place to socialize with fans-- your shared love for the work of the creator in attendance is an instant conversation starter.
Or, how about starting a local comic book meet-up? Friends of mine routinely meet up to draw comics, drink beer, and swap new titles. Maybe organize a meet-up at a local coffee shop, and post a notice at the comic book store. Offer free cookies. You'd be surprised how many geeks will come running for free cookies.
Also, if the guys at your store are engaged in a heated debate about, say, the virtues of the Watchmen comic versus the movie, definitely pipe in. They'll be impressed with your knowledge of the works of Alan Moore, and immediately start fighting over who gets to ask you out.
Thanks for the good suggestions! I will definitely try that the next time! I've always wanted to know the history of Hawkman....
maybe its because im in asia, but i LOVE comics, especially japanese ones. and im def not the only girl who goes to the comic rental store. comics i recommend: one piece, d-grey man, naruto, crayon shin (though i have no idea how the humor would still work translated). one piece is number one fav :)