#ComicsAndQuarantine: Fans And Creators Unite (From A Distance)

by Troy-Jeffrey Allen

Across the world, COVID-19 has disrupted nearly everyone's day-to-day. In the interest of our overall public health, many countries have mandated "social-distancing" and some version of a quarantine. While this impacts all, it has impacted the geek-o-sphere specifically and comic book fans in particular.

While comics are not exclusive to brick-and-mortar stores and conventions, public gatherings are the lifeblood of our beloved hobby. Before the Internet, comic shops and cons were where we congregated to share our passion for this industry with each other. And even post-social media, local comic shops have remained weekly "cultural centers" during the months where there are no conventions nearby. We make friends there, we debate there, we ask for suggestions from trusted sources, and sometimes we just hang around to see what conversations strike up. Now, this tradition has been momentarily taken from us because of the coronavirus. But we still need to share, congregate, and converse about the comics we love.

Purely on a whim, #ComicsAndQuarantine was created by PREVIEWSworld for that reason. To funnel the conversation around comics under one hashtag. We threw it out there, and the results have been amusing, informative, and supportive. Creators, fans, and comic shops took to the hashtag to keep each other updated on what they are reading, what they are working on, and how to get their titles during this strange moment in time. See for yourself...

During this time of "social distancing" (which, yeah, sounds like something out of V For Vendetta, but is necessary) it is important to remember that we are still a community. Your friends at PREVIEWSworld look forward to seeing you all (yes, all!) at a comic shop in the future. In the meantime, continue to share with us by using #ComicsAndQuarantine on the social media weapon of choice (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube). Let us know what comic books you're reading to pass the time and what your LCS is doing during quarantine - and we will share with you. 

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Troy-Jeffrey Allen is the producer and co-host of PREVIEWSworld Weekly. His comics work includes BAMN, Fight of the Century, the Harvey Award-nominated District Comics, and the Ringo Awards-nominated Magic Bullet.