As I read through my comic books, still trying to catch-up on all of the issues over the last year—now into the last two years—I am struck by the need DC Comics had to add additional stories to the back of the comic book.

Thinking, I’m sure, that they were selling a value added piece at the end, the question remains; “If I didn’t want it in the first place…is it truly value added?

I say NO.

While I understand that DC wants me to be introduced to new characters to expand my familiarity with other characters…and then hopefully buy more books because I am familiar with the character, I am not impressed. Too me this seems desperate.

If DC wanted me to see a new character, why not include him/her in the main story. If the character is that good…then the character will be able to stand alone after being introduced. I find that the best characters of today are networked in with the rest of the DC Universe in some way. I find this is the same with Marvel. Introducing a new character by itself has not proven to be fruitful.

So, instead of adding needless bulk—of which I won’t read—to the back of my books, DC please fill these pages with the main story—or simply save the trees.

I achieved one of my goals tonight, finishing 2009 on a high note. I found and bought The New Teen Titans #6. I’ve had a difficult time finding it, so I looked today in a local Comic Book Shop. I now have a complete run of The New Teen Titans, Volume One.

It is a little funny to me because I never knew that there was a “Teen Titans” out there besides “The New Teen Titans” until a couple of years ago. I grew up with the new group from the 1980’s. So, it is a great joy to end the year completing one of my favorite series collections.

Many of the books I received while I was in Iraq, when someone sent over boxes—maybe 10 long boxes—of comics to us. It was crazy really. The other half was picked up through different online stores and walk-in comic book shops around the country.

It is, again, a great feeling to have it all—now to sit down and read it from cover to cover.

There are many times that I read commentary and magazines regarding Comic Books and I wonder if we make too much about nothing.

Yes, I believe that the stories should be consistent—and they should be believable…but do we take them too seriously?

I read because I need time away from stress and from the movement of life. Comic Books are my escape, so why do we make them stressful? Why do we fight over Marvel is better that DC—or if your favorite character is better than someone else’s?

The Comic Book Community should support the simple fact that others are reading.