James Meeley of Sequential Treasures: Comic Art Sales in Yakima, Washington read Dara Hannon's recent criticism of Steve Bennett's comic reviews (see "Dara Hannon of Pyrimid Comics and Games on Bennett’s Reviews") and had this to say:

As I read the piece written by Dara Hannon on Steve Bennett's recent comic review column, I had to wonder if Dara read the same piece I did.  Because it sure didn't look like it to me.  Dara complains about the "tone" of it, but what it really seems to me is that Dara is the one with the problem, not Steve Bennett.

Dara blasted Steve for saying that Honey West was something "every comic shop should have," and basically calling him egotistical for thinking all retailers should like what he does.  But nowhere does Steve Bennett infer any such thing.  Now, had he tacked on something like, "...and if they don't they are idiots!" then I might think he was being egotistical.  However, that didn't happen.  He merely expressed his enjoyment of the book.  Is it wrong for a retailer to give a thumbs up to work they like?  Obviously Dara thinks so.

Dara blasts him for saying how he doesn't always give some of the smaller publishers as close a look as he should, claiming he's ignoring them.  Again, no such thing was uttered.  In fact, Steve Bennett is basically admitting his own shortcomings here, not the companies he listed.  He didn't say he didn't look at them more closely, because they are crap companies making crap comics.  There was no insult leveled at any of the publishers he listed.  Steve merely stated why he hadn't taken note of a series he would have, from one of those publishers, because he liked the work he saw.  If there is any "insult" to be taken, it is Steve insulting himself, for his own lack of not paying close enough attention, in this case.  Is self-criticism wrong?  Obviously Dara thinks so.

Then, on top of seemingly missing the point in everything Steve wrote, Dara launches into this tirade, comparing Steve's reviews of a few recent comics, to the arrogant stereotype portrayed in shows like The Simpsons.  Forgive me, but that show is not only a cartoon, but a satire and parody one, to boot, isn't it?  If anyone would read Steve's comments on some recent comics (and ones he LIKED, no less) and view him as some "Comic Book Guy" stereotype, I'd have to say that it's that person with the problem, not Steve Bennett.

Look, I haven't always agreed with what Steve Bennett has said, nor do I think he expects everyone to.  But he has the right to speak his piece (in his own column), just as any customer that comes into his (or Dara's) shop.

I can't speak for the consumer base in Dara's region, but I know that if I ask a retailer what they think of a book, I expect an HONEST answer.  Not some PC-minded bilge, which dances around their opinion, because they fear offending my "delicate sensibilities."  If they did so, I'd be much more insulted by that, then any comment they'd make on the book I asked about.  I don't like being placated like I'm some child who can't handle the reality there are some people won't like something that I do.  And I don't let another person's opinion dictate my enjoyment of something, either.  Steve Bennett wrote a while about how he had little interest in the Disney XD cartoon Kick Buttowski: Suburban Daredevil.  Yet I, myself, love the show.  Steve's not liking it, didn't put me off either the show or reading Steve's future articles.  And I hardly think of myself as some exceptionally remarkable being that way.  I think most people can handle an honest opinion.

Being a retailer doesn't mean you are not entitled to express your opinions.  You may have to use a bit more tact, than others do, but you are just as free to express what you think as anyone else.  And in cases like Steve's column, I think it's a great way to get people talking and thinking.  Critical expression is something more retailers need to be doing, in my opinion, to help try to solve some of the issues this industry is facing now.  They certainly aren't going to be solved, if everyone is just glad-handing everything, for fear of offending someone.  The free exchanging of thoughts and airing of issues, is one of the things ICv2.com is here for and is why I enjoy coming here to read the latest news and thoughts of others.  Anyone else who comes here, be they retailer, publisher, or customer, should feel the same way.

The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the writer, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the editorial staff of ICv2.com.