As I grow older and have more things to pay for, I find that money has taken on an increased significance in my life. When I was younger, having money was never really that big of a deal. This was because it was my parent’s money and I was a greedy little candy addict. When I did have some coins and bills, it barely stayed in my pocket before I blew it on some chocolate or Twizzlers. Nowadays, I still live off my parents but have come to appreciate the almighty dollar a little bit more. However, when I hear about people blowing millions of dollars on comic books, as two anonymous buyers did for the original Superman and Batman comics last week, I am not stunned at how people can spend so much money on so little. Rather, I applaud someone for spending the money on a hobby or personal dream, as long as it does not hurt someone else.
For people who have not read the story, last Monday a very rare issue of Action Comics #1, the debut of Superman, was sold for a then-record $1 million dollars. Then, three days later, Detective Comics #27 sold for $1,075,500, the current record. Although this in no way influences my opinion on the matter, I love comic books. One of the remaining vestiges of my childhood is this nerdy, slightly embarrassing infatuation. I could debate on who the best superhero is all day (Superman takes it by a hair over Spiderman) and break down the truly superhuman qualities of the Incredible Hulk’s pants. However, I would have this same opinion for anything so extravagant that sold for such a high price. I am not arguing people should spend their money on something that is evil or hateful. While it seems ridiculous to waste large amounts of money on really, really old pieces of printed paper, I feel that it is commendable that these anonymous collectors are that devoted to spending their money on something that interests them and not being deterred by what others may think.
Yes, I can definitely think of a million other things that I could waste that money on other than old comic books (a couple billion packets of Ramen soup or a four year supply Freshens smoothies are the first things that come to mind). However, these collectors are spending their money on something that makes them happy and that they are interested in. I should be the first one to deride these collectors for their seemingly wasteful spending habits. Money is of constant importance to me as a financially-strapped college student (and by financially-strapped, I mean I am living off of my debit card and the only thing of value in my wallet is a coupon for $5 off at T.G.I. Friday’s). I could never imagine spending such an amount of money on comic books, even though they are my now not-so-secret shame.
However, when I look at people spending such amounts to obtain something that is truly in their own interest, it becomes clear to me that the definition of wealth and how to spend that fortune is different for every person. Some people spend their money on cars, boats, and water balloon fights while others have mouths to feed and bodies to keep warm. Others donate their money to humanitarian causes and some blow it on comic books. As long as it doesn’t hurt someone else, people should have the right to spend their money on their own harmless interests. Especially in the midst of the current economic problems that face this country, it is understandable that the knee-jerk reaction to news of people spending millions on comics would be negative. Although people are quick to criticize the buyers or shake their heads at the purchase, I applaud these collectors for spending their money on something that they love.
