As convention season gets into full swing, so too does the season of terrible, terrible questions asked of professionals by fans at panels all across the country.
Obviously, not every question is terrible. Some people show up with their question A-game and posit some really insightful queries of the gathered pros.
Others, however… well, not so much.
Here’s the thing, though; I don’t think anyone sets out to ask terrible a question. I think people get nervous and I think others just lack a certain degree of awareness.
As someone who’s been attending conventions for quite a while now and as someone who also moderates a fair share of panels, I’ve decided to compile a list of some of the most glaringly terrible questions as well as their answers.
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| The author (left), with comic artist extraordinaire, Tim Sale |
Maybe you were planning on asking your favorite creator one of these questions sometime this summer, maybe you’ve been guilty of asking one of you favorite creators one of these questions in the past, it doesn’t matter.
What’s important is that now you’re aware and, going forward, can avoid terrible, terrible questions.
Questions like:
Where do you get your ideas?
From all over. Ideas are actually a dime a dozen and everyone has lots and lots of them. Ideas aren’t actually that difficult to come by.
How do you turn your ideas into a story?
Work. Real hard work. I had a writing teacher in college who once said, “you wanna be a writer? Then put ass to seat and start writing.”
How do I become a writer?
By writing, of course.
How do I become an artist?
By drawing, of course.
I’m more of an idea person, so what if I…?
Find a writer to write your ideas? Nope. Writers, real writers, are going to be too busy actually writing out their ideas.
Why did you kill off [insert character x]?
To tell a story. Or to shock you. Maybe both? Are you talking about the death of that character? Then no matter the reason, it was probably worth it in the short term. And if it was a mistake? Well…
Is [insert character x] ever coming back?
Yes. Of course. And if that character is owned by Marvel or DC, then plans are probably already in motion to bring him or her back. These are corporate IPs and they’re no going to exploit themselves.
Remember that time [insert favorite character] did that thing?
Yes. And it was indeed awesome.
Can you tell us what’s going to happen next month?
No. Spoilers and all that, ya know?
So. What bad questions are you tired hearing asked of professionals sitting on panels at your favorite convention?
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