I'm going to tell you guys about the best conversation I had at Heroes Convention.

The binder of prints on my table is mostly pretty normal- illustrations from books, fanart, some unrelated personal work. Right at the back though, without warning, is a batch of male superhero pinups. This elicits a variety of responses ranging from mild arousal to giggling to turning the pages quickly because you don’t want to turn gay.

This conversation is with someone closer to that third variety of viewer. Let’s call him “Rod”. Rod has just reached those last few prints and is flipping through them looking very serious.
He then looks up at me.

Rod- Why would you do this?

Erica- I don’t see how these are any different from what every other artist has for sale.

Rod- But these are men.

Erica- I’m not into chicks.

And then I watched as a lightbulb slowly came on. We didn’t say anything else to each other but I’d like to think that there is a little more understanding now. Maybe one more person who understands that just because someone else has something nice that isn’t meant for you, your world isn’t going to explode.

Then again, there’s always these people: LINK