Conversations About Groovy Moments: A Chat with Lloyd Smith
In the world of comic books, Lloyd Smith is a name synonymous with passion and nostalgia. A retiring teacher, family man, and lifelong comic book enthusiast, Smith has dedicated a significant portion of his life to sharing his love for the medium, particularly the comic books of the 1970s.
Smith's blog, Diversions of the Groovy Kind, serves as a platform for reminiscing about his favourite comics and creators of the era. He often highlights influential works such as Starlin's Warlock, Grell's Warlord, Thomas and Englehart's Avengers, Claremont/Cockrum/Byrne's X-Men, O'Neil's Batman, Thomas' Conan, and Cuti and Staton's E-Man.
Smith encourages readers to visit his website, Blue Moon Comics Group (www.bluemooncomics.org), to see if they are accomplishing their mission of capturing that fun and energy in their own comics. He is not just a spectator; Smith is also a creator, planning to publish his own comics through Blue Moon Comics Group.
The 1970s were a special time in comic books. This decade saw a significant expansion of content and creator freedom, influenced by cultural shifts and a loosening of editorial restrictions. Major publishers like Marvel dominated with more complex storytelling, while experimentation and new themes flourished, especially in independent and alternative comics.
Creators were given more freedom primarily due to the decline of the Comics Code Authority's strict censorship and a growing recognition by publishers that more sophisticated and mature content could attract older readers. This era allowed for more nuanced characters and stories addressing real social issues, such as discrimination explored in Marvel’s The Uncanny X-Men after its 1975 relaunch.
The 1970s also featured crossover projects like Superman vs. The Amazing Spider-Man (1976) that symbolized a broader willingness to innovate and collaborate within the industry. In addition, the rise of the underground comix movement in the late 1960s and early 1970s challenged mainstream norms, encouraging the development of the graphic novel and more experimental or adult themes.
Smith cites specific comic creators such as Roy Thomas, John Buscema, Steve Englehart, Sal Buscema, Len Wein, Bernie Wrightson, Jim Starlin, Mike Grell, and their contributions to merging script and art. His favourite comic publishers include Marvel, DC, Archie, Charlton, Gold Key, and Harvey.
Despite his affection for the past, Smith expresses disinterest in the current state of Marvel and DC comics. However, he is excited for independent comics from creators like Will Lill, Big Bang, Oniric, Gallant, Lenovation, Duo, Mineo, Artblazer, and Atomic Action. He attributes the 1970's as a special time for comic books due to the variety of genres, freedom given to creators, and the honesty and energy found in the comics of that era.
As Smith embarks on his retirement, his dedication to the world of comic books remains undiminished. Through Diversions of the Groovy Kind and Blue Moon Comics Group, he continues to share his love for the medium and inspire a new generation of comic book enthusiasts.
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