I suppose, because I'm a comic book and anime fan, "the algorithm" is always pushing comic book influencer content into my YouTube and Twitch feeds. Every now and then, I get sucked in... maybe it had a good title or a cool thumbnail... but 9 times out of 10, it's just some creator ranting about the end of the world of comics or roasting a comic book journalist, an artist, a creator, etc. Accordingly, I don't find them of much benefit, but clearly, there seems to be an audience for them. I'm wondering what others think of them

Edited January 10Jan 10 by MAG
No edit made, just miss hit the button.

It really depends. My son watches a LOT of the comic book YouTubers, and many of them are giving histories of characters, storylines, or, in some of the simpler ones, their own personal rankings. I don't really like many of the latter ones because they just like to rag on characters they don't like, and in some cases are very misinformed. However, the ones who break down histories or detail storylines are often well done and have really helped my son learn a lot about stories he hasn't read. I like those (although I mostly just hear them playing in the background as my son listens to them while I am working).

2 hours ago, Shawn Lealos said:

It really depends. My son watches a LOT of the comic book YouTubers, and many of them are giving histories of characters, storylines, or, in some of the simpler ones, their own personal rankings. I don't really like many of the latter ones because they just like to rag on characters they don't like, and in some cases are very misinformed. However, the ones who break down histories or detail storylines are often well done and have really helped my son learn a lot about stories he hasn't read. I like those (although I mostly just hear them playing in the background as my son listens to them while I am working).

Interesting! Maybe my algorithm is skewed to "cranks". Any recommendations for those who present good breakdown histories? I'd definitely take a look.

I think it's a good thing for people who are looking for new stuff. I like the ones who focus on the lighter side of things, staying positive and hyping the activity of reading and collecting with an eye towards genuine enjoyment. I know I'm less likely to check something out if the reviewer focuses on the negatives, but honesty on their part is also necessary for critical integrity. One guy I enjoy is Michael K. Vaughan [Pictured]. he brings a kind of "Mr. Rogers" energy, which I dig, and even when he doesn't like something he doesn't really go to hard on it. Especially if you like older titles and characters, he's a great watch and posts frequently.

8 minutes ago, deelysium said:

I think it's a good thing for people who are looking for new stuff. I like the ones who focus on the lighter side of things, staying positive and hyping the activity of reading and collecting with an eye towards genuine enjoyment. I know I'm less likely to check something out if the reviewer focuses on the negatives, but honesty on their part is also necessary for critical integrity. One guy I enjoy is Michael K. Vaughan [Pictured]. he brings a kind of "Mr. Rogers" energy, which I dig, and even when he doesn't like something he doesn't really go to hard on it. Especially if you like older titles and characters, he's a great watch and posts frequently.

Awesome. Thanks.

I’ve noticed this too, but I think it really comes down to how curated your feed is. I’ve been pretty intentional about training my algorithm to surface more comic and fandom-focused accounts, and when it works, it’s honestly been a great experience. A lot of what I see now is people genuinely talking about why they love comics, breaking down art or storytelling choices, and spotlighting books I probably wouldn’t have picked up otherwise.

That said, it definitely takes some effort to keep it that way. If I click on one ranty or outrage-driven video, that stuff starts creeping back in fast. I don’t think comic influencers are inherently a bane, but the negativity-heavy ones tend to be the loudest, which makes them hard to avoid unless you’re deliberate about what you engage with.

There are some very knowledgable comic book influencers out there so I don't think that they are necessarily a bad thing to exist in the space. I just think that people need to be discerning about who they watch and trust. Honestly, it's pretty easy to spot the people who are doing it out of genuine love and knowledge and those who are just being annoying for views -- and I just refuse to give those folks air.

12 hours ago, Nicole Drum said:

There are some very knowledgable comic book influencers out there so I don't think that they are necessarily a bad thing to exist in the space. I just think that people need to be discerning about who they watch and trust. Honestly, it's pretty easy to spot the people who are doing it out of genuine love and knowledge and those who are just being annoying for views -- and I just refuse to give those folks air.

That's what I do. Once I see someone is toxic or just chasing trends to get views, I stop interacting with them or watching videos and the algo eventually removes them from my feed.

On 1/10/2026 at 3:25 AM, MAG said:

Interesting! Maybe my algorithm is skewed to "cranks". Any recommendations for those who present good breakdown histories? I'd definitely take a look.

I will ask him his favorites when he gets out of school on Monday and check back in

I think the problem is more with algorithms; they benefit particular types of influencers, with posts and videos that are complaints and rants to stir up anger and frustration. It's poisoning the well imo.

23 minutes ago, Tom Bacon said:

I think the problem is more with algorithms; they benefit particular types of influencers, with posts and videos that are complaints and rants to stir up anger and frustration. It's poisoning the well imo.

I agree! It's so hard to curate a great feed that doesn't have negativity slip in. I have one IG that's a mess and started a new one that is solely comic books and it's been great so far.

On 1/10/2026 at 3:25 AM, MAG said:

Interesting! Maybe my algorithm is skewed to "cranks". Any recommendations for those who present good breakdown histories? I'd definitely take a look.

My son recommended Comic Drake - https://www.youtube.com/@ComicDrake

1 hour ago, Shawn Lealos said:

My son recommended Comic Drake - https://www.youtube.com/@ComicDrake

I just subscribed to his YouTube channel.

4 hours ago, Shawn Lealos said:

My son recommended Comic Drake - https://www.youtube.com/@ComicDrake

I just watched a couple of his videos ... he seems knowledgeable and has a positive vibe. I subscribed as well. Thanks - or thank your son - for the tip.