It has everything to do with how important comics were to you when you were growing up. My dad got me started young on his Marvel backissues, and I've been hooked ever since. Every comic fan has wondered how his or her favorite hero would look on the silver screen, which is why we're such suckers for these movies...
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No, it doesn't. I'll take a back seat to no one as a rabid comic fan, not only growing up, but as an adult. Admittedly, I stepped away from the scene after losing my life savings trying to make a go with my comic shop, but believe me, being a comic fan growing up has nothing to do with it. Nor is your comment about every fan picturing their favorite in the movies true. I never cared, because to me movies and comics are completely seperate media, and I realize that what's magical about comics doesn't translate properly into movies.