Today's comics readers tend to have been collectors for a significant period of time, in many case decades. The readers of old did not stick around so long, so they didn't often have the chance to get disillusioned and complain when characters and stories started to go in different directions.  That being said, the younger comics readers aren't as grumpy as the old and they are more willing to accept and enjoy new styles, new themes, and new storytelling.  I ran a few cons about 12 yea