It can be trying to be a comic book fan, or a fan of just about anything I suppose, from baseball to Broadway musicals. We often wear our passions on our t-shirts, license plates and coffee mugs, displayed for all the world to see and acknowledge.

But often that acknowledgement comes in unwanted forms. For instance, recently my mother-in-law was in the grocery store wearing her Pittsburgh Steelers jacket. It’s a very nice coat featuring patches for each of the team’s Super Bowl wins. However, she said there were no less than three different people who accosted her (her words) in admiration of the jacket. One apparently bullied his way through the check-out line as she was making her purchase, interrupting her to say how much he liked her jacket, wanting to know where she got it and for how much.

Had it been me, I would have replied, “Thanks very much, but I’m kind of in the middle of conducting business here.”

Granted, the intention is well-meant, but a little common sense goes a long way.

I myself suffered a similar experience while wearing a Tintin t-shirt. A young man said to me, “Did you know there’s a new movie coming out?”

Well, as a Tintin fan, that would be the sort of thing I keep up with. I answered. “Yes. I knew it about it two years ago when they announced it.”

“No, no. It’s a new movie. It’s animated.”

“Yes, I know. Two years ago when they announced they were going to make it, I read about it online.”

“No, it’s not the old animated TV show. Spielberg is directing it.”

“I understand. But they don’t make movies that quickly. I was aware of it while it was in production, and saw the previews when they were released online.”

“No, it’s a brand new movie, supposed to be out in a month or so.”

Exasperated, I simply told him what I should have said to begin with: “Yes, I know about the movie.”

What do you get the person who has everything Spider-Man related?

But it reminded me all those incidents as a kid, when an aunt or uncle came to visit around Christmas and wanting to get me something, they asked my parents for ideas. Upon learning I was a big comic book fan, I ended up with any number of items – toys, lunch boxes, school supplies and God-knows-what-else – featuring whatever super-hero they could stumble across. Never was much of an Incredible Hulk fan, but I had a notebook binder. “Hulk Smash (my fingers in the rings)!”

So as a helpful hint to all those out there wishing to indulge the comic book (or whatever) fan on the holiday gift-giving list, bear in mind that it’s the thought that counts. Which means if you have a Star Trek fan to buy for, DO NOT buy him or her the complete movie collection on DVD. Chances are, as a fan, they already have it.

The Blues Brothers, done Lego style

Instead, try to go for something a little more unique, such as an autographed photo of their favorite Star Trek captain. Or, maybe try to combine their interests. If they love cars as much as they love movies, maybe a model of a specific movie vehicle would be welcomed, such as the Bluesmobile or James Bond’s Aston Martin.

If you’re stumped, I recommend you troll ebay for ideas. Not that you should necessarily buy something you find, but it might inspire you for a new idea.

It’s just an idea. Like I said, it’s the thought that counts.

Praise and adulation? Scorn and ridicule? E-mail me at philip@comicbookbin.com