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There are some really solid litmus tests to see exactly what level of engagement a comic reader has. That was one of the first questions I asked when selling comics: "what did you like about [x comic]?" Spoiler alert, general engagement is L O W.
Here's an example: I could sell Prison School to a serious comic snob looking for something with rich, deep analytical value. I could also sell it to someone looking for boobs, even though Hiramoto spends 28 volumes making fun of those fans to their faces.
And I'll tell you right now, if someone came in using Watchmen as the example of something they like, 99% of the time I'd sell them some schlock that tries to be deeper than it is. There are a few titles I'd do that with.
(Rest assured it would be quality schlock. I avoided selling garbage as much as possible.)
You can also apply this idea to the people selling you comics, too. It really works both ways. Maybe I'll make a list of red flags at some point, idk.
Final thought: it's a shame Johnny the Homicidal Maniac, by virtue of Goths disappearing as a sub-culture, is a relic of the past now. Hearing Goth kids squee in delight about how Jhonen just gets them was endlessly amusing.
