I think everything but hockey gets lumped into 2nd Place on HI, which is totally fine. I seriously don't think it's a secret that we all use other sites as well. I'm also for getting more comic action 'round here since I'm a recent convert. So, some random thoughts...
I'll also stick my neck out there and openly admit the world of comics is very intimidating. There seems to be a little bit of elitism sometimes. I'm not referring to anyone here by any means, just a vibe that I've picked up on at the local shop and a show or two.
I know I have literally just scratched the surface when it comes to longstanding comic collectors like yourself, Scott. I can't tell you who my favorite artist or writer is, and maybe "true" fans may frown upon that, but I usually stick with the more mainstream stuff anyway and go with the titles and characters that I'm familiar with.
I personally think threads like your initial one on Locke & Key was great. It exposed me to a title I had not heard of, and started getting me looking at the non-Marvel/non-DC part of the racks at my local comic shop. I've since picked up Transhuman and A Red Mass for Mars (at the local shop's suggestion), and may look at The Sword or Sky Doll.
One of the many great things about comics is that you can easily throw your hat in the ring with a new title. Say you end up not liking it. Well you're out a whole $4 or less.
I am a firm believer in the idea that the comic section needs to be beefed up a little before attracting new users. Maybe start with a couple of stickies:
-publishers (DC and Marvel obviously, but the smaller ones like Devil's Due or IDW Publishing, for example)
-a comic FAQ
-common useful sites (not other message boards, but good blogs or news sites, Wizard, etc.)
We can also have periodic "favorite" threads--character, villain, cover. Something more on the surface where maybe people (like me) don't have to figure out favorite writers, as an example, since not a lot of us are quite at that level (yet!).
