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I've noticed JB say something along these lines a few times. I had not really deconstructed my dissatisfaction with modern superhero comics, but the more I've thought about it lately, I think he is right on target. (After looking up the word "ennui", I know he is right!) To be honest, as a comic reader since the early 70's, I knew that of course I had changed/grown over the years, but I still enjoyed reading comics, or at least mostly did. I grew disenchanted with some of the "freedoms" given to the writers that took existing characters in directions that (for me at least) made them exclusively more of a club for long time readers who want their characters to "grow up" with them.
I don't mind, and in fact hope for, more mature (in the best sense of the word) material, but let that be with characters of their own creation. I don't need Luke Cage having anal sex in a Marvel comic. For me, Luke Cage is still that guy that exists in a PG world fighting Spider-Man & drawn by Romita Sr. or is pals with Iron Fist, by JB and Dan Green.
I have only recently re-discovered this site after being away for a few years, but I've really enjoyed "catching up" reading some of the threads and especially looking at the commissions. And the truth is that I have had far more "Wow" and "Cooool" moments the last few months clicking on each of the JB commissions than I have the last few years of reading comics. Sincerely--no flattery to JB here--opening up each of his commissions, sketches, even single character/no background commissions---it has been like discovering a treasure chest of what I have loved about comics. His illustrations evoke some of the most fun ideas for stories---stories that would work for kids and adults alike if done right. So maybe I actually have found a new outlet for the old comics fan in me--this site.

Sorry for the longwindedness---guess this topic hit me pretty strong.

John Byrne wrote: These are the ennui-engorged fanboys who have pretty much ruined the game, since they have largely taken over the PRODUCTION of the work, as well as the consumption. One of the signature characteristics of these pinheads is that they have lost all connection to the fans they themselves used to be. They have forgotten what it was that drew them into fandom in the first place -- and you can be sure it wasn't the constant disruption of the status quo. Illusion of change demands a very careful balance being maintained, like walking a tightrope. It also helps if the readers don't hang around longer than they are supposed to. (How can you tell when it's been too long? When the basic conceits of the form generate in you a sigh of annoyance rather than a smile of recognition.) Cast this thinking into other forms. "O My God! Why does LAW & ORDER have to ALWAYS be about some crime having been committed? Can't they do something ORIGINAL?"

Law & Order is an excellent example of episodic television, "one and done" tales.   You can watch an hour show and feel like you got one complete, if short, story.   I had the experience a few nights ago watching a few episodes of Star Trek: The Next Generation my son had recorded on DVR on a SiFy marathon.   One episode, the ship produces a new life form from nodes that coalesce from various ship systems that moves on with its life after causing various complications.   Another, Worf is moving through parallel changing universes and is the only one who notices reality altering.   Both episodes, hell every episode, you are left pretty much right back where you started.   All set up for the next episode.   Watch them in any order, they are equally enjoyable.

Now I know you are not as much of a fan of the Next Generation series as the original, Mr. Byrne.   Just my time period that that is the show I am the more familiar with.   My loss.   Someday I'll see all the original series episodes.   Original series probably exemplifies the concept as well or better than TNG.   Law & Order is the best mainstream non-nerd example.   TNG is a great example probably highly familiar to many here on the forum.

Anyway, how about this one?   "Oh my god!   Why does Star Trek always have to be about some hour-long space adventure epidode?   Can't they do something original and different?   Mature?   Maybe throw in a few F-bombs?"

Your friends didn't realize he was fictional?

Wait... What are you saying, Brian? That Superman is... Wait. What??

He got better.

Well, I suppose being on life support since the early nineties is better than being dead...