A poll of CBR member ages on the DC Forum got me wondering about something. How varied is the experience you grew up with as a comic fan?

Some of us grew up in times when most teachers seemed determined to stamp comics reading out, and bullying jocks seemed determined to stamp comics readers out. These days, the comics provide the IP of some of the most valuable franchises in Hollywood's history. I've got to think that makes for a very different experience than in times past. So what was it like for you?