This should be the top comment for the GP. To a very good approximation all pursuits of all adults are fundamentally rubbish in a childish level. Just as an example, I think it is widely accepted that following sports is a decent way for a proper adult to spend their time. Like...what? Seriously, you call e.g. watching other people driving in circles competing who is fastest as a serious, non-rubbish adult-like way to spend time? (Okay, I agree, it may be fun. But so are all the other pursuits to whoever pursue them, so no difference there.)

Of course not. Devoting yourself to watching sports is equally a waste of time.

But playing sport leads to all kinds of benefits like getting exercise, socializing and developing bonds with others, overcoming adversity, fresh air, a feeling of increasing mastery over time.

I imagine writing and drawing comics would have similar mental health benefits (if not the exercise and fresh air).

The problem for many of us (myself included) is consuming vs. producing.

I produce enough shit when working. I don't need to constantly produce. The idea that I should always be doing something "of value" is toxic and soul crushing. If I want to produce something in my non-work time that's my choice. It's also my choice if I just want to read a comic book. I work to live, not live to work.

Frankly, I personally and subjectively agree with you more than you might guess. But objectively... I do not quite see why our "feeling of increasing mastery" of kicking around a rubber ball is somehow more "adult" or "beneficial" or otherwise superior to the thrill of reading a comic book.

Creating instead of consuming.