Sequart Organization » Julian Darius

Sequart Releases Waxing and Waning: Essays on Moon Knight

Julian Darius — Mon, 27 Nov 2023 12:53:01 +0000

Sequart is proud to announce the publication of Waxing and Waning: Essays on Moon Knight, edited by Scott Weatherly. Since Moon Knight first appeared as a villain in 1975, he’s spent the decades shifting and… [more]

Sequart Releases Unauthorized Offworld Activation: Exploring the Stargate Franchise

Julian Darius — Tue, 17 May 2022 01:38:09 +0000

Sequart is proud to announce the publication of Unauthorized Offworld Activation: Exploring the Stargate Franchise, edited by Rich Handley and Joseph Dilworth, Jr. In 1928, an archeological dig in Giza, Egypt, unearthed a giant ring and… [more]

Sequart Releases Why Do We Fall?: Examining Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight Trilogy

Julian Darius — Fri, 18 Feb 2022 08:53:16 +0000

Sequart is proud to announce the publication of Why Do We Fall?: Examining Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight Trilogy, by David Hernando. The Dark Knight Trilogy, composed of Batman Begins (2005), The Dark Knight (2008) and The Dark Knight… [more]

Sequart Releases Judging Dredd: Examining the World of Judge Dredd

Julian Darius — Wed, 07 Jul 2021 18:36:17 +0000

Sequart is proud to announce the publication of Judging Dredd: Examining the World of Judge Dredd, edited by Scott Weatherly. In 1977, future lawman Judge Dredd roared onto the pages of 2000AD and quickly became a fan… [more]

Sequart Releases How to Analyze & Review Comics

Julian Darius — Fri, 25 Jun 2021 13:00:46 +0000

How to Analyze & Review Comics" title="Sequart Releases How to Analyze & Review Comics" style="float:left;" />Sequart is proud to announce the publication of How to Analyze & Review Comics: A Handbook on Comics Criticism, edited by Forrest C. Helvie. Although comics press and criticism has risen in recent years, the… [more]

Sequart Releases Musings on Monsters: Observations on the World of Classic Horror

Julian Darius — Fri, 23 Oct 2020 16:57:14 +0000

Sequart is proud to announce the publication of Musings on Monsters: Observations on the World of Classic Horror, edited by Rich Handley and Lou Tambone. As children, we fall in love with monsters, and age often… [more]

Sequart Releases From Bayou to Abyss: Examining John Constantine, Hellblazer

Julian Darius — Fri, 05 Jun 2020 13:00:22 +0000

From Bayou to Abyss: Examining John Constantine, Hellblazer" title="Sequart Releases From Bayou to Abyss: Examining John Constantine, Hellblazer" style="float:left;" />Sequart is proud to announce the publication of From Bayou to Abyss: Examining John Constantine, Hellblazer, edited by Rich Handley and Lou Tambone. British occultist John Constantine elevated Alan Moore’s Swamp Thing, and it wasn’t long before… [more]

Sequart Releases The Mignolaverse: Hellboy and the Comics Art of Mike Mignola

Julian Darius — Mon, 04 Mar 2019 14:00:42 +0000

The Mignolaverse: Hellboy and the Comics Art of Mike Mignola" title="Sequart Releases The Mignolaverse: Hellboy and the Comics Art of Mike Mignola" style="float:left;" />Sequart is proud to announce the publication of The Mignolaverse: Hellboy and the Comics Art of Mike Mignola, edited by S.G. Hammond. In 1993, Mike Mignola debuted Hellboy, beginning a universe that would expand to include… [more]

Sequart Releases Time is a Flat Circle: Examining True Detective, Season One

Julian Darius — Sun, 13 Jan 2019 12:54:05 +0000

Time is a Flat Circle: Examining True Detective, Season One" title="Sequart Releases Time is a Flat Circle: Examining True Detective, Season One" style="float:left;" />Just in time for tonight’s season-three debut, Sequart is proud to announce the publication of Time is a Flat Circle: Examining True Detective, Season One, by Melissa Milazzo. When it premiered in 2014, the first season… [more]

Sequart Releases Somewhere Beyond the Heavens: Exploring Battlestar Galactica

Julian Darius — Thu, 20 Dec 2018 13:00:02 +0000

Somewhere Beyond the Heavens: Exploring Battlestar Galactica" title="Sequart Releases Somewhere Beyond the Heavens: Exploring Battlestar Galactica" style="float:left;" />Sequart is proud to announce the publication of Somewhere Beyond the Heavens: Exploring Battlestar Galactica, edited by Rich Handley and Lou Tambone. Glen A. Larson’s Battlestar Galactica only lasted for a single season, yet it earned its… [more]

Sequart Releases The Cyberpunk Nexus: Exploring the Blade Runner Universe

Julian Darius — Sun, 15 Jul 2018 12:00:45 +0000

The Cyberpunk Nexus: Exploring the Blade Runner Universe" title="Sequart Releases The Cyberpunk Nexus: Exploring the Blade Runner Universe" style="float:left;" />Sequart is proud to announce the publication of The Cyberpunk Nexus: Exploring the Blade Runner Universe, edited by Lou Tambone and Joe Bongiorno. In 1982, a new benchmark was set for science-fiction film with the release… [more]

It’s Sequart’s Fifth Annual Sci-Fi Week!

Julian Darius — Sun, 10 Dec 2017 12:00:02 +0000

Coinciding with this week’s release of Star Wars: The Last Jedi, Sequart is celebrating its fifth annual Sci-Fi Week! All this week, we’ll be running content focusing on sci-fi comics and popular culture. Sequart ran… [more]

Sequart Releases A More Civilized Age: Exploring the Star Wars Expanded Universe

Julian Darius — Mon, 27 Nov 2017 16:00:11 +0000

A More Civilized Age: Exploring the Star Wars Expanded Universe" title="Sequart Releases A More Civilized Age: Exploring the Star Wars Expanded Universe" style="float:left;" />Sequart is proud to announce the publication of A More Civilized Age: Exploring the Star Wars Expanded Universe, edited by Rich Handley and Joseph F. Berenato. Almost as soon as there were Star Wars films, there were Star… [more]

Free Sequart Book, Today Only, on Kickstarter

Julian Darius — Mon, 20 Nov 2017 13:03:01 +0000

To encourage pledges to the new Kickstarter for Lazarus, the Forever Man #1, we’re offering an incentive: a free PDF of our book analyzing Jack Kirby’s bizarre comics continuation of 2001: A Space Odyssey! The book is 90… [more]

Sequart Releases Moving Target: The History and Evolution of Green Arrow

Julian Darius — Mon, 14 Aug 2017 14:39:12 +0000

Moving Target: The History and Evolution of Green Arrow" title="Sequart Releases Moving Target: The History and Evolution of Green Arrow" style="float:left;" />Sequart is proud to announce the publication of Moving Target: The History and Evolution of Green Arrow, by Richard Gray. For 75 years, Green Arrow has been a part of the DC Comics world, working… [more]

Go See Valerian

Julian Darius — Sat, 22 Jul 2017 02:28:52 +0000

Valerian" title="Go See Valerian" style="float:left;" />I fell in love with Valerian in the first ten minutes, and I never got over it. Let me explain — it’s not a serious spoiler. We start with human exploration of space, jumping forward,… [more]

It’s Wonder Woman Week at Sequart!

Julian Darius — Sun, 28 May 2017 11:00:06 +0000

Coinciding with this week’s release of Wonder Woman, the character’s first theatrical motion picture in her long history, Sequart is celebrating Wonder Woman Week! All this week, we’ll be running content focusing on Wonder Woman.… [more]

Sequart Releases Bright Eyes, Ape City: Examining the Planet of the Apes Mythos

Julian Darius — Mon, 13 Mar 2017 11:00:34 +0000

Bright Eyes, Ape City: Examining the Planet of the Apes Mythos" title="Sequart Releases Bright Eyes, Ape City: Examining the Planet of the Apes Mythos" style="float:left;" />Sequart is proud to announce the publication of Bright Eyes, Ape City: Examining the Planet of the Apes Mythos, edited by Rich Handley and Joseph F. Berenato. “A planet where apes evolved from men?” With… [more]

On the 50th Anniversary of The Velvet Underground and Nico

Julian Darius — Sun, 12 Mar 2017 22:02:19 +0000

The Velvet Underground and Nico" title="On the 50th Anniversary of The Velvet Underground and Nico" style="float:left;" />The first album of the Velvet Underground, The Velvet Underground and Nico, was released, after a long delay, 50 years ago today. It’s hard to find words adequate to express what a landmark event this… [more]

The Metabarons Series Returns to Form in Newest Volume

Julian Darius — Sat, 04 Mar 2017 21:41:50 +0000

Metabarons Series Returns to Form in Newest Volume" title="The Metabarons Series Returns to Form in Newest Volume" style="float:left;" />Warning: this review contains spoilers for the current volume and the entire Metabarons series. It’s fair to say that Metabarons has now eclipsed Incal as the most famous Jodorowsky-penned sci-fi epic, at least in the… [more]

Sequart Releases Humans and Paragons: Essays on Super-Hero Justice

Julian Darius — Mon, 02 Jan 2017 12:00:38 +0000

Humans and Paragons: Essays on Super-Hero Justice" title="Sequart Releases Humans and Paragons: Essays on Super-Hero Justice" style="float:left;" />Sequart is proud to announce the publication of Humans and Paragons: Essays on Super-Hero Justice, edited by Ian Boucher. Super-heroes, said to represent justice, have saturated popular culture at a time when the American criminal… [more]

Why I Admire Rogue One

Julian Darius — Wed, 21 Dec 2016 11:52:44 +0000

Rogue One" title="Why I Admire Rogue One" style="float:left;" />First, a warning: here there be spoilers. Seriously, spoilers. Spoilers… Okay? Still here? Good. Let me start by admitting that Rogue One is an imperfect movie. Ian Dawe has done his usual excellent job talking… [more]

It’s Sequart’s Fourth Annual Sci-Fi Week!

Julian Darius — Sun, 11 Dec 2016 12:00:02 +0000

Coinciding with this week’s release of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, Sequart is celebrating its fourth annual Sci-Fi Week! All this week, we’ll be running content focusing on sci-fi comics and popular culture. Sequart… [more]

Sequart Releases Book on Star Wars Comics

Julian Darius — Mon, 05 Dec 2016 13:00:30 +0000

Star Wars Comics" title="Sequart Releases Book on Star Wars Comics" style="float:left;" />Sequart is proud to announce the publication of A Galaxy Far, Far Away: Exploring Star Wars Comics, edited by Rich Handley and Joseph F. Berenato. After Star Wars hit theaters in 1977, the moviegoing experience was… [more]

Sequart Releases The Best There is at What He Does: Examining Chris Claremont’s X-Men

Julian Darius — Mon, 10 Oct 2016 11:00:16 +0000

The Best There is at What He Does: Examining Chris Claremont’s X-Men" title="Sequart Releases The Best There is at What He Does: Examining Chris Claremont’s X-Men" style="float:left;" />Sequart Organization is proud to announce the publication of The Best There is at What He Does: Examining Chris Claremont’s X-Men, by Jason Powell. The X-Men franchise is a sprawling comic-book mythology, to which hundreds… [more]

Sequart Releases The British Invasion

Julian Darius — Thu, 18 Aug 2016 23:50:05 +0000

The British Invasion" title="Sequart Releases The British Invasion" style="float:left;" />Sequart Organization is proud to announce the publication of The British Invasion: Alan Moore, Neil Gaiman, Grant Morrison, and the Invention of the Modern Comic Book Writer, by Greg Carpenter. Moore. Gaiman. Morrison. They came from… [more]

John Linton Roberson: The Sequart Interview, Part 2

Julian Darius — Thu, 11 Feb 2016 18:00:33 +0000

Yesterday, we began a career-spanning interview with John Linton Roberson, whose 100-page anthology This Sickness #8 is just out! If you haven’t read part 1, click here, and then come back here for part two.… [more]

John Linton Roberson: The Sequart Interview

Julian Darius — Wed, 10 Feb 2016 18:00:02 +0000

John Linton Roberson, whom I know from his contributions to Martian Lit, has a new 100-page anthology out, entitled This Sickness #8. He has long been on the forefront of self-publishing using new technologies, has… [more]

Star Wars: The Force Awakens Breaks Box-Office Records

Julian Darius — Mon, 21 Dec 2015 18:23:08 +0000

Star Wars: The Force Awakens Breaks Box-Office Records" title="Star Wars: The Force Awakens Breaks Box-Office Records" style="float:left;" />Star Wars: The Force Awakens took in an estimated $238 million domestically in its opening weekend. It’s the biggest opening weekend in history, besting Jurassic World, which set a new opening-weekend record with $208.8 million, earlier… [more]

The Crazy Star Wars Theory that Makes Sense of Everything

Julian Darius — Sat, 19 Dec 2015 18:00:52 +0000

Star Wars Theory that Makes Sense of Everything" title="The Crazy Star Wars Theory that Makes Sense of Everything" style="float:left;" />Watching both Star Wars trilogies, it’s hard not to notice the incongruities. The prequels are longer — and also bigger, with a cast of thousands and elaborate lightsaber battles. They feel different. The original trilogy features old-fashioned… [more]

It’s Sequart’s Third Annual Sci-Fi Week!

Julian Darius — Sun, 13 Dec 2015 12:00:16 +0000

Coinciding with this week’s release of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Sequart is celebrating its third annual Sci-Fi Week! All this week, we’ll be running content focusing on sci-fi comics and popular culture. Sequart ran… [more]

Sequart Announces Its Third Annual Sci-Fi Week

Julian Darius — Wed, 11 Nov 2015 13:00:47 +0000

On 14 December, Sequart will begin its third annual Sci-Fi Week, timed to coincide with that week’s release of Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Over the course of the week, Sequart will publish content focusing… [more]

Sequart Releases A Long Time Ago: Exploring the Star Wars Cinematic Universe

Julian Darius — Mon, 09 Nov 2015 13:00:16 +0000

A Long Time Ago: Exploring the Star Wars Cinematic Universe" title="Sequart Releases A Long Time Ago: Exploring the Star Wars Cinematic Universe" style="float:left;" />Sequart Organization is proud to announce the publication of A Long Time Ago: Exploring the Star Wars Cinematic Universe, edited by Rich Handley and Joseph F. Berenato. In 1977, the cinematic world was changed forever, thanks to… [more]

Sequart Releases The Sacred Scrolls: Comics on the Planet of the Apes

Julian Darius — Tue, 11 Aug 2015 17:00:49 +0000

The Sacred Scrolls: Comics on the Planet of the Apes" title="Sequart Releases The Sacred Scrolls: Comics on the Planet of the Apes" style="float:left;" />Sequart Organization is proud to announce the publication of The Sacred Scrolls: Comics on the Planet of the Apes, edited by Rich Handley and Joseph F. Berenato. Since the 1970s, the Planet of the Apes franchise has… [more]

Will Brooker on My So-Called Secret Identity Volume 2

Julian Darius — Mon, 08 Jun 2015 12:45:42 +0000

My So-Called Secret Identity Volume 2" title="Will Brooker on My So-Called Secret Identity Volume 2" style="float:left;" />With My So-Called Secret Identity Volume 2 now on Kickstarter, I thought it was time to talk to Dr. Will Brooker again about the series, including its innovative new Kickstarter campaign. DARIUS: My So-Called Secret… [more]

Why I’m Not Excited about a Revival of Twin Peaks

Julian Darius — Sun, 24 May 2015 11:00:50 +0000

Twin Peaks" title="Why I’m Not Excited about a Revival of Twin Peaks" style="float:left;" />Twin Peaks was a product of its time. Debuting in 1990, it was up against an awful lot of network TV nonsense. It was trailblazing in a lot of ways. But it simply doesn’t hold… [more]

What Classics on Infinite Earths Means to Me

Julian Darius — Tue, 05 May 2015 17:00:27 +0000

Classics on Infinite Earths Means to Me" title="What Classics on Infinite Earths Means to Me" style="float:left;" />I’ve been writing this book for ten years, and it’s hard to believe it’s finally done. At over 160,000 words, Classics on Infinite Earths is the longest book Sequart’s ever published. Flashback: it’s 2005, and… [more]

Avengers: Age of Ultron Has Second Biggest Opening Weekend Ever

Julian Darius — Mon, 04 May 2015 05:13:22 +0000

Avengers: Age of Ultron Has Second Biggest Opening Weekend Ever" title="Avengers: Age of Ultron Has Second Biggest Opening Weekend Ever" style="float:left;" />Avengers: Age of Ultron, directed by Joss Whedon, took in an estimated $187.7 million domestically through Sunday. Those who wish to spin this negatively will point out that this comes in under the first Avengers… [more]

Will Brooker on the Similarities Between My So-Called Secret Identity and the New Batgirl

Julian Darius — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 12:00:37 +0000

My So-Called Secret Identity and the New Batgirl" title="Will Brooker on the Similarities Between My So-Called Secret Identity and the New Batgirl" style="float:left;" />Dr. Will Brooker has published studies of comics and pop culture since his Batman Unmasked in 2001. In 2013, he launched the comic book My So-Called Secret Identity, which he writes. The series, illustrated by… [more]

On Escape from Tomorrow

Julian Darius — Sun, 08 Mar 2015 11:00:20 +0000

Escape from Tomorrow" title="On Escape from Tomorrow" style="float:left;" />If you’re going to launch your film career, shooting a wild movie at Disney World without permission isn’t a bad idea. That’s what first-time director Randy Moore’s Escape from Tomorrow (2013) is most known for. It’s… [more]

Sequart Releases Moving Panels: Translating Comics to Film

Julian Darius — Mon, 23 Feb 2015 13:30:10 +0000

Moving Panels: Translating Comics to Film" title="Sequart Releases Moving Panels: Translating Comics to Film" style="float:left;" />Sequart Organization is proud to announce the publication of Moving Panels: Translating Comics to Film, by Sequart site regular Logan Ludwig. Are comics just storyboards for films that would be too expensive to ever actually commit to… [more]

Sequart Releases The Future of Comics, the Future of Men: Matt Fraction’s Casanova

Julian Darius — Mon, 02 Feb 2015 15:00:45 +0000

The Future of Comics, the Future of Men: Matt Fraction’s Casanova" title="Sequart Releases The Future of Comics, the Future of Men: Matt Fraction’s Casanova" style="float:left;" />Sequart Organization is proud to announce the release of The Future of Comics, the Future of Men: Matt Fraction’s Casanova, authored by Geoff Klock (How to Read Superhero Comics and Why). Matt Fraction, Gabriel Bá,… [more]

On All-New Miracleman Annual #1

Julian Darius — Mon, 19 Jan 2015 13:00:34 +0000

All-New Miracleman Annual #1" title="On All-New Miracleman Annual #1" style="float:left;" />One of the oddities of Marvel finally reprinting Miracleman is the relative lack of interest it’s generated. We’re talking about a work regarded as being as important as Watchmen in super-hero comics history (and arguably even more… [more]

Sequart Organization is on Patreon

Julian Darius — Fri, 09 Jan 2015 13:00:16 +0000

Sequart Organization has launched a Patreon fundraising campaign. Comics and popular culture get more respect today than ever before. Yet they still lack a culture of smart criticism, and few are taking them seriously as legitimate… [more]

Krazy Kat Vs. Little Nemo

Julian Darius — Sun, 21 Dec 2014 13:30:48 +0000

Dichotomies are dangerous, though useful, monsters. As silly as debating the relative merits of Star Trek and Star Wars can be, these conversations inevitably probe our relative biases and also outline the vast set of… [more]

Cody Walker on Everland

Julian Darius — Tue, 16 Dec 2014 20:00:26 +0000

Everland" title="Cody Walker on Everland" style="float:left;" />Cody Walker has a long history with Sequart, having served as our webmaster and having produced multiple books for us, including one on Planetary and another on Grant Morrison’s Batman. We sat down to talk… [more]

It’s Newspaper Comics Week on Sequart!

Julian Darius — Sun, 14 Dec 2014 12:00:04 +0000

Coinciding with this week’s release of a remake of Annie, based on Little Orphan Annie comic strip begun in 1924, Sequart will be celebrating newspaper comics all this week. The history of comics as a medium… [more]

Giving Thanks

Julian Darius — Thu, 27 Nov 2014 13:00:50 +0000

I’m not one for turkey, mashed potatoes, and stuffing. I’m more a vindaloo guy. But I like the ritual of giving thanks. And on this Thanksgiving, I’d like most of all to thank you, Sequart’s… [more]

“Too Many Cooks” is a Sublime Postmodern Masterpiece

Julian Darius — Wed, 12 Nov 2014 19:00:49 +0000

One part parody, one part biting metafiction, “Too Many Cooks” is a sublime postmodern masterpiece. It’s an 11-minute special that aired on Adult Swim (Cartoon Network at night, if you really don’t know). Adult Swim… [more]

Interstellar Wows While Asking Big Questions

Julian Darius — Mon, 10 Nov 2014 18:00:09 +0000

Interstellar Wows While Asking Big Questions" title="Interstellar Wows While Asking Big Questions" style="float:left;" />Probably no director in the world successfully combines intelligence and artistic ambition with commercial success the way Christopher Nolan does. His movies often orbit around exactly the kind of high concepts Hollywood hates because they can’t… [more]

When Marvel Comics Adapted Blade Runner

Julian Darius — Sun, 09 Nov 2014 18:00:38 +0000

Blade Runner" title="When Marvel Comics Adapted Blade Runner" style="float:left;" />One of the most interesting movie adaptations published in Marvel Super Special was the adaptation of Ridley Scott’s 1982 film Blade Runner (Marvel Super Special #22, Sept 1982). The comic-book version was written by Archie… [more]

When Blade Runner Mixed with James Bond

Julian Darius — Fri, 07 Nov 2014 18:00:25 +0000

Blade Runner Mixed with James Bond" title="When Blade Runner Mixed with James Bond" style="float:left;" />In 1977, Marvel Comics launched Marvel Super Special (officially titled Marvel Comics Super Special for its first four issues). Long before graphic novels became routine, Marvel Super Special offered magazine-size graphic novellas, generally containing a… [more]

How Star Wars Broke Cinema

Julian Darius — Tue, 04 Nov 2014 21:07:29 +0000

Star Wars Broke Cinema" title="How Star Wars Broke Cinema" style="float:left;" />There’s a scene in The Empire Strikes Back that epitomizes what’s wrong with cinema (and comics) today. Han Solo and company have fled in the Millennium Falcon, and they head into an asteroid field. It’s… [more]

It’s Sci-Fi Week 2 on Sequart!

Julian Darius — Sun, 02 Nov 2014 12:00:44 +0000

Sequart will be celebrating this week’s release of Chris Nolan’s Interstellar with a week of content focusing on sci-fi comics and popular culture. This is Sequart’s second annual Sci-Fi Week. Sequart ran its first Sci-Fi… [more]

New Life and New Civilizations is Available for Order by Comics Shops

Julian Darius — Tue, 14 Oct 2014 22:12:44 +0000

New Life and New Civilizations is Available for Order by Comics Shops" title="New Life and New Civilizations is Available for Order by Comics Shops" style="float:left;" />New Life and New Civilizations: Exploring Star Trek Comics, edited by Joseph F. Berenato, is now available for order through Diamond Comics Distributors. New Life and New Civilizations is listed in the book section of… [more]

Sequart Turns 18

Julian Darius — Wed, 10 Sep 2014 17:00:02 +0000

On 18 August, Sequart turned 18. And we were so busy that we didn’t notice! Thank you to all of our readers, writers, and friends. It’s been a wild ride, and it’s only just beginning!… [more]

The Anatomy of Zur-en-Arrh is Available for Order by Comics Shops

Julian Darius — Tue, 09 Sep 2014 20:30:17 +0000

The Anatomy of Zur-en-Arrh is Available for Order by Comics Shops" title="The Anatomy of Zur-en-Arrh is Available for Order by Comics Shops" style="float:left;" />Cody Walker’s The Anatomy of Zur-en-Arrh: Understanding Grant Morrison’s Batman is now available for order through Diamond Comics Distributors. The Anatomy of Zur-en-Arrh is listed in the book section of the current Previews catalog. You… [more]

Sequart Releases New Life and New Civilizations, on Star Trek Comics

Julian Darius — Tue, 26 Aug 2014 17:00:23 +0000

New Life and New Civilizations, on Star Trek Comics" title="Sequart Releases New Life and New Civilizations, on Star Trek Comics" style="float:left;" />Sequart Organization is proud to announce the release of New Life and New Civilizations: Exploring Star Trek Comics, edited by Joseph F. Berenato. On 8 September 1966, visionary futurist Gene Roddenberry introduced the world to… [more]

It’s Jack Kirby Week at Sequart!

Julian Darius — Sun, 24 Aug 2014 11:00:32 +0000

In celebration of what would have been Jack Kirby’s 97th birthday on 28 August, Sequart will be publishing content related to Kirby all this week. Sequart uses themed weeks as a way of celebrating popular… [more]

We are the Candy Bars of Pop Culture: Guardians of the Galaxy Broke Something in Me

Julian Darius — Sun, 03 Aug 2014 13:00:58 +0000

Guardians of the Galaxy Broke Something in Me" title="We are the Candy Bars of Pop Culture: Guardians of the Galaxy Broke Something in Me" style="float:left;" />I just can’t take it anymore. I know we’re in a new age of Hollywood spectacle, in which intelligence is largely relegated to a few TV shows, and viewers feel there’s no point shelling out… [more]

It’s Comics Artists Week at Sequart!

Julian Darius — Sun, 13 Jul 2014 11:00:14 +0000

For no other reason than it needs to be done, all this week Sequart will be publishing content spotlighting comics artists. Comics criticism tends to focus on writers as the dominant visionaries of comics production. And… [more]

Sequart Releases Diagram for Delinquents

Julian Darius — Mon, 07 Jul 2014 10:00:56 +0000

Diagram for Delinquents" title="Sequart Releases Diagram for Delinquents" style="float:left;" />Sequart Organization is proud to announce the release of Diagram for Delinquents, the documentary film about Fredric Wertham, directed by Robert A. Emmons, Jr. In 1950, America was in a state of panic. Juvenile delinquency… [more]

An Apology to Pam Noles

Julian Darius — Fri, 04 Jul 2014 04:53:05 +0000

Early this year, I wrote an analysis of an interview Alan Moore did with Pádraig Ó Méalóid. One day after it went live, I learned that the “Batman scholar” referenced in the interview (whom I’d… [more]

Optimus Prime, Pedophile

Julian Darius — Sat, 28 Jun 2014 11:00:43 +0000

Did you know that the beloved leader of the Autobots had a fetish for underage girls? Or that a Megatron look-alike not only shared the same fetish, but repeatedly tried to rape those girls? Or that… [more]

When the Good Guys Deserted: On the Blaster Saga, Conclusion

Julian Darius — Fri, 27 Jun 2014 18:00:30 +0000

Continued from yesterday. The following American issue — #37 (Feb 1988), also by Budiansky, Delbo, Akin, and Garvey — follows up on the Throttlebots plot. It also features Ratbat and the Earth-bound Decepticons, who haven’t… [more]

Why “Man of Iron” May Be the Best Transformers Story Ever Told, Conclusion

Julian Darius — Fri, 27 Jun 2014 15:00:46 +0000

Continued from Wednesday. As the final chapter of “Man of Iron” begins, the British military has unearthed a portion of the side of the buried spacecraft. It’s now clear that the hill in question formed… [more]

Why I Dig the Transformers Movies, Part 3: Dark of the Moon (2011)

Julian Darius — Fri, 27 Jun 2014 11:00:06 +0000

Dark of the Moon (2011)" title="Why I Dig the Transformers Movies, Part 3: Dark of the Moon (2011)" style="float:left;" />Continued from yesterday. Despite its strange title, Dark of the Moon represented a return to form for the series and managed to push both its human and Transformers plots into brave new territory. We’ve looked… [more]

When the Good Guys Deserted: On the Blaster Saga, Part 4

Julian Darius — Thu, 26 Jun 2014 17:00:53 +0000

Continued from yesterday. Issue #36 (Jan 1988) doesn’t only mark the conclusion (such as it was) of the Blaster saga. It also marked the one-year anniversary of the death of Optimus Prime — a year… [more]

Transformers: Headmasters and Cycles of Violence

Julian Darius — Thu, 26 Jun 2014 13:00:15 +0000

Transformers: Headmasters and Cycles of Violence" title="Transformers: Headmasters and Cycles of Violence" style="float:left;" />When the Headmasters toys debuted, Marvel’s Transformers comic was selling well, in part due to the excitement surrounding 1986′s Transformers: The Movie. And so the Headmasters got to debut not in the monthly Transformers comic but… [more]

Why I Dig the Transformers Movies, Part 2: Revenge of the Fallen (2009)

Julian Darius — Thu, 26 Jun 2014 11:00:07 +0000

Revenge of the Fallen (2009)" title="Why I Dig the Transformers Movies, Part 2: Revenge of the Fallen (2009)" style="float:left;" />Continued from yesterday. Say what you want about the Transformers sequels — and I’ll say plenty of good and bad things below. They were directed by the original movie’s director, Michael Bay, executive produced by… [more]

When the Good Guys Deserted: On the Blaster Saga, Part 3

Julian Darius — Wed, 25 Jun 2014 20:00:54 +0000

Continued from yesterday. You might think that, after issue #32, Blaster would reconnect with the Throttlebots. But that never happens — at least not on-panel. When the story picks up again in issue #35 (Dec… [more]

Why “Man of Iron” May Be the Best Transformers Story Ever Told, Part 2

Julian Darius — Wed, 25 Jun 2014 17:00:22 +0000

Continued from Monday. As the second chapter begins, Sammy wakes from a dream and walks onto his roof, where he sees an extraterrestrial craft pass overhead. It’s a creepy sequence, and it has far more… [more]

Why I Dig the Transformers Movies

Julian Darius — Wed, 25 Jun 2014 11:00:34 +0000

It’s become kind of fashionable to mock the Tranformers movies. In large part, that’s due to their director, Michael Bay, who’s got a reputation for big explosions and superficial plots. When someone wants to mock… [more]

When the Good Guys Deserted: On the Blaster Saga, Part 2

Julian Darius — Tue, 24 Jun 2014 20:00:16 +0000

Continued from yesterday. Issue #30 (July 1987) — also by Budiansky, Perlin, Akin, and Garvey — continues the story, but begins in an unorthodox fashion: by introducing the Throttlebots on Cybertron. The Throttlebots were small… [more]

Unicron Vs. Galactus: Battle of the Planet-Eaters!

Julian Darius — Tue, 24 Jun 2014 17:00:33 +0000

When coming up with villains, you usually want someone who poses a real threat to the story’s heroes. Few things are as important to a story as making the conflict seem like something’s at stake.… [more]

When the Transformers Got Religion (in Transformers: The Movie)

Julian Darius — Tue, 24 Jun 2014 11:00:07 +0000

Transformers: The Movie)" title="When the Transformers Got Religion (in Transformers: The Movie)" style="float:left;" />There are a lot of reasons why Transformers: The Movie was revolutionary, when it was released in 1986. Its level of animation was spectacular for anything but a Disney film. Akira hadn’t yet been released,… [more]

When the Good Guys Deserted: On the Blaster Saga

Julian Darius — Mon, 23 Jun 2014 20:00:23 +0000

In 1986′s Transformers: The Movie, set in 2005, both the Autobots and Decepticons got new leaders. Marvel Comics adapted the movie as a three-issue mini-series, but the main comic book didn’t leap forward to 2006,… [more]

Why “Man of Iron” May Be the Best Transformers Story Ever Told

Julian Darius — Mon, 23 Jun 2014 17:00:19 +0000

When Transformers debuted from Marvel Comics in the U.S., it was originally a bimonthly four-issue mini-series, but it was so successful that it got extended. After a three-month pause between issues #4 (Mar 1985) and… [more]

When “Tales of Cybertron” Explored the Transformers’ Backstory

Julian Darius — Mon, 23 Jun 2014 11:00:20 +0000

The original Transformers comic in the U.K. was augmented by hardcover annuals, beginning with Transformers Annual 1986 (published in late 1985). These annuals generally included several short stories, some in the comics format and others… [more]

It’s Transformers Week on Sequart!

Julian Darius — Sun, 22 Jun 2014 11:00:37 +0000

In celebration of the release of Transformers: Age of Extinction, Sequart will be publishing content related to the Transformers all this week. From their initial “Generation 1″ cartoon, toys, and comic book in the 1980s,… [more]

Sequart Announces Meet the Magus: Magic in the Work of Alan Moore

Julian Darius — Wed, 18 Jun 2014 15:00:06 +0000

Meet the Magus: Magic in the Work of Alan Moore" title="Sequart Announces Meet the Magus: Magic in the Work of Alan Moore" style="float:left;" />Sequart is proud to announce that it will publish Meet the Magus: Magic in the Work of Alan Moore, authored by Dr. Hannah Means-Shannon. Meet the Magus: Magic in the Work of Alan Moore explores… [more]

Sequart Releases The Anatomy of Zur-en-Arrh: Understanding Grant Morrison’s Batman

Julian Darius — Mon, 16 Jun 2014 15:00:26 +0000

The Anatomy of Zur-en-Arrh: Understanding Grant Morrison’s Batman" title="Sequart Releases The Anatomy of Zur-en-Arrh: Understanding Grant Morrison’s Batman" style="float:left;" />Sequart Organization is proud to announce the publication of The Anatomy of Zur-en-Arrh: Understanding Grant Morrison’s Batman, by Cody Walker. Grant Morrison has made a career of redefining heroes, but his work with Batman has… [more]

Manga Make-Up Hits U.S.

Julian Darius — Tue, 10 Jun 2014 14:00:01 +0000

It’s sadly rare that we have an occasion to talk about make-up on Sequart. But then, it’s rare that a brand as big as l’Oréal Paris has a line named after comics. The new line… [more]

Last Week Tonight is Mandatory Viewing

Julian Darius — Mon, 09 Jun 2014 17:00:07 +0000

Last Week Tonight is Mandatory Viewing" title="Last Week Tonight is Mandatory Viewing" style="float:left;" />When Last Week Tonight was announced, given John Oliver’s past work as a fill-in host and a correspondent for The Daily Show, it was easy to see Last Week Tonight as a Daily Show clone… only aired… [more]

Bryan Cranston Calls Breaking Bad Finale into Question

Julian Darius — Thu, 05 Jun 2014 14:00:08 +0000

Breaking Bad Finale into Question" title="Bryan Cranston Calls Breaking Bad Finale into Question" style="float:left;" />In an interview with Ashleigh Banfield on CNN, Bryan Cranston has called the ending of Breaking Bad into question. Needless to say, this has spoilers for those who haven’t finished watching the show. If you’ve… [more]

What is Electricomics? Right Now, It’s an Illustration of Comics “Journalism”

Julian Darius — Fri, 30 May 2014 18:00:15 +0000

Over the previous few days, virtually every comics site has covered the announcement that Alan Moore’s creating a new app which will somehow revolutionize digital comics. It’s called “Electricomics,” and it’s been reported as both… [more]

Charlie Cox is Daredevil

Julian Darius — Wed, 28 May 2014 09:29:02 +0000

Marvel has confirmed the rumors that Charlie Cox has been cast as Daredevil in the upcoming Netflix series, scheduled to run 13 episodes in 2015. Cox is best known for playing Tristan Thorne in the… [more]

Why Edgar Wright Leaving Ant-Man is a Big Deal

Julian Darius — Wed, 28 May 2014 05:44:30 +0000

Ant-Man is a Big Deal" title="Why Edgar Wright Leaving Ant-Man is a Big Deal" style="float:left;" />On Friday, news broke that Edgar Wright was leaving as director of Marvel’s Ant-Man film, which he’d long helmed and represented to the public. Wright is probably best known for 2004′s Shawn of the Dead. That… [more]

What X-Men: Days of Future Past’s Opening Weekend Means

Julian Darius — Tue, 27 May 2014 06:48:46 +0000

X-Men: Days of Future Past’s Opening Weekend Means" title="What X-Men: Days of Future Past’s Opening Weekend Means" style="float:left;" />X-Men: Days of Future Past scored an estimated $91.4 million domestically over the three-day weekend, or an estimated $111 million including Monday, the Memorial Day holiday. In the X-Men movie franchise, only X-Men: The Last… [more]

Grant Morrison’s 9/11: New X-Men’s “Ambient Magnetic Fields”

Julian Darius — Sat, 24 May 2014 11:00:03 +0000

New X-Men’s “Ambient Magnetic Fields”" title="Grant Morrison’s 9/11: New X-Men’s “Ambient Magnetic Fields”" style="float:left;" />Grant Morrison’s New X-Men debuted in 2001, about five months before 9/11. New X-Men came at an interesting time in American comics history. Marvel was being reinvigorated under Joe Quesada, radically upping its storytelling and… [more]

With Days of Future Past Released, Where Does Fox’s Cinematic Universe Stand?

Julian Darius — Sat, 24 May 2014 02:09:39 +0000

Days of Future Past Released, Where Does Fox’s Cinematic Universe Stand?" title="With Days of Future Past Released, Where Does Fox’s Cinematic Universe Stand?" style="float:left;" />With the release of Days of Future Past, it’s time to reassess how Fox’s X-Men movie universe is progressing — and what it needs to do, if it’s going to be able to mount a… [more]

X-Men: Days of Future Past is a Lot of Fun

Julian Darius — Fri, 23 May 2014 21:58:44 +0000

X-Men: Days of Future Past is a Lot of Fun" title="X-Men: Days of Future Past is a Lot of Fun" style="float:left;" />X-Men: Days of Future Past, released today, is one of the funner super-hero movies ever made. Caution: minor spoilers ahead. The movie’s been compared by some to The Avengers. Obviously, the two films are very different:… [more]

Some Cautious Thoughts on Zach Snyder’s Batman v Superman

Julian Darius — Thu, 22 May 2014 13:00:30 +0000

Batman v Superman" title="Some Cautious Thoughts on Zach Snyder’s Batman v Superman" style="float:left;" />Yesterday, Batman v Superman got a subtitle — Dawn of Justice — and began filming. I wrote about the film in a news story, but I thought I’d complement that with a few brief thoughts,… [more]

Why I Dig X-Men: The Last Stand

Julian Darius — Thu, 22 May 2014 11:00:44 +0000

X-Men: The Last Stand" title="Why I Dig X-Men: The Last Stand" style="float:left;" />It’s widely believed that 2006′s X-Men: The Last Stand was a poor ending to the original X-Men trilogy. The film and 2009′s X-Men Origins: Wolverine seem to be regarded as the weak links in the X-Men movie… [more]

Batman v Superman Gets a Full Title, Begins Filming

Julian Darius — Wed, 21 May 2014 20:59:38 +0000

Batman v Superman Gets a Full Title, Begins Filming" title="Batman v Superman Gets a Full Title, Begins Filming" style="float:left;" />It’s official: the Man of Steel sequel co-starring Batman will be titled Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. The subtitle clearly suggests that the film will feature the formation of the Justice League — which… [more]

Sequart Announces Book on Planet of the Apes Comics

Julian Darius — Wed, 21 May 2014 10:31:44 +0000

Planet of the Apes Comics" title="Sequart Announces Book on Planet of the Apes Comics" style="float:left;" />Sequart is proud to announce that it will be publishing The Sacred Scrolls: Comics on the Planet of the Apes, edited by Rich Handley and Joe Berenato. Since the 1970s, the Planet of the Apes franchise… [more]

Thoughts on Frank Miller’s Creative Evolution

Julian Darius — Mon, 19 May 2014 17:00:08 +0000

In the original Sin City, Marv is a tired old man. The events of the story turn him into an uncompromising hero, whom you could say is in the ultra-violent, Ayn Rand-inspired mold of some… [more]

Godzilla’s a Hit

Julian Darius — Mon, 19 May 2014 09:44:50 +0000

Godzilla’s a Hit" title="Godzilla’s a Hit" style="float:left;" />Godzilla had an estimated $93.2-million opening weekend, domestically. That’s more than Amazing Spider-Man 2 ($91.6 million) and just under Captain America: The Winter Soldier ($95 million). That puts Godzilla is serious blockbuster territory. Godzilla has… [more]

It’s X-Men Week on Sequart!

Julian Darius — Sun, 18 May 2014 12:30:30 +0000

In celebration of the release of X-Men: Days of Future Past, Sequart will be publishing content related to the X-Men all this week. X-Men Week is Sequart’s eighth themed week. Past themed weeks here at… [more]

The Genius of Arrested Development, Season 4 (Part 2)

Julian Darius — Sat, 17 May 2014 13:00:51 +0000

Arrested Development, Season 4 (Part 2)" title="The Genius of Arrested Development, Season 4 (Part 2)" style="float:left;" />Yesterday, I discussed the remarkable fourth season of Arrested Development — without any major spoilers. Today, we’ll look at some episodes and themes in more detail — with plenty of spoilers. It’s surprising how well… [more]