Sequart Organization » Editorials

An Introduction’s Inevitable Conclusion: Art Spiegelman: Golden Age Superheroes were Shaped by the Rise of Fascism

Matthew Kirshenblatt — Thu, 24 Dec 2020 16:23:15 +0000

It’s hard to believe that it’s been over a year since the Folio Society published Marvel: The Golden Age 1939–1949 as compiled and edited by Roy Thomas. I saw it as a sponsored Facebook advertisement… [more]

Too Much of Everything

Tom Shapira — Sat, 19 Jan 2019 20:34:36 +0000

Launched in the last month of 2018, TKO Studios is a new publisher that sets out to “redefine the industry.” Their first wave of announced comics includes titles like Sara – a World War II… [more]

Gunning for Hits #1: Image Comics and Power and Responsibility

Tom Shapira — Mon, 14 Jan 2019 11:00:51 +0000

Gunning for Hits #1: Image Comics and Power and Responsibility" title="Gunning for Hits #1: Image Comics and Power and Responsibility" style="float:left;" />2019 has just barely put on its socks and we already have our first whiff a controversy in the comics-corner of the world. To wit: the first issue of the new Image series Gunning for… [more]

Why We Should Roll Our Eyes at Bill Maher

Rick Horner — Mon, 03 Dec 2018 22:20:55 +0000

As a group, we comic book fans have certainly had to take a lot of crap over the decades. Our interests have been belittled, derided, and even threatened with government sanction. These days however, comic… [more]

Cursed Earth Carlos: In Memoriam of Carlos Ezquerra

Tom Shapira — Sun, 14 Oct 2018 18:45:12 +0000

I didn’t know Carlos Ezquerra, but I met him once at a con. He autographed the comics I held, and then I moved on and he preceded to do the same for the next hundred… [more]

An Open Letter to Guys

Mike Phillips — Mon, 08 Oct 2018 23:50:37 +0000

Editor’s Note: The author of this piece requested anonymity. Dear Guys, It sucks being a woman these days. I am a straight, cisgender, white woman, and there is not a day that goes by that… [more]

Always Number One?

Tom Shapira — Mon, 03 Sep 2018 14:13:01 +0000

In 1991 Slave Labor Graphics published Evan Dorkin’s four issue series Milk and Cheese in a rather unique fashion – the issues were called Milk & Cheese #1, Milk & Cheese’s Other Number One #1,… [more]

Awards, Rewards, and Definitions: On Sabrina’s Man Booker Prize Nomination

Tom Shapira — Sat, 04 Aug 2018 16:30:54 +0000

Sabrina’s Man Booker Prize Nomination" title="Awards, Rewards, and Definitions: On Sabrina’s Man Booker Prize Nomination" style="float:left;" />On July 24th the longlist of nominations for the prestigious Man Booker Prize for Fiction was published. Not, in itself, news of much appeal to me (or to the usual sites I visit), but this… [more]

“Be Careful”: Dumbest Advice Ever

Brian Cowlishaw — Tue, 24 Jul 2018 18:00:45 +0000

Some cinematic clichés just refuse to die. We’ve heard these lines a bajillion times, and yet still, “They’re everywhere!” (another cliché). “You just don’t get it, do you?” “Are you crazy?” “I’m getting’ too old… [more]

A Long Brush with Marvel Comics

Mark J. Hayman — Tue, 16 Jan 2018 17:00:16 +0000

Whatever confluence of events, whatever set of circumstance that attaches a child to a thing, in this case to Marvel Comics, is within the purview of the brain people and magicians. It interests me that… [more]

Smorgasbord #75: The Smorgies 2017

Tom Shapira — Mon, 01 Jan 2018 03:20:10 +0000

FINAL ISSUE! Mighty Max Nestorowich returns to give the Smorgasbord a proper send-off! For the last Smorgie Awards ever, we pick our favorite characters of 2017, revisit the biggest flops and disappointments of the year,… [more]

Smorgasbord #74: More Weight on the Shelf

Tom Shapira — Sat, 09 Dec 2017 22:27:36 +0000

Tom and Shawn welcome special guest and Sequart co-founder Julian Darius to our penultimate episode, where we talk about some of our favorite comics of all time! Join us as we discuss omnipotent cats, an… [more]

Smorgasbord #73: Who They are, and How They Came to Be

Tom Shapira — Mon, 23 Oct 2017 18:30:03 +0000

Pick up your Secret Origins and your Years Zero as Shawn and Tom go on a flashback month to discuss their various entry points into the wonderful world of comics and how these points shaped… [more]

Smorgasbord #72: H.R. Giger’s Human Resources Department

Tom Shapira — Wed, 27 Sep 2017 07:31:34 +0000

Tom and Shawn play a game of “What If?” and peer into an alternate dimension where we run Marvel Comics. How would the Star Wars line grow? What could we do to fix the trade… [more]

Len Wein, 1948–2017

Michael Campochiaro — Mon, 11 Sep 2017 19:50:33 +0000

For those of us of a certain age, who grew up on comic books in the 1970s and 1980s, it seems like we’re losing far too many of the great creators who helped shaped our… [more]

Smorgasbord #71: Earthlets and Other Puny Animals

Tom Shapira — Wed, 23 Aug 2017 01:30:11 +0000

Shawn and Tom dedicate a special episode to talk all things 2000AD: past, present, and future. We discuss their new reprint programs, their attempts to bring back classic comics into their modern area, the problems… [more]

Smorgasbord #70: The Saga Awards, Featuring Saga!

Tom Shapira — Fri, 28 Jul 2017 08:00:01 +0000

It’s our post-SDCC special as Shawn and Tom take time out from reviews to discuss the metric ton of trailers, previews, announcements, panels and discussion that Comic-Con has wrought – from the very last Alan… [more]

San Diego Comic Con 2017: A Disgusting Display of Fan Abuse by Hollywood and the SDCC Staff

Matthew Berg-Johnsen — Thu, 27 Jul 2017 14:00:06 +0000

I have have been going to San Diego Comic Con for the past 9 years. I have never experienced the pre-Twilight years of Comic Con where the atmosphere was significantly less hostile and relatively less… [more]

Smorgasbord #69: Umbrella-ella-ella-eh

Tom Shapira — Wed, 19 Jul 2017 09:00:41 +0000

Tom and Shawn bid Joan Lee a fond farewell and ponder the passing of an age; Spider-Man: Homecoming breaks some new ground; a bit of DC drama knocks Shawn for a loop; Netflix’s next comics-related… [more]

Smorgasbord #68: Exit, Pursued by a Bear

Tom Shapira — Mon, 03 Jul 2017 16:00:50 +0000

Neither rain, nor snow nor a throat like sandpaper is going to stop Tom and Shawn from talking about comics. The news of a possible new Watchmen TV show lead to a discussion about the… [more]

Smorgasbord #67: Gene Simmons v. Richard Simmons

Tom Shapira — Wed, 21 Jun 2017 07:30:41 +0000

This week, Tom and Shawn bid a sad farewell to the great Adam West, puzzle over Joel Schumacher’s strange apology, compare the triumphant roar of the Black Panther trailer to the pitiful meow coming from Marvel… [more]

Smorgasbord #66: Let’s Talk About Sex, Baby

Tom Shapira — Tue, 06 Jun 2017 21:51:28 +0000

It’s Tom’s turn to drive down Fury Road as we discuss Zack Snyder’s recent tragedy and the uglier side of fandom, a new power couple rising in the industry, the August Previews bringing us unintentional… [more]

What’s Really at Stake with Wonder Woman

Karra Shimabukuro — Thu, 01 Jun 2017 14:00:08 +0000

Really at Stake with Wonder Woman" title="What’s Really at Stake with Wonder Woman" style="float:left;" />I was born in 1976, a bicentennial baby as my mother used to say. One of my first clear memories is of going to see Star Wars in the theatre. For television, we only had… [more]

Smorgasbord #65: The Allred Family Tree

Tom Shapira — Mon, 22 May 2017 11:00:08 +0000

The highs and lows of media adaptation are explored as we face future TV adaptations of Judge Dredd and Wayward, plus a Hellboy movie reboot by some guys Tom’s rather excited about. In the wild… [more]

Smorgasbord #64: The Dangers of Chris Inflation

Tom Shapira — Wed, 10 May 2017 10:29:28 +0000

The Eisner Awards (A.K.A. Brian K. Vaughan’s shelf holders) season is upon us, as well as a new Marvel movie, the first trailer for The Defenders, a TV show being cancelled with no one noticing,… [more]

Smorgasbord #63: Khatz in the Khradle

Tom Shapira — Tue, 25 Apr 2017 11:00:03 +0000

In which Shawn learns that Marvel’s definitions of “ongoing” and “miniseries” are more interchangeable than they should be; a Warren Ellis Plot Generator would inevitably become sentient and attack the United Nations while chain-smoking; Meredith… [more]

Smorgasbord #62: Shawn & Tom Kill the Marvel Universe

Tom Shapira — Sat, 08 Apr 2017 11:00:49 +0000

Go for broke! The news from the Marvel Retailer Summit have forced Shawn & Tom to discuss at length about all myriad problems Marvel actually have, as opposed to the problems they think they have.… [more]

Smorgasbord #61: Fist of Iron, Feet of Clay

Tom Shapira — Tue, 28 Mar 2017 11:00:53 +0000

Tom and Shawn call upon their inner chi to give Netflix’s Iron Fist a well-deserved beatdown; Paramount tries to solicit a Pro; Tom discovers that the pratfalls and faux pas of the comics industry don’t… [more]

Smorgasbord #60: Infinite Midlife Crisis

Tom Shapira — Sun, 12 Mar 2017 11:00:53 +0000

It’s a new day and a new format for Smorgasbord, as Shawn and Tom discuss of what the reception for Logan means for the future of comic book movies, the end of Island, the resurrection… [more]

Smorgasbord #59: See You Hell Cowboy

Tom Shapira — Wed, 01 Mar 2017 12:00:47 +0000

This week, Tom and Shawn say their last goodbyes to Hellboy III, Rebellion must avoid getting into Activision’s bed of disappointments and broken dreams, and the May Previews provide some tedium, some pleasant surprises, and… [more]

Smorgasbord #58: G.I. Jem

Tom Shapira — Wed, 01 Feb 2017 12:00:54 +0000

Shawn and Tom feel cautiously optimistic about future movies and comics as they discuss the second Logan trailer, the teaser for Powerless, an animated Spider-Man, and a metric ton of comics coming in April. On… [more]

Star Trek Nemesis: The End of an Era

Ian Dawe — Wed, 25 Jan 2017 23:00:57 +0000

Star Trek Nemesis: The End of an Era" title="Star Trek Nemesis: The End of an Era" style="float:left;" />Star Trek Nemesis, released 15 years ago at this time of year, is the nadir of the entire franchise. The 1998 Trek instalment, Insurrection, was also very weak, but weak within the normal parameters of… [more]

Smorgasbord #57: Yabba Dabba Don’t

Tom Shapira — Tue, 17 Jan 2017 12:00:10 +0000

Shawn is possessed by the spirit of Soraya Montenegro and spends the entire episode raging out over Gerard Jones, Rob Liefield, Ike Perlmutter, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, and Fred Flintstone’s war veterans group. Tom heroically… [more]

Reconsidering Rogue One

Ian Dawe — Sun, 15 Jan 2017 20:15:25 +0000

Rogue One" title="Reconsidering Rogue One" style="float:left;" />Ever since the release of Rogue One, and its undeniable box-office success, and the tragic death of Carrie Fisher, there’s been much discussion about the future of Star Wars. The Force Awakens re-started the franchise… [more]

Smorgasbord #56: The Smorgie Awards 2016

Tom Shapira — Wed, 04 Jan 2017 12:00:49 +0000

It’s that most wonderful time of year again! Tom and Shawn welcome special guest Max Nestorowich to review the year in comics and help us hand out the Carrie Fisher Memorial Award for Best Female… [more]

Money and Trade at the End of the World

Brian Cowlishaw — Wed, 14 Dec 2016 18:00:45 +0000

Every video roleplaying game has basically the same setup: shops offering increasingly powerful items and equipment accompany the path toward the final boss. You sell your junk there, make repairs, upgrade cloth armor to leather… [more]

Smorgasbord #55: Demon Detectives on Magic Skateboards

Tom Shapira — Wed, 07 Dec 2016 12:00:28 +0000

Between sirens and power drills, Tom and Shawn manage to talk about the Riverdale trailer and why Sexy Jailbait Archie is a thing nobody needs. Angela Bassett joins Marvel’s Black Panther, and Shawn finally lets… [more]

Smorgasbord #54: World War Jude

Tom Shapira — Tue, 22 Nov 2016 14:00:27 +0000

Shawn and Tom dive headfirst into news with the very amusing Bleeding Cool Civil War (not to be confused with the thoroughly unamusing Civil War II or the actual political landscape), Marvel’s latest attempt to… [more]

Smorgasbord #53: We’re With Her

Tom Shapira — Thu, 03 Nov 2016 11:00:16 +0000

Having officially broken DC’s numbering system, Tom and Shawn celebrate by taking a contemplative look at Edison Rex, a harsh look at Marvel’s failure with Chelsea Cain, a confused look at the Logan trailer, an… [more]

Smorgasbord #52: Barbarians at the Gate

Tom Shapira — Tue, 18 Oct 2016 13:20:23 +0000

After a short vacation, Shawn & Tom return to discuss the post-NYCC news avalanche, including creators behaving badly, the un-shocking return of old comics imprints, new publishers making big steps, and the casting announcement that… [more]

Berlanti Drops the Ball on CW-DC Universe

Karra Shimabukuro — Mon, 17 Oct 2016 16:30:07 +0000

I have reviewed CW’s DC superhero shows since Arrow first appeared. Despite its rocky first half season, I had high hopes that it would find its footing in the second half of its freshman year… [more]

The New Rogue One Trailer Shows Us the New… And the Old

Ian Dawe — Thu, 13 Oct 2016 19:30:39 +0000

Rogue One Trailer Shows Us the New… And the Old" title="The New Rogue One Trailer Shows Us the New… And the Old" style="float:left;" />The new trailer for Rogue One has the distinction of explaining the film’s title (unsurprisingly it’s a callsign), and it also reveals something of the film’s plot. The character played by Felicity Jones, named Jyn… [more]

Smorgasbord #51: Goodbye, Northampton’s Rose

Tom Shapira — Wed, 21 Sep 2016 11:00:49 +0000

Shawn and Tom consider the legacy of Alan Moore as he prepares to leave comics forever(?); Shawn sings the praises of Outhouser Jude Terror for speaking truth to power; nobody puts Valiant in the corner… [more]

Smorgasbord #50: The Pizza Metaphor

Tom Shapira — Sun, 04 Sep 2016 14:45:45 +0000

Episode 50! No renumbering, no relaunching, no rebirthing. Instead Shawn and Tom break out of their habit and sit with a panel of experts to discuss the state of the industry. Guests include Hagai Palevski… [more]

Smorgasbord #49: Could It Beeee… SATAN?!

Tom Shapira — Fri, 26 Aug 2016 11:00:16 +0000

Shawn and Tom talk about DC’s broken promises, Grant Morrison’s TV deals, Shawn’s thoughts on the Suicide Squad movie, a theory about Earth-Snyder (it’s all Hal Jordan’s fault), the welcome return of Adam West’s Batman,… [more]

Smorgasbord #48: Fall of the House of Warner

Tom Shapira — Wed, 10 Aug 2016 11:00:38 +0000

This is the post-SDCC world, and while most of the news have discussed to death, Shawn & Tom still want to talk a bit about the Eisners, some selected trailers, spin-offs for low-selling books, and… [more]

Smorgasbord #47: Liberty’s Lingerie

Tom Shapira — Sat, 30 Jul 2016 12:00:26 +0000

This week, Tom and Shawn discuss Frank Cho’s line in the sand, 9-year-olds who love V for Vendetta, Joe Casey’s auto-plagiarism, Justice League finally getting some Action, and October Previews. We also review The Hunt… [more]

Smorgasbord #46: A Valiant Effort

Tom Shapira — Tue, 12 Jul 2016 11:00:19 +0000

Shawn & Tom talk about Valiant’s unexpected takeover of the Harvey Awards, Ron Wimberly vs. Erik Larsen, the latest round of casting news, and the wasted potential of Tom Felton. On the review side, it’s… [more]

Smorgasbord #45: Quit Cloning Around

Tom Shapira — Thu, 30 Jun 2016 11:00:25 +0000

Shawn and Tom react to unwelcome events and crossovers at DC and Marvel, Ulises Fariñas’s new project is Buño and muy bueno, some unexpected names turn up in casting news for Supergirl and Spider-Man: Homecoming,… [more]

Overwatch: The Pleasures of Not Giving a Damn about the Story

Brian Cowlishaw — Tue, 28 Jun 2016 19:20:30 +0000

Overwatch, launched just a month ago, is a new MOBA (multiplayer online battle arena) in which teams of six human-controlled players battle six-person teams controlled by humans or the computer, your choice. Each player chooses… [more]

The Voice Of The Arts: Why The Philosophy Of The Liberal Arts Are Needed Now More Than Ever Before

Jarrett Mazza — Thu, 23 Jun 2016 22:00:36 +0000

The world sucks and people are sad. The news is reporting yet another disaster and more fear are being pumped into the subconscious minds of viewers everywhere. This is but a common experience people have… [more]

Smorgasbord #44: Hail to the King

Tom Shapira — Sat, 11 Jun 2016 11:00:23 +0000

A fairly quiet week of comic news brings with it a long discussion over recent casting announcements (from Captain Marvel to Mandrake, the Magician), as well as a debate over the viability of a certain… [more]

How Much Trouble is Rogue One Really In?

Ian Dawe — Thu, 09 Jun 2016 20:45:10 +0000

Rogue One Really In?" title="How Much Trouble is Rogue One Really In?" style="float:left;" />As some are no doubt aware, there’s something interesting brewing over at Lucasfilm, on the production of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. The film, to be released this Christmas, tells the story of how… [more]

Super Karate Monkey Death Car: Geoff Johns and the DC Universe

Mark J. Hayman — Sat, 04 Jun 2016 20:00:40 +0000

It’s true, pobody’s nerfect. We live with our foibles and imperfections, our biases and misconceptions, and hope that they don’t cause too many problems for ourselves or those around us. The human failing that most… [more]

Smorgasbord #43: With Treelike Reptile Erections

Tom Shapira — Wed, 01 Jun 2016 15:40:20 +0000

As the Internet rages at Rebirth and Nick Spencer, Tom and Shawn discuss the passing of Darwyn Cooke, the latest desperation tactics at Marvel and DC, casting news for Thor: Ragnarok, and August Previews. We… [more]

A Marvel Cinematic Universe Wish List

Michael Campochiaro — Mon, 23 May 2016 16:35:53 +0000

The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), including their Netflix series, is expanding rapidly. Since having kids, the wife and I can’t seem to keep up. I’m not sure she’s as impatient to see Captain America: Civil War… [more]

Smorgasbord #42: The 99% Strikes Back

Tom Shapira — Thu, 19 May 2016 11:00:50 +0000

After a week off, Shawn & Tom are back to deal with the fallout from Shelly Bond’s firing from Vertigo, Oni’s new imprint, the release of Captain America: Civil War, movie announcements for both Sexcastle and Irredeemable,… [more]

Kevin Smith’s Critic-Proof Yoga Hosers Trailer Debuts

Ian Dawe — Wed, 11 May 2016 15:00:13 +0000

Yoga Hosers Trailer Debuts" title="Kevin Smith’s Critic-Proof Yoga Hosers Trailer Debuts" style="float:left;" />For the past few years, particularly since the release of 2011’s Red State, Kevin Smith has led a (mostly) one-man campaign to carve his own path through 21st-century popular culture. Temporarily ditching his film career… [more]

Better Call Saul vs Breaking Bad: Companion Pieces in a Compelling Universe

Ian Dawe — Mon, 18 Apr 2016 21:20:16 +0000

Better Call Saul vs Breaking Bad: Companion Pieces in a Compelling Universe" title="Better Call Saul vs Breaking Bad: Companion Pieces in a Compelling Universe" style="float:left;" />A piece by Slate magazine’s Julia Turner is making the rounds today that argues passionately why Better Call Saul is the superior show, when compared with its parent, Breaking Bad. It’s a great piece, and… [more]

Smorgasbord #41: The Cat who Vomits Blood and Other Grisly Tales

Tom Shapira — Sat, 16 Apr 2016 11:00:44 +0000

The post Emerald City Comicon is a very strange place indeed, with DC announcing a new mature comics imprint, IDW assimilating other companies as if it were the Borg, HeroesCon facing backlash over the Virginia… [more]

Smorgasbord #40: He Came from (and in) Canada

Tom Shapira — Fri, 08 Apr 2016 11:00:06 +0000

On this Very Special Episode of Smorgasbord, Tom and Shawn talk about dissenting critical opinions of Batman v Superman and season 2 of Netflix’s Daredevil, Dark Tick is a thing we’re pretty sure nobody asked… [more]

Thoughts on Batman V Superman

Stuart Warren — Sun, 03 Apr 2016 17:00:13 +0000

Batman V Superman" title="Thoughts on Batman V Superman" style="float:left;" />When I was first introduced to Zack Snyder’s DC universe, with Man of Steel, I was very hopeful for the project given Snyder’s previous track record with comic book films. I’ve heard from the multitudes… [more]

Why CBS Would be Right to Cancel Supergirl: A Ratings and Narrative Analysis

Nicholas Yanes — Thu, 31 Mar 2016 11:00:50 +0000

Supergirl: A Ratings and Narrative Analysis" title="Why CBS Would be Right to Cancel Supergirl: A Ratings and Narrative Analysis" style="float:left;" />Before diving into this very long article I feel that I should lay my cards on the table. I enjoy watching Supergirl. I enjoy watching most television shows based on comic books. I also have a… [more]

Smorgasbord #39: A Fistful of Nothing

Tom Shapira — Thu, 24 Mar 2016 17:00:27 +0000

This week on the Smorgasbord: Tom and Shawn discuss AMC’s Preacher, the Civil War trailer (you know which one), the return of Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill to their iconic roles, questionable decisions at Valiant,… [more]

The Near and Distant Horizon

Mark J. Hayman — Tue, 15 Mar 2016 01:30:07 +0000

Timeliness is next to prescience, or something like that. Here I was preparing this screed when I chanced upon an article by a person who insists that the survival of comic books is dependent upon… [more]

Smorgasbord #38: Moon Witch is Gonna Get Ya

Tom Shapira — Wed, 09 Mar 2016 17:49:26 +0000

The Iron Fist casting news brings with it a large discussion which dominates the episode as Shawn and Tom discuss the Marvel monochrome universe, the diminished importance of source fidelity, and being uncomfortable by heaving… [more]

What Marvel and Fox Should Learn from Deadpool

Ian Dawe — Mon, 22 Feb 2016 20:30:36 +0000

Deadpool" title="What Marvel and Fox Should Learn from Deadpool" style="float:left;" />The breakout movie-related story of the past couple of weeks has been the astounding box-office success of Deadpool, the most popular R-rated superhero film ever made. It isn’t, in fact, the first film of that… [more]

Smorgasbord #37: The Merc with the Merch

Tom Shapira — Mon, 22 Feb 2016 18:00:51 +0000

Shawn & Tom talk DC reboot (again), DC exclusives (including the man who would be Tom King), the unexpected success of the Deadpool film (and the results thereof), and some of the driest previews ever… [more]

Sidekicks Aside: Is The Concept of a Hero Partner Dying or Returning Slowly to Life?

Jarrett Mazza — Sat, 20 Feb 2016 16:00:11 +0000

What is the purpose of a sidekick? The word itself arouses about as much sympathy as one would receive when he or she is referred to as a “second wheel” or “second class citizen” by… [more]

Smorgasbord #36: Rebirthing Pains

Tom Shapira — Tue, 09 Feb 2016 18:00:30 +0000

It’s a cavalcade of bad news as Tom and Shawn discuss the first casualty of All-New All-Different Marvel, more Angoulême shenanigans, the consequences of disturbing Hanna-Barbera’s grave, rumors of yet another DC reboot, and possible… [more]

On X-(Wo)men and Third-Wave Feminism

Michael Campochiaro — Sat, 06 Feb 2016 18:00:01 +0000

Sometimes you find ideological influences in the unlikeliest places. For example, X-Men comic books helped make me a feminist. Those comics were some of the first places that I saw women as leads who did… [more]

It’s Long Past Time to Retire the Term “Graphic Novel”

Ian Dawe — Mon, 01 Feb 2016 12:00:29 +0000

In comics, we’re always struggling with titles and definition. At least, some of us struggle with these things when conversing with people outside the field of comics studies. For everyone I’ve ever met who is… [more]

Smorgasbord #35: Going 911 on 4.99

Tom Shapira — Mon, 25 Jan 2016 22:30:46 +0000

Tom and Shawn get all combative in a very angry Smorgasbord, as they discuss the new Suicide Squad trailer, Image series ending too early, Marvel superhero (and price) inflation, and a complete rundown of the… [more]

The Days of EC: A Critical Examination of the Pulp Books of the Past and What They Can Teach Us About Our Future

Jarrett Mazza — Sun, 24 Jan 2016 18:30:10 +0000

The pages were pulpy and the colors were bright, the ink was fresh and the dialogue had been waxed freshly onto each page and all it cost was a nickel to buy. The panels were… [more]

Saying Goodbye to Alan Rickman

Ian Dawe — Wed, 20 Jan 2016 21:45:01 +0000

With the recent passing of Alan Rickman, it’s appropriate to recognize this versatile, powerful actor and (by all accounts) wonderful human being by celebrating one of his iconic roles. We’re referring, of course, to 1999’s… [more]

Inside the Frontier: What Non-Comic Readers Can Learn From Reading The Star Trek Comics

Jarrett Mazza — Mon, 18 Jan 2016 22:00:10 +0000

What kind of relationship do comic books and films share? This is a broad, subjective, and fairly debatable question to ask most comic readers, but it is still nonetheless a question that continuously courses through… [more]

Smorgasbord #34: Cherchez la Femme

Tom Shapira — Thu, 14 Jan 2016 18:00:51 +0000

Tom and Shawn ring in the new year with movie rumors, a surprise appearance from 2000AD‘s back catalog, and the Angouleme Grand Prix’s questionable grasp of the word “history.” We also review Spider-Man / Deadpool… [more]

The Influence of Consumerism on Geek Culture

Matthew Berg-Johnsen — Tue, 29 Dec 2015 16:00:55 +0000

For many, the return of Star Wars (and a good one at that) to the big screen could be likened to the second coming of Christ. The franchise is a cultural phenomenon celebrated around the… [more]

Smorgasbord #33: The Smorgies Award 2015

Tom Shapira — Mon, 28 Dec 2015 18:00:22 +0000

Join Tom and Shawn and special guest star Maayan Priel (Legend of Fangirls) for the second annual Smorgasbord award show, as we recall the best (and worst) 2015 had to offer… from Best Writer to… [more]

Finance and Comics: Why the World of Trades, Stocks, and Financial Analysis can be a Suitable Genre in Comics

Jarrett Mazza — Sun, 27 Dec 2015 22:20:54 +0000

The realm of comics is filled with many genres, with the notables ranging from the traditional superhero, to the macabre-based horror, hard-boiled crime, sensational mysteries, classic sci-fi, fantasy, and the occasional emergence of erotica and… [more]

Erasing Black Panther to Render Him Safe

Karra Shimabukuro — Thu, 24 Dec 2015 18:00:03 +0000

The Captain America: Civil War trailer has caused a lot of excitement with fans. And certain images have gone onto become instant memes and gifs. Newspapers, reviewers, as well as comic book related journals, have… [more]

Visuals and Styles: The Differences, The Similarities, and The Necessities

Jarrett Mazza — Wed, 23 Dec 2015 18:00:05 +0000

There is nothing like opening a fresh comic book and flipping through its glossy pages and seeing artwork that captivates you on several different levels. However, this method is not only captivating because it gives… [more]

The Question of Literature and Why Comic Books Deserve to be Classified as Such

Jarrett Mazza — Tue, 22 Dec 2015 12:00:08 +0000

How many books do you read a year? This is a question that is frequently asked by voracious readers whenever they feel the need to see if a person is reading as much as they… [more]

Take on the Risks: Why a Risk-taking Attitude is Necessary to the Future of Comics

Jarrett Mazza — Mon, 21 Dec 2015 18:00:38 +0000

Is it worth the risk? Industry professionals ask themselves this question whenever they are about to embark on a new project. Most of the time it is answered in a variety of ways, with creators… [more]

Great Jimmy Corrigan: An Analysis of Comic Book Techniques Featured in the Acclaimed Graphic Novel

Jarrett Mazza — Sun, 20 Dec 2015 12:00:24 +0000

It is always comforting when one stumbles upon a comic that is less advertised than those seen at the LCS. It is a time when one purchases a book that’s only source of marketing has… [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]

Why Didn’t I Love The Martian?

Ian Dawe — Fri, 18 Dec 2015 12:00:23 +0000

The Martian?" title="Why Didn’t I Love The Martian?" style="float:left;" />Of all people, I should have loved The Martian. If I were to imagine a Hollywood film perfectly calibrated to my tastes as a) someone with a background in science, b) a gigantic space nerd… [more]

Smorgasbord #32: Kurtrissa Explains It All

Tom Shapira — Mon, 14 Dec 2015 18:00:24 +0000

In which one should know better than to pick a fight with Kurt Busiek, Iron Fist gets its showrunner, Frank Miller is not the father, war is still good for absolutely nothing at Marvel, and… [more]

Send in the Third String: An Argument for the Importance of Less Popular Superheroes

Jarrett Mazza — Sat, 12 Dec 2015 12:00:31 +0000

It is difficult to choose your favorite superhero. Most fans of any universe or mythology will immediately select the one that is the most well known or frequently seen in comparison to those that are… [more]

Adventure Time: Losing Momentum

Matthew Berg-Johnsen — Thu, 10 Dec 2015 21:30:03 +0000

Adventure Time: Losing Momentum" title="Adventure Time: Losing Momentum" style="float:left;" />Warning: Spoilers for the latest Adventure Time miniseries, Stakes, as well as plot elements from older seasons below. Recently, I had just finished watching Adventure Time’s eight-part miniseries, Stakes, and needless to say, I enjoyed… [more]

“Through the Eyes of a Fan”: How Being a Fanboy Changes One’s Outlook Both In and Outside the World of Comics

Jarrett Mazza — Tue, 08 Dec 2015 22:00:52 +0000

I am not pessimist. Let me make that very clear before I begin this exposition. I am not some kind of troll who sits behind a computer screen, ready to pounce on the latest superhero… [more]

A Problematic Trailer for a Problematic Film: BvS

Ian Dawe — Sun, 06 Dec 2015 22:30:46 +0000

BvS" title="A Problematic Trailer for a Problematic Film: BvS" style="float:left;" />It’s a dangerous game to review a trailer, or draw inferences from one. I’ve done it here before and made some (probably) wrong assumptions about a film, as well as some (probably) right ones. (I… [more]

Smorgasbord #31: The Mad Machinations of Mr. Miller

Tom Shapira — Mon, 30 Nov 2015 18:00:47 +0000

Tom and Shawn talk Hollywood as a new Crow movie is brought up, Captain America: Civil War gets its first trailer, and Iron Fist becomes a Schrodinger-like phenomenon. In actual comics talk, Frank Miller promises more Dark Knight… [more]

Smorgasbord #30.1: Bunns of Steel

Tom Shapira — Thu, 19 Nov 2015 18:19:39 +0000

With Tom running amok in England, Shawn invites local Boy Wonder Hagai Palevsky to discuss the latest developments in comics, including Cullen Bunn’s brush with fandom drama, the Means-Shannon Mishap, a most unwelcome return at… [more]

Tomorrowland: I Hope

Ian Dawe — Mon, 09 Nov 2015 18:00:25 +0000

Tomorrowland: I Hope" title="Tomorrowland: I Hope" style="float:left;" />It took some time, but I finally got around to seeing Brad Bird’s fascinating sci-fi film Tomorrowland, and this morning I am somewhat shocked to discover that, when I have a quick gaze across the… [more]

Remembering the Fifth of November: V for Vendetta

Ian Dawe — Thu, 05 Nov 2015 14:00:26 +0000

V for Vendetta" title="Remembering the Fifth of November: V for Vendetta" style="float:left;" />It’s the fifth of November, so I offer my humble thoughts on one of the true classics of our favourite medium. This is by no means an exhaustive analysis, simply a reflection on the book… [more]

Smorgasbord #30: Fox Hunt

Tom Shapira — Wed, 04 Nov 2015 18:00:17 +0000

Tom and Shawn try to figure out what’s eating Ales Kot, 200 years still isn’t enough time to get anyone to care about Krypton, the first Previews of 2016 looks depressingly similar to the last… [more]

The Two Films That Actually Scared Me

Ian Dawe — Sat, 31 Oct 2015 14:00:25 +0000

Scared Me" title="The Two Films That Actually Scared Me" style="float:left;" />It seems too simple and trite to carry any real wisdom, but it’s worth repeating that horror movies need to be scary. Not just disgusting or disturbing, or visually interesting in some artistic way, but… [more]

The New Star Wars Trailer: It’s All Real

Ian Dawe — Tue, 20 Oct 2015 20:00:57 +0000

Star Wars Trailer: It’s All Real" title="The New Star Wars Trailer: It’s All Real" style="float:left;" />I know what JJ Abrams, his marketing team and the entire apparatus of the Hollywood marketing machine are doing with Star Wars: The Force Awakens. I’m aware, at least to some extent, of how the… [more]

Smorgasbord #29: The Once and Future Eisner Award Winner

Tom Shapira — Tue, 20 Oct 2015 17:00:48 +0000

Tom and Shawn grapple with the post NYCC landscape, including the Mighty Marvel Movie Shuffle, Dynamite’s women in fancy new duds, more 80s properties on their way to IDW (we saw it coming!), the possible… [more]