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Editorials
The Eric Stephenson Thing
So… that address Eric Stephenson gave at ComicsPRO recently seems to be making lot of waves (in the still small pool of American comics) and while there were things to be applauded there were, also,… [more]
Building an Altar to the Super-Hero Holy Trinity
As I was reading Lance Parkin’s Magic Words, a biography of Alan Moore, I looked to my right at the nightstand against my wall and came to the realization that it is, in fact, an altar.… [more]
Rethinking V for Vendetta
I don’t think V for Vendetta works. I’ve always admired the comic. David Lloyd’s artwork is quite beautiful. I like the themes. As a writer, I especially admire the odd chapters that change perspective somehow, like the… [more]
The Past Decade’s Top Five Books Turned into TV Shows
Look. So you read the book, loved the book, blogged about the book, had an hour long Skype conversation with some random stranger in Australia about the book – heck, you even dressed up as… [more]
Revolving Image
At Sydney’s Graphic Festival, held in the iconic Opera House last October, a trio of comic industry greats took to the stage at the invitation of comedian and MC Justin Hamilton. They were the charmingly… [more]
In Praise of Bad Batman
“Bless me Father Jack, for I have sinned. It’s been . . . well, this is my first confession. Actually, I’m not even Catholic.” Father Jack puffed on a cigar and squinted. “Well, this ain’t… [more]
Great Books vs. Late Books: Should Marvel Switch to a Bi-Monthly Schedule?
When you picked up Hawkeye #16 in late January, you might have been wondering what happened to issue #15. Well, it turns out that #15, originally solicited for September, is finally scheduled to arrive in stores February… [more]
Powerpuff Girls: Too Hot for Comics?
A small furor erupted recently when a variant cover for the IDW tie-in to the Cartoon Network series The Powerpuff Girls was withdrawn from circulation after criticism that it was too sexualized. Michigan comic book… [more]
Lights Go Out on Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark
Saturday, January 4, saw the last ever Broadway performance of Julie Taymor’s calamitous superhero musical, Spider-Man: Turn Off The Dark. I’m a huge Spidey fan (who isn’t?), so I’ve been curious to see the play… [more]
Top 5 TV Farewells of 2013
In 2013, we got to see a lot of comings and goings in the world of television. You had new shows making their bid for supremacy, and you had some oldies (but goodies) take that… [more]
Megatron, Supreme Leader of All Decepti– Wait. What?
Recently, IDW pitched upcoming events in their Transformers titles very much from the left of field when they began soliciting artwork of leader and founder of the Decepticons, Megatron, wearing an Autobot symbol. This move,… [more]
What Batman vs. Superman Could Get Right (And Wrong)
Last year when Man of Steel came out, I was reminded of the line uttered by Chastity (Gabrielle Union) in 10 Things I Hate About You: “I know you can be overwhelmed… and you can… [more]
Twisted Times: My Part in Alan Moore’s “Last Interview”
We are told that Alan Moore doesn’t use email, and rarely goes online. By contrast, I’ve been online – on and off – for twenty years now. I started using the internet when it was… [more]
Michael Douglas Adds to Ant-Man’s Legacy
While Marvel Studios’ Avengers franchise (and appendages) tends to garner the most ink, I have to say I find development on the studios’ secondary properties far more fascinating, as it demonstrates their willingness to continually… [more]
An Apology to Dr. Will Brooker
When I wrote yesterday’s piece on Alan Moore’s most recent interview, I wasn’t aware that the “Batman scholar” Moore was mocking was Will Brooker. I feel really bad about not identifying him, because it perpetuates… [more]
On Alan Moore’s “Last” Interview
This post, which was about Alan Moore’s recent interview, has been removed. After its publication, I became aware that what I had written was factually inaccurate. I also became aware that what I had written… [more]
Alan Moore Might be Insane Now
It seems fittingly ironic that Alan Moore announces his exit from the public eye with a 16,000-word harrumph. This interview was a roller coaster of emotions for me – all negative. When I finally finished… [more]
Image Expo and the Changing Value of the Creator
Among with the flurry of new series announced at this year’s Image Expo was the news that Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips (Criminal, Incognito, Fatale) had signed a five-year deal with the publisher that effectively… [more]
Wally West to Make His Return in DC’s New 52
DC Comics is looking to make 2014 a year that counts for their swiftest hero, the Flash. A TV series is on the launch pad at the CW, and a new creative team is lined… [more]
Bill Finger’s Quest for a Google Doodle
This February 8th is an historic date in the comics history: the 100th anniversary of the birth of Bill Finger (and coincidentally, this year marks the 40th anniversary of his death and the 75th anniversary… [more]
Stop Sexually Assaulting Women at Cons!
Convention season has become a really sad time for me. What was once a fun, light gathering of comics fans has become a Bingo card of sexual assault. Women of a sadly growing number are… [more]
Maybe this Franchise Thing is Out of Control
It’s hard to believe, but there was a time when super-hero movies were few and far between. Now, they’re so ubiquitous that even super-hero fans worry there are too many. Marvel’s had success tying movies… [more]
On Comic Book Adaptations
This article isn’t about comic book movies. Quite the opposite in fact. What follows is a semi-directionless musing on why there are so few good comic books that adapt their stories from books and movies.… [more]
On Shia LaBeouf: An Explanation, but Not an Excuse
Recently, one of the big comics news stories involves actor Shia LaBeouf and his adaptation antics. To review: LaBeouf produced a short film titled HowardCantour.com, starring the fine comedian Jim Gaffigan and presented it at… [more]