Tag Archives: batman

Surprises can make or break a comic. It’s all part of good storytelling, of course, but in order for surprise to work as a story development device, it has to be based in the proper context of characterization, backgrounds and established history of the comic. If these things aren’t arranged …

Comics literally frames everything through panels. Thus, what we are left with is not an inferior medium but one that perfectly reflects the workings of art in ideologically dominated societies.

As a follow up to my two-part scholarly analysis of Frank Miller’s 'The Dark Knight Returns' (1986), I’d like to explore the second of what Sean Carney calls “two towering monoliths that changed the face of the superhero”— 'Watchmen' (1986-87) by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons.

Why is it hard to appreciate the simple virtue of goodness? Why did we drop our faith in the simplicity of generosity? Everyone on the planet is familiar with the bold, capital “S” inside the characteristic diamond-shaped crest. Superman, inseparable from the U.S. and its founding values, has become a universal icon thanks to film and television productions.

As 'Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice' swoops into movie theaters around the world, this is a good time to analyze the comic miniseries that inspired it, Frank Miller’s 'The Dark Knight Returns.'

The easy review would be to call "Dawn of Justice" a complete disaster. But the honest review is to just call it a mess. A disaster is what will follow, however, if the mess isn't cleaned.

As 'Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice' swoops into movie theaters around the world, this is an opportunity to analyze the seminal comic miniseries that inspired it, Frank Miller’s 'The Dark Knight Returns.'

What am I reading this week? I get a lot of questions about the comics that feature in the weekly review. However, the most common email about the comics I review I get is that one. My usual response is to simply wait it out and see. After all, it …

Marvel has the lion’s share of titles on this week’s list. It’s important to note that the bulk of them are number ones and the others are Star Wars books. It’s a transition month but the amount of Star Wars books are pretty much going to be the heavy sellers. …

Another brief list this week, though my comic supplier is informing me that next week is going to be a bit of a doozy. I’ve had it pretty easy for the last couple of weeks, but it’ll be a late night for me next week! But that’s life for you: …

Sept. 26 is Batman Day (same bat month, same bat day) and you know what that means: time to celebrate! Here are some ideas for how to do just that. 1. Enter DC’s official Batman Day sweekstakes   What better way to celebrate than to win free loot! Here’s the link to enter. …

The future of superhero movies is in for a backlash and the only way to prevent it is for the studios to keep making good films. And the only way to ensure that is by not giving our time and money to films that don't deserve it.

New trailer for Batman v Superman gives us a closer look at the event that DC fans have patiently been waiting through Marvel movie after Marvel movie for.

Perhaps the biggest fallacy that some young people grow up believing is the idea that you need money, smarts, power or beauty to be an Avenger or superhero.

An encounter with comic legend Neal Adams kicked off my Toronto ComiCon weekend in an interesting way and got me thinking about cynicism in the business.