Archive | Comics 101

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The Friendliest Loner in Town

For someone who’s supposed to be a dark, brooding avenger of the night, Batman is actually rather sociable. This wasn’t always the case. Even after the 1940 introduction of Robin, the Dynamic Duo tended to be something of a solo act. Batman made a cameo appearance (along with Superman) in ALL-STAR COMICS #7 as an […]

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The Mask Makes You Strong

Well, that was a pleasant surprise. Marc Webb’s THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN, a film with the admittedly rotten luck of being shoeboxed between the two most anticipated superhero movies pretty much ever, turns out to be not at all what I expected. Which is to say, it’s actually pretty damned good. The notion of starting the […]

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Where Does He Get Those Wonderful Toys?

As early as July 1939, Batman had made use of what would later be called his “utility belt” to carry with him the equipment necessary to give the decidedly human and mortal Batman an edge when battling criminals, as well as aid him in his investigative efforts. As noted last week, early on, Batman would […]

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“I Shall Become a Bat”

Time for another time-travel trip in the Wayback Machine. Set the dials for the year 1975. Li’l Scott has been forcibly called inside from playing in the front yard. Visibly miffed at this development (though not really able to verbalize it at age 4), Li’l Scott is plunked down in front of the TV while […]

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Comic-Con Is When?!?

It’s not just me, right? Did the San Diego Comic-Con sneak up on everyone else this year, too? With the biggest pop-culture event of the year barely a week away, it’s time to indulge in our annual tradition of looking through the SDCC program schedule and seeing what highlights you shouldn’t miss, which ones you […]

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Truth or Justice

It may not have been his intention, but Larry Tye’s new “biography” of Superman, SUPERMAN: THE HIGH-FLYING HISTORY OF AMERICA’S MOST ENDURING HERO, raises more questions than it answers. Intended as an exploration of the cultural impact of Siegel and Shuster’s landmark creation while at the same covering its history in all media, HIGH-FLYING HERO […]

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Those Unfriendly Neighborhood Spider-Villains, Part III

Those Unfriendly Neighborhood Spider-Villains, Part III

Previously: We’re knee deep in Spidey-villains lately, with recent weeks covering everyone from the Chameleon to the Vulture to the Scorpion. Sensing a certain “animal” theme, are you? Well, they wouldn’t be the last, as we’re about to learn… Our next Spidey-villain actually made his debut elsewhere, but quickly settled into a steady gig serving […]

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Tipton Talks Trek

I had the great pleasure of chatting with Henry, Arielle and Rachel from The Geek Speak Show, celebrating the 30th Anniversary of STAR TREK II: THE WRATH OF KHAN! Besides listening to me babble on about Khan and my own STAR TREK/DOCTOR WHO, don’t miss their great conversation with one of my all-time favorite writer/directors, […]

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Swing and a Miss

Not every Spider-Man cartoon was a big hit. SPIDER-MAN UNLIMITED, which focused on Spidey’s adventures as a stranger on the mysterious Counter-Earth, was pretty much ignored and swiftly forgotten.

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Those Unfriendly Neighborhood Spider-Villains, Part II

Those Unfriendly Neighborhood Spider-Villains, Part II

For Those Who Came In Late: Last week, we began our-much-requested examination of what’s probably the best Rogues’ Gallery to be found in the pages of Marvel Comics, Spider-Man’s various villainous adversaries. Having already discussed such nefarious ne’er-do-wells as the Chameleon, the Vulture, the Sandman and the Lizard, today we’ll start with that high-voltage heel […]

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Welcoming the Future, Treasuring the Past.