Articles by Vince P.Platania,Jr on ArticleSnatch.com

FIVE OF THE LAMEST VILLAINS IN MARVEL COMICS

Tue, 26 May 2009 00:00:00 -0400

In a universe full of some of the greatest superheroes that ever lived you'd think all we'd get would be the toughest villains in marvel comics. However, that is not always the case. Sometimes we get the absolute lamest villains in marvel comics. The list is long if you look back over the many decades marvel has been publishing comics, but here are five that just really stand out from the rest. EEL This guy's claim to the lamest villains in marvel comics is that he's basically a poor man's version of the Spider-Man villains Shocker or Electro. He has no powers and no special skills save being decent at hand-to-hand combat. He just has a grease covered suit that can shoot electricity. Not to mention the costume was poorly conceived and just looks lame. This guy didn't stand a chance. MATADOR When talking about the lamest villains in marvel comics you can't leave this guy off. He was literally just a matador. He carried a sword, but had no powers and no special suits, yet he took Daredevil down. **End Summary** Topics: villains in marvel comics]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> The Heart Of Marvel Throughout the course of the History Of Marvel Comics there has been one name that has stood above all others as the icon of the Marvel Universe: Spider-Man. Why people love this popular character so much isn"'t exactly unknown either.

THE EVOLUTION OF THE SILVER SURFER COMIC BOOK

Tue, 26 May 2009 00:00:00 -0400

The silver surfer was originally a young astronomer on the planet Zenn-La, as revealed in the silver surfer comic book. His name was Norrin Radd, but in order to save his planet from the giant planet eating entity known as Galactus, Radd became the entity's herald. As chronicled in the silver surfer comic book, the silver surfer, now imbued with Galactus' Power Cosmic, would seek out planets for Galactus to feed on. Though there was a silver surfer comic book later on, the silver surfer's first appearance was in Fantastic Four #48 when his travels to find planets for Galactus to feed on brought him to earth. While there he encountered the Fantastic Four, much like was shown in the second Fantastic Four film, and discovered through them that earth and its inhabitants were worth saving. So he betrayed Galactus and helped the Fantastic Four save the earth. The first silver surfer comic book was published in 1968 after a successful stint of guest appearances in Fantastic Four. The silver surfer comic book was larger than the typical comic book, each issue being 72 pages long and featuring backup stories with the Watcher Uatu. **End Summary** Topics: silver surfer comic book]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> The Heart Of Marvel Throughout the course of the History Of Marvel Comics there has been one name that has stood above all others as the icon of the Marvel Universe: Spider-Man. Why people love this popular character so much isn"'t exactly unknown either.

THE APPEAL OF GRAPHIC NOVELS

Tue, 05 May 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Whether you consider trade paperbacks and graphic novels the same thing or not, the point is that format is becoming increasingly popular in modern times. And by that format I mean more pages than a typical comic book bound with a spine as opposed to stapled. More and more comic fans are moving exclusively to the format of graphic novels, and graphic novels are more appealing to the non-comic fan as well. For years and years the standard format for comic books was 22-32 pages stapled together in what some refer to as floppies, while others refer to them as funny books (even when they're not comical). And even though comics originated in magazine format, many resisted the change to the format of graphic novels for a long while. It is something special to get that short serial every month and anticipate the next month's arrival with bated breath. Had graphic novels been prevalent in the days of old, though, before comic shops were popular and comics were typically only found in spinner racks in the local drugstores, then I'd imagine that tune would change. **End Summary** Topics: graphic novels]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Author bio: THE APPEAL OF GRAPHIC NOVELS Throughout the course of the History Of Marvel Comics there has been one name that has stood above all others as the icon of the Marvel Universe: Spider-Man. Why people love this popular character so much isn"'t exactly unknown either.

The Alleged Batman VS Superman Film

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0400

For several years now, a batman vs superman film has been rumored, but has never come to fruition. Dating back to 2001, the film came to be after a JJ Abrams script rebooting the superman franchise was shelved. Abrams' film had nothing to do with batman vs superman, but rather an origin story for the man of steel. Andrew Kevin Walker, however, pitched the idea of a batman vs superman film and Abrams' idea was shelved. In 2002, Akiva Goldsman wrote a draft for the potential batman vs superman film that depicted a Bruce Wayne retired from being batman and dealing with the deaths of Dick Grayson, Alfred Pennyworth and Commissioner Gordon. Clark Kent had divorced Lois Lane and was Bruce's best man at his wedding to a woman named Elizabeth Miller, who was tragically killed by the Joker on their honeymoon. This led to Bruce Wayne putting on the cowl and cape once more, and thus setting the stage for the batman vs superman film. Matt Damon was one of the choices for either role in this projected batman vs superman film. **End Summary** Topics: batman vs superman]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Follow the exploits of rockers DEMON TWEAK and the racing clan HARD DRIVING HEROES, as they battle the evil trickster Loki at http://www.classic-comic-books.com . Also read articles on your favorite classic comic book heroes written by our resident historian VIRGIL THE STORYTELLER.

Then There Were Two

Mon, 20 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Comic books have been around for a long, long time. Many decades have we read the adventures of heroes in tights, monsters, wizards, courageous cowboys and anthropomorphic beings in the from of a miniature magazine. And over those tens of years weâ€™ve seen many comic companies come and go, but only a few were able to survive and thrive. There are literally hundreds of failed comic book companies littering the printing press graveyard. Some had a fair amount of success, others didnâ€™t make an impact at all, and some even challenged the big dogs for a short period of time. But when all the dust settled there were always two companies at the top of the heap that will forever be at the top of the heap, and they are marvel comics and dc comics. These two juggernauts co-hold the world title for top comic publisher as the two have vied for supremacy since their inception. They boast the worldâ€™s most well-known and popular comic book characters, and have the largest part of the market share. DC and marvel comics are the top of the comic industry, and they dare anyone to challenge them. **End Summary** Topics: DC Comics]]> comic]]> comic book heroes]]> Marvel Comics]]> captain]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Follow the exploits of rockers DEMON TWEAK and the racing clan HARD DRIVING HEROES, as they battle the evil trickster Loki at http://www.classic-comic-books.com . Also read articles on your favorite classic comic book heroes written by our resident historian VIRGIL THE STORYTELLER.

The "Wonder" in Wonder Woman Comics

Wed, 15 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Wonder Woman comics have always carried the theme of strong, independent women. This may be attributed to Elizabeth Holloway Marston, wife of the character's creator William Moulton Marston (who also created the polygraph). It was her idea to create a female superhero when her husband was contacted by what would become DC Comics to write something for them after reading an interview he had done on the potential educational value of comic books. A member of the fabled Amazons, Diana Prince, AKA, Wonder Woman was imbued with super strength and other powers of the gods, and armed with her silver bracelets and lasso of truth. She stood tall, was beautiful and sexy, and she was heroic. She was grounded in morality and fought for the good of her people and of innocents everywhere. She was feminine and powerful at the same time. After Crisis on Infinite Earths, many aspects about Wonder Woman were altered. For example, before the Crisis she had powers of the mind that came from training with the Amazons that allowed her to channel strength into her muscles, which gave her the super strength. However, post-Crisis she was gifted those powers from the gods, among others. **End Summary** Topics: DC Comics]]> comic]]> comic book heroes]]> Marvel Comics]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Follow the exploits of rockers DEMON TWEAK and the racing clan HARD DRIVING HEROES, as they battle the evil trickster Loki at http://www.classic-comic-books.com . Also read articles on your favorite classic comic book heroes written by our resident historian VIRGIL THE STORYTELLER.

The Rise and Fall of Comics in the Modern Era

Wed, 15 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0400

The comic book industry, like any artistic industry, or any industry for that matter, is cyclical. There are up times and there are down times. There are times when sales are through the roof and there are times when sales can't break through the basement floor. Right now comics are in an in-between place, unlike a few years ago when things looked pretty grim. But before that period there was a high that crumbled down before our very eyes. Iâ€™m of course referring to the 1990s when all was right within the comic book world. This is the time I was really into comics and got to see firsthand the rise and the fall of the comic book industry as it was. In the â€˜90s, comics took a turn for the better, or so we thought. Books were beginning to get wide recognition thanks in no small part to comic book artists like Image Comics founders Jim Lee, Todd McFarlane, Rob Liefeld and others. Comic properties were beginning to pop up in cartoons and movies like hadn't been seen before, and the collectible value of comics became a widely known phenomenon. **End Summary** Topics: DC Comics]]> comic]]> comic book heroes]]> Marvel Comics]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Follow the exploits of rockers DEMON TWEAK and the racing clan HARD DRIVING HEROES, as they battle the evil trickster Loki at http://www.classic-comic-books.com . Also read articles on your favorite classic comic book heroes written by our resident historian VIRGIL THE STORYTELLER.

The Perception of Comic Books

Wed, 08 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Comic books have carried a negative stigma for as long as they have existed. Viewed as juvenile, cheap or inferior forms of literature and art, comic books have had an uphill battle from day one. But with the success of comic books as represented in Hollywood, maybe, just maybe the perception of them will change. The truth is, however, that in some circles comic books will always represent what's wrong with the world, like many other forms of entertainment. Video games and television have been put under a similar assault by parent groups, religious groups and highbrow elitists that just don't get their appeal and blame them for the moral downslide of society. Music over the past few decades has suffered the same kind of negative backlash. The beautiful thing about comic books, though, is what sets them apart from all other forms of art. And that thing is the marriage of art and writing that come together in a symphony of story unparalleled. Much like the film and television industries possess the unique coupling of stories, and sometimes graphic art, with live action, or moving pictures, comic books are unique in the way they present a story. **End Summary** Topics: DC Comics]]> comic]]> comic book heroes]]> Marvel Comics]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Follow the exploits of rockers DEMON TWEAK and the racing clan HARD DRIVING HEROES, as they battle the evil trickster Loki at http://www.classic-comic-books.com . Also read articles on your favorite classic comic book heroes written by our resident historian VIRGIL THE STORYTELLER.

The Many Faces of the X-Men

Sun, 05 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0400

The X-Men are and have always been a diverse group of characters from various backgrounds with a wide variety of unique powers and abilities. The very first core group, for example, consisted of a rich kid, an orphan, an intelligent athlete, a girl and a young boy. Later incarnations of the team would include a range of races and creeds further applying the ongoing theme of tolerance, acceptance and the fight against racism and prejudice. There are some members of the X-Men ranks that are more notable than others, but all played their roles in the rich history of the team's history. The original team of Scott Summers (Cyclops), Jean Grey (Marvel Girl), Henry "Hank" McCoy (Beast), Warren Worthington III (Angel) and Bobby Drake (Iceman) are naturally some of the most memorable and beloved of the X-family. Likewise, some members of the replacement team years later when the original team disappeared are also notable, like Logan (Wolverine), Ororo Munroe (Storm), Kurt Wagner (Nightcrawler) and Piotr Rasputin (Colossus). Cyclops was and is the leader of the team as the choice pupil of Professor Charles Xavier (Professor X), though he is not that popular with fans. **End Summary** Topics: DC Comics]]> comic]]> comic book heroes]]> Marvel Comics]]> X-Men]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Follow the exploits of rockers DEMON TWEAK and the racing clan HARD DRIVING HEROES, as they battle the evil trickster Loki at http://www.classic-comic-books.com . Also read articles on your favorite classic comic book heroes written by our resident historian VIRGIL THE STORYTELLER.

The Magnet Man

Thu, 02 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Born Erik Lensherr, the villain known as Magneto has been a thorn in the side of the X-Men since the formation of the team. He controls the power of magnetism, meaning he can manipulate any metallic metal even in its smallest form. He can also control the magnetic pull of the earth and defy gravity by appearing to fly, when he reality he is just propelling himself through the air as one would with anti-gravity boots for example. While these are impressive powers, and there is a lot he can do with these abilities, they aren't the greatest powers in the world. So what makes Magneto one of the greatest villains of marvel comics? There are two factors that comprise the flawed character of Magneto that make him stand out among his peers. First is his wisdom and intelligence. He has lived through hard times and has seen many things. He has been on the good side and the bad side. He has faced his own mortality, mistakes and flaws, and he has experienced that of many others. He is a tactician and a manipulator instead of a headstrong and careless ruffian. **End Summary** Topics: DC Comics]]> comic]]> comic book heroes]]> Marvel Comics]]> Magneto]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Follow the exploits of rockers DEMON TWEAK and the racing clan HARD DRIVING HEROES, as they battle the evil trickster Loki at http://www.classic-comic-books.com . Also read articles on your favorite classic comic book heroes written by our resident historian VIRGIL THE STORYTELLER.

The First Batman Comics A Different Batman

Mon, 30 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0400

The first Batman comics were written in a pulp style representative of the times. In these early stories, Batman was not above using firearms, or even harming or killing criminals with little to no remorse. Being a detective more so than a superhero, Batman was more akin to a private eye than a capes and tights crimefighter, despite his appearance. Things toned down a little when Robin joined the Caped Crusader, but were still kept in that pulp tone. Bill Finger, the co-creator and famed writer of Batman in those early days, wrote the famous origin of Bruce Wayne in Detective Comics #33 in 1939. This issue depicted a young Wayne witnessing the death of his parents in that ever familiar scene. This led to the dark tone and nature of the Batman character. He later suggested that Batman needed a Watson to his Holmes, which is where Robin, the Boy Wonder came into play, much to the chagrin of the other co-creator Bob Kane. Sales doubled, and so kid sidekicks began popping up everywhere. **End Summary** Topics: DC Comics]]> comic]]> comic book heroes]]> Marvel Comics]]> Batman]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Follow the exploits of rockers DEMON TWEAK and the racing clan HARD DRIVING HEROES, as they battle the evil trickster Loki at http://www.classic-comic-books.com . Also read articles on your favorite classic comic book heroes written by our resident historian VIRGIL THE STORYTELLER.

The Anti-Hero

Wed, 25 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Great, iconic heroes we're not short on. They are commonplace and well known. Spider-Man, Captain America, Superman and the like are tried and true, and true blue, and all that good stuff. And that's fine and well, we need that. But somewhere along the way someone decided we also needed a darker type of hero. An 'anti-hero' if you will. Who the first superhero was is a an issue that will forever be debated, but I think it's fair to say that the first somewhat anti-hero had to be DC Comics' Batman. While he's not quite as much of an anti-hero as, say, marvel comics the punisher, he's certainly no bright and happy-go-lucky ball of sunshine either. He does have morals and limits, unlike many anti-heroes, but he still leans more to the darker side of the spectrum than his contemporaries of the truth and justice ilk. The previously mentioned marvel comics the punisher is probably a more appropriate example of an anti-hero. He does what he does for justice, but he also does it for revenge. And, unlike Batman, he has no limits. **End Summary** Topics: DC Comics]]> comic]]> comic book heroes]]> Marvel Comics]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Follow the exploits of rockers DEMON TWEAK and the racing clan HARD DRIVING HEROES, as they battle the evil trickster Loki at http://www.classic-comic-books.com . Also read articles on your favorite classic comic book heroes written by our resident historian VIRGIL THE STORYTELLER.

Top Ten Comic Book Characters

Tue, 24 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0400

There are thousands of comic book characters in existence from past to present. Many are well known while the majority are more obscure to the general public. And while top ten lists are generally subjective and based on opinion, there are certain comic book characters that will be discussed in this article that are worthy of that distinction by most standards. These are in random order. Superman - There absolutely cannot be a top ten list of comic book characters without the Man of Steel. He's one of the first (arguably THE first) superhero to ever grace the four-color world, and thus his history is one of the richest. He's also one of the most popular in both comics and worldwide as viewed by the general public. He represents truth, justice, righteousness and morality. And while many find it hard to relate to him, those same people look up to his characteristics and admire his altruistic spirit. Batman - Not quite so altruistic, but every bit as popular and loved is the Dark Knight. He may not always do the right thing, or do it the right way, but his motives are always pure, and his intent is always clear. **End Summary** Topics: DC Comics]]> comic]]> comic book heroes]]> Marvel Comics]]> Superman]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Follow the exploits of rockers DEMON TWEAK and the racing clan HARD DRIVING HEROES, as they battle the evil trickster Loki at http://www.classic-comic-book.com . Also read articles on your favorite classic comic book heroes written by our resident historian VIRGIL THE STORYTELLER.

What to Do With Old Comic Books

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Everyone at one time or another had those old comic books lying around. Either from childhood, or they belonged to your parents or even grandparents. Or perhaps they were given to you from someone close who wanted to get rid of theirs. Most of the time they're not worth much, just nice to have around for nostalgia's sake. Other times you can find a real gem that you could keep and hold dear, or sell that puppy on Ebay or to a local retailer. Regardless of where they came from or what one intends to do with them, those old comic books bring back a lot of memories and can be hard to let go of. But sometimes it's necessary to do just that, either to lessen the clutter in your home, to make some quick cash, or to make room for more new ones! It's still hard to let go of all those memories and cool stories you enjoyed so many years ago, but it can be worth it. How do you know if they're worth anything though? **End Summary** Topics: DC Comics]]> comic]]> comic book heroes]]> Marvel Comics]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Follow the exploits of rockers DEMON TWEAK and the racing clan HARD DRIVING HEROES, as they battle the evil trickster Loki at http://www.classic-comic-book.com . Also read articles on your favorite classic comic book heroes written by our resident historian VIRGIL THE STORYTELLER.

Where Have All the Super Powers Gone?

Sun, 22 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Are there any good super powers left that haven't been used? As a creator, I find it hard to come up with something original that hasn't been used in some way, shape or form before. All the typical powers were used up long ago, and every innovative power that is the least bit plausible is taken. Your basic super powers include super strength, super speed, flight, invulnerability, invisibility, enhanced reflexes and agility and stretching ability. These are the principal super powers in use in comics. Every publisher that has ever published a superhero comic or something resembling a superhero comic has used one, a few or all of these powers at some time or another. These same powers, along with others, comprise the x-men powers as well. Colossus has super strength, and thanks to his metal skin, invulnerability, as does Juggernaut. Northstar has super speed, several of the X-Men, like Storm, can fly, and so forth. At least the x-men powers are a little more creative in using these classics though. And they added optic blasts, teleportation, telepathy, telekinesis, ice based powers and more. **End Summary** Topics: DC Comics]]> comic]]> comic book heroes]]> Marvel Comics]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Follow the exploits of rockers DEMON TWEAK and the racing clan HARD DRIVING HEROES, as they battle the evil trickster Loki at http://www.classic-comic-book.com . Also read articles on your favorite classic comic book heroes written by our resident historian VIRGIL THE STORYTELLER.

Wonder Woman

Sun, 22 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Perhaps more than any of her contemporaries, the personality of the lead character of the Wonder Woman comic has changed drastically from decade to decade in various attempts to keep the story fresh and appease public critique of the storyline. When Wonder Woman began in 1941, she was introduced as unapologetically assertive and independent Princess Diana of the Amazons. Her mother was Queen Hippolyte and the infamous lasso of truth was a gift bequeathed by the goddess Aphrodite. While the original Wonder Woman could not fly, she did have immense mental power, so strong that she boasted to Aquaman that the powers of her mind could easily defeat mere super strength alone. It was this Amazonian concentration,â€ that was the initial explanation for the tremendous feats she performed during her early years. Still, early Wonder Woman had to be careful to follow Hippolyte's advice to "let no man chain â€¦ together or you will be forced to obey him - until you can get him or another man to break your chains." The bracelets on Diana's wrists were to "â€¦teach you the folly of submitting to man's domination. **End Summary** Topics: DC Comics]]> comic]]> comic book heroes]]> Marvel Comics]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Follow the exploits of rockers DEMON TWEAK and the racing clan HARD DRIVING HEROES, as they battle the evil trickster Loki at http://www.classic-comic-book.com . Also read articles on your favorite classic comic book heroes written by our resident historian VIRGIL THE STORYTELLER.

Super Girl

Thu, 19 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Though there have been numerous women who have had Kryptonian-level superpowers ever since Superman's debut in 1938, there have traditionally been four true comic book Supergirls. The various Supergirl comic books began in 1959 with the arrival of Kara Zor-El. Known as the Silver Age Super girl (though her stories continued past the Silver Age), the first Kara Zor-El was the daughter of Alura In-Ze and Zor-El, Superman's uncle. When she came to Earth, she was quickly discovered by Superman, who was delighted to meet another of his kind. However, Superman wanted to keep Kara's existence a secret, so that he might be able to use her as a secret weapon. As a result, Kara went off to the Midvale orphanage, where she wore a brunette wig and consciously tried not to get adopted. Despite those efforts, she was eventually adopted by Fred and Edna Danvers. Under her identity of Linda Lee Danvers, Kara graduated high school, finished an undergraduate degree and pursued a graduate education in drama. She held numerous jobs, including counselor, journalist, and actress. Unlike her other teenage counterparts, Kara was never really a sidekick in the traditional sense. **End Summary** Topics: Kara Zor-El]]> Alura In-Ze]]> Zor-El]]> Superman"'""s uncle]]> comic]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Follow the exploits of rockers DEMON TWEAK and the racing clan HARD DRIVING HEROES, as they battle the evil trickster Loki at http://www.classic-comic-book.com . Also read articles on your favorite classic comic book heroes written by our resident historian VIRGIL THE STORYTELLER.

Stan, the Man

Thu, 19 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0400

So, you ask the question "who created spiderman comics?" Well, unless you've been living under a rock for the past several years, it's pretty common knowledge, even well outside the comic community, that that would be Stan "The Man" Lee along with artist Steve Ditko. These two created the iconic webslinger way back in 1962. Born in New York City on December 28, 1922, Celia Lieber, a Romanian-born Jewish immigrant as was her husband Jack, gave birth to Stanley Martin Lieber, the childthat would later become the man, Stan Lee. Growing up in The Bronx with his little brother Larry, Stan began writing at an early age, contributing press releases, obituaries and the like for local news services while in high school. Stan then graduated early at 16 and a half and joined the Federal Theatre Project, which was a project to fund theatre and other artistic projects of the sort in the US during the Great Depression. Their main goal was to locate employment for out-of-work artists, writers and directors, and to entertain poorer families through their efforts. Soon, Stan would begin working for Timely Comics (which became the now famous Marvel Comics) as an assistant. **End Summary** Topics: Celia Lieber]]> comic]]> comic book heroes]]> Marvel Comics]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Follow the exploits of rockers DEMON TWEAK and the racing clan HARD DRIVING HEROES, as they battle the evil trickster Loki at http://www.classic-comic-book.com . Also read articles on your favorite classic comic book heroes written by our resident historian VIRGIL THE STORYTELLER.

Is the Brand New Day of the "Spider-Man Comics" Refreshing?

Thu, 19 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Marvel Editor-in-Chief Joe Quesada had it in for Spider-Man's marriage to Mary Jane Watson. Quesada argued Peter Parker was more interesting as a bachelor and more sympathetic not being married to a supermodel. Some fans (me included) liked the spunky redhead, while others were dead-set against her. Quesada knew either killing off MJ or divorcing her was ultimately a no-sell. The controversial solution came with a Faustian price. To be fair, the Spider-Man comics had been one bad story after another. Ever since the iconic death of Gwen Stacy at the hands of Green Goblin, Spider-Man comics have struggled to remake the same iconic success. Their results were mixed. In 1996, Marvel introduced a new Spider-Man Ben Reilly and claimed Peter Parker was a clone. Meant with disastrous fan response, the situation was reversed, and Ben Reilly killed saving Spider-Man. Inn 2004, Marvel made the audacious claim the Green Goblin had fathered children with Gwen Stacy. Peter Parker gained an Iron Man-like costume as a result of mutating powers in "The Other" storyline, but despite good reviews, both the powers and the costume disappeared during Civil War. Spider-Man publically unmasked himself in Civil War. **End Summary** Topics: spiderman comics]]> comic]]> comic book heroes]]> Marvel Comics]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Follow the exploits of rockers DEMON TWEAK and the racing clan HARD DRIVING HEROES, as they battle the evil trickster Loki at http://www.classic-comic-book.com . Also read articles on your favorite classic comic book heroes written by our resident historian VIRGIL THE STORYTELLER.

MOURNING OF THE MARTIAN

Thu, 19 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0400

In the recent universe-wide storyline at DC Comics, Final Crisis, the DC Universe lost a prominent and beloved character. A lynchpin, if you will, in one of the most recognizable teams in all of comics, the Justice League of America. To say the loss came as a shock and disappointment to fans across the globe would be a gross understatement. If you have not yet read Final Crisis, be prepared for an emotional roller coaster ride. Of all DC Comic Characters, J'onn J'onz is, or was, one of the most unique. Coming from Mars possessing a number of powers ranging from telepathy to shapeshifting, Jonz, or more commonly, the Martian Manhunter, was the definition of a hero. But his powers were not the only attributing factor to his heroism and uniqueness. Rather, Martian Manhunter was much more than his superhero identity insinuates. He was also a kind, fair, wise and ever-learning being who became one of the most respected and revered heroes in all of the DC Universe. When J'onz came to earth, he had escaped a mental plague that claimed the lives of all other Martians as far as he knew. **End Summary** Topics: DC Comics]]> comic]]> comic book heroes]]> Marvel Comics]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Follow the exploits of rockers DEMON TWEAK and the racing clan HARD DRIVING HEROES, as they battle the evil trickster Loki at http://www.classic-comic-book.com . Also read articles on your favorite classic comic book heroes written by our resident historian VIRGIL THE STORYTELLER.

Marvel Comic Books: The Industry Standard?

Wed, 18 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0400

It's no secret that Marvel comic books are the best selling comic books in the American market. Marvel holds the highest percentage of the market share as it has for many years, just above main rival, DC Comics. But does this really mean that Marvel comic books are the standard for the industry? Are they the best written and best illustrated? Are they diverse and varied enough? Do they really captivate readers that much, or is it mainly due to diehard fans of their characters or creators buying up books just for that reason alone? Of course, that's not something that can be easily discerned, if it even can at all. Things like this are largely subjective, and no study in the world could possibly gauge the reasons behind all the buyers of Marvel comic books purchasing the books. But one can look at the market, and look at the books being produced by Marvel and by other companies and develop their own opinion. Naturally, though, opinions are completely polarized between fans of Marvel comic books and fans of DC comic books, each despising the other. **End Summary** Topics: DC Comics]]> comic]]> comic book heroes]]> Marvel Comics]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Follow the exploits of rockers DEMON TWEAK and the racing clan HARD DRIVING HEROES, as they battle the evil trickster Loki at http://www.classic-comic-book.com . Also read articles on your favorite classic comic book heroes written by our resident historian VIRGIL THE STORYTELLER.

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull

Wed, 18 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Despite the longest title possible, Indy is back. The year isn't 1936 (Raiders of the Lost Ark), 1935 (Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom) or even 1938 (Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade), but 1957. The shift to a new decade is one of the reasons the film works, as co-creators Steven Spielberg and George Lucas do an excellent job of placing bare-knuckled Indiana so far into the next decade. This time, the Nazis are out and the Commies are in. While it might have been easy to make the two interchangeable, or worst, draw some comparison to the current political climate, Spielberg, Lucas and screenwriter David Koepp (Jurassic Park, The Shadow, Spider-Man) nail the chilling paranoia of the 1950's. Indiana (Harrison Ford) gets his own taste of Red Scare when he survives a close brush with eerie Soviet officer Irina Spalko (Cate Blanchett) and winds up on the receiving end of FBI suspicion. Spalko delivers an unnerving speech about her plan to use the psychic power of the crystal skull to change the way America thinks. It's a spine-tingling commentary on subtle Cold War subversion. Of course, Indiana Jones isn't alone in his efforts to prevent Soviet domination. **End Summary** Topics: comic]]> comic book heroes]]> Indiana Jones]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Follow the exploits of rockers DEMON TWEAK and the racing clan HARD DRIVING HEROES, as they battle the evil trickster Loki at http://www.classic-comic-book.com . Also read articles on your favorite classic comic book heroes written by our resident historian VIRGIL THE STORYTELLER.

In The Spotlight

Tue, 17 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Marvel Spotlight is a traditional title at Marvel Comics. Like many others, Marvel Spotlight is a title that has been recycled a few times and applied to new concepts. The original Marvel Spotlight title was used for two volumes of an anthology running throughout the 1970s and early 1980s lasting a total of 44 issues. Many Marvel characters that would go on to have their own series, like Ghost Rider, Spider-Woman and Werewolf by Night, first appeared in the anthology. In recent years, the title has been brought back with a different purpose, as it now spotlights creators (usually a writer and an artist) of current hot books, like Marvel Spotlight Civil War Aftermath, Marvel Spotlight Thor, and Marvel Spotlight Hulk Movie to name a few. Each issue includes in depth interviews with the top creators on the particular book or character featured in each issue. For example, in Marvel Spotlight Thor, J. Michael Straczynski and Oliver Coipel, the creative team behind the return of Thor in his new series, detailing their involvement in the rebirth of the original Avenger, the god of thunder, Thor. The issue also contains preview art from Thor #1 and other exclusives. **End Summary** Topics: Ghost Rider]]> Spider-Woman]]> Werewolf by Night]]> comic]]> comic b]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Follow the exploits of rockers DEMON TWEAK and the racing clan HARD DRIVING HEROES, as they battle the evil trickster Loki at http://www.classic-comic-book.com . Also read articles on your favorite classic comic book heroes written by our resident historian VIRGIL THE STORYTELLER.

Iconic Objects in Comics

Tue, 17 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0400

There are many objects found between the covers of comics that symbolize various characters, storylines or what have you. Some are objects of power, like the M'Kraan Crystal or the Infinity Gauntlet. Others are power sources for their wielders like Green Lantern's lamp or ring, or Quasar's Quantum Bands. And others are simply weapons like Thor's hammer or the captain America shield. Each one of these, and countless others, has been solidified in the world of comics as iconic objects. Go to any specialty store carrying comic memorabilia and you're likely to find statues and lithographs featuring these famed items for display in your home, or wherever you like. By displaying one of these pristine replicas you show your loyalty to and fondness of the characters or stories that produced them. In a comic panel, or in a scene in a movie (like the captain America shield in Iron Man recently), a single momentary placement of one of these objects can be all-telling and all-inspiring. It can give a clue to where a story is headed or who might show up, or it can simply pique the curiosity of the reader or viewer. **End Summary** Topics: DC Comics]]> comic]]> comic book heroes]]> Marvel Comics]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Follow the exploits of rockers DEMON TWEAK and the racing clan HARD DRIVING HEROES, as they battle the evil trickster Loki at http://www.classic-comic-book.com . Also read articles on your favorite classic comic book heroes written by our resident historian VIRGIL THE STORYTELLER.