Comic books can be intimidating. The easy solution to learning to love comics is quite clearly “read some,” but it can be a challenge to know where to start. The first time I walked into a comic book shop, I walked out with a “Flash” issue that tied into an event I knew nothing about, and focused exclusively on a Flash rogue (Boomerang) without hardly any mention of the hero. [Read more…] about How To Start Reading Comics In 2025: A Beginner’s Guide
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MMY Interview: The Amazing Story of Stan Lee w/ Danny Fingeroth!
We interview longtime Marvel editor and writer Danny Fingeroth about his time on Marvel works like Amazing Spider-Man and Darkhawk! Plus, we dig into Danny’s biography about the life of Stan Lee, A Marvelous Life.
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Loki: God Who Fell to Earth Review!
Marvel’s Loki deserves so much more.
To understand why I say this, it is important to know how I was introduced to the character in the comics. I had originally met Loki as a guilt ridden yet mischievous Kid Loki in Kieron Gillen and Jamie McKelvie’s Young Avengers. Loki became one of my favorite characters because they were a fun “Stepford Smiler,” someone who cracked jokes and smiled while hiding immense personal issues.
In Young Avengers, Loki magically grew older and was slightly wiser by the end of the series. From there, I followed Loki to their solo series Agent of Asgard where Loki truly came into their own as a character. Learning that Loki’s character development appeared to be retconned after Agent of Asgard made me unwilling to read more until I learned about Loki: The God Who Fell To Earth. [Read more…] about Loki: God Who Fell to Earth Review!
There is Only Doom | A Primer on The Greatest Villain of All Time
Doctor Doom is a wonderfully complex character
To my mind, he’s the first Marvel supervillain as he set the relatable, tortured archetype that everyone from Magneto to Gorr would follow after. And, rumor has it, he was a big inspiration on Darth Vader (it’s embarrassing to just realize, this year, that Vader’s weird mouth second on his mask looks a fair bit like Jack Kirby’s illustrations of DOOM shouting.) Not to mention Raul Julia’s M. Bison. Two equally great, enduring symbols of villainy.
It’s easy to see why so many have enjoyed Doom for so long. That iconic metal mask of his is utterly grotesque and ostensibly hides a face much worse. But then, the horror of the first only adds to the mystery of the second. Then there’s the whole “hooded cape over armor” look. Who the hell thought that would be evergreen?! Plus he’s got magic, crazy inventions, his own castle, the very best in names… the list goes on. At the top of the list of things we love about Doom has to be his dialogue, which is simply the best in the business.
No one speaks with the ridiculous pomp and camp of Doom. Yet, no one, not even Thanos, has his finality.
But these things are just ornamentation. Nothing more than armor polish and melted loved ones. Let’s see what matters. [Read more…] about There is Only Doom | A Primer on The Greatest Villain of All Time
The Great Pretenders: Regarding Wanda | A Look at the Character of the Scarlet Witch
Do you believe in magic in a young girl’s heart
How the music can free her whenever it starts? (…)
I’ll tell you about the magic, and it’ll free your soul (…)
If you believe in magic, don’t bother to choose
The Lovin’ Spoonful
Do You Believe in Magic
For decades, the Scarlet Witch has been an enigmatic character. Her “hex powers” have made stories more interesting, her life is filled with drama, and she has got hands-down the best of Jack Kirby’s “weird headgear and stage performer” aesthetics going. But she’s also been a runaway powerhouse, smashing through the Marvel universe, its laws, and her own good-will with fans. She’s a character that can do seemingly anything… so why is it these pitfalls happen? Why can’t Scarlet Witch’s character get out of this madness-shame-power-up pattern? And how could it be fixed?
We’ll take a deep-dive into Wanda and find out. I’ll be citing my references, but fans may still want to take a crack at our reading order for the Scarlet Witch before we begin. [Read more…] about The Great Pretenders: Regarding Wanda | A Look at the Character of the Scarlet Witch