Figurative language about Hollywood has circulated through human discourse since cinema first entered the world. “Hollywood magic,” for instance, refers to special effects or related techniques employed to illustrate desires and fears across the “silver screen.” This fantastical imagery occludes the malevolence behind the curtain, the industry itself, which receives metaphorical treatment as well, as, […]
Born in Gloucester, Massachusetts, Maila Elizabeth Syrjäniemi spent her youth in Astoria, Oregon, working for fish canneries. After high school, she developed grander ambitions and headed to New York and Los Angeles, where she acted, danced, and flirted with greatness. Finally, in 1954, now known as Maila Nurmi, she entered pop-culture notoriety, initiating a fine […]
In 2020, an artist called Mr. Saturated posted images projecting how he felt the Belcher children would look 20 years down the line. He included thoughts on what they’d be doing with their lives as well. Most startlingly, Mr. Saturated sees Louise running Bob’s Burgers after taking over the shop from her dad. His reasoning? […]
My experience with Ripper comics is limited. I’ve read Brian Augustyn and Mike Mignola’s Gotham by Gaslight, a Batman tale set in 1889 where the Ripper has moved from London to Gotham City, continuing his grisly work. The police arrest Bruce Wayne himself, and he’s sentenced to hang, but the truth is not only terrifying […]
On Nola Pfau’s website, X-Men Book Club, Kayleigh, and Claire were discussing Doug Ramsey, also known as Cypher, deeming him the worst X-Man ever. I offer a taste of their exchange: Kayleigh: Cypher, frequently cited by fanboys as one of the worst X-Men of all time! But why? Does he deserve it? Claire: No, but […]
After reviewing Joe Haldeman’s The Forever War on his website (2010), Andrew Liptak concludes that the novel, despite its plot, isn’t military science fiction. It’s not a “good romp with powered armor and shooting” that focuses on ordinance or military theory. There are several parallels with Starship Troopers by Robert Heinlein. Haldeman and Heinlein focus […]
Everything is right with escapism. I know because I read comics. Instances from favorite stories took me away from terrible days at work or school. I was there for it when Galactus throttled the High Evolutionary, or, even more spectacularly, the Sphinx. When Captain America defied the Superhuman Registration Act and went underground — imagine […]
Years ago, a friend who’d served with me in Peace Corps Ukraine asked if I knew of any graphic novels based on civil rights history. A social studies teacher at International Community High School of the Bronx, he wanted materials that would hold his students’ interest. At the time, I wasn’t very helpful, but today […]
By far, the most interesting and entertaining character on What We Do in the Shadows must be Colin Robinson, portrayed by Mark Proksch. Unlike the bloodsuckers with which he shares a Staten Island abode, Colin sustains himself by draining others of life energy, not blood. Not traditionally immortal, energy vampires like Colin die then “regenerate” […]
The propaganda artist’s views definedAesthetic rules he hoped would elevateHis nation’s ethos from within the lines. The souls of German folk expressed the signsOf modern times, submitting to the hateThe propaganda artist’s views defined. Artistic cleansing, lists of works consignedTo flames, effacing fires, would help createHis nation’s ethos from within the lines. Poor Mann, his […]
I WILL FIND THE RIGHT WORDS 