Over a few months ago, I began a column that I intended to continue. Life started getting in the way, I disappeared for a few months, and well, I didn't get to continue the column...until today. My apologies, and if you want to check out the first installment of "Looking Behind the Mask", you can check it out HERE. So, without further ado, I bring you "Looking Behind the Mask 2: Superman"
What is it about masks? That small piece of mystery that allows the superhero to lead two separate lives. That secret layer of protection that allows the hero the opportunity to have a private life while also protecting those he loves. For some heroes, that secret identity, that mask, is a boon from a world that would relentlessly hound the hero for his help 24/7 if allowed. To others, the secret identity is an opportunity to fit into a world where they have reason to feel they don't belong.
So, for Superman, what is his reason for wearing the mask, and even more importantly, which identity, Superman or Clark Kent is the mask and which is the real identity hidden underneath?
"Read on to find out what I think"
Every once in a while, a book comes along that meets a particular market need or niche. It's a book that gets critical success and has a fervent and devoted fanbase, but it struggles because of low sales. It might even get canceled to only get a reprieve at the last minute, but the threat of cancellation never stops hanging over the title until eventually someone in the higher-ups of the company has to make a difficult decision and cancel the book for the last time.
There have been quite a few books that have met this "The little engine that could" scenario, but this is the first time where I feel that we as a community need to make sure that Manhunter doesn't become the next casualty. After the jump, I will give you guys a little information about what Manhunter is about and also give what I feel are compelling reasons why we should do whatever we can to make sure that Manhunter does not get canceled again.
The X-Men have been around for years, and the fans have made them one of the most popular comic franchises ever. But, ask any fan who they think are the top 50 mutants, you'd probably get a varied list depending on who you asked. Thanks to the efforts of some people at Comic Book Resources, a community of fans were asked to list their top ten favorite X-Men characters. Using a point system where a first place listing would give the character 10 points and so on, CBR ranked the results to give us a top 50 list. Be prepared to be shocked because the results will not be what you expect.
Check it out Here!
One of the biggest obstacles that I've found for returning and new comic readers is how hard it is to jump into a long-running series without feeling completely lost. When a comic has been around since the 1960s like the X-Men have, it can often feel impossible for a new reader to figure out what's going on. As someone who has pretty much read a lot of comics since, well, let's just say a long time, I've decided that I would like to help others by giving them a "cliff notes" version of what has been going on to help others make sense of what's been going on.
While I'm hoping that I can provide everyone with an overview of past events without spoiling things that have happened in the past month or two, I feel obligated to give a spoiler warning. If you have no desire to know what happened in the following storylines, then you'll definitely not want to read the rest of this article. For this week, I'll be covering:
M-Day (Decimation)
Deadly Genesis
Endangered Species
Messiah CompleX
Divided We Stand
What is it about masks? That shroud of mystery and secrets that hides the true identity of the wearer. That secret layer that confuses and distracts the bad guys helping the hero to defeat his enemies while protecting his private life and loved ones. For some heroes, that secret identity, that mask, is merely another tool in their arsenal of weapons against crime. To others, the secret identity is a comforting lie that no matter how many enemies he develops, he can always take off the mask and return to the world of anonymity.
But, for Batman, what is his reason for wearing the mask, and even more importantly, which identity, Batman or Bruce Wayne is the mask and which is the real identity hidden underneath?
"Read on to find out what I think"
In a stunning development, it has been confirmed that Chuck Dixon is no longer writing for DC Comics. It is unclear at this time who will be taking over the writing chores on Batman and The Outsiders or Robin. According to the report at Newsarama,
The news caught Dixon's fans by surprise, but seemed to underscore recent, sudden editorial changes at DC, including the recently announced replacement of Dixon by Frank Tieri on Batman and the Outsiders #11-#12, a "Batman R.I.P" tie-in. Dixon himself came on the series in much the same way, replacing the series' original writer, Tony Bedard after Bedard's first issue had been solicited.
Both Dixon and DC declined to respond to Newsarama inquires for further comment. In a post on his messageboard in response to how the decrease in workload affects his income, Dixon responded with, "Even when I don't work for DC they provide the bulk of my income," referring to royalty payments for reprints and collections of his work (and presumably characters he created) that are kept in print.
While I've never been a huge fan of Chuck Dixon's writing, I have to admit that this development comes to me as quite a shock. Hopefully, DC will make an announcement soon about the future of Batman and The Outsiders and Robin. I'll make sure to keep you posted.
Dixon No Longer at DC [Newsarama]
"Oh Lois, you SO don't want to know!"
Comic of the Week
Well last week Ruby Summers blasted the competition easily for Moment of the Week! Just like the old saying goes, never underestimate a girl made out of living gemstone with laser eyes. This week we take a look at some astounding moments from last weeks Spider-Man: Secret Invasion, Wolverine, New Avengers, Final Crisis: Rogue's Revenge, Ultimate X-Men and Thunderbolts. (Marvel heavy, last week) So join me after the jump, and be warned. Spoilers lie beyond. So if you still have to pick up any of these books, don't read ahead because it'll ruin the surprise!...
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