Marshmallow Man is a woman. Granted, “Marshmallow Woman” doesn’t roll off the tongue with the same alliterative satisfaction as “Marshmallow Man.” It’s tough to pronounce two W’s in a row like that, not to mention adding an entire extra syllable. But, it’s the more accurate of the two. Accuracy versus a lulling literary device is…
Comic Cons, Comic Books, and a Library Magazine: Anne Drozd on the Ann Arbor Comic Arts Festival, Pulp, and a Mystery Comic
In the past few years, Anne Drozd and her husband Jerzy Drozd have produced a boatload of comic events: Comic books, podcasts, conventions, cartoonist instruction for kids/teens/adults, school workshops, library events, Nerd Nites, tiny expos, big expos; these two do it all. I was thrilled that Anne was able to take the time to answer…
Interview with Matt Ruff, Author of Lovecraft Country
Let’s time warp back to 2007. It’s a rainy day in Ann Arbor, Michigan and I just ducked inside the downtown Borders. I work at a library and rarely buy books, but I leaf through the new arrivals all the same. None of them hold my attention for long, and I consider giving up and…
April Sex Month Roundtable: Let’s Talk Sex Toys!
What month-long focus on sex would be complete without a roundtable on sex toys? Other WWACers and I dished about what works for us, what doesn’t, along with some helpful tips thrown into the mix.
DC Devotees and Making Mine Marvel: What Does Brand Loyalty Mean In Comics?
Are you “a Marvel fan?” Dedicated to DC? Do you have a loyalty to a different publisher or publishing brand? Does this whole idea perplex or enrage you? Where do you stand in terms of publisher loyalty? We’re thinking about it.
BABIES! They’re Cute. But Which Are the Cutest? Here’s a List
Hey now, it’s spring! That means things are hatching. Chicks, rabbits, tulips, etc. And babies! Babies are born all year round (and so are comics published), but lets celebrate the sweet fresh shoots of character while cherries begin to blossom and the air begins to warm. It’s BABIES! The cutest in comics. What age is a…
Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Hey Let’s Go! Calvin, Hobbes, and Snow
Bill Watterson’s Calvin and Hobbes plays around with a lot of snow. Snowballs, snowmen, snow forts—snow, snow, snow. It is used as both a plot device and a background in many different ways—never sentimental or sappy. Let’s take a look at the main functions of snow for Calvin: Mischief, Artistry, Philosophizing, and Fantasy.
Postcard Valentines: The Game Changer
Valentine’s Day cards have mysterious origins and have undergone hundreds of years of transformation. But I’m not going to get into all of that. Instead, we’re going to focus on the popularity of postcard Valentines in the United States in the early 20th century. During the Victorian Age, people went all out on their Valentines….
Last Minute Gift Guide: Books for Adults
Earlier this week we shared our last minute gift guide for the young readers on your list. Now we’re continuing our recommending spree for the adult readers you’re still planning on buying for. Whether they like fantasy, horror, or are looking to join the adult colouring book craze, WWAC has you covered.
Ghost World is Ghostly
Ghost World has a backdrop of death. The characters are surrounded by the ghosts of people and places that have passed on and changed. Enid and Becky do their best to ignore the fact that we’re all going to die. The visual representations of death begin with the copyright page. Slightly younger versions of Enid…
Interview With Detroit Artist Emily Zelasko
Emily Zelasko is an up and coming Metro Detroit illustrator and comic writer who should not be missed. Her art is spunky, original, and immensely eye-catching. After seeing her work in person at the recent Kids Read Comics Con and ComiqueCon, I had the opportunity to ask Emily some questions about her work. How did you…
WWAC Reflections on the “King of Horror”
It’s spooky season, and that means rolling out our favorite scary stories. Stephen King, also known as the “King of Horror,” is an iconic author, impacting the horror genre with books such as The Shining, It, and Carrie. He has written over 50 novels and around 200 short stories, and his body of work continues…
