Back in 2010, Sophie Campbell published Shadoweyes, a riveting dystopian science fiction superhero comic about a young woman of color, Scout, who is unexpectedly imbued with superpowers and sets to making the city she lives in a better place for her community. With stunning, gritty art and queer and social justice themes, Shadoweyes rocked the…
Looking at Men With No Clothes On: The Goddamned
A bit later I’ll talk about racial coding. But first: something pleasant (and NSFW).
Two Public Librarians on Amazon’s “Replacement” of the Public Library
Jess and Anna are two public librarians whose eyes rolled pretty hard upon seeing the Atlantic Monthly’s recent article: Did Amazon Just Replace the Public Library? They chatted about what Atlantic writer Megan Garber got wrong about libraries, how they are different from a business, the issues of privilege and access, and briefly on the perception…
The Problem with a Hollywood Steve Trevor
I conceded that the Wonder Woman movie was doomed the moment I heard that they cast Chris Pine as Steve Trevor.
Always the Weird Girl, Ever the Witch: Wanda Maximoff’s Unearned Reputation
I have so much love for Wanda Maximoff. There is a long and detailed history between Scarlet Witch and myself that I’ll make very short and sweet. Wanda Maximoff was the one who introduced me into the world of Marvel Comics. I know there are so many characters to choose from, but for some reason,…
A Rabbit, A Kitten, and a House Party: Profile of Rachael Smith
In 2014, Rachael Smith funded her graphic novel House Party through Kickstarter in only four days. The speed of funding suggests she has more than a fan or two who believes in her talent as a comics creator.
Star Wars: Let’s Talk About That Metal Bikini
As the release of Star Wars: The Force Awakens fast approaches, Star Wars is, unsurprisingly, on the minds of many fans. The latest chatter stems from a rumour that Disney intends to retire “Slave Leia” from its merchandising plans. Many fans are upset by this, while others are happy to see it gone. The Slave Leia bikini…
Old Friends: Who’s Your Favourite Comic Book Character?
What do we love? Comics! Why do we love them? For various reasons! But among those reasons, of course, lies this one: a lot of comics let us form emotional bonds with made-up people. Characters! We all have favourite characters, right? Here are some of ours.
Mom’N’Pop Culture: Thoughts on Class Dojo & Tracking Classroom Behavior
I don’t know about other parts of the country (or other countries), but here in Florida the public schooling gets real starting in third grade. Standardized tests are a must pass, and the A through F grading system takes over the “satisfactory” or “unsatisfactory” rating system of the previous three years. My daughter and I…
Oh My, Shiranui! AJ Brooks Talks Grappling, Costumes, & Video Games
U SERIOUS BRA is here again — the fun jazzy column where Wendy and Claire talk about how breasts are being treated in blockbuster video games. Such as Street Fighter! R. Mika. That’s a name that has bounced around the internet since her reveal trailer, as part of the line up for Street Fighter V. The only…
The Silent Lessons of Strange Fruit #2: A Review That Isn’t
Strange Fruit #2 J.G. Jones and Mark Waid (Authors), J.G. Jones (Artist), Deron Bennett (Letterer) BOOM! Studios October 4, 2015 Though Strange Fruit #1 was published in July, the BOOM! response to criticisms lodged about its racial insensitivity in the following weeks and months has been relative silence. I tried very hard not to blame them, as it’s a…
