There has been a lot of negativity and poison within gaming culture of late, but on October 25th, over 40,000 gamers set all that aside to do what we do best in a 24-hour gaming marathon in support of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. I am so very thankful to friends and family who helped me reach…
741.5: How To Sound Professional When Talking About Cerebro
The problem with working in a field that relies heavily on bureaucratic procedure is that sometimes you propose something, and then so much time passes that you forget about it. Then, suddenly, you get three emails one day saying that the talk on the importance of comic book collections and geek-centric programming in libraries you…
The Power of Tank Girl: One Girl’s Personal Diary
Are you ready for some TANK GIIIIIRL? Many of you may have been born ready. Many of you may know her of old. But if you’re new? No probs. That just means you’re lucky, cos the tank’s full (of comics), and the night is long. Tank Girl is a girl—a woman, in my reading, but…
Baldwin-faced Misogynist: Please Don’t Publish Mr. Gamergate’s Book, Dark Horse
I don’t know if you know this about us, but neither Megan nor I have any time for Firefly. How many times have I bent her ear about the truly absurd & terrible poster for Serenity? So many times! So you’d think I’d be all pleased about an opportunity to spread my seeds of hate….
Addicted to Ladies Night
I’m sure it was Fate, that blustery, not quite spring day, when my friend and I ventured off to Toronto Comic Con. I was determined to find a copy of Jeremy Whitley’s Princeless, but none of the vendors had heard of it — until I got to Comic Book Addiction. Yes, we love Princeless, they…
Where Do We Stand? September Comic Sales
Topping the Diamond’s top ten lists are two beloved characters, Marvel’s Wolverine and DC’s Batman. Taking the top two spots on single issue list is Death of Wolverine #1 and #2. The weekly mini series is getting so much buzz that even NPR’s All Things Considered has a piece about it. First prize on the…
Off With Her Head! Klimt Goes To Drakulon: A Discussion of Art, Reference, and Story
Gorgeous, right? This is Judith and the Head of Holofernes, or Judith I, by Klimt. Gustav Klimt is enduringly famous, as his work should be — it’s also often referenced. Judith, the subject of the picture, is an Old Testament heroine who achieves political grace by gratifying and then beheading the general who is ransacking her…
This Is Not A Drill–Gamergate Supporter Threatens School Shooting
On the morning of Tuesday, October 14th, Utah State University received an anonymous threat from someone claiming to be a student, who promised to engage in terrorist action if feminist critic Anita Sarkeesian spoke at a scheduled event on Wednesday, October 15th. Sarkeesian, and many other vocal feminist creators, have been targeted by the Gamergate…
Hogwarts, After Dark: Event and Interview
On Thursday, September 4th, I headed out of my home long after the sun had set. Like a young Mr. Harry Potter, I entered the train depot alone, unsure of what awaited me. Maybe I would find my Ron and Hermione on this Red line trip to the Northside of Chicago, I thought. Of course,…
GamerGate Rolls On — Does It Affect Your Personal Behaviour?
How it all started: Feminist Frequency’s Anita Sarkeesian released her latest installment of Tropes vs Women in Video Games and was promptly deluged with threats of rape and violence. She had to leave her home and contact with the police. Zoe Quinn, developer of the game Depression Quest, had nude photos and personal information released…
The Apocalypse Isn’t The End of the World: Ragnarök and Reading Comics Narratives
After the initial media head-scratching about the announced title “Thor 3: Ragnarok,” people have latched on to the idea that the 2016 Thor movie will be about the end of the world. As a religion scholar, I have a hundred things to say about this! I’ll give you a few pointers for watching the end…
Fighting Leakage by Moonlight: Sailor Senshi Sanitary Protection
Holy shit! Yes! Sailor Scout-themed pads that promise to keep you “ultra-safe until morning.” They’re on limited issue, it seems, which is a terrible shame. Sailor Moon and her girls wear white leotards under miniskirts every day of the month: these products have made one heck of a period promise. Frolicking on the beach? Running through…