So much of superhero mythology depends on the symbolism of the heroes and villains. Their code names, costumes, gadgets, and powers combine with their motivations and actions to create a very particular mythological purpose that transcends the individual – Batman represents order and justice regardless of whether it is Bruce Wayne or Dick Grayson under […]
March
23
Language Corrupts Thought
posted by Reid Vanier
Words have power. They have meaning. Words are used to express or describe one’s thoughts and feelings, to persuade or to justify one’s actions, and to codify our experiences as human beings. They have the ability to define the concrete and conjure the conceptual, and therefore the precise and accurate selection of words is one of […]
March
16
Diametrically Opposed: Superman / Lex Luthor
posted by Reid Vanier
Diametrically Opposed is a series exploring the best hero-villain rivalries in the DC Universe. Superman is without question the most iconic superhero in all of comic books. He was one of the first superheroes ever published, and his incredible power and unyielding goodness have made him a constant presence in popular culture in the more […]
October
14
Retro Review: Adventure Comics #452 (1977) – “Dark Destiny, Deadly Dreams”
posted by Reid Vanier
Retro Review takes a look at iconic issues of DC Comics books and measures their artistic integrity against their cultural and symbolic importance to the DC Universe and comic books in general. Adventure Comics #452 – “Dark Destiny, Deadly Dreams” Written by David Michelinie Pencils & Inks by Jim Aparo Colours by Jerry Serpe Letters […]
October
07
Diametrically Opposed: Mister Miracle / Granny Goodness
posted by Reid Vanier
Diametrically Opposed is a series exploring the best hero-villain rivalries in the DC Universe. Of all of Jack Kirby’s contributions to the world of comic books, the one that is perhaps the most expansive while simultaneously being the least understood is that of the Fourth World – the extra-dimensional realm in which reside the New […]
September
30
The Power of Babel
posted by Reid Vanier
When the Detective Chimp made his first appearance in the pages of Adventures of Rex the Wonder Dog #4, the character was, unsurprisingly, not to be taken particularly seriously. The year was 1952, placing the character’s debut a full four years before Barry Allen’s first appearance and the official start of the Silver Age of […]
September
23
Secret Admirer
posted by Reid Vanier
Obsession is a common theme in superhero comics. Whether good or evil, many characters can be considered to be governed by a particular obsession. Justice, revenge, perfection, conquest, and many others are all extremely common examples. In the case of two generations of Reverse-Flash – Professor Zoom and Zoom – obsession is the symbolic mantle […]
