Originally published November 19, 1999, in Comics Buyer’s Guide #1357

“Ve gonna pump (whap!) you up!”

–Hans and Franz

 There are so many things in the world that females have had to lag behind males in achieving. Males had more privileges in voting, in job choice… you name it, and men have generally had the edge.

But there’s one thing that modern young ladies have had the edge on for quite some time, and that only in recent years are young guys starting to catch up. And that, kids, is body dimorphism.

Continue Reading “Body Dimorphism, part 1” →

Originally published November 12, 1999, in Comics Buyer’s Guide #1356

We know what offends us, don’t we.

We know what public dollars should be made to support, don’t we.

I mean, it’s all so easy. We don’t know art, but we know what we like. And as comic book fans, we all know the importance and impact that artwork can and does have on the world of comic book literature. Oh, and it occasionally has impact on the real world as well.

I’ve spoken a number of times of censorship of comic books, and how we must be ever vigilant in making sure that Those Who Are Protecting Us From Ourselves are thwarted in their attempts to perform their self-appointed work. That we must beware those who support the concept of the First Amendment right up to the point where something is expressed that they find personally upsetting… not realizing that is precisely the type of speech or expression that much be protected the most assiduously.

Continue Reading “A Sensation at the Brooklyn Museum” →

Originally published November 5, 1999, in Comics Buyer’s Guide #1355

I had been planning to write about the exhibit currently under fire at the Brooklyn Museum of New York. However I realized I really shouldn’t do so until I’ve had the chance to see it myself, which I’ll be doing this weekend. So instead I’ll tap into the CBG topic for this week which is, so I’m told, relaunches.

Continue Reading “Comic Book Relaunches” →

Originally published October 29, 1999, in Comics Buyer’s Guide #1354

It always starts in different ways, ways that you are always convinced cannot, will not, ever apply to you. Frequently it will begin in regards to some sort of subject matter that you actually applaud. You pat your elected representatives on the back and say, “Go to!” and consider your tax dollars well spent. It always seems to begin with the best of intentions, and as Samuel Johnson said, Hëll is paved with good intentions. Curiously, he said nothing about the frequently-mentioned road to Hëll, although Clive Staples Lewis, in The Screwtape Letters, did have something to say about that oft’ taken pathway: “The safest road to Hëll is the gradual one—the gentle slope, soft underfoot, without sudden turnings, without milestones, without signposts.”

Continue Reading “Censorship and Violence in Entertainment” →