comics

Modern Male Role Models: The Superhero and the Slacker

Max Read · 08/15/10 09:51PM

Young boys only have two models of masculinity, according to a University of Massachusetts psychologist: Violent, misogynistic superheroes or lazy, funny slackers. What does this mean, for the future of the U.S.? Why, a nation filled with bloggers wearing costumes!

Superman (Comic) Rescues Family (Home from Foreclosure)

Max Read · 08/03/10 10:31PM

A family facing foreclosure discovered a copy of Action Comics #1—the first Superman comic—in the basement. It's worth $250,000, and will help them repay debts. The best part? They found it while packing to move out. [ABC]

Harvey Pekar Dead at 70

Richard Lawson · 07/12/10 10:29AM

Famed grump and comic book author Harvey Pekar was found dead early this morning in his Cleveland home. The disgruntled and curmudgeonly writer was most famous for his American Splendor comic series, adapted into a well-reviewed film in 2003.

Archie Comics Welcomes a Gay to Riverdale

Richard Lawson · 04/22/10 12:50PM

Holy Hotdog. Archie Comics — one of culture's most enduring portraits of wholesome Americana — is introducing a gay. A gay male Archie character. His name is Kevin Keller and he is blonde.

What the Hell Happened to The Man of Tomorrow?

Anderson Evans · 02/19/10 10:45AM

Does the world need Superman? He's probably the most iconic comic book hero ever created, but it seems his invulnerability has a cost. There is buzz about another attempt at rebooting the franchise, but is there any point?

Artie Lange, Howard Stern Sidekick, Attempted Suicide

Maureen O'Connor · 01/07/10 09:23AM

In an apparent suicide attempt, Howard Stern sidekick Artie Lange stabbed himself nine times—six "hesitation wounds" and three "deep plunges"—and is now in the hospital. There is something extra-tragic about comedians with depression. [P6]

Never Lose Hope Broke

Hamilton Nolan · 05/22/09 10:41AM

The Way We Live Now: Broke. Britain's broke. Malls are broke. Even comic strips are broke. Broke, broke, broke.

Sarah Palin Establishes Her Legacy

ian spiegelman · 10/19/08 11:41AM

The highlight of Sarah Palin's career? It's not her guest spot on SNL, or her scary stump speeches in front of screaming crazy racists. It's this cover for the upcoming Tales From the Crypt comic. Sporting a hockey stick—and heaving breasts reminiscent of the comic's golden days—she asks the fleeing ghouls, "Didn't we get rid of you guts in the 50's?" It's a reference to Palin's book-banning ways, as well as to the wave of censorship that forced Crypt's original publisher to shut it down in 1955.