The comic blogosphere seems to grow larger every day and just like comics, sometimes it’s pretty easy to get a little lost. “Meanwhile…” will act as your map pointing out what interesting discussions are happening out there while you’re reading Blog@Newsarama.

 

So this is my first official, that is non-guest, swing at doing a Meanwhile. Sheesh, no pressure there, right?

Well, let’s get down to it…

Marvel’s Gone Gay?

At Post-Modern Barney, Dorian responds to the news that Marvel’s changed its policy on gay characters.

To be honest, I’m surprised. Marvel’s done so little that’s worthy of praise lately, that, I’m a little caught off guard to find that they’ve finally done the right thing. Now, granted, I’d be more impressed if they had never had the “no gay lead characters outside of mature readers labeled books” policy in the first place.

Sidekick Love

Etta Candy discusses the remarkable fact that Diana is the only female hero with sidekicks.

The heroes learn something from the sidekicks, and not a tripe and tried Moral Lesson. No, the sidekick teaches something intrinsic, something almost primal, about the way the world works. The hero is often off in her Ivory Tower (or her Island of Paradise) and she forgets to get her hands and feet dirty. That, Dear Reader, is where the sidekick comes in.

The Blogosphere Responds to the Marvel Delays

Heidi Meeley does a lot of my job for me by quoting and linking various press about the Civil War delays while Brainfreeze explains her apathy.

A comic book? Unless the book is established at the start as other than monthly (bi-monthly, quarterly?), you’ll wait a month for your next fix, maybe two, maybe three if the book is exceptional. (Most books are not exceptional. Civil War, while thus far enjoyable, is not exceptional.) After that, you’ve moved on–the intensity of your interest in that particular book/character/storyline has faded. You eventually stop looking eagerly on the shelves for that particular book, and perhaps you stop looking at all.

While Steven uses this opportunity to wax eloquently on the comic and publishing industry.

Get Over It, Peter

Turtle at Confessions of a Heroine Addict points out the laughability of certain aspects of Amazing Spider Man.

Y’all. I couldn’t stop laughing. Sure, some would likely say it’s more about failure to protect her from a manipulative older man (which is also problematic, yo), but it essentially comes down to his enemy fucked her first. There are two enhanced humans coming after you because they think you’re their deadbeat father, Peter, but by all means take the time to bust a few pieces of furniture over your dead girlfriend’s poor hymen. Does the phrase “least of your problems” mean anything to you?

Is that too much to ask?

Valerie D’Orazio wants to see a fair portrayal of an open practicing Christian in a comic book rather than the caricatures we usually see.

I want to see heroes and characters who don’t make me feel that I’m a naive moron for not choosing bone-crunching vengeance. I want female heroes who respect themselves. And I’m tired of the same stereotypes concerning Christian characters/characters who live in the U.S. South or Heartland. You know: the “evil preacher,” the “dumb intolerant hicks,” and the “Stepford Christians.” Time to think of something new, folks.

Because She’s That Cool

Steven reminds us of all we need to know about Lois Lane.

Quick Hits

Brian Cronin asks the blogosphere if DC has any animosity toward the Giffen/DeMatteis Justice League.

David Campbell appreciates Mignola.

Marc Singer examines some problems in 52’s storytelling.

While Scipio asks us all to play 52 Questions.

Calvin Pitt predicts the resurrection of Harry Osborn.

Loren Collins thinks that the movie version of Daredevil is a felon.

Diamondrock isn’t taking the news about Cassandra Cain well.

Katherine really loves Northstar and isn’t afraid to say why. She also reviews Women of Marvel for us.

And finally, Jon examines an issue of the Avengers featuring Hawkeye versus the Dumbest Plan ever.

Illustrator Site of the Week

Today’s featured artist is Dryponder or Dean Trippe. He’s got a main site here and is one of the masterminds behind the always entertaining Project Rooftop

This entry was posted on Tuesday, August 22nd, 2006 at 1:24 am and is filed under Internet, Meanwhile.... You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.