While many of our readers are content finding their comics news on sites like Newsarama, that’s not to say that mainstream media isn’t getting in on the act as well. But perhaps none are more powerful than Georges Gene Gustines, who (among many other things) writes comics-related news for the New York Times.

Mark-Oliver Frisch interviewed Gustines, who has broken stories such as DC’s new logo, the gay-bashing storyline written by Judd Winick for Green Lantern, as well as Batwoman being a lesbian. Here’s a highlight:

What makes a good comic?

I’ve been wrestling with this question quite a bit. For me, it starts with the writing: good premise (The Walking Dead)? Interesting point of view (Criminal)? A moving personal account (countless memoirs!)? Any of these criteria can hook me in. The art, of course, plays a big role. I’ve read lots of stories with lackluster art, but when the images are as strong as the words, there’s a certain magic to it. That’s when you get, in superhero comics, unforgettable runs like Wolfman/Perez on Titans and Claremont/Byrne on X-Men.

He also talks about the difficulties of pitching comics stories to the paper — and how occasionally creators will contact him after a piece has run, saying that their work fits the piece, etc. etc., even when the boat has long since sailed.

Gustines also breaks a BIG misconception for non-journo types: unless it’s a blog like this one, reporters almost NEVER write the headlines for their own stories, so don’t blame him for any BIFF! POW! ZAP! kinda deals. Another fun quote? “I try to read Newsarama, Comic Book Resources and The Beat religiously. I really enjoy the blogs on Newsarama and Comic Book Resources, where I have to admit I miss the weekly “Lying in the Gutters” column, which was always entertaining.” Now that’s an endorsement I can stand behind. While I’m off breaking my arm patting myself on the back, you should read the rest of the piece here.

[Hat tip to Heidi for the link]

This entry was posted on Thursday, November 26th, 2009 at 10:52 am and is filed under News & Views. 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.