Backlash on the Recast
In an industry where whitewashing is common, casting minority actors in movies based on comics often results in ferocious backlash. What causes this reaction and what does it reveal about fans?
Fandom: Superhumans
Mutants, cyborgs, metahumans and more. The range of superhuman and heroic fiction, from Olympians, space marines, and mystical benders to capes and tights.
Out of the Shadows
Although LGBTQIA+ representation in comics continues to be lacking, there are some great examples of queer superheroes. What makes these examples so important, and what could better representation accomplish?
Bury Your Gays
Many forms of media play into specific troupes. One such troupe is the killing off of LGBTQIA+ characters more quickly than others. When viewers see relatable characters fall to the axe much quicker than others, it seems that their lives are not as important and their stories are only used for emotional plot development. Queer…
Movies, Comics, and the New Weird
Navigating the Bleeding Edge: Between the pages and on the screen, lines blur and overlap to create a world where science fiction, fantasy and horror meet.
Evolution of Queerbaiting
Welcome back to our post-millennial analysis of the current state of fandom. Today we’ll discuss queerbating. While we’ve come a long way since the time where “gay” was a dirty word, even today, pop culture carries unfortunate baggage regarding homosexuality, especially when it comes to women.
Bats, Bullet Casings and Questions
Welcome back to our post-millennial analysis of the current state of fandom. Today we’ll be exploring Batwoman, an enduring lesbian icon for good reason. This article will explore her impact on both queer media and the larger sphere of pop culture.
Image Comics—Are You Really Indie?
Welcome back to our post-millennial analysis of the current state of fandom. Today we’ll examine what it means to be an “Indie” comic. Is being creator-owned and controlled enough, or is there something else, something more ephemeral and authentic?
Signature Showcase: Neil Gaiman
A study of the degree of moral relativism in Neil Gaiman’s The Sandman.
Marvelous, Muslim, and American
Welcome back to our post-millennial analysis of the current state of fandom. Today we discuss Ms. Marvel, a figure designed to challenge the unfortunate perceptions many have of Muslim Americans today. This graceful comic deals with issues both broad and specific with a unique perspective.
The Sandman, Part 2
In this instance, we’ll explore how Gaiman revitalizes the roles of women and trans/queer characters (a segment of the comic book population which has been trampled by sexist expectations in the comic book medium previously). We will also explore how he resuscitates the roles of family identity (an age-old and worn-out theme in the hands…