How ‘Watchmen’ and ‘The Boys’ Deconstruct American Fascism
Superhero media has a history of critiquing the dark side of power, hero worship, and vigilantism, but none have done so as radically as Watchmen and The Boys.
Comics
Bishakh Som’s ‘Spellbound’ Is an Innovative Take on the Graphic Memoir
Bishakh's Som's graphic memoir, Spellbound, serves as a reminder that trans memoirs need not hinge on transition narratives, or at least not on the ones we are used to seeing.
Tommy Siegel’s Comic ‘I Hope This Helps’ Pokes at Social Media Addiction
Jukebox the Ghost's Tommy Siegel discusses his "500 Comics in 500 Days" project, which is now a new book, I Hope This Helps.
Heathen’s Queer Feminist Vikings Are the Heroines Pop Culture Needed
Natasha Alterici's comic series, Heathen, has single-handedly redeemed the disaster that pop culture has been making of Norse mythology.
‘World War 3 Illustrated #51: The World We Are Fighting For’
World War 3 Illustrated #51 displays an eclectic range of artists united in their call to save democracy from rising fascism.
C.C. Tsai’s ‘Dao De Jing’ Has Visual Rhythm
It's odd to read the talk-balloon musings of a Yoda-proportioned philosopher, but C.C. Tsai carries the wisdom in his caricature.
It’s Funny, Reading the “Funnies” in a Newspaper in 2020
Wouldn't it be funny if Beetle Bailey spent his time describing his Harry Potter fanfiction to Sarge, or if Blondie's Dagwood spoke like an alienated Beckett character about godlessness and ennui while he assembled an overstuffed sandwich?
‘The Art of Drag’ Captivates and Unites
Like a properly tightened corset, the total effect of The Art of Drag lends a stunning shape to the art forms in question.
Comics Artists Yanow and Hanawalt Draw Vastly Different Self-Portraits
Despite their considerable differences in genre, style, and character temperament, Sophie Yanow and Lisa Hanawalt explore the same inexplicable underworld of longing.
Joe Sacco’s ‘Paying the Land’ Reflects Journalistic Nuance in a Way Other Media Does Not
The insights Joe Sacco shares in his comics journalism offer important lessons in understanding and compassion to readers around the world. No less so with his latest work, the excellent Paying the Land.
Manga ‘The Sky Is Blue with a Single Cloud’ Is a Superb Collection of Kuniko Tsurita’s Works
The late manga artist Kuniko Tsurita's works virtually demand repeat readings: initially cryptic, always compelling, inviting the reader to try again, and offering new suggestions and meanings with each read.