|
Alternative Comics Anybody can be mainstream, but if you are looking to break out of your comics rut, try some alternative comics. Enjoy information about comics, including reviews, news, interviews and FAQs. The comic book industry may not be what it used to be (oh, how I miss Jimmy Olsen and Lois Lane), but the alternative scene is as robust and alive as ever. Web:
Usenet:
Anime and Manga Anime is Japanese animation, and manga are Japanese comics. Anime and manga are much different from their American counterparts. For one thing, the characterization and plot development tend to be more complex. In addition, the subject matter of both anime and manga extend into many more genres than do American animation and comics. The Japanese stories are much more realistic. For example, you will often see characters who have complex relationships (just like real people). Perhaps the most important difference is that there are many types of anime and manga, created for all types of audiences, not just for children or teenagers. Many manga, in fact, read like novels and are popular with adults. Web:
Usenet:
Listserv Mailing List:
IRC:
Asterix I still remember the first time I saw an Asterix book. I was intrigued by the comic-strip-like adventure story, which reminded me of Tintin. As I started to read, I was astonished at the high quality of wit and word play, which was all the more impressive because I was reading an English translation. (The original books, like Tintin, were written in French.) The Asterix stories take place 50 B.C. in Gaul (France). Except for one small village, the entire region is occupied and ruled by the Romans. The village successfully resists the Romans, in large part thanks to a magic potion brewed by their druid, which gives the villagers superhuman strength. The characters include Asterix (the main hero), Obelix (his best friend and sidekick), Dogmatix (his dog), Getafix (the druid), Cacofonix (the bard), and Vitalstatistix (the village chief). The Asterix books were created by Rene Goscinny (1926-1977) and Albert Uderzo (1927-). There are thirty books, and to be a knowledgeable, fulfilled human being, you must read them all. Web:
Batman "Criminals are a superstitious, cowardly lot. So my disguise must strike fear and terror in their hearts." With these words, Bruce Wayne began his career as Batman, a hero whose appeal has transcended a wide variety of renditions as well as sixty years of social change. Batman was created by artist Bob Kane and first appeared in the May 1939 issue of Detective Comics (eleven months after Superman). Through the years, there have been comic books, TV shows, movies, and a huge amount of memorabilia and commercial products. Unlike other superheroes, Batman has no special powers. He is not faster than a speeding bullet, nor is he more powerful than a locomotive, and he definitely can't leap tall buildings at a single bound. What he can do is use his intelligence, training and superb physical condition to track criminals to their dens and bring them to justice without the use of guns. Why is he so popular and enduring? Because, although he is as human as you and I, Batman represents the highest pinnacle of mortal development: a man whose extreme bravery, strength and knowledge make him the perfect hero for the bulk of humanity who must wake up to an alarm clock, go to work, pay taxes, and raise their children. When a middle-aged man looks into the mirror, holds in his stomach and flexes his muscles, he is, for one brief moment, looking at Batman. Web:
Usenet:
Cartoon Museums I have always enjoyed comics and cartoons. For example, I have a large collection of Tintin books, silver-age Superman comic books, and Duck comic books, and I start each day by reading the daily comics on the Net. That's why I appreciate comics and cartoons as art forms (and why I spend a large portion of my existence walking around the world radiating peace, joy, serenity and so much joie de vivre that people in the same room as I'm in often have to wear sunglasses.) Web:
Classic Comic Books Classic comic books are those that were published from the 1930s to the 1970s. Within these five decades, various names are used to describe specific periods. The most widely accepted terms are the Golden Age (1938-1945), which started in June 1938 when Superman debuted in Action Comics #1; and the Silver Age (1956-1969), which started in October 1956 with the appearance of the new Flash in Showcase #4. When I was growing up, you were either a DC person or a Marvel person. I was a DC person. To me, DC comics were for thinking people; Marvel comics were full of confusing and meaningless fighting. My all-time favorites were the Silver Age Superman Family (DC) comics. To this day, I have a large collection of old Superman, Lois Lane and Jimmy Olsen comics, which I read from time to time when I need to feel good about the world. Web:
Classic Comic Strips I like old comics. My favorites are the pre-1960 strips of Nancy, Peanuts and Blondie, some of which you can find on this Web site. Here's a mailing list and Usenet group on which you can talk about any pre-1960 vintage newspaper comic strips with other fans. Web:
Usenet:
Majordomo Mailing List:
Comic Art Original comic art has become a respected field in the world of collectable art. Although I don't have any originals, I do have a large framed Donald Duck in my office and a large Tintin poster nearby. They are a constant source of inspiration and comfort. Goodness knows, in these days of modern times, who couldn't use more inspiration and comfort? Imagine how much happier I could be if I had originals. Web: Comic Conventions When it's time for a road trip, check out the upcoming comics conventions. Pack your bags and go on an adventurous excursion to hang out in a large room with the type of people who like to go on an adventurous excursion to hang out in a large room with the type of people who like to go to comic conventions. Web:
Comic Reviews It's hard to know what to say when you are at a party and someone asks your opinion about a particular comic. Sure, you can always make up something, but isn't it a lot better to prepare for important social encounters by reading a whole lot of comic reviews before you leave the house? Web: Usenet:
Comic Scholarship Comics and cartoons are understandable to just about everyone, and they have a long and important history within the popular culture. There are many people engaged in the serious study of comics, and a large number of libraries and universities have serious comic collections. If this sounds like the life for you, here are some resources I know you will enjoy. After all, wouldn't the world of academic study be boring if everyone wanted to be a chemist or a mathematician? Web:
Comicon The first Comicon (comic convention) I went to was in 1982 in San Diego. I went with my friends Marlene and David Garstang and I had a great time. Now you don't have to go to San Diego to visit a Comicon: there is an Internet-based comics convention on the Web that you can visit whenever you want. It doesn't quite have the same ambience, but it's a lot more convenient and the food is better. Also, you don't have to worry about Marlene telling you it's time to go because David has to get home and do his homework. Web: Comics Databases I like comics and I have a collection of my own (Silver Age Superman, Lois Lane and Jimmy Olsen, as well as Disney duck comics). If you are a collector, you will be glad to know that there are databases you can use to search for information about comics. Some people might be bored stiff at the idea of browsing through a Web site filled with listings of comic book information, but you and I know better. Web:
Comics Fan Fiction Comic book characters really have a life of their own, and fans of comic book characters like to participate by helping bring these characters to life. These Usenet groups are for the purpose of sharing fiction written by fans of various comic strips and comic books. The Web sites contain links to various fan fiction collections and related resources. Web:
Usenet:
Comics Marketplace What do you do when it's 2 AM and you just have to lay your hands on the Superman comic in which Lois Lane pretends to marry Peewee Herman, but it turns out to be a hoax? Fire up the old computer and visit the Usenet comics marketplace. Usenet:
Comics on the Net If you like to read comics, but don't like to get your hands dirty, the Net has the answer for you. There are enough comic links here to keep you busy for hours. These Web sites offer links to comics around the Net. Click to your heart's content and never once worry about icky newsprint or your obligation to the environment. On the Web, you never have to recycle. Web:
Comics Resources The world of comics is the world of imagination, and there is no end to what you will find. Such a rich world requires a massive amount of information, and the Net is ready, willing and able to oblige: articles, news, gossip, reviews, convention info, as well as lists of comics, publishers and artists. Web:
Comics Talk and General Discussion Zap! Biff! Pow! Action dialog brings comics to life. Whether you are a collector or just a person who likes to read comics now and then, you'll love the variety of discussion you can find in Usenet. Usenet:
Daily Comics These are some of my favorite sites on the whole Internet. Lots of daily comic strips to look at for free. Along with the comics, you will find background information on the cartoonists and on the strips themselves. Just between you and me, these sites eliminated the only reason I ever had to buy a newspaper. Web:
Dilbert Zone There is a fifth dimension beyond that which is known to man (or woman). It is a dimension as vast as the Internet and as timeless as anything that is trendy. It is the middle ground between light and "Where's the light switch?", between science fiction and Super Bowl. It lies between the pit of a man's computer and the summit of his high speed Internet connection. This is the dimension of imagination. It is an area we call... The Dilbert Zone. Check out the cartoon archive and a massive amount of Dilbert-oriented silliness, including information on joining Dogbert's New Ruling Class. Web:
Usenet:
European Comics European comics have a history and style that is much different from American comics. If you are a fan of European comics, here are some resources you will enjoy. If you like comics, but have never seen the European publications, take a few minutes to explore. Web:
Usenet:
Professional Cartoonists Professional cartoonists and would-be professional cartoonists will appreciate all the resources available on the Internet. Stay in touch with other cartoonists, keep up on what is new and exciting in the industry, and look for job opportunities. Web:
Small Press Comics On the Net there are great resources for any comic talent looking to be published. These Web sites offer information on how to get yourself published and how to copyright, distribute and advertise your work. You can read about other small press comics, tools of the trade and tips on how to get comic shops to stock small press comics. Web:
Tintin What is Tintin? A series of wonderful stories in comic format -- written by the Belgian artist Hergé -- in which the hero Tintin (a young reporter) travels around the world with his dog Snowy, having one adventure after another. I have every Tintin book, and I read them again and again and again. (And so should you.) Here is a bit of Tintin trivia: in French, the original language, Tintin's dog is named Milou. This is the name of Hergé's first girlfriend. Web:
|
© All contents Copyright 2006, Harley Hahn
Full trademark and copyright information