by Michael Sangiacomo ROCKY RIVER – Valentino Zullo said the first reference to homosexuality in his beloved superhero comics was negative. “It was an issue of The Hulk from 1980 which explained that the Hulk’s alter-ego, Bruce Banner, was almost raped by two men in a YMCA,” Zullo said. “That’s a pretty harsh way to introduce the subject to a mainstream audience.” It … [Read more...]
Relationship Status at the End of Civilization: It’s Complicated
By Dirk Drudgler CODA is a fantasy tale for both fans of the genre and occasional dabblers like myself. The 12-issue comic series from BOOM! Studios wrapped last month. From the first to the last issue, it is intelligent, fun, and engaging. The art is kinetic spectacular. This is a well-produced and entertaining comic book. CODA Written by Simon Spurrier Art by … [Read more...]
The Sanctum Sangiacomo: Heroes and Reviewer in Crisis
by Michael Sangiacomo There is one thing that critics should not do – judge a movie, book or comic based on how they personally would have handled it. A critic’s job is to look at the work and judge it on its own merits. He should also wait until the entire story is finished before rushing to judgment. Taking all that into account, I can honestly say that Heroes … [Read more...]
The Sanctum Sangiacomo: Wham-O Giant Comics #1!
by Mike Sangiacomo Wednesday means New Comic Book Day. You walk into your favorite shop, where everyone knows your name, and start rooting through the new releases: Batman, another Batman, another Batman; Spider-Man, Superior Spider-Man, Miles Morales Spider-Man, the Spider-Man: Hunted… Didn’t I already buy this? Hmmm. You go home, start digging into the stack. Read … [Read more...]
The Sanctum Sangiacomo: Boxes of Stuff and the Best Boy Ever
by Mike Sangiacomo Following my retirement from the Plain Dealer, I took home a huge box of stuff I had squirreled away around the office. The box contained dozens of my early comic columns from the 1990s. I was nervous to read what the much-younger me had to say, but was happy to find that, for the most part, I agreed with him. I mean, me. I was a lot tougher … [Read more...]