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 Special Edition: Dark Phoenix!
By Michael Sangiacomo Dark Phoenix was the subject of so much trash talk in the years before it was released that overcoming such low expectations was pretty easy. That being said, the last gasp of the Twentieth Century Fox version of the X-Men franchise (soon to be reborn under the auspices of the Marvel Cinematic Universe) is better than expected. I give it a B. It’s … [Read more...]
The Sanctum Sangiacomo: Godzilla, King of the Monsters. And also King of the Dark. And the Rain, Too.
by Michael Sangiacomo A young boy clutching his dad’s hand as they exited the critic’s screening of Godzilla: King of the Monsters excitedly squealed, “That was awesome!!” Ah, the exuberance of an eight-year-old. While the boy was clearly thrilled about seeing mountain-sized monsters clawing and tearing at each other amid ear-splitting shrieks and roars, older members … [Read more...]