When Beloved Characters Are Regressed: Two Case Studies

I touched on something last week in an article I wrote. I poked away at a sleeping, angry bear deep within me, and it stirred about in its cage. It demanded release, and that’s where we are today. But we’re going to try to channel that into something positive. We’re going to take those negative feelings and turn them upside down! I think. Eh, we’ll see … Continue reading When Beloved Characters Are Regressed: Two Case Studies

Jab’s Deep Dive: History of the Avengers, Part 2

It’s now time for Part 2 of my history lesson on Earth’s Mightest Heroes, the Avengers. Again, as I pointed out in part one, this is only my understanding of the history of this historical superhero franchise, so if there are any bits I missed or forgot, please leave us comments! The 1990s In the early 90s, Bob Harras would show up and immediately throw … Continue reading Jab’s Deep Dive: History of the Avengers, Part 2

Jab’s Deep Dive: History of the Avengers, Part 1

With the Avengers: End Game movie coming out and the focus on the Avengers here at Ghosts of the Stratosphere all week, I thought I’d take an opportunity to provide my take on the History of the Avengers. I’ll put a disclaimer on this now that it’s only my interpretation of the history of the Avengers so I’d be interested in any comments from any … Continue reading Jab’s Deep Dive: History of the Avengers, Part 1

Stew’s Reviews: Deadpool by Daniel Way

You know, it’s been a few weeks since I reviewed something I really, really enjoyed and could unabashedly recommend without hesitation. We’ve been bopping around the 4-7 spectrum for a while on these ratings, and I feel that you deserve a better class of comic book. Yeah, I’m going to the well of comics I’ve already read for you this week (and read several times, … Continue reading Stew’s Reviews: Deadpool by Daniel Way

The Top Five: Tear-Jerker Moments In Comics

I’ve been itching to cover this particular idea for a while now. I love fights and I love the funny, but comics are best to me when they make you FEEL. I remember reading the last issue of the six-part Spectacular Spider-Man series “The Child Within” as a boy and being struck because it was different than what I thought comics could do. I was … Continue reading The Top Five: Tear-Jerker Moments In Comics

Top Five: Rogues Galleries In Comics

This week we’re turning heel and delving into best assortments of villains in all of comics! A dictionary that I didn’t actually bother looking at presumably defines a villain as “the kind of person you chill like” and a gallery as “a place with… art, right? I don’t know“. But in the world of comic books, a line-up of villains–or rogues gallery–is the collection ne’er-do-wells … Continue reading Top Five: Rogues Galleries In Comics

Stew’s Reviews: Damage Control

Welcome back to Stew’s Reviews, fanboys, where we remember the stories that put the “comic books” in “Well, it makes more sense if you read the comic books…” Speaking of comic properties appearing on screen, how is it that Agents Of Shield is a TV show, but Damage Control isn’t? And yeah, I know, I’ve heard it: “Agents of Shield got good after the first … Continue reading Stew’s Reviews: Damage Control

Stew’s Reviews: God Loves, Man Kills

Written by—who else?—Chris “I’m Responsible For All Your Good X-Men Memories” Claremont and brought to life by Brent Eric Anderson, God Loves, Man Kills is an unflinching look at prejudice, religious fanaticism, and loyalty. This was the comic—more than any other—that really nailed the theme of how dangerous it could be to be born a mutant in the Marvel universe. Sure, the X-Men always had … Continue reading Stew’s Reviews: God Loves, Man Kills

Stew’s Reviews: Kraven’s Last Hunt

Another week, another comic book storyline to review, fanboys. This time around, I’ll be discussing the classic Spider-Man tale that ran through all three primary Spider-Man titles (Amazing Spider-Man, Spectacular Spider-Man, and Web of Spider-Man) in 1987, Kraven’s Last Hunt. Now this story was published just two or three years before I was old enough to get into reading comics, so I had missed out … Continue reading Stew’s Reviews: Kraven’s Last Hunt

Stew’s Reviews: The Korvac Saga

Welcome back, comic fans, to Stew’s Reviews! When last we reconvened, we discussed the merits 2005’s morally ambiguous (if a bit too rapey) mystery story from DC, Identity Crisis. Today, we’re shifting over to the Marvel side of things and taking the Delorean back to 1978 to remember the time the Avengers were given the worst CPR ever. The Korvac Saga, which ran from Avengers (volume 1) … Continue reading Stew’s Reviews: The Korvac Saga