Publishers

by Casey Burchby

— How dangerous or offensive were pre-code crime comics – really? Most of us probably agree that the anti-comics hysteria of the early 1950s was ludicrously overblown, and can probably also think of a few current issues that are similarly hyper-inflated by reactionary gasbags. Dr. Fredric Wertham’s claims (enshrined in his ridiculously titled pseudoscientific 1954 screed Seduction of the Innocent) about the ill effects of comic books on easily-corruptible young minds probably said more about Wertham’s Germanic way of seeing the rest of humanity than they did about observable reality. But how do these Golden Age crime comics look to contemporary readers? A couple of new releases collect some of the best pre-code crime comics and prove that they still pack a wallop, both in terms of their swift, punchy visual storytelling, and in their ability to deliver real shocks.

When this Spider-Men teaser campaign began from Marvel, everyone was all, What can it be? Now it's looking like a Spider-Man/Ultimate Spider-Man x-over. There are worse things in the world.

Some old art on Kyle Baker's hard drive, probably for licensing.

Over at Comic Book Resources, Kiel Phegley interviews David Gabriel about what's going on at Marvel right now. There aren't a lot of raw numbers discussed but the vector they're moving in is certainly worth noting.

Here are some of the more interesting titles being published in the first three quarters of this year! Get 'em while you can...

Chris Claremont reveals what might have been in X-Factor #1. Read on to discover Alan Moore's involvement!

Earlier today, we spotlighted the new Wonder Woman Chuck Taylors. But with spring in the air, the ornamental crabapple blooming, and weather warming everywhere, maybe it is time to think of lounging by the pool. And if you favor a star-spangled posterior, Spencer Gifts has just the stuff for you: Wonder Woman and Supergirl bikinis.

Looking for some stylish, superhero-themed footwear to announce your allegiance to Nerd World? Look no further than the new Converse Chuck Taylor All Star DC Comics Wonder Woman and Killer Croc shoes. They go on sale next month exclusively at Journeys—and as usual, they are limited editions, so don't wait too long to decide which one to get.

The awesome new process blog Comic Tools has weekly posts on process that make it worth a look for anyone, but this post on Hawkeye's bad archery is also a blast. The original post at Wired has Jeremy Renner's form as a complete fail, and even a dummy can see that Merida's (from Pixar's upcoming BRAVE) form is way better than Hawkeye's.

Well, here's a cool idea. The WOMANTHOLOGY anthology which garnered a ton of money on Kickstarter and a ton of attention everywhere will be spun off into an ongoing comics series which will feature three-issue themed minis. The first theme is SPACE and contributors include Blair Butler, Fiona Staples, Jessica Hickman, Bonnie Burton, Ming Doyle, Stacie Ponder, and more. The book was announced at the Womanthology panel at WonderCon. Unlike the anthology, which was a benefit, contributors will be paid for their work. So, that's all done and dusted then.

Cursing the basketball gods because your bracket is broken? Searching for a tournament bracket which better suits your knowledge base? We present a multitude of 2012 non-sports tournaments, from popular culture, food, and corporate America!

Brian Wood used to be known as a Vertigo writer. Axel Alonso used to be known as a Vertigo editor. When Wood's time at Vertigo ended, did you think Brian and Axel might have a chat? Maybe.