Things I Love About Comics

Ads in Old Comics

2009-01-04T14:40:00.001-08:00

My interest in pop culture nostalgia knows no bounds, so I always get a kick out of reading comics from the '70s and '80s and seeing the advertisements contained therein. You'll find the ads for Warlord action figures, Vampire role playing games, Clark bars, opportunties to sell Grit or seeds to your family, friends, and neighbors in exchange for money and prizes, Bonkers candy, Hostess ads featuring mind-numbingly dull one-page "adventures" with various super heroes, and many chances to become a locksmith, build muscles the easy way, or start your own upholstery cleaning business. But the best are the pages with a lot of small ads assembled together. That's where you can find things like this:
Yes, that's right, it's a brass knuckle belt buckle. For when you want to hold your pants up and cause serious damage to an opponent, just not at the same time. And notice the disclaimer: "Novelty purposes only - not intended for other uses." Riiiight. And it's a GREAT GIFT!

Mike Parobeck

2009-01-04T14:40:00.000-08:00

Some of my favorite comics were drawn by Mike Parobeck: The Fly, Justice Society of America (the 1991 series), and Batman Adventures (a very entertaining series of one-and-done issues based on the animated show of the time). In his career heyday he was completely out of step with the times. He was fast and consistent, and drew with a clean, expressive line. His figures were not flashy, overly rendered, or grossly misproportioned. And his work was always in service of the story. Image artists may have ruled the day, but those who loved classic comic art made him their hero instead.

Parobeck died in 1996 of complications from type 1 diabetes. He was only 34 years old

The Flash

2009-01-03T14:40:00.000-08:00

I'll always have a soft spot for Wally West, thanks to amazing runs on the character by writers Mark Waid and Geoff Johns. Wally is one of the few characters in comics that we've been able to watch grow up, from a lonely child to an a-hole Republican teen to a married adult with two kids of his own. He has also used his speed powers in ways his predecessors never imagined.

In addition to having the coolest power ever, the Flash has plenty more going for him as a comic book character. He has a strong group of villains, a classic costume, a museum dedicated to his exploits, a time treadmill, and a strong sense of history and legacy.