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Spotlight (275) Articles


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Comics : Spotlight

Spotlights are essays, columns, editorials and feature articles on comic books covering a variety of topics and opinions.
Last Updated: Nov 9, 2009 - 15:06:51 PM



Comics : Spotlight
Hidden gems
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Some of the Comic Book Bin's reviewer share with you their hidden gems, comic books that have been overlooked but who are worth hunting down.

Nov 9, 2009 - 4:15:00 AM

Comics : Spotlight
The Cult of the Comic Book Creator Part Two: Vassals and Middlemen
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These debates about the nature of comic books and the industry created around it in North America still fight what I consider old battles about identity and how the individual relates to comic book

Oct 12, 2009 - 14:24:39 PM

Comics : Spotlight
Comics Legend John Byrne
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John Byrne appeared on the comics scene when he illustrated a two-page story which appeared in Nightmare #20, published by Skywald Publications

Oct 10, 2009 - 11:20:06 AM

Comics : Spotlight
Comics legend John Buscema
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A short biography of Comic books legend John Buscema

Oct 5, 2009 - 20:47:30 PM

Comics : Spotlight
The Cult of the Comic Book Creator Part One
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Are comic books created by their original creators better than company owned ones?

Oct 3, 2009 - 10:17:47 AM

Comics : Spotlight
Copyrights and Comic Book Creators: Be Careful What You Wish For
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Cheering for the rights of the estates over copyrights today may create an environment that is totally closed and against their very interests in the future

Sep 23, 2009 - 6:12:49 AM

Comics : Spotlight
Should Marvel Comics Buy Boom Studios?
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Will Marvel Comics repatriate the Disney comic book licenses owned by Boom Studios?

Sep 18, 2009 - 23:47:55 PM

Comics : Spotlight
It's an Exciting Time To Be a Comic Book Bin Reader!
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Let me take a few minutes of your time to tell you how exciting is The Comic Book Bin right now

Sep 16, 2009 - 6:00:02 AM

Comics : Spotlight
Warner Bros. creates DC Entertainment Inc.
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Warner Bros. responds to Disney's acquisition of Marvel by creating a new company to attempt to match the Power of the Mouse behind the House of Ideas.

Sep 9, 2009 - 14:41:24 PM

Comics : Spotlight
Should the Ultimates Have Saved America?
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A reflection on Mark Millar's Ultimates, American global policy and the legitimacy of the superhero.

Sep 6, 2009 - 11:45:35 AM

Comics : Spotlight
The Mouse Owns Marvel
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Disney acquires Marvel. What does the Mouse mean to the men at Marvel?

Aug 31, 2009 - 13:29:04 PM

Comics : Spotlight
Panel Wars Marvel vs. DC
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At the 2009 Fan Expo an epic battle between two bitter enemies took place. Who will win the PR war?

Aug 29, 2009 - 5:47:17 AM

Comics : Spotlight
Response To Tom Spurgeon: Copyrights, Superman, and the Estates of Siegel and Shuster
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Response to Tom Spurgeon's essay "Truth, Justice And Superman Is Totally Ours, You Stinky, Greedy Siegel Family"

Aug 19, 2009 - 12:20:54 PM

Comics : Spotlight
Prelude to Blackest Night: The Sinestro Corps War Vol. 2
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Part Two of the biggest Green Lantern event at the time, and Part Three of what has become the Prelude to Blackest Night. An epic with a very important message.

Aug 16, 2009 - 19:54:12 PM

Comics : Spotlight
Superman – More Copyrights Stupidity
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US. Federal Court renders Justice of King Solomon judgement crippling Superman for all parties and the character's comic book readers.

Aug 13, 2009 - 23:06:06 PM

Comics : Spotlight
The State of Batman: The Dark Knight and Batman in Barcelona
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A look at how DC Comics is failing to capitalize on the success of The Dark Knight, except in a few occasions.

Aug 9, 2009 - 0:35:40 AM

Comics : Spotlight
San Diego Comic-Con Pricing itself Out of Existence
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Having the San Diego tourism industry put more pressure on convention attendees and exhibitors financially is not a long term strategy, considering San Diego would like to keep this annual event

Aug 3, 2009 - 11:56:02 AM

Comics : Spotlight
The Art of Publishing a Comic Book Web Site
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Insight about the history of The Comic Book Bin, values, perspective by publisher Hervé St-Louis

Aug 1, 2009 - 13:21:47 PM

Comics : Spotlight
Image Comics’ Dream Team United Again?
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Original founders of Image Comics, Jim Valentino, Todd McFarlane, Rob Liefeld, Wilce Portacio, Eric Larsen and Marc Silvestri united in Image United mini-series

Jul 26, 2009 - 8:43:09 AM

Comics : Spotlight
Is There a Steve Jobs in the Comic Book Industry?
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In the comic book industry, is there anyone that has the same profile and profound influence that Steve Jobs

Jun 28, 2009 - 22:34:26 PM

Comics : Spotlight
Matt Fraction and Greg Land Need To Leave Uncanny X-Men
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The fact that Uncanny X-Men is the last book I bothered to read last week is not a good sign

Jun 22, 2009 - 22:40:26 PM

Comics : Spotlight
Gearing Up For Comic Con: Episode II
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The next installment of how to survive the San Diego Comic-Con. 'Cause, let's face it, we all want to head out there and come home with the book of our dreams! And I'm here to show you how to not get fleeced.

Jun 10, 2009 - 9:12:48 AM

Comics : Spotlight
Marvel's Reborn
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The return of Steve Rogers? The debut of Isaiah Bradley as an African-American Captain America? A retailers nightmare? Or just plain old fashioned industry hype and gimmicks?

Jun 8, 2009 - 19:54:15 PM

Comics : Spotlight
A Manifesto Against Trade Paperbacks
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Or why I prefer the monthly format.

Jun 1, 2009 - 5:00:00 AM

Comics : Spotlight
Spotlight on Val Mayerik
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Val Mayerik started his professional comics career in 1972. Fresh out of college, he became an assistant to comic book artist Dan Adkins

May 29, 2009 - 7:52:08 AM

Comics : Spotlight
Gearing Up For Comic Con: Episode I
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A little introduction to what the San Diego Comic Con is and can be. A primer for Comic Con newbies, a little nostalgia for Comic Con vets.

May 21, 2009 - 8:39:22 AM

Comics : Spotlight
Prelude to Blackest Night: Green Lantern The Sinestro Corps War Vol. 1
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The first half of a major space adventure saga by Johns and Gibbons which laid the groundwork and foreshadowed Green Lantern events for years to follow, including Blackest Night.

May 17, 2009 - 20:34:05 PM

Comics : Spotlight
Mouthful of Comic-Con
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It’s that time of year when, if one isn’t becoming an ardent hunter/gatherer of air conditioning, they’re thinking of the San Diego Comic Con!

May 11, 2009 - 19:50:59 PM

Comics : Spotlight
Wolverine’s Best: X-Men Origins Wolverine One Shot
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A tidy one shot that covers Wolverine’s origin and goes well with the movie that bears the same name.

May 3, 2009 - 11:04:58 AM

Comics : Spotlight
Comics in the Classroom - The Course in Computer Games
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Ever wonder what comics should appear on the syllabus for a course in digital games design? The Bin presents a short list, for your consideration.

Apr 14, 2009 - 21:18:25 PM

Comics : Spotlight
Prelude to Blackest Night: Green Lantern Rebirth
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A series of looks into the tales that laid the groundwork for the upcoming Blackest Night storyline, first up: GREEN LANTERN REBIRTH.

Mar 17, 2009 - 20:47:04 PM

Comics : Spotlight
Who Watches the Pretentious?
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I come to bury Watchmen, not to praise it.

Mar 6, 2009 - 10:21:49 AM

Comics : Spotlight
Comic Books and Responsibility
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What are we, as consumers and supporters of graphic literature, encouraging through our purchases, and are these ideals we should be upholding?

Mar 3, 2009 - 15:48:35 PM

Comics : Spotlight
Watching the Watchmen: Rorschach
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A look into Watchmen’s no-holds barred,
borderline psychotic, everything’s black or white, fedora and trench coat wearing, uh…hero.

Mar 2, 2009 - 21:28:59 PM

Comics : Spotlight
Watching the Watchmen: Dr. Manhattan
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A look into Watchmen’s only super powered super hero, and boy is he super powered. A god-like being who confounds, creates, destroys, inspires, enlightens and frightens. Kinda like any resident deity…or scientific knowledge.

Feb 27, 2009 - 23:42:41 PM

Comics : Spotlight
Watching the Watchmen: Nite Owl
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A look into Watchmen’s resident gadget wielding, owl cowl wearing, everyman superhero. First in a series of looks into Watchmen’s vivid characters soon to be brought to life on the silver screen.

Feb 24, 2009 - 19:30:43 PM

Comics : Spotlight
Self-contained superhero comic books
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Tired of crossovers, spin-off and continuity? Don't despair since The Comic Book Bin is here to propose you superhero comic book without all these annoyance.

Feb 23, 2009 - 10:00:00 AM

Comics : Spotlight
A Shakespearean Thor
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One of Marvel’s most powerful characters has had quite a year: new look, new home, new outlook and new conflicts worthy of a Shakespearean plot.

Feb 21, 2009 - 23:52:51 PM

Comics : Spotlight
Comic Book Store Hell
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Sometime the comic book industry deserves to crash and burn

Feb 14, 2009 - 17:10:56 PM

Comics : Spotlight
Suicide and Comics
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Is there any evidence that comic books are effective in combating suicide?

Jan 31, 2009 - 14:39:04 PM

Comics : Spotlight
Happy Holidays!
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To celebrate the season, The Bin takes a tour of some of the best holiday comics past and present.

Jan 1, 2009 - 17:36:44 PM

Comics : Spotlight
Comic Books in 2008 – The Gentrification Continues
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In 2008, the comic book industry continued to go in the same direction it has begun going since 1999

Dec 31, 2008 - 20:06:54 PM

Comics : Spotlight
A Christmas wish list for new comic book readers
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You want to introduce someone to comic books for Christmas? The Comic Book Bin is here to help you out!

Dec 1, 2008 - 22:30:10 PM

Comics : Spotlight
The DC Comics Stock Up for Christmas List
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A nice selection of books that DC is recommending from its own trade list (I highlight personal favorites), although it leaves a lot of good stuff out.

Nov 28, 2008 - 7:44:48 AM

Comics : Spotlight
Does The Comic Book Press Need a Watchman?
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I always assume that the people on the other end are professionals and not bitter old men that call themselves professionals

Nov 25, 2008 - 23:45:10 PM

Comics : Spotlight
Press Access in Times of Recessions
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Can publicists and vendors learn to better communicate with the media during a recession?

Nov 24, 2008 - 20:14:35 PM

Comics : Spotlight
All Hail the Fans!
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Entering the DC and Marvel universes would be daunting, were it not for the fans, the true experts in their field.

Nov 22, 2008 - 9:56:57 AM

Comics : Spotlight
Free Culture – A Web Lecture
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A lecture on Lawrence Lessig's book Free Culture with criticisms, and comments on the copyrights and technology - presented as part of a seminar presentation at The University of Calgary

Nov 18, 2008 - 0:45:47 AM

Comics : Spotlight
Citizen Activism, Whistle Blowing and Comic Book Journalism
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What is the responsibility of comic book industry press outlets when it comes to denunciation of vendors and creators?

Oct 23, 2008 - 3:50:20 AM

Comics : Spotlight
A Great Start for Stay Tooned! Magazine
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The new magazine of the cartooning profession is off to a terrific start.

Oct 1, 2008 - 21:01:15 PM

Comics : Spotlight
Moore Moments - A Reader Shares His Feeling About Discovering Alan Moore
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As part of The Comic Book Bin's competition for the Alan Moore DVD, here's an entry by comic book reader Jason Mehmel

Sep 30, 2008 - 23:06:21 PM

Comics : Spotlight
Energy Culture in Hasbro’s 1980s Universe
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Recurrent themes in Hasbro properties, such as the Transformers and G.I. Joe reveal a concern for energy allocation and consumption

Sep 14, 2008 - 0:21:28 AM

Comics : Spotlight
Milton Caniff’s Sons – Alex Toth and Hugo Pratt
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How Alex Toth and Hugo Pratt's comic book work is inspired by Milton Caniff

Sep 7, 2008 - 17:04:10 PM

Comics : Spotlight
Graphic Audio - "A Movie In Your Mind"
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Graphic Audio is growing a catalog of audio dramas based on the DC Universe that involves full casts, original musical scores, and sound effects that will rock your ears.

Sep 6, 2008 - 11:06:51 AM

Comics : Spotlight
Comics AREN'T for kids anymore
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Comics aren't for kids anymore-- and that's a bad thing.

Aug 30, 2008 - 1:21:10 AM

Comics : Spotlight
What Can a Straight Reader Learn from Gay Comics?
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Instead of explaining the plight of the mutants to me, Bryan Singer explained the plight of homosexuals to me

Aug 24, 2008 - 22:14:59 PM

Comics : Spotlight
Boom Studio, IDW Publishing, Radical Comics – The New Triumvirate
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As they grow bigger and more important, are these publishers losing track of the little guy?

Jul 29, 2008 - 21:07:04 PM

Comics : Spotlight
Aspen Comics After Mike Turner
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Mike won’t be here to see everything we had planned for Aspen Comics, but his company plans on staying live for a long time.”

Jul 25, 2008 - 16:10:46 PM

Comics : Spotlight
San Diego Comic-Con The Flea Market
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The flea market at the San Diego Comic-Con (officially not called a flea market but an exhibitors’ area) is where most of the action on the ground floor of the convention takes place

Jul 25, 2008 - 15:50:46 PM

Comics : Spotlight
CryptoZooey Shows That Comic Books For Kids Are Alive In San Diego Comic-Con
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CryptoZooey is about Zooey, a young girl who learns that her parents are world renowned cryptozoologists

Jul 24, 2008 - 10:22:30 AM

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Spotlight
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Ultimate Captain America
The new Ultimate Captain America action figure from Diamond Select is a mixed pleasure.
Membership in the League
The latest revival of the Justice League franchise has featured DC Comic's dream team, the Big Seven.
Modern Superman
The Modern Age Superman from DCDirect is the ultimate and most successful figure ever from the manufacturer, however, it is seriously flawed
Batman : Nevermore #4
Old-hand Len Wein has teamed with artist Guy Davis to produce this five-part DC Elseworlds story, teaming up Batman with Edgar Allan Poe, no less.
Sentinel #4
The cover of this book deceives the onlooker. Yes, it is about a boy and his newly found robot, but there is, oh so, much more.
Mattel Superman
If I'm not mistaken, this is the first non animated Superman action figure from Mattel.
Crisis in the Infinite Continuity
I was flipping through my Marvel Comics page-a-day desk calendar recently, and came across two interesting facts: Thor's secret identity is Jake Olson, and he is an EMT.
Sojourn # 26
SOJOURN # 26 A long time ago the five lands of Quinwere besieged by an onslaught of Orcs, who were brought together and led by Mordath.
Adrian Tomine: Summer Blonde - Four Stories
A college drama instructor once told me that real life was boring and that if I wanted to tell stories about what was going on in the streets, I should "take it to the streets."
BUDDHA VOL. 1: KAPILAVASTU
Many readers consider Osamu Tezuka, creator of ASTRO BOY, to be the "godfather of manga," and because Tezuka's bibliography exemplifies the awe-inspiring diversity that is Japanese comics, this must be true.
Interview with Karl Kerschl
I'm doing a three issue crossover on Superman, Action Comics and Adventures of Superman written by Dan Abnett and Andy Manning.
DVD Snake Eyes Action Figure
If every DVD I had ever considered buying had come with an action figure, like the Snake Eyes figure that came in the G.I.JOE A REAL AMERICAN HERO! I would have a very large collection of DVDs.
White Chicks
White Chicks Two goofy FBI agents, Marcus and Kevin Copeland try to make up for their latest blunder, by masquerading as the Wilson sisters, upper class white teenage girls going to the annual socialite parade in Hamptons.
The Adapted Victor Hugo
The Adapted Victor Hugo is the English translation of the French comic book adaptation of some of the 19th Century French poet and author originally published by Les éditions Petit à petit.
Sota Sodom Street Fighter
Sodom is the American Street Fighter obsessed with Japanese culture.
Karas: The Prophecy
Anime producers Tatsunoko Productions (Speed Racer, Battle of the Planets, Gatchaman) bring us Karas: The Prophecy, their 40th anniversary animation production on DVD.
Know the Person Giving you Advice!
You should alway's know the person your taking advice from, so here's a little bit about myself.
Amanda Hades: The First Broadcast
No revolution can begin until the first shot has been fired. Predatech and I commence with our first broadcast operation, but not without some difficulty.
The Preposterous Voyages of Iron-Hide
IronHide is stick figures from a tiny IronHide Tom atop a submerged monster on the front cover to the final panel of a despondent Tom stranded on some alien planet
Innocent Bird: Volume 1
Star-crossed lovers face the wrath of both Heaven and Hell.