Suspended Animation Review

Essential Fantastic Four Volume 1, published by Marvel Comics, 544 pages, $16.99.

Marvel Masterworks, or Marvel Essentials? Whichever a person chooses to consume the first 20 issues (and Annual #1) of The Fantastic Four is, for all intents and purposes, inconsequential. That is, unless you judge a great comics experience by whether or not the strip is in color. If so, you will be depriving yourself of some of the great works of the medium.

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As a 35-year comics fan, it's always satisfying to me when I find the medium of comic books examined in a meaningful way. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem to happen enough by way of video documentary. However, for fans of comic books, there is a new light on the horizon…

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Suspended Animation Review

Spiderman/Kingpin: To the Death, ?1997 Marvel Comics, priced at $5.99.

Spider-Man has gone berserk, preying on the criminals of New York City. The bullet-ridden corpses of both small-time crooks and "made men" are turning up, with witnesses screaming the same statement made by the evidence; Spiderman has turned killer! This is all news, however, to Peter Parker, aka Spider-Man, as he finds himself hunted by the law and superheroes alike. Only one member of the super-powered community believes Spidey is innocent, and it is the man who may know him best of all; Daredevil. Together, the two masked adventurers go into action to prove the innocence of ol' Webhead, and uncover a diabolical scheme involving a "mad" scientist, a strength-enhancing, but deadly serum called "Death's Arrow," and the ever-dangerous Kingpin of Crime.

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Suspended Animation Review

Lou Fine spent less than six years as a professional comics artist, but has had more influence than some who spent a lifetime in the field.

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Suspended Animation Review

The Incredible Hulk: Planet Hulk, published by Marvel Publishing, Inc., 416 pages, $34.99 retail.

After hearing about it for the last few years, this Johnny-come-lately finally sat down and read Planet Hulk. In my defense, I believe I am part of a growing group of comics fans who are being forced by escalating prices, not only to "wait for the trade", but to wait for it to go on sale on Amazon or Ebay. Sue me.

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Suspended Animation Review

Jezebel Jade, published by Comico Comic Company, 32 pages.

One of my all-time-favorite comic book stories is Jezebel Jade. If you recognize the name, then you've probably seen at least one of the only two Johnny Quest episodes in which she appeared. And, I'm talking about the original '60's series, not the one produced in the '90's.

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Suspended Animation Review

E.J. Pace: Christian Cartoonist, published by Calvary Comics, 248 pages, $19.95.

As a committed fan of comic strips and comic books, I'm interested in the influence of those media, both past and present. As an even more committed Christian, I'm fascinated at how they have been used to communicate the message of the Bible. E.J. Pace: Christian Cartoonist, by Alec Stevens, helps satiate both interests.

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Suspended Animation Review

Comics Legend Alex Schomburg

Throughout the decades, there have been men and women who were in comics for a short time, yet made a significant impact. Alex Schomburg was one of those people.

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