The motherfucking boat is exploding!

One of my secrets I usually don't let people know is that I still read comic books. I don't know why it is necessary to keep it a secret, but there is a certain stigma attached to those who read them. Y'know, basically, its encapsulated by the Comic Book Guy from the Simpsons.


I am, as should be obvious below, not one of them.


Hmm, probably not the best picture to use. Eh, whatever. I'm too lazy to change it now.

My point is that I am not the stereotypical comics fan, nor am I a slavish speculator who buys everything then immediately places them in hermetically sealed bags within climate-controlled longboxes in order to preserve them for eternity. In fact, the few I buy end up in piles after I've read them, in order to be read again at a later date. 'Cause, see, I like to read them.

As a medium, comics have a reputation of being juvenile adolescent power fantasies. And yes, some.. in fact, most, still are. But there is some surprisingly deep and meaningful themes and writing contained in others. See: anything by Alan Moore. And, as always, there is also some kick-ass hyper-science insanity. Mostly thanks to Grant Morrison and Warren Ellis. Which brings me to the point of this entry...

NEXTWAVE is a new series by the aforementioned Mr. Ellis, which looks like most super-hero comics on crystal meth, PCP, and acid at the same time. There's an interview here from the editor of it. There's a press conference interview here with the writer which contains my favorite quote of the moment: "On Sunday I killed someone, and when I left the church, I carved 'NEXTWAVE' into his chest. I hope the papers pick up on that." And it has its OWN FRIGGIN' THEME SONG. Which is catchy as all hell. Can't beat the tagline either: "Nextwave: Healing America by beating people up." Plus, it has a giant dragon named "Fin Fang Foom" in it. That's got to count for something.

And, to summarize:

SO yeah, in conclusion, if you don't like it, don't read it. But eff you if you think I'm not going to. As long as I have the (small amount of required) money and the ability to, I will enjoy my sequential art.

Just, do me a favor.... if I say I'm reading something by Rob Liefeld or Chuck Austen, shoot me. In the head. It'll be for the best.



PS. for further reading, might I suggest The Invisibles by Grant Morrison, about anarchists, metaphysics, drugs, sex, the counter culture, and quantum physics; From Hell by Alan Moore, about the Jack the Ripper murders (and loads better than the movie); and Transmetropolitan by Warren Ellis, about gonzo journalism, pop-culture, and cynicism. All goodness, all love, all the time.