Shawn O'Rourke

Features

Jack Knight’s First Team Up

The Starman is a generational tale of a young hero assuming his father’s mantle, which takes the reader on an educational journey through DC Comics’ past. [28 July 2009]

A New Era: Infinite Crisis, Civil War, and the End of the Modern Age of Comics

The changes in the superhero mythos resulting mainly from Infinite Crisis, Civil War show the Modern Age has ended and the Postmodern Age is here. A new era in superhero comics has begun. [22 February 2008]

The Apotheosis of Hulk Hogan

If the sports-as-religion metaphor is accurate, then who is god in the professional wrestling world? While numerous potential candidates exist among the pantheon of wrestling superstars, one name shines a little brighter: Hulk Hogan. [12 September 2006]

San Diego Con: Heady Stuff

Comic Con is like Mecca for pop culture geeks. [8 August 2006]

Reviews

Marvel 1985

This synthesis of escapist childhood fantasy and adult themed violence and plot, creates a wonderful storytelling blend that reminds the reminds the reader of the pleasures comics books offer as a child while still providing a story that is enjoyable to older readers. [1 September 2009]

Marvel Illustrated The Iliad

Thomas, with the help of an amazing artist, has managed to create and adaptation of the classic war story still that manages to capture the glory and subtle elegance of Homer’s masterpiece. [6 August 2009]

Brainfag Forever

While at times the series might be easily categorized as the neurotic musings of a fractured personality, the topics and issues that Beaty discusses are both thoughtful and easily relatable. [29 January 2009]

The Tumor

Long story short: boy meets tumor, boy falls for tumor, boy and tumor begin dating. [20 January 2009]

Echo #1

Echo shall rise and fall on its own merits and will not have to worry about unfair comparisons to previous accomplishments. [27 May 2008]

Print Is Dead by Jeff Gomez

Although mediums change, it is ultimately the message that remains important. [28 February 2008]

The Resurrection of Ra’s Al Ghul

Ultimately this series is representative of the potential hazards that can arise when one works in the comic book medium. [19 February 2008]

JLA/Hitman #1-2

Garth Ennis once said in an interview that he could have written Hitman forever. I know I speak on behalf of fans everywhere when I say we would have read it forever. [19 November 2007]

Crooked Little Vein

Mike is forced to confront a culture whose decadence doesn't just infect the ranks of the poor and crazy, but reaches into the upper echelons of our society. [1 November 2007]

After the Cape, Volume 1

It seems that there is a strange but powerful tendency in the human species to want to see our heroes brought low. [26 October 2007]

I Love You Beth Cooper by Larry Doyle

I Love You, Beth Cooper is an excellent addition to the growing list of nerd-inspired fiction. [5 September 2007]

Free Comic Book Day 2007

Free Comic Book Day is one of the few things that I can say I've never heard even the pickiest fanboy attack. [11 June 2007]

Superman: Emperor Joker

Sadly, this is one of those stories that was better in my memory. [29 May 2007]

WonderCon 2007

WonderCon has become for so many not just an occasional visit but a yearly tradition [29 March 2007]

Stephen Kings The Dark Tower #1

The Gunslinger has established himself as one of the most fascinating and compelling characters in modern fiction, yet much of his past is still a mystery. [5 March 2007]

Manifest Eternity #1-6

Lobdell and Nguyen undertake the monumental task of successfully merging two completely different genres and are able to craft a story that is entertaining and interesting. [6 February 2007]

Love the Way You Love

The most sincere emotional connection a person can have with a story like this comes from the reader's genuine desire to see the two people get together. [14 November 2006]

Cosmic Wars #0

No hidden cultural metaphors or implied societal critiques: a comic that is on-face entertaining and fun to read. [1 November 2006]

Superman: Infinite Crisis

Like these two Supermen, hasn’t everyone in their life come to a crossroads where they must choose whether to be unflinching and steadfast in their beliefs, or compromise in the face of an impossible dilemma? [14 August 2006]

Outsiders #34-37

Winick writes an original and multi-dimensioned comic that contributes to the richness of the superhero genre and adds fuel to the debate over its direction. [13 July 2006]

Blogs

Graphically Speaking: Jack Knight’s First Team Up [26 July 2009]