Daily Loaf

As much as they’re about spandex, capes and saving the world, comic books — as a medium — would never have survived in a world of 3D-Blu Ray-Internet-TV-iPhones if they only revolved around the next BAM! or KA-POW!

Superheroes are the mythology of the times, and behind every great mythological tale is a story of love. Or at least lust.

Comics are action, comics are adventure, but comics are also drama. A good comic is also a good soap opera, and every great soap opera (there are great soap operas, aren’t there?) has its key players.

Valentine’s Day may be just behind us, but love is year-round. And so, I present:

THE TOP 14 MAINSTREAM COMIC BOOK COUPLES

14. STORM AND BLACK PANTHER

Remember when Whoopi Goldberg and T-Pain got married because they were both black? Wait, doesn’t that happen?

Maybe not. But the marriage between X-Man Storm and on-again, off-again Avenger Black Panther did happen, and let me tell you, it came as no shock at all when announced in 2006.

After all, their relationship had been mentioned in a back-up story told in the ’80s. And in February (coincidentally Black History Month) ‘06, a Storm mini-series detailing their childhood romance saw publication just in time for its final issue to coincide with their happy day in Black Panther #18.

Gimmick? I’ll let you decide. But I will say this: while the marriage hasn’t helped Storm’s character in the BP series, written by and in BET President Reginald Hudlin’s seemingly black-to-not-be-white style, it’s done wonders for the character over in Uncanny X-Men and even Fantastic Four, of which she was a stand-in member. Her status has risen from X-Character to Marvel hero, and that’s impressive.

And before anyone says it, the only problem I have with race is their race to the altar. With proper development, which takes time, their union could’ve been everything Marvel billed it to be. They’re both amazing characters. But they’re not quite the power couple Hudlin clearly thinks they are.

Yet. But their potential earns them a spot on the list. Read the rest of this entry »

Paula Abdul and regret. Ellen DeGeneres and opportunity. Kanye West and unwarranted opinion. Beyonce and PR. Peanut butter and jelly. Jelly and John Goodman.

Spider-Man: art lover.

Some things just go together – like vintage clothing and artwork. Don’t believe me? Just ask those in attendance at St. Pete’s ARTpool’s monthly gallery opening, Heroes & Heroines — or any of the locals who frequent the shop for a must-have creation in fabric or frame.

ARTpool opened in April of 2008 and has been making waves ever since.

Its mission statement is to “partner with the community to form an organic, evolving cooperative of artists that will work together to build a sustainable and a mutually beneficial artistic environment that promotes creativity, originality, and forward thought.” It’s done just that, holding events ranging from fashion shows to children’s installation events.

The latest opening was last Saturday, and, inspired by decades of comic book art, owner Marina Williams and local artists banded together to celebrate the finest fashions and fantasies. Live entertainment and artistry complemented the creation-lined walls as superhero and civilian alike answered the bat signal to enjoy St. Pete’s finest fusion. Read the rest of this entry »

The Hulk smashes. The Thing clobbers. Spider-Man swings. Cinderella… sings.

I remember thinking Spider-Man on Broadway was shocking. Okay, it still is, but no Marvel fan could have foreseen the news that broke August 31, 2009: Marvel Comics has been purchased by Disney for $4 billion.

Art by Nick Yakimovich.

Read that sentence again. Marvel, the company responsible for films (via multiple licensing deals) like X-Men, Spider-Man, Iron Man and upcoming projects like Captain America, Thor and The Avengers has been purchased.

Purchased by Disney, the company responsible for The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin and upcoming projects like The Princess and the Frog.

According to Disney CEO Robert Iger, Marvel’s multiple licensing deals (including its relationship with Paramount to distribute its films via Marvel Studios) will be honored as “the right thing from a legal perspective.”

But again: Marvel, publisher of comics for 70 years, has been purchased by Disney, creator of Snow White. (I hate her.) Read the rest of this entry »