Wizard impacting pop culture
Wizard Zero: This week is the release of Wizard Zero which dons the banners: “biggest event ever”, “the big one” and “special collector’s edition.” Okay, it is none of those things, but Wizard is an underrated factor and resource in the “Pop Culture Universe” – mostly because take a backseat to movies, music, books and now, video games. What the issue did deliver is a great chance for a novice to jump in or catch up with the latest and greatest in the comic book world.
Curious about the #1 ranked Batman with Jeph Loeb and Jim Lee or want a sample of Brian Michael Bendis’ work?
Can’t wait for “The Punisher”, “Hellboy” or “Spider-Man 2”? Don’t know the who’s who of comicdom anymore?
Need to look up the recent “guide” to those comics you’ve got stashed in your closet? Well, this is your chance. (No, I’m not on the take)
The price guide is over-hyped with various inserts, but does provide a lot of variety. Wizard has access to resources for beyond most in the industry: an Alan Moore report on his retirement, question and answers with Kevin Smith, and George Perez recounts the difficulties of JLA/Avengers. They pulled out all of the stops with a huge X-Men section, some news on Manga & Anime comics, the latest Heroclix listing, and graded CGC comics.
Entertainment Weekly devotes a couple of pages to comics every couple of months with a random sampling of mostly obscure titles. Wizard has become more of a mainstream magazine than a price guide resource, but they have gained the connections, resources and credibility to provide information, insight and interviews that no one else can provide. Check it out, especially page 100 — if you like Batman.
Nissan Altima commercial: The man races through a crowded office building, weaving and dodging and then slides down the handrail. He heads toward the open window, reminiscent of “The Dukes of Hazard” and then it happens – the moment his neck contorts to fit inside I feel a twinge. His twisting neck repulses me every time.
