Category: Comics

Marvel has never been shy about introducing some other-worldly and supernatural aspects to comic books. Falling into the latter category would be vampires, and it seems that the story surrounding vampires is in its own subcategory of the Marvel comics and completely spearheaded by Eric Brooks, a.k.a. Blade.

Blade has been the title character for three movies, all of which came before the Marvel Cinematic Universe was launched (and starring Wesley Snipes). Despite being considered a bit of an off-shoot character that does his own thing, Blade has still been involved with many of the other Marvel superheroes. Let’s take a look at five of his best team-ups throughout comic book history, showing just how important Blade is to the Marvel universe.

X-Men

There have been some superhero team-ups that have gone incredibly well over the years like Superman and Batman, Daredevil and Spider-Man, or Captain America and the Winter Soldier, but then there have been some that have gone terribly wrong. One of those that falls in the latter category is the time that Blade teamed up with the X-Men in one of the darkest storylines in Marvel Comics history.

Blade appeared in the 2010 series “Curse of the Mutants” which saw Blade assist the X-Men after they were attacked by Dracula’s son Xarus. While things were going smoothly between the two sides as they fought together, things came to a head when Jubilee became infected, turning her into a vampire. The X-Men demanded that she stayed alive, but as a vampire hunter, Blade didn’t feel that way. The two went their separate ways on bad terms, but it was a fun team-up overall.

Spider-Man

Spider-Man has fought some pretty off-the-wall villains throughout his history, and that includes fighting off vampires. The web-slinger is used to battling people with robotic limbs or wings, and even a lizard-human hybrid, but he needed some assistance when it came to dueling with vampires. That’s where Blade comes in, and the two have teamed up on multiple occasions throughout comics and animated shows.

Perhaps the best example of Blade and Spider-Man working together came in the 1998 series “Marvel Team-Up Starring: Spider-Man and Blade”. The two didn’t quite get along at first and had different ways of operating as heroes, but when Henry Sage threatened them, the two decided to work together. Eventually, the two find a cure called the Day-Walker formula that could help Blade heal vampires instead of killing them.

Deadpool

Deadpool, the off-the-cuff smartmouth antihero, has teamed up with just about everyone in Marvel Comics at this point. While he hasn’t had extended interactions with Blade, the two have had a couple of team-ups. The previously mentioned “Curse of the Mutants” from the X-Men series also featured Deadpool, as well as the series “Dracula’s Gauntlet”. As he did with Spider-Man, Blade got off on the wrong foot with Deadpool.

Blade’s eventual wife, Shiklah, was originally a target for Blade. Dracula wanted Shiklah to help build his army, and Deadpool fought Blade to protect her. Thankfully, the three were able to work out their differences and form an alliance against Dracula to take him down, with Deadpool (Wade Wilson) even getting an invite to the wedding. 

Black Panther

Prior to the Marvel Cinematic Universe being launched, which helped to make Black Panther into a household name, Blade was actually the bigger name. He had been featured in multiple movies of his own before the likes of Iron Man or Thor, and in 2006, he teamed up with Black Panther (T’Challa) himself. The team-up was part of the Black Panther series which lasted for two issues early in the year.

The short storyline was very much a product of its time as it took place in New Orleans, Louisiana shortly after the events of Hurricane Katrina. Vampires have taken over the ravaged city, and it’s up to Black Panther and Blade to lead the charge against the attack. They aren’t alone in their efforts, either. Other heroes like Monica Rambeau and Luke Cage join them in the Bayou.

S.H.I.E.L.D.

“Civil War” was one of the biggest storylines in Marvel comic history, and just about every major character showed up at some point. Blade was thrust into the Civil War when he was tasked with capturing Wolverine but found himself after Morbius instead. However, it was a setup, and Blade was captured by S.H.I.E.L.D. but not because they wanted him imprisoned. Instead, they needed his help, and offer to remove any charges against him.

Blade is then given the task to protect Wolverine at any cost, which ends up being one of the biggest parts of the storyline. Blade is successful in keeping Wolverine alive, ending the conflict which would lead to Wolverine becoming a member of the Avengers. The New Avengers, which debuted in 2005, consisted of Wolverine, Spider-Man, Carol Danvers, Luke Cage, and The Thing.

Anyone can make their own comic book, especially in the digital age when releasing your art to an audience is easier than ever before. However, if you want to get into the publishing game, there are a few industry leaders that you’ll have to compete against. Whether you’re a comic book expert or are just dabbling in the genre for the first time, there are some publishers that you need to know. Here are five publishers that produce the most successful comic book series.

Marvel Comics

These days, most of us know Marvel more for the cinematic universe which has seen heroes like Iron Man, Thor, Captain America, and many more team up to take on villains like Loki or Thanos. The comic book history for Marvel goes way further back than the MCU’s introduction in 2008, however. Back in 1939, Marvel was founded as Timely Comics, then changed names eight years later to Magazine Management.

Finally, in 1961, the company was introduced as Marvel Comics and the new era was ushered in by the likes of Stan Lee, Steve Ditko, and Jack Kirby. The trio created characters who would become staples of Marvel including Spider-Man, the Fantastic Four, and the X-Men, just to name a few. These days, Marvel has a catalog of nearly 30,000 comic books with a long list of heroes to choose from, but it might take some time to catch up.

DC Comics

The history of Marvel is pretty similar to that of DC. DC Comics changed names a few times throughout the years and then established itself after a couple of decades thanks to some flagship characters. DC was founded in 1934 as part of National Comics Publications, then branched out into its own company in 1977 as DC Comics. The big difference between the two, though, is that DC is based out of California while Marvel is in New York City.

Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson was the founder of DC Comics, and thanks to superheroes including Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman, the franchise blossomed into one of the two titans of the industry. Like Marvel, DC has also gotten a cinematic universe that has seen up-and-down success throughout the years. Interestingly enough, DC is the second-largest publisher while Marvel is third because the top spot belongs to a company that Americans might not be too familiar with.

Viz Media

The top spot in terms of size belongs to Viz Media, a much newer company than the previous two which was founded in 1986. Headquartered in San Francisco, Viz Media released its first titles the following year, with “Legend of Kamui” being its first big hit. The company has a focus on Japanese anime, which is why it might be an unfamiliar name for Americans. However, there have been more Americans getting into anime in the 21st century, leading to Viz’s massive expansion.

Some of the comic and manga series that even casual readers will be familiar with include “Dragon Ball”, “One Piece”, “Bleach”, “Naruto”, and “Inuyasha”. These comics have all found success with television shows, helping to further Viz’s market reach. Revenue has been around $60 million for Viz as a result.

Dark Horse Comics

The year before Viz Media came into the picture, Dark Horse Comics was founded in Milwaukie, Oregon by Mike Richardson. Richardson was an artist and interior designer who opened up his own store in the early 1980s, then quickly started his own series of comic books with all of the profits going to the creators. This caused a lot of artists to join him, and some amazing new franchises came around as a result.

Dark Horse Comics began getting licenses for some well-known IPs including “Star Wars”, “Predator”, “Indiana Jones” and many more. Dark Horse originals include “Sin City”, “Hellboy” and “The Umbrella Academy”, all of which have seen successful on-screen adaptations.

Image Comics

The last comic book publisher on the list that you should be familiar with is also the youngest one. Image Comics was founded in 1992 by a group of artists featuring Erik Larsen and Todd McFarlane. Image Comics found fast success in the 1990s thanks to new IPs including “Spawn”, “Bone”, and “Savage Dragon”.

Over the years, Image has had a wider reach thanks to the success of “Kick-Ass”, “Invincible”, and “The Walking Dead”. The former got a pair of big-screen films while the other two have had successful television series. Image got a lot of fanfare when it debuted thanks to the founders all being big names in the comic book industry, so it was set up for success from the start and hasn’t disappointed.

It’s hard to picture the film industry these days without a slew of superhero movies or comic book adaptations on a near-monthly basis. That’s also the case on television with adaptations making their way to streaming services one after another. Not all of them have been great, but there have been plenty that were high quality. Here’s a look at five of the best comic book adaptations in both film and television.

Spider-Man 2

At the start of the 21st century, superhero movies weren’t exactly a new idea. There had been ones including “Flash Gordon”, “Masters of the Universe”, and “Darkman”, but nothing that had really been a blockbuster from an A-list comic hero. That would change in 2002 with the release of “Spider-Man”, with Sony tabbing Sam Raimi to direct just over a decade after the release of “Darkman”.

The first “Spider-Man” film was a huge hit and was critically acclaimed, but the second film is the one that most people point to being the true start of great superhero films. With Tobey Maguire returning as the wallcrawler and the introduction of Alfred Molina as Dr. Otto Octavious (Doc Ock), “Spider-Man 2” knocked it out of the park, earning nearly $800 million at the box office while achieving more than 90 percent on Rotten Tomatoes.

The Dark Knight

“Batman Begins” was a good movie, and Batman fans were enthused with the direction the franchise was headed with Christian Bale and Christopher Nolan. The first film earned $373 million at the box office, but it was the sequel that everyone was looking forward to. “The Dark Knight” was released in the summer of 2008 with the promise of The Joker being introduced, and was played brilliantly by the late Heath Ledger.

“The Dark Knight” was considered to be the perfect superhero film at the time, and the box office numbers backed it up. “The Dark Knight” nearly tripled the totals from the first film, earning just over $1 billion in ticket sales. It received a 94% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, putting it just ahead of “Spider-Man 2” in that regard. Ledger also won a posthumous Oscar for his role as The Joker.

The Walking Dead

While Spider-Man and Batman are very much mainstream superheroes, the same couldn’t really be said for “The Walking Dead”. The graphic novel series was popular but was much more niche than the previous two heroes. “The Walking Dead” ran as a comic from 2003 to 2019, and the television series on AMC made its debut in 2010 before coming to an end in late 2022.

“The Walking Dead” started off strong with characters like Rick and Shane, and millions tuned in for each episode during the first few seasons. While the quality may have tailed off after a few seasons, there were still plenty of people tuning in to see what would happen next. Nothing can top the excitement that surrounded those first few seasons, either, especially after the massive debut on Halloween 2010.

Logan

By 2017, the “X-Men” franchise had already been well-represented on the big screen with several films, including one of the first big-budget blockbuster superhero movies. Things got a lot more stripped down and gritty with the finale of Hugh Jackman taking on the Wolverine role in the film “Logan”. Released in both color and black & white, “Logan” showed a dejected and aging hero who was tasked at saving the next generation of mutants.

The film got incredibly gory, especially compared to the previous “X-Men” entries, receiving a rare R-rating. That didn’t hurt “Logan” from pulling in a ton of money at the box office as it collected nearly $620 million in ticket sales. The film earned an Oscar nomination while also earning the same critical acclaim (94%) as “The Dark Knight”. Many felt it wasn’t just a good superhero movie, but a good standalone movie in general.

Infinity War/Endgame

Though this might be cheating since it’s using two movies, it was always meant to be one big chapter that was broken into two parts. “Avengers: Infinity War” and “Endgame” were the culmination of a decade of superhero films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. What started with “Iron Man” became a global phenomenon that included all of the biggest names in Marvel history.

The films were based on the Infinity Saga comic book storyline, and while many of the details were changed, many felt that the main storyline was perfect for the big screen. The two movies set box office records left and right as fans wanted to see how it would all play out. Of course, despite losing at the end of “Infinity War”, our heroes would set it right in “Endgame”.

Almost all of us love superheroes, but they would be almost nothing if it weren’t for a foil that tried to hamper their plans of justice and peace. Someone has to be the antagonist in a hero’s story, and for that reason, supervillains are just as important. Even when heroes made their way to the big screen, having a good villain was the difference between a critically-acclaimed film and a panned one.

Today, we’re going to take a look at the history of comic book supervillains and how they came to be what they are today. Some of the fan favorites of today actually came much later than people may have thought, while some of the very first supervillains are completely forgotten about today. 

Humble Beginnings

Superman made his comic book debut with Action Comics #1, but he didn’t have a nemesis for the first dozen issues. In #13, Superman went toe-to-toe with a white gorilla named Ultra-Humanite. Originally, he was supposed to be the main supervillain, but that would change just a few issues later when Alexei Luthor and, of course, Lex Luthor, were introduced. Lex would become the main villain throughout Superman lore.

Ultra-Humanite became the first supervillain overall in June 1939, and the rest of the year saw three more introduced. Jerry Siegel and Joe Schuster created Ultra-Humanite while Bob Kane and Bill Finger created the next two: Dr. Death and The Monk. The two were Batman villains, with the latter not sticking around for long while the former was revived multiple times.

Continuing the Golden Age

The start of the 1940s was when things really ramped up for supervillains. Batman had four new adversaries in the first year with Hugo Strange, Catwoman, Clayface, and his archvillain, the Joker. Meanwhile, Marvel finally entered the foray of having supervillains with the introduction of Red Skull in 1941. Throughout the rest of World War II, many signature villains including Scarecrow, Two-Face, Solomon Grundy, and Black Adam were introduced.

Later Golden Age supervillains included Deadshot, Red Hood, Brainiac, Bizarro, and the Riddler. All of these, however, were great DC villains who became staples while Marvel still only had one that would land with readers. It wasn’t until the early 1960s that Marvel switched from Magazine Management to Marvel Comics and introduced Spider-Man who came with a new slew of great villains.

The Silver Age

In 1963, The Chameleon became the first Spider-Man supervillain, but he wouldn’t receive as much fanfare as the ones who followed. The Vulture, Dr. Octopus, Sandman, Lizard, Electro, Mysterio, Green Goblin, and Kraven the Hunter were all introduced in the following months and formed the Sinister Six. The faction, to this day, remains the key cog to the villain puzzle for the web-slinger.

Dr. Doom was also introduced around this time, giving all of the Marvel universe (and especially the Fantastic Four) a prime villain to take on. Loki, the Rhino, the Mandarin, the Scarlet Witch, and many others were introduced over the next couple of years to give Marvel a fantastic catalog of villains to pick from. The 1940s and 1960s proved to be the two best decades for introducing villains as it became hard to build upon after so many were established.

Taking a Step Back

Just because there was already a plethora of characters to use for DC and Marvel doesn’t mean the two publishers stopped adding to the list in the 1970s and 1980s. However, there were very few that resonated with fans during this time. For every Ra’s al Ghul, Thanos, or Sabretooth, there was an Egg Fu, the Matador, or Big Wheel. The 1980s saw the publishers make fewer attempts at new villains, but there were some winners including Killer Croc and Hobgoblin, with Venom being the best one of the decade.

And a Step Forward

After a couple of decades of blunders, comic book villains got back on the right track in the 1990s. The decade started out with the introduction of Deadpool, Carnage, Bane, and Doomsday. Harley Quinn was introduced to the comics, as well, after spending seven years as a cartoon-only character.

When superhero films started making their way to theaters, many of the classic villains were used up rather quickly. With that, DC and Marvel began using newer characters who were freshly introduced. For instance, Gorr the God Butcher was introduced in comics in 2013 and by 2022 was the main villain in “Thor: Love and Thunder”. Each year, we’ll continue to see new villains, but their impact on comics overall will remain to be seen as they’re becoming less frequent.

The representation of women in comic books has come a long way since the early days of the medium. From being relegated to supporting roles and often portrayed as damsels in distress, women have gradually become more prominent and complex characters in their own right. Here are five key turning points that have contributed to this evolution.

1. Wonder Woman’s Debut (1941)

Wonder Woman was created by William Moulton Marston as a feminist icon who could stand alongside Superman and Batman as an equal. She was strong, intelligent, and independent – a far cry from the passive female characters that had dominated comics up until then. Her debut marked a significant shift in how women were portrayed in the medium.

2. The Underground Comix Movement (1960s-70s)

The underground comix movement of the 1960s and 70s gave voice to marginalized groups including women, LGBTQ+ people, and people of color. Female creators such as Trina Robbins and Diane Noomin used this platform to create comics that explored issues such as sexuality, body image, and motherhood from a woman’s perspective.

3. The Rise of Manga (1980s)

Manga is a Japanese style of comic book that has become increasingly popular around the world. Many manga series feature strong female characters who are not defined solely by their relationships with men but instead have their own goals and motivations. Some notable examples include Sailor Moon, Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, and Ghost in the Shell.

4. The Launch of Ms. Marvel (2014)

In 2014, Marvel Comics launched a new series featuring Kamala Khan, a teenage Muslim girl from New Jersey who gains superpowers and becomes Ms. Marvel. The series was groundbreaking for its portrayal of a young woman from an underrepresented group as a superhero with agency and complexity.

5. The #MeToo Movement (2017-Present)

The #MeToo movement brought attention to issues of sexual harassment and assault within many industries including comics. As a result, publishers such as DC Comics have made efforts to hire more female creators both on staff and for freelance work. This has led to more diverse perspectives being represented in comics which can only be good news for readers.

While there is still much progress to be made when it comes to representation in comics, these turning points demonstrate that change is possible when creators are willing to push boundaries and challenge stereotypes. By continuing this trend towards inclusivity we can look forward to even more exciting stories featuring complex female characters who break out of traditional gender roles once considered typical for them in comic books!

Comic books have been a source of entertainment and inspiration for generations. They feature superheroes, villains, and fantastical worlds that capture the imagination of readers young and old. But for some, reading comic books is not enough – they want to collect them.

Comic book collecting can be a fun and rewarding hobby, but it can also be overwhelming for beginners. With so many titles, characters, and editions available, where do you even begin? Here are some tips for those just starting out in the world of comic book collecting.

Start with What You Love

The first step in building a collection is deciding what to collect. It may be tempting to try to collect everything, but that can quickly become expensive and impractical. Instead, focus on what you love.

If you’re a fan of Batman, start by collecting Batman comics. If you prefer indie comics or graphic novels, start there. By focusing on what you love, you’ll not only enjoy your collection more but also have a better understanding of its value.

Know Your Terms

Once you’ve decided what to collect, it’s important to understand the terminology used in the comic book-collecting world. Here are some terms you should know:

• Issue: A single edition of a comic book.
• Title: The name of a particular comic book series.
• Volume: Refers to different runs or series within a title.
• Variant Cover: A special edition cover with unique artwork or design.
• Grading: A system used to determine the condition of a comic book.

Understanding these terms will help you navigate the world of comic book collecting more easily.

Set a Budget

Collecting comic books can quickly become an expensive hobby if you’re not careful. To avoid overspending, set a budget for yourself before starting your collection. Decide how much money you’re willing to spend each month or year on new additions.

It’s also important to remember that older or rare issues may cost more than newer ones. Don’t let FOMO (fear of missing out) push you into buying something outside your budget.

Do Your Research

Before making any purchases, do your research. Look up prices online and check out local comic shops or conventions to see what’s available. Join online communities dedicated to comic book collecting to learn from others’ experiences and get advice on where to find specific issues or editions.

Researching before buying will help ensure that you make informed decisions about which items are worth adding to your collection.

Protect Your Collection

Once you’ve started building your collection, it’s essential to protect it properly. Store your comics in acid-free bags with backing boards and keep them in a cool and dry place away from direct sunlight. Displaying them in frames or shadow boxes can also be an attractive way to showcase your favorites while keeping them safe.

Conclusion

Comic book collecting can be an exciting hobby for anyone who loves comics or graphic novels. By following these tips for beginners – focusing on what you love, knowing the terminology used in the industry, setting budgets before purchasing items researching before buying items -you’ll be well on your way towards building an impressive collection that brings joy for years.

For over 80 years, Robin has been a staple character in the world of comic books. As Batman’s loyal sidekick, he has fought alongside the Dark Knight against some of Gotham’s most notorious villains. However, over time, Robin has evolved from just being a sidekick to becoming a hero in his own right.

Robin first appeared in Detective Comics #38 in 1940 as Dick Grayson, a young acrobat who witnessed his parents’ murder and was taken in by Bruce Wayne/Batman as his ward. At the time, Robin was created as a way to attract younger readers to the Batman comics and provide them with a relatable character. He was depicted as being cheerful and optimistic, providing a contrast to Batman’s brooding personality.

Over the years, Robin evolved both in terms of his character development and physical appearance. In 1983, DC Comics introduced Jason Todd as the new Robin after Dick Grayson had moved on to become Nightwing. Unlike Dick Grayson’s lighthearted personality, Jason Todd was more aggressive and impulsive. This change reflected the shift in comic book storytelling towards darker themes.

In 1989, Tim Drake was introduced as the third Robin after Jason Todd’s controversial death at the hands of Joker. Tim Drake brought back some of the lightness that had been missing since Dick Grayson left the role. He also had a background as an amateur detective which made him an asset to Batman.

In 2004, DC Comics published “Batman: War Games,” which saw Stephanie Brown take on the mantle of Robin for a brief period before being fired by Batman for disobeying orders. In 2006, she returned as Spoiler and eventually became Batgirl.

Finally, in 2014 DC Comics introduced Damian Wayne – Bruce Wayne’s son – as the fifth Robin. Damian is depicted as being highly trained but also arrogant and difficult to work with due to his upbringing by assassins.

Throughout all these changes, one thing remains constant: Robin is no longer just a sidekick but has become an important hero in his own right. Whether it be through their combat skills or their detective work or even their leadership qualities; each version of Robin has shown that they are capable of standing on their own two feet without Batman’s assistance.

Over the past eight decades since his creation; we have seen many different versions of Robin grace our pages with differing personalities & skill sets, but one thing remains consistent: he is no longer just Batman’s sidekick but an essential part of Gotham’s superhero roster!

Batman, one of the most iconic superheroes in comic book history, has had countless adventures throughout his long and storied career. From battling the Joker to saving Gotham City from destruction, Batman has become a cultural icon that transcends generations. But with so many stories to choose from, which are the best? Here are five of the very best Batman comic book story arcs of all time.

1. The Dark Knight Returns by Frank Miller

The Dark Knight Returns is widely regarded as one of the greatest comic book story arcs ever written, and for good reason. This four-issue limited series by Frank Miller tells the story of an aging Bruce Wayne who comes out of retirement to don the cape and cowl once more in order to save Gotham City from a new threat.

2. Year One by Frank Miller

Year One is another classic Batman story arc by Frank Miller that explores the origins of the Caped Crusader. Set during Batman’s first year on the job, this four-issue limited series follows a young Bruce Wayne as he learns what it takes to be a hero in Gotham City.

3. The Killing Joke by Alan Moore

The Killing Joke is a dark and twisted tale that explores the relationship between Batman and his arch-nemesis, the Joker. Written by renowned comics writer Alan Moore, this graphic novel delves into the psyche of both characters and shows just how far each is willing to go in their quest for justice (or chaos).

4. Hush by Jeph Loeb

Hush is a modern classic that pits Batman against some of his greatest foes including Catwoman, Poison Ivy, and Superman himself. Written by Jeph Loeb with art by Jim Lee, this twelve-issue limited series is a thrilling ride from start to finish.

5. Court of Owls by Scott Snyder

Court of Owls is a recent addition to the list but has quickly become one of the most beloved Batman story arcs in recent memory. Written by Scott Snyder with art by Greg Capullo, this twelve-issue limited series introduces readers to a secret society that has been pulling strings in Gotham City for centuries.

These five Batman comic book story arcs are some of the best examples of why Batman remains such an enduring character after all these years. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just getting into comics for the first time, these stories are sure to thrill and entertain you for years to come.

Comic book crossovers have been a staple of the industry for decades. They allow readers to see their favorite characters team up, fight each other, or explore new worlds. However, not all crossovers are created equal. Some are beloved by fans and become classics, while others are panned and quickly forgotten. Let’s look at some of the best and worst comic book crossovers.

The Good

Marvel vs. DC (1996)

Marvel vs. DC was a crossover event that saw Marvel Comics’ greatest heroes facing off against their DC Comics counterparts. It was a massive undertaking that involved both publishers and resulted in some truly epic battles. Fans were treated to matchups like Spider-Man vs. Superboy, Wolverine vs. Lobo, and Batman vs. Captain America.

What made Marvel vs. DC so great was how it managed to please both Marvel and DC fans alike. Each publisher had its own style and tone, but the crossover managed to blend them seamlessly into one cohesive story.

Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2015)

Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is a crossover that sounds like it shouldn’t work but somehow manages to be fantastic. The story sees the turtles transported to Gotham City where they team up with Batman to take down Shredder and Ra’s al Ghul.

What makes this crossover work so well is how it plays on the strengths of both franchises while still feeling fresh and exciting. Seeing the turtles interact with Batman’s rogues gallery is a joy for any fan of either series.

The Bad

Archie Meets Punisher (1994)

Archie Meets Punisher is a crossover that probably should never have happened in the first place. It sees Archie Comics’ wholesome characters meeting Marvel’s violent vigilante in what can only be described as an odd pairing.

The problem with this crossover is that it doesn’t know what it wants to be. It tries to blend Archie’s lighthearted tone with Punisher’s gritty violence, resulting in a confusing mess of a story.

X-Men/Fantastic Four: The 1987 Annuals

The X-Men/Fantastic Four crossover from 1987 has become infamous among comic book fans for all the wrong reasons. The storyline sees the two teams fighting over whether Franklin Richards – son of Reed Richards and Sue Storm – should stay with his parents or join the X-Men.

The problem with this crossover is that it feels forced and contrived from start to finish. There’s no real reason for these two teams to fight each other other than because the writers wanted them to.

The Ugly

Superman/Aliens (1995)

Superman/Aliens is a crossover that had potential but ultimately fell flat due to poor execution. It sees Superman facing off against Xenomorphs from the Alien franchise in what could have been an epic battle.

Unfortunately, what we got instead was a muddled mess of a story that failed to live up to its premise. The art was uninspired, the pacing was slow, and overall it just felt like a missed opportunity.

Punisher/Archie Redux (2018)

Punisher/Archie Redux is another attempt at bringing these two vastly different franchises together – this time almost 25 years after their first encounter – but unfortunately fails just as miserably as before.

The writing is clunky, the jokes fall flat, and overall there’s just no reason for these two characters to be interacting with each other again after all these years.

If you’re a fan of DC Comics, you’ve probably heard of Stargirl. This superheroine has been around since the late 1990s and has had some truly epic storylines over the years. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just getting into the character, here are some of the best Stargirl storylines you need to read.

Stars and S.T.R.I.P.E.

If you want to start at the beginning, check out “Stars and S.T.R.I.P.E.” This series introduced us to Courtney Whitmore, a high school student who discovers her stepfather’s old superhero equipment and decides to become a hero herself. With her trusty partner S.T.R.I.P.E., she battles villains like Shiv and Brainwave Jr. in this action-packed series.

JSA: All Stars

Stargirl is also a member of the Justice Society of America (JSA), and “JSA: All Stars” is a great storyline that features her as part of the team. In this series, Stargirl teams up with other JSA members like Hourman and Cyclone to take on classic villains like Solomon Grundy and Gentleman Ghost.

Blackest Night: JSA

For something a little darker, check out “Blackest Night: JSA.” This storyline takes place during the larger “Blackest Night” event in the DC Universe, where dead heroes come back as zombies known as Black Lanterns. Stargirl must fight against zombified versions of her fellow JSA members in this thrilling tale.

Justice League Unlimited

Stargirl also makes appearances in various animated shows, including “Justice League Unlimited.” In this series, she joins forces with other heroes like Green Lantern and Flash to take on threats both big and small. Her youthful energy is a great contrast to some of the more serious heroes on the team.

Young Justice

Finally, if you’re looking for something more recent, check out “Young Justice.” Stargirl is one of many young heroes featured in this animated series about sidekicks who form their own team. In this show, Stargirl faces off against villains like Sportsmaster and Deathstroke while also dealing with typical teenage drama.

Whether you prefer comics or animation, there are plenty of great Stargirl storylines out there for fans old and new alike. These are just a few examples of some of the best ones – so grab your cape and get reading!