Nerds Love Lists

Empire Online just released their list of the 50 Greatest Comic Book Characters of All Time. It's not a bad little list and I give them props for thinking outside the box with a number of their selections but I have a few problems with the list. First and foremost, there was only one character from Alan Moore's The Watchmen, one of my favourite books, let alone comic books, of all time. It was a very American heavy list with no Bone or selections from Seth or Chester Brown. Furthermore, there was no Clowes or Ware (Jimmy Corrigan, anyone?). Also, Superman once again won out over the far superior Batman. Worst of all, this list only served to remind me what an enormous nerd I am. That's the true tragedy.

Marvel vs. DC = MAC vs. PC

When I was in 5th grade, comic book giants DC and Marvel had a crossover promotion in which superheroes from the two universes battled for supremacy. For example, Superman fought the Hulk, Batman battled Captain America, Wolverine fought Lobo, Spiderman fought Superboy etc. Needless to say, it was perhaps the greatest moment in my young life. My friends and I actually took bets on who would win. In that vein, and hot off the heels of Spiderman 3 making a bajillion dollars over the weekend, some funny clips have appeared on YouTube pitting action figures from the two brands against each other in arguments for who makes the better movies. They are brilliantly done in they style of the MAC vs. PC ads and you can watch them below:

A Serious Threat from the Joker!

Most people know that Heath Ledger will be playing Batman's achvillain, the Joker, in the upcoming movie, "The Dark Knight." However, I wonder if director Christopher Nolan will find a way to work this Joker gem from an old comic book into the new movie:

What? You had to expect juvenile humour at some point, right? It can't be cool music and political debate all the time...

I'm Sorry.

Comics! Comics! Comics!

A few years ago, I wrote an article for Access (the Ontario Library Association Magazine) about the ten graphic novels that every library should have. You can read the article on the OLA website (go to page 52). However, I've thought that I left a few deserving titles off the list. Therefore, to assuage my nerd guilt, I decided to post two new lists that I feel represent the best of the genre. I've divided the list between Superhero and Non-Superhero books: Superhero:

1. The Watchmen by Alan Moore: Simply the best. The only graphic novel to be included on Time's 100 Greatest Novels list. The Watchmen is one of my favourite books, let alone comic books, period.
2. Batman: The Dark Knight Returns by Frank Miller
3. Batman: The Long Halloween by Jeph Loeb
4. Arkham Asylum by Grant Morrison
5. V for Vendetta by Alan Moore - V is every bit as much of a Superhero as Batman
6. Batman: Hush by Jeph Loeb
7. Batman: The Killing Joke by Alan Moore
8. Kingdom Come by Marc Waid
9. The Death of Superman
10. Batman: Year One by Frank Miller

I know I'm heavy on the Batman but he's just the best.

Non Superhero:

1. It's a Good Life, If you don't Weaken by Seth
2. Maus by Art Spiegelman
3. Jimmy Corrigan: Smartest Kid on Earth by Chris Ware
4. I Never Liked You by Chester Brown
5. Ghost World by Daniel Clowes
6. The Golem's Mighty Swing by James Sturm
7. Louis Riel by Chester Brown
8. Blankets by Craig Thompson
9. From Hell by Alan Moore
10. Sin City: The Long Goodbye by Frank Miller

I also recommend Scott Mcloud's Understanding Comics: The Invisible Art if you're just getting started.

There, I feel vindicated now. Finally I can sleep again.