For the intellectual in us all

For the intellectual in us all

I know it's fun to talk about comics like we all do. Though every once in a while I like to read and talk about books that were written on the more intellectual side of comics. What each hero means, how supervillains relate with their super heroes, what makes a hero a hero and not some jerk punching some dude. Why are captain america and spider-man (pre OMD) so widely loved... But most importantly, what makes a supervillain what he is instead of a super powered crook, and a superhero what they are instead of a bone crushing vigilante.

Are you referring to books that analyze heroes and villains, or comics that do such?

If comics, I wholeheartedly recommend Rick Veitch's THE MAXIMORTAL and BRATPACK.  The former is an examination of the Superman archetype; the latter, kid sidekicks.  Great, great stuff.

Originally Posted by BabytoxieAre you referring to books that analyze heroes and villains, or comics that do such?

If comics, I wholeheartedly recommend Rick Veitch's THE MAXIMORTAL and BRATPACK.  The former is an examination of the Superman archetype; the latter, kid sidekicks.  Great, great stuff.
hmmm...lets try both

Originally Posted by BabytoxieAre you referring to books that analyze heroes and villains, or comics that do such?

If comics, I wholeheartedly recommend Rick Veitch's THE MAXIMORTAL and BRATPACK.  The former is an examination of the Superman archetype; the latter, kid sidekicks.  Great, great stuff.
I collected and read both these series when they hit back in the 80's. It's because of these 2 books, I can't get too excited about Millar's Kick-A$$. It was done before. These books were way ahead of their time. Even tough to read at times. Busiak probably read Bratpack before he penned Astro-City.

Originally Posted by BabytoxieAre you referring to books that analyze heroes and villains, or comics that do such?

If comics, I wholeheartedly recommend Rick Veitch's THE MAXIMORTAL and BRATPACK.  The former is an examination of the Superman archetype; the latter, kid sidekicks.  Great, great stuff.
Veitch can write some demented stuff and he outdid himself with those two books.

Waid's Empire series was an interesting look at how difficult it can be for the super-villain who's stuck with ruling the world.

Astro City always does a great job at exploring the classic super-hero archetypes, especially in the earlier books.

Interesting...I'll have to look those two books up!

Thanks for the rec.

Fax from Sarajevo by Joe Kubert was excellent.
Enemy Ace by George Pratt was also a magnificent read.
Both are highly recommended.