Here's another topic for discussion: Are super heroes science fiction--or simply the stuff of comic books? Most comic super hero origins contain an element of science fiction--Superman from another planet; Spiderman, bitten by a radioactive spider; Green Lantern,super space police forces; the XMen, mutant mensches. My question: do any of the comic crew qualify as legitimate science fiction? Do motion pictures validate them--or are the flicks simply a way to cash in on adolescent hero worship? Can any of them match the literary validity of Farenheit 451? Whaddya think?

Back stories, yes. I stopped reading comic books just as things were starting to get really interesting. I missed the "noir" sories and the "alternate universe" stuff. I speculate that the influx of Japanese artwork (Manga) and concomittant complex story lines forced the Marvels and DCs of the comix biz to ramp up their quality. Of course, few today know of Dr. Strange and the dread Dormamu because, for some odd reason, that particular Marvel creation never seemed to click with the readers. Focus shifted to the X-Men, their sexy costumes, and the "dark" Wolverine. Spiderman stayed relevant and the movies reinvigorated Iron Man (while the Thor flick seems to have missed the mark). DC kept pace with the Batman movies but stumbled a bit with Green Lantern. Then, of course, there were the non-Marvel/DC characters and plots by people like Frank Miller. All told, we seem to be in the midst of a new age of comics and sci-fi/fantasy rules Hollywood's roost. Still, I sometimes yearn for the simple joys of Hot Stuff and Wendy the Good Little Witch  ;).

Don't feel like the Lone Ranger, Jean. I didn't know that either. As I mentioned, I stopped reading comic books just about the time things really got interesting (or just weird). Are we sure that Parker's "death" isn't part of some sort of "alternate universe" thingee? Any Spiderman fans out there who can set the record straight? I know that Superman "died" over on the DC side in one of their alternate universes (they seem to have several).

Favorite DC Comics: Batman, Green Lantern, Doom Patrol.
Favorite Marvel Comics: Fantastic Four, Spiderman, Dr. Strange
Other favorites: Hot Stuff, Herbie (the Fat Fury), Brain Boy (REALLY obscure)