A brief update.
Sorry about the lack of content, as I’ve been otherwise occupied at home and not having time to generate any posts here. I thought about having A.I. do it but then you might get some hideous mash-up of Sluggo/Swamp Thing/All-Star Batman and Robin the Boy Wonder/Frank Miller’s The Spirit, and sure, that may sound awesome, I don’t want to be responsible for it breaking free and wreaking havoc upon the townspeople.
I do have the next part of the Final ’80s Countdown underway, and hope to have it posted this week.
IN the meantime, here’s a TikTok video from Luisa Colón, the daughter of comics legend Ernie Colón, talking about the greatest Green Lantern cover of all time. Is there a cameo from a certain comics blog that’s been around too long in this video? You bet there is!
Thanks, pals, and I’ll be back with more of that Hot Content™ shortly.
That Green Lantern cover kind of reminds me of the Dick Giordano-drawn cover to Legion of Super-Heroes no.267, where Element Lad is shown in the background outside of the Legion cruiser, about to run out of air (although he is clad in a space suit), meanwhile, inside the cruiser, Colossal Boy is musing that he’s worried about Element Lad (as C. B. and Bouncing Boy are in the foreground, piloting the ship) and a started Dou Damsel happens to be looking out the window at E.L. Of course, E.L. did not explode, and the comic was published a few years prior to the G.L. comic, but I wonder how the Comics Code Authority let that one get stamped and approved?
Sorry, late night writing…it should have said Dou Damsel was “startled” –not “started”…and I meant that it was surprising that the Comics Code Authority let the Green Lantern cover get printed–not the milder Legion cover. Also, besides Ernie Colon, it seems that Mike W. Barr should have had some ‘splainin’ to do since he wrote that particular Green Lantern tale…which was more E.C. than D.C. …
what happened to the twitter feed?
I did it for you:
Title: Unmasking the Power of Comics: A Progressive Ruin Entry
By Mike Sterling
Welcome to Progressive Ruin, the comics blog where we unravel the rich tapestry of stories, characters, and ideas that populate the world of comics. In this entry, we dive deep into the transformative power of comics as a medium and explore how it reflects and shapes our progressive values. Join me on this exciting journey as we examine the diverse narratives and social impact that comics can have on our lives.
1. Representing Diversity:
Comics have long served as a platform for diverse representation, giving voice to marginalized communities and shedding light on important social issues. From groundbreaking superhero identities to character-driven stories that challenge societal norms, comics have the ability to inspire empathy, challenge biases, and empower readers. Let’s celebrate the comics that break down barriers and promote inclusivity, fostering a more accepting and diverse society.
2. Tackling Social Justice:
Comics have often been at the forefront of exploring social justice themes, from civil rights to LGBTQ+ rights and beyond. They provide a powerful means of addressing systemic inequalities and raising awareness about pressing issues. Through the pages of comics, we can witness superheroes fighting against injustice, exploring complex moral dilemmas, and inspiring readers to take action in their own lives. Let’s shine a light on the comics that challenge the status quo and ignite conversations about social change.
3. Amplifying Marginalized Voices:
Independent and alternative comics have played a vital role in amplifying marginalized voices and providing a platform for creators whose stories might otherwise go unheard. These comics explore personal experiences, cultural identities, and social struggles in a way that resonates with readers on a deeply emotional level. By supporting and promoting these creators and their works, we can foster a more inclusive and representative comic book industry.
4. Reimagining Iconic Characters:
Comics have a unique ability to evolve and reinterpret iconic characters, breathing new life into their stories and challenging established norms. By introducing diverse and inclusive interpretations of beloved heroes and heroines, we can pave the way for a more inclusive and representative comic book landscape. Let’s celebrate the artists and writers who push boundaries, ushering in a new era of storytelling that reflects the diverse world we live in.
5. Building Community:
Comics bring people together, fostering a sense of community and shared passion. From local comic shops to conventions and online forums, these spaces serve as gathering points for comic enthusiasts to exchange ideas, debate storylines, and connect with like-minded individuals. Through these interactions, we can build bridges, foster dialogue, and promote a progressive ethos within the comic book community.
Conclusion:
Comics have the power to entertain, enlighten, and inspire. They allow us to explore complex narratives, challenge societal norms, and envision a better world. As progressives, we recognize the potential of comics as a transformative medium. By celebrating diversity, embracing social justice themes, amplifying marginalized voices, reimagining iconic characters, and building inclusive communities, we can harness the power of comics to foster positive change. Let’s continue to explore and champion the progressive possibilities that lie within the pages of our favorite comics. Stay tuned to Progressive Ruin for more insightful discussions on comics and their role in shaping our world.
Once again, AI missed the point. It’s easy to tell that this entry was not written by Mike Sterling as there was no propaganda about Swamp Thing.
Speaking of “best GL cover”, questions about the CCA, and “progressive ruin”: I still think the cover for Green Lantern #7 (1961), by Gil Kane, ranks as the best GL cover. Hal Jordan uses the power of his ring to sneak a peek under that woman’s skirt.
Lots of great Green Lantern covers out there…but I’m gonna have to go with no. 61–an iconic Gil Kane-drawn cover where a giant, spectral Hal Jordan G.L. is staring down upon Alan Scott, the original G.L., and proclaiming: “You crazy fool! Your abuse of Green Power has destroyed every living being on Earth!” …or something to that effect. Of course, this was long before Hal became Parallax…
After a bit of prompt wrangling, I have successfully gotten some AI generated posts for you:
Welcome back, folks! It’s time to dive into the weird and wonderful world of forgotten comics from the 1980s. Today, we’ll be taking a look at the two vote-getters from my recent survey. While they may not be as widely remembered as the big hitters like Swamp Thing or Sluggo from Nancy, they still hold a special place in the hearts of some comic enthusiasts. So without further ado, let’s jump right into it!
First up on our list is “Cosmic Cats.” Now, I must confess that this is one title I hadn’t come across in my own comic-reading adventures back in the ’80s. However, a handful of you lovely readers cast your votes for it, so I knew I had to investigate. “Cosmic Cats” was a whimsical space opera featuring a team of interstellar felines battling evil forces across the galaxy. While I can’t speak from personal experience, those who have managed to track down this elusive gem report a delightful blend of cosmic adventure and feline charm. As a back issue, it’s quite the rarity, with sporadic demand that can cause prices to skyrocket when a copy surfaces.
Next on our list is “Mystery Mansion.” Ah, yes, this one I remember well. I did read it back in the day, and boy, was it a spooky ride! “Mystery Mansion” followed the adventures of a group of intrepid teenagers as they unraveled mysteries in an old, creaky mansion filled with secret passages, hidden treasures, and eerie ghosts. It had that perfect blend of mystery and suspense that kept readers eagerly turning the pages. These days, finding a copy can be a bit of a challenge, but if you stumble upon one, consider yourself lucky. It’s not as sought after as some other ’80s classics, but there’s still a modest demand among collectors.
Last but certainly not least, we have “Time Twisters.” Oh boy, did this one bend my mind back in the day! “Time Twisters” was a mind-bending, reality-altering extravaganza that took readers on a wild journey through time and space. Each issue presented a new and mind-boggling twist that left you questioning everything you thought you knew. Did I buy it? You bet I did! It was one of those titles that constantly kept you on your toes. As a back issue, it’s not particularly sought after, but it does have a dedicated fan base that appreciates its mind-bending storytelling.
And there you have it, folks! Three more obscure titles from the 1980s that managed to capture the imaginations of a few dedicated readers. While they may not have achieved the same level of fame as some of the heavy hitters, these forgotten gems still hold a special place in the hearts of those lucky enough to have experienced them. If you’re ever in the mood for a trip down memory lane, keep an eye out for these comics in your local back issue bins. Who knows what forgotten treasures you might uncover?
Until next time, keep reading those weird old comics, my friends!
And from another generated post:
Next in line, we have “The Misadventures of Mabel the Mime.” Oh boy, did this one fly under the radar during the ’80s. Now, yours truly did manage to get his hands on a few issues, and let me tell ya, it was a trip. Each silent panel chronicled the trials and tribulations of Mabel, the world’s most expressive mime, as she encountered wacky situations without uttering a single word. The artistry was fantastic, but alas, the lack of dialogue may have been a hurdle for some readers. As for its back issue sales, it’s not exactly flying off the shelves, but there are a few avid collectors out there who appreciate its unique appeal.
Whatever happened to that Mable the Mime/Millie the Model cross-over that Stan Lee and Steranko were going to do…?
What happened to the Twitter feed? Two words, swamp mark: Elon’s fuckery.
You generally can’t see tweets anymore without having a Twitter account and being logged into it.
Consequently, recent changes have broken various third-party widgets that displayed Twitter feeds on blog sidebars.
thanx for the info donald g
i’m going to miss Mike’s feed, but not enough to join twitter. i love his “guy walks into the store…” stories the most.
oh well
Mike and Pal Andrew from Armagideon-Time were the only two people whose Twitter feeds I had bookmarked for easy access because I like what they tweet about . . . but not enough to sign up for Elon’s House O’ Deplorable Nazis.
Seems like Hal Jordan COULD have figured out a way to save that kid. HE’S HAL JORDAN!
Kyle Rayner, NOT A CHANCE.
John Stewart, maybe.
Guy Gardner would have ripped the ship in half to get outside to save the kid, but endangered or killed everyone else to do so.
@ Snark Shark
Your assessment seems about right…but what about Alan Scott???
“Alan Scott”
The reason we have the expression “Great Scott!”
@ Snark Shark
LOL! The expression dates back to the 180Os and was used in reference to the
American General Winfield Scott–but considering that Alan Scott is the O.G. Green Lantern it makes sense that the other Green Lanterns should refer to him as “Great Scott!”
Certainly a better sounding expression than “Great Winfield!”.