Article 10: Faux Grit
By Paul O'Brien
Grimness continues to be the order of the day in superhero comics. It's a far cry from the silliness of the Silver Age, but, says Paul O'Brien, in most cases the grit is just as stupid, and it's usually a sight more pretentious.

Joining The Bande
By Roger Mason
In the first of a series of articles looking at the European comics scene, British artist Roger Mason offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse of his experiences of trying to break in to the French comic industry.

Article 10: Mouse Of Ideas
By Paul O'Brien
Marvel continues its efforts to refocus on a younger audience with the apparent demise of Max, its mature readers imprint. So was there ever a market for mature-reader superheroes, and where does this leave Icon?

Comment: The Sorry State Of Fans
By Andrew Wheeler
Fans are celebrating the return of DOCTOR WHO and eagerly awaiting the new STAR WARS, but are they just fooling themselves? Curmudgeonly Andrew Wheeler looks at why fans make such terrible critics.

Reeder's Digest 5: Marvel Movies
By Hector Reeder
Spandex at the multiplex took another big step last week when Marvel announced it was going into the movie production business. Resident expert Hector Reeder untangles the Hollywood mumbo jumbo.

Article 10: Selling Marvel
By Paul O'Brien
Marvel has been rated the fourth most effective licensor of 2004, but on the back of a limited range of properties. The company's next target, says Paul O'Brien, is to find a way to market the Marvel brand.

Things To Come: Previews May for comics shipping July 2005
By Greg McElhatton
The publishers are getting ready for the San Diego push, with this month's Previews boasting new works by Al Davidson, Rich Koslowski and Ted Naifeh, the return of Frank Miller to Batman, and Jae Lee's definitive HELLSHOCK.

Comment: Hear The Noise
By Ben Wooller
The online comics community is full of outrageous statements and meltdowns - and that's just the creators. Should they log-off to preserve their reputations? Plus, a look at why DC's Humanoids and 2000AD lines may have failed.

Comment: Digital Counts
By Lindsay Duff
The Eisner Awards committee is seeking nominations for a possible digital comics award, so who are the likely contenders, and who'll be left out of the race? Plus, remembering the pioneering work of the late Dale Messick.

Article 10: Power Struggle
By Paul O'Brien
As DC sets about apologising for whimsy and making all of its characters depressed, Paul O'Brien looks at the decline of the power fantasy in superhero fiction and the rise of the soap opera.

Older essays