Category: Comic Books

After “The Americans” finished up its run, the thought came to me that the series has one huge trait in common with “Breaking Bad.” The villain(s) in each TV show is hiding in plain sight, successfully concealing his bad guy identity from a law enforcement agent with whom he has a close relationship. I’m sure others must have pointed out this similarity in fan forums, but I don’t follow them.

With “The Americans” the identities of Philip and Elizabeth Jennings are false fronts. In contrast, Walter White in “Breaking Bad” transforms into Heisenberg. In a way it’s like Clark Kent being Superman’s made-up identity, while Bruce Wayne becomes Batman. Except they’re good guys!

This comic book panel is from Dennis the Menace #10, May, 1955. Approved by the Comics Code Authority, it shows Dennis’ bare butt sticking out and his parents sleeping together in the same bed.

Okay, so the record isn’t vinyl, it’s mylar. But for what’s it’s worth the audio on the player below was captured when this 50-year-old flexi-disc was played for the very first time.

“It’s a real fucking mess over there. I think his money will be gone in a few weeks… Stan and [his daughter] JC are literally being picked apart by vultures.”

This upsetting update on Stan Lee in the Daily Beast isn’t something I want to be reading on a Sunday morning that’s one hour shorter than it was last week.

Extra: Mark Evanier’s thoughts on Stan’s condition and situation are at this link.

I had Stan Lee autograph this page in Marvel Super Heroes #1, a one-shot comic book from the summer of ’66. I’m posting it to bring Stan some good luck, and not to jinx him!