Yeah, yeah ... but what will he do if the sun turns red?

Superman is a goob. I am going on record to say that. Actually, I guess he could kick everyone else's ass on the poll, so he is a valid choice. But he is kind of a wiener, don't you think? Truth, justice, and the American way? Those may have been good ideas back in the 30's, but I think the world is ready to admit that even our heroes aren't perfect.

That is part of the reason I like Batman so much. He is by no means perfect. He is completely fucked up in the head when you think about it. His entire life revolves around trying to compensate for his inability to save his parents from being killed when he was a child. He obviously has rage issues also. And while he NEVER crosses the line and actually kills a bad guy, (which is why Keaton killing Nicholson's Joker was pathetic), he doesn't mug for the Daily Planet or hang them from a lightpost with webbing either. He either beats the living shit out of them or scares them so badly that they are emotionally scarred forever. By the way, I know he killed the Joker in "The Dark Knight Returns" but that doesn't count, so don't send me an email.

In that same book, he kicked Superman's ass as well, albeit with some handy kryptonite. So you have to respect that as well. The biggest reason I am such a Batman fan is that HE DOESN'T HAVE ANY SUPERPOWERS!!! All he is really is a very smart and rich guy who is a great athlete and can kick people's asses.

Spider-Man is a cool superhero too. The best thing about Spidey is his fear of being a superhero colliding with his fear of NOT being one. He can't ever live down letting his Uncle Ben die when he first became Spidey, but he is scared shitless whenever he actually fights a supervillain. That is why he makes jokes the whole time he is doing battle. He has to laugh or he just may cry.

As you can no doubt tell, I read a lot of comics when I was younger. They provided an excellent escape for me as they do for all young kids. As I got older, I grew into more mature comics. I am not talking about x-rated, just more mature subject matter. There are two titles that I suggest for older readers, no matter if you're 18 or 80.

"The Dark Knight Returns" by Frank Miller is an absolutely outstanding piece of graphic literature. I remember reading it thinking "why has nobody ever thought of this before?" The book centers around Bruce Wayne returning from retirement when he is about 50 years old. The world has gone to hell in a handbasket and Gotham City has followed. The cool part is Batman actually got old. Our heroes never age. They are always that perfect age when their body never betrays them and they are at the absolute top of their game. "Dark Knight" breaks down all of those conventions. It stays true to the spirit of the comic but it looks at its world from a fun house mirror. Highly recommended.

The second title is "The Watchmen" written by Alan Moore and drawn by Dave Gibbons. It is a self-contained world which is populated with heroes you have never heard of until you read it. An absolutely fantastic story that I cannot believe hasn't been turned into a movie. Actually I can believe it. It is too good and too dark for a summer event movie and it probably wouldn't make any money, so it has no chance. You should look at it though. It was written in the mid-80's so it is filled with apocalyptic visions of nuclear armageddon, but if you can put yourself back in that time, you will love it. The characters are superbly developed and the story will keep you guessing until its perfect ending. The artwork and story mesh better than any comic I have ever read. An absolute A+. If you only read one of the two, read this one. Unless of course you love Batman, in which case you should stop reading this article right now and run to the nearest comic book store to buy "The Dark Knight Returns."

I rarely read comics now. Actually I don't at all. I would like to read some more like "Dark Knight" and "The Watchmen" but I don't know if Miller or Moore are still working. Anyone else know?

The new poll takes us back to the silver screen. We examine Hollywood's king auteur, Mr. Spielberg. I don't think Scoop thinks too much of him, but I want to know what you guys think is his best movie. Is it "Ryan" or "Schindler's List"? Or is it something else entirely? I will put all his movies on there, even the stinkers. I know I am not going to vote for Ryan. "Raiders" all the way baby!!!!

Poll Topic: Best Superhero
Superman	27% - (174 Votes)
Batman	24.5% - (158 Votes)
Spider-Man	17.3% - (112 Votes)
Wolverine	8.6% - (56 Votes)
The Green Lantern	4.9% - (32 Votes)
Thor	4.8% - (31 Votes)
Captain America	3.1% - (20 Votes)
Daredevil	1.8% - (12 Votes)
Flash	1.7% - (11 Votes)
The Incredible Hulk	1.7% - (11 Votes)
The Punisher	1.5% - (10 Votes)
Iron Man	1.3% - (9 Votes)
Aquaman	1.2% - (8 Votes)
Total Votes: 644