Years Before Pennyworth, Batman: The Animated Series Made Alfred a Star

 

In the DC Animated continuity, Alfred Pennyworth exhibited his toughness years before he was revamped as an action hero. I revisit this week at CBR.

Spider-Man and MJ's G-Rated Honeymoon Adventures

 

Peter Parker and Mary Jane enjoyed two wholesome honeymoons, as an era of Spider-Man drew to a close. My retrospective on the Marriage Years continues this week at CBR. 

Alan Moore, The Maxx, and the Uncomfortable Retcon

Alan Moore brought one bold idea to The Maxx, and the series' creator wasn't sure how to handle it. I examine Moore's lone issue of The Maxx this week at CBR. 

What Nearly Ruined Spider-Man and Mary Jane's Wedding Day?

 

Today at CBR I look back at the classic Spider-Man event Marvel really, really wants you to forget about. 

20 Years Ago, Transformers Fans Met Starscream's ...Brother?

 

Dreamwave's Transformers series was a passion project by fans for fans, canonizing some obscure lore from the classic cartoon. I revisit this week at CBR. 

Iron Man's RoboCop-Influenced, R-Rated Film Debut -- What Might've Been

 

Stan Lee was less than pleased with an early Iron Man draft from RoboCop's co-creator and an experimental filmmaker. I look at The IronMan, the oddest "lost" screenplay I've reviewed so far, this week at CBR.

The Surprising Inspiration for Wolverine's Most Controversial Makeover

 

Marvel's plans to return Wolverine to his bestial roots backfired with fans. But most don't know the origin of Wolverine's makeover. I revisit the Scooberine era this week at CBR.

The OTHER G. I. Joe Relaunch Influenced by the Classic '80s Cartoon

 

Years before Robert Kirkman's Skybound relaunch, another imprint brought animated influences into G. I. Joe's comic continuity. I continue my look at the Devil's Due Joe days this week at CBR. 

Justice League Unlimited's Perfect Goodbye to Batman (and Beyond)

 

The DCAU Batman received two perfect farewells in the 2000s...even though he never stays gone for long. I revisit the final Batman Adventures and what could've been the Justice League Unlimited finale this week at CBR.

What Happened After Spider-Man's (Botched) Proposal to Mary Jane?

In the romantic city of Pittsburg, a 1987 storyline continued Peter Parker and MJ's engagement journey. My retrospective on the early Spider-Man marriage years continues this week at CBR.

I Thee Web: Spider-Man's Chaotic Engagement to Mary Jane

Spider-Man's engagement to MJ created turmoil in the comic book series...and behind-the-scenes. I begin a new series devoted to the early "marriage years" this week at  CBR. Spread the word!

Was Jetfire Once the Autobots' Leader...Instead of Optimus Prime?

 

This week at CBR I look at the early, awkward Transformers mythos -- featuring Autobot leader... Jetfire?

The Wild, Ambitious, and Nixed Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles IV

 

This week at CBR, I'm reviewing the scrapped TMNT IV screenplay...the first attempt to introduce a fifth Ninja Turtle, and what could've been Julie Strain's turn as an evil April O'Neil..

When Udon Joined Robotech's WildStorm Relaunch

 

This week at CBR, I revisit the official launch of Robotech's WildStorm era. No more Jim Lee art, but Udon has arrived.

No Megatron? No Optimus Prime? The Launch of Dreamwave's Transformers Ongoing

 

After a run of hit miniseries, Dreamwave's Transformers monthly comic opened with the two prominent leaders sidelined. I revisit this week at CBR. (And it takes me over 2,500 words to cover only two issues, thanks to the inside references and diehard fan shout-outs.)

Rogue's Lost Supervillain Past (And Potential Romance)

 

This week at CBR, I look at Rogue's two-year stretch as a villain, appearing in mid-list Marvel titles...and the teased romance with a Bronze Age hero Marvel doesn't have the rights to. 

Storefront - Gene Kendall's New Short Story

Jacob felt a little guilty, snapping at her like that over the phone. He should’ve known, Beth wouldn’t have called at the unholy hour of ten a.m. unless it was something serious.

My new short story "Storefront" is featured this month in the Adelaide Literary Magazine. Read it for free at this link and share your all-important thoughts...

The Classic X-Men: The Animated Series Moment Only Allowed ONCE by Censors

 

This week at CBR, I'm revisiting the animated X-Men moment the censors only allowed once. The header image might be a clue.