uperheroes like Spider-Man, Batman and the X-Men are instantly recognizable to most science-fiction fans, yet there are hundreds of comic-book champions that—for good reason—are neither famous nor fondly recalled. Gone & Forgotten: The Worst Comics Ever is a witty Webzine spotlighting those publications which represent "the lowest, the most ludicrous, the least memorable and the downright un-funkified of the whole world of comics."
The bulk of the site is devoted to in-depth features filled with droll observations and sharp insights. Second-rate characters such as Skateman, Black Hood and Fast Willie Jackson are suitably scrutinized, while little-known teams like the Champions and the Dingbats of Danger Street receive similarly perceptive and pointed examinations. A series of articles amusingly outline the brief history of Atlas Comics—a company started in the mid-1970s by Stan Lee's brother, Larry Lieber—noted for its lineup of undistinguished titles (Wulf the Barbarian, Ironjaw, Morlock 2001, etc.). Meanwhile, such works as Super-Heroes Battle Super-Gorillas and Strange Sports (both introduced under the DC Super Special banner) and Marvel Comics' Worlds Unknown Presents The Thing Called ... Killdozer (adapted from a made-for-TV movie based on a Theodore Sturgeon story) receive equally acerbic analysis.
Gone & Forgotten: The Worst Comics Ever also contains a small gallery focusing on outrageous covers and splash pages, along with an entertaining FAQ section and a letters column hosted by would-be DC baddie Bee-Boy. Celebrated superheroes may have captured the hearts of comic-book buffs, but, as this site readily proves, it's the heroic failures that tickle funny bones.
— Jeff Berkwits
Site of the Week—September 17, 2001
rom its early life as a goth comic series, The Crow has developed into a dark and multilimbed franchise, spawning films, a TV program, novels ... and an enormous number of fans. A Boy and His Bird is a gathering place on the Web for those interested in James O'Barr's avenging angel, a top-notch source of data and community alike.
The amount of information available on this Web page is, simply put, massive. Surfers will find interviews, fanfic, images, discussion boards and data on where to buy Crow merchandise. The news page is up to date and its archives are extensive, going back to 1996. A Boy and His Bird also has reviews of all the major Crow offerings. While dealing at length with the graphic novels and movies, the site's staff also finds time to offer synopses and individual comments for episodes of the TV series.
Essays and articles abound on the page. The most interesting, at least recently, deal with an ongoing discussion about upcoming Crow films, and rumors that a future project might be female-led. A Girl and Her Bird? The prospect makes for some lively posts and essays, definitely not to be missed.
With the loving attention paid to both look and content, A Boy and His Bird excels on every front. Not only is it superbly designed and endlessly informative, it is also a great deal of fun.
— A.M. Dellamonica
Site of the Week—September 10, 2001
epresenting fan activity at its most inventive, The Furry Conflict details an alternate history of two well-known SF universes. Pursued by the forces of the evil Sith Lords (including Luke Skywalker) and the dark Galactic Empire they represent, desperate rebel forces in search of allies have opened up a gateway to a new galaxy. In that unsuspecting universe, Captain Xavier of the U.S.S. Felix will find he must defend the United Federation of Planets from the fleet of Death Stars that will soon follow the rebels.
Sound like fun? There's more. All of the characters in this Trek Wars milieu are furry—that is, anthropomorphized animals. Visitors to the site can check out the hand-drawn portraits of the site creators' characters. These include a fluffy blue Lt. Cmdr. Cyber Hare and a red-maned Jedi trainee named Perdia Detami.
What is most delightful about this site is the range of artistic genres it covers. The Furry Conflict melds aspects of role-playing, fan fiction, hand- and computer-drawn artwork and first-rate web design to create a page which is delightful to look at and a joy to browse. The storyline is appealing, and the character biographies and portraits are detailed and entertaining. The site also offers a great deal of content. Discussion boards allow members to review each installment in the Trek Wars story. The technopedia section provides hard data on the collision between the Star Trek and Star Wars worlds, as well as information on spaceships featured in the conflict. The first section of The Furry Conflict tale is available in audio format, and they even sell T-shirts.
For anyone looking for new perspectives on the Star Trek or Star Wars universe, The Furry Conflict is an essential first stop.
— A.M. Dellamonica
Back to the top.
