In the summer of 1993, Marvel Comics did something that would make modern crossover events look quaint by comparison: they unleashed pure, unfiltered chaos across New York City in the form of a 14-part storyline that spanned five different Spider-Man titles. Maximum Carnage wasn't just a comic book story—it was a publishing experiment, a merchandising … Continue reading Maximum Carnage: When Symbiotes Ran Wild in New York
Writing
Jurassic Park and the Dangers of Scientific Hubris
Every time I see a headline about scientists successfully extracting ancient DNA or making breakthroughs in de-extinction technology, I can't help but think: Haven't we literally watched this movie? Multiple times, in fact. Yet here we are in 2025, with researchers seriously discussing mammoth cloning and genetic resurrection while seemingly having learned nothing from Steven … Continue reading Jurassic Park and the Dangers of Scientific Hubris
How Castlevania Turned Mythology Into Monster Mash
When Hitoshi Akamatsu first unleashed Castlevania upon the world in 1986, he had a clear vision: make players feel like they were trapped inside a classic horror film. What he might not have anticipated was how his digital creature collection would become one of gaming's most enduring and eclectic mythological menageries. Nearly four decades later, … Continue reading How Castlevania Turned Mythology Into Monster Mash
Rewatching Smallville – Episode 72
Welcome back to Rewatching Smallville, my weekly dive into the iconic series that explores Clark Kent’s journey before becoming Superman. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the show, you’re invited to join in each Tuesday as I revisit episodes and share my thoughts and observations. Be sure to share your own memories and … Continue reading Rewatching Smallville – Episode 72
The Worst 44 – Cats & Dogs
Cats & Dogs 2001 Directed by Lawrence Guterman Welcome back to Movie Monday, where we're steadily working our way through my personal countdown of the 100 worst movies I've ever had the misfortune to sit through. This week we're unleashing number 44: Cats & Dogs, the 2001 spy comedy that took the innocent concept of … Continue reading The Worst 44 – Cats & Dogs
The Deception of Margaret Blackwood: A Tale of Revenge on the High Seas
The salt spray kissed Margaret Blackwood's weathered face as she adjusted the worn tricorn hat shadowing her features. To her crew aboard the Crimson Dawn, she was simply "Black Matt"—a cunning quartermaster whose sharp mind for tactics had earned them more successful raids than any other pirate vessel prowling the waters between the Carolinas and … Continue reading The Deception of Margaret Blackwood: A Tale of Revenge on the High Seas
Question of the Week #461
As usual, this week's question comes from Gregory Stock's The Book of Questions: Would you want to choose the sex of your child? What if you could safely pick other qualities: IQ, height, temperament, looks? Fair warning: If discussions of genetic engineering and the future of human reproduction make you uncomfortable, this might be a … Continue reading Question of the Week #461
The Powers That Be: The Cosmic Entities in Angel
When Angel premiered in 1999 as a spin-off of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, viewers knew they were signing up for vampires, demons, and supernatural noir in the City of Angels. What they probably didn't expect was a cosmic bureaucracy so ineffective it would make the DMV look efficient. Enter the Powers That Be—the mysterious higher … Continue reading The Powers That Be: The Cosmic Entities in Angel
The Trio Behind Friends: How Three Writers Created TV Magic
Picture this: It's 1993, and three television writers are sitting around trying to figure out how to capture the anxiety of being a twenty-something in Manhattan without enough money, clear life direction, or functional romantic relationships. Their solution? Create a show about six people who somehow afford enormous apartments while working as a waitress, a … Continue reading The Trio Behind Friends: How Three Writers Created TV Magic
How Jason’s Hockey Mask Became Horror’s Most Recognizable Symbol
Picture this: You're at a Halloween party, scanning the room full of costumes. There's a vampire, a witch, someone who clearly raided their closet five minutes ago and called it "casual Friday ghost." Then you spot it—that distinctive white hockey mask with its ominous red markings. You don't need to see the machete or the … Continue reading How Jason’s Hockey Mask Became Horror’s Most Recognizable Symbol
The Confusing Middle 