Rob Salkowitz

Iconic Marvel Comics writer/editor Stan Lee departed this world in 2018 after an impressive 95 year lifetime that spanned from the earliest beginnings

Column by Rob Salkowitz

Can Hollywood's creative community stay united in the face of technology that is disrupting their industry?

Column by Rob Salkowitz

"First Freedom," a new graphic novel by Angélique Roché and artists Alvin Epps, Bex Glendining, and Millicent Monroe, chronicles the life of Dr. Opal Lee, whose decades of tireless activism led to Juneteenth becoming a federal holiday. Released in February by Oni Press, the book traces Dr. Lee's journey from the segregated South to the present day, highlighting the immense effort required to secure basic civil rights. Based on extensive research, it aims to make this crucial American history accessible to all ages, emphasizing faith and resilience. The novel's timely release underscores the importance of remembering painful historical moments for healing and growth, particularly as historical facts become increasingly politicized. It serves as a powerful testament to justice and freedom.

In this exclusive interview, legendary comic artist John Byrne discusses how he ended up creating "All New, All-Different X-Men: Elsewhen", being published by Abrams ComicArts in three volumes. This project revisits his iconic late 1970s/early 1980s "Uncanny X-Men" run, which ended abruptly due to creative disagreements. Byrne, 75, created the 32-issue story as a personal project between 2019 and 2022, posting it online before Marvel and Abrams collaborated for its commercial release. The series explores an alternate timeline where Jean Grey survived the Dark Phoenix saga, a plot point Byrne originally intended.

The upcoming *Supergirl* movie directly adapts Tom King's 2021-22 comic, *Woman of Tomorrow*, a rare feat for Hollywood. King's series redefines Supergirl as a 21-year-old, cynical survivor of Krypton's destruction, mentoring a young woman seeking revenge. Inspired by westerns and his own past, King explored Kara's profound trauma, a departure from her traditional "nice" persona. This nuanced portrayal, shaped by an editor's insight, delves into how a 14-year-old survivor of planetary destruction would truly grow up. King's influence extends further, as he holds a unique deal with DC Studios, contributing creatively to multiple projects like *Mister Miracle* and *Lanterns*, shaping the DC Universe's future.

Tillie Walden's new graphic novel, *Charity & Sylvia*, offers a profound and subversive take on queer narratives. Set in 19th-century rural Vermont, it chronicles the 50-year partnership of Charity Bryant and Sylvia Drake, focusing on how their community accepted them despite the era's lack of vocabulary for same-sex relationships. Walden, Vermont's Cartoonist Laureate, meticulously researched their lives, highlighting their integration through shared values like faith and community. The book challenges modern exclusionary views of traditional America, presenting an inclusive historical perspective. Its detailed artwork and nuanced storytelling make it a masterful contribution, demonstrating how shared values fostered acceptance in an unexpected historical context.

Column by Rob Salkowitz

The prestigious Harvey Awards, named after visionary Harvey Kurtzman, have announced their 2026 nominees, celebrating top achievements in comic books and graphic novels. Presented annually at New York Comic Con, the awards recognize excellence across seven concise categories: Book of the Year, Digital Book, Best Children's Book, Best Young Adult Book, Best Manga, Best International Book, and Best Adaptation. Nellie Kurtzman, co-chair, highlighted that the nominees embody her father's vision of comics as serious art that entertains and challenges. Industry professionals can cast their votes until August 28, 2026. Winners will be revealed on October 9, 2026, at the Javits Center, continuing the Harveys' nearly four-decade tradition of guiding readers to essential titles and showcasing the medium's global impact.