Posted in: Comics | Tagged: eisners

Countdown To The Eisners – Best Comics-Related Periodical/Journalism

Published Sat, 13 Jul 2013 08:00:44 -0500

Last updated Sun, 14 Jul 2013 13:04:47 -0500

By Cameron Hatheway

I was tremendously impressed by The Outhouse when they didn't kowtow to DC earlier this year when asked to tone down the parodying or else their access to creators would be limited. Normally, a smaller comic book news site would apologize profusely and continue brownnosing the Big Two just to get those tasty exclusives, but not The Outhouse. They not only stood their ground, but they also got huge props from the rest of the comic community while making DC look like spineless shallow twerps in the process. Unfortunately almost every comic new site nowadays runs constant press releases, and never has a bad thing to say about the comic books being released. "Everything is amazing! Go spend your money on it! Tune in tomorrow for our exclusive interview with Joey DiDio!" Every now and then you'll get some actual honest reviews and reporting, but people would rather just read the headline instead of the entire article. Today I'll be focusing on the Best Comics-Related Periodical/Journalism category. If you need a reminder of what's been nominated, you can find the entire list right here, and see what I chose last time right here.

Keep in mind I cannot vote for who wins (nor can you, probably), as per the rules. However, that's not keeping me from being vocal regardless!

Who is not eligible to vote?

Comics press or reviewers (unless they are nominees)
Non-creative publisher staff members (PR, marketing, assistants, etc.)
Fans

Before I get back to pleading Heidi for a gig at The Beat so I can be eligible for next year, let the games begin!

Best Comics-Related Periodical/Journalism

Alter Ego, edited by Roy Thomas (TwoMorrows)

Packed to the gills with comic book history and edited by comic book legend Roy Thomas, Alter Ego provides fans of new and old with a plethora of information paired with some amazing art from the vaults. It's fascinating reading some interviews with comic creators from the Golden and Silver Ages, and Alter Ego really transports you back to that exciting period of time for comics.

ComicsAlliance, edited by Joe Hughes, Caleb Goellner, and Andy Khouri

Rest in peace, ComicsAlliance. What's that? They're no longer pining for the fjords? Oh well in that case, while I'm not a fan of the scrolling blog layout, it is nice having the different sections easily accessible at the top of the website. They publish press releases, conduct interviews, and have different fun segments. I do enjoy their opinions section the most.

The Comics Reporter, edited by Tom Spurgeon

Again, not a fan of the scrolling blog layout, but I do enjoy that my eyes aren't assaulted with press releases left and right, but rather actual articles covering topics that slipped through the cracks. It's as if Tom enjoys talking about the things he wants to talk about, and because he's being himself people enjoy visiting his site. I really enjoy his day to day commentary.

Robot Six, produced by Comic Book Resources

The geeky loner younger brother of the douchebag jock CBR, Robot Six covers the stories that you actually care about. Ranging from reviews, interviews, commentary and more, it's almost as if such a subsection on CBR shouldn't exist since they're not kissing the Big Two's asses 24/7.

tcj.com, edited by Timothy Hodler and Dan Nadel (Fantagraphics)

Always a delight to visit, The Comics Journal has such an inviting website with endless possibilities when it comes to what section to navigate first. Tons of great columns, reviews, and features, followed by the familiar print edition of the magazine published by Fantagraphics. The Comics Journal #302 by itself is awesome and deserves the win.

Who I think should win:
tcj.com, edited by Timothy Hodler and Dan Nadel (Fantagraphics)

Whenever I'm about to go on a trip of any sort, I always try to bring a print edition of The Comics Journal with me because I know it'll keep me sane throughout the duration of the flight / train ride / car ride. It's just completely abundant with fascinating stories, history, and interviews, that I feel so uninformed yet excited to love the comic book medium all over again.

The website is a must bookmark as well, for there's always something new to check out, and just like when playing video games, you definitely lose track of time. Lots of love goes into that site, it's certainly palpable.

Who I think could win:
Alter Ego, edited by Roy Thomas (TwoMorrows)

I feel that Alter Ego is a must-read for newer comic book fans (hell, comic book fans in general), for many don't know about what comics used to be like. They don't know about the legends of the industry, be it Joe Kubert or Jack Kirby, and what the atmosphere was like at times. These youngin's need to be informed!

Thankfully, Alter Ego does just that, while being available in both print and digital (print $8, digital $3) no matter what your poison is.

Who I think should have been nominated:
iFanboy.com, by Josh Flanagan, Conor Kilpatrick, Ron Richards, Paul Montgomery, et al.,

Whenever I feel that everyone is reporting on the same thing, I head on over to iFanboy and they always seem to have a fresh new spin on things. Their articles are always fun to read, and the vibe on the site is a very cool and relaxed one. Everyone's there to celebrate comics, plain and simple.

Who do you think should win / been nominated?

Cameron Hatheway is the host of Cammy's Comic Corner and Arts & Entertainment Editor of the Sonoma State STAR. You can help him flee contributing to BleedingCool and hire him for your own site (just don't tell Rich!) on Twitter @CamComicCorner.

Enjoyed this? Please share on social media!