Heydi hey.
Welcome to my new column – call me Greg Manuel.
I’ve been a longtime reader of Inside Pulse – specifically Comics Nexus and Pulse Wrestling – and I’ve written a few of the columnists on this site before…I even participated in the three-part Welcome to My Knightmare “Reader’s Roundtable” discussion on continuity in comics. Recently Manolis Vamvounis asked me if I’d like to write a column for the Nexus. I’d recently dipped my toe in those waters when I wrote this Guest Review on Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man #23, and I thought why the hell not? Should be a blast, you know?
I figured I’d use this particular column to introduce myself. “Greg Manuel” – my first and middle names – is the handle I go by whenever I perform standup. One of many things I’ve learned; make the MC’s job easy, and he’ll make you look good. I’m a writer, a comedian, a lapsed Catholic and practicing agnostic. I tend to be pretty laid back (which most consider ironic since I am a born and raised New Yorker), but I can also be pretty opiniated if you catch me with the right topic on the right day. For instance, I can’t find any fault with the Star Wars prequels, and love them every bit as much as the originals. I think GIANT ROBO is among the greatest, most underrated anime ever made. I think there’s a special place in hell waiting for Denis Leary, Shawn Michaels and you know what, Triple H too – the guy has the charisma of a day old bagel. And he just bugs me. But that’s neither here nor there, at least for the purposes of the Nexus; shoot me an email sometime and we’ll talk about those.
For something a bit more on topic, take my column logo, as it were. I chose the cover of ASTONISHING X-MEN #2 because…well, that’s just something I’d put on my office wall…once I get one. The mystery of the piece, the colors, the danger in the eyes – both Emma’s and Scott’s – to me, this captures so much of what the X-Men and mutants in the Marvel Universe should be about. And if there’s anything I’m going to have an opinion on, it’ll be things happening in the Marvel Universe. You’ll see what I mean with each issue of AMAZING SPIDER-MAN.
Like everybody who reads this section or writes for it, comic books hold a special place in my life. On top of being entertained by them for as far back as I can remember, I’ve learned a great deal from them (I learned what Auschwitz was, thanks to CAPTAIN AMERICA #253), and have been actively striving to forge a career as a comic book writer ever since I was in high school. Shoot, I’ve been able to draw the Superman emblem clearly since I was six!
I also have an extra-special affinity for anthropomorphic superheroes. Many a notepad of my childhood were transformed into flipbooks detailing epic adventures of cats and ducks in capes, and much like many of you, I too wait patiently for the Captain Carrot/Spider-Ham crossover that’ll likely never happen, thankyouverymuch BrianMichaelBENDIS!
I’m not sure what else I can tell you about myself for right now, but I do want to toss a little something out there…just because I wanted to get my two cents in on one little thing. From FANTASTIC FOUR # 554:
One thing you’re going to learn about me…if you are blessed with the opportunity to work with characters that have been around for decades, I am going to hold you to a certain level of expectation (again…you’ll see what I mean with each issue of AMAZING SPIDER-MAN. And no, I will not shut up about it until You Know What has been undone.) And this right here? Doesn’t fly. It’s like those middle-aged, middle-American women who call in to QVC who “want to give a shout-out” to their friends. It ain’t cute. Knock it off. Never mind why I’m watching QVC, alright? My point still stands.
I’ll also be writing an odd review from time to time, based on whatever comics I may have bought that week. I grew up on super heroes, but if you want to help me expand my horizons, point me to a book and I’ll give it a shot. If I’m moved enough to write a little something about it, I will!
Let’s see, what else…what else…ooh! Those of you looking for a bitchin’ wallpaper – from THOR #6:
So there you have it…a hodgepodge of comic reviews and editorializing. On the latter point, I promise that I shall only speak for myself, and will gladly discuss anything I say on here with anybody who’s up for a little debate. No flame wars here, alright? And just so you know: I won’t answer anybody who does not first give me their name, town/state of residence and the song currently playing in their head. I’m just sayin’, is all…
I couldn’t tell you how excited I am to be a part of the Nexus. I wanna thank you for clicking over here. I’ll do my best to make it worth your while.
