I suppose there's something to be said for something you read or hear or watch when you're young. I often joke with my friends that if I had an iPod in 1987, its lineup would look remarkably similar to what's on there today. I don't know if I should be happy or embarrassed about that, but there it is. Still, when something comes along, some piece of art or entertainment, that grabs your attention and holds it, it's there to stay.

I feel that way about movies just as much as books. One of the reasons I'm so excited about the crop of summer movies this year is that it combines so many of my absolute favorite passions. Let's see: The season kicked off with X-Men Origins: Wolverine (comic book movie, no surprise there), followed quickly by Star Trek (a great sci-fi movie is like a symphony to me), with more on the way. Later this summer will be the next Harry Potter movie, but before that will be the new Terminator, starring Batman himself, Christian Bale. Now that's a summer movie season. I still vividly remember the first time I saw the original Terminator. It was a Friday night in 1984, and my friend Jimmy and I had managed to sneak in to see it, even though we weren't technically old enough. I sat in awe the entire time. And now, 25 years later, it remains one of my all-time favorite movies.

John Weaver mentions in his new article that teaching Watchmen has changed the way he reads it now. He's taken something he truly loved and made it something he's teaching, and it can never go back to what it was to him before. I don't know if I could do that with one of my passions, but I have the utmost admiration for those who do.

I hope you enjoy the update. Let me know your thoughts by dropping me an email or writing your comments on the site.

Happy reading!

John Hogan (John@bookreporter.com)

The Claws Come Out: Chris Claremont and Matthew K. Manning on Wolverine
Two writers discuss the past, present, and future of Wolverine, one of the truly great characters in comics. Legendary X-Men writer Chris Claremont and Wolverine expert Matthew K. Manning answer our questions about Logan.

The Long and Winding Career of Arthur Suydam
One of the most storied creators in comics, as well as music and film, Arthur Suydam has been creating and interpreting comics characters for decades. With a penchant for larger-than-life drawings (and specializing in zombies), Suydam is a unique and eye-catching illustrator. We talked to him about his creations Cholly & Flytrap and his long career.

Batman and Robin: Together Again for the First Time

X-Men Animated DVDs Now Out

Seduce Me After the Show by Est Em
Flamenco dancers and flutists, rock stars and stray cats. Newcomer mangaka Est Em tells all of these boy's love stories with a distinctive, innovative flair that points to tremendous creative potential. Reviewed by John Hogan.

The Best of Simon and Kirby by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby
Every superhero fan owes a huge fan of gratitude to Joe Simon and Jack Kirby, two of the pioneers of the format. This big volume presents some of their best early work, showing why they managed to capture the imaginations of a generation and inspiring a movement in comics history. Reviewed by Casey Brienza.

Star Trek: The Next Generation-The Manga by various authors/creators
Tokyopop brings you Star Trek: The Next Generation in a way you've never seen before with Star Trek: The Next Generation-The Manga, a collection of four stories by different authors and artists set in the popular sci-fi universe. Reviewed by Courtney Kraft.

Beanworld, Book 1: Wahoolazuma! by Larry Marder
Beanworld is strange, but ultimately it is one of the more rewarding and unique comics experiences you'll encounter. It wouldn't be a stretch to suggest this as a required text at many educational levels. Reviewed by Brian P. Rubin.

Fairy Idol Kanon by Mera Hakamada
Fairy Idol Kanon is a story of aspiration, empowerment, and teamwork, all wrapped up in sparkly fairy magic. Grownups may find this tale too sweet to handle, but for young fans of music and fairy stories, it's a winner. Reviewed by Brigid Alverson.

The Big Adventures of Majoko by Michiko Fuji and Tomomi Mizuna
Friendship and magic are on the same page when Nana, an ordinary girl, and Majoko, a witch with more confidence than skill, team up to catch a thief, meet a mermaid, and go on other adventures in this charming, timeless manga. Reviewed by Brigid Alverson.

The Essential Dykes to Watch Out For by Alison Bechdel
Alison Bechdel's epic lesbian soap opera Dykes to Watch Out For spanned decades while chronicling true-to-life events in American life. Weaving a complex storyline about modern life, she finds no topic is taboo, and that refreshing honesty kept the series running strong. This collection presents some of the series' best stories. Reviewed by John Hogan.

Secret Identities: The Asian American Superhero Anthology edited by Jeff Yang, Parry Shen, Keith Chow, and Jerry Ma
Feeling a need to redress the ignoring of Asian American characters in comics, four editors have crafted a book that puts Asians firmly in the comic realm. With 26 stories detailing a new and compelling look at American history, this collection is both broad and entertaining, as well as long overdue. Reviewed by John Hogan.