I have to admit I had no idea Amazing Spider-Man # 583 (the one featuring President Obama) would be such a hit. And that would explain why I never got a copy. So for that reason, I cannot say I have any idea what the story inside is like, but even so: Who knew it would drag so many noncomics fans out to buy a copy? Whatever the reason, the comic is selling like crazy, sending Marvel back to print twice and leaving me a little confused as to why. But I'm happy to see it nonetheless.

Speaking of President Obama, how cool is it that he’s a comics fan? He’s a fan of Spider-Man and Batman, he says, and I say, very nice—nice to have a president who sees comics as worthwhile.

One more random tidbit: We all love when comics-related material hits the big screen, but TV can be a nice home for it as well. Two announcements for shows I’m looking forward to have come down recently. One is the excellent news that an ABC pilot is on the way for Bill Willingham’s wonderful Fables. The other is that BET is planning an animated version of the Black Panther. Actor Djimon Housou (Amistad, Heroes) will supply the voice. BET hasn’t added the show to its schedule yet, but they’re planning to have a presence both in Marvel’s booth at New York Comic-Con; they’re also putting on a panel that will introduce the vocal talent and show part of a finished episode—definitely something to look forward to at the con.

Finally, another TV note: Is anyone else enjoying Cartoon Network’s Brave and the Bold? Yeah, I know Batman should be dark and brooding, and it’s a bit of a jolt to see a frivolous Batman at this point, but the show is fun. Mostly, I’ve liked seeing him with some lesser lights in the DCU, like Wildcat and Deadman, and the rivalry with Green Arrow was fun for oldtime fans, I thought.