Yesterday, I met crimsonquills to hit the KRAZY Art Of Comics/Manga/Anime exhibit at the Vancouver Art Gallery. The trip aboard public transit was, mercifully, uneventful, and both of us made it on time.

( Comments on the Exhibit )

In short, it was a very academic look at very specific sub-genres within the field of the graphic narrative (still and moving). Had I been handling the exhibit, I'd have done it a hell of a lot differently, but then that's just me. I'm only this analytical about it because I did a course in museum display and presentation, so I now notice a lot of this stuff.

Following "KRAZY", we picked up lunch (and discussed both Comic-Con plans and fandom in general) and then met vflick and Nix's roommate to see The Dark Knight. Not going to do the whole spoiler-heavy review, because there are plenty of other people who have already done so. Just going to say that, as with most movies I've seen this summer, it was better than I'd been expecting. Do I have minor con-crits regarding it? Yes. Overall, was I well entertained for 2.5 hours and did I come away mulling over some interesting intellectual points? Also yes.

And then, of course, there is the fact that I got to simply hang out w/ fellow geek-types, which is enough to make any day a good one. I feel a bit bad for not getting in more time with vflick, especially since I was the one who dragged her into this little excursion, but I'm glad that I at least got to meet her. *Sends round of thanks to wychwood for introducing us*

Now. I fly out at 6:15 on Wednesday morning for Comic-Con. Who else is going to be there? Do we have plans to meet? If not, why not?

And to conclude: OMG! COMIC-CON IS IN TWO DAYS AND I'M TOTALLY NOT DONE WITH MY PRE-COMIC-CON TO DO LIST!!! AAAHHH!!!
[/Flail]

Since I've got a light schedule for the rest of the summer, I'm engaging in a bit of self-betterment. I'm officially taking one summer class this year - History 482. I'm unofficially hoping to "take" two others. This is where you, my illustrious F-List, come in.

• Creative Writing 400
  - This one is easy enough, and involves chaining myself to the keyboard and writing lots and lots of fanfic


• History of Comics 101
  - This is where I need help.

I've thrown in the towel and joined the world of comics fandom. Now I need the background and context so as not to look like an idiot. In short, I need an "Essential Reading List". What I should read to comfortably engage in a general discussion that could potentially range across all of the big names on that particular publishing label.

Ideally, I'd like 2: one for DC & one for Marvel.

So, any suggestions??

Thanks in advance, and feel free to poke anyone you might know who could make suggestions as well.