What is “The ComiQuad”?

comi·quad, noun

\kä-mik-kwäd\ (not to be pronounced “Commie Quad,” the way one of my endearing relatives does)

1. a weekly column on Boston University’s Quad that discusses all things related to comics and the superhero genre.
2. a very silly, made-up word.
3. a name that makes no sense outside of the context of this online magazine.
4. not to be confused with “kumquat,” a small, delicious citrus fruit.

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ComiquadNot long ago, comics and superheroes were considered a niche market. The stereotype of the average comic book reader was that of Comic Book Guy in The Simpsons: a nerdy, single, anti-social guy who buries his life into a bizarre lifestyle that confuses most and alienates others.

In the past decade or so, however, this has all changed.

First, there were the X-Men movies, featuring seven appearances by Hugh Jackman as the crazy Canadian Wolverine.

Then, there was Batman. Batman. The Dark Knight trilogy that spawned a million “Why so serious?” and “Do you have a lozenge?” Christian Bale voice impressions.

Not to be outdone, Marvel launched Iron Man. And Captain America. And Thor. And “Phase One” culminated in The Avengers, the third worldwide highest grossing movie in history.

Nowadays, you can’t walk outside without seeing a Batman or Superman t-shirt. Whereas ancient mythologies have their legendary gods and goddesses, our modern mythology features two playboy billionaires who dress up as either a vibrantly colored robot or a winged mammal.

The ComiQuad likes to geek out, observe, and analyze this new, spandex-clad, quasi-religious phenomenon–often by analyzing its equivalent of ancient texts: the comic book.

In its two-year lifespan, the ComiQuad has featured Boston University’s local comic book stores. It has tackled serious issues such as the state of diversity in comics and the not-so-serious issues such as superhero hair color. The CQ has chatted with many creators at Boston Comic Con as well as Justin Aclin, a BU alum who went on to write Star Wars graphic novels. And there are also many critical, and sometimes sassy, comics reviews.

This year, the ComiQuad also hopes to shine the spotlight on Boston’s comics scene. Expect coverage of MICE (the Massachusetts Independent Comics Expo), the Boston Comics Roundtable, and, hopefully, numerous local creators of wild variety.

If you like all things geeky or heroic, hang around a while. And, if you’re unsure, hang around anyway. The ComiQuad might have you geeking out over capes and cosplay just yet.

Have any comments, questions, suggestions, or story ideas for The ComiQuad this year? Contact the author, Jon Christianson, at jchristianson@buquad.com.

About Jon Erik Christianson

Jon Christianson (COM/CAS '14) is the zany, misunderstood cousin of The Quad family. His superpowers include talking at the speed of light, tripping over walls, and defying ComiQuad deadlines with the greatest of ease. His lovely copyeditors don't appreciate that last one. If for some reason you hunger for more of his nonsense, follow him at @HonestlyJon on Twitter or contact him at jchristianson@buquad.com!

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