Diamond Distribution files for Chapter 11 and Comic Books see the end of an era by Man of the Atom Introduction. Thanks to Fandom Pulse, I found out that the last of the Direct Market Comic Book Distributors — Diamond Comic Distributors, Inc. — has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. This is a great…
Shepherds Came By Night
by Frank Luke Last week, we explored the magi who visited Jesus as a child in Bethlehem and what tradition teaches about them. Each traveled thousands of miles to see Jesus. They arrived when Jesus was a little less than two years old, as that is how old the innocents were who were slain by…
The Gifts of the Magi
by Frank Luke In high school, I read a story by O. Henry that I enjoyed, “The Gift of the Magi.” In the story, a husband and wife sacrifice to buy one another the perfect Christmas gift. Della has only a $1.63 to buy a gift for Jim. Likewise, Jim doesn’t have any money to…
We Three Kings – Communion Devotion
by Frank Luke Working with our Christmas Carol Concert, today’s communion reading is from Matthew 2, and working from my favorite Christmas carol—We Three Kings. Matthew 2:9-11 9 After hearing the king, they went their way; and the star, which they had seen in the east, went on before them until it came and stood…
An Aberration in Chaos
by Will This is based on a true story. The crunch of the snow under my boots kept me company and the stars shone warmly above. The grey light was falling beyond the pine trees, ever so distant. Somewhere under the North Star was a fireplace and a warm bed. In the early afternoon I’d…
PLOT SUMMARY for “YOU HELD MY HEART” (a.k.a. Your Woman)
by Bluestem January, 1953, Los Angeles, California. On a busy street in the heart of the city, Billy York runs into Kent Randall, a high school classmate whom he hasn’t seen in many years. After briefly catching up, Kent invites Billy to join him for dinner that night so they can continue their conversation in…
The American Comics Codes, Epilogue
Series links: Prologue Part A Part B Part C Epilogue Links to previous posts and some follow-up thoughts by Man of the Atom These posts have been slowly germinating since 1983 and the Bill Gaines interview in The Comics Journal Issue #81. A small collection of magazine and online interviews started from there, grew slowly…
The American Comics Codes, Part C
Series links: Prologue Part A Part B Part C Epilogue The Senate comes to Town! The cameras are rolling, the microphones are live, and the Gaines hits the fan! “Are You a Red Dupe?” by Man of the Atom As I have stated in my previous series of posts, I am not presenting an academic…
A Staircase of Stars – Chapter I
by Silent Draco The tale in part was revealed only to Cirdan of the Havens, before he sailed with the Last Ship into the Uttermost West. He murmured hints of this to the Gardners, the hereditary Masters of the Westmarch and Mayors of the Shire. Only this brief account remains from the days of Frodo IV…
Writing With The Holy Spirit
There are two types of writers. Which one are you? by E.A. Bear (Dan) INTRODUCTION This article is the first in a series about writing with the Holy Spirit. Today, we will explore faith and scripture, what it means, and how to do it, before closing out with a prayer. The Holy Spirit is not…