Comment: I Was A Marvel Zombie
After twenty years as a Marvel reader, Andrew Wheeler is calling it quits. He explains why the publisher's conservative streak and its fraternity of cherished writers have chased him away from the characters he loves.
15 May 2006
Top Nine: Wheeler's Choice
Ninth Art celebrates five years of comics commentary by inviting contributors past and present to look back at nine books that best represent their love of comics. Editor Andrew Wheeler kicks off the feature with his Top Nine.
20 February 2006
Comment: 'San Diego', To The Tune Of 'Desperado'
It's Nerdi Gras, it's Cannes for geeks, and somewhere amidst the toys and the games, it's a comic convention. Andrew Wheeler reports on this year's San Diego con, home to fat books, gay heroes, new manga... but not much buzz.
25 July 2005
Comment: The Sorry State Of Fans
Fans are celebrating the return of DOCTOR WHO and eagerly awaiting the new STAR WARS, but are they just fooling themselves? Curmudgeonly Andrew Wheeler looks at why fans make such terrible critics.
09 May 2005
Comment: Reputations
As rumourmonger Rich Johnston makes a bid to be the most hated man in comics, Andrew Wheeler argues in his defence, and wonders if it's time to rehabilitate other contenders for the title, namely Bill Jemas and Micah Wright.
14 February 2005
Comment: To The Batcloset
Fifty years after Fredric Wertham accused Batman and Robin of sharing a 'love relationship', Andrew Wheeler explores the enduring question of Batman's sexuality. Plus, what have we learned in 2004?
13 December 2004
Comment: The Seven Habits Of Defective Comic Writers
There's something not quite right about comic writers. They can combine the insanity of actresses with the arrogance of surgeons. Andrew Wheeler pinpoints seven of the warning signs that suggest that a writer is losing his grip on reality.
11 October 2004
Comment: Library Dues
With the end in sight for X-STATIX, Andrew Wheeler looks at the book's uneven legacy, Peter Milligan's future on X-MEN, and Marvel's seemingly lacklustre approach to producing trade paperbacks with lasting value.
16 August 2004
Comment: Speak Its Name
Andrew Wheeler looks in THE MIRROR OF LOVE, by Alan Moore and Jose Villarrubia, and wonders if the cause of gay representation in comics has stalled now that the publishers have paid lip service.
21 June 2004
Editorial: Face It, Tiger - Across The Universes
As Mack, Oeming and Bendis make the jump to Marvel's newest imprint, DC WildStorm pulls the plug on two titles, and Erik Larsen takes over at Image, Andrew Wheeler takes a reading of the current state of the major superhero publishers.
16 April 2004
Editorial: Face It, Tiger - Walking With Dinosaurs
Whatever happened to those revolutionary talents of the 70s? The answer is, they became the tired old conservatives of the 21st century. Andrew Wheeler wonders if these old pros will ever go out to pasture.
19 March 2004
Editorial: Face It, Tiger - The Comic Buyer's Guide
Andrew Wheeler has an unfamiliar experience at the comic store, and gets thinking about the comics that won't always be there, the comics that always will, and how it affects his buying habits.
13 February 2004
Editorial: Face It, Tiger - Je Suis Un Rock Star
The DC/Humanoids deal should provide a boost to the profiles of some truly exceptional artists - but will those artists find an appreciative audience in a market where the tone is set by Wizard magazine?
16 January 2004
Editorial: Face It, Tiger - No Uncertain Terms
You may well read comics. You may even love comics. But can you really 'talk' comics? Ninth Art presents Wheeler's Glossary Of Comic Book Terms, because it's no longer enough to just know what you like.
19 December 2003
Editorial: Face It, Tiger - Pervert Suits
With the cry going up in Michigan, 'Won't somebody think of the children?', Andrew Wheeler looks at a greater obscenity than nudie pictures, as he explores the world of real grown adults dressing up in superhero long johns.
14 November 2003
Editorial: Face It, Tiger - Change & Adaptation
Embracing his gutter press inclinations, Andrew Wheeler engages in some idle speculation on Bill Jemas's possible editorial inclinations. Plus, why we need to see more old stories in our comics.
17 October 2003
Editorial: Face It, Tiger - Great Thou Art
When there's nothing in the comics news to inspire, it's time to cast all that tittle-tattle aside and go back to what it's really all about. Andrew Wheeler rejects industry for art, and turns a queer eye to his own fab five.
19 September 2003
Editorial: Face It, Tiger - Critical Mass
Everyone has an opinion, and on the internet, everyone gets to share. Is the comics industry cutting itself off from criticism as it attempts to tune out the crowds? Plus, two comics that could show the way for gays in mainstream comics.
22 August 2003
Editorial: Face It, Tiger - Conventional Wisdom
As Ninth Art continues its seasonal exploration of convention culture, Andrew Wheeler reports on this year's San Diego Comic Con, from Neil Gaiman's hopes for the future to the Hall of Fame's look back to the past.
25 July 2003
Editorial: Face It, Tiger - Everybody Wants To Be A Cat
It seems that just about everyone who reads comics also wants to create them, but is it the craft that appeals, or is it just that fans are too caught up in their fandoms? Andrew Wheeler fears the worst for the future of the industry.
27 June 2003
Editorial: Face It, Tiger - Community Chest
Recently returned from a three-day drinking session with other comic fans, Andrew Wheeler's thoughts turn to the comic community; its addictions, its allegiances, and whether Team Comics should feel obligated to Fantagraphics.
30 May 2003
The Rucka Memorandum: An interview with Greg Rucka, part two
As Greg Rucka prepares to take over writing WONDER WOMAN and WOLVERINE, Ninth Art gets the inside word on his approaches to sex, sexuality, strong women and superhero icons.
19 May 2003
The Rucka Memorandum: An interview with Greg Rucka, part one
He's the novelist who came in from the cold to face the cosy intimacy of comics fandom; Ninth Art talks to QUEEN & COUNTRY creator Greg Rucka about keeping up with the news and communicating through comics.
12 May 2003
Editorial: Face It, Tiger - Free For All
Free Comic Book Day is upon us. Andrew Wheeler offers a word of advice on how existing comic readers can take advantage. Plus, has X-MEN 2 got what it takes to please your inner fanboy?
02 May 2003
Editorial: Face It, Tiger - Living Comics
Ninth Art for breakfast, Ninth Art for lunch, Ninth Art for dinner; Andrew Wheeler reflects on the 9A experience so far. Plus, the party line from Grant Morrison's recent appearance at the ICA in London.
04 April 2003
Editorial: Face It, Tiger - Horse Trading
Saddle up, as Andrew Wheeler considers why the most low profile of the major publishers just isn't playing the same game as its rivals. Plus, are superhero movies really a fad, or are they here to stay?
07 March 2003
Editorial: Face It, Tiger - The Value Of X
Andrew Wheeler takes a look at his old stomping ground, the X-MEN fandom, and provides the reason why you shouldn't be reading x-books - and the reason why you should. Plus, whatever happened to Chris Claremont?
07 February 2003
Editorial: Face It, Tiger - An Awfully Big Adventure
Can Dan DiDio bring to DC the kind of energy and inspiration Joe Quesada brought to Marvel? Andrew Wheeler finds cause for hope in the DC new boy's recent interview. Plus, rockets, spies, and a minor miracle.
10 January 2003
Editorial: Face It Tiger - Hellbent For Leather
A cowboy with a thing for chaps? Andrew Wheeler considers the true meaning behind Marvel's provocative announcement. Plus, an introduction to Argentinean creators Trillo and Mandrafina, and an exclusive update for Olav Beemer fans!
13 December 2002
Young And Restless: An interview with Larry Young
Some people say he's a saviour of comics; others say he's a bit of a loudmouth. Some people call him the space cowboy. To the best of our knowledge, no one calls him Maurice. Ninth Art talks to publisher - and publicist - Larry Young.
09 December 2002
Editorial: Face It, Tiger - Foreigners & Homosexuals
Andrew Wheeler completes the trio of new look 9A editorials with a look at the world of continental comics, the scorecard on homosexuality and representation, and news of, well, the news at Ninth Art.
15 November 2002
Face It, Tiger: Definitively Maybe
If the bookshelf format is the future of comics, why haven't trade paperbacks evolved beyond six-issues-and-a-spine? It's time for publishers to take a tip or two from the world of the DVD, says Andrew Wheeler.
11 October 2002
Face It, Tiger: SPX Before Marriage
Ninth Art's first SPX is also the last in the convention's current incarnation. Andrew Wheeler reports back from a comic convention with a difference - where the art comes first, and everyone seems to be smiling.
13 September 2002
24 Hours @ Ninth Art
This weekend a team of volunteers took 24 hours out of their lives to create seven comic books from scratch. Now Ninth Art shares the results with the world, and gives readers a chance to catch up on a full in-depth report on the event!
26 August 2002
Hopelessly Devoted: An interview with Jen Van Meter
A lifelong love for 'Englishness' and a real passion for comics formed the foundation for Jen Van Meter's HOPELESS SAVAGES. Ninth Art caught up with the creator to trace her journey - from paper dolls to punk misadventures.
19 August 2002
Spinning The Wheel: An interview with Axel Alonso
He's one of the most high-profile editors in the industry, having worked with major creators on some of the top books at both Marvel and DC - and he attributes it all to good luck. Ninth Art spoke to Axel Alonso about SPIDER-MAN, mutants, and leaving DC behind.
24 June 2002
Interesting Times
What's the most exciting thing in comics today? That was the question we posed to several star attendees at this year's Bristol Comics Festival, including Axel Alonso, Mike Carey, Chris Staros, Sean Phillips, Karen Berger and Jamie S Rich. Here's what they said...
10 June 2002
Night Music: An interview with Ted Naifeh
Is he the dandy highwayman who you're too scared to mention? No, he's COURTNEY CRUMRIN AND THE NIGHT THINGS creator Ted Naifeh! Ninth Art talked to the artist at the recent launch of his new Oni Press series.
22 April 2002
C Scott Run: An interview with Scott Morse
Scott Morse is a busy man. He's an animator and filmmaker who produces top quality work for Dark Horse, Marvel, Oni, DC and Top Shelf, and he still finds time to trek across Yosemite. Ninth Art caught up with him for a quick breather.
25 March 2002
Face It, Tiger: Good Company
In comics, company ownership is often condemned as the enemy of creation and the villain of the industry. Is it that simple, or can company-ownership be a benefit both to creators and to readers?
19 November 2001
Face It, Tiger: Big Gay Kal-El
Should there be greater representation of homosexuality in comics? That was the question posed by Andrew Wheeler sixteen weeks ago. Here's where Mark Millar, Steven Grant, Howard Cruse, Bob Schreck, Devin Grayson and more besides give their responses.
22 October 2001
The Friday Review: JLA: Earth 2
The creators behind NEW X-MEN have also worked together on the Distinguished Competition's biggest super-team. Ninth Art looks at Morrison and Quitely's spin on that old classic, the twisted-mirror tale.
12 October 2001
Face It, Tiger: Black & White Flags
In light of the recent terrorist attacks, the call has gone out for everyone to pin their colours to a flagpole. But are the simple moralities of the classic superhero really what the world needs now?
24 September 2001
Face It, Tiger: Es Ee Ex.
There are some astonishing comics about the history of war and brutality in Eastern Europe, aren't there? And then there are comics about wet nipples. Aren't comics great?
27 August 2001
Face It, Tiger: Are We Having Fun Yet?
Reflecting on San Diego, Andrew Wheeler asks, if misery loves company, why is the comics audience shrinking? Based on current evidence, aren't we miserable enough by now?
30 July 2001
Face It, Tiger: I'm Superman, Thanks For Asking
Ever since Apollo and the Midnighter came out, Andrew Wheeler has been arguing the importance of greater representation for homosexuals in comics. Now he's taking his arguments to the people with the power to make a difference.
02 July 2001
Face It, Tiger: Homo Superior
Does it matter if Apollo and the Midnighter from Warren Ellis' THE AUTHORITY are gay? It makes all the difference in the world if you've been waiting for a hero all your life, says Andrew Wheeler. Reprinted from PopImage.
02 July 2001
Letters From America: An interview with Richard Starkings (2/2)
In the second part of Ninth Art's interview with Comicraft's Richard Starkings, he talks about Comicraft and the art of lettering, Buddhism, Hip Flask, and the notorious WOLVERINE incident.
25 June 2001
Letters from America: An interview with Richard Starkings (1/2)
Comicraft's Richard Starkings is best known today as the man behind the computer lettering revolution in comics. In the 80s, however, he was part of the Marvel UK team responsible for TRANSFORMERS, SLEEZE BROTHERS and ZOIDS. In the first part of our interview, Ninth Art talks to Richard about his time at Marvel's British division.
18 June 2001
Face It, Tiger: Dead Can Dance?
Death is more certain than love and more romantic than taxes. Literature loves death, so why can't comics take it seriously?
04 June 2001
Awe and Dredd: The Wit & Wisdom of Alan Grant
Legendary JUDGE DREDD, BATMAN and LOBO writer Alan Grant talks about pulps, anthologies, and making readers laugh and cry.
21 May 2001
Face It Tiger: Recipe for Happiness
When it comes to good reading, there's plenty of advice on offer - and most of it's half-baked. Andrew Wheeler thinks he's found the missing ingredient.
07 May 2001