Marvel-ous

The evolution of comic books continues. iTunes has boasted a handful of comic reading applications for its ipod touch and the iphone, but now Marvel comics has officially jumped on board.

Through the comiXology, Fanelfly, iVerse, and Scrollmotion official Marvel comics can be downloaded and read for anywhere from .99 cents to $1.99. Current releases aren’t as extensive as they could be, but everyone starts somewhere, and it certainly is another step forward in comic’s accessibility.

Geeks Unite

Comic Con officially begins today in San Diego California.  Comic Con is the largest comic book (and geeked out) convention in the world.  Comic books are the focus (thus “Comic” Con) but no longer the rule.  The convention has grown to an all out geek bonanza of comics, movies, television, and culture aimed at the “geek” demographic.

Geek, like Comic Con, isn’t the same term it used to be.  It’s a badge of honor of sorts and one that many, including myself, wear with honor.  With gadgets, computers, and a superhero take over of Hollywood geeks are no longer outsiders but true money making (and promoting) insiders.  Comic Con’s explosive popularity is the ultimate evidence to this cultural takeover.

I for one wish I could be at Comic Con this week.  Aside from the excitement of visiting California the more specific draws of the convention this year include the continuation of Comic Con Film School (a hands on series of classes on how to make a movie on the cheap) Masters of the Web (genre and movie websites come together to talk about the effect of new media on the film industry) talks by the likes of Stan Lee, parts of the team behind Battlestar Galactica, and Keanu Reeves (for his movie The Day the Earth Stood Still)  and, my personal favorite, a presentation of the first hour of the two hour season premiere of Heroes.

There’s a lot going on, both at the convention and in life itself.  Gadgets and comics are a cultural staple and those of us who appreciate them and promote them are more popular than ever.  Who’d have thought that would ever happen?  Though presented with the idea that our popularity may wane and fade in time, just as before, we geeks are proud and will go on with or without the blessing of the rest of society.