Author Archives: AFDStudios

Good Costume Wednesday

Last week I talked about my love for the classic Gil Kane Green Lantern costume design. For my money it's one of (possibly THE) best outfits in comics history. This week I want to ask you what you think the best costume(s) are.

For my money, some of the contenders would be:

I'm pretty old-school, though. So post your nominations for "Great Super Hero Costumes of All Time" in the comments and let the debate begin!

I bet he's on a tight schedule

(From "Lightning Comics" volume 2, number 2, 1941.)

Dr. Fate vs. Dr. Strange

The marriage of magic and super heroes has never quite worked for me. Even when I read Golden Age comics featuring the likes of Marvo the Magician, something about seeing a beturbaned wand-wielder uttering mystical phrases alongside someone in tights and a cape seemed off somehow.

Having said that, I think the two best examples of magical super heroes from the major publishers are DC's Dr. Fate and Marvel's Dr. Strange. On the one hand you have one of the most awesome helmets ever seen in comics, and on the other you have a killer Seventies mustache and the biggest cape this side of Thor. Fate embodies Order, while Strange is left to protect the Earth however he can, messy though it might get.

It all got me wondering what would happen in a clash between these two mystic titans, so I turn it over to you:

[polldaddy poll="6595551"]

META: UGO Forums now closed

The HeroMachine Forums at UGO.com are now officially closed to new posts. They will remain up for the foreseeable future as a static repository for all of the awesome stuff that went on there over the years, but starting today no one will be able to add anything.

Instead, I would urge you to use the forums here at HeroMachine.com for all of your character-sharing, comics-discussing needs.

I would also like to take this opportunity to publicly thank WillyPete, the longtime moderator of the forums there. His service has always been the major determining factor in keeping those going as long as we did, and I can't say enough how much I appreciate it. You are the man, WillyPete!

Back in MY day, comics didn't have to make sense!

(From "Lightning Comics" volume 2, number 2, 1941.)

Caption Challenge 131: Gorilicious

It's time for another new Caption Challenge! This week you're tasked with coming up with the best caption for this comics panel:

I'll pick out some as my personal favorites to highlight in a post next Monday, and then I'll choose one of those to bear the standard as the "Featured Creator of the Week" atop the right column.

All entries must be left as a comment (or comments) to this post. Keep ‘em clean (appropriate for a late-night broadcast TV show), but most importantly, keep ‘em funny!

No limit to entries, but please, self-edit and only put up ones you genuinely think are good!

Character Design Challenge 101 Results

First off, let me acknowledge that "Character Challenge 101: Gamma Madness!" was much harder than I anticipated. So congratulations to everyone who powered through and produced an illustration, you should pat yourself on the back. I do think that sometimes it's a good thing to stretch your creative muscles and try something that's not necessarily in your comfort zone. And, we got some really nice work out of it! Bonus!

Without further ado, ladies and gentlemen, here are the entries for this week:

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HM Love: Boomtube Gear

Friend of HeroMachine John and I rocked these shirts from Boomtube Gear ("Apparel and Gear for the Discriminating Geek!") at Dragon*Con this year. I think they're brilliant, the perfect combination of geekery and subtlety one expects from the discerning geek. Those in the know will know, while those who are not will not. You can fly under the radar AND look awesome to our people! Check 'em out:


The shirts are super (get it?!) high quality and the designs are excellent. They'd make a great gift for the knowledgeable nerd in your group of friends, even if that nerd is you. I give it the highest possible HeroMachine ranking of love, so please check them out! He's got more designs coming soon, as well.

A classic two-panel take

Pop Quiz Results

Our tribute to the leaves of autumn in the last Pop Quiz went really well! Here are all of the entries we received:

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