Editorial

The primary goal of Suspended Animation was and is twofold: to review comics that adults will enjoy, and to place the column in publications read by adults who don't read comic books. By reviewing the best and worst in comics, our intention was to expand the number of people reading this artform.

At its peak, Suspended Animation was featured in more than forty print venues including many mainstream newspapers and several radio stations. Slowly, however, the column began to appear on websites, and all but one newspaper dropped the column. No syndicate has shown interest in the column.

Readership peaked at two million and is now at about 250,000. More than 1,000 titles have been reviewed, and readership continues to grow on the Internet although it has remained static in print publications.

Comics writer Jones was eventually replaced by comics historian Dr. Jon Suter as a partner in the venture. In turn, Suter was replaced by our current co-reviewer, Mark Allen.

After thirteen years of publication, one truth is undeniable. We have all failed to realize our goal. Taken as a whole, the readership of comic books has continued to dwindle, not expand.

Does this mean that Suspended Animation will soon be discontinued? Nah.

There was a third reason why the column was begun, and will continue. We love comics and still believe that, within its own limitations, it has the potential for profound insight into humanity, and can provide a whopping dose of entertainment. Both are the real reasons for all forms of human expression.

Here's to another thirteen years of reviews, God willing.

Shudder at Vance's Light's End horror short stories narrated by actor William Windom at www.plan9.org.

E-Mail Suspended Animation at vance@digitalwebbing.com

Any statements made, expressed or implied are solely those of columnists or persons interviewed and do not represent the editorial position of the administration, who does not accept responsibility of such statements. All characters and artwork shown are trademark and © of their respective owners.