I've started giving people comic books as gifts. Today I gave a friend Hark! A Vagrant by @katebeaton.bsky.social. It makes so happy to realize the joy of discovery in store for him.

On this first anniversary of Pope Francis’ death, I went back to one of his most famous moments.

Big interesting interview with Alex Bores on @ezrakleinbot.bsky.social today. Every debate that I’ve gone to, I’m struck by how often other candidates end up supporting things Bores has to say.

This week in the Wow: Pushing back on criticism of Pitt fans; feeling kinda sad about the state of Marvel Comics; the worst version of the Neverending Story continues; and dreams of Jon Hamm in grandma sweaters! All free and almost entirely wacky.

This skeet sponsored by everyone who has ever had to deal with the guy currently sitting next to me.

I don’t understand people who feel the need to touch you over and over in order to have a conversation. You are definitely not winning me over by low key harassing me.

In honor of the upcoming first anniversary of Pope Francis' death, a deep dive into the story behind his famous comment, "Who am I to judge?"

There is only one person who can get Bluesky working again.

Babylon 5. The Lurker’s Guide was incredible. An essential part of enjoying the show.

Shawn Hatosy reels are my Heated Rivalry.

I love that these images can be reversed and it still works.

JD Vance is basically Catholic drag. Highly performative about his faith, but objectively silly.

This might be a little too inside baseball for some, but I really loved hearing how Leo raised up the people of Algeria as an example of the quest for peace and reconciliation.

Pope Leo on Truth Social: "It's ironic, the name of the site, [I'll] say no more."

Last night the U.S president ranted about Pope Leo. (Also priests saying Mass during Covid and David Axelrod.) Various prominent Catholics have condemned the president. But what's really interesting is what the Pope is doing instead.

Are symbiotes the only thing making money at Marvel at this point? Honestly trying to make sense of their publication choices.

Viktor Orban is going to be such a great U.S. Secretary of State.

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but it seems like autumn is just about over.

The difference between SNL and SNL UK: When SNL UK opens with a Melania Trump skit I laugh throughout, and when SNL opens with a Melania Trump skit I immediately turn it off and wonder when they're going to realize it's so not the right time for Trump character sketches.

Great set up/punch line in the NYT: "In the 237-year history of the U.S. House of Representatives, only six lawmakers have been expelled by a vote of their peers. Three of them were slave-owning supporters of the Confederacy, two were convicted felons, and one was the serial fabulist George Santos."

Apparently drunk on his Bloomberg money, Micah Lasher has stopped feeling like his ads actually have to make sense. “Just make sure there’s a new flyer every day.”

I would also take “general social stability”

is there an equivalent to a gofundme but for joy

This is a genuinely great video about one of the wackiest parts of life in New York. It’s exciting to see changes coming, but it’s also just nice to watch something that’s so dead on (and also amiable) that you find yourself nodding and laughing constantly.

do you know what is cool? ZINES! do you know what is also cool? COMICS! do you know what is even more cool? ZINES ABOUT COMICS! check out the comics staple today! www.kickstarter.com/projects/tif...

A few of my own thoughts on the new Salesman, with many nods to Shaw and Holdren.

Anyone else having trouble getting pictures to load on links today?

A gorgeous, insightful review of the new Salesman from Sara Holdren.

I know I’m supposed to be excited about Artemis but I am too busy being trapped in a hell state, so sorry

This x1000.

This is going to be so much fun!!

Hey, trans writers, get in on this!

Somehow the new Punisher trailer is giving me the Shane version of the post-TWD miniseries we've been getting, and I'm actually here for it.

If your name is Zack, you need to see this.

Schwabe is an outsider but is very much using that. She’s the one who can speak truth about Nadler and the Dems.

Bores as always remains a smart candidate with strong policies and a great instinct for his audience. I’ve yet to see him falter on any issue. And it never feels like talking points.

Lasher came off forceful and a little inspiring, someone who believes in the power of government. It was a very good showing for him.

Conway is oddly compelling, despite admitting he really doesn’t have a platform beyond impeaching Trump.

Schwabe calls out Nadler, Schumer, and Jeffries for not voting to impeach Trump yesterday.

Conway is very up front, he's running to get rid of Trump. When it comes to policies, often he points back to the policies other candidates have named. But he then notes, None of these policies are going to mean anything until Trump is gone, because he will just ignore them.

Nina Schwabe, in considering whether to run when it can be so hard to make an impact as a first term Congressperson, says she spoke to a Connecticut Congressperson who told her the thing she has as a public health expert which cah give her immediate impact is subject matter expertise.

On the question of how can you make a difference as a freshman Congressperson, Micah Lasher: "Often it is the newest members of a legislative body, who haven’t been told all the things we can’t do or can’t say, that can bring energy to a legislative caucus and make change."

George Conway's advice to Fordham law students interested in public service: "Don’t work for the federal governemtn now. You’ll be asked to do something illegal and immoral and you’ll regret it." #FordhamForum

Jack Schlossberg not showing up to the District 12 debate at Fordham Law at the last minute just made a lot of young voters really unhappy.

Do I really have to do my taxes again? I feel like I just did them last year.

On this insane day, it's worth taking a minute to read some of Pope Leo's Easter Sunday message. There's some really beautiful language. jimmcdermott.substack.com/i/193277523/...

In celebration of Easter, this week's Wow has everything—Pope Leo...incarcerated rabbits...Kermit the Xenofrog...Also, half-priced subscriptions!

Also, thoughts and prayers for every Shrinking fan who has issues with father figures. If this week's episode didn't trigger you, you are doing SO well.

I'm not sure why the producers would decide to do this, but based on this week's Shrinking I can't believe there's actually going to be another season.

Hey comic friends, This is going to be a really cool project, with some absolutely fantastic writers/thinkers/human beings attached. We're so confident about it we decided to launch this Kickstarter on April 1st. :) I'd love for you to check it out.