The world is not well. With the number of horrors reported (or not reported) by the news every day, comics can feel trivial. But like every form of storytelling, comics continue to remind readers of the trials endured and the hope and love that preserves in spite of evil.

Generative AI slop has sadly become mainstream and is quickly encroaching the realm of comic books. As someone who writes about comics, I genuinely worry about writers and artists who are being robbed and their works being mimicked without consent, compensation, or respect to copyright.

Today marks the anniversary of the Pages and Panels site. After more than 70 single issue reviews, dozens of interviews and small press spotlights, and hundreds of cups of coffee, this past year has brought a lot of lessons.