MARTHA THOMASES: Mom’s the word

Martha Thomases

Martha Thomases brought more comics to the attention of more people than anyone else in the industry. Her work promoting The Death of Superman made an entire nation share in the tragedy of one of our most iconic American heroes. As a freelance journalist, she has been published in the Village Voice, High Times, Spy, the National Lampoon, Metropolitan Home, and more. For Marvel comics she created the series Dakota North. Martha worked as a researcher and assistant for the author Norman Mailer on several of his books, including the Pulitzer-Prize-winning Executioner's Song, On Women and Their Elegance, Ancient Evenings, and Harlot's Ghost.

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7 Responses

  1. Elayne Riggs says:

    Wonderful essay, Martha, one of your best. Happy Mother's Day!

  2. Howard Cruse says:

    Gee, you're right. There was Captain Marvel and Captain Marvel Jr. and Mary Marvel, but where was Mama Marvel? And would she at least have merited the rank of Sergeant?

  3. Rick Taylor says:

    Martha – Even as an infant in the picture Arthur looks reconizable. Happy Mother's Day!

  4. Arthur Tebbel says:

    The mother in Invincible is actually an excellent maternal figure. I think she avoids the pitfalls you mentioned and shows some real strength considering the perils of being the normal one in a family of superheroes. Not to say she's a perfect character but perfect characters make for poor drama.I never thought of comics as a medium that lacked maternal figures because for me it was a way to interact with my mom. I honestly can't remember a time before comic trips with my mom every Wednesday. I'm 22 now and comics are still a big part of our relationship. That and silly action movies but I don't want to steal the thunder for that column.Happy Mother's Day Mom.

  5. Patrick says:

    Another FABulous Martha column! Mazeltov!

  6. Liz Glass says:

    Happy (belated) Mother's Day to a wonderful mother and Godmother.

  7. Alan Coil says:

    Very nice column. It brought a tear to my old, jaded eyes. Thank you.