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Articles by Jon Gorga
NYCC ‘26: Bad Idea continues to bring absolutely insane ideas to American comics
Previous Bad Idea Comics panels held at NYCC involved free donuts and custom pizza boxes. Plus comics giveaways. So we had to see what it would get up to this year in the last minutes of New York Comic-Con. There was so much off-the-wall stuff, we can barely squeeze it all into this article. Chief Creative Officer Dinesh Shamdasani was on hand to keep the asylum running smoothly while the panel was moderated by Siena Fallon, Vice President of Sales and Marketing.
NYCC ‘26: Retro Golden Age big swings for 30 years of Oni Press
This past Friday afternoon at New York Comic-Con, Oni Press revealed some key books from its 2027 lineup during a panel cheekily subtitled “The Loudest Thing in Color Since 97.” As the panel’s title suggests, 2027 is the 30th anniversary of Oni Press and it has started the celebration early! With Oni having recently acquired the license to publish comics starring Archie Andrews and the rest of the Riverdale gang, president and publisher Hunter Gorinson revealed a bit of the behind-the-scenes...
When Does It Take Place?
"Das Boot"/"The Boat" is a historical fiction war novel written by Lothar-Günther Buchheim that released January 1st, 1973. So when is "Das Boot" set? It takes place in the year: 1941 AD We know this because the U-boat commander is based on the real-world Nazi German submarine commander Heinrich Lehmann-Willenbrock (1911-1986) and he passed on April 18th, 1986 AD so it is most likely before April of 1986 AD.
When Does It Take Place?
It takes place in the years: "Columna Traiani"/"Trajan's Column" is a historical fiction comic-strip written anonymously that released May 12th, 113. So when is "Trajan's Column" set? 101 AD - 106 AD We know this because the real-world Roman Emperor Marcus Ulpius Nerva Traianus a.k,a. Trajan appears and he was born on September 18th, 53 AD and passed in August of 117 AD so it must be after September of 53 AD. More specifically, the real-world Dacian King Decebalus appears and he passed in 106 AD.
When Does It Take Place?
It takes place in the year: "Le cinquième élément" (released to English-speaking audiences as "The Fifth Element") is a science fiction film written by Luc Besson with Robert Mark Kamen that released May 8th, 1997. So when is "The Fifth Element" set? 2263 AD We know this because in an early scene of the main action, the alarm clock in Korben Dallas's apartment reads "02:00AM:T 18:MARCH:2263". So presumably it is March of 2263 AD.
MoCCA Fest ‘26: Kids’ Comics Then and Now
As this year’s MoCCA Festival was drawing to a close on Sunday, those attending were treated to a remarkable window into the inner workings of one of the only segments of the publishing world that has been growing instead of shrinking over the past decade: kid’s comics.
MoCCA Festival ‘26 report and all the Awards of Excellence winners
Additional reporting by Ellen Stedfeld – scroll down for all the Awards of Excellence winners.
When Does "Aliens" (1986) Take Place?
It takes place on the fictional Alien vs. Predator timeline in the year: "Aliens" is a science fiction horror film written by James Cameron with David Giler and Walter Hill that released July 18th, 1986. So when is "Aliens" set? 2179 AD We know this because Carter Burke says to Ellen Ripley, "It's just natural side effects of such an unusually long hypersleep, or something like that." and when Ripley asks, "How long? Please.", Burke responds, "57 years." and then, soon after, "That's the thing.
When Does It Take Place?
It takes place in the year: "UBIK" is a science fiction novel written by Philip K. Dick that released May 9th, 1969. So when is "UBIK" set? 1992 AD We know this because the very first line of the first chapter from an unnamed narrator reads: "At three-thirty A.M. on the night of June 5, 1992, the top telepath in the Sol System fell off the map in the offices of Runciter Associates in New York City." So it seems to be specifically June of 1992 AD.
When Does "The Man Who Invented Christmas" (2017) Take Place?
It takes place in the year: "The Man Who Invented Christmas" is a historical fiction film written by Susan Coyne that released November 22nd, 2017. So when is "The Man Who Invented Christmas" set? 1843 AD We know this because it depicts the inspiration, pitching, and creation of the real-world writer Charles Dickens' (1812-1870) famous novella "A Christmas Carol. In Prose. Being a Ghost Story of Christmas" (1843).
When Does "A League of Their Own" (1992) Take Place?
It takes place in the year: "A League of Their Own" is a historical fiction comedy film written by Lowell Ganz with Babaloo Mandel, Kelly Candaele, and Kim Wilson that released July 1st, 1992. So when is "A League of Their Own" set?
When Does "Death Becomes Her" (1992) Take Place?
It takes place in the year: "Death Becomes Her" is a horror comedy film written by Martin Donovan with David Koepp and Robert Zemeckis that released July 31st, 1992. So when is "Death Becomes Her" set? 1991 AD We know this because a relative time setting title card "ANOTHER 7 YEARS LATER" appears at the beginning of the main action and the end of a scene that must take place in July of 1984 AD. So it's probably July of 1991 AD. 7.1984 + 7 = 7.1991.
Simu Liu’s THE COPENHAGEN TEST attempts new kind of sci-fi espionage
by Jon Gorga NBC’s streaming service Peacock has done zero publicity for their upcoming live-action show, The Copenhagen Test, starring Simu Liu. That is, until now! At New York Comic Con 2025, co-showrunners Thomas Brandon and Jennifer Yale as well as executive producer and star Liu spoke with reporters about what we can expect from this original series.
Retailers get a ComicKnowledge drop
Just before 6 p.m. on Wednesday, as the bell was about to toll on Diamond Comic Distributors’ part of the Retailer Day panels at New York Comic Con 2025, Joey Vazquez and Mike Staub of Midtown Comics took the stage to give a presentation about ComicKnowledge, a new full-service point-of-sale (POS) system for comics stores. Other comics-specific POS systems like the recently-deactivated ComicsSuite, ComicHUB, or the long-defunct MOBY seem to mostly come and go.
When Does "Secret Pleasures" (1995) Take Place?
It takes place in the year: "Secret Pleasures" is a romance crime novel written by Thea Devine that released July, 1995. So when is "Secret Pleasures" set?
When Does "The Naked Gun" (2025) Take Place?
It takes place in the year: "The Naked Gun" is a comedy crime film written by Dan Gregor with Doug Mand, Akiva Schaffer, Seth MacFarlane, Mark Hentemann, and Alec Sulkin that released August 1st, 2025. So when is "The Naked Gun" set?
When Does the Film "Enola Homes" (2020) Take Place?
"Enola Homes" is a mystery film written by Jack Thorne [adapting "Enola Holmes and the Case of the Missing Marquess" (2006) by Nancy Springer] that released September 23rd, 2020. So when is "Enola Homes" set?
When Does "Runaway" (1984) Take Place?
It takes place in the year: "Runaway" is a science fiction film written by Michael Crichton that released December 14th, 1984. So when is "Runaway" set? 1991 AD We know this because about one-third into the movie Sargent Jack Ramsey uses a retinal scanner and when he is positively identified, the file that appears on a screen reads, "CONFIRM IDENTITY: Ramsey, John R. 35 Years Old".
When Does the Second Film "Fantastic Four" (2005) Take Place?
It takes place on an alternate timeline of the fictional Marvel Cinematic Universe in the year: "Fantastic Four" is a superhero film written by Mark Frost with Michael France and Sam Hamm [adapting "The Fantastic Four" #1 (1961) as well as partially adapting "The Fantastic Four" #5 (1962), both by Stan Lee] that released July 8th, 2005. So when is "Fantastic Four" set?
When Does the Film "Charade" (1963) Take Place?
It takes place in the year: "Charade" is a comedy spy film written by Peter Stone with Marc Behm [adapting "The Unsuspecting Wife" (1961) by Peter Stone with Marc Behm] that released December 5th, 1963. So when is "Charade" set? 1963 AD We know this because when Regina "Reggie" Lampert first arrives in the American Embassy offices in Paris, the official portrait of United States of American President John F.
When Does the Film "Blue Beetle" (2023) Take Place?
It takes place on the fictional DC Films timeline roughly in the years: "Blue Beetle" is a superhero film written by Gareth Dunnet-Alcocer with Gary Dauberman [adapting "Blue Beetle" #1-#4 v5 (2011) by Tony Bedard as well as "Infinite Crisis" #3-#7 (2005-2006) by Geoff Johns] that released August 18th, 2023. So when is "Blue Beetle" set?
When Does "Henry IV Part 2" (1599) Take Place?
It takes place in the years: "The Second Part of Henrie the Fourth" (often released simply as "Henry IV Part 2") is a historical fiction stageplay written by William Shakespeare performed as early as 1599 (according to most scholars). So when is "Henry IV Part 2" set? 1403 AD - 1413 AD We know this because it begins very soon after the conclusion of "Henry IV Part 1" (1596).
SoI Bugs Out For Peter Kuper’s Insectopolis Exhibit
When could you ever handle live insects and look at original comics art at the same time? Last Thursday night, when the Society of Illustrators celebrated the opening reception for an exhibit featuring art from Peter Kuper’s Insectopolis: A Natural History! Kuper’s name is already well-known to those of you who follow underground comics or who read MAD Magazine (he took over the creation of the “Spy vs. Spy” comic strip in 1997).
When Does "Terminator 2: Judgment Day" (1991) Take Place?
It takes place in the year: "Terminator 2: Judgment Day" is a science fiction film written by James Cameron with William Wisher that released July 3rd, 1991. So when is "Judgment Day" set? 1995 AD We know this because the computer screen in the police cruiser displays John Connor’s file and he's registered as born "2/28/85" (clearly meaning February 28th, 1985 AD) and he's listed as "AGE: 10". 1985 + 10 = 1995.
When Does "Napoleon Dynamite" (2004) Take Place?
It takes place in the year: "Napoleon Dynamite" is a comedy film written by Jared Hess with Jerusha Hess [adapting "Peluca" (2002) by Jared Hess] that released June 11th, 2004. So when is "Napoleon Dynamite" set? 2004 AD We know this because the climax of the story involves a dance routine set to the song "Canned Heat" by Jamiroquai (Jay Kay, Sola Akingbola, Wallis Buchanan, Simon Katz, Derrick McKenzie, and Toby Smith), which released on May 24th, 1999 AD. So it must be after May of 1999 AD.
When Does the TV Show "Brave New World" (2020) Take Place?
"Brave New World" is a science fiction television show showran by David Wiener [adapting "Brave New World" (1932) by Aldous Huxley] that released July 15th, 2020. So when is "Brave New World" set? It takes place roughly in the year: ~2258 AD We know this because, although a specific year is not mentioned in the show, the work it's an adaptation of offers a specific option.
When Does "Brave New World" (1932) Take Place?
"Brave New World" is a political science fiction novel written by Aldous Huxley that released on February 4th, 1932. So when is "Brave New World" set? It takes place in the year: 2540 AD We know this because at the very beginning of the story, the narrator tells us: "in this year of stability, A. F. 632". Indeed, later, Lenina Crowne reads her friend’s medication bottle out-loud and says, “NOT TO BE USED AFTER AUGUST 1ST, A.F. 632.” So it is currently 632 AF.
When Does the Film "Captain America: Brave New World" (2025) Take Place?
It takes place on the Marvel Cinematic Universe timeline in the year: "Captain America: Brave New World" is a superhero film written by Rob Edwards with Malcolm Spellman, Dalan Musson, Julius Onah, Peter Glanz, and Matthew Orton [adapting "Hulk" #23 v2 (2010) by Jeph Loeb] that released February 14th, 2025. So when is "Captain America: Brave New World" set? 2027 AD We know this because a TV news report specifically describes the time since the public outing of Isaiah Bradley as "2 years".
When Does "The Terminator" (1984) Take Place?
It takes place in the year: "The Terminator" is a science fiction film written by James Cameron with William Wisher Jr. that released October 26th, 1984. So when is "The Terminator" set? 1984 AD We know this because when Sarah Connor clocks-in to her job at Big Jeff's the time card reads "5/14/84" or "5/19/84" in ink in the section labeled "PAY PERIOD ENDING" with print.
When Does "Inside Llewyn Davis" (2013) Take Place?
It takes place in the year: "Inside Llewyn Davis" is a historical fiction comedy film written by Joel Coen with Ethan Coen that released November 6th, 2013. So when is "Inside Llewyn Davis" set? 1961 AD We know this because the opening shot of the entire movie is immediately preceded by a time and place setting title card that says, "The Gaslight Café 1961". Several scenes take place at the real-world New York City music venue The Gaslight Cafe, which opened in 1958 AD and closed in 1971 AD.
When Does the Film "Kraven the Hunter" (2024) Take Place?
It takes place on an alternate timeline of the fictional Marvel Cinematic Universe roughly in the years: "Kraven the Hunter" is a superhero film written by Richard Wenk with Art Marcum, Matt Holloway, Donny Cates, Chris Bremner, J.C. Chandor, Adamma Ebo, Adanne Ebo, Zak Olkewicz, and Oren Uziel [loosely adapting “The Sensational Spider-Man '96" annual (1996) by J.M. DeMatteis as well as “Peter Parker, the Spectacular Spider-Man” #65 (1982) by Bill Mantlo] and released December 11th, 2024.
When Does the Original “Star Trek” Series Season One (1966) Take Place?
"Star Trek" (sometimes released as "Star Trek: The Original Series") season one is a science fiction television show showran by Gene Roddenberry and released September 8th, 1966. It takes place on the fictional Star Trek timeline in the years: 2265 AD - 2266 AD We know this because in season 2 episode 11 "The Deadly Years" (1967), Captain James Kirk specially says, "I'm 34.
When Does "The Death of General Wolfe" (1770) Take Place?
"The Death of General Wolfe" is a historical fiction narrative-picture painted by Benjamin West and unveiled 1770. 1759 AD We know this because it depicts a moment during the famous and tragic real-world First Battle of Quebec a.k.a. The Battle of the Plains of Abraham (a pivotal battle of the Seven Years' War), which lasted less than an hour on September 13th, 1759 AD. Specifically, it shows a moment near the end of the battle, in which the real-world General James Wolfe dies from gunshot wounds.
When Does "Dawn of the Planet of the Apes" (2014) Take Place?
"Dawn of the Planet of the Apes" is a science fiction film written by Rick Jaffa with Amanda Silver, Mark Bomback, and Scott Z. Burns [loosely remaking "Battle for the Planet of the Apes" (1973) by Paul Dehn with John William Corrington and Joyce Hooper Corrington] and released July 11th, 2014.
When Does the Film "Deadpool & Wolverine" (2024) Take Place?
"Deadpool & Wolverine" is a comedy superhero science fiction film written by Rhett Reese with Paul Wernick, Zeb Wells, Ryan Reynolds, and Shawn Levy [adapting "Deadpool Vs. Old Man Logan" #1-2 (2017) by Declan Shalvey] and released July 24th, 2024. It takes place on an alternate timeline of the fictional Marvel Cinematic Universe at: The End of Time We know this because the movie's main action occurs in a realm called "The Void", introduced in "Loki" season 1.
When Does the Stageplay "Othello" (1604) Take Place?
"The Tragedy of Othello, the Moor of Venice" (often released simply as "Othello") is a historical fiction stageplay written by William Shakespeare [adapting "Un Capitano Moro" (1565) by Cinthio] and performed as early as November 1st, 1604 (according to most scholars).
When Does "The Big Rewind" (2016) Take Place?
"The Big Rewind" is a crime novel written by Libby Cudmore and released January 15th, 2016. It takes place in the year: 2018 AD We know this because, when Jett Bennett confronts George, he says, “the last thing I need is you digging up some ex-girlfriend I haven’t thought about in twenty-five years” and then, when talking about being dumped by Cassie (the ex-girlfriend), “that was the nineties”. This establishes, at least, a range.
When Does the Film "JAWS" (1975) Take Place?
"JAWS" is a horror film written by Peter Benchley with Carl Gottlieb, Matthew Robbins, and Hal Barwood [adapting "JAWS" (1974) by Peter Benchley] that released June 20th, 1975. So when is "JAWS" set? It takes place in the year: 1974 AD We know this because, very early in the movie, the police report is being typed up for the death of the swimmer Christine 'Chrissie' Watkins with two 1974 dates on it.
When Does "Prey" (2022) Take Place?
"Prey" is a horror historical science fiction film written by Patrick Aison with Dan Trachtenberg that released August 5th, 2022. So when is "Prey" set? It takes place on the fictional Alien vs. Predator timeline in the year: 1719 AD We know this because, very early in the movie, a time and place setting title card appears that reads, "The Northern Great Plains September 1719". Furthermore, Naru brings home a short musket engraved with the number “1715” on it.
When Does "On the Basis of Sex" (2018) Take Place?
"On the Basis of Sex" is a historical fiction film written by Daniel Stiepleman and released December 25th, 2018. It takes place in the years: 1970 AD - 1972 AD We know this because its entire final two thirds depicts the court case Charles E. Moritz v. IRS, which Ruth Bader Ginsberg and her husband Martin Ginsberg joined in Fall 1970 AD and was resolved on November 22nd, 1972 AD. There is even a time setting title card that reads "1970" at the start of this portion of the movie.
When Does "Singin' in the Rain" (1952) Take Place?
"Singin' in the Rain" is a romantic-comedy film musical written by Betty Comden with Adolph Green and released April 11th, 1952. It takes place in the years: 1927 AD - 1928 AD We know this because the first scene depicts the opening night premiere of a silent film that only exists within the story's fictional world (diegesis) titled "The Royal Rascal" and a huge banner at Grauman's Chinese Theatre reads "PREMIERE TONIGHT BIGGEST PICTURE OF 1927" in huge letters.
When Does "Snowden" (2016) Take Place?
"Snowden" is a historical fiction film written by Oliver Stone with Kieran Fitzgerald and released September 16th, 2016. It takes place in the years: 2006 AD - 2009 AD & 2011 AD - 2012 AD We know this because the main action of the narrative starts with a time and place setting title card that reads "CIA TRAINING CENTER, VIRGINIA 'THE HILL' - 2006". Another one, a quarter of the way through, brings us to "GENEVA, SWITZERLAND 2007". Official photographs in the background confirm that George W.
When Does “The Last Samurai” (2003) Take Place?
"The Last Samurai" is a historical fiction film written by John Logan with Edward Zwick and Marshall Herskovitz and released December 5th, 2003.
When Does "Rise of the Planet of the Apes" (2011) Take Place?
"Rise of the Planet of the Apes" is a science fiction film written by Amanda Silver with Rick Jaffa and Mark Bomback [loosely remaking "Conquest of the Planet of the Apes" (1972) by Paul Dehn] and released August 5th, 2011.
10 Spider-Man Covers That Pay Homage To Classic Comic Covers
By Jon Gorga and Scoot Allan Published 7 minutes ago Legendary Spider-Man artists like Mark Bagley, Ron Frenz, and Todd McFarlane have homaged several iconic comic book covers over the years. Visual artists have probably been replicating, copying, and homaging the creators who came before them for almost as long as there has been visual art. The same has been true of comic book cover illustration for generations.
When Does "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?" (1968) Take Place?
It takes place in the year: "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?" is a science fiction novel written by Philip K. Dick and released March 22nd, 1968. 1992 AD We know this because Rick Deckard says very early in the first scene, "I'll dial what's on my schedule for today." and the narrator immediately tells us, "Examining the schedule for January 3, 1992, he saw that a businesslike professional attitude was called for." It was adapted to film in 1982 as "Blade Runner".
When Does the TV Show “Agent Carter” Season One (2015) Take Place?
"Agent Carter" season one is a science fiction spy television show showran by Tara Butters with Michele Fazekas and Chris Dingess [loosely adapting "Tales of Suspense" #77 (1966) by Stan Lee] and first released January 6th, 2015. It takes place on the fictional Marvel Cinematic Universe timeline in the year: 1946 AD We know this because the first scene of season 1 episode 1 "Now is Not the End" includes a place and year setting title card over the footage that reads, "New York City, 1946".
When Does “The Continental” (2023) Take Place?
“The Continental: From the World of John Wick” is a crime television show showran by Greg Coolidge with Kirk Ward and first released September 22nd, 2023. It takes place on the fictional John Wick timeline in the year: 1975 AD We know this because a character says the "garbage strike is crushing us" so New York City is in the middle of the NYC Department of Sanitation garbage strike of 1975 AD.
Marvel: These Moments Were Pulled Straight From The Comics To The MCU
Published 1 day ago MCU films have certainly taken liberties over the years, but from Thor to Thanos to Spider-Man, there are plenty of moments straight from the comics. Nearly every single person in the world knows that the Marvel Cinematic Universe films are adapted from comic books, but very few people know which specific comic books any film is adapting.
The Hulk Fights Other Heroes In These Comics
There are few main characters in the entire comics medium who are always as ready for a fight as Bruce Banner, also known as the Incredible Hulk. A million-to-one freak accident on a gamma-bomb testing site turned the rage inside this man into a literal monster within him. The Hulk has fought other heroes so many times that it's nearly impossible to count them, but some fights stand out from the rest.
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