Panel 3: Wish I could’ve thought of some way to trim the too-big second word balloon in this panel. As for what they’re discussing, gotta admit that the cape-comic trope of the supervillainous deathtrap is one that’s never interested me very much; moreover, given the existence of the Empverse’s “Unwritten Rules,” deathtraps aren’t terribly likely in this setting, regardless of my interest in ’em (or lack thereof). Still, might be something worth looking into “just for funzies” as practiced by some especially rogue supervill—like, say, ol’ “Head Honcho,” as referenced here.

I might someday address a few other cape-comic tropes that I’ve almost entirely ignored, for good or ill. Earlier, a commentary mentioned one such superhero riff I’ve despised pretty much all of my life and willfully steered way the hell clear of—that is, the bullsh**t, obnoxiously pandering “kid sidekick” bit.

-Adam Warren