On Lily's Links List: Chris' Invicible Super-Blog

One Boy + His Blog + A Wicked amount of Wit + And the Boy’s Comics = Chris’ Invincible Super-Blog

I admittedly have only surface knowledge of comic books. I grew up in the hometown of the original ComiCon, but I am no fan girl. I developed a crush on Gambit when the Saturday morning “X-Men” cartoon was on – so naturally, most comic book lovers don’t take me too seriously. But I will tell you this: The comic book-centric “Chris’ Invincible Super-Blog” is seriously something I hope I never stop reading.

Chris’ Invincible Super-Blog is the creation of its sole contributor, Chris Sims. Started in 2005 as part of his New Year’s resolution to write more, the ISB has become a hot spot for comic book fans and writing fans alike. But, it didn’t start out being all about the comics. Says Sims, “...since I’m around [comics] so much…it sort of followed naturally and I eventually refined the focus of the blog so that I wouldn’t end up with as many embarrassing posts about myself as I had in the first year.” Sims shares my frustration with blogs that are basically a laundry list of events that are devoid of entertainment.

There is no doubting the knowledge of comics and their colorful history on his blog. Chris writes about his favorite artists, writers, and pencillers. Among his favorites are Jack Kirby (Fantastic Four), Bob Haney (Teen Titans), and Walt Simonson (Thor). Sims’ awareness of the subject is top notch. If you were to dissect a month’s worth of posts, you’d be pleasantly surprised at the wide range of work Sims covers. From the dollar bin to the glossy trades to his manga round-up, the ISB covers a variety of topics with devastating ease.

As good as the comic book reviews and pondering thoughts are, the ISB is most importantly two things. It’s DAMN FUNNY and WELL WRITTEN. And you know what? Chris Sims knows it. Which isn’t a bad thing. When I asked him just how funny he thought he was, he smartly replied “On a scale from one to ten? I’m like a nine-point-awesome.” I won’t argue with him. I’ve spilled my morning beverage several times reading his work!

His Blogger profile proclaims that he’s a “former professional humorist who now works at a comic book store.” And unlike most profiles, it’s not hyperbole. "”When I was seventeen, I was getting paid to write humor columns for a literary journalism website that a lot of people I really admired and respected wrote for, but that was before the dotcom bust when people realized that paying someone to write freely available content didn’t exactly make economic sense. Sadly, I’m pretty sure that was the high point of my writing career.”

While he may see it as his glass ceiling, I view his previous life as a columnist as the perfect training ground for his writing today. Sims is one of the sharpest, quickest, and tightest writers around. He tells you more in 1000 words or less than most professional writers can do with twice as much! Why no one has snagged him up for professional writing gigs is a mystery to me. But by far, the biggest draw for little people like me the ISB’s humor.

Take a look at the blog’s (http://the-isb.blogspot.com/) “Best of ISB” feature on the side bar. My favorite happens to be Chris’ spoof on R. Kelly’s “Trapped in the Closet” entitled, “William Shakespeare’s Trapped in the Closet.” Elizabethan English was never as funny as this. For those appreciating more subtle humor, check out “The Funeral Diaries” in which the astute observationalist in Sims comes out. Or for you retro movie buffs out there, embrace with Chris the phenomenon that is “The Karate Kid.”

Even into the new year, Sims is enjoying his rapidly expanding piece of cyberspace. Because of his know-how and skill, Chris is reveling in a few noteworthy experiences. Blog hits are up and some pretty important people are listening. When asked what was the most awesome thing to happen to his blog, he relayed one particular experience with a series creator.

“There's a series coming out called NEXTWAVE that I was excited about for months before it came out that revolves around a team of third-string Marvel characters, so in preparation for it, I did a little review of the miniseries that introduced one of the characters, Elsa Bloodstone. Cut to a few weeks later, and Warren Ellis--the writer of the series--posts a link to that piece on a message board for people who want to know more about the character. That was pretty cool, even if it was the result of being high on the Google results for ‘Elsa Bloodstone.’”

Comic book fans, YOU NEED to read Chris’ Invincible Super Blog! I don’t know anyone more on the ball about the kingdom that is comic books. I’ve even learned to appreciate the finer points of storytelling, art, and color thanks to Sims. His love for comics is evident and you have to be able to appreciate anyone who cares that much about something.

Even if you’re not into the comic scene, Chris Sims’ writing is well worth a look. According to comic blog legend, Dave Campbell (http://daveslongbox.blogspot.com/), The ISB is one of five blogs that everyone should be reading. “Chris’s Invincible Super-Blog is just what it sounds like: comedy gold, baby,” said Campbell in a February 2006 interview with media oriented “Bloggasm” (http://bloggasm.com/). I know many of you love to laugh…and this is a place to laugh!