Really, NPR? Really?

NPR recently posted this review of several recent non-graphic novels about superheroes. The individual reviews are short, but largely well-written and (with the exception of the first one) respectful of the books' authors. But good grief -- those subtitles!

The overall article is entitled, "Holy Bookworms! Superheroes Take To The Page" which is sure to elicit groans from every comic book fan who's read a dozen similar headlines every year since "Adam West" became synonymous with "Batman." But the subtitles, while somewhat more original, still smack of the same mentality...

"The Man Behind The 'Mwah-hah-hah!'"

"Truth, Justice And The American Gay"

"Does The Justice League Have Good Dental?"

"In Praise Of Junk"

*sigh*

I should be used to that by now. I mean, we've been getting the "Comics aren't just for kids anymore" stories for as long as I've been alive. But what bothers me here is the source. NPR is generally very respectful of lifestyles and hobbies, regardless of how childish or bizarre an image they might have in America's collective subconscious. Indeed, they've had any number of reports in recent years concerning the comic book industry and have treated it with respect. I wouldn't be surprised if this type of thing came from Fox News or some equally jejune outlet, but I thought better of NPR.

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