Eric Marcotte - Comic Philosophy

Thank you, it was a pleasure! You masterfully recovered so many old problematic story lines, it was great to see them all handled so thoughtfully. Rachelle's colors are always outstanding, and I'm a big fan of Marcus' work now. Can't wait to see what comes next for all of you!

Homepage of https://comicphilosophy.com showing my latest post, Battleworld (2025-26) versus Secret Wars (1984-86). Post image is the cover of Battelworld #1 and Secret Wars II #9, on top of the Battleworld short comic box

Battleworld by @christosgage.bsky.social and Marcus To is a great modern reframing of the original Secret Wars concept:
comicphilosophy.com/index.php/20...
Illustrates virtue ethics (care ethics), redemption, suffering and identity, in contrast to secret wars' nihilism, striving, and sacrifice.

That is exactly what I had in mind when I commissioned this piece. Pablo is a remarkably intuitive artist to have come up with this same idea on his own. I highly recommend him as a collaborator for your projects!
And more about the history of care ethics:
comicphilosophy.com/index.php/20...

Depiction of care ethics on Comic Philosophy, showing how modern feminist thinkers and academics developed care ethics (right side figures), and modern comic creators (left side figures) crafted superheroes (foreground). Art by Pablo Alcalde, (pabloalcaldef.wordpress.com) © Eric Marcotte (comicphilosophy.com)

I'm so glad I asked Pablo for a color version of this care ethics concept art. Not only do I love the heroine's hair, but the sparkly transporter effects give the impression the philosophers and comic creators are "creating" her out of thin air! Art by Pablo Alcalde pabloalcaldef.wordpress.com

Well, you've made a difference for others - your God is Disappointed in You is best book about the Bible I've ever bought. That wasn't too silent. ;)

Asked for bookstore/coffee shop background, with a round table and five figures: two modern women academic philosophers, two comics creators (writer/artist, man/woman), and a woman superhero in the center. Wanted to capture the collaborative creative process.
No notes! Pablo hit it out of the park!

Depiction of care ethics on Comic Philosophy, showing how modern feminist thinkers and academics developed care ethics (right side figures), and modern comic creators (left side figures) crafted superheroes (foreground). Art by Pablo Alcalde, (pabloalcaldef.wordpress.com) © Eric Marcotte (comicphilosophy.com)

Concept art depicting care ethics by the outstanding Pablo Alcalde pabloalcaldef.wordpress.com
You can learn more about this modern form of virtue ethics on my Ethics 101 page:
comicphilosophy.com/index.php/et...
Pablo again exceeded my expectations for this piece, see my prompt below.

Early sketch of new concept art for comicphilosophy.com by the comics artist Pablo Alcalde.

More concept art for comicphilosophy.com is coming soon. Here is another sketch from comics artist Pablo Alcalde pabloalcaldef.wordpress.com
Can you guess what the theme is for this one?

Leave it to a writer to spot the missing (implied) comma!

I worked as a biotech analyst early in my post-grad career (much like Zachary Quinto's astrophysicist character ;), and found the personality descriptions bang on. I love how each boss as they go up the ladder is sharper - and scarier (ethically) - than the last!

1. Nine Days
2. Shawshank Redemption
3. Office Space
4. Dark City
5. Margin Call

Nine Days was low budget, released as COVID-19 took off. I think it would be right up your alley.

I'm going to need one of those when they come out!

Homepage of https://comicphilosophy.com showing my latest power, the ethics of the Powers comics series by Brian Michael Bendis and Michael Avon Oeming.

Intrigued by Powers 25 but not sure how to jump in? I've got you covered: a complete Powers series recap focusing on the characters' ethics (moral philosophy):
comicphilosophy.com/index.php/20...
Kudos to @brianmbendis.bsky.social & @oeming.bsky.social on such an outstanding 25-year run!

Heavily cited in 2025: @kierongillen.bsky.social @jedmackay.bsky.social @kellythompson.bsky.social @ryannorth.ca @kellysue.bsky.social @brianmbendis.bsky.social @manruss.bsky.social @dereklandy.bsky.social @jason-aaron.bsky.social @al-ewing.bsky.social @danslott.bsky.social @jmdematteis.bsky.social

Homepage of https://comicphilosophy.com showing my latest post, Comic Philosophy is Fully AI Free

I am pleased to certify comicphilosophy.com as fully AI-free!
Text has always been my creation. And I have now commissioned art from talented artists to replace the last few remaining AI-generated background images. Going forward, I am committed to keeping the site 100% AI free. #NoAI

Homepage of https://comicphilosophy.com showing my latest power, the ethics of the Powers comics series by Brian Michael Bendis and Michael Avon Oeming.

Intrigued by Powers 25 but not sure how to jump in? I've got you covered: a complete Powers series recap focusing on the characters' ethics (moral philosophy):
comicphilosophy.com/index.php/20...
Kudos to @brianmbendis.bsky.social & @oeming.bsky.social on such an outstanding 25-year run!

comicphilosophy.com/index.php/20...

Homepage of https://comicphilosophy.com showing my latest post, Comic Philosophy is Fully AI Free

I am pleased to certify comicphilosophy.com as fully AI-free!
Text has always been my creation. And I have now commissioned art from talented artists to replace the last few remaining AI-generated background images. Going forward, I am committed to keeping the site 100% AI free. #NoAI

@dragonguelph.bsky.social

They just reopened this past weekend, haven't made it out yet to get this week's hold box (weather, sheesh). Great store. Don't seem to be using bsky much but they do have an account
@dragonguelph.bsky.socia

The Dragon Guelph's Eisner award-winning comics, games, and pop culture store. Servicing the whole community since 1998.

Great write up as always David. You really cover the waterfront with these check-ins, while staying remarkably clear and focused.
Glad to hear it was such a good year - I know my local is doing well, given their recent expansion. Eisner-spirit award winner The Dragon
dragonguelph.com

Doctor Strange Sorcerer Supreme V1, issue #3, 1989, by Peter Gillis and Richard Case

Are you taking requests? Doctor Strange Sorcerer Supreme V1, issue #3, 1989, by Peter Gillis and Richard Case.
I love how they have wine at breakfast, but they are celebrating their engagement.

Depiction of the theme of Comic Philosophy, showing the progression of moral thinking (normative ethics) through the ages. Art by Pablo Alcade, (pabloalcaldef.wordpress.com) © Eric Marcotte (comicphilosophy.com)

One of the problems with history is the persistent "male, pale, and stale" bias of philosophy, except for modern times. We will be working on a care ethics image next - I'm excited to see what he comes up with from my prompts!

Depiction of the theme of Comic Philosophy, showing the progression of moral thinking (normative ethics) through the ages. Art by Pablo Alcade, (pabloalcaldef.wordpress.com) © Eric Marcotte (comicphilosophy.com)

I have so enjoyed working with Pablo Alcade (pabloalcaldef.wordpress.com) on images for my comicphilosophy.com site. This one shows the progression of philosophical thought from ancient times through to modern superheroes!
The colors were all his idea, and I loved how he matched them to my site.

© https://comicphilosophy.com (Eric Marcotte). Art by Pablo Alcade, https://pabloalcaldef.wordpress.com Depiction the theme of comicphilosophy.com, showing the progression of moral thinking (normative ethics) through the ages, with a flying superhero.

I had virtually no notes on his first draft, which was just so creative and dynamic. He also came up with another superhero pose I hadn't considered - so I commissioned both from him!
Great work from Pablo, you really should consider him for your projects - I can't recommend him enough!

© https://comicphilosophy.com (Eric Marcotte). Art by Pablo Alcade, https://pabloalcaldef.wordpress.com Depiction the theme of comicphilosophy.com, showing the progression of moral thinking (normative ethics) through the ages.

I've been doing small art commissions for comicphilosophy.com lately, and it is great to have found an artist that so gets what I'm trying to do with the site. I provided historical references for the philosophers for this image, but the rest is all Pablo Alcade (pabloalcaldef.wordpress.com)!

© http://comicphilosophy.com (Eric Marcotte). Art by Pablo Alcade, https://pabloalcaldef.wordpress.com Early draft sketch, depicting the theme of comicphilosophy.com, showing the progression of moral thinking (normative ethics) through the ages.

I am thrilled to announce a collaboration with an outstanding artist for original art for comicphilosophy.com
Pablo Alcade is contributing some amazing work for the site. Full details coming soon ... but here's a small tease.
pabloalcaldef.wordpress.com

Well deserved - and you are in great company! 💙

The last blue police box in London, 2006, outside of the Earl's Court tube station.

The last blue police box in London, 2006, outside of the Earl's Court tube station.

In case you are wondering, it was outside the Earl's Court tube stop.