Jennifer DeRoss (JD)'s Avatar

Jennifer DeRoss (JD)

@jenniferdeross.bsky.social

I am a genderqueer, poly parent and community college STEP coach. I also wrote Forgotten All-Star: A Biography of Gardner Fox! My next big project is a biography for Jerry Bails, who is often referred to as the father of comic book fandom.

3,866 Followers  |  1,040 Following  |  1,266 Posts  |  Joined: 07.08.2023
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Posts by Jennifer DeRoss (JD) (@jenniferdeross.bsky.social)

Please share this far and wide, so we have enough readership to continue doing this monthly.

05.03.2026 15:43 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 5    ๐Ÿ” 6    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
The Green Lantern, Ch'p, in a spider plant.

The Green Lantern, Ch'p, in a spider plant.

The squirrel is one of the best ones.

05.03.2026 05:37 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 14    ๐Ÿ” 1    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
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Miss Shiera "Hawkgirl" Sanders from JSA (2024) #16, art by Gavin Guidry and Luis Guerrero.

As she was DC's first masked female hero it's always good to see her kick a lot of ass, especially since her appearances in modern comics are virtually nonexistent.

05.03.2026 00:26 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 59    ๐Ÿ” 7    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 2    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
The Green Lantern, Ch'p, in a spider plant.

The Green Lantern, Ch'p, in a spider plant.

The squirrel is one of the best ones.

05.03.2026 05:37 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 14    ๐Ÿ” 1    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0

Artists! I am looking for a Jewish illustrator for a middle-grade project focusing on Jewish history, practice, and culture. If your style feels fun, MG-appropriate, and both editorial & narrative, please drop a link or DM! (And editor & agent friends, if you have someone to rec, it's appreciated!)

03.03.2026 22:08 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 137    ๐Ÿ” 155    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 23    ๐Ÿ“Œ 2

Why can't we go back to the good old days when Jay Garrick existed as a comic book character on Earth-1 despite being a real person on Earth-2 because Gardner Fox apparently has the power to see other universes and used that to make comic books?

16.02.2026 17:00 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 2    ๐Ÿ” 1    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
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RIP legendary colorist Tatjana Wood.

You know her work, whether you realize it or not. An important talent. Having just stumbled through a rudimentary coloring job, her astonishing work only increases in my eyes.

27.02.2026 23:15 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 209    ๐Ÿ” 59    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 4    ๐Ÿ“Œ 5

She found her. โค๏ธ

22.02.2026 00:48 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 1156    ๐Ÿ” 249    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 7    ๐Ÿ“Œ 3
1) If you are feeling worried this week, please remember to be patient with yourself. One way to manage is to focus on the present. Take note of what is in your control. What is one action you can take that your future self will thank you for? By finding your agency in the present, you should be able to break those patterns that can keep you trapped in the overwhelm and help you focus on finding those steps that will help you find your way through. 

If you find yourself stuck, one strategy might be to schedule some designated worry time.


Block off 20 minutes.
Brainstorm a list of things that you are worried about.
Circle whatever you can actually do something about.
Create a concrete plan to address at least one of these worries in the near future.


Often, there are far fewer things to stress about than what it seems like there is when letting everything swirl around in our minds. And taking action in relation to just one stressor can make everything else seem more manageable.

1) If you are feeling worried this week, please remember to be patient with yourself. One way to manage is to focus on the present. Take note of what is in your control. What is one action you can take that your future self will thank you for? By finding your agency in the present, you should be able to break those patterns that can keep you trapped in the overwhelm and help you focus on finding those steps that will help you find your way through. If you find yourself stuck, one strategy might be to schedule some designated worry time. Block off 20 minutes. Brainstorm a list of things that you are worried about. Circle whatever you can actually do something about. Create a concrete plan to address at least one of these worries in the near future. Often, there are far fewer things to stress about than what it seems like there is when letting everything swirl around in our minds. And taking action in relation to just one stressor can make everything else seem more manageable.

Week Seven Reminders and Resources email sent out to our Career Pathways students

21.02.2026 21:45 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 2    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
A black and white photo of Marston

A black and white photo of Marston

A drawing of Wonder Woman breaking the chains of prejudice, prudery, and manโ€™s superiority.

A drawing of Wonder Woman breaking the chains of prejudice, prudery, and manโ€™s superiority.

Today is the birthday of psychologist & attorney Elizabeth Holloway Marston (Feb. 20, 1893-March 27, 1993). She was the legally recognized spouse of Wonder Woman creator, William Moulton Marston. Along with Olive Byrne (the 3rd in their relationship), she inspired & helped to develop Wonder Woman.

20.02.2026 16:31 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 187    ๐Ÿ” 50    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 4    ๐Ÿ“Œ 1

I was surprised by how much I enjoyed that one!

21.02.2026 01:35 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 1    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
Green Lantern duels a criminal, who shoots at him โ€œcount these Green Lantern!โ€ Hal turns the bullets into numbers so he can count them, then gives him a five knuckle sandwich. By Gardner Fox and Gil Kane

Green Lantern duels a criminal, who shoots at him โ€œcount these Green Lantern!โ€ Hal turns the bullets into numbers so he can count them, then gives him a five knuckle sandwich. By Gardner Fox and Gil Kane

Excellent bit of business

06.02.2026 21:18 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 9    ๐Ÿ” 2    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 1    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
Cover shows one of the titular Kims about to light a cigarette 

Magdalene Visaggio (Author), Eva Cabrera (Artist, Penciller, Inker), Claudia Aguirre (Artist, Colorist), Tess Fowler (Artist), Matt Wilson (Artist)

Cover shows one of the titular Kims about to light a cigarette Magdalene Visaggio (Author), Eva Cabrera (Artist, Penciller, Inker), Claudia Aguirre (Artist, Colorist), Tess Fowler (Artist), Matt Wilson (Artist)

"The most grounding aspect of all is the friendship between the fighting Kims. Their love is so clear and, even when they are having issues, each of them knows the other enough to understand the situation and be empathetic towards each other."

Review of Kim and Kim: Love is a Battlefield Volume 2

21.02.2026 01:19 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 13    ๐Ÿ” 2    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 1    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0

Gorgeous! I want to put it on my wall and cover all the sparkles with glitter!!

19.02.2026 21:21 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 2    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 1    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
Cudley the Cowlick spitting the turtles out into what looks like a spaceship on the card:

Transdimensional Bovine {2}{G}

Creature โ€” Ox Avatar

Flying

{T}: Add two mana of any one color.

"The nature of a giant, disembodied cyborg cow head that travels through time and space raises countless questions. But Cudley doesnโ€™t like talking with his mouth full."

0/4

Illustrated by Lius Lasahido

Cudley the Cowlick spitting the turtles out into what looks like a spaceship on the card: Transdimensional Bovine {2}{G} Creature โ€” Ox Avatar Flying {T}: Add two mana of any one color. "The nature of a giant, disembodied cyborg cow head that travels through time and space raises countless questions. But Cudley doesnโ€™t like talking with his mouth full." 0/4 Illustrated by Lius Lasahido

I'm relieved I've become less interested in #MTGxTMNT the more I've seen of it. Even thinking more about the Cudley card, why doesn't it blink??

My youngest asked me if we could draft Lorwyn Eclipsed again to celebrate the end of the school year. I think we will just stay in Lorwyn all year.

19.02.2026 16:17 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 1    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0

TCC's last video nailed it when he said TMNT equates to an action figure set. I admit I am tempted (that Cudley card really hit me right in the nostalgia), but I can't imagine playing those cards anywhere. And I haven't even gotten all my Lorwyn Eclipsed singes yet!! Cowabummer indeed!

18.02.2026 19:18 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 2    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 1    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0

"Funny animal comics" is a genre of comics featuring anthropomorphized animals; whereas, "animal comics" is a genre of comics featuring non-anthropomorphized, regular animals. ๐Ÿ˜

15.02.2026 22:49 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 1    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 1    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
ALL-AMERICAN COMICS No. 86
Above: Cover art, Irwin Hasen, June 1947.

"Since character development was the last thing to happen during the Golden Age, readers could count on their pick in heroes to act consistently toward the opposite sex.... The closest Alan Scott ever got to a woman was on the dance floor, and half the time, the lady was left stranded while Alan was putting in an appearance as Green Lantern." โ€” Jerry Bails

ALL-AMERICAN COMICS No. 86 Above: Cover art, Irwin Hasen, June 1947. "Since character development was the last thing to happen during the Golden Age, readers could count on their pick in heroes to act consistently toward the opposite sex.... The closest Alan Scott ever got to a woman was on the dance floor, and half the time, the lady was left stranded while Alan was putting in an appearance as Green Lantern." โ€” Jerry Bails

For the individual on your shopping list who has everything, consider a gift subscription to the Crime of the Month Club!

03.12.2025 19:02 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 12    ๐Ÿ” 1    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 1    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
The Star Magicians, by Lin Carter. Cover by Jack Gaughan. Itโ€™s an Ace Double published in 1966. This is yellowed with age but otherwise is a pristine copy โ€“ well, until I dropped it whilst opening the plastic sleeve it was in. Seriously, I donโ€™t think itโ€™s ever been read. Kind of sad, really.

Endless Shadow by John Brunner. Cover by Ed Valigursky.

The Star Magicians, by Lin Carter. Cover by Jack Gaughan. Itโ€™s an Ace Double published in 1966. This is yellowed with age but otherwise is a pristine copy โ€“ well, until I dropped it whilst opening the plastic sleeve it was in. Seriously, I donโ€™t think itโ€™s ever been read. Kind of sad, really. Endless Shadow by John Brunner. Cover by Ed Valigursky.

The Off-Worlders by John Baxter. Cover by Kelly Freas.
Endless Shadow by John Brunner. Cover by Ed Valigursky.
Published in 1964.

The Off-Worlders by John Baxter. Cover by Kelly Freas. Endless Shadow by John Brunner. Cover by Ed Valigursky. Published in 1964.

Day off for chores; Paperwork, Smogcheck, car repair, groceries, laundry. Hit used bookstore while waiting and bought cheap AceDoubleNovels. Always in for a Gardner Fox story even tho iโ€™ve already got a couple sitting unread bedside. But I canโ€™t walk away from a bargain when the covers are so rad.

05.02.2026 21:18 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 13    ๐Ÿ” 3    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 1    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
In other words, โ€œfunny animal comicsโ€ form a distinct category of comics that does not fit within the subcategory of "animal comics." Further, a combining of such categories risks watering down what Daniel Yezbick describes as โ€œone of the comics industryโ€™s most familiar and malleable traditionsโ€ (2012). 


Yezbick, D. (2012) โ€œFunny Animals: Whimsy and Worry in the World of Animal Narrativesโ€ in Beaty, B. and Weiner, S. (eds.) Critical Survey of Graphic Novels: History, Theme, and Technique. Amenia: Salem Press, 211โ€“215.

In other words, โ€œfunny animal comicsโ€ form a distinct category of comics that does not fit within the subcategory of "animal comics." Further, a combining of such categories risks watering down what Daniel Yezbick describes as โ€œone of the comics industryโ€™s most familiar and malleable traditionsโ€ (2012). Yezbick, D. (2012) โ€œFunny Animals: Whimsy and Worry in the World of Animal Narrativesโ€ in Beaty, B. and Weiner, S. (eds.) Critical Survey of Graphic Novels: History, Theme, and Technique. Amenia: Salem Press, 211โ€“215.

Email to genreform@loc.gov regarding theย March 2025 Library of Congress Genre/Form Terms Tentative List, which includes a proposal to delete the authority record for "funny animal comics" and merge it with "animal comics." Open through February 20th, 2026.

15.02.2026 20:16 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 0    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 2    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
Preview
Countering the Gaze: The Liberatory Potential of Bitch Planetโ€™s Exploitation Aesthetic Making use of the naturalized male gaze to challenge its reductive results and explore questions raised by our Bitch Planet Round Table.

"This is a powerful reversal of the pattern seen in the masturbation scene, as each square tile that comes off the wall serves to free her powerful body from his limited view of her as made up of the individual pieces."

"Countering the Gaze..." themiddlespaces.com/2018/05/08/c...

15.02.2026 18:47 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 1    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 1    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0

"Byrne, with her thick bangles and the influence of her aunt,ย Margaret Sanger, was also a primary inspiration for Wonder Woman. As was the work Marston did with their other nesting partner,ย Elizabeth Holloway."

Current blog post I am working on.

14.02.2026 23:55 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 4    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 1    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0

Your crush quickly became my crush! ๐Ÿ˜‚

13.02.2026 02:36 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 1    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
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My new Olympic crush... gold medal winning ice skater Amber Glenn. She is a true geek at heart (a Magic, the Gathering fan) and loves to perform on ice as comic book character "Harley Quinn". Darn tootin'! #IceStaking #Olympics #Olympics2026 #AmberGlenn #comics #comicbooks #dccomics #HarleyQuinn

11.02.2026 18:39 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 16    ๐Ÿ” 2    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 2    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
Twisted Romance #4 
Alex de Campi (Author), Sarah Winifred Searle (Author), Naomi Salman (Author), Trungles (Cover Art, Artist), Alejandra Gutiรฉrrez (Artist)

Twisted Romance #4 Alex de Campi (Author), Sarah Winifred Searle (Author), Naomi Salman (Author), Trungles (Cover Art, Artist), Alejandra Gutiรฉrrez (Artist)

"This is one of those times where a single story in an anthology series makes the whole issue worth buying."

Referring to "Treasured" by Trung Le Nguyen (Trungles) in a review of Twisted Romance #4

10.02.2026 16:17 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 3    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 1    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
5) Whether we are talking about midterms, current events, or life in general, this is a stressful time for a lot of people. You might even be feeling the physical effects right now. Interestingly, according to new research, that might not be an inherently bad thing. According to Psychologist Kelly McGonigal, we should be trying to focus on the positive impacts stress can have on us. 

Among other benefits, the stress response can help you:
Focus your attention 
Increase motivation 
Foster social connection 
Dampen fear and increase courage 
Help the brain learn and grow

In other words, if you are feeling stressed, this is a good time to reach out to those around you and support each other through these times of difficulty knowing it will make you stronger together. ๐Ÿ’ช

If you want to learn more about this research, we recommend McGonigalโ€™s Ted Talk โ€œHow to make Stress Your Friend.โ€

5) Whether we are talking about midterms, current events, or life in general, this is a stressful time for a lot of people. You might even be feeling the physical effects right now. Interestingly, according to new research, that might not be an inherently bad thing. According to Psychologist Kelly McGonigal, we should be trying to focus on the positive impacts stress can have on us. Among other benefits, the stress response can help you: Focus your attention Increase motivation Foster social connection Dampen fear and increase courage Help the brain learn and grow In other words, if you are feeling stressed, this is a good time to reach out to those around you and support each other through these times of difficulty knowing it will make you stronger together. ๐Ÿ’ช If you want to learn more about this research, we recommend McGonigalโ€™s Ted Talk โ€œHow to make Stress Your Friend.โ€

โ€œWeek Five Reminders and Resourcesโ€ email I sent out to all our Career Pathways students

09.02.2026 18:40 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 1    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 1    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
A black and white photo of Finger

A black and white photo of Finger

The covers to the first appearances of Batman, Robin, and Green Lantern, and the splash page to the first appearance of Wildcat.

The covers to the first appearances of Batman, Robin, and Green Lantern, and the splash page to the first appearance of Wildcat.

Today is the birthday of writer Bill Finger (Feb. 8, 1914-Jan. 18, 1974), who took Bob Kaneโ€™s initial idea & developed it into the Batman we know today. He also wrote the first appearance of the original Green Lantern, and cocreated Robin, the Joker, Catwoman, Lana Lang, Wildcat, Riddler, & more.

08.02.2026 14:28 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 494    ๐Ÿ” 193    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 9    ๐Ÿ“Œ 13
a panel from Justice League of America #51, written by Gardner Fox and drawn by Mike Sekowsky with Sid Greene. Zatanna hugs Hal Jordan and Batman affectionately and declares, โ€œbut you did, darlingsโ€”all five of you! And I think you so much!โ€

a panel from Justice League of America #51, written by Gardner Fox and drawn by Mike Sekowsky with Sid Greene. Zatanna hugs Hal Jordan and Batman affectionately and declares, โ€œbut you did, darlingsโ€”all five of you! And I think you so much!โ€

๐ŸŽฉ๐Ÿช„๐Ÿ’›

21.01.2026 03:34 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 12    ๐Ÿ” 3    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
The story features ten women jammed together in a dingy, foul-smelling loft located in the factory district, working fourteen hours a day six days a week with โ€œdangerously obsolete sewing machines.โ€ Dangerous they are. When one of the machines literally shatters and damages a seamstressโ€™s hand badly enough that she can no longer do her sewing work, her โ€œemployerโ€ becomes outraged. He even takes the price of repairs out of her salary, which is only six dollars a week. Even worse, instead of taking her to the hospital, he sends her to the โ€œscrap boxโ€ to sort out bits of thread that had been thrown there for re-use. The broken woman quickly snaps, and he kicks her out for it. Things get worse from there, and this causes the other women to finally rise up against his cruelty. The fiery ending, presumedly caused by one of the malfunctioning sewing machines, is gruesome even for Craig, but the revenge the girls get is quite apt and satisfying.

The story features ten women jammed together in a dingy, foul-smelling loft located in the factory district, working fourteen hours a day six days a week with โ€œdangerously obsolete sewing machines.โ€ Dangerous they are. When one of the machines literally shatters and damages a seamstressโ€™s hand badly enough that she can no longer do her sewing work, her โ€œemployerโ€ becomes outraged. He even takes the price of repairs out of her salary, which is only six dollars a week. Even worse, instead of taking her to the hospital, he sends her to the โ€œscrap boxโ€ to sort out bits of thread that had been thrown there for re-use. The broken woman quickly snaps, and he kicks her out for it. Things get worse from there, and this causes the other women to finally rise up against his cruelty. The fiery ending, presumedly caused by one of the malfunctioning sewing machines, is gruesome even for Craig, but the revenge the girls get is quite apt and satisfying.

"A Stitch in Time!" The Vault of Horror!

Script: Johnny Craig 
Pencils: Johnny Craig 
Inks: Johnny Craig 
Colors: Marie Severin
Letters: Jim Wroten

"A Stitch in Time!" The Vault of Horror! Script: Johnny Craig Pencils: Johnny Craig Inks: Johnny Craig Colors: Marie Severin Letters: Jim Wroten

By far, my most read blog post: A Spotlight on Johnny Craig

comicfanjennifer.wordpress.com/2017/10/31/a...

08.02.2026 22:05 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 4    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 1    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
A black and white photo of Baker

A black and white photo of Baker

Four covers by Baker: Cinderella Love #25, Amazing Ghost Stories #14, Canteen Kate #1, and Wartime Romances #9.

Four covers by Baker: Cinderella Love #25, Amazing Ghost Stories #14, Canteen Kate #1, and Wartime Romances #9.

Artist Matt Baker (Dec. 10, 1921 - Aug. 11, 1959). Active in the Golden Age, he is most remembered for his amazing covers & beautiful women. Tragically, he died of a heart attack at the young age of 37. #BlackHistoryMonth

07.02.2026 19:47 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 317    ๐Ÿ” 86    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 5    ๐Ÿ“Œ 5