John Hansen

The Crow City of Angels

‘Crow: City of Angels’ (1996) has style, no originality

Superhero Saturday (Movie review): This sequel to the cult favorite comic-book flick is another entry full of delicious style, but it’s short on originality.

‘Virus’ (1999) is derivative but endearing

Frightening Friday (Movie review): This derivative but endearing science fiction actioner blends “The Thing” with Skynet.

Back to the Future Part II

‘Back to the Future Part II’ (1989) unfortunately drops the comedy

Throwback Thursday (Movie review): The sequel is brilliantly plotted, but the shortage of comedy makes for a grimmer experience.

Solar Lottery

PKD’s ‘Solar Lottery’ (1955) a messy, fascinating SF debut

PKD flashback (Book review): It’s fun to see early examples of simulacra and telepaths, but “Solar Lottery” is overly complex.

Firefly Leaves on the Wind

Post-‘Serenity’ story ramps up with ‘Leaves on the Wind’ (2014)

‘Firefly’ flashback (Comic book review): The post-movie story kicks into high gear with this six-issue series from Zack Whedon.

Batman Mask of the Phantasm

‘Mask of the Phantasm’ (1993) reveals Batman’s lost love

Superhero Saturday (Movie review): Although it only made a blip at the box office, this film has become highly regarded among Bat-fans.

Friday the 13th Part VII The New Blood

‘Friday the 13th Part VII: The New Blood’ (1988) goes supernatural

Frightening Friday (Movie review): The franchise embraces the supernatural in this seventh film, a rare entry with a decent lead performer.

Back to the Future

‘Back to the Future’ (1985) a nostalgic classic about nostalgia

Throwback Thursday (Movie review): One of the most perfect films of the 1980s, “Back to the Future” is a nostalgic — and funny — classic about nostalgia.

The World Jones Made

‘The World Jones Made’ (1956) examines absurdity of laws

PKD flashback (Book review): One of Dick’s most polished 1950s novels chronicles the rise and fall of a powerful precog.

Buffy Angel comics list

The top 25 ‘Buffy’ and ‘Angel’ comic book arcs

Comic book list: From Dark Horse to IDW, John scours the long boxes to find his 25 favorite “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Angel” comic book arcs.