reported by Ivan Messier, FictionFanatic.com

Turns out, we aren't so scared of spiders after all.

According to a survey of U.S. consumers released today, Spider-man ranks as the most influential super-hero, edging two other heavyweight crime-fighters, Batman and Superman.

While Batman is the best-known super-hero among Americans, Spider-man is tops in terms of appeal, notice, and influence, according to the Davie Brown Celebrity Index (DBI), an independent index for brand marketers and agencies that determines a celebrity's ability to influence brand affinity and consumer purchase intent.

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reported by Sarah C. Drake, FictionFanatic.com

SIGGRAPH 2007 announced the selection of Scott McCloud as the next Featured Speaker at the 34th International Conference and Exhibition on Computer Graphics and Interactive Techniques, 5-9 August 2007 at the San Diego Convention Center in San Diego, California, USA.

McCloud has been writing and drawing comics since 1984. His book "Understanding Comics" was a New York Times notable book for 1994 and is available in 16 languages. His new book, "Making Comics" explores the art and craft of telling stories visually. He is well known throughout many industries. In fact, "Sin City" and "300" creator Frank Miller, called McCloud "just about the smartest guy in comics."

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