Comics (Page 4)
Features
How Daredevil redefined Marvel’s ‘world outside your window’ motto for a darker age
Under writer Ann Nocenti's pen, the importance of Daredevil expanded beyond Marvel Comics as he dealt with contemporary problems in New York City in the mid-to-late-1980s
October 01, 2024
Jules Chin Greene
News
Marvel and DC no longer own the trademark for the term 'super hero' in the US
Following a legal challenge from a UK comic creator, Marvel and DC have seemingly voluntarily surrendered co-ownership of the term 'superhero' in the United States
October 01, 2024
Graeme McMillan
News
The characters of Spider-Man and Mary Jane "are better served" if they remain unmarried, says longtime Marvel editor
With the latest in a series of comments from Marvel editorial about Peter's marriage to Mary Jane, Tom Brevoort responds to a fan that argues a holy union wouldn't diminish Spider-Man comics
September 30, 2024
Grant DeArmitt
News
Simon Pegg was a fan of his unexpected appearance in The Boys comic strip, but DC's lawyers were nervous
The Shaun of the Dead and Star Trek actor found his inspiration flattering, but others, less so
September 26, 2024
Graeme McMillan
News
The Grinch returns! Dr. Seuss's holiday hater turns vacation villain in new kids graphic novel
You're a relaxed one, Mr. Grinch, as webcomic creator Kaeti Vandorn teaches Dr. Seuss's holiday (anti-)hero how to take things easy
September 26, 2024
Graeme McMillan
Features
Terminator writer Declan Shalvey is ditching the sci-fi and lore for the original movie's slasher, thriller, horror roots for the new comic series
How to prepare for Skynet's takeover in Judgment Day, according To Terminator comic writer Declan Shalvey.
September 24, 2024
Chris Arrant
News
Is Batman too violent? DC creators Tom King and Dan Jurgens tackle the thorny subject
The question came up at Baltimore Comic Con 2024, where DC was presenting the 'Batman at 85' panel on September 21, Batman Day
September 24, 2024
Grant DeArmitt
News
Do you like Batman back in trunks? Thank former series writer Tom King
Speaking at Baltimore Comic Con, DC Comics staple and frequent Batman writer Tom King revealed that he requested Gotham's premiere vigilante return to his Bat-trunks
September 23, 2024
Grant DeArmitt
News
Who's to blame for ephemeral deaths in comics? Marvel's executive editor says it's the fans
Death in comics has a tendency to not stick, and according to Marvel's Tom Brevoort, this began when comics changed their sales tactics
September 23, 2024
Grant DeArmitt
News
In Brightest Day, In Friday Night Lights - Kyle Chandler is the DCU's Green Lantern Hal Jordan
Kyle Chandler, 59, will play an aged up version of Hal Jordan, who mentors an as-yet-uncast younger John Stewart in HBO's Lanterns
September 23, 2024
Grant DeArmitt
News
Spider-Man and Mary Jane can't "actually tie the knot" again, says longtime Marvel editor
Marvel's Tom Brevoort commented on Peter Parker and Mary Jane's relationship after being asked a (snarky) question about Spider-Man at Baltimore Comic Con
September 23, 2024
Grant DeArmitt
News
Todd McFarlane is coming to New York Comic Con 2024 for panels, signings, and more!
Todd McFarlane, the man behind Spawn, Venom, and McFarlane Toys will be at the Javits Center October 17 through October 19, and you can meet him
September 23, 2024
Graeme McMillan
Guides
Comic Con Glossary of Terms: All the key lingo you need to navigate an upcoming cosplay, comic book, or anime convention
From Badges to Cosplans to what's the big deal about Hall H, we've got you covered.
September 20, 2024
Trent Cannon
News
My dreams dashed and my hopes are harpooned: Both the DC Versus Marvel Comics Omnibuses have been delayed again
Inside my Lord of the Comics style quest to take the DC Versus Marvel Omnibuses to NYCC 2024 to get signed
September 20, 2024
Chris Arrant
News
Bruce Wayne's heroic journey begins again in DC's new Batman: Dark Patterns series, from Nightwing writer and Absolute Wonder Woman artist
The earliest days of the Dark Knight's career will be revisited with four unseen cases in Batman: Dark Patterns
September 20, 2024
Graeme McMillan
News
This year, it's time to start a new Christmas tradition - going to your local comic shop for new comics
Marvel has announced plans to have new comics in your stocking this year - but your stocking will be at your local comic shop.
September 20, 2024
Chris Arrant
News
Before his big-screen debut in 2025's Superman, DC is bringing Metamorpho: The Element Man back to comics
Marvel mainstay Al Ewing will be writing the new series, with Steve Lieber taking care of the visuals for Metamorpho's comic book return
September 20, 2024
Graeme McMillan
News
Image Comics' Doll Parts: A Lovesick Tale offers an uneasy, necessary tribute to early 2000s horror
Luana Vecchio follows up her cult 2023 series Lovesick with a new prequel that's a love letter to horror stories from the early 2000s
September 20, 2024
Graeme McMillan
News
Warner Bros. is tired of some elements of the classic Penguin from DC Comics, with some calling him "the Monopoly man"
The Penguin is the star of his own live-action show and the major villain of the new Batman cartoon - but in both, they are taking liberties with who the DC Comics villain is
September 19, 2024
Chris Arrant
News
Batman's former best friend is now Gotham City's top attorney in DC's new Two-Face comic book series
Batman's one-time best friend Harvey Dent has returned to the law in the new Two-Face comic book series launching this December from DC
September 19, 2024
Graeme McMillan
News
This December, it's Avengers vs. X-Men: The Rematch, with the future of the Marvel Universe in the balance
Captain Marvel takes on Cyclops as writer Jed MacKay brings his two super-teams to blow in the latest Avengers/X-Men face-off
September 19, 2024
Graeme McMillan
News
The fate of humanity is at stake in Image Comics' new viral sci-fi thriller Juvenile
The five-issue series Juvenile from Image Comics comes from Spanish filmmaker Jesús Orellana this December
September 19, 2024
Graeme McMillan
Features
What makes Star Trek different than Star Wars or other sci-fi space stories, according to Star Trek's lead editor of the comics Heather Antos
Star Trek isn't about good vs. evil - it's about something bigger.
September 19, 2024
Chris Arrant
News
The Boys co-creator Garth Ennis comes to Image Comics to clean up monster messes with new horror comedy Freddie The Fix
Garth Ennis is teaming with artist Mike Perkins for the one-shot Freddie the Fix, coming from Image this December
September 19, 2024
Graeme McMillan
News
Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman sign up to repair reality itself in DC's new Challengers of the Unknown series
Jack Kirby's classic 1950s team of adventurers Challengers of the Unknown returns with some new members (Superman! Wonder Woman! Batman!) as part of DC's All-In initiative
September 19, 2024
Graeme McMillan
News
Visit Sesame Street via Robocop in Dark Horse's political satire Survival Street: The Radical Left
Sunny day? Not so much in the corporate hellscape that controls the new satirical comic from Dark Horse Comics - and we have an early sneak peek
September 19, 2024
Graeme McMillan
News
Marvel Comics, House of the Dragon, Blumhouse, and SNL added to full New York Comic Con 2024 line-up
The full NYCC 2024 panel schedule has been unveiled.
September 18, 2024
Chris Arrant
News
All the introverted humor (and cats) of the Sarah's Scribbles comic is now available as a game
Your favorite comic to read on your phone, Sarah's Scribbles, has a surprise game out right now.
September 18, 2024
Chris Arrant
News
Humanity blossoms into something... new in BOOM! Studios' In Bloom this December
The new series is co-created by former Wonder Woman writer Michael W. Conrad alongside artist John J. Pearson
September 18, 2024
Graeme McMillan
News
DC expected All-In to be big, but not this big, says Absolute Batman writer
Scott Snyder says that demand for the upcoming DC All-In Special issue has exceeded expectations at the publisher
September 18, 2024
Graeme McMillan
News
Power Rangers pair create a stunning adult sci-fi story of their own in Vicarious (and we have a first look)
The comic book series from Power Rangers veterans Ryan Parrott and Eleonora Carlini launches in October, but we have a sneak peek right now
September 17, 2024
Graeme McMillan
News
Comic stores' secret ingredient is that they're community centers, say publishers
Without even intending to, comic shops are the ideal example of the 'Third Place' that all retail outlets wish they could be, according to leading comic publishers
September 16, 2024
Graeme McMillan
News
COVID left fans wanting the personal touch from their local comic stores
"We always go for a Cheers vibe in our shop," explains one store owner during a recent industry event
September 13, 2024
Graeme McMillan
News
If The Penguin season 2 does happen, Colin Farrell's going to want a wardrobe change
The Batman actor spoke about the hours of makeup he needed to play Oswald Cobblepot - "I never want to put that f—ing suit and that f—ing head on again"
September 12, 2024
Grant DeArmitt
News
DC Studios' James Gunn is coming to NYCC 2024, and he's bringing his Creature Commandos with him
DC is bringing out the big guns - James Gunn, Frank Grillo, David Harbour, Zoe Chao, Sean Gunn, Dean Lorey and Steve Agee - for New York Comic Con 2024.
September 12, 2024
Chris Arrant
News
Prepare for a Long Cold Winter, courtesy of Mad Cave Studios and Italy's finest comic creators
Francesca Perillo and Stefano Cardoselli have a new sci-fi dystopia about a world where air is only available to those who can afford it, and those who want to change that
September 12, 2024
Graeme McMillan
News
The final Venom: The Last Dance trailer reveals Knull as its big bad
Created by Donny Cates and Ryan Stegman in their storied Venom comics run, Venom: The Last Dance's Knull is the creator of symbiotes
September 12, 2024
Grant DeArmitt
Features
Surely it's time to let superheroes be silly again.... what say you, Marvel & DC?
We've had enough modern mythology; can superheroes be over the top dumb fun once more?
September 11, 2024
Graeme McMillan
News
It's official: Josh Brolin will NOT be Green Lantern Hal Jordan in the new DCU
In brightest day, in blackest night; he doesn't want the part, alright?
September 10, 2024
Grant DeArmitt
News
Marvel launches a prequel comic to Disney+'s upcoming animated reboot Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man
The five-part comic book revisits Peter Parker's origins, and launches this December
September 10, 2024
Graeme McMillan
News
16 years after his death, Michael Turner's creator-owned universe finally gets its crossover in Ekos - and we have a first look
Ekos Vol. 1 launches on Kickstarter September 17, but Popverse has a sneak peek of the Michael Turner holofoil covers
September 10, 2024
Grant DeArmitt
News
John Cassaday, a true artist in superhero comics art, dies at age 52
The artist behind Astonishing X-Men and Marvel's Star Wars, and co-creator of Planetary, has died.
September 10, 2024
Chris Arrant
News
Everyone at Marvel hated the Young Avengers idea... until they actually created it
Marvel's Executive Editor talks about the pushback the Young Avengers comic idea received before the widely acclaimed 2005 series by Allan Heinberg and Jimmy Cheung
September 09, 2024
Grant DeArmitt
News
Marvel has "giant-size" plans for the X-Men in 2025 for 50th anniversary of Wolverine-led revamp (but not how you'd expect)
Expect the unexpected for the X-Men in Marvel's "giant-size" format in 2025, according to group editor Tom Brevoort
September 03, 2024
Graeme McMillan
Features
Marvel's X-Men have lost faith in Professor Xavier's dream - all except Rogue, according to Gail Simone
No, it's not because she spends a bunch of time trying to get weird with Gambit. That does happen though
September 01, 2024
Grant DeArmitt
Features
How Marvel & Lucasfilm make Star Wars comics, from an executive editor’s POV
Asked about the possibility of an Acolyte comic (no, there hasn’t been one announced), Marvel’s Tom Brevoort broke down the way comics get made for a Galaxy Far, Far Away
August 29, 2024
Grant DeArmitt
News
Todd McFarlane's Medieval Spawn Kickstarter raises $1.5M in four days
According to one backer, the project reached its $100K goal “in probably about a minute, maybe two”
August 28, 2024
Grant DeArmitt
News
Berserk Vol. 42 release date: The first story following the death of Kentaro Miura is finally coming to America
The latest volume of Berserk, the inspiration for the popular anime of the same name, is the first since the death of its creator, Kentaro Miura.
August 24, 2024
Grant DeArmitt
News
DC's barbaric Batman makeover gets a last-minute delay
Batman the Barbarian, from DC's Elseworlds line, is pulled from the release schedule a month ahead of its original due date
August 23, 2024
Graeme McMillan
Features
Marvel once planned to retcon the Hulk's origin to include Skrulls and a space laser - until they retconned the retcon
Hulk's origin was almost like an an episode of Ancient Aliens.
August 23, 2024
Chris Arrant
News
Does the MCU Multiverse include Marvel Comics' 616 universe? It does, and Deadpool & Wolverine almost went there
LFG to the Marvel Comics Universe
August 23, 2024
Chris Arrant
News
Marvel is introducing a new Venom who's NOT Eddie or Dylan Brock, but is someone we've met before
All-New Venom puts Dylan in the role of detective as he investigates the symbiote's new mystery host. On his list of suspects: New York Mayor Luke Cage.
August 22, 2024
Grant DeArmitt
News
Former Boom! Studios and IDW execs create new comic book publisher with Scott Pilgrim and Extraction producer
Filip Sablik and Jamie S. Rich are two of the prime movers behind the new, currently unnamed, company
August 20, 2024
Graeme McMillan
News
James Tynion IV & Michael Dialynas' fantasy series WYND returns this fall for a finale
Tynion and artist Michael Dialynas are reteaming for The Power of the Blood, as war erupts between humanity, faeriekind, and vampires...
August 20, 2024
Graeme McMillan
News
Comics' fastest growing publisher is entering into manga with Mad Cave Studios' Nakama Press
The new manga imprint is rooted in comics that are "transcending cultural boundaries," according to the publisher
August 20, 2024
Graeme McMillan
Guides
Who is Marvel Comics' Diamondback? Everything you need to know about Captain America's iconic enemy and love interest
The character is notoriously bad at picking a side.
August 16, 2024
Trent Cannon
News
Iron Man and X-Men writer Gerry Duggan is releasing his "visual autobiography" of his comics life (and comics friends) with Image Comics
Duggan's portraits of colleagues and friends including Stan Lee, Patton Oswalt, Sarah Silverman, Todd McFarlane, and many more are contained in the new softcover collection, out in November
August 16, 2024
Graeme McMillan
News
Batman goes All In for DC's comic book relaunch - see what awaits the Dark Knight for the rest of 2024 right here
We have an exclusive look at covers and advance information for DC's Batman from October through December 2024, as the title launches into the DC All In era
August 15, 2024
Graeme McMillan
News
Cassandra Cain is back in DC's new Batgirl comic book series for All In
DC's All In initiative expands as Cassandra Cain is forced to team up with her mother if she wants to survive her new martial arts explosion of a comic book series
August 15, 2024
Graeme McMillan
News
DC is giving the (weekly!) gift of Batman this holiday season, with Santa Claus along for the ride
Writer Jeff Parker and artist Lukas Ketner bring Santa back to the naughtiest place on Earth (that's Gotham City!) starting this November
August 15, 2024
Grant DeArmitt
News
And the winners for the 2024 Harvey Awards are...
As if you needed a reason to read more comics, here are the best comics of the past 12 months in the Harvey Awards winners
August 14, 2024
Chris Arrant
News
Black Canary gets into the ring against DC's biggest, baddest fighters - including Batman and her own mother
Is Dinah Lance the best hand-to-hand combatant in the DCU? New 6-issue miniseres Black Canary: Best of the Best intends to answer
August 14, 2024
Grant DeArmitt
Features
Aquaman director James Wan is returning to the water to reboot the Creature from the Black Lagoon... but is there an undead DC project haunting this project?
This isn't the first time the Conjuring creator was developing a fishman-focused flick
August 13, 2024
Grant DeArmitt
Features
Why does Marvel relaunch comics so often? It's "the best way" to get new readers and make money, says exec
In his latest substack post, Tom Brevoort explained Marvel's frequent (and sometimes controversial) choice to start their titles over with new #1s
August 12, 2024
Grant DeArmitt
News
Valiant's flagship hero X-O Manowar returns in new one-shot tying into Resurgence event
Written by Fred van Lente and drawn by Jesus Barrios, the new X-O Manowar sees Aric lose the alien armor that empowers him
August 12, 2024
Grant DeArmitt
Features
Uncanny X-Men's Gail Simone talks Outliers, Endlings, and Southern Gothic Horror for Marvel's mutants
The second X-Men title of the From the Ashes reboot is out now, and Popverse sat down with its architect
August 08, 2024
Grant DeArmitt
Guides
What is coming for Jinwoo and his friends? Solo Leveling manga ending explained
There is a lot of grinding ahead for the hero.
August 08, 2024
Trent Cannon
Guides
DC's Watchmen ending explained: Inside the original comic book and how it compares to the movie's finale
Giant space squids are hard to show on film, to be honest - even for the Watchmen.
August 07, 2024
Trent Cannon
News
Marvel enlists the Notorious B.I.G. to squash Deadpool & Wolverine's beef
The Notorious B.I.G. is back for another limited-edition variant cover for Marvel Comics
August 06, 2024
Jules Chin Greene
News
Jeff Lemire spreads his Tarot-themed comic Minor Arcana from BOOM! Studios out for you in exclusive first look
Mystery and mysticism are in the cards as the Sweet Tooth creator and Something is Killing the Children publisher team up... and Popverse has a first look into their future
August 06, 2024
Grant DeArmitt
Guides
Who is Marvel's The Serpent Society? The history of these snake-themed foes of Captain America in Brave New World
Marvel's Serpent Society is ready to bear their fangs.
August 06, 2024
Trent Cannon
Features
The Spider-Man story that could've been "a horror show" if one editor hadn't put his foot down
Tom Brevoort recently revealed that Spider-Man: The Final Adventure could've gone very, very differently
August 05, 2024
Grant DeArmitt
News
Colin Kaepernick wants to help people make comics - by eliminating the people who actually make comics, using AI
Before launching Lumi, a company that "leverages advanced AI technology" to make comics, Kaepernick was made aware of comic artists' misgivings
August 02, 2024
Grant DeArmitt
News
Marvel Studios' Daredevil actor Charlie Cox reveals the comics he reads before every season of the MCU show
Fame is awesome until it stops you from reading Daredevil comics
July 31, 2024
Joshua Lapin-Bertone
Guides
Who is Galactus? The long history of the planet-devouring Marvel villain, explained
No figure looms larger across the MCU - and he's going to arrive on screens in summer 2025
July 30, 2024
Trent Cannon
Guides
Who is Sidewinder? Here is everything you need to know about Giancarlo Esposito's MCU character in Captain Amercia: Brave New World
The rise of the Serpent Society is nigh!
July 30, 2024
Trent Cannon
Guides
Who are the Thunderbolts? Find out the history of Marvel's anti-hero team-up
Sometimes you gotta send a bad guy to do some good
July 30, 2024
Trent Cannon
News
Keanu Reeves' original pitch for Boom! Studios' hit BRZRKR was the next step from The Matrix and John Wick
Keanu Reeves wanted BRZRKR to be the evolution of his previous iconic roles
July 30, 2024
Graeme McMillan
News
When Grumpy Bear became too grumpy for Care Bears' owners
Care Bears: Unlock the Magic unlocked an even grumpier side of Grumpy Bear - a side its owners had to lock back up
July 29, 2024
Chris Arrant
Guides
Who is Doctor Doom? The long history of Robert Downey Jr.s latest MCU role explained
Prepare for doom!
July 28, 2024
Trent Cannon
News
Fan-favorite X-Men character Psylocke to headline solo title from Marvel starting this fall
Written by Alyssa Wong with art by Vincenzo Carratù, the series stars the second mutant to take up the Psylocke mantle. (Sorry, Betsy Braddock fans!)
July 27, 2024
Grant DeArmitt
News
Soon you can get a Justice League membership card as part of DC's 'All In' initiative
A Justice League membership card could soon be yours
July 27, 2024
Chris Arrant
News
Marvel promises One World Under (Doctor) Doom! in the post-Blood Hunt comic book universe
Victor Von Doom gains ultimate power in a post-vampire reality, according to a San Diego Comic-Con 2024 tease
July 27, 2024
Graeme McMillan
News
After his MCU debut, Marvel's Dogpool is getting his own comic (and introducing Catpool and Mousepool!)
Merc's best friend Dogpool is going bigtime, thanks to subscription service Marvel Unlimited
July 27, 2024
Chris Arrant
News
Marvel's Ultimate Universe gets a halftime reset this December, with a One Year In special release
The writer of The Ultimates will shape the next 12 months of the Ultimate Universe as the Maker's allies move against the newly emerged Spider-Man, Captain America, Iron Man, and more
July 27, 2024
Graeme McMillan
News
Marvel is bringing back the West Coast Avengers, starring Iron Man, War Machine and... Ultron as a good guy?
Written by Gerry Duggan with art by Danny Kim, the new West Coast Avengers comic will feature one of the most surprising lineups in Marvel history
July 27, 2024
Grant DeArmitt
News
Spider-Gwen (sorry, Ghost-Spider) headlines a new TVA comic book from Marvel Studios' Loki writer
Gwen Stacy is teaming up with other reality-displaced heroes for a new series written by one of the people behind Loki Season 2
July 26, 2024
Graeme McMillan
News
Marvel reveals big changes are coming to the Fantastic Four in 2025
After a mysterious tease at the Diamond Comics Distributors lunch at San Diego Comic Con, we four-see (ha!) big things in the future
July 26, 2024
Chris Arrant
News
Get ready to meet Marvel's all-new Spider-Girl, spinning out of the web of Spider-Boy!
The new hero will debut in the 12th issue of the current Spider-Boy series by Dan Slott and Paco Medina
July 26, 2024
Grant DeArmitt
News
Marvel is killing Deadpool and replacing him with his daughter
Just as Deadpool makes his MCU debut in Deadpool & Wolverine, he's being replaced in Marvel's comics
July 26, 2024
Chris Arrant
Features
Did Absolute Superman writer Jason Aaron just drop a big, spoiler-y clue about DC's big All In storyline?
Things aren't going well for Absolute Superman in the upcoming new series - but is that unfortunate circumstance, or something more sinister and planned?
July 26, 2024
Graeme McMillan
Features
Deadpool and Wolverine's surprise SDCC screening was a hit... but it wasn't the first time a Hall H panel ended in a surprise full movie for fans
More than a decade before Marvel Studios shared Deadpool and Wolverine with fans, Edgar Wright surprised Hall H with a preview of Scott Pilgrim vs. the World... weeks before the movie's official release
July 26, 2024
Graeme McMillan
News
Discover the appeal of "all natural" comic books in mystery video from Idaho's #1 Comic Book Company
What is Idaho's #1 Comic Book Company, and why is it boasting about all natural comic books?
July 25, 2024
Graeme McMillan
News
Batman, Wonder Woman and Superman are getting coins from the US Mint - and your favorite DC hero could be next
A near infinite number of heroic options and Barry Allen still makes the list?
July 24, 2024
Trent Cannon
News
Def Leppard is bringing its hit album Hysteria to comics (and we have an exclusive look at the accompanying merchandise to boot!)
The classic 1987 album Hysteria by Def Leppard is the birthplace for a new graphic novel (and musical!) project coming in spring 2025 about the most dangerous guitar in the world.
July 23, 2024
Graeme McMillan
News
Who is the greatest ninja in comics? Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles x Naruto could finally settle that debate
Yes, its a weird idea but we honestly think it will work.
July 23, 2024
Trent Cannon
News
Watch the future of Marvel's X-Men get revealed during the From The Ashes panel at San Diego Comic-Con 2024 - live!
Writers of Uncanny X-Men, X-Force, NYX, and Mystique will reveal mysteries of Marvel's future X-Men comics during this Saturday San Diego Comic-Con 2024 panel, and you can watch it happen live
July 22, 2024
Joshua Lapin-Bertone
News
The hit webtoon Under the Oak Tree returns with a new prequel novel
White Dragon, a story from the vantage of Remdragon Knight Ursuline Ricaydo, is the first return to Wedon since season 3 of Under the Oak Tree ended
July 22, 2024
Grant DeArmitt
News
Follow along to DC's Multiverse panel for Absolute, All In, and more news live from SDCC 2024!
With everything happening for Superman, the Titans, Green Lantern, and the many other heroes of the DC Multiverse, it's only fitting they get a San Diego Comic-Con 2024 panel to tease future developments - and you can follow along as it happens
July 20, 2024
Tiffany Babb
News
Marvel's Next Big Thing is being unveiled at San Diego Comic-Con 2024, and we'll share it with you live!
After the events of Blood Hunt, where is Marvel's comic book universe going next? Secrets will be revealed in this all-star panel from San Diego Comic-Con 2024
July 20, 2024
Graeme McMillan