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Since we launched this site, one of my favorite pieces, and definitely one of the most popular, has been teacher John Weaver's article on teaching Watchmen to his students. That article drew a terrific response from those who read it. Many were impressed by his thoroughness in presenting the material while others spoke with a hint of jealousy that books like Watchmen weren't taught in school earlier. Those are the kinds of thought-provoking pieces we aim to keep bringing you on GNR --- so I'm glad to say that John has written a follow-up, and it's even more informative. Looking back on the class, John reveals what he's learned, what worked, and what he'll do next time. I hope you find it as helpful as I did --- and that you're impressed by his students' insights into the book. I'm like John: I've read Watchmen so many times over so many years yet am always amazed at the new things I find inside it. Sometimes I feel silly. Sometimes I feel just incredibly happy that I've picked up on something fresh and exciting. And sometimes I'm in awe of the book and its remarkable ability to keep providing material all these decades later.

I just got back from Dublin, and it was one of the best trips of my life. It was my first time there (plus, it was a birthday celebration), and the people there are some of the friendliest people I've ever met. First, I've got to say thanks to Stephen Robson of Fanfare Books for his recommendation of three comics shops to visit while I was in town. That's one of the best things about traveling anywhere: seeing the local book and comics stores. (Thanks also to one of our readers, Tara, for emailing me with comic shop suggestions in Dublin --- they all came in handy.)