Tony Keen
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tonykeen58.bsky.social
Tony Keen
@tonykeen58.bsky.social
1.4K followers 930 following 1.8K posts
Teacher/academic/classicist/critic/reviewer/sf fan. Writes on classical reception & popular culture, comics, & Doctor Who. Available for talks. UK. He/him. Professor!
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Reposted by Tony Keen
sandagnguide.bsky.social
5 Captain America graphic novels reviewed today and we like Home of the Brave by Mark Waid and Chris Samnee best. "Waid and Samnee’s classic storytelling returns Captain America to his roots as a super soldier enlisted in the fight against fascism".

theslingsandarrows.com/captain-amer...
December 17, 2025 at 8:29 AM
Reposted by Tony Keen
sandagnguide.bsky.social
"Viscerally disturbing and definitely adult in nature, but also in the best dramatic definition of the term". We've just reviewed @kamigarcia.bsky.social Joker/Harley with stunning art from Jason Badower, Mike Mayhew and Mico Suayan.

theslingsandarrows.com/joker-harley...
December 18, 2025 at 9:00 AM
Reposted by Tony Keen
johnfreeman.bsky.social
It’s been a while since we last gave the brilliant FANSCENE archive project a plug, so let’s have a shout out for some recent editions to this growing archive of hard-to-find British comic zines!

https://downthetubes.net/speakeasy-archive-grows-on-the-fanscene-archive/
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December 17, 2025 at 10:00 AM
Reposted by Tony Keen
sandagnguide.bsky.social
In the late 1990s Tangent Comics reimagined the DC characters, retaining the names but creating very different heroes. We look at all five volumes starring that cast.
theslingsandarrows.com/tangent-comi...
December 15, 2025 at 7:53 AM
tonykeen58.bsky.social
Hit the North!
adamroberts.bsky.social Adam Roberts @adamroberts.bsky.social · 7d
The Wonderful and Frightening World Of ...
Headline: "Oxford appoints Professor Mark E Smith as next Pro Vice Chancellor"
December 13, 2025 at 9:16 PM
tonykeen58.bsky.social
Of course, the cross-party consensus is trans people are trash, and we must stop them existing. www.theguardian.com/world/2025/d...
Wes Streeting calls for ‘cross-party consensus’ on gender identity ahead of puberty blocker trial
Health secretary wrote to Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, urging her to ‘take heat and ideology’ out of debate
www.theguardian.com
December 13, 2025 at 6:46 PM
Reposted by Tony Keen
hazelsouthwell.bsky.social
Does anyone want bar work in central Hackney? My friend really needs good staff at The Globe, just off Mare Street/near Hackney Central station
December 13, 2025 at 11:45 AM
Reposted by Tony Keen
sandagnguide.bsky.social
Today we review two books by @simonelia.bsky.social about Fluffy, the self-aware rabbit. "An absorbing hour or two in the company of a funny, frustrating and very human protagonist who wants what we all want". @jonathancape.bsky.social

theslingsandarrows.com/how-to-make-...
December 12, 2025 at 8:10 AM
Reposted by Tony Keen
sandagnguide.bsky.social
We like the Quick & Easy guides from @oni-press.bsky.social imprint Limerance, and the Guide to Relationships is now out by @mariahrosemarie.bsky.social, which concerns all sorts of relationships an individual has with the wider world.

theslingsandarrows.com/a-quick-easy...
December 13, 2025 at 8:30 AM
Reposted by Tony Keen
robinince.bsky.social
Very sad that I felt I had no choice but to resign from The Infinite Monkey Cage - a victory for the transphobes and other bigots - I did it because so much of the media has chosen to believe the kind and empathetic people are a fiction - they are real and so often unrepresented.
This is the saddest day of my professional life. Today is not only the final recording of the latest series of The Infinite Monkey Cage, it is my last ever Monkey Cage. I never thought that I would have to leave the show. I always imagined going on until | dropped dead under the studio lights due to a brain aneurysm caused by my final attempt to understand notions of quantum gravity or the shock of being told about fly maggot infestations in the sacks of macaque monkeys. I resigned in September, after sixteen years of dedication to the show, A show that I named and helped develop over all those years. Unfortunately, my opinions outside the BBC have been considered problematic for sometime, whether it has been voicing support for the trans community, criticism of Donald Trump, numerous other outlandish opinions, including once gently criticising Stephen Fry. These things were considered to conflict with being a freelance BBC science presenter In a recent meeting where BBC Studio executives again voiced problems with me, I realised my choices. Obedience and being quieter to remain making Monkey Cage, or 'Resign and have the freedom to speak out against what I believe are injustices'. • I chose the latter. It broke my heart. I love this show and I love the audience, and it is because of the audience in particular, that this decision was so difficult to make. I kept thinking about all the extremist voices promoting hate and division. They are being given so many platforms, while voices that represent kindness, open mindedness, empathy seem to be scarcer and scarcer. I felt I couldn't pamper myself with the luxury of silence. One of my many privileges is that I am able to resign and I can speak out even if it is to the detriment of my career. I have thought a lot about my heroes, Sinead O Connor, James Baldwin, Audre Lorde, and so many more. I think of Sinead's words, "the job of an artist is to be themselves at any cost". James Baldwin said prejudice was really just a word for cowardice. Audre Lorde, viewing her life, wrote that her only regrets were her silences. I think of my father as I resign, he brought me up to believe in fairness , justice and kindness. Though my heart is broken, it is also full of fire. I apologise to our incredible listeners for my departure, your love of the show means a great deal. I am so sorry to let you down. I hope that you can understand my reasoning. I have to accept that I am not what the current BBC expects of their freelance presenters. Despite this I should add that I have always worked far more than my contracted hours to try and ensure the show was always the best it could be, as well as making myself accessible and responsive to the audience wherever and whenever I met them. Every night, we have recorded, I have been filled with determination to make the best show possible. This was not "just a job" I hope that with my departure I can be a better ally to the LGBTQ community, to the neurodivergent community, to activists fighting against those who aim to brutalise society, to those currently in prison on hunger strike, and to all those who fight for a more inclusive world. From many conversations, I know there are many Monkey Cage listeners who support these communities and activists too. The strawberry is dead. Long live the strawberry. B
December 13, 2025 at 12:02 AM
tonykeen58.bsky.social
Every time you think the corruption in FIFA has reached its limit... www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
World Cup ticket prices: Fifa's prices a 'monumental betrayal' says Football Supporters Europe
Fans' group Football Supporters Europe says it is
www.bbc.co.uk
December 11, 2025 at 4:19 PM
tonykeen58.bsky.social
Those first two novels are pretty special.
angryrobotbooks.bsky.social Angry Robot Books @angryrobotbooks.bsky.social · 9d
Bookending Jeff Noon's career so far.

Our new editions of his first two novels, Vurt and Pollen, with new guest introductions and new afterwords from Jeff.

His two most recent novels (with Steve Beard), Gogmagog and Ludluda.

And watch out for his new novel, Moon Over Brendle, in May 2026.
A photo of copies of the 30th anniversary editions of Noon and Pollen by Jeff Noon. The covers are designed by Sarah O'Flaherty. And of the 2024 editions of Gogmagog and Ludluda by Jeff Noon and Steve Beard. The covers are designed by Alice Coleman with artwork by Ian McQue.
December 11, 2025 at 12:03 PM
Reposted by Tony Keen
angryrobotbooks.bsky.social
Bookending Jeff Noon's career so far.

Our new editions of his first two novels, Vurt and Pollen, with new guest introductions and new afterwords from Jeff.

His two most recent novels (with Steve Beard), Gogmagog and Ludluda.

And watch out for his new novel, Moon Over Brendle, in May 2026.
A photo of copies of the 30th anniversary editions of Noon and Pollen by Jeff Noon. The covers are designed by Sarah O'Flaherty. And of the 2024 editions of Gogmagog and Ludluda by Jeff Noon and Steve Beard. The covers are designed by Alice Coleman with artwork by Ian McQue.
December 11, 2025 at 11:43 AM
tonykeen58.bsky.social
Now she's out of the job, Falkner is really showing her TERF credentials.
humanrightsvicky.bsky.social Victoria McCloud 🏳️‍⚧️🌈‍♾️ @humanrightsvicky.bsky.social · 10d
Baroness Falkner questions “veracity” of a judge’s judgment.

In a possibly unique statement the immediate former chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission Baroness Falkner is reported by the BBC as having questioned the ‘veracity’ of the Judgment of the Judge in Peggie v Fife and Upton.
December 11, 2025 at 11:26 AM
Reposted by Tony Keen
sandagnguide.bsky.social
Silver: Unearthed "establishes a gruesome situation exceptionally well, not least by the addition of a vampire to a SF action thriller". Mad plot from Michael Carroll and exceptional art from Joe Currie.
@mikeowencarroll.bsky.social @2000ad.bsky.social
theslingsandarrows.com/silver-unear...
December 10, 2025 at 10:30 AM
tonykeen58.bsky.social
Of course. The last thing the country needs is people with ADHD being properly diagnosed and medicated and becoming productive members of society. Fortunately, it doesn't really matter what Badenoch and the Tories say or think. www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
Badenoch announces Tory review of which conditions qualify for benefits
‘Age of diagnosis’ of ‘low-level mental health issues’ such as ADHD making system too costly, Conservative leader says
www.theguardian.com
December 9, 2025 at 5:56 PM
Reposted by Tony Keen
sandagnguide.bsky.social
We're now around halfway through reviewing Hiroya Oku's Gantz, and he continues to astound, both with plot twists and amazing art. Gantz/18 is a stunner. @darkhorse.com

theslingsandarrows.com/gantz-18/
December 9, 2025 at 8:08 AM
tonykeen58.bsky.social
I realise that cycling is a green form of transport, but too many London cyclists are fucking psychopaths with no regard for their own or other people's safety. This post brought to you by once again nearly being hit whilst using a pelican crossing.
December 8, 2025 at 6:11 PM
tonykeen58.bsky.social
As ever, Hazel speaks the truth.
hazelsouthwell.bsky.social Hazel Southwell @hazelsouthwell.bsky.social · 14d
one thing that's always exciting, from a motorsport perspective, is remembering that our governing bodies could not even get close to being like a tenth as corrupt as FIFA
December 7, 2025 at 12:19 AM
tonykeen58.bsky.social
Oi! People! Alt-text!
December 6, 2025 at 9:58 PM
tonykeen58.bsky.social
So far as the present generation is concerned, I believe that those accustomed to hearing Homer performed by a singer and who like Homer performed by a singer will continue to listen to Homer performed by a singer whether they use the written texts or not. But how about the next generation?
drfionamoore.bsky.social Fiona Moore 🇨🇦 @drfionamoore.bsky.social · 14d
Lord Riddell, 1923. There really is nothing new under the sun.
So for as the present generation is concerned I believe that those accustomed to read and who like reading will continue to rend whether they use the Radio or not. But how about the next generation brought up on Radio? Arethey going to prefer information through the medium of the ear to that through the medium of the eye ?
December 6, 2025 at 5:54 PM
tonykeen58.bsky.social
"We weren't doing nuffink, officer."
December 6, 2025 at 4:19 PM
Reposted by Tony Keen
wolffski.bsky.social
game respects game, and nobody knows bribery better than fifa
December 6, 2025 at 12:53 AM
tonykeen58.bsky.social
"The prime minister ... said he wanted to build closer trading ties with the EU but not break Labour's post-Brexit commitments." One or the other material - you can't have both. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Keir Starmer rejects EU customs union after Lammy comments - BBC News
It comes after the deputy prime minister said countries in a customs union with the EU see benefits.
share.google
December 6, 2025 at 10:55 AM
tonykeen58.bsky.social
The award was given for an individual who has taken exceptional and extraordinary actions for the purpose of shoving thick rolls of hundred-dollar bills down Gianni Infantino's trousers. President Trump wins inaugural Fifa Peace Prize - www.bbc.com/sport/footba...
Donald Trump: US president named inaugural Fifa Peace Prize winner
US President Donald Trump receives the inaugural Fifa Peace Prize before the draw for the 2026 Fifa World Cup.
www.bbc.com
December 5, 2025 at 7:02 PM