Ka-pow! Batman fights terrorists; the investment market is back

So what is it with New York papers and the word "Ka-pow!"?

First, in a story with the headline "KA-POW!ER TO YOU, BATMAN," the New York Post reports on Frank Miller's just-announced Batman graphic novel, in which the Dark Knight will clash with the al Qaeda:

DC Comics' famed Caped Crusader will turn his focus from clowns like the Joker to face off against chillingly real al Qaeda thugs in an upcoming graphic novel called "Holy Terror, Batman!"

"It is, not to put too fine a point on it, a piece of propaganda," legendary Batman writer Frank Miller said of his latest project. "Batman kicks al Qaeda's ass."

Miller called the comic "an explosion from my gut reaction of what'shappening now" and "a reminder to people who seem to have forgotten who we're up against."

Then in a story from the New York Daily News on the return of the comic investment monster:

Ka-Pow! Comic books are soaring into the stratosphere again, luring everyone from big-time collectors to passionate fans.

"Prices have skyrocketed," said John Petty, director of media relations at Heritage Auction Galleries. "Five or six years ago, no one even considered comic books a serious investment."

The storyline couldn't be more different now. Manhattan comic book store Midtown Comics, which sells both new and vintage issues, said its sales are up more than 10% over last year.

Maybe Miller should have Batman "ka-pow" the fresh-from-the-grave speculator market instead.