A quick recommendation: have a look at Salon's interview with Alan Moore, author of Watchmen, The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, From Hell and other comic books I've tried to force Catherine to read.

Moore's insights into the American political system and the current war aren't particularly worth reading -- you know what to expect from a British subcultural icon. But the preceding chat about the media and the wrap-up about authors' role as information synthesizers are areas on which he can offer some interesting thoughts. If nothing else, maybe it can convince the haters that Moore is sufficiently thoughtful to merit reading some of his comic books.