The escapist: The Winston-Salem (N.C.) Journal previews a local appearance next month by author Michael Chabon:

"Comic-book heroes have been a recurring theme in Chabon's life. Growing up in the planned community of Columbia, Md., he started reading comic books when he was 8. He is not among those who have strong opinions about whether Superman or Batman is the better character.

"'To me, they were complementary, not exclusive,' he said."