Arts

Crayons are steeped in the artwork of our childhoods. So how did these incredibly popular little sticks of wax and color actually come about? And who decides the color names?

By Oisin Curran

Artist Paul Cummins' moving Poppies sculptures continue to tour the U.K. in honor of British soldiers killed during World War I.

By Sarah Gleim

'Domestic Medicine' was the most popular health guide for over 100 years. Which advice still holds up today and which is plain dangerous?

By Alia Hoyt

Before the days of Esquire and GQ, the famous poet wrote about men's health and grooming in newspaper columns. How does his advice stack up today?

By Dave Roos

It's been more than 200 years since her birth and we're still learning new things about this famous novelist.

By Kathryn Whitbourne

Pressures to seem macho can leave men off the dance floor — but it depends on the culture.

By Alia Hoyt

Although this writer and poet wrote seven volumes of autobiography, there are still some things you may be surprised to learn.

By Kathryn Whitbourne

When DC Comics rebooted "The Flintstones," few expected it to be a biting social commentary of the age, but guess what?

By Bryan Young

"One can consider how we might live a kintsugi life, or 'rebirth' finding value in the cracks ... bringing to light the scars that have come from life experiences."

By Alia Hoyt

From Margaret Wise Brown to Beatrix Potter, some children's authors have reputations for disliking kids. Are the rumors true?

By Kate Kershner

The superhero's creator imbued her with themes of truth-telling, a powerful matriarchy and even bondage, all pulled from his own unconventional life.

By Christian Sager

There's so much great fiction out there, but, as it turns out, many of these stories have something in common: their emotional arc.

By Kate Kershner

Chuck Wendig is the author of the Star Wars: Aftermath series. Learn more about Chuck Wendig and his tips on writing in this video from HowStuffWorks.

Comics can do things other mediums can't. Learn more about comics and what makes them unique in this video from HowStuffWorks.

He was the man behind those cheaply printed, widely disseminated fire-and-brimstone comics that were intended to scare the hell out of you. And he just passed away.

By Christian Sager

For 75 years, Wonder Woman has been a symbol for strength and empowerment for women. Now the United Nations has made it official.

By Bryan Young

Is one of the world's greatest works of Renaissance art a roadmap to the human reproductive system?

By Chris Opfer

We know him as the beloved creator of Willy Wonka and the BFG, but Roald Dahl worked as a James Bond-style spy in his early years.

By Laurie L. Dove

The First Folio is pretty much thee book that gave us Shakespeare. And now you may be able to see it for yourself.

By Kate Kershner

The wizarding novels promote tolerance and oppose authoritarianism. What does that mean for how Potter fans view the Republican presidential candidate?

By Christopher Hassiotis

French photographer Laurent Kronental chronicles the architecturally impressive, sometimes surreal postmodern public housing projects around Paris.

By Christopher Hassiotis

Looking to turn your fear into power and walk across hot coals? The BrainStuff crew fills you in on the fiery science behind the feat.

By Christian Sager

Turkish artist uses ancient technique to make beautiful liquid pictures. Vincent would be proud.

By Kathryn Whitbourne

If you love comic books, this is a good time to be alive. And now there's no shortage of options for getting them in your hands or on your device.

By Christian Sager

Could the newly released app mean that the next artistic masterpiece of the 21st century will be a downloadable, immersive and interactive VR experience?

By Christopher Hassiotis