Planet Comicon

Since I didn't mention in the blog

Upcoming Projects:

Matt Kindt- Revolver (in April Previews)

Tony Fleecs- Jeff Steinberg: Champion of Earth (w/ Josh Fialkov from Oni Press)

Nathan Fox- FLUORESCENT BLACK (TPB expected this summer)

Tone Rodriguez- Shadowhawk (March Previews)

This will be a bit of a scatter shot post. I don't do well recalling things anyway. But I wanted to summarise my experience, both so that I could have something to look back on and so I wouldn't fill my twitter up with giddy one line nonsense.

The journey to Planet Comicon was uneventful, aside from my wife going on about the car and strange things it was doing. Neither of us knows a thing about cars, so when the car started randomly dying it just added a tinge of uneasiness to the whole affair.

We took our time, basically not rushing to get to the con, she had seen something about the weather, that it was going to get worse as the day went on. So, I suggested we do the other things on our list first and hopefully be inside for the worst. We stopped at a Target, at this point, I was antsy for the con, but not really making it known. I want my wife to enjoy what was going to be her only time off, too. Plus I picked up a great Ghostbusters shirt on the cheap. It was fitting because it is designed like a comic cover.

At about ten thirty we began the parking search. Which would have not been a poor experience except. One of the first spots we found was taken by people that decided to laugh at our expense while rushing in to it. You want to be happy about getting a space? Fine. But don't gloat about getting it over on someone. We waited patiently for a different spot, so believe it or not, asshats you didn't really pull a fast one.

Got advanced two day passes. So, boom right through. Passed a droid (like R2, but green... so um, not. Not my nitpickiest Geek moment of the con, btw) Wife stops to take pictures, already we are wishing we'd brought the boys. But it was our first time coming to Planet Comicon, and we just didn't want to risk there not being enough for them to do. Right as we enter the floor, I know it is not what I expected. We were inundated with long boxes, and that would be my biggest criticism. I would have liked to come in and see creators, I think. That is a very personal change though. And this con has gone 10 years without my input, so if it isn't broke, don't fix it. I will just expect it next year. However, it's worth noting that the one bad experience I saw on twitter mentioned that they were disappointed that it was only a room of dealers. And, as I was saying, honestly, had I not known different, I would have been disappointed and spent a good bit of my first impression thinking the same thing.

Now, as I said before, I don't have a play by play. I really wish I did, because too much will get lost. For instance, I remember my first sketch, but I also remember it was after we sat down for drinks. So, what did I do before that? Did I seriously just wheel around the con floor anxiously glancing for name tags and such? I remember being disappointed to find only Sean McKeever's coat & being sad. He was the one I set aside to see and get things signed and talk Young Allies. Oh my gosh, I know what I did! Not only did I wheel around anxiously. I would say, "Oh, there's so and so, they did this." to my wife over and over. And I would protest line length or sketch price. And sort of keep going. The poor woman, she was great at faking disinterest, or I wasn't picking up the cues.

Here comes the nitpicky geek. we are admiring costumes while drinking sodas. Mostly ooohing and aaahing the kids. This is very much a parental thing. We do it at malls, on the street, in parking lots. Babies, toddlers and tots are our kryptonite. Actually, thank goodness we are always together in our kid watching, I am pretty sure I would get assaulted otherwise. That's when we agreed next year our boys were coming along. So, as we are moving along. She said, "Oooh, there's the Flash." I corrected, "No, that's Captain Marvel... similar costume, except for that sash, the insignia is a bit different, and usually there is a cape to the side, but not for this fellow..." As I am pondering the lack of cape, I instantly realise I should not have gone that far. Cause she said, "Except for the frilly belt, he's the flash." I surrendered, "Pretty much."

Somewhat refreshed, I am in pursuit of Bill Morrison. Or as I was referring, "The Simpsons Guy", I read an article where he stated he was doing free sketches(ended up being 5 dollars but awesome deal!). So, I wanted to get in on that before he came to his senses. I was also making mental notes of who I might come back around to see. Before that though, I saw Tony Fleecs, I must have seen a banner first or something, because I spotted his name around the corner. Shot over to his table, rambling about hearing about him on a podcast and he was the guy to see for sketches (on and on) I am a bit incoherent even when I am not excited so I know I was just rattling on like a moron. And then he asked me something like "How I was enjoying the show?" Or something equally easy to answer and I went on and on about local talent and wishing Chris Samnee was here... and I'm not realising that here I am rattling on about this other artist and the sketch he did, all the while Tony is doing a great sketch for me. I. AM. A. MORON.

I wish I would have picked up a card or something from everyone, because to many times I had to shy away from an actual purchase. Met and talked to Matt Kindt. Going on faith that our paths can cross after Revolver comes out. Got to see a copy though, and it is going to be a great book. I really wish I hadn't jumped at 5 trades for $20 when I was in that initial shopping area. I got ten great trades, but I didn't jump so much at others books.

Another problem was that people would crowd tables, and I don't mean I can only see at the side. I mean a crowd would just envelope a table. You can't see who is there folks, especially from a wheelchair vantage point. So I know I went by some people I would have liked to have seen. How do I know? I checked my list of people that I wanted to make sure and chat with when I got home. I did talk with maybe half. Still, I met others I wouldn't have, but I digress.

A trick I just started and I will do from now on is to ask, "What do you have coming up." Because yeah, I am cheap, but I also do 90% of my shopping preorder, so believe it or not, my best chance to get your work is at a later date. I am never going to have the cash on hand, but I can always work someone into an order. And now, I have my Ipod Touch, so I really do get to make note of it right there.

I think from there I moved on to Chris Sprouse, well or rather, his wife Xan Sprouse, and I talked about how I knew his work from the ABC Primer. And then she said they were continuing Tom Strong's story with a new series starting on June 2nd. "My birthday!" I lit up. And funnily enough she lit up, and we chatted from there. The only thing to buy was a sketchbook, I like Chris Sprouse art and I had a nice enough time I didn't want to walk away empty handed. So, I picked up a sketchbook and asked how much is this? "10 dollars" I visibly winced. Now, I'm sorry, I understand that these sketchbooks are probably costing that much, but they just don't look it. They look like something you should be getting for free. And I think that is why often when a table isn't manned I see people start to take one until another table across corrects them. I mean honestly, if I showed this to family members they would be baffled at why I paid that much. It just looks like something you would hand to someone before you have the final product ready. I mean honestly, how can you have beautiful full color comics for three to five dollars and then these dinky generic looking sketchbooks for 10 to 15 dollars.

So, Chris Sprouse walked up then, he wasn't there before and I don't really know why. Signed my book and passed it back, and Xan mentioned the birthday thing, and he just seemed... out of sorts. Not sure. As many have said before, you never know what's going on with a person when you meet them for a moment. They can't be "on" all the time. And for the record, I love the book, glad I bought it. Even though what I type next might go against that.

Determined am I now to see Sean McKeever, I feel a bit like the distracted protagonist. No more lollygagging, time to get to it. So, I get there. And wait. Only slightly thinking, my shit is more important so move it along people. It helped that next to Sean was Nathan Fox of "Pigeons From Hell" And I am perusing his wares. Probably Spider-Man caught my eye. But not long that I see this striking white covered tome of a book. I pick it up without thinking. Do a quick flip through and say, "Sir, this is a hell of sketchbook!" In that praising way that says, I am going to barely be able to come away from your table without buying this. He wanted $25 for it. Now I am a cheap bastard. I can't afford not to be. But even I was thinking, my god, I am robbing this man if I only pay $25. And I hemmed and hawed. Back and forth.

Finally my turn with Mr. Sean McKeever and I gush. I say, "Sir, I am very much looking forward to Young Allies. To the point, that I changed an order to be sure I get the Firestar one shot that ties in." I continue on about how it was around the time of Gravity that I found my way into comics full force. So this series was special to me. Because I am pulling away from comics more and more, and this feels like a way for me to come back to it as he does. It was a wonderful talk, so glad I seeked him out. Oddly enough at the time I had nothing for him to sign. Gravity got left behind unintentionally in a rush out the door. It made for a nice icebreaker though. And my wife had found a copy of Gravity #1 at the con, so he did end up signing it. If Mike Norton comes back around to KC again I can get the dynamic duo. Now, I mentioned before about asking upcoming projects. And Sean said, "Well, I have an independent book coming out," I perked up. "But I can't talk about it yet." Dejected, was I, for sure. But he assured me that there would be news about it, with so many of the indy projects you have to know something or it goes unnoticed. I follow him on twitter though, and he said for sure he would talk about it there.

At this point, I lost track of my wife, I forgot that she mentioned earlier needing something for Bill Morrison to draw on. So she had taken the backing board from Gravity ( a nice impromptu for sketches that you didn't bring your own supplies for btw) to him for a sketch. I tracked her down and got 30 dollars. I went up to Nathan Fox's table, snatched his sketchbook, handed over my cash and said, "I couldn't resist picking this up." Now to give you some idea, it's comic sized just in dimensions. So that already takes other sketchbooks down a peg. The page count is 160 and it is used to full effect. No long paragraphs about process and technique with a little cropped panel in the corner, this is cover to cover art. Value. Most expensive book I bought, highest value. And I barely blinked an eye. If you see Nathan at a con, pick this up, throw in the five bucks for a sketch inside. I don't even know what character he drew and I love it. And again, not to knock the Chris Sprouse sketchbook. I will just say this, if others want to keep doing the photo copy sketchbooks, it just makes this one look all the better, and I bet that gets Nathan sales.

Even if I don't read his books, and he is a horror artist, so more often than not I probably won't, I will still go to his table every year he is there, for a sketchbook and sketch, even if it goes up to a higher price, because I know quality and value are there. Even though I didn't even think to glance at the sketch inside. (Stupid of me). Moreover, he is a cool fucking dude.

Speaking of cool fucking dudes, there's Bill Morrison. He was only just into the sketch when I made my way back to my wife. And I hear over the PA system. "Willie's Wenches show is about to start." This along with Sean McKeever is one of my big things to do. I love renassaince... and I love raunchy renassaince. As it turns out though, wrong choice. It turns out that after 5 hours on the con floor, you aren't really in the mood for Shakespearean cheerleaders. I never would have guessed, but even more heartbreaking, in my haste I missed out on seeing a great sketch being done. So great in fact, it pulled other artists away from their table. And I wasn't there for a bit of it. Only decided to leave just as I meet my wife in the hallway. Big ol' bummer, throw it on top of the list of careless fan-crazed moments.

We decided to leave, and thanks to car troubles we would not return Sunday, sadly. Another regret is not at least getting cards or something from folks like Matt Kindt and Bryan Edward and others I talked to but didn't fill the wallets of. Guaranteed next year I am coming back hoping to see familiar faces, talk about their projects which I heard about the year before, and maybe make sure to be less absent-minded.

Swag: 2 sketches, 2 sketchbooks, Sam Noir Vol 1, Essential X-Men Vol 3, Welcome to Tranquility Vol 2, Shenanigans, Iron West, Flink, Imaginaries, The Authority: Hawksmoor, Tellos Vol 1 and Fantastic Five

Nothing of Cosequence

I press on past the point that you leave
I move beyond the thought that you are gone
I take a breath
And I see myself
And I fall apart
I'm shadowed in
I'm a waste again
you wanted more

I'm here
in place
self-fulfilling emptiness

I'm not the man that I was
I'm not the person you saw
You tried help me out
You tried to push me up
I tried to fade you out
Cause I'm not enough
I'm trapped within
Locked the gate again
you wanted more

I'm here
In place
Self-fulfilling Emptiness

The Doctor Is In

Well, it finally came. IDW's first issue of Doctor Who. What did I think? Honestly, it was no great shakes. It wasn't bad. But it definitely didn't knock my socks off. Which if there is anything I can say about recent premieres of Doctor Who... it is that they knock my socks off. Last series for example, loved it. Suspense, comedy, great showing off of the companion.

This issue by comparison, didn't even feel like it was trying. As if there was never a goal to have the audience captivated and on the edge of their seat. I came into the series a bit uneasy, I will be the first to admit, the art didn't thrill me. But I kept that out of my mind. I am a story first type of person anyway. Parts of this were good, but set off on their own. The history retelling on the first page... bits about the Tardis. Occasionally a line of dialogue would fit.

I have always taken DW too seriously. If not for the actors delivery I might see bits of the show in an entirely different light. But this... well, let me give you an idea of the lofty goal of the Doctor and Martha... to find the perfect milkshake. Which apparently, was the whole reason he is keeping her with him, because she has yet to find perfection. That little deal seems to have slipped my mind entirely.

Now, the Doctor is prone to flights of fancy for nonsensical reasons sometimes as well, I grant you. But spanning galaxies and time for a chocolate fix? Setting this aside for a bit. We find an alien shape shifter keeping close tabs on... well someone. The Doctor is tipped off to this fellow, by the fact that he appears to be a sweating lizard alien. Which the Doctor says Lizards should not do... so the Gizou (shape-shifting alien) runs off to report of his tab keeping. To someone?

I should say that I didn't follow this story very well. Which will become clearer as we continue on. I liked the alien in his lizard form and his normal form. The cartoony exaggerated style of the artist suited it, I thought. That alien is killed by a whip which well turns people to dust or ash, or whatever it is that such weapons of villainy turn lifeforms too.

It isn't too long before the Doctor catches up after hearing a scream. He is then ambushed, and taken by our shadowy bad guy. Who, of course, wants nothing to do with Martha. We learn he is a Sycorax. And though he has no use for Martha, he takes her back to his humble cave anyway. And we learn that evil loves a back story.

Syc likes to take beings that are the last of their race, and then sell them to other aliens to kill. The taking the last of their race thing kind of already bored me, I have seen it in Superman, and thus far, they weren't doing anything more than talking about it. This is where I get confused again, Syc has the shape-shifters so that he doesn't actually have to kill the last of each race. I didn't rush through this, really. But it still lost me, he has the beings in pods, now whether that is the shape shifters or the last aliens. I can't be sure. Anyway, just as Martha gets frustrated, the Doctor tugs on her leg and tells her to keep him talking. So she starts telling him he doesn't want the Doctor, the doctor runs like a girl, etc., etc. That part I took as humorous. She does this, and the Doctor takes this time to... stand up. No, seriously.

The Sycorax flails his electric whip at the Doctor, who grabs it, and tells him he isn't impressed that he could take the only survivor of a wonderful race who died when their sun exploded. He disables the whip with his sonic screwdriver (yay!) then Syc comes at with a sword... which he shatters in a very big display with the screwdriver again. Martha kicks a staff and breaks it in half for good measure. The Doctor tells him they broke all his weapons and to head home. but then proceeds to talk about how the Sycorax are (according to legend) going to be one of the last three races when the universe dies. Humans are one of the other two.

The Doctor sets the ship on course to a research planet that will help all the captives, and also puts in a message that will inform the captives and researchers of what has happened. And decides to take the bad guy with him, near as I can tell. But the bad guy goes back to his ship to get at the technology the Doctor used to reroute the ship. Makes no sense to me, he was going to a whole Tardis of technology... but ah well. The Doctor and Martha leave and the villain gets the tiny piece of technology only to have it break apart in his hands. And all the cages open up so the captives can destroy him. And the Doctor has taken Martha home so he can grow a sonic screwdriver. He says something is not good... but the background seems pleasant enough, must be something off-camera... to be continued.

Felt too short as well. This was an alright issue, I guess. Would have made good filler after a few issues in, would have been nice to feel like the Doctor was in any danger at all, or maybe that this could have tugged at his solitude a bit. But let's be frank, it's a debut issue. It's 3.99. At this point I didn't really expect, want, or deserve filler. In contrast, I have been paying that much for the Marvel reprints and have been enjoying that more.

The art is great, the stories have some punch, and there is a real sense of exploration and danger with a good dose of humor. There is some silliness and a it can be a tiny bit dated, but I really enjoy it. Had you asked me before either came out, I would have predicted dropping the classic stories and sticking with the modern take which holds a much greater familiarity for me.

I will stick with this book though, I am waiting for the new artist, and honestly I have already ordered the next two issues anyway. But as of right now, the new TV series just can't come fast enough. When the best part is being reminded of an inside joke "Police box? Don't ask..." between a friend and I... there is something wrong with your series.

New Template, New Posts, Same Lazy Work Ethic

I figure with some comics coming soon I might try blogging about that again to start. Probably won't be until a few days after the beginning of the month. That might lead into a Previews talk. And from there, who knows? Not like anyone will be reading anyway.

Snakes and... snakes (that's what little girls are made of)

Issue #0 of Snake Woman (created by Shekhar Kaphur) is written by Zeb Wells and illustrated by Michael Gaydos. This zero issue oddly enough was published after the first series concluded. As it stands though, at least by my first impression, it firmly sets itself as an excellent introduction story. Choosing to tell the legend and origin of the various Snake Women that have been, and how they came to be. I am a big fan of this kind of storytelling, I like tales that explore what has come before, that interests me. It can sometimes make for a jumbled mess, but at its best this sort of exploration adds to the enjoyment.

I have always been a fan of the vengeance seeking hero. The more raw the better. I think because at the core there is something highly relatable and somewhat noble about seeking to make things right. And there is a strong measure of envy in a direct approach. I do tend to draw the line at the overly gratuitous or just worn examples. Punisher comes to mind. And this pre-issue... while cold, methodical... downright chilling. There is something distinct about each Snakewoman, they each feel very personal, unique in their experience. Which leaves me with the impression that the first trade (out last week) will prove to be right up my alley. For 99 cents I would recommend tracking this down. If only for the not seen often enough art of Michael Gaydos.

More soon... daddy duties are calling.

Books and Crannies

It is a time of literary abundance here at my humble abode. If only by good timing. I had my first library trip in a good long time about a month or so ago, I suppose. It was mostly a failure, I grabbed at all sorts of treasures... comic books, and novels and DVDs... and didn't get through one. Clearly my eyes were hungrier than... my eyes.

A library trip was made again, every book found and returned, and I was much more reserved in my selection. Three trades and a DVD. Thus far I have gone through two of the trades and am some ways into the third. I am pretty pleased with that. Then yesterday the flood gates opened and I received my monthly shipment from DCBS. I have even dabbled in that somewhat.

Then added to that was a trip to one of my old favorite comic shops. A tiny splurge, but at a great price it added up in the amount of items. And then I made a trip to the library and picked up one novel. Honestly, I didn't even want to overwhelm myself this time, but that is how it happened. Then, stupid fool that I am I have also had the desire to blog some of my finds.

All this and the usual day to day strains, and I am really swimming in delusion. Ah well, you might see me again soon. Or you might find that the next post will be about how I don't have anything to read.

Now In Technicolor

Well, I have decided that with the new month of March here in full force, that I might start an attempt at blogging again. I would say something like it is fitting since my blog started in March a couple of years ago. But that is not it, truth be told this has been on my mind for some time. I suppose the smart person would prepare a bit, build up some entries so that there is no faltering, but this is for me, always has been. Maybe there will be more to reflect that.But for today it is business, as usual, with a comic-centric announcement. Spider-Man is swinging his way back to television, and I couldn't be happier. It has been a hell of a veritable decade without Marvel cartoons.

Hopefully this is a sign of things to come.And in true Marvel form, at least if memory serves me, this recent cartoon renaissance started with the FF. Granted it didn't get as much acclaim as the comic in the sixties, but if anything it was fitting. But now comes one of the most resilient heroes to make his mark. I have often stated that I love Spider-Man. And the reason is that through everything... constants remain. Some would let that dissuade. But to me those favorite characters are ones that you could have adored as a child... and you can come back and visit and still enjoy their company. And thankfully the people in charge of this new cartoon coming in (hopefully early) 2008, seem well aware that if it isn't broke, they shouldn't fuck with it. From the article via Newsarama:

"The new animated series picks up the original web-slinger’s mythology at the beginning of his hero’s journey…as a not-so-typical 16-year-old entering his junior year of high school. Having spent the summer engaging common criminals with his new-found powers, Peter Parker must conceal his secret identity while engaging a new level of terror – the multi-leveled pressures of teenage life at home and school while combating bigger, badder super-villains in the real world.

“Our goal is to reinterpret these great characters and concepts for our millennium,” Weisman said. “We’ll have plenty of resonant material for the Spider-Man fan, while engaging the Spider-Man novice with the same thrills we experienced when we were first exposed to the character. Our stories will appeal on multiple levels with plenty of eye-candy, action, humor and colorful characters for the youngest demographic balanced with extensive character development for ‘tweens, teens and adults.”

Now the long time reader of this blog (and yes there is one) will notice that Greg Weisman is mentioned. Which to me says quality. The man is very passionate about a lot of his projects, and he puts his heart into it. There is of course no sign of animation style. Or who will provide voices. But that has never been what I look for... if there is a quality story, I would be happy.

And a Stan Lee intro... well that would just be gravy.

A More Current Selection

I am not sure I really needed a break from the free comics I got yesterday, but I had time on my hands, so I gladly took it. I got my shipment of current comics from dcbservice.com. And I have plowed right through them.

First up was an indy book called "The Lost Books of Eve". I was a little surprised by this title, I had read a review only a couple of days ago, that made this out to be some sort of crude smut. I really couldn't disagree more. In fact, it seemed quite tame to me. Like one of those religious cartoons that Charlton Heston always hosted (hey, Sundays make for damn boring TV watching). In fact, I would say that Josh Howard, artist and writer, probably showed as much or less then the cartoon I am referring to, I found it comical then, all the convenient nude cover up that would be found, and I find it comical now. Here is the review from Comicpants.com.

"The Lost Books of Eve #1 (Viper Comics): If you want the story of what happens between the verses in the Book of Genesis, told in a highly sexualised graphical format, The Lost Books of Eve is for you. The art and writing are your average fare for Josh Howard; either it’s your thing or it’s not. There’s no surprises here. The only thing that struck me, besides the expected slutification of The Bible, was the disappointing backgrounds. The backgrounds are mostly solid colors or merely two-color gradients, but periodically there are some hand-drawn backgrounds. Unfortunately, those are fairly disappointing as well. A weaker than average offering from Howard, but if you’re a fan, you might dig it anyways."

It is a pretty unoffensive story, and the journey seems like it will be more exciting. Still, it is all a shame really, I can't get no slutification.

Next up was another indy called "Toupydoops" which is a title that has grown on me alot. It is now up to issue 5 on its bimonthly schedule. This book stars a struggling comic book actor named Toupydoops. That's right a comic book actor, he literally auditions for parts in comics, and he had dreams of working for the Big Two. He gets shafted this issue, as his best friend gets a part that he has been anticipating... in alot of ways. There is a very classic exchange, but with this book it is so fun. It's like watching a quirky show that turns the conventional on its head just enough to be inspired. If you are a fan of comics, all sorts of comics... I cannot recommend this book enough. Although it is for the more adult crowd. If there is ever a trade you can bet the news would be all over this blog.

Then, I got to the mainstream in my pile. Runaways #23, which is the last issue before my big purge, I am going to have a hard time letting this one go. As it is not by choice at all. And worst of all I am not getting the big finale issue next month. I didn't think it would bother me, but then I got to the amazing cliffhanger and knew that I was fooling myself. Everything is coming together for some big sweeping changes to the book, it's like not having enough money to go to the big dance the night before you won the big game. (Considering I never did any of that I am going with the generic "big") Anyway, good stuff, sad to see it go, but as I said I was only giving it another month anway.

Next was Eisner Award Winner All-Star Superman. The best thing about this book, is that is makes all that wacky silver age Superman stuff not only plausible, but pretty damn cool. It always makes me want to whip out my cheap Showcase Superman Volume 1 that I have barely cracked open. Not my favorite issue of the bunch, but still continuing to impress me. No goodbye moping yet, thanks to delays I have one more issue of this.

On to Amazing Spider-Man, I went back and forth on whether to read this or Civil War #6, and then I realized I don't care that much, and dove right in. It is nice to see Spidey's head coming together, but it is going to cost him his family. In this issue Kingpin brought down the order, kill Spider-Man, and if he isn't there, kill whoever is, as long as the message is sent. Yet again, I can thank delays that this will continue to be shipped to me for sometime. It was pretty good.

Then came Civil War... the creme de la creme. Ok, not really, it was good. It even had a bit of that blood pumping factor that Mark Millar often brings out in me. But it was just a book that I was waiting to see what the end has to say, and that was pretty big, and good enough to get a bit of glee out of me. Though, had I a choice I would cut these off, and saved some of the other books that got cut by financial constraints.

Back to the indy offerings, "Who Killed Rich Johnston?" Wouldn't you like to know? I will say this Ed Brubaker, that sly bastard, ends up being the hero. Makes me wish I could meet him again and ask if he knew that was the case. When I met him at Mo-Kan Conspiracy he told me that he did not kill Rich, but not that he was the hero. So modest... and the only guy that can pull of the fedora look consistently.

The final book was Punisher War Journal. Which is a book that I wish was more of my style. It is written by Marvel newcomer Matt Fraction, and while it is paced well enough, and the art is nothing to sneeze at, I just don't care too much. Ah well, when it comes out Iron Fist can sit on my shelf proudly. If you aren't reading that you better just be broke like me. For the record I even like alot of the ideas in here... whatever is wrong with this book is on my end, I think.

Well, that be nearly all I had, aside from a trade and an Omnibus, both of which have been taken from me already, not that I have the patience for collected editions anyway. Have a good weekend.

Five Free Comics (Part 1)

There was a wonderful little promotion (I hesitate to use the words "little promotion") where a comic retailer made the request for anyone to tell the story of their first comics, and get five free comics from the shop's discount comics room. Even with only 56 responses thus far (the promotion is going until Saturday) it is a very generous thing to do. Because not only were the owners doing this for patrons of their shop, but also mailing them out to schlubs like me. I was ecstatic to receive the package today. I have been feeling the length of the three week wait for this month's comics. Not to mention more than the week's share of normal stuff that goes on. So this was very well received.

I have to tell you it was an extra bonus to open the package, and the first comic was a DC title called "Scarlett" with a scantily clad redhead carrying a laughably large machine gun and firing away. I like my redheads, it was enough to wonder if the person who sent the comics read my diary first. A couple of other nice surprises were two Marvel UK books, one of those being an issue 1. It will be my starter issue, naturally. It is about the UK's own Supersoldier. Titled in a slightly Stan Leeish sort of obvious "Super Soldiers". Published in April of 1993 sporting two writers (twice as good right) Michael W. Bennent and Lee Stevens. Pencils by Andrew Currie. Inks by Rodney Ramos. Colors by Steve Whitaker. And (my favorite credit) Letters by Bambos!, that exclamation mark is in the credits, I promise. And EiC Paul Neary. Right off the bat I like the cover, cardstock, foil lettering. All very shiny and slick. There is a huge man, with a constipated grimace. He totes a large gun (and again laughably large) in his right hand, and a smaller gun in his left. In classic 90s fashion he is carrying so much you have to hold the surprise that he isn't just toppling over (maybe the gun is for balance?). I am hoping I can find this, and the other covers on comicbookdb.com. Off in the corner is US Agent... Cap obviously couldn't be bothered, though I am sure it is no great loss.

Straight into the comic there is a huge emergency in a lengthily named research centre in Orgley, England. A cryogenic chamber malfunction has caused total system shutdown, and the body inside is warming up fast. The two regular looking scientists call in the steroid brigade for a red alert. I am not even kidding about steroids... not only is the appearance there, there are also large hoses which seem to be strapped to all the soldiers' arms. It doesn't take long before somebody says, "Not another bleedin' drill!" which reminds me to turn on my best Dick Van Dyke ala Mary Poppins. The football team readies themselves running towards the cryogenics room. But the captive is already breaking down the door. Boom intro splash page... it's not too bad... a naked man with wires and green smoke surrounding bust through the reinforced door with only three words, "Where is he?" I begin to wonder if I could find this pose in Weapon X, as it almost looks like a shot from that minus Wolverine's claws. The guards seem overly surprised and scared, considering they knew a man was in there, and they have insanely large guns. And judging by the shadows, our Super Soldier really isn't packing much.

Oh, nevermind... the double page splash tells me quite differently. The scene is quite brutal, at least for the dentist all these soldiers see. With one giant blow bodies are flying in ever direction.

The one guy left with teeth, and still standing (lucky bastard) says, "He's a psycho! Shoot to kill!" I am desperate to nickname him 'Captain Obvious', but if he is even in the rest of the book, he looks like the rest of the guys. Cept for that boyish grin. As we move along, to a page with actual panels, I get to marvel at the Super Soldier's most obvious power, disappearing pants. The next few shots are various poses of punching and the soldiers falling like dominoes. At least the chatty fellow got socked in the mouth. I will tell you one thing I have learned thus far... large guns are useless. In this page we get in our Soldier's mind... he sees in red and he moves fast. That is being quoted straight from the captions in his head. He dispatches the final football player, and continues a nice chatty conversation in his head. Ah, he has found his kit. It's a sad moment... trust me if you saw this outfit you might be crying too.

It isn't long before more guards come to where Joseph Hauer (I read his name in his locker) is in the armory, getting dressed. They think they have him cornered, but then he blasts through the door with 40mm grenade launcher. Oh and it also has armor peircing uranium rounds. I gotta say he comes off as pretty smart, he uses the big gun. It almost replays like the last 5 pages except with explosions instead of his powerful fists and striking fighting stances. Then we cut rather abruptly to a redhead talking to a recording device and smoking a fag (they will get to that eventually I am sure) and somehow driving to boot. She thinks there is a fire and she wants to get a closer -- Uh oh, grenade explosion, interrupting crucial dialogue. Super Soldier gets in the car and tells her to drive and she agrees.

Another quick cut to the lengthily named committee for superhuman activities in Whithall, London. A group of stuffy suits and generals are discussing the escaped popsicle. I thought the comic was going to lose me with chatty folks covering their bums, but with a mention of Nuke, and his New York rampage, and an editor's note to see DD-Born Again to boot, I am back in. There is a little discussion about sending out army units and Sirs contacting other Sirs... and a "Quite Right" in response.

One of the heads of the project is informed of the escape of Super Soldier, unaware that he is being set up to be a scapegoat. He blames the escape on buying British instead of Japanese... I don't have a frame of reference, need to check out the cryogenics market. The scene ends with a largely built fellow asking to kill our leading man. And the villagers rejoiced. Oh no, and we cut to Washington DC... wow, everybody knows about this soldier... ah, referencing Nuke again, and asking for the aid of an american superhero. Ah, now we are somewhere in Yorkshire, where we learn the name of our redheaded captive. Sarah Wilde. She talks of her connection to the research centre, she is a reporter investigating the mysterious suicides of scientists working on the Super Soldiers. "Super Soldiers?" Super Soldier asks. "Yeah," she responds. "Fitter, faster, stronger. Like Superheroes but working for the military." Then he says, "Well, I must be one." Honestly, this exchange has me just giggling, he's gargantuan... carrying a small weapons' shipment. And this is surprising? Ah well, the army is waiting in full force just in time to cut off conversation.

Now he prepares himself by strapping on a helmet and saying macho things, he charges into battle with the words that strike fear and intimidate an army. "Come on! You wanna go!" Now it is a page of bodies, bullets, and explosions. Oh but with a shot of the reporter to break up the carnage from one page to the next. "Jeez, I am getting some great shots here, this story will make me or kill me! I guess I should have listened to my mother and gotten married!' This is so wrong... so wrong. It's mum... I should have listened to me mum.. *sigh* Blamity blam... oooh, one man... one helicopter... hmmm four panels.

Uh oh, apparently Sarah is concerned as Super Soldier shot the helicopter on top of himself... "Maybe he's dead, and I can get the hell out of here." No such luck, but we were both hoping the same thing. She marvels at how he can walk out of an explosion so massive. Sarah, this is Dynamic-Pose Man... we expect nothing less.

Super Soldier nearly kills Sarah, but then excuses that as a case of 'roid rage. She tells him she doesn't want to be killed by him or anyone else and then invites him back into the car. They go off to find the one scientist from the super soldier program who hasn't been killed. We cut back to our scapegoat, and his eager killer. They discuss the taking down of the army and the car of a reporter who works for the Guardian. They are worried the lefty journalist with a liking to conspiracy theories will expose everything. Scapegoat sends the eager killer to stop our duo before they reach that scientist. Oh, and he can have reinforcements. Yeah, he might need that.

Now, we get to the cameos of the american heroes. It's a quick one, that's for sure. And we cut to our odd couple now in Bradford, England. Where they knock on the door of our scientist... and he invites them in. He informs them that he knows Super Soldier but never expected to see him again. The reporter demands to know everything about the program. And when asked why S.S says he wants to fix his total amnesia... and that the scientist can help... let's not mention the impending death. Good call. Here comes the recap of Captain America... along with explanations of later failed attempts to create soldiers. The british began a super soldier program shortly after the FF and Avengers and other beings appeared. Before long a program was started as part of the "Black Budget". Things were delayed and set aside for various reasons, but in the late 70s the program for the super soldier was reactivated. Attempts were unsuccessful until Nuke was created. As it turns out Super Soldier doesn't need multi-colored drugs though, his body secretes the drugs through various engineered organs.

Oh, good heavens, there are few things worse then turning from pages of Chatty McScience, only to find even more awaiting you. Blah blah blah, the british government had six super soldiers. One of them became addicted to the rush produced by the 'red' drug. Super Soldier thinks he might have had to kill him. The program was definitely cancelled. And the other scientists were killed for not cooperating... but this one did. He offers up the name of the man who ran the Super Soldier program... but a pesky gunshot to the head interfered. There is happy go lucky killer and his band of reinforcements... I count five total... and now Super Soldier says they are in trouble. What??? Five guys... equal trouble! This makes my head hurt. Well, it is nearly midnight. And what have we learned?

That this is the kind of thing Mark Millar makes work. And god bless him for it.

New Webcomic Coming In March

B-Log Entry

This was too cute not to post. It is from a site (I think) called Lunchnotes. An artist I had the pleasure to meet at a con before Thanksgiving, but after Halloween (um... not important) named Chris Samnee, does these delightful notes for his wife and packs them with her lunch. Hence the name. Anyway, I just wanted to post a few.

We Live Again!

Well, I just received and read Disney's Gargoyles issue #2, and thought I might give my opinion and a link to (probably) the one review out there. There is a certain disjointedness to this issue, a large part of that is due to the end of the cartoon series not being available, and having to piece together things from memory. Some of it is also from having to tie up an issue and give nods to more of the cast.

Still the feeling of the original cartoon cannot be denied. The feeling that something is building is also quite prevalent. The dialogue is still spot on and I suspect that will never change. The art I still find lacking, but only in certain panels, and at certain points. It is still very crisp, and true to the characters.

At the end of the issue the creator professed his apologies at their being only two issues in a five (or six) month period on a bimonthly book. But I am quite ready for the next issue, as that is where the original stories take off, the first two issues were recap of that ending. It is hard to say if it was a poor job or not, as I haven't seen those episodes in ten years. There were a lot of other good issues to come out in the last two weeks. Probably the one I will begin next is issue #1 of the Spirit, which should have come out on my birthday. Have a safe and happy holiday! And don't forget issue #3 should be out soon, if you like medieval fantasy in a modern setting I cannot recommend this book enough. I am probably most anxious for issue 6 since that delves into King Arthur.

The review mentioned above can be found here.

My thoughts on issue 1 can be found here.

Monday mornings... years ago

Click To Enlarge

Great Site... Bad Interface

This site is called Com-Mix and for the most part I think it a great idea. Several indy comic artists gave permission to have their images used, and people can cut and paste their own strips. It really works out quite well in the creating process, you can resize and flip and rotate and overlap and such. For instance the TV in the above is actually the top of a cellphone made rather large. As I said, I couldn't be happier when creating. If I could make one more addition it would be thought bubbles. As you can see from Panel 2.

There is an assortment of art from nearly 20 artists. Quite varied in style. Now if only it all worked. On this strip it just simply will not save the strip. I don't know if perhaps there is a limit on strips one can do. That could be I suppose.

And the strip you will see below is my first attempt. Which is actually uploaded to the site ten times. Not really intentional on my part. I was simply trying to edit the background into the second panel, it was not showing up when I would save it. And the strip just was not working for me blank. Anyway, since it refuses to work today, I figured I would just put my creations here and give some links. I hope someone out there enjoys it too.