The Internet is sucking the humanity out of personal contact and responsibility. It is giving license to a new breed of citizen- one who treats others in an anonymous forum the way they would never treat them in person. I call them cowardly and I call them pathetic. They are the reason I will not go to message boards unless it is absolutely neccesary.
I also don't like the effect that the internet is having on the comic book readership in general. What in theory should be a wonderful thing- going to a place to talk about your favorite characters and books- has been ruined by callous, over-bearing idiots who bully and challenge others until only people like themselves are left.
What happens next is that people who still want to talk about comics have to go find a new place or start their own. The only problem with it, is sooner or later the same bullies find out where you are and make life intolerable yet again.
That is also why you will never see me on a forum, other then briefly, and usually to wish someone a happy birthday, which is usually not a "hostile" thread.
These bullies make me feel physically ill. It is my greatest hope that the big old karma wheel comes back to bite them in their obnoxious ass.
My rule of thumb is to treat people like you want to be treated. I also try to see the positive side of things rather then trying to prey on other's weaknesses. It is one thing to have a relationship that allows a level of comfort in being teased, it is another to hack and slash another's words in a way that puts them up to ridicule.
This is the reason I have my own blog- to keep the focus where I want it - on comic books and pop culture, not someone else's ego. When I criticise here it is a focus on the person's work, not their character. When I suggest that Rob Liefeld is not worthy of a shot at Teen Titans, it isn't because I think he has a bad personality, it is because I know he has a long track record of poor performance regarding deadlines and promised publications. If I met him in person, I would express my opinion to his face in a polite manner. That is my rule - if you can't say it to their face, don't say it.
That is my soap box for the day! Have a great weekend all!
Friday, April 29, 2005
Thursday, April 28, 2005
Congratulations to Jim Demonakos!
Jim Demonakos is the head of the Emerald City Con here in Seattle, and Jim and I think he is a nice and clever guys so the following news is no surprise! To borrow from Newsarama:
With B. Clay Moore's departure from Image Comics as PR and Marketing guru, a void was left. Nature, and the comic book industry abhor those kinds of things, and thus, Image has confirmed to Newsarama that Jim Demonakos, co-owner of The Comic Stop in Lynnwood, WA and founder of the Emerald City Comicon has joined the company as its Public Relations and Marketing Coordinator.
"I think the thing that made Jim most attractive to us was his experience as a retailer," Image Executive Director Eric Stephenson told Newsarama. "It's important to see things through retailers' eyes and while it would be ridiculous to assume all retailers think or run their stores exactly the same, having someone who has worked that side of things seems like a good idea. Jim's going to have a perspective Erik [Larsen, publisher] or myself might not. Along the same lines, Jim's been running the Emerald City Comicon for the past three years and not only does he put on a fantastic show, but he does an excellent job of promoting the show within the Seattle. He nails down TV, radio and newspaper coverage every year and the results speak for themselves: attendance for the show is up year after year. So, on one level, Jim has a lot of experience with con organization, and on another, his marketing efforts in support of the shows he's put on are pretty impressive. Beyond that, Jim has experience as a Web designer, which is going to allow him to be hands-on with the Image website in a way neither Clay nor myself could have been. He's also one of the most patient and nicest guys you could hope to meet, which I think goes a long way in any job that requires dealing with the public."
As Demonakos sees it, the move to Image is the next rung on a ladder he's been on since he read his first comic (a Fantastic Four #1 reprint) at age 7. "After reading for years, there came a point where I wanted to get more involved than just on the fan-level, so I helped open a store in the Seattle-area called The Comic Stop," Demonakos said. "After about three years, it was going pretty swell, so we opened a second one.
"On top of that, having traveled out to other conventions like the WonderCon and San Diego, I knew that Seattle could really use and support a top-notch show. So, we started up the Emerald City ComiCon, which drew over 6,300 people in its third year, which was the best-ever attendance for a Seattle show.
"The offer from Image is another way for me to get involved in this industry and it's somewhere I hope to be able to make an even more positive impact.
"Plus, I was offered unlimited supplies of Home Run Pies"
Congratulations Jim!!
With B. Clay Moore's departure from Image Comics as PR and Marketing guru, a void was left. Nature, and the comic book industry abhor those kinds of things, and thus, Image has confirmed to Newsarama that Jim Demonakos, co-owner of The Comic Stop in Lynnwood, WA and founder of the Emerald City Comicon has joined the company as its Public Relations and Marketing Coordinator.
"I think the thing that made Jim most attractive to us was his experience as a retailer," Image Executive Director Eric Stephenson told Newsarama. "It's important to see things through retailers' eyes and while it would be ridiculous to assume all retailers think or run their stores exactly the same, having someone who has worked that side of things seems like a good idea. Jim's going to have a perspective Erik [Larsen, publisher] or myself might not. Along the same lines, Jim's been running the Emerald City Comicon for the past three years and not only does he put on a fantastic show, but he does an excellent job of promoting the show within the Seattle. He nails down TV, radio and newspaper coverage every year and the results speak for themselves: attendance for the show is up year after year. So, on one level, Jim has a lot of experience with con organization, and on another, his marketing efforts in support of the shows he's put on are pretty impressive. Beyond that, Jim has experience as a Web designer, which is going to allow him to be hands-on with the Image website in a way neither Clay nor myself could have been. He's also one of the most patient and nicest guys you could hope to meet, which I think goes a long way in any job that requires dealing with the public."
As Demonakos sees it, the move to Image is the next rung on a ladder he's been on since he read his first comic (a Fantastic Four #1 reprint) at age 7. "After reading for years, there came a point where I wanted to get more involved than just on the fan-level, so I helped open a store in the Seattle-area called The Comic Stop," Demonakos said. "After about three years, it was going pretty swell, so we opened a second one.
"On top of that, having traveled out to other conventions like the WonderCon and San Diego, I knew that Seattle could really use and support a top-notch show. So, we started up the Emerald City ComiCon, which drew over 6,300 people in its third year, which was the best-ever attendance for a Seattle show.
"The offer from Image is another way for me to get involved in this industry and it's somewhere I hope to be able to make an even more positive impact.
"Plus, I was offered unlimited supplies of Home Run Pies"
Congratulations Jim!!
Wednesday, April 27, 2005
Liefeld on Titans?
Wizard #164 reports that Rob Liefeld is drawing two issues of Teen Titans. I am so completely horrified and angered by this that I am seeing red. My first impulse is to not buy those issues, but part of my anal retentive personality screams for completeness in my run.
Why am I so fired up? I think that Liefeld is a big part of some of the problems we have in the industry today. He can't keep a schedule and NEVER finishes what he starts. He was one of the original "Make Cash Fast" dicks that made all those early 1990's comics so valuable... what do you mean it's only worth 10 cents, Mr. Retailer?
Don't even get me started on his craptastic art.
Normally I am a very positive person, and try to make light of things, but this news has me fuming. When are we going to decide that the tenth time we take it up the ass is enough? Hire someone who's hungry and wants to work, not a proven non-starter!
That's my take on it, sorry if you don't agree. Thank God for the Constitution!
Why am I so fired up? I think that Liefeld is a big part of some of the problems we have in the industry today. He can't keep a schedule and NEVER finishes what he starts. He was one of the original "Make Cash Fast" dicks that made all those early 1990's comics so valuable... what do you mean it's only worth 10 cents, Mr. Retailer?
Don't even get me started on his craptastic art.
Normally I am a very positive person, and try to make light of things, but this news has me fuming. When are we going to decide that the tenth time we take it up the ass is enough? Hire someone who's hungry and wants to work, not a proven non-starter!
That's my take on it, sorry if you don't agree. Thank God for the Constitution!
Monday, April 25, 2005
I'm a Winner (Really!)
Tonight I just found out that I won first place in my age group at the Gold's Gym "Get In Shape" contest that I have been working so hard towards. I am so thrilled I can hardly stand it! My stats are:
Lost 32 pounds
5 1/2 inches off my waist
3 1/4 inches off my hips
1 2/2 inch off my thigh
4.4% body fat loss
...all in 12 weeks!
Yay! It is a good feeling to lose weight and have success. I wish I could bottle it and give it to all my friends.
On that note, have a great week!
Lost 32 pounds
5 1/2 inches off my waist
3 1/4 inches off my hips
1 2/2 inch off my thigh
4.4% body fat loss
...all in 12 weeks!
Yay! It is a good feeling to lose weight and have success. I wish I could bottle it and give it to all my friends.
On that note, have a great week!
New Comics for April 27
It's another big week for me, both from DC and Marvel. I really have to drop some titles one of these days!
Adventures of Superman #639
Authority Revolution #7
Batgirl #63
Catwoman #42
Day of Vengeance #1
Flash #221
Hellblazer #207
Legion of Super Heroes #5
Otherworld #2
Superman Batman #19
Wonder Woman #215
Invincible #0
Pact #1
PVP #16
Captain America #5
Daredevil #72
Fantastic Four Foes #4
New Avengers #5
Punisher #20 - looks like a kick ass story this arc
Spellbinders #2
Supreme Power #16
Ultimate Secret #2
X-Men Age of Apocalypse #6 (of 6)
X-Men Phoenix #5 (of 5)
The New Wizard...
Red Sonja #0
Strangers in Paradise #73
I can hardly wait for Wednesday with a list like that!
Adventures of Superman #639
Authority Revolution #7
Batgirl #63
Catwoman #42
Day of Vengeance #1
Flash #221
Hellblazer #207
Legion of Super Heroes #5
Otherworld #2
Superman Batman #19
Wonder Woman #215
Invincible #0
Pact #1
PVP #16
Captain America #5
Daredevil #72
Fantastic Four Foes #4
New Avengers #5
Punisher #20 - looks like a kick ass story this arc
Spellbinders #2
Supreme Power #16
Ultimate Secret #2
X-Men Age of Apocalypse #6 (of 6)
X-Men Phoenix #5 (of 5)
The New Wizard...
Red Sonja #0
Strangers in Paradise #73
I can hardly wait for Wednesday with a list like that!
Thursday, April 21, 2005
REVIEW: Action Comics #826
Action Comics #826
DC Comics
Writer: Judd Winick
Pencils: Ian Churchill
Inks: Norm Rapmund
Colors: Beth Sotelo
Price: $2.50
Part one of the three part “Lightning Strikes” storyline guest starring Captain Marvel begins in Action Comics #826. Featuring a gorgeous cover by interior artist Ian Churchill, the issues shows promise for the art if nothing else. Luckily for the reader, there is a cryptic story featuring the return of Eclipso, who was last seen fleeing in JSA that accompanies the ravishing artwork.
With Eclipso on the loose, former body donor Bruce Gordon is in pursuit of the entity, hoping to reclaim him to gain a semblance of control. Unfortunately he has missed him time and time again on a global search. In the meantime, the wizard Shazam is warning Captain Marvel that things are coming which has been sealed in a fate he cannot change. Cryptic, huh? Making things weirder, a high profile rock singer kills himself on stage, and other seemingly happy people are causing havoc all over the city. As Lois is off on a scoop to interview the singer’s girlfriend, Clark must change into Superman and save the day. He isn’t prepared for what Eclipso has planned for him at the end of the issue, though. Things are certain to get much uglier before they get better in this three part story.
Writer Judd Winick has been all over the DCU this past year, so it is no surprise to have him on the Superman titles for a month. If I were to guess, I would say that this story will have repercussions on the “Infinite Crisis” that is going to change things forever this fall. As Winick was one of the contributors to the “DC Countdown” issue, and the fact that Captain Marvel is to be one of the main figures featured in the “Days of Vengeance” mini-series, it would greatly surprise me if this doesn’t figure into it.
The highpoint of the story for me was the take Winick has on Lois and Clark’s relationship. Lois takes a look at Clark’s sandwich and drinks out of his milk carton as a secure wife in a committed marriage would. She is blunt and to the point, but in an affectionate manner. I liked how Winick penned it and Churchill drew it, they captured it perfectly.
I really enjoyed Churchill’s art on this issue. Ably inked by longtime collaborator Norm Rapmund, Churchill’s art has gained a maturity to it. His background work has come a long way since the old days, and his characterization has stretched miles from its original state. I was thrilled with the artwork, and am glad he is doing the entire story arc.
Action Comics #826 was the start to a potentially good story. I am looking forward to picking up chapters two and three to get a better sense of where this is going, but I am sure that it isn’t going to be pretty. With the re-establishment of the villains in the DCU as bad assess, I am sure Eclipso is at the top of a list of hokey characters that will become insanely dangerous. I am looking forward to seeing that, and am hoping to see Captain Marvel and Superman in the same panel before this is through.
DC Comics
Writer: Judd Winick
Pencils: Ian Churchill
Inks: Norm Rapmund
Colors: Beth Sotelo
Price: $2.50
Part one of the three part “Lightning Strikes” storyline guest starring Captain Marvel begins in Action Comics #826. Featuring a gorgeous cover by interior artist Ian Churchill, the issues shows promise for the art if nothing else. Luckily for the reader, there is a cryptic story featuring the return of Eclipso, who was last seen fleeing in JSA that accompanies the ravishing artwork.
With Eclipso on the loose, former body donor Bruce Gordon is in pursuit of the entity, hoping to reclaim him to gain a semblance of control. Unfortunately he has missed him time and time again on a global search. In the meantime, the wizard Shazam is warning Captain Marvel that things are coming which has been sealed in a fate he cannot change. Cryptic, huh? Making things weirder, a high profile rock singer kills himself on stage, and other seemingly happy people are causing havoc all over the city. As Lois is off on a scoop to interview the singer’s girlfriend, Clark must change into Superman and save the day. He isn’t prepared for what Eclipso has planned for him at the end of the issue, though. Things are certain to get much uglier before they get better in this three part story.
Writer Judd Winick has been all over the DCU this past year, so it is no surprise to have him on the Superman titles for a month. If I were to guess, I would say that this story will have repercussions on the “Infinite Crisis” that is going to change things forever this fall. As Winick was one of the contributors to the “DC Countdown” issue, and the fact that Captain Marvel is to be one of the main figures featured in the “Days of Vengeance” mini-series, it would greatly surprise me if this doesn’t figure into it.
The highpoint of the story for me was the take Winick has on Lois and Clark’s relationship. Lois takes a look at Clark’s sandwich and drinks out of his milk carton as a secure wife in a committed marriage would. She is blunt and to the point, but in an affectionate manner. I liked how Winick penned it and Churchill drew it, they captured it perfectly.
I really enjoyed Churchill’s art on this issue. Ably inked by longtime collaborator Norm Rapmund, Churchill’s art has gained a maturity to it. His background work has come a long way since the old days, and his characterization has stretched miles from its original state. I was thrilled with the artwork, and am glad he is doing the entire story arc.
Action Comics #826 was the start to a potentially good story. I am looking forward to picking up chapters two and three to get a better sense of where this is going, but I am sure that it isn’t going to be pretty. With the re-establishment of the villains in the DCU as bad assess, I am sure Eclipso is at the top of a list of hokey characters that will become insanely dangerous. I am looking forward to seeing that, and am hoping to see Captain Marvel and Superman in the same panel before this is through.
Tuesday, April 19, 2005
New Comics for April 20
This week brings us not only a new pope, but new comics as well! Here is a listing of what I am picking up tomorrow.
Conan #15
100 Bullets #60
Aquaman #29
Batman Gotham Knights #64
Birds of Prey #81
Catwoman When In Rome #5
Hawkman #39
JLA #113
JLA Classified #6- the way the JLI/JLE used to be. Memories....
Manhunter #9
Omac Project #1
Robin #137
Seven Soldiers Klarion the Witch Boy #1
Superman #215 - finally!
Teent Titans #23
Invincible #22
Fantastic Four #525
Hercules #1
Marvel Knights 4 #7
New X-Men #12
Ultimate Spider-Man #76 -more Harry Osborn weirdness
Uncanny X-Men #458
Wolverine #27
X-23 #5
X-Men #169
Young Avengers #3- very intriguing new title
I will also go get my grubby hands on a new Previews so I can stress about how much July is going to cost me!
Have a great week!
Conan #15
100 Bullets #60
Aquaman #29
Batman Gotham Knights #64
Birds of Prey #81
Catwoman When In Rome #5
Hawkman #39
JLA #113
JLA Classified #6- the way the JLI/JLE used to be. Memories....
Manhunter #9
Omac Project #1
Robin #137
Seven Soldiers Klarion the Witch Boy #1
Superman #215 - finally!
Teent Titans #23
Invincible #22
Fantastic Four #525
Hercules #1
Marvel Knights 4 #7
New X-Men #12
Ultimate Spider-Man #76 -more Harry Osborn weirdness
Uncanny X-Men #458
Wolverine #27
X-23 #5
X-Men #169
Young Avengers #3- very intriguing new title
I will also go get my grubby hands on a new Previews so I can stress about how much July is going to cost me!
Have a great week!
Saturday, April 16, 2005
O-P-P AND TERRA MAJOR JOIN FORCES FOR FESTIVAL OF BOOKS
My first attempt at blogging a press release I got in e-mail. Please humor me!!
Official Press Release
For Immediate Release
Independent comics publishers O-P-P and Terra Major will be sharing Booth Number 915 in Zone "i" at the LA Times Festival of Books held on the UCLA campus Saturday and Sunday, April 23rd and 24th, 2005. O-P-P creators Omaha Perez and Mark Fearing will be on hand to sign advance copies of HOLMES #1/PERIPHERY #2. Terra Major will be represented by publisher Brian Scot Johnson.
For more information on Festival of Books please visit www.latimes.com/extras/festivalofbooks/.
O-P-P is the publisher of an eclectic line of quality comics and graphic novels including BODHISATTVA, CENOZOIC, HOLMES and PERIPHERY. More info at www.o-p-p.ws.
Terra Major, specializing in Historical Fiction Drawn By Brazilian Artists, publishes HORNS OF HATTIN, LORD TAKEYAMA and ROLAND: DAYS OF WRATH. More info at www.terramajor.com.
Contact: Omaha Perez, email omaha@o-p-p.ws
Official Press Release
For Immediate Release
Independent comics publishers O-P-P and Terra Major will be sharing Booth Number 915 in Zone "i" at the LA Times Festival of Books held on the UCLA campus Saturday and Sunday, April 23rd and 24th, 2005. O-P-P creators Omaha Perez and Mark Fearing will be on hand to sign advance copies of HOLMES #1/PERIPHERY #2. Terra Major will be represented by publisher Brian Scot Johnson.
For more information on Festival of Books please visit www.latimes.com/extras/festivalofbooks/.
O-P-P is the publisher of an eclectic line of quality comics and graphic novels including BODHISATTVA, CENOZOIC, HOLMES and PERIPHERY. More info at www.o-p-p.ws.
Terra Major, specializing in Historical Fiction Drawn By Brazilian Artists, publishes HORNS OF HATTIN, LORD TAKEYAMA and ROLAND: DAYS OF WRATH. More info at www.terramajor.com.
Contact: Omaha Perez, email omaha@o-p-p.ws
Monday, April 11, 2005
New Comics for April 13
Here is the hot list for this Wednesday's comic pull!
Conan & The Jewels of Gwahlur #1
Action Comics #826
Adam Strange #7
Fables #36
Gotham Central #30
Green Arrow #49
JSA #72
Nightwing #107- back to current continuity after the Year One story!
Lions Tigers & Bears #3- check this book out- totally original!
Noble Causes #9
Black Panther #3
District X #12 - has it already been a year?
Exiles #62
Iron Man #3 - after many months...
Marvel Knights Spider-Man #13
New Thunderbolts #7
Powers #10
Ultimate X-Men #58
Ultimates 2 #5
Wow, what a week! I am most psyched for Powers.
Happy Monday all! Only four more days until my Get In Shape contest is done!
Conan & The Jewels of Gwahlur #1
Action Comics #826
Adam Strange #7
Fables #36
Gotham Central #30
Green Arrow #49
JSA #72
Nightwing #107- back to current continuity after the Year One story!
Lions Tigers & Bears #3- check this book out- totally original!
Noble Causes #9
Black Panther #3
District X #12 - has it already been a year?
Exiles #62
Iron Man #3 - after many months...
Marvel Knights Spider-Man #13
New Thunderbolts #7
Powers #10
Ultimate X-Men #58
Ultimates 2 #5
Wow, what a week! I am most psyched for Powers.
Happy Monday all! Only four more days until my Get In Shape contest is done!
Sunday, April 10, 2005
Hectic
My Get In Shape Contest ends this Friday, April 15, so I have been spending every extra moment I have at the gym. Yesterday it was 6 1/2 miles and 1069 caleries, and today it was 5 1/2 miles and 904 caleries. That's just the cardio. I have been weight lifting like crazy as well.
I will be so happy to weigh out of this deal on Friday!
My new assistant at work starts tomorrow. I am praying she is better and smarter then my last assistant, but unfortunately, that won't be hard to attain. I am still angry at the way she quit and shit- talked me on her way out.
I hope you have a great week! I will be back tomorrow with new comics for the week!
I will be so happy to weigh out of this deal on Friday!
My new assistant at work starts tomorrow. I am praying she is better and smarter then my last assistant, but unfortunately, that won't be hard to attain. I am still angry at the way she quit and shit- talked me on her way out.
I hope you have a great week! I will be back tomorrow with new comics for the week!
Monday, April 04, 2005
New Comics for April 6
Another week has passed way too quickly! It is time for another list of this week's comics!
Deadshot #5
Detective Comics #805
Green Lantern Rebirth #5 - the final fate of Kyle Rayner!! ???
Justice League Elite #10
Lex Luthor #2
Seven Soldiers Zatanna #1
Superman Batman #18
Swamp Thing #14
Witching #10 - last issue of series... sniff..
Y The Last Man #32
Witchblade #84
GLA #1
Power Pack #1
Shanna The She Devil #3
Strange #5
The Punisher #19
Ultimate Fantastic Four #17
Ultimate Spider-Man #75
Strangers In Paradise #72
Should be an interesting week! Take care all!
Deadshot #5
Detective Comics #805
Green Lantern Rebirth #5 - the final fate of Kyle Rayner!! ???
Justice League Elite #10
Lex Luthor #2
Seven Soldiers Zatanna #1
Superman Batman #18
Swamp Thing #14
Witching #10 - last issue of series... sniff..
Y The Last Man #32
Witchblade #84
GLA #1
Power Pack #1
Shanna The She Devil #3
Strange #5
The Punisher #19
Ultimate Fantastic Four #17
Ultimate Spider-Man #75
Strangers In Paradise #72
Should be an interesting week! Take care all!
Sunday, April 03, 2005
Catching up
I did a review for Otherworld by Phil Jimenez on 4 Color Review. If you get a chance, give it a read.
Also, I haven't been able to bring myself to read DC Countdown again. I just can't do it.
Jim and I have been keeping up on the Pope's demise on the television this weekend. So sad. We also have been trying to adjust to the time change today.
My Get In Shape contest ends on April 15, and I can hardly wait. I have lost 29 pounds overall, and 21 on my contest. I am starting to seriously crave a piece of pizza. I feel way better, and told my hubby I could probably kick some serious ass now.
Take care all, and have a great Sunday!
Also, I haven't been able to bring myself to read DC Countdown again. I just can't do it.
Jim and I have been keeping up on the Pope's demise on the television this weekend. So sad. We also have been trying to adjust to the time change today.
My Get In Shape contest ends on April 15, and I can hardly wait. I have lost 29 pounds overall, and 21 on my contest. I am starting to seriously crave a piece of pizza.
Take care all, and have a great Sunday!
Sin City
Friday night Jim and I went to see Sin City. We absolutely loved it. I don't know how much of it was crowd reaction and how much was my joy at seeing it work out so gorgeously on screen, but it was a revelation.
The crowd went crazy for Marv, played amazingly by Mickey Rourke. The sequences with him were incredible, and Frank Miller's dialogue worked well. The men in the audience all gasped when Lucille, played by Carla Gugino, came on screen. She did the nudity required as done exactly by Miller, and I could feel the men falling in love.
I would like to wait a few weeks and go see it again. It was worth every penny!
The crowd went crazy for Marv, played amazingly by Mickey Rourke. The sequences with him were incredible, and Frank Miller's dialogue worked well. The men in the audience all gasped when Lucille, played by Carla Gugino, came on screen. She did the nudity required as done exactly by Miller, and I could feel the men falling in love.
I would like to wait a few weeks and go see it again. It was worth every penny!
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