Fiscal Responsibilities

Hey there! Tomorrow is my work's fiscal year-end, so I will be a bad blogger until it is completed. We are trying to tie up loose ends so we can end our fiscal year as clean as possible, and make sure we properly bill our customers.

I know it must be year-end because last night I absolutely could not concentrate on reading any of the comic books I picked up! I sat blankly and watched "Beauty and the Geek" and "The Real Gillgan's Island". It just felt right.

Pardon my lack of blogging in the meantime! Take care!

New Comics for June 22

Hey there, it is already time for another week of comics to ship to your local comic book shop. Here is the weekly damage for me.

Conan #17
Astro City The Dark Age #1
Catwoman #44
Legion of Super Heroes #7
Otherworld #4
Robin #139
Teen Titans #25
Girls #2
Noble Causes #11
The Gift #12
Black Panther #5
Captain America #7
House of M #2
New Avengers #6
New X-Men #15
Rogue #12
Spellbinders #4
Spider-man House of M #1
Supreme Power #17
Ultimate Fantastic Four #20
Ultimate X-Men #60


Have a great week! Happy Belated Father's Day to Carl!

Wonder Woman 217

Wonder Woman 217
Originally uploaded by Heidi Meeley.

Speaking of Wonder Woman, has anyone heard what the word is about when the next issue is due? It was supposed to ship on May 25, and from what I understand, Rags Morales had felt that having two issues ship that month was beyond his capabilities.

It is now June 22, and Wonder Woman 217 is not showing on this week's or next week's shipping lists. It makes me wonder what will become of issue 218, which was supposed to ship June 29. Further worrying me is that issue 219 is the big brawl between her and Superman and it has been solicited for July 27. What will the lateness of the issues before do to shipping then?

With DC attempting such a major crossover event, it is stuff like this that gives me pause. I absolutely hate it when product ships out of order. It ruins the surprise and messes up continuity for the reader.

Anyone heard any word on this yet? I checked Newsarama for their updated list and didn't see it anywhere.

Wonder Woman Bust

WonderWomanBust
Originally uploaded by Heidi Meeley.

I am so in love with this new Wonder Woman Bust that is being featured in the next Previews. It is the first of a new series of mini-busts called "Women of the DCU". It is retailing for $45.00.

The busts will evidently be based on Adam Hughes' sexy designs so I can hardly wait to see what they come up with next!

A Shout-Out to My Husband

Jim on our wedding day
Originally uploaded by Heidi Meeley.

I just wanted to tell the world how much I love my husband. Since we aren't parents and I can't technically celebrate Father's Day for him, I want to send a special "I Love You" his way.

I am very lucky because Jim and I share so many common interests. We both love comic books, movies, and my nephews, but not neccesarily in that order! We can talk for hours about our favorite titles and debate the characterization of our favorite heroes and heroines. We also love to spend time together just relaxing. There is nothing better then sleeping in and just putting my head on his shoulder.

I also celebrate our differences. I love to work out and obsess about what I eat; he knows when he is full and stays slendor by walking every day. His favorite movie genres are horror and 60's exploitation; mine are raunchy comedies and chick flicks. I live to multi-task; he likes to do a perfect job on each task he performs.

Marriage is a common thing, but to find the person who is your soul mate is rare. I have found that in Jim and I like to think he has found it in me. I feel like a whole person when I am with him, and I feel like I can conquer the world. The peace of mind and completeness he gives me is the greatest gift I can ever receive.

Jim, I want you to know I love you and I appreciate you. I am the number one fan of your writing, and am constantly amazed at how creative you are. I think your blog is informative and entertaining, and I can hardly wait to read it. I especially love knowing that at night I get to go with you to our home- our special space.

For all you guys out there who may not be dads, here is a shout-out to all of you, but especially to my wonderful, handsome husband Jim. Our fifth wedding anniversary is coming up and I can hardly wait!

VH-1 Kept is a must-see!

JH_02
Originally uploaded by Heidi Meeley.

I have found the must-see television show for me this Summer! It is titled "Kept" and it is on VH-1. The show is a reality program where 12 American guys vie to be kept in a life of luxury, winning money and prizes.

The show stars Jerry Hall, top supermodel and ex-wife to Mick Jagger. Jerry has always been a favorite of mine for her bluntness and charm, so I figured the show would work well. I can hardly believe how perfect she is as the gorgeous older woman who will select the man to be kept.

The male candidates are a sight to behold as well. From the vain pretty boys Ricardo and Slavco to class clown John, the men here run the gamet. A personal favorite of mine right out of the gate is Austen, an incredibly handsome guy with a great, surprisingly humble attitude.

Each week the men must master a new gentlemanly skill. The first episode found them having to swim the Thames River and shop for a gift for Jerry. The first guy eliminated tanks for giving Jerry a book with an old picture of her and Mick pasted inside of it! I don't know what his logic was, but it definitely didn't work.

The second episode was all about grooming and a fashion show, which featured designs by cutting edge designer Vivienne Westwood and others. Talk about high camp! The last outfit the fellows had to model were underwear, which gave Jerry and the audience a great deal of excitement, and unfortunately for a few of the guys, a lot of laughs.

Last week was all about art and how to carry yourself. The men had to draw, paint, model, and face their fears about nudity. When the episode was all over, poor Frank had to go home.

This Thursday at 9 p.m. is a new episode in which Jerry takes the contestants to a lovely country home and one of the guys makes a terrible error in judgement.

Kept is a charming, irreverent show. It is fun for a hard-working woman like myself to be able to enjoy the paces Jerry puts the men through, and to see their reactions and intentions come to light.

If you get a chance, give Kept a look. It has the total package!

Rucka, Sale, and Faerber at Pacific Center June 18

Man, I am super jealous about this. Give a look at what is going on in Seattle Saturday.


Press Release

Batman Begins comes to Pacific Science Center's Boeing IMAX Theater; DC® artists come along for the ride!

WHAT: Opening at midnight, Wednesday, June 15, Warner Brother's Batman Begins: The IMAX Experience promises excitement for new and longtime comic fans. IMAX has taken the newest in the Batman film pantheon and has reformatted it, giving you the ultimate Batman experience! The Boeing IMAX Theater is the perfect place to celebrate this long-awaited film. Featuring over 400 stadium seats, our IMAX Theater includes a 60x80 foot screen, and 12,000 watts of digital sound!

To continue the celebration, Saturday, June 18 Pacific Science Center is pleased to bring you a comic weekend like no other. Batman activities will be taking place from Noon to 6 p.m. as part of Pacific Science Center’s Day for Dad event.

WHO: On Saturday, June 18, meet artist Tim Sale (Batman: Long Halloween, Batman: Dark Victory, Catwoman: When In Rome) and Greg Rucka (Batman: No Man's Land, DC: Countdown, The Omac Project) as they sign, chat, and discuss Batman. In addition, Jay Faerber (Noble Causes, Venture, The Pact) will be on hand to talk about how he brings his comic book visions to paper and the industry.

WHEN: Midnight, Wednesday, June 15, Warner Brother's Batman Begins: The IMAX Experience opens to the public.Saturday, June 18, Pacific Science Center is pleased to bring you a comic weekend like no other. Batman Begins: The IMAX Experience will show all weekend and activities will be taking place Noon to 6 p.m., as part of Pacific Science Center’s Day for Dad event.

WHERE: Pacific Science Center is located under the arches near the Space Needle.HOW: Tickets and more information are available at www.pacsci.org, by calling 206-443-IMAX, or e-mailing Philip_Cosand@pacsci.org. Prices for Batman Begins: The IMAX Experience are $10 for adults, $8 for juniors 3-12, $9 for seniors 65 and up, and $7 for PSC members.

Jim and I live about two and a half hours away and I am super bummed about not finding out about this sooner. We would have gotten a hotel and made a fun weekend of it. Oh well, I guess we will just have to dream.

If you get a chance to attend, let us know how it goes!

New Comics for June 15

It's Monday again already and that means it is time for a new comics pull list! Here is my list:

Conan & the Jewels of Gwahlur #3
Adventures of Superman #641
Authority Revolution #9 (of 12)
Batman Gotham Knights #66
Birds of Prey #83
Day of Vengeance #3 (of 6)
Hawkman #41 - did Hawkman really bite it? Find out here!
JLA Classified #8
Manhunter #11
Mnemovore #3 - freaky Vertigo mini series
Seven Soldiers Klarion the Witch Boy #2 (of 4)
Vimanarama #3 (of 3) - clever Grant Morrison tale
Cable Deadpool #16
Daredevil #74
GLA #3 (of 4)
Hercules #3 (of 6)
Marvel Knights 4 #19
Power Pack #4 (of 4)
Powers #11 - late shipping but finally here!
Uncanny X-Men #461 - I am praying it is not Uncanny crap!
Wolverine #29
Strangers in Paradise #74- always a wonderful palette cleanser!

Next week brings a whole bunch of Marvel issues, including the delayed New Avengers #6. It should be interesting to see if the books from Marvel and DC can keep up with their much hyped universal Summer events. Let's wait and see with much amusement and irritation, shall we?

Big Barda by Marshall Rogers

Big Barda by Marshall Roges
Originally uploaded by Heidi Meeley.

Can you tell I figured out how to put pictures in my blog? Hee hee!

I wanted to praise Marshall Rogers for the incredible sketch of Big Barda he did for me at the Seattle Comicard Show on May 22, 2005. What a pleasure to have. I have put this sketch with my other DC Heroine sketches.

I don't know how people can go to cons and get sketches and be able to part with them on ebay. When I get a sketch, it is personal and had value to me.

How cool is this sketch?

Wonder Woman DVD Season 3

Wonder Woman DVD Season 3
Originally uploaded by Heidi Meeley.

It's time to complete our set! Wonder Woman Season 3 came out on DVD on June 7. I immediately went and bought it at Target and am planning to pop it in and watch it tonight.

There are 24 episodes and bonus commentary and a special round table discussion, making for a lot of DVD for a great value.

I had previously picked up the first two seasons and have enjoyed them immensely. It reminds me of back in the day when I would lay on my tummy in front of our big old oak paneled television and watch each episode with rapt attention. Things absolutely have not changed, and it is like I am back in watching it with my family- still thrilled and excited that my favorite heroine has been brought to life!

Give it a look if you have a chance. This is the good stuff, Folks!

Question of the Day

I have had my blog for 11 months now, and I have had good weeks where I post almost every day and bad days where I post once a week. My blog is regularly scheduled in the fact that I post my new comics list each week, but not in any other way.

I go to other blogs, and the people that have them post dang near every day. They sift through news, other blogs, or just have things to say in general. There is a much greater consistency.

That being said, here is my question:

HOW DO YOU DO IT?

Why did you want to have a blog? What is your focus?

More personally, are you self-employed or able to blog from work? I work 10 hours a day and internet accessibility is there, but it is frowned upon to do non-work activities. I am a shareholder, but don't want to break the rule when others are not supposed to. I don't see how an active blogger could do it from work unless there is a more lax policy or they bend the rules. Let me know, I won't tell on you!

How many minutes/hours do you spend a day on your blog?

I am curious to know this as I would like to improve my blog, but am not sure how to go about it. I don't want to report news, as I think other sites do an admirable job. All I have are my opinions or gut instinct to go on, and I wonder if it bores people.

I really want to hear your thoughts.

Thank you!

New Comics for June 8

Here are my new comics for this Wednesday, June 8. It should be a great week, and I am looking forward to seeing the newest issue of Age of Bronze come out as it is a personal favorite that I only get in small doses.

Action Comics #828
Fables #38- who is the adversary storyline continues
Gotham Central #32
Green Arrow #51
JLA #115- the start of the "Crisis of Conscience" story arc
Justice League #12 (of 12)
Lex Luthor Man of Steel #4 (of 5) - excellent art!
Nightwing #109
Rann Thanagar War #2 (of 6)
Age of Bronze #20
District X #14
New Thunderbolts #9
Pulse #9 - finally!
Punisher #22 - I am loving this current story arc- it is harsh and gritty but strangely mesmerizing!
Ultimate Fantastic Four #19
Ultimate Spider-Man #78
X-Men #171
X-Men The End Heroes and Martyrs #4 (of 6)

It is a little lighter week then usual, but that is alright because the last two weeks have been HUGE. Take care all, and have a great week!

By The Way

Heidi
Originally uploaded by Heidi Meeley.

So that you know I am not blowing smoke, here is a picture of the real, un-edited, un-airbrushed me.

Not a super model, but not a social pariah either! This was taken at a business meeting and I use it for business purposes for the most part.

I figure if I'm going to put it out there, I have to be able to back it up.

Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus- A Comic Book discussion!!

Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus. Heard about the book? Better yet, have you read it? If so, you are aware that Men and Women come from different centers in how they approach life and how they react to incidents, which usually ends up confusing and infuriating the other. Heck, just listen to today’s quote from the http://www.marsvenus.com/ website: "A man in a relationship trades intimacy to get sex. A woman in a relationship trades sex to get intimacy. -Old Proverb".

Why am I babbling about Mars and Venus, you might ask? Men and Women in comics are divided. All weekend there has been a buzz around the internet over an article in the Times Online UK called Comic Contempt. (To read this piece of information go to: http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,14931-1636789,00.html)

As a piece that literally was created to pan Sin City the movie, the examples used in this article have angered comic book fans. The most vivid example is the quote from comic book creator Trina Robbins. The passage goes like this:

“Women just don’t go into comic-book stores,” explains Trina Robbins, the author of The Great Women Cartoonists, speaking recently to the New York City Comic Book Museum. “A woman gets as far as the door, and after the cardboard life-size cut-out of a babe with giant breasts in a little thong bikini and spike-heel boots, the next thing that hits her is the smell. It smells like unwashed teenage boys, and it has this real porn-store atmosphere.”

This and the depiction of repeated failure to bring women into comic books through the romance genre are cited as prime examples of why comic books are male dominated pieces of degradation. Author Kevin Maher is obviously not a comic book reader, and what he has seen of comics, he doesn’t like. That is his opinion, and it has male comic book creators and fans outraged.

Admirably, comic readers and creators over at Millarworld, an active comic book and community forum, were up for the challenge. (http://www.millarworld.net/index.php?showtopic=49851&st=0) Much to the dismay of the men there, the women in general, including Gail Simone and Lea Hernandez, were not too worried about Maher’s depiction, and took it in stride. This was not the reaction that the gentlemen were looking for, and at last look, it was being politely debated.

Men have been the cornerstone of the industry for a long time, in the fact that they have been the writers, artists, and business men driving the machine. The names Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, Paul Levitz, Roy Thomas, and Jim Shooter are bandied around with an astounding frequency, and it is with merit.

There have been great women who have stepped in and did the job with the same skill and acumen as men, there just hasn’t been the scope of recognition. At the end of 1972, writer Linda Fife and artist Marie Severin brought The Cat to Marvel Comics. Unfortunately, her series only lasted five issues, but Greer Garson has been a recurring character, and an Avenger. Louise Simonson and Barbara Kesel also come to mind as women in the industry ahead of their time. Both are great editors and writers, and have a hand in bringing comics to a higher level of quality and maturity. Roy Thomas has long given his wife Dann credit for helping him write and brain storm with him, and she got credit along with him on several occasions.

Today there are even more women in comics. Simone, Hernandez, and Kesel are all actively involved. There are several female bloggers in the comic book community that are well respected and bring a great perspective to the industry. Heidi MacDonald’s “The Beat” comes to mind, as does Laura “Tegan” Gjovaag, at her blog (http://realtegan.blogspot.com/ . She is one of the biggest Aquaman fans around, and a longtime letter writer who has been published in several comic book letters pages.

The facts being what they are, and knowing that there are more female contributors and readers then ever, Maher has took the politically correct road and missed the boat.

So why has there been such a divided reaction between men and women? And why are we allowing an article to split the comic’s community apart? Obviously we aren’t as united as we think. From the pseudo-intellectuals who put up with the “unwashed masses” to the regular Joe who hates sharing his message board with above said intellectual, there is a huge chasm in general in readers. It can be seen every day on the general forums, as there are flames abounding. What this tells me is that comic book readers are not a group that can be pigeon holed, let alone portrayed by gender.

I have been a comic book reader since 1974 when my Uncle Jack so generously passed on his weekly stash of comics to me. I remember reading Wonder Woman, Justice League of America, Batman, Shazam Family, and Worlds Finest with a gleam in my eye. Comic books were a world I could escape to. I could put on my bracelets and deflect bullets while having a cool job as a UN Interpreter on the side. I could go help Batman foil the Joker’s latest scheme. If I was feeling particularly ambitious, I could go fly with Superman. Comic books took away the limits I felt while living on the family farm and trying to deal with feeding baby calves, going to school, and trying to fit in as a human being.

At the age of 38, I still don’t want to lose that feeling. I am a successful business woman with a happy marriage that we work hard at. I care about my appearance and health and go the gym on a regular basis. I am also a practical, logical person who can hardly wait until Wednesdays so I can get my fantasy fix.

How do I feel comics portray women? Let me qualify that I am the little girl who thought Wonder Woman was pretty in her costume, and still think so today. I love how Black Canary looks like a princess and still kicks the crap out of criminals. I also enjoy that Oracle, a handicapped woman like my grandmother, is the JLA’s secret weapon. To me these women weren’t sexual objects; they were heroines who were working towards the greater good.

I see articles where comic book creators are belittled and called on the carpet for their depiction of women, but I also know that I can vote with my dollars on how I choose to spend my money. I have read Vampirella on and off for years, without apology. When the story merits, I don’t even think about her outfit. I think about how much I just enjoyed reading about her. I also read issue one of The Ultimates even though it showed Captain America with a much bigger “package” then I was used to seeing on male super heroes.

That brings up another point in that male super heroes are wearing super tight spandex, and from time to time, it has come to my attention that some are more blessed then others. Issue six of Identity Crisis depicts Batman on the cover, and he appears to be wearing a low slung, sexy piece of Bruce’s secret underpants over his tights. I can choose to let this put me off or I can enjoy the story telling inside the covers.

Another opinion put forth in Maher’s article I must address is Robbin’s assertion that comic book stores smell like porn shops. For one, let me just say I have been in a porn shop and they smell either like naughty love juices or like “sensual” incense. Never have I smelled that at a comic book shop that I am aware of. This is where I want to spend a moment breaking down stereotypes.
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I have been frequenting comic book shops for over twenty years, since I couldn’t seem to find my comics at the grocery store anymore. I have had good experiences and bad ones. It is like any other business on earth, there are good days and bad days. The one thing that is perpetually brought up is the unwashed male. Unfortunately, there is always one or two of these guys that don’t get the concept of hygiene, but I don’t find it to be an absolute. It is sad that this stereotype gets so much hype, because there are several other businesses I go into that have smelly humans, and they don’t get nearly the publicity that comic shops do.

Guys, here is what you do to start breaking up this notion. If your buddy stinks like body odor on a consistent basis, tell him. Say “Dude, you need some soap stat” or something to that effect. I promise I will work on the girls if you work on the guys. It all starts with us, and only we can police our own hygiene.

Another stereotype is that all women that read comics must be ugly and/or fat. Sorry, not true. Once again, a judgment is made on a few bad apples. I went to the Emerald City Comicon and there was a plethora of females there. Some of the ladies were quite lovely, and they weren’t even super hero models (insert sarcasm here). At the creator Q&A’s a good 1/3 of the crowd were women, and from my point of view, there was a good cross section of the female population, from the young and fresh-faced to the older, more mature types.

The movie that started the article by Maher is a mature movie, with mature themes. I had read the graphic novels well before seeing the movie, and was quite pleased with how it turned out. I knew what I was in for, and therefore not offended when I saw breasts on the screen. The way I see it, the movie is rated “R” and if I go to http://www.imbd.com/ to see why it tells me “Rated R for sustained strong stylized violence, nudity and sexual content including dialogue.” If I know that nudity offends me, I probably shouldn’t go. It is all about choices.

The bottom line is that the comic book community is a diverse one, and that because of that diversity, there is the opportunity for us to find what we desire in any of the genre’s contained herein. If manga is what you like, there is a huge selection of it. If super heroes are more your style, look no further then the latest Previews. Our colleagues in the RPG and card industries are a diverse group as well.

It is ironic to me that because what I enjoy in my spare time isn’t hip or hot that society thinks I should be ashamed. I love to look at Vogue and workout, so I am supposed to focus on that and keep comics my dirty secret? No way, Buster! I choose with my dollar how I spend my time, and if it isn’t cool to the general society, maybe they need to quit spending so much time judging me and spend more time worrying about how the next generation is going to grow up rather then be obsessed with me and my proclivity for fantasy. It’s not like I’m an alcoholic who ran over the kid next door; I am a taxpayer, an adult, and a wife and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.

So Men and Women of the comic book community, it is okay that you don’t agree about Maher’s article, but I think it is fair to say that we need to understand each other’s point of view. Ladies, we know that back in the day it was a little unnerving to go into a comic shop alone, but we also know that guys are really trying to make it more inviting for us. Maybe we could give the owners our input while we are spending our money. If there are women there with ownership positions, let them know too.

Gentlemen, listen to us and take us at face value. If we feel comfortable, maybe we will come around more. Also, can we have an event where wives are welcome? I had a barbecue party one time, and got to know the wives and girlfriends of my husband’s fellow readers and we hit it off pretty well. It gave the ladies a better point of view and now I see them around the shop more often. We have comic book discussions, but we also have discussions where we talk about our men and the guys can blow off steam about us and why we had to buy the $230 dress instead of the $25 one.

Men are from Mars and Women are from Venus, but as long as we know that and give a little, we can make life better for each other. Let’s make an attempt to look at each other’s point of view and be more sensitive to it. God knows it may improve our image as comic book readers, if we can stand united as a group while cherishing our differences. Are you ready to give it a try?

It's a Blog World After All

The last couple of days I have wandered around the internet (not on work time!!) and the fact that there are a dirth of comic book related blogs everywhere I turn doesn't surprise me in the least. What is interesting to me is that everyone has different motivations. Here are some examples.

1. Stroke My Ego blog: This is the person who wants to get all the free stuff they can, and along with it have creators and industry types calling upon them for an opinion. They also tend to have Ego-like friends who like to bask in each other's glory. As this blogger stands upon their own Mount Olympus, the rest of us must only hope to be so cool some day. I usually try to avoid these blogs, at they sometimes infuriate me.

2. Rip It All Apart blog: This is the blogger who just has to bitch about the state of the industry and the industry types who keep messing it up for the rest of their readers. From sarcastic comments on recent events to flat out attacks on fellow readers, these bloggers think their opinion is the one that counts. What is even worse is that their buddies hop on board and try to turn it up a notch. I usually avoid these blogs at all costs, as once again, I get irritated.

3. The Why Bother blog: If the blog gets updated a couple of times a month it is an event. The person obviously wants a blog but doesn't have the time or passion to make it happen. As I struggle with this myself at times, I can sympathize, but I wonder what made them think they could maintain it?

4. The News blog: This is the blogger who scours other sites for news and takes it to their site to further publicize said information. I think that this is helpful for the most part, but am usually more interested in why the article would catch their eye then the news itself. When I find pieces of information, I like to pass it on, so I can see the angle.

5. The Love Comics blog: This blogger just loves comics period. From bringing out the older issues in their collection to reviewing the new stuff, this person wants you to know about the comics they like. Some blogs also focus on comics they don't like and have a more review type of feel, but there is a definite love there.

6. The Specialty blog: A blog with a focus on a type of comic book or creator. That being said, several creators have their own blogs now, and some are quite compelling. Some time I will pull down my favorite sites and link them here.

7. My blog: I am just a woman who wants to talk about comic books and life in a non-judgemental environment I can control. I love to do reviews for 4 Color, but it has been wonderful to be able to "talk" about pop culture and comic book issues without the fear of being flamed on a message board. I try to be nice, and sometimes I fail, but my intent is to be positive and fair minded.

I am sure there are more varieties of blogs out there, and someday I hope to have the opportunity to go to them. To all you fellow bloggers out there, I raise my glass to you. It is hard work, and sometimes it comes with repercussions that are unexpected or unfriendly. Keep up the good work, whatever type of blogger you are, and enjoy the freedom of speech we have.

Comics for June 2

It was such a wonderful Memorial Day weekend that I didn't want it to end. Jim and I rested and enjoyed each other's companies. It was wonderful to sleep in and catch up on some much needed rest!!

Here are my comics for the week, and quite a pile it is!

Shi Ju Nen #4 (of 4) - finally!!
Aquaman #31
Detective Comics #807
JSA #74
Seven Soldiers Zatanna #2 (of 4)
Son of Vulcan #1
Superman Batman #20
Swamp Thing #16
Twilight Experiment #5 (of 6)
Villains United #2 (of 6)
Y The Last Man #34
Invincible #23
Noble Causes #10
Pact #2 (of 4) - part one was weak, I hope this is stronger
Exiles #65
Fantastic Four Foes #5 (of 6)
Incredible Hulk #82
Shanna The She Devil #5 (of 7)
Strange #6 (of 6)
Uncanny X-Men #460 - I hope this storyline is better then the last one, which put me to sleep!

That is it for today! Have a wonderful Short week!

DC Special: The Return of Donna Troy #1

I posted this over at 4 Color Review, but want to post it here as well. I hope you are all having a wonderful Memorial Day weekend!


DC Special: The Return of Donna Troy
I honestly looked forward to this book so much that I am sitting here left empty. It reminds me of the way I felt when I read DC Countdown. There was so much hype and expectation that when the actual book came out, I couldn’t bring myself to make an honest assessment of it. DC Special #1 is no exception.

The book is visually perfect. Each panel is lovingly rendered by the artistic dream team of Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez and George Perez. In fact, the art is so startlingly wonderful that it completely took away from my ability to concentrate on the story being told within. I don’t know if that is good or bad, but it was definitely distracting.

I don’t know whether to envy writer Phil Jimenez or wish him an aspirin. Working with such incredible talent is such an honor, but also such a challenge. Phil is the man I most trust with Donna’s back story other then Marv Wolfman, so I know he is the right person for the job, but bringing back Donna in the midst of DC’s event of the year has got to be downright intimidating.

The cover is a collector’s item in itself. Jimenez outdid himself, and the inks by Perez are superb. Featuring the new DC logo, it is the most eye catching cover on stands this week. That makes it even more of a challenge for the reader to focus on the actual story.

I am giving the book two thumbs up for visual representation, but want to reserve judgment on the story itself until issue two comes out. I don’t say this lightly, or without some qualms, but want to make the right call.

If you are on the fence about buying this issue, the only guidance I could give is that the art is A+. Also, the story ties into the Infinity Crisis story that will be told this Fall, and from all indications, Donna Troy will play a pivotal role, so this gives an opportunity to be on the ground floor of it.

Let me know what you think- I am very curious!

New Comics for May 25

This week is a fierce one, comic book-wise. I am super jazzed for my pull list, as there is a lot of great stuff in it! Here we go:

100 Bullets #61
Adventures of Superman #640
Batgirl #64
Batman #640
Catwoman #43
Day of Vengeance #2 (of 6)
DC Special the Return of Donna Troy #1 (of 4)
Flash #222
Green Lantern #1
JLA #114
Hellblazer #208
Legion of Super Heroes #6
Omac Project #2 (of 6)
Otherworld #3 (of 12)
Outsiders #24
Girls #1
Amazing Spider-Man #520
Captain America #6
Excalibur #14
Fantastic Four #527
Incredible Hulk #81
New X-Men Hellions #1 (of 4)
Power Pack #3 (of 4)
Rogue #11
Spellbinders #3 (of 4)
Ultimate Iron Man #2 (of 5)
Ultimates 2 #6
X-23 #6 (of 6)
X-Men #170
Tarot WOTBR #32

I will also pick up Previews and the new Wizard, so I am super jacked!

Have a great evening!

Star Wars Mania!

I didn't post my list last night of new comics because Jim and I went to Revenge of the Sith. I loved every minute of it, even if there were some cheesy moments. It gave me a sense of closure and made me want to watch the trilogy again. My husband's friend was disapointed, but that's okay- it was personal preference.

SPOILER**

The biggest thing I have a hard time buying is the love story between Anakin and Padme. Episode two didn't work for me, and the longing and desire didn't ring true here. I was sad at the end with how things played out, but couldn't figure out why she couldn't be stronger.

Otherwise, I loved the action of the film, and totally bought all the special effects. I love the sense of history and fandom and hold true to it. I especially liked the scenes with Yoda, and appreciated how Ewan MacGregor played Obi Wan.

BACK TO THE TOPIC AT HAND

I will have the new comics list for you tonight. I hope everyone had a good Monday, and has a great week!

Seattle Comicard Show

We just got back from the Seattle Comicard Show, and we really enjoyed it. It wasn't as heavily attended as some in the past, but the group that was there was buying and having fun. It was the usual hardcore suspects, and the level of camraderie and politeness was higher then at most other cons I have gone to.

I got an incredible sketch of Big Barda by Marshall Rogers and bought a page of Green Arrow 75 by Rick Hoberg. My hot comic book purchase of the day was Justice League of America #3. What an awesome coup!! I also bought several old school Wildcats comics and some various issues to fill in runs on other titles.

John Layman and Tom Peyer were sharing a table, and appeared to be having a nice time. They were nice enough to share that they both have books coming out during the House of M crossover at Marvel. John's book is House of M: Fantastic Four, and it looks insanely beautiful. Tom is doing House of M: Spider-Man and it sounds wonderful as well!

I will have more to share later, but wanted to let you to know we made it back in one piece!

TGIF!!

I am so glad it is Friday! Jim and I are going to the Seattle Comicard Convention on Sunday. (See my link to the right for further details). We are hoping to find some good deals and relax.

We haven't seen Star Wars (Sith) yet, in fact we will probably wait a week to see if it slows down. There is no way in hell I can stay up and go to a midnight movie, so that was out. I told Jim he could go, but bless his heart, he wants to go with me. Because of our trip to Seattle, we will definitely wait.

Cross your fingers nobody spoils it for me. Granted, I know the end result, but watching the journey should be the fun part.

I am hoping to read my comics again tonight so I can get a review done at 4CR. We shall see how it goes tonight!

Take care and have a wonderful weekend! If you go to Seattle, look for Jim and I. He will be wearing a Kyle Rayner GL shirt, and I will be wearing something with 4CR on it.

New Comics for May 18

I am starting to think this is not my week. I just got home from work, and there was a notice in my mail box that I had my six month check up at the dentist office at 4 p.m today. Thanks a lot- great way to give me notice. Anyway, that means I missed it and I am going to have to call in tomorrow and beg them not to charge me some weird fee.

Otherwise, here is a list of comics I am picking up this week.

Conan #16
Authority Revolution #8 (of 12)
Batman Gotham Knights #65
Birds of Prey #82
Hawkman #40
JLA Classified #7
Manhunter #10
Robin #138
Seven Soldiers Guardian #2 (of 4)
Superman #217
Teen Titans #24
Lions Tigers & Bears #4 - the coolest thing running right NOW
Black Panther #4
Cable Deadpool #15
Hercules #2 (of 5)
Marvel Knights 4 #18
New Thunderbolts #8
New X-Men #14
Ultimate X-Men #59
Uncanny X-Men #459
Wolverine #28
Young Avengers #4

Quick aside- the letters page in this week's issue of Young Avengers is dedicated to refuting my hubby's letter from last issue. It was all pretty civil, so as his loving wife, I was quite relieved.

Next week I am really looking forward to THE RETURN OF DONNA TROY by my favorites- Jimenez, Perez, and Garcia-Lopez!!

Take care all!

Catching Up

I am having a lot of sadness today. A good friend and mentor passed away yesterday, and I just found out. Granted, she was older and had a lot of health issues, but I will miss her spirit. Godspeed Meg!

My grandma, who was paralyzed by polio in the late 1950's had a close call Friday, and had to go to the hospital. She is home again, but is miserable with pain. She has osteoporosis and arthritis, and her poor spine is terribly curved. I am praying for her to feel better, or go be with God.

Sigh. I know that life and death are a fact that we must deal with, but it doesn't make it any easier.

I don't know when I will get the new comic book list up- maybe tonight, maybe not until tomorrow. Take care all, and give your loved ones an extra hug for me.

G.I. Spy Trailer

I just got a link from artist extraordinaire Matt Haley that has the coolest comic book trailer I have seen in some time. If you are looking for an edgy, exciting comic book to read, you have got to give this title a try. Issue one is coming from Boom Studios and is featured in the July issue of Previews.

Give it a look! Check out the trailer here!

http://www.gispyonline.com/gispy_sample2.mov

Many thanks again to Matt for the link! This is super sweet!

Have a great Wednesday!
Heidi

New Comics for May 11

I'm back with a list of comics I am picking up this week. Should be a good one!

Conan & the Jewels of Gwahlur #2 (of 3)
Action Comics #827
Adam Strange #8 (of 8) - just in time for the Rann-Thanagar War to start in earnest!
Aquaman #30
Fables #37
Gotham Central #31
Green Arrow #50
Green Lantern Rebirth #6 (of 6) - late as hell, but finally here!
JSA #73
Mnemovore #2 (of 6) - weird new Vertigo series- kinda cool
Nightwing #108- more mob idiocy
Outsiders #23- when the team stops being polite and starts being real, by a survivor of the Real World San Francisco!
Rann Thanagar War #1 (of 6)
Wonder Woman #216 -two times this month- yay!!
Darkness #20
PVP #17 - what a great book!
Witchblade #85- finally the end of the first story arc!
Astonishing X-Men #10 (of 12)
Captain America & The Falcon #14 - final issue of an awkward series
District X #13
Excalibur #13 - two in two weeks!?!
Punisher #21 - I am loving this story arc
Ultimate Spider-Man #77 - I am HATING this story arc (can't win 'em all)
X-Men The End Heroes and Martyrs #3 (of 6)'
10th Muse 2 #1
Elsinore #1 (of 9)
Judo Girl #1 (of 4)
Killer Stunts Inc. #1 (of 4)
..and whatever assorted stuff from Alias Enterprises that comes out. I ordered a bunch of it a couple of months ago and am having second thoughts. I hope I am not disapointed!

Have a great week! Carl, if you get a chance, resend me links to your sites- I want to add them to my links sometime in the next couple of weeks.

Time Flies

What in God's name happened to last week? I just noticed that I hadn't blogged since last Monday. I guess I have no other alternative then to plead temporary insanity and try and get back on a more regular schedule this week.

Sorry about that! I should have the list of new comics for this week up later today!

New Comics for May 4

Here is my list of good stuff for the coming week!

Detective Comics #806
Fallen Angel #20 -she's back!
Justice League Elite #11 (of 12)
Lex Luthor MOS #3 (of 5)
Seven Soldiers Shining Knight #2 (of 4) - I love Grant Morrison's stuff!
Superman #216
Swamp Thing #15
Twilight Experiment #4 (of 6)
Villains United #1 (of 6)
Y The Last Man #33
The Gift #11
Excalibur #12
GLA #2 (of 4)
New X-Men #13
Power Pack #2 (of 4)
Rogue #10
Shanna The She Devil #4 (of 7)
Ulitmate Fantastic Four #18

I didn't realize how many limited series I was getting- wow! That's a revelation for me.

Have a wonderful week!

Happy May Day!

I can hardly believe it is already May 1! It is Jim and my 8th Anniversary of our first meeting in person after meeting on the internet in late December of 1996. It may be strange, but it was love at first sight, and it continues to be! I bought him the first three seasons of Family Guy on DVD. We are spending today relaxing, which is nice!

I posted a review of Day of Vengeance over at 4 Color Review. If you have a chance, give it a look!

Have a great week!

The Internet Sucks

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!

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!!

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!

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!

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!

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.

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!

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

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

DC Countdown to... Nausea?

I just read DC Countdown. Sat down in my chair, dove in, and read it. My reaction: Aaaarrgghhhh!

The central character wasn't served justly here. I feel numb.

I am going to go let this set in whilst reading the other offerings I picked up this week and then give it another look tomorrow. Maybe my perspective will change. Maybe the magnitude of the story was too much to wrap my poor little head around. I have a rule about reading something twice before I feel I can make a rational opinion, so I will wait.

Any opinions? Carl, you weren't kidding that this could cause a dog fight at the local comic book shop. Let the madness ensue!

New Comics for March 30

What a day today! It was my month-end at work, so we things were hectic. Also I worried about my sister who had her gall bladder out today. I am happy to report she is already home from the hospital and doing fine!

Here is a list of comics I am picking up this week.

Batgirl #62
Batman #638
DC Countdown to Infinite Crisis #1
Flash #220
Legion of Super Heroes #4
Otherworld #1
Outsiders #22
Rex Mundi #13
Astonishing X-Men #9
Doctor Spectrum #6
Fantastic Four #524
Marvel Spider-Man #12
Pulse #8
Secret War Book Four
Ultimate Secret #1
X-23 #4
X-Men Age of Apocolypse #5
X-Men Phoenix #4
Wizard Magazine (but God knows why as it irritates me more then entertains me anymore)


Have a great week!

Happy Easter!

Happy Easter to all of you! Jim and I are staying home today and eating roast beef and relaxing together. We also called our families and wished them a wonderful day.

I posted quick take reviews at 4 Color. If you get a chance, check them out.

Have a wonderful day!

No Seattle Con this Spring?

I have been asking every one I know if there has been any word on if there is going to be a Seattle Comicon this Spring. I haven't heard word one, and the fact that Steve Miner was supposed to be at the Portland Con with fliers but didn't show worries me to no end.

The Seattle Con is a smaller, but just as enjoyable con as the Emerald City Con for totally different reasons. I like the fact that it is more intimate and that the vendors there are ready to sell. It is a lot of fun for both Jim and I, and gives us an excuse to go to the big city for the weekend.

Has anyone heard anything? Just curious.

Happy Easter to all!

Donna Troy returns in a big way!

I just got done paging through Previews and the absolute highlight for me has got to be the comic book that is bringing back Donna Troy. Titled the "EZ" book for secrecy purposes, and to highlight the fact that all three creators last names end with an "ez", this book has been a long time coming in my book. To see Phil Jimenez, George Perez, and Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez all on a book together is truly this fangirl's dream come true.

Normally when comic characters die, I hope they stay that way, but this is my exception to the rule. Donna, Wonder Woman, Black Canary, and Power Girl are my favorite heroines, and I always try and support books they are in on.

I have hopes of getting through Previews proper this weekend and seeing what else is coming up in the Summer. It is nice to see DC really working to reinvest the reader's interest in their characters.

Have a great TGIF tomorrow!

New Comics for March 23

Here is the thrilling list of stuff I am picking up!

Conan #14
100 Bullets #59
Authority Revolutions #6 (I kinda miss the old Millar/Quietly days.. snif)
Batman Gotham Knights #63
Books of Magick Life During Wartime #9 - this is picking up and starting to be a good book!
Hawkman #38
Hellblazer #206
JLA Classified #5
Nightwing #106- finale of the year one story
Robin #136
Seven Soldiers Guardian #1 (of 4)
Amazing Spider-Man #518- really not enjoying this story arc
Daredevil #71
Excalibur #11
New Avengers #4
Rogue #9
Spellbinders #1 - just to try!
X-Men #168 - please God let this story make more sense!
X-Men Age of Apocalypse #4 (of 6)

Next week: The so0n to be infamous DC Countdown#1!!

Have a great day!

Musings on a Rainy Sunday

I am finally feeling better today, and getting caught up on some reviews. I hope you enjoy the stuff I put up as much as I enjoyed reading the books themselves.

I am hoping to get my hands on as many of the Alias Enterprises books as possible, as well as the Atomeka titles. I have also been fascinated by the Wachowski Brother's comics being published by Burlyman. I am crossing my fingers that I filled out Previews correctly so that I will have the opportunity soon.

I bought The Incredibles on DVD and am hoping to get to watch it today. Jim and I haven't seen it yet. For whatever reason, we just never made it.

We did go see Hostage with Bruce Willis last night, and it was worth the $7.75 a ticket we paid to get admission. Lots of drama and action, and Bruce Willis still has a certain charisma that charms the crap out of me!

Have a great Sunday all!

Portland Comicon Book Reviews

Portland Comicon Special Comic Review

The following three comic books are titles I picked up at the Portland Comicon on March 6. Thanks to Matt Haley for his preview copy, and to the unsuspecting crew at Alias Enterprises who had a nosy reviewer wandering around their booth for a spell, eyeballing all their bounty, without having a clue about it.

G.I Spy “Eyes Only” Preview
Atomeka Comics
Writer: Andrew Cosby
Art: Matt Haley
Colors: Matt Nelson & Pamela Rambo
Letters: John Workman & Ed Dukeshire
Price: $1.99

Rating: 3 stars

G.I. Spy is a comic book that takes concepts from True Lies, Indiana Jones, and the History Channel, throws them in the blender and puts a new twist on them. It doesn’t hurt that Matt Haley’s art is more eye-popping then ever to take a good concept and make it great. The lead character Jack Hunter is immensely likable, and his female opposite number Kaitlin Shepherd is beautiful, but without the usual have to kick the lead man’s ass quality that I loathe.

Andrew Cosby’s script is spare and lean, giving Haley a chance to let his art tell the story where possible. I especially enjoyed the narration by Hunter, which allowed the readers to see that he wasn’t completely egotistical, just charismatic and easy going, with a new career that is sure to test his limits. It is hard to tell from a preview how the character is going to connect with readers long-term, but I get a good vibe based on what I have read here.

Haley’s art is able aided by colorists Matt Nelson and Pamela Rambo, who enhance the delicate parts of his line art rather then overpowering it. I was especially impressed with Haley’s panel work, as it paced the storytelling in a positive way, and gave him room to showcase his abilities in full page spreads.

I enjoyed the preview of G.I. Spy immensely, and am awaiting word of when the first issue will hit the stands so I can make sure and order it through my local retailer. I have heard it will be this summer that the issue will see the light of day and look forward to seeing more of the quality I enjoyed here.

Lions, Tigers, and Bears #2 (of 4)
Image Comics/Runemaster Studios
Writer: Mike Bullock
Artist: Jack Lawrence
Letters: Dave Lanphear
Price: $2.90
Rating: 4 stars

Lions, Tigers, and Bears is the coolest new title out there you haven’t read yet. The concept is unique and the art is some of the most original style I have seen in a long time. I can’t believe this book hasn’t gotten more hype then it has, considering that for once it is justified. When I picked this book up the only thing I knew was that it was something different, and by the time I finished reading the first issue, I was a believer. Issue two does nothing but solidify my opinion.

Joey, a young boy whose mother is moving him away from his Grandma and familiar surroundings to secure a new job, is scared and unsure of how he will get by in a completely new environment. His grandma, sensing his fears, gifts him with a box of stuffed animals called the Night Pride. From minute one, Joey feels a sense of security and closeness to the animals, not just for the comfort of his grandma’s sense of love, but for the way he is instinctively protected by their presence. Imagine his surprise when he goes to bed the first night and finds that his Night Pride is all too real and that he is a key in many ways to future safety and security of children like him everywhere.

The concept by writer Mike Bullock is one that many readers can relate to, having been small children once, whether it is a few years or several. We can all remember going to bed and being frightened by noises and the sheer terror of the dark. The fact that he has tapped into this is incredibly cool, and I could kick myself that I didn’t think of it first! The way Bullock presents the Night Pride as individual, with distinctive personalities is another facet to the puzzle that makes the book interesting. I enjoyed the dialogue and the way the story is moving along at a fun and engrossing pace.

The secret weapon here is artist Jack Lawrence. His art is breathtaking in its originality and quality. When I first opened the first issue, I could scarcely believe my eyes. There is a slightly manga feel, but mostly a whimsical one. Lawrence’s detail work in the characterization in the soul of the book, and his collaboration with Bullock is a winning combination to say the least.

If you haven’t picked up this book yet, go find it and give it a try. It is distinctive and charismatic, and you can share it with younger readers. Joey is a universal character, and his interactions tap something within all of us. I can hardly believe I have such affection for a new comic book, but everything works here. Give it a try, and pass it on to new fans like my husband and I plan to do with our 8 and 11 year old nephews.




Lullaby: Wisdom Seeker #1
Image Comics/ Alias Enterprises
Created by: Hector Sevilla
Writers: Mike S. Miller & Ben Avery
Art: Hector Sevilla
Colors: Simon Bork, David Curiel, and Ulises Arreola
Letters; Bill Tortolini
Price: $2.95
Rating: 3 stars


Imagine that something in your life happens that is tragic and unforeseen, and you find yourself living in a world that encompasses fantasy but also pulls at the heart strings of your worst nightmares, and you will find yourself in Lullaby land. As Alice finds herself through the looking glass, all is not as it seems. From her entrance to this new world from her ascent to First Hand to the Queen of Hearts, Alice knows something is missing, but isn’t quite sure what it is, beginning a journey to get to the bottom of things. Jim Hawkins is her opposite number, a young man with a heart of gold and the mind of a pirate.

From the first page of this book, it is apparent it is not your mother or brother’s fantasy world, but something so twisted it seems too perfect. It has a completely different vibe then Fables in the Vertigo line, as the characters are more alluded to then named. The lead character is not called by her given name at all in the first issue, and the reader is left to use their imagination to find her place. Part of what makes this book so intriguing is what is not said, rather then what is.

Hector Sevilla has created a world that for some would be the ultimate fantasy, but for others would be a total hell. Four sets of cards and two sets of board pieces fight for supremacy in a world where Alice is a fierce warrior and the Queen of Hearts is not an incomparable beauty but a warped version of what we see on the cards we play with. From Alice’s peaceful reality to this new world she must inhabit, there is a gross dichotomy that shows fantasy is not always the best thing to aspire for. The old adage “be careful what you wish for” is more a warning then a premonition.

Writers Mike S. Miller and Ben Avery maintain the mystery by letting Sevilla’s artwork take center stage. As Alice and her cast of characters take shape, the reader is left to draw their own conclusions rather then be told what is happening. It works well here and leaves the readers with a sense of being in charge of the characters destiny rather then the other way around.

New Comics for March 16

I am finally feeling better so here is a list of comics I am picking up March 16!

Adventures of Superman #638
Angeltown #5
Birds of Prey #80
Catwoman #41
JLA #112
Manhunter #8
Teen Titans #22
Wonder Woman #214
Invincible #21
Lions Tigers and Bears #2 - one of the coolest new concepts out there!
Noble Causes #8
PVP #15
Ultra #8
Black Panther #2
Captain America #4
Exiles #61
Fantastic Four Foes #3
Incredible Hulk #79
Marvel Knights 4 #16
Ultimate Spider-Man #74
Ultimate X-Men #57
Ultimates 2 #4
Uncanny X-Men #457
Wolverine #26
Young Avengers #2

Have a great week!

Trying to Bounce Back

My God, I have been sick with a capital 'S'. Every night I went to bed at like 6:30 at night so I could make it through the day at work, and I still am coming out of it. This is a mix of flu and head cold so you can't breathe through your nose, but you have no appetite and feel nauseous and dizzy. It really sucks, and I feel much better, though not 100%.

What's been up lately? My sister and I threw my mom a surprise 60th birthday party last weekend on March 5th that went over well. Then Jim and I went to the Portland Comicon on our way back to Yakima on the 6th. Matt Haley was super cool and gave me a copy of his book "G.I. Spy" to review that I am going to do this next weekend. Also we picked up a couple of books at the Alias Enterprise book to look at. We spent a little money and got back to town, where I proceeded to have a miserable week.

The good news is that since I was so sick I lost more weight, bringing my total loss to 26 pounds. The even better news is that I look normal sized, not heavy anymore and that my clothes fit better. I have five more weeks left on my "Get In Shape" Contest and I have to hustle to make up for being sick this week if I want to win it.

Never a dull moment, huh? I also posted some quick take reviews over at 4 Color Review if you have an extra second. I am off to pay our bills and try and catch up on e-mail since I haven't checked it for over a week. Wish me luck!

Take care all!

Apologies

Sorry I haven't posted. Jim and I were out of town, and since I have been back I have been sick. There is no pull list this week, as I can't focus on reading yet!!


Sorry for the bad blogging, I hope to be feeling better soon!

New Comics for March 3

My gosh, time flies so fast! I can't believe it's already March!! My Mom is turning 60 on the 7th, and there is no way she seems that age at all. I pray I have inherited her youthfulness!

On that note, here is a list of new comics I am picking up this week!

Deadshot #4
Detective Comics #804
Fallen Angel #19
Lex Luthor Man of Steel #1
Razors Edge Warblade #5
Swamp Thing #13
Twilight Experiment #2
Darkness #19
Rising Stars #24 -FINALLY!!!
Doctor Spectrum #5
Shanna the She Devil #2
Ultimate Iron Man #1
Ultimate Spider-Man #73

Sounds like a good one! Take care all and have a great week! Carl, I hope you are recovering from Megacon!

New Review at 4CR

Sorry I have been so behind lately. My assistant quit a week ago and my boss went on vacation, so it was quite hectic. I am amazed I haven't lost my mind. To top it off, I am still in the Golds Gym "Get Fit" contest, so I couldn't even stress eat!!

At any rate, I just did a review of Seven Soldiers of Victory #0 over at 4 Color Review. What a great read! I can't gush enough. I can hardly wait to read more.

Not much else to tell. My sister and I are trying to pull something off I can't talk about yet, so it will be another hectic week. Bear with me!

New Comics for February 23

Hey, it's a big list again for such a short month! Here's a list of the stuff I am picking up this week.

Conan #13
Batgirl #61
Batman #637
Flash #219
Hellblazer #205
Legion of Super Heroes #3
Nightwing #104
Outsiders #21
Seven Soldiers #0
Witching #9
Wonder Woman #213
Y The Last Man #31
Hunter Killer #1
Witchblade #83
Amazing Spider-Man #517
Black Widow #6
Excalibur #10
Fantastic Four #523
Powers #9
Rogue #8
Strange #4
Ultimate Nightmare #5
Uncanny X-Men #456
X-23 #3
X-Men #167
X-Men Phoenix Endsong #3

Heavy on X-Titles this week, Good Lord! Also I will pick up Previews and Wizard to get caught up.

Have a great week!

Thoughts on Constantine

Last night Jim and I went to see Constantine. I couldn't believe how packed the theater was, or how much excitement was evident there. People were psyched to see this movie! As we watched the previews, there was a lot of buzz for Sin City and Batman Begins. I thought both looked amazing, but especially got a chill up my spine watching Sin City. Holy Crap that is going to be incredible!

Before assessing the movie, let me begin by saying that I had no false illusions that Keanu Reeves would be portraying the naughty British John Constantine that I love to read about so much. This, and the fact I have thought Keanu is hot since Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure helped me get past the inner vision problem I thought I might have.

Honest opinion- I really enjoyed it. The special effects and the cast were great. Visually it was a treat from start to finish. I especially liked the starker aspects of the movie that allowed us to notice that Keanu, crows feet and all, is over 40.

Gavin Rossdale chewed scenery as Balthazar, but in a cool, sexy way. Rachel Weisz was a revelation as Detective Angela Dodson. My other favorites were Tilda Swinton as Gabriel and Peter Stormare as Lucifer. To further deepen the cast's talent, Djimon Hounsou was the perfect Papa Midnite. Finally, Shia LaBeouf was a scene stealer as Constantine's friend Chas.

I liked the story, and the special effects that realized the deeper aspects gelled well. It wasn't overdone, which in itself is an achievement. The biggest thing I missed was the fact that John Constantine wasn't British. I also would have liked Chas to have been a bit older. Otherwise, I just relaxed and enjoyed the show.

The capper to me that the movie was worth the price of admission was that both my husband and our friend were interested to see or read more about the character after seeing the film. I hadn't seen that kind of reaction with most other comic book movies we had seen, so to me that is a mark that the film is generating genuine interest.

Has anyone else seen it? Any reactions?

100 Bullets Shocker

Damn!! I just looked at 100 Bullets. Holy Crap! I am going to go read it now in full, but it looks like a tough call. Azarello is perfection in this book!

Happy Comic Book Reading tonight!

New Comics for February 16

Happy Valentines Day! I hope you all have a wonderful day! Jim and I are staying home tonight, since we were in Seattle for the con and spent mad money there!

Here is my list of new stuff for this week.

100 Bullets #58 - new story arc
Adventures of Superman #637
Authority Revolution #5
Batman Gotham Knights #62
Birds of Prey #79
Catwoman #40
Catwoman When In Rome #4
Green Lantern Rebirth #4 - FINALLY
JLA Classified #4
Manhunter #7 - a cool book!
Robin #135
Teen Titans #21
Darkness Superman #2
Noble Causes #7
PVP #14
Tomb Raider #50
Ultra #7 - the coolest Image title out there
Astonishing X-Men #8
Daredevil #70
Livewires #1
She Hulk #12 - last issue :-(
Wolverine #25
Queen & Country Declassified 2 #1

Sweet week- thank God for having a job to support my comic book habit! Now if I could only get caught up with last week's stash!

Full Emerald City Comicon Report

Emerald City Comicon Report 2005

It is the little con that could. Emerald City Comicon has grown steadily every year, starting three years ago with a one day show and evolving into the two day show it was this year. More then 6,000 people found their way through the door and into our own version of Oz. From the great selection of comic books and merchandise to the friendly atmosphere, this con is one to be reckoned with.

To make sure that we could maximize our show experience, my husband Jim and I made sure to get there Friday afternoon, and to stay at the same hotel that the creators were at. In the long run, I would say that the comfort of the room and the quality of the breakfasts served there were the high points, but our intentions were clear from minute one. We would be at the same hotel that all the cool people were at, so there were sure to be encounters of the fanboy kind. Little did I know that my intentions were misguided. I work out religiously and go to bed early so I missed the hotbed of activity that was midnight in the lobby!

We were fortunate enough to see Con Organizer and newly anointed demi-god Jim Demonakos in the lobby Friday night. We tend to try and overwhelm the guy at every opportunity, so his patience is always appreciated. He told us to go down to the Pike Street Bar and Grill, where there might be a creator sighting or two. Unfortunately, once there, the closest we got was some guy that kind of looked like Robert Kirkman but wasn’t. At least the food was good.

It was early to bed and early to rise, as we headed out to the first day of the con on Saturday. With high expectations and freezing asses, we stood outside until a retailer friend got us dealer passes that ensured our ability to go through the freebies line first. By the time the con opened at 10 a.m., Jim and I were pretty jaded, with bags full of free stuff. Our plan was to get Jim as many Green Lantern Kyle Rayner sketches as possible and find the best deals. The sketch idea stayed on task, but our money went fast as we visited Randy and John’s comic book selling booth first. I dropped $60 buying old school issues of Shazam and Wonder Woman. That was okay though, because that freed up time to get our books signed.

As my hubby and I walked around, holding hands and taking in the scenery, we were able to get our stuff signed by Jim Cheung, Russ Heath, Robert Kirkman, Adam Kubert, Steve McNiven, Cary Nord, Gail Simone, Roy Thomas, and Dexter Vines. We annoyed them all with praise and questions, and then moved along to the next party. It was especially interesting to note that Dexter Vines and his wife got to Seattle early to get over the jetlag that sets in from coming all the way from Atlanta, Georgia. Happily, he seemed well adjusted, and said he and his wife were having a great time. I also worshipped at the altar of Gail Simone, whose writing I admire greatly.

I must also mention that we spent a great deal of time just walking around taking in the sights. There were several Imperial Stormtroopers and Darth Vadar himself. It was also quite an eye-opener to see how huge the line creator Jhonen Vasquez had. For a good city block, there was a line of goth and darkly dressed type persons waiting for a glance and an autograph. Disappointingly, a great deal of these individuals just got Vasquez’s autograph and left. It would have been nice to see more of them go learn more about comics then the great offerings by Slave Labor Graphics.

One of the coolest things I got was a Billy Idol print from the amazing woman from www.gothfox.com. I gave it to my friend who is a huge Idol fan, and he is still in shock from its greatness. If you get a chance, check out her sight. Sitting next to her was Matt Haley, who in the past did an incredible sketch of Power Girl for me. One of our con highlights was talking with these two.

Leaving their area, it was time for the Marvel Panel. Present were Editor C.B Cebulski, Brian Michael Bendis, Ed Brubaker, John Layman, and Robert Kirkman. Between ribbing Brubaker about his big announcement (the worst kept secret at the con was his new Marvel exclusive) and fielding questions about how to be a comic book writer, the whole thing was irritating the crap out of me. Finally, I got my aerobicized ass up there and asked for scoops on upcoming books. The answers I got are as follows.
Bendis scoop: The New Avengers story will continue with a second arc that is drawn by Steve McNiven, but features covers by notable Silver Age artists, including Dave Cockrum. Other artwork will be contributed by Sal Buscema. He also said that there will be a focus on Jarvis.
Brubaker scoop: In issue six of Captain America, he does something that will shock fans to such an extent that he will have to hide for the next year. He seemed more excited then scared to me. Also, he said he would be doing more for Marvel but he couldn’t talk about it.
Layman scoop: Issue 10 of Gambit will feature Rogue in a guest spot that is sure to be controversial.
Kirkman scoop: He most giggled and said he is using old Starjammer comics to cut and paste his new stories. (Most likely he was kidding, but with Kirkman, you never know.)
After that my hubby got up and asked a question about continuity that took like 10 minutes to answer. By that time my eyes were glazed over and we went back downstairs to the convention floor. We visited with our retailer friends and got refreshed. I sat and tried to eat a can of water-packed tuna, but found it frightened all the people around me off. I gave that up and just ate a power bar before going back upstairs for the “Fans vs.’ Pros” trivia contest.
My husband Jim, our friends Ben and Kris and I decided to be a team and go against Pro team Kurt Busiek, Roy Thomas, and Tom Peyer, who was filling in for the ailing Mark Waid. If Waid were there, we would have gotten our asses kicked, but we got lucky and were able to defeat the pro team by a score of 13 to 12. Feeling flush with success, we went downstairs and got an autograph from Bendis. I also did my regular routine of gushing how much I love Jessica Jones, which I am sure is not new for Bendis. It was a nice way to end the day.
Back at the hotel, we got a bite to eat and I went and worked out. Amazingly, there were no creators in the exercise room, just a scary guy who ogled me as I walked on the treadmill. Oh well, maybe next year. I went to bed at 9:30 p.m, much to my husband’s annoyance.
Sunday was a whole different vibe. Jhonen Vasquez’ line was shorter, and David Finch’s and Bendis’ were just as long, making me believe that the goth element were not early risers. Jim focused on getting sketches as I tried to get the rest of my books signed. I had Greg Rucka’s Queen & Country novel “A Gentleman’s Game” signed by the man himself. I admit I was so eager, I could hardly wait for him to take his coat off and sit down, but he humored me. Not long after there was a short group discussion on the upcoming Star Wars movie, with Brubaker and Michael Lark dissing it and Rucka defending it by simply saying “Hey, I have a five year old daughter so I have to keep an open mind”. Very cool stuff, indeed.
The DC Panel had a different vibe. Rucka, Brubaker, Simone, and Kurt Busiek took the usual how do I break into comic’s questions and some fan praise. Scoops from that panel were Rucka revealing that he is writing the OMAC project mini-series and that Sasha Bordeaux would be playing a part in it. Also, his upcoming Wonder Woman story arc is being penciled by Rags Morales, and Drew Johnson is off the book onto other projects. Simone is working with John Byrne on their Superman book, and is taking the Birds of Prey of Europe in an upcoming story arc. She is also writing Villains United mini-series as one of the breakouts of the DC Countdown. Brubaker isn’t doing more DC, as he gleefully mentioned several times. Busiek is hard at work on JLA.
By this point in the day, I had my fill of comic books shopping so I went and bought a t-shirt at the CBLDF booth. I also dropped some money at the ACTOR booth and bought two t-shirt there. To top it off, I bought an Emerald City Con shirt. I like to get comic book themed shirts and wear them when I workout and when I am out running errands. I find that they are a great conversation piece and great PR at the same time.
To cap off the day, Jim and I went to the Comics History panel with Roy Thomas, Russ Heath and Bill Schelly. I was surprised how many people focused on how to make comics great again as a discussion point rather then asking these fountains of knowledge about their backgrounds and historic points. It was disappointing to say the least, and I found my way downstairs to end the day.
We went and found Con Organizer Demonakos and were sure that by this point any conversations wouldn’t sink it. We thanked him for the great time and told him we would e-mail him, which I am sure scared the hell out of him. Sorry Jim.
My husband and I were fortunate enough that we could stay Sunday night at the hotel before heading home the next morning. Demonakos told us where the creators would be having dinner, but we were both so tired and sore from standing all day that we went back to the room and went through all of our newly acquired loot. Probably not the best decision, but in hindsight, the right one for us.
On our way out of town Monday morning, we saw Steve McNiven and his wife having breakfast and noticed Cary Nord was still in town. Rather then harassing them, we made a quiet exit back to our regular existence. We will always have the memories of the con, and that is enough, my friends.

Emerald City Con musings

I am going to file my official report tomorrow, but wanted to make a few comments today on what I have read on the internet about the show. It was stated that Ed Brubaker revealed at the DC panel that he had signed an exclusive with Marvel, when really at the Marvel panel the day before it was already the worst kept secret at the con. Ed, Bendis, John Layman, Robert Kirkman, and Marvel Editor C.B. Cebulski kept alluding to it the entire time, so by the time the DC panel started the next day it was old news. Greg Rucka, Kurt Busiek, and Gail Simone kept giving him crap, which basically beat a dead horse. Isn't it funny how things get twisted around by the time they hit us here?

Also, after perusing a couple of other people's blogs, I am completely disgusted by the blatant name dropping done through out. I don't even want to mention what creators Jim and I spoke to and what information we got just for fear of looking that way as well. I don't have personal friendships with the people I spoke to, but have been to enough cons that some of the creators know me by sight. That by no means makes me cool or interesting, it just means I am persistent, so to see other bloggers making a production of their conversations is a travesty to me.

On that note, I will have my view of the con with my own opinions. Any name dropping I do will be from asking the person a question and getting an interesting answer. Also, I will not subscribe to any hearsay or embellish anything I witnessed at the panels.

More tomorrow!

Back from my Busy Week

Whew, I made it through my company's trade show in one piece. Now all I have to do is purchase all the stuff people bought. Weirdly, that is the easy part. I enjoy the interaction with our customers, and the actual show itself, but it is the prep work and running of it that make it challenging. Having it happen right after the Emerald City Con was a crappy complication, as I was tired going in.

In good news, I have lost 10# on my contest, which makes it 18# I have lost this year so far. It is hard because I don't miss a workout. I go work 12 hours at the office and go pull another hour and a half at the gym. It is already worth it as I am thinner and my clothes are looser, but it is challenging at times. I really miss junk food.

That's what I have been up to, what about you? I am planning to read my comics from this last week tonight and tomorrow, so I should have some sort of reviews for you tomorrow.

Emerald City Comicon Note

Due to the fact that my company's trade show is this week and I am in a panic of overwork, I will have a full con report this weekend. It was a wonderful, splendid event, and I am glad that Jim and I ponied up the cash to stay at the hotel the creators were at. The room was very nice, and we both slept well which seldom happens on our trips.

Sorry to be such a killjoy! More soon!

New Comics for February 9

Here is a quick rundown of cool stuff coming out this week!

Action Comics #824
Angeltown #4
Aquaman #27
Batman The Man Who Laughs - Brubaker's best work ever
Fables #34
Gotham Central #28
Green Arrow #47
JLA #111
JSA #70
Nightwing #103
Outsiders #20
Vinamarama #1 - two words - Grant Morrison
The Gift #10
Captain America #3
District X #10
Fantastic Four Foes #2
Incredible Hulk #78
Marvel Knights 4 #15
Marvel Knights Spider-Man #11
New Thunderbolts #5
The Punisher #17
Ultimate X-Men #56
Ultimates 2 #3
Young Avengers #1

Holy Crap, I need to go make some money to pay for this habit!

Stuff to Take to a Con

I am sitting here tonight trying to decide what to take to the Emerald City Con. Let's compile a list, shall we?

-Briefcase/backpack for comics & other neccesities
-Comics for signing, but not too many as not to be a signing whore
-Bottle of water/soda to quench thirst and not have to pay $3.00 for a small one
-Snacks, or in my case cans of tuna for lunch
-Ipod or some listening device for standing in line
-Tape Recorder for doing interviews with lots of blank cassettes
-Camera for capturing the moment
-Umbrella in case it is raining while we wait outside
-Reading material unless you plan to buy it when in there, for the long waits in line
-Patience of a saint to deal with your fellow mankind

What have I missed? Have a great evening, and a great weekend! I will have a report when we get back, and know I won't have a chance to blog tomorrow because I am working.