Comics Fairplay: 5 Years of Blog-foolery and More!

For the last year, I have not been very active on my blog. I have meant to, and have actually had things brewing in my head that I really wanted to write about. It is always good intentions lately. My husband and I talked about the fact that I am not doing a very good job blogging. In a nice way, he asked me if I thought I ought to retire the blog.

For a month I thought about it. Hard. I just can't do it.

Today is the 5 year anniversary of the creation of Comics Fairplay and I carry mixed emotions. Without CF, I wouldn't have met so many wonderful people. The list is so long, and the folks are so precious to me, that I hardly dare to list them. CF gave me an entry way to vent my feelings and frustrations about an industry that continues to confound me in every possible way. It also gave me a chance to give my opinions about feminism and comics. I like to think that in a blogosphere that was ready to rumble, I was a voice of sanity.

So it is down to this: until I am ready to sit down and declare myself content with all things comics, this place can't go away. Though I only post once or twice a week, I still feel a sense of passion about the industry. What I encounter as a stumbling block is TIME. My life has been through so many changes in the last five years! I have lost family, have had a roller coaster ride of changes at work, I lost and gained many pounds, and I faced the most horrific challenge a person can face.

The good news is I am still standing. I still believe that there is a place for women to read and create comics. It happens every day, Folks. I think that the industry is more powerful then ever with the avalanche of success of several comic book movies. I do cringe at the San Diego Comicon though- it has become celebrity central, and its own size threatens to swallow it whole. Give me Emerald City Comicon any day of the week!

Five years. Joy. Pain. Terror. Anger, Happiness. Friendship. Hate. Love.

It has all been here. Let's continue the ride a little bit longer, shall we?

This Year's Birthday Present...

So today is my 43rd birthday. Arrgggghhh! Yikes.

At any rate, my husband conspired with artist extraordinaire Jason Metcalf to do a commission for my birthday. It turned out fantastic! Jim wanted to do a warrior look with an action pose, and like normal, Jason came through with a major upgrade.

Pretty sweet, huh? I am a lucky girl. Thank you to Jason and to the hubby for this beautiful piece.

Last Weekend: Comic Evolution and Pat Benatar??!!

The hubby and I had a busy weekend. First we got up early on Saturday and headed to Puyallup, WA for the Comic Evolution benefit "Be A Superhero for Babies" fundraiser. Our friends Randy Kintz and Jason Metcalf were going to be there sketching and there was a huge silent auction that all benefitted the March of Dimes.

Jim and I were blown away at how awesome Comic Evolution is! It is the neatest, best arranged shop I have seen in a long time. Owner Chuck Messinger has a vision that has become one of the coolest realities ever brought to life in comic retailer format. There is amazing original art and prints on the walls, tons of back issues, a great wall of new books, and an amazing amount of trades and graphic novels. He also has a wall of action figures and numerous busts and statues. It is the kind of store a reader WANTS to go to. Needless to say, I wish I lived closer.

We were lucky that day to see Clayton Crain and meet Paul Gulacy. I was a bit taken aback and flattered when Gulacy thought I was part of the "talent". LOL. Nice guy with great stories and a larger then life presence, he did a wonderful Green Lantern sketch for Jim. The lucky hubby also got a Spider-Girl sketch from Crain.

I bid on a piece of original art from Alias by Michael Gaydos and won it! We are currently trying to figure out how to get it here as I had to leave early. Jim bid on a few pieces but was outbid at the end.

On Sunday we went and saw Pat Benatar at Legends Casino. We didn't know what to expect, but we both knew we really wanted to see her in concert. Benatar didn't disappoint! She sounds remarkable and has a sweet sense of humor. Her husband Neil Giraldo is the guitarist of the band, and they really seemed to be happy to be performing together.

The concert lasted about an hour and a half, but it could have gone on all night as far as I was concerned. Benatar played many of her hits and the crowd really warmed up. Speaking of warm, did I mention the concert was outdoors and that it was in the high 80's when we got there. Lots of sunscreen and care to cover up saved us sunburns!

It isn't often that I get to have such an action packed weekend, so this was a real treat. Normally I am working or we have some kind of project going on here at home! I wish every weekend could be this much fun, but with unlimited money and time all week to recover!

Happy almost Wednesday to you!

Awesome Store- Awesome Cause!

There are tons of pieces of original art to bid on! Clayton Crain, Randy Kintz, and Travis Bundy are sketching!

Also, Bumpy's has the best pizza! Thank you to Chuck for the tip!!


-- Post From My iPhone

Head to Comic Evolution!

Today in Puyallup, Comic Evolution is having a silent auction and artists sketching to raise money for the March of Dimes. If you can, head down there and bid or get a sketch!

Photos to come... Comic Evolution is an amazing store!!!



-- Post From My iPhone

Limited Series Versus Ongoing Series: The Questions

A couple of days I was reading The Boys #31. It was vicious and brutal, with a character taking a permanent dirt nap before the last page unfolded. The impact was swift and meaningful, charging the series with an "anything can happen" vibe.

Why is this? Could it be that creator Garth Ennis has expressed that the series is finite, ending with issue #70?

I think that has a lot to do with it.

In a series like Y The Last Man, Preacher, or 100 Bullets, where there is a limited series mentality, no character is sacred. Anyone can be killed at any time, and the status quo can change without warning.

Characters like Wonder Woman, Superman, Spider-Man, Batman, and even Captain America all suffer from the forever ongoing issue. Creators and Editors can make dictates that shake things up, and often do. There just isn't the same impact allowed though, because through decades of history, these things have been done before. Sure Bruce Wayne is MIA right now, presumed dead in continuity, but how long will that logically last? Last time DC did this, Azrael took over the cowl and grew increasingly nuts until Bruce Wayne stepped back in. This time with Dick Grayson in charge, it could be much longer, but in my gut I know Bruce Wayne will be back.

The closest to a complete reboot I have seen in an "A-list" character is back in the 1980's when DC sent the Wonder Woman of pre-Crisis to Olympus after having her fall in battle. The new (and current) Wonder Woman was completely overhauled. Diana was back on Paradise Island with a few new twists and a complete opportunity for a new lease on life. After 20 years, she still hasn't had a truly steady boyfriend, though she has dabbled. Evidently Wonder Woman's kryptonite is a long term relationship!

Dizzy from 100 Bullets didn't have that hanging over her head. Though she swiftly became one of my favorite characters, and though her series has ended, I felt she was allowed to live without a net in 4 color drama. There were no expectations after all. I didn't grow up with Dizzy, and though I had an attachment to the character, it wasn't the same as how I feel about Wonder Woman- the first female character I learned about and wanted to emulate.

That is a heavy duty responsibility for the comic creators in an ongoing series, especially when said character has been in existence over 60 years. The fanbase gets upset, and it is hard to deal with. Kill a character in a finite series, and we get over it because it is artistic license in a product meant to entertain, rather then entrap.

It feel odd to me knowing that before I would be done with The Boys, most of these characters would be dead. It also felt strange to know that as much as I would like Hughie and Starlight to make it to the end, their relationship will most likely end in heartbreak, unless Ennis takes the Preacher approach and lets them ride off into the sunset, so to speak.

I guess that is why comics are entertainment, right?

Thought on Michael Jackson Services

Though I was at work, I endeavored to watch pieces of the service tonight to see how it all went. I was immensely surprised and pleased to see the classy, sober way the event was conducted. Michael Jackson was celebrated and eulogised by those that knew and loved him best.

What really struck me is this: little Paris Jackson did in 20 seconds what millions of dollars of publicity and a huge comeback tour could not do. She gave him back his humanity. For that moment in time, all that mattered was that a little girl really misses her daddy.

It darn near broke my heart to think about how much she has lost. Ironically, it also lifted my heart to see the poise and sense of normalcy this lovely young girl seems to possess. Too bad Michael couldn't be here to embrace the moment.

Say what you will tomorrow, but tonight in a show of respect, I say: R.I.P. King of Pop.

Happy Independence Day!

Hey there! To all you folks who live in the USA or are American citizens, Happy 4th of July! To the rest of you, Happy Saturday! Heh.

If you do live in the United States, please do not be a jackass and light off fireworks all night. It is not cool to keep your neighbors up and potentially start fires in your own neighborhood. Sure lighting a fire cracker gives a bit of a rush, but remember how much it might hurt when the cops pull up and give you an expensive ticket.

As a girl who grew up lighting off the most dangerous and awkward fireworks known to man, I know what I speak of. Every 4th of July, my family would take over an airport (seriously) and light 'em up. My dad and uncles were volunteer firemen so we would have lot of organization behind the chaos.

My point it this- have fun but be responsible. Captain America seconds that motion!

Total Disgust: Bluewater to Publish Jackson Comic

I feel physically ill right now. I just found out that Bluewater Productions is going to do a Michael Jackson biography comic. When are these money hungry jackasses going to get an original thought instead of trying to make money off other people's lives? The "Female Force" line of books is ridiculous to begin with and now we are adding this dreck?

Darren G. Davis can put a spin on it by saying "he initially waffled at producing a tribute comic, but after receiving dozens of emails and phone calls he knew it was the proper way to show respect and give fans a lasting remembrance." I still feel like it is all just posturing in an attempt to make money.

As someone who is familiar with creative types that Davis has worked with in the past, I would hope that the people working on the book are getting paid upfront. I also wonder if Bluewater has done the work with rights and clearances yet? Are the Jacksons going to get paid a pretty penny or is it going to the comic book company?

It was bad enough this morning, finding out that the Jackson family are staking their claim to Michael's questionable estate. On top of that Joseph Jackson was on CNN trying to talk about his new record company while he should have been home with his grandkids instead. Going to the BET Awards and sitting upfront really shows you're in mourning, doesn't it?

You know, maybe the Jacksons and Bluewater deserve each other. Vote with your pocket book, okay?

A New Look: Wonder Woman by Ben Hansen

Since starting to attend comic conventions 12 years ago, some really cool things have happened. I have met my idols, had way too much fun with friends, and met and befriended some of the best new talent out there.

That is the case with Ben Hansen, who also uses the moniker 1314. He is an amazing artist whose work continues to grow and amaze me. I first met him a couple of years ago through the classy Quenton Shaw of QEW Publishing. Ben was working on a project for Q, and his art was extremely promising. Each time I saw Ben again, his work continue to improve, and he absolutely blew me away.

Which leads me to the Spokane Comicon. Ben was there with his lovely fiance Jolene, and he was sitting next to his inking buddy Levi Skeen. We got to talking and he showed me his newest sketch of his vision of Wonder Woman. I took one look and fell in absolute love. Ben is a genius! He made Diana look like a true warrior while retaining an alluring edge.

Lucky for me, Ben let me buy the piece. It is on my "will absolutely NEVER sell" list but I wanted to share it with you. Isn't it gorgeous? I will try and post it with colors tomorrow, since Ben also colored the piece and put in finished backgrounds.

Just wanted to share this awesome piece of art today and spread some love. Have a wonderful Saturday!

Pop Culture Loses Two of it's Icons

What a strange day in pop culture history. Two of the icons of the last thirty years died today. Farrah Fawcett, the queen of jiggle later turned feminist-actress-icon, finally lost her battle with cancer. "King of Pop" Michael Jackson made his way into the Neverland in the sky, dying of an apparent massive cardiac failure.

And the world hiccupped. Poor Ed McMahon, eternal sidekick and funny man will forever be kicked off the cover of next week's magazines. In better news though, so will the awful, horrendous, and irritating Jon and Kate. That is the silver lining in the cloud that has descended on the world today.

Sure none of these deaths is going to contribute towards world peace... not that I am aware of... but they are losses just the same. I remember watching Charlie's Angels in the 1970's and equating it to Wonder Woman and Police Woman. Though perpetually bra-less, the Angels always kicked butt in the end. To top it off, Farrah was married to the Six Million Dollar Man. How cool was that?

Though in later years, Farrah was riddled with bad press- the Letterman appearance, the Playboy body paint, the troubles with her son, and her tumultous relationship with Ryan O'Neil, she always remained the original Angel to me. I was very sorry to see her struggle with cancer at the end of her life. I can only hope now that she is at peace.

Michael Jackson is a whole 'nother story. As an older type gal, I remember sitting in my cousin Julie's bedroom listening to "Off the Wall" and marveling at the beauty of the album. To this day, whenever I hear the music from that LP, I always get a smile on my face. From that album, he kinda went on and did bigger things ::cough:: Thriller ::cough:: and changed the face of pop music forever.

There will always be the molestation allegations and the amazing level of weirdness that earned Jackson the nickname "Wacko Jacko", but I prefer to remember the incredible level of God-given talent. Sitting in front of my television, watching the Motown Anniversary special, I was on my feet hollering and whooping for Michael and his new fangled "moon walk". It was one of those moments that will always resonate.

What a day this has been. I feel sad and old right now. I feel like I have lost something special from my childhood, and it is a strange and unhappy feeling. There are no tears, but there is pain of loss all the same.

Rest in Peace, my pop culture phenomenons. Know that your place in history is secure, whether it be for fame on infamy.

Comic Convention Hook Ups

I know I am behind on this, but I had to make a comment or two after reading the Penthouse article about comic conventions being a hotbed of romantic and sexy hook ups. (The article is NSFW.)

Because I have never attended a comic convention while I was single, I never really thought about hooking up at a show. I was pretty sure it happened, but I never gave it much consideration until now. When combining alcohol, a fun atmosphere, and a kind of vacation all in one, most folks let their guard down. Whether this means a booty call or finding love, it obviously is something that happens.

Another contributing factor that makes hook ups at shows more prevalent is that folks are meeting online first, and that helps with the comfort level. I can just now picture it- talking to someone online and knowing they are going to be at a show, it would raise the ante of a real possibility of finding love, lust, or a bit of both. God knows I have made some of my current best platonic friends through an awareness on the 'net, so why not take it a step further and find love?

As more women continue to attend these shows, both as creators and as fans, there is a more equal ratio of the sexes then there was 10 years ago. Twelve years ago when I attended the Portland Comic Show, I was more of a rarity. Now I am the norm- comic book t-shirt on, looking for a great buy, and holding forth about the latest issue of Incredible Hercules with other true believers. This creates an environment of mutual interest, which can lead to romantic attraction.

The thing that worries me about this article is that non-comic fans will attend shows looking for an easy hook up. The other thing that concerns me is a reemergence of the "Open Source Boob Project". It is one thing to acknowledge that one can meet and love another during a comic book show; it quite another to suggest that comic fans are "easy" and simply looking for love. I still know quite a few folks that are there for the bargains. :-)

It is fascinating to see mainstream culture talk about a subject like this. For so long myself and other women have been talking about equality in comic books, and while the hot flames of disagreement have died down a bit, it is still a hotbed issue that can be quickly stoked into a roaring fire. I am hoping this isn't the case with this, and that the story can be taken for what it is- a pop culture piece in a hardcore men's magazine.

Since I met my husband in a Wonder Woman comic book chat room twelve years ago, the story resonates for me in a personal way. I have also read about a few other folks who have met and found love in a comic book setting. What do you think?

Catching Up on Comics

The other day we got our DCBS shipment in, which is good. I read my books and then tried looking around the internet to see what is going on. The biggest thing I can tell you is this: I am really lost when it comes to the big picture in Marvel and DC.

For example, Marvel is focusing on "Dark Reign". As I understand, this is the aftermath of the whole Skrulls storyline. What I don't catch is exactly what the story is other then the fact that Norman Osbourne is now in charge of a non-SHIELD peace keeping organization. It also appears that several of his "Dark Avengers" are not the original heroes they are dressed as.

I looked at Ms. Marvel and it doesn't seem to be Carol Danvers. There is a completely different character under the mask. Also, I checked out Uncanny X-Men annual and something major is cooking with Emma Frost.

My big thing is this: having major cutbacks and not following the Marvel universe as a whole has completely made my ability to figure out the "big picture" impossible. No clues here anymore. To make it worse, Marvel is advertising a big crossover event with Dark Avengers and X-Men, and there is another "Secret" event that will be underway this fall. Crap.

DC has the Black Lantern "Blackest Night" saga coming up. I understand that to follow it, I will need to get the special Black Lantern Book, Green Lantern, Green Lantern Corps, and a series of special books. Also, there will be a larger portion of the DCU that is affected. I already know I can't spend that kind of dough and I am bummed. I have been really looking forward to this event.

Let me ask you this- how are you able to follow "Events" in the big two? I am gravitating being pissed and being relieved. A few books mean there is no need to follow, but the completist in me feels like I am missing the big picture.

Suggestions?

Seattle Comicard Show Today

Today from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Seattle Center, the gang will be participating in the Seattle Comicard show. Come by if you are in town and say "hi". The hubby is here with his original art sales.

Special guest of honor is Mike Grell and a cast of artists on the verge!



-- Post From My iPhone

Amazing... Drag Me to Hell

Just got back from seeing the new Sam Raimi horror flick "Drag Me to Hell". What an amazingly beautiful and well crafted movie! I can't believe I am saying this about a scary film, but I can't help it. Having Raimi back in the genre from whence he came is a godsend.

The movie starts with a loan officer named Christine Brown going about her everyday job. She refuses to give a gypsy woman (played very well by Lorna Raver) an extension on her mortgage, and said woman curses her. Mayhem ensues as Christine (Alison Lohman) attempts to navigate and rid herself of the horror that has descended upon her.

The cinemotography is vintage Raimi with skillfully cut shots and original camera angles. I also need to mention the fantastic score. It fits the movie like a glove, enhancing the scenes being shown. I just can't say enough, in fact, about how well put-together this movie was. It is absolute perfection and it is just PG-13.

Since I don't want to spoil the movie, let me just say that I highly recommend this movie to horror fans, or simply just folks looking for a great show. You won't regret it.

In the Thick of It All

Outside there is medieval jousting. In the next room there is a Magic tournament. In the hall, folks are selling everything from rainbow t-shirts to plain hot dogs.

In the convention room, it is wall-to-wall people. Our friend Randy is sketching (see picture). Jason is on Jim's left sketching as well. There are costumes and there are t-shirts. Either way, it is quite the scene.

Fans in Spokane are out in full force. It is a small convention at it's finest. My biggest complaint is that there isn't any room behind the table for me to sit. I am an outcast, which is an odd feeling.

Oh well... I'll get over it.

What a fascinating mix of activities!



-- Post From My iPhone

Dumbfounded

Why at a comic book show are used DVD's the hot ticket item??

The horror!




-- Post From My iPhone

Spokane Comicon Today

If you are in the Spokane area today, head over to the Spokane Falls Community College Student Union. Spokane Comicon is today and Jim is there with a booth. We would love to see you!


-- Post From My iPhone

What Comics Taught Me

Ever been hanging out, talking with folks about random subjects and have the subject of comic book geekery come up? Since I have been so blatantly a fan for so long, it is usually inevitable. Much like a creature nearing extinction, I am an object of fascination and horror for the uninitiated.

That being said, in a recent conversation, I was pointing out how reading comic books influenced my life, and my friends just couldn't believe it. I figured that maybe if I shared it here, you could share your thoughts as well.

Without further ado, here is how comic book shaped my life.

1. I learned to read with comic books. At the age of 4, my uncle brought a couple of comic books over while baby sitting. In a short period of time, I was avidly reading them. In his disbelief, he had me read out loud some of the balloons on the page. I didn't get all the words, but he marveled at how it seemed to help me. Using the words and pictures in sync with each other, I was able to piece together what was occurring and use the basic "sounding out" principles. Needless to say, when I was in kindergarten, I brought books to school and read them in front of the class.

2. My vocabulary went from 50 cent words to $10 ones. I learned new words, and usually was fascinated enough to go look the ones I didn't understand up in the dictionary. My grasp of the English language was so always superior to those of my classmates, and it was due to the fact that I read comic books that used descriptive, multi-syllable words for exposition.

3. I enjoyed creative writing. Reading comic books opened up my imagination to possibilities that were previously unimagined. After reading a Wonder Woman comic book, creative writing seemed fun instead of scary. I have always been a strangely pragmatic daydreamer and comics served me well in this aspect.

4. I always believe in fairplay. Reading comic books made me realize that we need to treat our fellow man fairly. Even though we may not have super powers, we can use the gifts we have to help others and treat them with a basic kindness. When Superman showed mercy, and stopped to do a bit extra to make sure that everyone was treated equally, I was touched. As I have gone through horrible adversity in my life, I have always been able to rise above the pettiness that is so rampant these days. I put part of that on having great parents and part of it on my comic book adventures.

5. It is better to be the good guy. Let's face it- the villains just didn't get it and they always lost. The heroes in the comic books were able to use positivity and tenacity to win the day. They may have had incredible abilities, but they used them for good.

6. Heroes get the better clothes.. mostly. How many of you dressed as super heroes while growing up? I dressed up in a more modest version of Wonder Woman when I was young. After seeing some of the heinous villain outfits, it was a no-brainer to want to be a good guy. Punch and Judy, Clockwork King, Harlequin (old school), Wizard, and the list goes on..

7. Having moral fiber may be tougher, but it is worth it. Sometimes making the hard choice to be good seems hopeless, but the super heroes did it time after time. It always seemed worth it when Black Canary had to suffer for her values, but ended up punching the bad guy with her canary cry.

8. Teamwork wins the day. I LOVED reading Justice League of America and I think it taught me a thing or too about teamwork. When the heroes went off on their own, they would lose, but together, they could defeat the scariest villains ever. Using each person's strengths and checking their egos at the door made the difference.

I know that I have learned much more then this, but these are the things that I try and describe to friends. What about you?

Missing Wieringo: Fantastic Four Run is a Masterpiece

Last week at FCBD, I was lucky enough to pick up the three hardcover trades of the Mark Waid-Mike Wieringo-Karl Kesel+guests run on Fanastic Four. It took me a week, since my schedule is so hectic, but I re-read those three trades and felt something I hadn't felt in awhile reading a book- joy.

Mike Wieringo was born to draw the Fantastic Four. His early death a couple of years ago is one of the industry's greatest losses. I would go so far as to boldly say that his version of the Thing is the best since Kirby. Many artists have aped Wieringo's take on Ben Grimm, and that is a tribute in itself.

Waid's collaboration with Wieringo was one of the best in recent memory. There was an easy flow to the tales being told, and it all looked so flawless. Waid and Wieringo made it look effortless. From the first issue #60 that was sold for 9 cents to comic fans everywhere, to the last issue #524 (damn Marvel and their wacky renumbering), it felt like the Fantastic Four were relevant again.

I can't say enough about the addition of Karl Kesel to this magic machine. His inks compliment Wieringo's work beautifully, and his love of the FF is felt everywhere in the pages. Look far and wide, and it is difficult to find a bigger fan of Sue, Ben, Johnny, and Reed than Kesel. His spiritual and literal touch to the pages was the icing on the cake here. One of my favorite issues of the FF is in fact the annual that Kesel wrote and Stuart Immonen penciled. In it, Franklin and Ben explore what makes a family. It is delightful tale that adds to the beauty of the run.

Waid explored the ugly side of human nature along with the beauty of being a family. I remember him being reticent to tell FF stories until he was gifted with Wieringo and Kesel. With their presence, the book could work. That was a wise decision on Waid's part, as the stories had that extra something special.

Even if you aren't a Fantastic Four fan, this is a run worth reading. There is so much more than a tale being told. The books explore hardship, triumph, loyalty, spirit, magic, love, and family. It just doesn't get better than this.