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February12, 2005 - [ComicBooknet E-Mag] CBEM 510.6 >> |
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ALL THE RAGE continues . . . Needless Savagery Over at the Savage Dragon Forum a user pretending to be Erik Larsen sparked an uproar when he claimed that the series was being canceled. Several Image insiders and the real Larsen have already shot down this rumor. So relax, Dragon fans. The book is definitely NOT canceled. This Has A "Fin Fanatics" Factor of One Out of Ten Breaking the Seal According to a post by Terry Dodson on his Yahoo group, Kevin Smith has turned in the script for the fifth issue of Spider- man/Black Cat. Smith's next script (for the sixth and final issue) will trigger the apocalypse. This Has A "Write, Fatass Write!!" Factor of Seven Out of Ten Hammer Time Mike Oeming has announced via his e-mail newsletter that the next Hammer of the Gods trade paperback will be coming out in June. Hammer Hits China will be released in standard trade format and in a collector's edition, which will include a statue of Modi. This Has A "Hammer's On A Roll" Factor of Eight Out of Ten The Fists Keep On Flyin' Even though Beau Smith has left IDW, I believe he still has another Wynonna Earp miniseries lined up with them. And he's already picked up another writing gig. I hear that he and Mitch Byrd have signed on to produce a superhero title for Across the Pond Studios. This Has A "Beau Knows" Factor of Seven Out of Ten Mercury Rising Steve Lieber and the rest of Mercury Studios have posted another round of ebay auctions to help out Bill Messner-Loebs. And the auctions can be found here. http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZslieber234 You know, it's nice to see the comic creators and fans rallying around Messner-Loebs in his time of need. But I'm kind of shocked no one has suggested a Bill Messner-Loebs tribute book. Last year's Dave Cockrum tribute seems to have helped Cockrum a great deal, and Messner-Loebs could surely use the additional support. Are there any takers out there? And we're done. Special thanks to John and Cap for contributing. Later, Blair PS If anyone has any rumors, stories or news to share, please email me at blairm@silverbulletcomicbooks.com. Thanks to everyone who has been sending stuff in. It's greatly appreciated. +++++ Items found in Rich Johnston's "Lying in the Gutters" column at http://www.comicbookresources.com/columns/ which are all rumors or gossip so take any of it with a BIG bucket of salt! Rich was chosen Best Comics Journalist in the 2003 Usenet Squiddy Awards, his fourth consecutive win. Write to Rich at: richjohnston@gmail.com Rich heard rumors . . . Jim McLauchlin of Top Cow writes, regarding the previous LITG rumour "Hunter Killed," alleging that Marc Silvestri was off the book as of issue two, that "This is all incorrect." Shaun Thomas has worked on a new Silent Hill book for IDW due later this month. Called "Silent Hill: Paint It Black." A final decision on who gets the "Transformers" comics license, and the remaining Diamond solicitations still on hold, will be made between the 11th and the 18th of February. The Alan Moore/Alan Davis "Captain Britain" TPB is getting a second print. "Sports Illustrated" just published a golf special. With a Marvel comics tie-in. When "Wizard" kicked off there seemed to be little coincidence with its championing of the Valiant line of comics as "hot" and "collectible," with its price guide in agreement and the fact that Gareb Shamus' family's shop had stocked heavily on Valiant back issues. Some are asking if history is repeating itself. Looking at the kind of comics "Wizard" is promoting as hot, with a price guide reflecting such expectations, they do seem to coincide with the massive stockpiling of comics at Wizarduniverse.com, which it will then happily sell you for cold hard dollars. It's official. Issue 2 of "X4" by Pat Lee & Dreamwave Studios Issue 3 of "X4" is Pat Lee & Dream Engine Studios _________________________________________________________________ ----------------------------------------------------------------- [5] Interviews Richard Vasseur richardv@sympatico.ca Rich Bonk Penciler on "The Gift" from Image Comics interviewed by Richard Vasseur, Vice President - Jazma Online! www.jazmaonline.com Richard: How did you move from inking "The Gift" to pencilling it? Rich: Well, as I previously mentioned, Raven offered it to me after seeing some of my Conan artwork posted on my Website. Richard: Do you look at this as a promotion? Rich: Most definitely! I think that most, if not all inkers want to be pencillers (whether they admit it or not). Pencilling is quite a bit more creative, though inking, as I stated before, can be very fulfilling, creativity-wise. Richard: Do you like the fact that as penciller you will be more recognized for your work? Rich: Absolutely, yes...I just hope, as all pencillers do, it's recognition for being a GOOD penciller. Richard: How would you describe your drawing style? Rich: I would say that my style is on the cartoony side, definitely NOT mainstream...a bit gnarly, interpretive-more suited for horror or fantasy than superhero fare. Richard: What other comics have you worked on? As inker or penciller? Rich: Well, as an inker WITCHBLADE, ASCENSION, THE DARKNESS, THE TENTH and F-5, SPAWN: DARK AGES, SUPERMAN and other DC stuff, some DARK HORSE covers, PURGATORI (Chaos!) and others. As a penciller, THE GIFT is my best gig to date. I did fill in on EVIL ERNIE for Jerry Beck on an issue, trying (in vane) to match his style. I penciled, inker (with Kevin Conrad's assistance on inks), and had a hand in writing a book called NANOSAUR, based on a Macintosh computer video game which never made it to print (posted on my website in it's entirety). Richard: Can you identify with any of the characters in "The Gift"? Rich: Not really, but I can certainly put myself in the character's "shoes" as I illustrate them. I was told that the Ancient One on the cover of the up-coming issue # 11 look's just like me. Richard: How do you describe the atmosphere of "The Gift"? Rich: Well,, it's definitely a dark book...not for the kiddies. No "wine and roses" here-this book addresses the evil that dwells in man's heart and the fact that we don't even know what's good for us...as well as other sinister forces that exist in this world (Whew! I spooked myself!) Richard: Do you have any other projects in the immediate future? Rich: Nothing in store right now, but they'll be other projects down the road...keep an eye out! Richard: Who do you most look up to in the comic field? Rich: Well, I look up to and admire anyone who can still manage to make a living solely on comics. With the condition of the industry, that's truly an accomplishment of talent, resourcefulness and dedication...Hat's off! Richard: If you are not working on comics, what do you do? Rich: My wife and I are partners/co-owners of a campground in Upstate New York (www.schroonrivercampsites.com). I handle the advertising department as well as a lot of the "bull work" involved with the operation-I spend nearly all summer outside (which makes it really tough to draw!). I also maintain a non-art related, full-time job to pay the bills and the all-important health benefits (I've got three kids who can "put away groceries"!). With the rest of my time I just enjoy hanging with my family and I like to pump some heavy weights 2 or 3 times a week, as well. Richard: What would you like to say to your fans before parting? Rich: Fans? I have fans? Seriously, I'll be at the Pittsburgh ComicCon in April, at the Outcast Booth if things work out. Come by, say hello and let me do a sketch for ya'! ***** Darren G. Davis creator/writer on "The Tenth Muse"from Blue Water Productions interviewed by Richard Vasseur Vice President - Jazma Online! www.jazmaonline.com Richard: Where were you born and raised? Darren: I was born in East Meadow on Long Island, NY. I grew up in Westlake Village in CA. Since I moved when I was 8 I consider myself a Californian. Richard: What can you tell us about the story line in "The Tenth Muse"? Darren: Greek mythology has documented the nine Muses, the inspirational daughters of the almighty god Zeus. But history forgot one--the 10th Muse. Greek mythology set in a modern day world. It follows the life of Emma Sonnett and her friends as she learns about the powers she inherited. Richard: What inspired you to create "The Tenth Muse"? Darren: When I was a kid my bother used to read me stories from a Greek mythology book. I use that book for reference when I am creating the characters in the world. All the characters in the world are named after my family and friends. It is sort of my way of giving back to them for all their support. Clash of the Titans was one of my favorite movies growing up! Richard: How did you feel about getting Cindy Margolis to be the model for the comic? Darren: Rena Mero (Sable from the WWE) was the 1st choice to be the Tenth Muse because we knew her. I knew of Cindy Margolis and she honestly was the person I wanted to do something with. When I was getting ready to do the relaunch of the comic - she was the only person I contacted about taking the helm of the Muse. This woman is the American dream. She started with creating greeting cards and turned herself into an icon. She is definitely a great role model for people that want to start their own business. Working with Cindy and her people has been such a great process. She really is a part of this rather than us licensing her image. The photo covers we have of her have come out 100 times better than the last time. Richard: What happened to Sable the former model? Darren: Last I heard she left the WWE again. I lost contact with her. Richard: Do you see any of the tenth muse's characteristics in women around you? Darren: My best friend is a strong independent woman so a lot of who the Muse is, is based off of her. I wanted the character of the Muse/ Emma Sonnett to be a good role model for girls. Independent, successful and with heart were the main things I wanted her to have when I created her. As for my mother, she dressed up as the Emma Sonnett/ Tenth Muse a couple of years ago with lightning bolt and all - so there were some psychical characteristics. Richard: Do you have any other future projects planned? Darren: I have a bunch more stuff coming out this year. Judo Girl, starts in April. Legend of ISIS starts in May (This is the one that will be a movie through Paramount Pictures). I have a couple brand new projects, Power of the Valkyrie and Victoria's Secret Service. I also have a couple of animation projects that I am working on. As for the Muse we have a graphic novel coming out in April with all new stories. Richard: Besides writing "The Tenth Muse" what else do you do at Blue Water Productions? Darren: I created all the main characters in the Blue Water world. That is the best part of doing what I do. I am not an artist but I do like designing the costumes and the world for the new people. Some of my artists look at the pictures I draw up and they ask if my 8 year old nephew did it. I also do the editing on the other comics/projects. I have let some of the editing go to my production guy Johnny Lowe. Richard: What comics do you read now? Darren: I pretty much only pick up DC Comics. I am an avid Batman fan. I really loved IDENTITY CRISIS, it was probably the best comic I have read in a long time. I would be excited to pick up that issue each month. I also pick up anything by Randy Green, he is my favorite artist. Richard: Will you be attending any conventions? Darren: We will be having a booth at San Diego Comic con. We also are planning to do the launch of the comic in April at the Los Angeles Sci-fi and Comic convention, at the Shrine. Richard: How can someone contact you? Darren: I am pretty accessible and answer all E-mail. Darrengd@aol.com Richard: Any pearls of wisdom for your readers? Darren: Network, Network, Network. The people you grow with are going to be the decision makers of tomorrow. This is the single best thing I learned from working in the entertainment industry. _________________________________________________________________ ----------------------------------------------------------------- [6] My Life With Comic Books Paul Howley pmca@together.net A brief introduction: My name is Paul Howley, owner of the Eisner Award winning pop culture collector's store known as "That's Entertainment" in Worcester, Massachusetts. Some people have called me the "luckiest man in the comic book business." My store has been around for over twenty-four years and it's been a long and interesting combination of events and people that has brought my store to its current place. It is not my intent to boast or brag about my store or my life. I just want to tell you my story. In many instances, my wife remembers things a little differently, but this is the truth as I remember it. [See more about the store online at http://www.thatse.com ] The current cast of characters: Paul Howley: age 41 Mal Howley: my wife My brother Rick and his wife Lori MY LIFE WITH COMIC BOOKS: THE HISTORY OF A COMIC SHOP-Part 106 My youngest brother, Rick, was only six years old when I got married so we weren't very close when he was really young but there had been a period of time when we got to know each other pretty well. In the late 1970's and very early 1980's Rick worked with me at the many baseball card conventions where I set up booths of cards to sell. Even though he was only a teenager, he had a good head for math and knew more about sports and the players than I did. It required long hours and hard work at these card shows, but we had a fun time together. But after Mal and I had our son, Adam, we weren't attending as many card shows anymore and as Rick got older he got more involved in school, sports, and girls. Rick eventually married his high school "sweetheart," Lori, and they had a son, Jordan. Rick was a hard-working man who frequently worked over sixty hours each week at a physically demanding job in order to provide a good lifestyle for his family. They bought a nice home in a quiet rural town because they wanted to have a pleasant and safe place to raise Jordan. Even though it required Rick to drive a long way to work each day, Rick was willing to sacrifice a lot for his family. In April of 1996, Lori was pregnant again, this time with twins. As they were preparing for life with twins, they were stunned when Lori began to have complications during her 19th week of pregnancy. She was hospitalized in Boston from that time on. During the 28th week of her pregnancy, it was determined that an emergency surgery was needed and Lori gave birth to Ryan and Tyler Howley on October 23rd. The two tiny babies each weighed only two pounds, two ounces and had serious health concerns. While Lori was on another floor, recovering from the surgery, the doctors told Rick that Ryan wasn't going to make it. Rick held Ryan in his arms as he died. Rick then had to bring Ryan to Lori so she could say her "goodbyes." I couldn't possibly understand what Rick and Lori went through during those weeks. Lori had been hospitalized far away from their home for nine weeks. Rick had visited Lori in Boston as often as possible and he also had to deal with going to work and keeping as much of a normal life as possible for Jordan. Some of us helped out by taking care of Jordan when we could, but much of the time, Rick handled it all. Now they had lost Ryan and Tyler was in danger. They also had to arrange a funeral for Ryan. Although I don't remember all of the details of the funeral and burial, I'll never forget the intense look of sadness on my brother's face at the cemetery. As I watched him live through this tragedy I wished I could help to relieve his emotional pain but I had little to offer him. A high school English teacher had convinced me that death was just "part of life." I wasn't an emotional human being and death rarely surprised me. I still felt very saddened by the death of those people who were close. I understood why people would cry but I was unable to let the emotion out. In his time of need, I wasn't a "good" brother for Rick. Rick and Lori's new son, Tyler, continued to lose weight and soon weighed only one pound, eleven ounces. It was a scary time for them as they waited for Tyler to become healthy and strong enough to be released from the hospital. Thankfully, he survived and is a healthy young boy today. _________________________________________________________________ ----------------------------------------------------------------- [7] Thoughts From the Land of Frost Alex Ness Alexander@popthought.com [Alex has taught college level history and is a full time father. His interests include cats, comics and militaria. His writings have been featured on SlushFactory.com, UGO.com, and are currently on the Popthought.com web site. ] MEGACONVENTION I am happy here to present an interview with Beth Widera, the manager and owner of Mega Convention, a fabulous event held from February 25th to the 27th 2005 in Orlando Florida. Had events worked out better financially for me, I'd be there. I was asked by someone close to me if I could go to just one convention what would it be, and I said MegaCon. Why? Rather simply, it rocked when I was there before. I have dear friends Raymond Neal, Julio Diaz, and Steve & Charlene Pyskoty-Olle who will be there. I have many creative industry friends there who I wish to talk to. AND I want to be there in the Florida sunshine. I have had too many health issues and money issues this last year to be able to go. But let us gather together there in 2006. But with or without me, go. GO. It is a seriously wonderful event, with great guests, and a warm feeling between industry talent and fans. I am not being paid to say this. It is one of the finest times I have ever had. Interview subject Beth Widera ran the convention when it was owned by CrossGen Entertainment, and bought the convention when CGE slipped into bankruptcy. Her work on it then made it a wonderful event, and an industry showcase for CrossGen Entertainment, and now it continues in excellence with her as owner. AN: As the convention manager and owner, what makes MegaCon special? BW: I think Megacon is special because it offers so much more than just shopping on a showroom floor. We offer special events that will appeal to a large number of people. We provide autograph opportunities from comic book creators; mainstream creators; fantasy/fiction authors and celebrities, a different costume contest everyday, gaming events, anime events, and panel discussions everyday. And new this year we have an Independent Film Festival on Friday and a Japanese Rock Concert on Sunday. AN: How is MegaCon affected by CrossGen being defunct (and for that matter Future and Dreamwave?) BW: CrossGen always attended the convention with its entire staff. As you know this staff was full of very talented people. Many of the artists will still be attending, but some have moved quite a distance. The fans and myself especially will miss those people. As far as the companies closing, there is still a large fan base of people who love comics and there are still many great comics being made. I believe comic companies will continue to come and go as with all businesses but I truly believe people will continue to read comics in the future. AN: What short term goals do you have for the future of MegaCon? How about long term goals? BW: Short term, I plan on doing pretty much the same as I have always done, which is to provide a weekend of fun with a lot of choices for the fans, a great environment for publishers and artists to promote their work, and maintain superior customer service to everyone. On a long-term basis, I am always looking for new events to make the show even better. I work hard to try and keep up on new trends. Every year we try to improve our show and offer something special for everyone. AN: What is the most difficult aspect of running a con? BW: That would probably be dealing with all the requests I receive from people who would like to attend. Unfortunately, as with all businesses, I have to work within a budget. I always want to invite more people than I have money for. When people call to be added it is difficult telling them the budget has been exhausted. I would never want anyone to feel I didn't want him or her to attend. AN: What guest would you most like to attend MegaCon, and which guest was the most popular in terms of long lines and the like over the past years of MegaCon? BW: I would like to see Stan Lee attend again. He attended in 2000, my first year of running the show. He definitely was a fan favorite. Kevin Smith was also very popular. We had to turn people away his lines were so long. He was great with the fans and spent a lot of time with each individual. I have a lot of respect for a celebrity who is that committed to his fans. AN: Is the involvement of Entertainment industry guests vital to a large show like yours success? Why? BW: Yes, because there is a crossover between comics, fantasy and fiction. They all meld together. Especially since so many new movies are based on comics and their characters. AN: Where should interested parties go to register or find out information regarding attending the con? BW: megaconvention.com or call 727-796-5725 AN: Anything else you'd like to say? BW: The only other thing I would like to mention is the show's commitment to ACTOR (A Commitment to Our Roots). Over the past years we have been the home of the annual ACTOR auction. This charity organization auctions rare and one-of a kind comic book art and memorabilia. The funds generated help provide financial assistance for retired comic book creators. FINAL THOUGHTS: Do yourself a favor, go to this wonderful convention. Special thanks to Beth Widera. REVIEW from Top Shelf VOICE OF FIRE Written by Alan Moore, art by Jose Villarrubia, foreword Neil Gaiman Cover Price $26.95 ISBN: 1891830449 Twelve people, twelve eras, twelve views, and one place are the setting and cast for this book. Moore, whose comic works have left most readers feeling him to be the best writer of comics, addresses, through prose, the development of a mindset and outlook. The new, and mystical force that lays beneath the surface is something that is intangible but clearly there. In the vignettes and short stories Moore creates a sense of travel, of journey, but that of the mental variety. The writing here will disappoint some, for the power of the work is how he presents the rise of individualistic perhaps paganistic mystical energies of the self. The weaving through odd, different lives of a tale of this nature means that by necessity Northampton is the central figure. Strangely, Moore resides near there. This is a clearly intriguing work, and one that exemplifies how author Moore sees life as a means of capturing the creative energies found in us, and translating them into expression. Whether it is through 'the hunt', a poet's life, a traveler or otherwise, we create through this. Moore intrigued me with this work, and while I do not altogether agree with his philosophies deeply ingrained within it, I am not offended by the fact that he has those thoughts and beliefs. He captures the intrigue of searching within and from without to develop that ... VOICE OF FIRE. ONLINE ARCHIVES: http://www.popthought.com/archives.asp?CMID=3 http://www.robingoodfellow.com/tftlof.html http://www.slushfactory.com/columns/an/ http://stlcomics.com/columns/tftlof http://www.digitalwebbing.com/cbem Yo Publishers...Send review products to: Alexander Ness The Land Of Frost Box 142 Rockford MN 55373-0142 Alexander@popthought.com _________________________________________________________________ ------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~--> Meet the McDonald??s?® Lincoln Fry get free digital souvenirs, Web-only video and bid on the Lincoln Fry prop charity auction. http://us.click.yahoo.com/U0ptCC/fV0JAA/Zx0JAA/bGIolB/TM --------------------------------------------------------------------~-> Thanks for subscribing to the Comic Book Network Electronic Magazine (CBEM) --------------------------->Disclaimer<--------------------------- This is an ANNOUNCE only mailing list, only the Editor can send messages to the list. No one else has access to the subscriber list. Replies to these messages will be received by the Editor ONLY, so you must CC: individual contributors if you want them to get your E-Mail. The E-mail to the E-mag MAY be used in future issues at the Editor's discretion UNLESS you specifically request that they not be. It is our policy to withhold names and/or Addresses, by request only, from letters of comment. 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