________________________________________________________________________ Visit Our Web Page! http://www.cris.com/~Xenozoid/ComicBkNet.html ------------------------------------------------------------------------- / THE \ \C O M I C/ Issue #24 This publication is brought to you \B O O K/ August 27, 1995 by the active participants of \N E T/ the international center for \ / comic book discussion, the Comic *E-Mag* Book Net. !!! Editors: Ryan Brewster Network Administration: Mike Imboden Mike Imboden Ed Dukeshire David Leblanc Bobb Waller Special thanks to our many contributors! Walter Tietjen ________________________________________________________________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------------- T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S ------------------------------------------------------------------------- [1] The Bullpen ........................... Ryan Brewster [2] CSNsider #429.......................... W. Batty & C. Biggers (Contributed by alert CBN participant David LeBlanc!) [3] Comicunications 2.5.................... Ryan Brewster [4] Some Stuff ............................ Nathan Bredfeldt [5] Recent Reads & Random Thoughts ........ William Hughes [6] Comic Comments ........................ John Keady [7] Late Comics Report 8/25/95 ............ Andrew S. Troth (Cross-posted with permission) [8] Splash Page ........................... Various [9] Virtual Boy Review .................... Ralph Barbagallo [10] The CBN TOY FAQ!! ..................... Nathan Bredfeldt [11] Hugo Pratt Dies ....................... David LeBlanc [12] CBN Conference Totals ................. Net Admin Team [13] CBN Growth Chart ...................... Jacob Greenberg [14] Letters to the Net .................... Various [15] Join in the Fun! [16] BBSes Linked into CBN [17] E-Mag Info ________________________________________________________________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------------- [1] The Bullpen by Ryan Brewster Hi all and welcome to another funfilled issue of the Comic Book Net E-Mag! :) *whew*! This issue was packed! We've got reviews and news out the wazoo this week, so get comfy and read it straight through! We'll be quizzing you! >:) First of all, for you World Wide Web surfers out there, I'd like to add a feature to our web page. I'd like to add a "hot links" page to the CBN WWW page, so if you know of any Web Pages you think should be added to the "hot links" page, please let us know! Write to us directly from the web page, or at our Internet Address, ComicBkNet@aol.com Next, I'd like to clarify just what this e-mag is about. MY vision of the e-mag, which may differ from others, is a way of bringing the Comic Book Net into the general public. I take some of the most interesting & informative posts from the various message bases of the Comic Book Net, and splice them into the CBN E-Mag. All that is "published" in the E-Mag has been posted on the Comic Book Net over the course of the week. It is important to note that the E-Mag itself is not a corporate entity, nor is the net. We are simply a group of comics fans who love our hobby, and have a lot to say about it! :) We want to spread the word as far as we can, and I believe this E-Mag is one way that we can get that done. The E-Mag is a purely non-profit e-publication, and all copyrights are automatically held by the authors of the posts in this e-mag. Okay. End of sermon. :) Good news on the AOL front! Members of the America Online service can now download issues of the E-Mag, but must use a different text reader besides the one built into the AOL interface. Issues 17-23 have been uploaded and each new issue is posted weekly by Dave LeBlanc. Melody Luke brings us some startling news from Laughing Coyote Press... Publisher Mel White had a fire in her house early in the morning on 8/24... A fair amount of damage was sustained, but nobody was injured though one of the vehicles was completely torched and there's a lot of interior damage. The operation will be shut down briefly to get things in order. Daily Planet BBS sysop Mike Imboden has managed to cut all the X-Books out of his monthly purchases! :) Way ta go, Mike! (He's stronger than _I_ am...) He now will only keep getting the 99-cent book. Thanks for reading, and enjoy the issue! Best, --Ry Editor The Comic Book Net E-Mag Xenozoid@cris.com ________________________________________________________________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------------- CSNsider #429 by W. Batty & Cliff Biggers This is the CSNsider from CSN #429, which will be in shops on 9/7/95. It is reproduced in its entirety with the expressed permission of COMIC SHOP NEWS! Both DC and Malibu will be losing the licensing rights to their respective Star Trek titles at the end of the year; Paramount has not made any announcement yet as to whether they intend to re-license the books to another publisher or use them as the core of a line of Paramount Comics... Fans looking for the final issues of Walt Simonson's Star Slammers series from Bravura will have to look elsewhere: Simonson says that he will more than likely be completing the series for another publisher; Steven Grant reports that Gil Kane is working on the final issue of Edge right now, though, and it should see print as soon as it can be scheduled and solicited... An important part of Superman's history is about to be made available to today's comics fans: reprints of the entire run of Superman comic strip is in the works, with 1996 slated as the tentative release date of the first volume... The Big Book of Conspiracies, which was taken off Paradox/DC's summer schedule when some of the art mysteriously disappeared (hmmm....), is back on the schedule again; look for the $12.95 trade paperback on September 21st... Todd McFarlane reports that the upcoming Violator Chopper with a Violator Bendable Figure will be the most limited production Spawn toy to date; one-third the quantity of the super-hard-to-find Malebolgia! Furthermore, the upcoming Violator II and Vertebreaker toys will be the toughest to locate in the next run of toys (which is quite a change for the Violator, since the first Violator was one of the most common Spawn toys)... The first releases from Jim Shooter's new Broadway Comics imprint will be The Powers That Be, Electropolis, and Shadow State; Broadway's first creator-owned title will be Tale of The Flea by Alan Weiss, J. Jones, and Charles Yoakum... A ShadowDragon miniseries, spinning off from the hero's appearances in Superman, is slated for early '96. CSN #429 features Sam & Max on the cover, and is an all-news extravaganza. The only way to get Comic Shop News is to visit a shop that carries CSN. The publication costs the shops just a dime each and is generally free to customers. If your shop doesn't carry CSN, nag 'em until they do. After all, isn't your business and satisfaction worth a dime a week? Visit our WWW site! http://www.actwin.com/csn Ward Batty wardo@netdepot.com Cliff Biggers cliffbig@netdepot.com (c)1995 CSN, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Transmitted by . . . úúúúÄÄÄÄÍÍÍÍ*David LeBlanc> ComicBkNet@AOL.COM david.leblanc@mailtrain.com RIME->5179 FIDO 1:322/743.1 ________________________________________________________________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Comicunications 2.5 by Ryan Brewster ____The Comic Book Net's Weekly News Journal____ --------- Volume 2, Issue #5 ----- Sunday, August 24, 1995 ------------- COMIContents: 1. Industry News: * Viz Comics, Taliesin Sign With Capital City * Capital City Closes Warehouses * Mike W. Barr Fired From Mantra * Batman IV * Cavewoman Joins Caliber * Dramenon in Color * Warren Ellis' X=X * Peter David to Script the Big One??? * Shi Guaranteed 2. Editorial: * Promises, Promises 3. Reviews: * Generation X * Eliminator * Hardcase 4. Comicunications' Top 5 Rated Comics! 1. Industry News ------------------------------------------------------ Viz Comics, Taliesin, Sign With Capital City: 8/21/95 - Capital City has announced a strategic alliance with Viz Comics (out of San Francisco) to exclusively distribute its products to the comic book specialty market. The arrangement will become effective in January, 1996. Some comics from Viz include the popular Ranma 1/2, Maison Ikkoku, the Return of Lum, Urusei Yatsura, Battle Angel Alita, the Mermaid Saga, Bio-Booster Armor Guyver, Striker, Crying Freeman, Sanctuary and Nausicaa of the Valley of Wind. James A. Owen's self-publishing company Copperdale/Taliesin ("Starchild"), has also announced that it has reached an exclusive distribution deal with Capital City. Capital City Closes Warehouses: 8/23/95 - According to the manager of the Clevelend, OH Capital City warehouse, as of next week Capital City will close _all_ of its warehouses and distribute out of 1 centralized location. Mike W. Barr Fired from Mantra: 8/16/95 - Mike W. Barr was fired today as writer of Malibu's Ultraverse title Mantra, which he created in 1993. The firing, by Malibu senior vice president Gary Gittelsohn, was not due to editorial or creative issues, but rather business and legal issues which go back to the creation of the Ultraerse in 1992. Due to the many questions raised by the action, Mike W. Barr issued a press release to clarify the issues to the public. "Be assured" Barr said, "that my dismissal was not for creative or editorial reasons; rather the departure comes as the result of a unilaterial decision by Malibu, arising from a contractual dispute which has been in progress since the founding of the Ultraverse in 1992." At the first Ultraverse organizational meeting in 1992, the UV Founding Fathers were promised a "Character Agreement", dealing with intellectual property issues such as the transfer of rights and payment for the subsequent use of those rights. When Malibu couldn't create an agreement that Barr would agree to, Barr's lawyer added riders to the contract, protecting Barr's promised rights as the creator of Mantra and of other related characters. Although the management of Malibu made no objection to the riders at that time, the management has changed since then, and the current management rejected them. No effort was made to supply the promised "Character Agreement". On August 16th, Gittelsohn demanded that the contract riders be annulled or Barr would be fired. Feeling that this would be an infringement of his rights as Mantra's creator, Barr and his lawyer declined. They negotiated via faxes for a week, but the negotiations were fruitless. In Barr's lawyer's final fax to Malibu, he stated "While [Barr] remains willing to continue his relationship with Malibu as regards Mantra, he is unwilling to do so under the unreasonable terms proposed... I would like to remind you that the issue of the character agreement will not go away even if Mike's participation with Mantra ends... I would expect that Mike will interperet your refusal to agree to his reasonable requests as a sign that Malibu no longer intends to live up to its repeated promises to him and will feel free to pursue whatever options he deems warranted concerning the Mantra property." The licensing right to the many characters Barr created or co-created for the Ultraverse may be placed in limbo because of Malibu's failure to come up with an acceptable "Character Agreement". Mantra is included as one of those characters, as well as Boneyard and Primevil who appear in the upcoming Ultraforce animated show. Primevil has also been licensed as a toy. Barr said: "I regret that nearly three years of profitable creative service to Malibu have been so abruptly and arbitrarily terminated, but I feel that publishers cannot be permitted to renege on promises to creators, particularly creators who have brought to publishers properties which have proven profitable for them." Batman IV: 8/25/95 - Alert CompuServe Comics/Animation poster Anne E. Fisher reported that the latest rumors in Hollywood (as broadcasted on CNN's Headline News cable channel) say that there _will_ be a fourth Batman feature film. They are looking at Mr. Freeze as a possible villain, and Patrick Stewart (Captain Picard of Star Trek: The Next Generation) is supposedly being considered for one of the roles. Cavewoman Joins Caliber: 8/23/95 - Budd Root's cult-hit Cavewoman has signed a deal to be published by Caliber Press. The title has been self-published under the Basement Comics imprint for 6 issues and will begin with a new #1 issue from Caliber in February 1996. It will then become a regular bi-monthly comic from that point on. Dramenon In Color: 8/22/95 - Dramenon Studios will produce its first full-color comic book, Dream Wolves Swimsuit Bizarre #0, in December. In January, Desiree #1 will be written & illustrated by Daniel Presado with color fusion by Jack Hammer. Warren Ellis' X=X: 8/25/95 - Warren Ellis, the comic book author who has become extremely popular recently, landing jobs on Excalibur and Ultraforce, has signed on with Caliber Comics to produce an original graphic novel entitled X=X. It will be part of Caliber's new "Herald Series", featuring all new, all original material in trade paperback size. The story deals with the mysterious Gemstone Files and the secret history of 20th century America. Look for a mid-to-late 1996 release date. Peter David to Script the BIG ONE??: 8/24/95 - The current UNCONFIRMED rumor floating around the nets is that Peter David will be coordinating the big DC/Marvel crossover event that is still UNCONFIRMED to be occurring in early 1996. It has also been UNCONFIRMED that he will churn out two high-profile crossovers, Aquaman/ Namor and The Flash/Quicksilver. Shi Guaranteed: 8/23/95 - Because of confusion regarding the availability of Shi: The Way of the Warrior #6 to retail accounts who ordered the comic through Heroes World Distribution, Crusade has cancelled all orders for #7 of the series and is resoliciting it for the month of December. Though future issues of Shi will be priced at $2.95 because of rising paper prices, Crusade is freezing the price on #7 at the originally solicited price of $2.50. William Tucci, creator & publisher of Shi, plans to take advantage of the extra time between issues #6 and 7 to get as many issues ahead as possible. 2. Editorial ---------------------------------------------------------- Promises, Promises In light of the recent Mike Barr/Malibu mess, as well as many, MANY similar reported incidents over the history of comics, that the binding value of a contract is taken far too casually by the industry as a whole. Not only are contracts being taken casually enough that companies will simply "reject" them, after already accepting them, but they are also being taken casually enough that a comic artist could very possibly create & draw dozens of comics without ever signing a contract. Now, I may be a bit nieve in this issue, and I am speaking purely out of assumption, but I see "contract" in the dictionary as "An agreement or covenant between two or more persons, in which each party binds [Note: BINDS] himself to do or forbear some act, and each acquires a right to what the other promises.". That's Webster's New Universal Unabridged Dictionary, Second Edition. So if an artist or writer _signs_ a contract to write/draw a certain amount of issues for a company, they _should_ write/draw that amount of issues, right? If the artist should break the contract? Then, according to the dictionary definition, the publisher is not required to hold _their_ end of the bargain up either. Now I know that contracts are no longer that straightforward. Those slick lawyers toss in loophole after loophole, and a single contract could challenge War & Peace, page for page. (ah, a slight exhaggeration there..) And perhaps _that's_ what's wrong with the system. Heh. Maybe contracts should have a maximum size limit or word count. But when I hear of someone "signing" to complete a project, and the project never comes out, I'm pretty mad. For example, I had heard that George Perez had "signed" to draw 11 issues of UltraForce. At first the number was 6. I believe he only _did_ 6. So either I heard wrong (easy answer), George Perez or Malibu had executed a loophole option, or one had simply broken the contract, and the other hadn't felt like enforcing it. Or maybe it was a "voice agreement"... which sucks even more. So I guess what it all comes down to, is that it's only hurting the fans. If the fans hear that their favorite writer will write 12 issues of a certain title, and so they buy a subscription to it, how do you think they would feel if the author left the title after 5 issues? Maybe they _do_ get their money back, I don't know, but they would still feel cheated, just because they had been promised something they didn't get. And a contract is not just a promise to an artist, writer or publisher. It's also a promise to the fans. Another example that leaps to mind is the Ultraverse itself. I'm in continuing agony because of these comics. When the Ultraverse first came out, they promised me (and other fans) continuity and timely shipments. Both of which were maintained... for awhile. Continuity eventually took a back seat, at about the same time that the shipping schedule became erratic. The universe debuted 2 or 3 new _ongoing_ titles a month for a good 5 or 6 months, and then began cancelling the books right and left. Not only was the growth of the UV handled irresponsibly, but its implosion was as well. I know for a fact that the Strangers title had a few more issues written or at least plotted, when it was cancelled. Exiles was cancelled after the 4th issue and, although Malibu claimed to have planned it as a mini to begin with, the company deliberately mislead its fans. I feel that revamping the Ultraverse, as Marvel seems to have done with its Black September event, was an extremely wise move. But I feel at the same time a sense of loss. I feel that the Ultraverse may never be the same that it once was, the universe that took my passing interest in comics and turned it into what now looks to be a lifelong hobby, perhaps even a profession. When did "revamp" become "completely change everything"? Speaking as a comics fan, I feel that Marvel/Malibu/Ultraverse has screwed me over. I'm not blaming JUST Marvel, Malibu, or the creators. But all three made promises to the fans that weren't kept. I feel screwed because Mantra isn't Mantra any more, because Hardcase and Prototype have simply become supporting cast members, because Warstrike, Exiles and Wrath never really got their chance, because the Strangers have been introduced only to vanish into oblivion without the courtesy of a goodbye (ie - an ending!), because NOBODY in the actual Ultraverse universe called Sludge "Sludge" yet. I feel screwed because so much potential has been destroyed by mismanagement, irresponsibility and broken promises. 3. Reviews --------------(SPOILER WARNING)------------------------------ All Comics mailed to Comicunications for the purpose of being reviewed WILL be reviewed. Reviews are the sole opinion of Ryan Brewster and, in fact, DO reflect the opinion of this newsletter!! >;) Comics for review: Ryan Brewster c/o Comicunications 84 Bunker Hill St. Lancaster, NH 03584 Again, apologies for only three reviews this week. Things are really hectic these days, but excuses are pathetic, so I'll just apologize and go on with it. :) My reviews of Captain America and The Batman Adventures, which I had planned for this issue, will be in the next issue of Comicunications instead. --- Generation X by Scott Lobdell & Chris Bachalo/Roger Cruz Marvel Comics, 387 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10016. Issues Reviewed: 1-8 (excluding the AoA issues, "Generation Next", which were hardly as good...) 32 Full Color, Glossy pages OVERALL AVERAGE: 87.5% (Very Good) OVERALL STORY: 78/100 pts. (Mediocre) Plot: 35/40 pts. Dialogue: 15/20 pts. Characterization: 12/20 pts. Pacing: 7/10 pts. Direction: 4/05 pts. Subplots: 5/05 pts. OVERALL ART: 99/100 pts. (HOLEY $#!+!!!!) Individuality: 40/40 pts. Backgrounds: 19/20 pts. Panel Layout: 10/10 pts. Expression: 10/10 pts. Inking: 10/10 pts. Coloring: 10/10 pts. (Shading, if in B&W) First of all, I want to say that this has _got_ to be one of the most beee-YOOOTiful comics I've ever seen. (That is, 1-6, the Bachalo issues, which are the ones I counted, since he's the regular artist.) The design of the comic is unlike any of the other X-Men comics, and is possibly the best designed comic IN comics. Rarely in this comic do we see any of the "voids" I've oft complained about, and most of the time the only WHITE spaces on the page are in the word balloons! Each page gives me the impression that the artist thought through it and designed it to the best of his ability, as a work of art. Which is as it should be. In black and white, the art would probably not work. It would seem too cluttered... But the coloring in this book is just as gorgeous as the artwork demands. I wonder if such a 32-pg. work of art would even have been possible 20 years ago, or even 10 years ago. The pure _originality_ of the art in this book is absolutely overwhelming, and issues 1-6 really need to be seen to be comprehended. The writing however, is mediocre. It's not _bad_, and in fact the plot is really picking up and becoming less and less mediocre. The latest issue, #8, was the best of the issues in term of originality of writing. While reading issues 1-7, I felt at times like I may rather see Peter David or Mark Waid or even (drool) James Robinson writing the book. But issue #8 has me thinking twice.. I'll give this book another review in 2 issues. Then we'll see whether the story measures up to the art. But at this point, I'd recommend issues 1-6 JUST for the art (which you won't find me doing often). And 7 and 8 are also very well done. Roger Cruz does as well a job as you could expect, even better than you'd expect, at filling in while Bachalo takes a much-deserved rest. --- Eliminator By Roland Mann & Hank Kanalz and Mike Zeck Malibu Comics, 26707 Agoura Rd., Calabasas, CA 91302 (818) 878-7400 OVERALL AVERAGE: 83.5% (Pretty Good) OVERALL STORY: 85/100 pts. (Good) Plot: 32/40 pts. Dialogue: 18/20 pts. Characterization: 17/20 pts. Pacing: 9/10 pts. Direction: 4/05 pts. Subplots: 5/05 pts. OVERALL ART: 82/100 pts. (Pretty Good) Individuality: 37/40 pts. Backgrounds: 10/20 pts. Panel Layout: 10/10 pts. Expression: 10/10 pts. Inking: 5/10 pts. Coloring: 10/10 pts. (Shading, if in B&W) This book is pretty solid. I find it difficult to complain about any aspect of it in particular, save for the inking. Denis Rodier seems to inject the same sort of jaggedness that his (her?) inking has given to John Bogdanove's art in Superman: The Man of Steel. I think that perhaps with a different inker, the art may have lost some of its individuality, but it also would have seemed more solid. The story was good also. It was pretty basic, but it was easy enough to follow and tied in with the continuity of the Ultraverse quite well. Pretty much, I'd say the miniseries as a whole was fundamental super- hero fare that was slightly above average. Much better than some, not quite as good as some. I wouldn't recommend it to someone who's looking for something _different_, and I probably wouldn't mention the Eliminator right off the bat if someone was looking for a comic to read, but it's not a bad read, and certainly not a waste of money. Could become a hot back issue item, as it contains very early (if not first) appearances of Siren, a "bad girl" babe who will be crossing over to the Marvel universe soon. --- Hardcase by James Hudnall and Hugh Haynes Malibu Comics, 26707 Agoura Rd., Calabasas, CA 91302 (818) 878-7400 Issue Reviewed: #26 32 Full Color pgs, Glossy Format OVERALL AVERAGE: 91.5% (Excellent) OVERALL STORY: 97/100 pts. (Wow!!) Plot: 40/40 pts. Dialogue: 18/20 pts. Characterization: 20/20 pts. Pacing: 9/10 pts. Direction: 5/05 pts. Subplots: 5/05 pts. OVERALL ART: 86/100 pts. (Good) Individuality: 30/40 pts. Backgrounds: 17/20 pts. Panel Layout: 10/10 pts. Expression: 9/10 pts. Inking: 10/10 pts. Coloring: 10/10 pts. (Shading, if in B&W) This is a sad book for me, because I have been a fan of this comic since its beginning a few short years ago, and this issue is the last of the title. In that sense, I may be a bit biased in grading the comic, but every critic has their preferences. Hudnall wraps up the story very well. All of the different plots submerge, and it's really satisfying seeing things get wrapped up like that. At least we did get to see things get drawn up to a conclusion. It's almost like the end of a murder mystery, how everything seemed to fit together. It's a shame that it had to be done in the oft-used villain-exposing-all-as-hero-attempts-to-escape routine, but it was done well and the originality of Hardcase's origins were enough to make up for the unoriginality or their exposition. All in all, I was very impressed with the book, but I felt somewhat cheated. Not by the story or the art, but by Malibu... such an exciting series had to be ended just when it was taking off! I was all the more frustrated as I read the entire run 1-26 in two sittings (1-15 then 16-26 later). It read quite well in two sittings, could've been even better in one. But I noticed subplots and subtleties that I hadn't noticed before, and I was angered when I came to the 26th issue, that such a dynamic character (who changed not only his costume, but his HAIR STYLE three times! ) had to be demoted to being merely a supporting cast member (Ultraforce). And it did feel almost like a new beginning for Hardcase the hero, at the end of the issue. Finally his origins are revealed, and the issue left me feeling like the series had just begun since it had just injected the character of Hardcase with so much potential. And if you want to continue this rant, hop on over to my editorial this week. :) The art was somewhat disappointing, I missed Benefiel's bold, confident style... But it wasn't distracting either. I probably could have grown accustomed to the art in a few issues. :( 4. Comicunications' Top 5 Rated Comics --------------------------------- [This will eventually become a top-10 list, but I have not yet reviewed enough titles for a top-10 list to be very practical. Rankings are determined by scores I gave the comics when I reviewed them in recent issues of Comicunications. Comics become ineligible after 2 months from the review date] Rank Title/Issues Score Formerly ------------------------------------------------------------------------- #1 Collected Sam & Max: Surfin' the Highway 98 - #2. Static #'s 23-26 (Milestone Comics) 96.5 1 #3. Bone #'s 18-20 (Cartoon Books) 95.5 2 #4. Norm Breyfogle's Metaphysique #'s 1-3 (Bravura) 93.5 3 #5. Impulse #'s 1-5 (DC Comics) 92.5 4 ________________________________________________________________________ Comicunications is TM and Copyright (c) 1995 Ryan Brewster. Distribute only in entirety. ________________________________________________________________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Some Stuff by Nathan Bredfeldt You know, recently, I've apparently been coming across, on some networks and in ye olde local comic store, as an anti-Marvel person. I can't understand this! I mean sure, they're greedy slimy maggots, who don't mind the fact that 90 percent of their outgoing product is drek. But that dosen't mean I always have, do, and always will hate them. As a tot (well, a younger person) I thrilled to the wild adventures of the men and women of the Marvel U. Fantastic Four and West coast Avengers were the best, but my all time favorite was SECRET WARS (the first, not that pathetic sequel). I just thought it was the neatest thing, seeing a bunch of heroes get together and interact with one another. It was the neatest thing I'd ever seen! Of course, nowadays I can't stand big team-ups (though there are a few cross company gatherings that come highly recommended), and every time I see or hear of one, I think fondly back on Secret Wars, and long for the good old days of comics. Well, suprise! Casually digging through back issue boxes at a recent 50 off sale, I happened on Aladdin's infamous "diamond in the rough!" Amidst boxes and boxes of back issues (trying to find ENEMY, WHISPER, or BADLANDS), I chanced upon a run of MARVEL MEGAZINE. Remebering what my nay saying FidoNet buddies said about it's short run, and at 50% off, I couldn't help but give it a try. I also bought what I could of the six issue run of SPIDER-MAN MEGAZINE, albeit with great reluctance (I'm not a big Spider-fan). MARVEL (SUPER HEROES) MEGAZINE enjoyed a six issue run before flailing sales caused Marvel to pull the plug (because they obviously didn't have any titles more deserving of a cancellation). With the exception of issue #5, it focused on reprinting four stories from great titles of days gone by. First up, we have stories from John Byrne's now legendary stint on FANTASTIC FOUR, from the early eighties. This is the FF we all know and love, and the John Byrne we love, too. This is a far cry from the Byrne that puts out horrible stuff like WONDER WOMAN #101, or the Byrne that uses three to five generic faces on all of his main characters (and many supporting ones). The DAREDEVIL stories presented in the Megazine start with the beginning of Frank Miller penciling, from mid 1979. Though not as distinctive as his Sin City work, this art is nice to look at, and accents McKenzie's stories nicely. Plus, some of the stories have Bullseye; I like Bullseye. These Hulk stories are quite different from the Hulk stories of modern day. While the current Hulk is interesting, I still have a weakness for the Hulk's adventures from his affectionately labeled "Hulk smash" days. And, that's what these are. Byrne takes the Hulk through many wild changes in a mere six issues, and packs in plenty of action along the way. (Am I the only person who misses the "Hulk smash" days?) Finally, there's Iron Man. I admit, I've never been a fan. I've never cared all that much for Shellhead, unless he was in Avengers West. Mantlo and Romita (Jr) turn out some interesting stuff, better than I've ever seen, but I still can't care too much about the character. Issue #5 is a tribute to Byrne with all Byrne stories, and no Iron Man or Daredevil, but the rest of the issues follow the pattern above. SPIDER-MAN MEGAZINE manages to deliver an equally appealing package. This title is not only an entertaining read, but also serves as a history lesson. (Stop making those faces! This is a FUN history lesson!) Simply take an issue of Spider-Man Megazine, and read it backwards. No, not page by page; story by story. Read the last story (from the Stan Lee/Ditko era of the 60's) first, then the third story next (from Marvel Team up, in the seventies), and finally, the first two (AMAZING S-M stories, from the 80's). There, in your hot little hands, is a 96 page mini history of the recent development of comics. It's a pretty swell retrospect! (Then you can go flip through a current issue of Spider-Man at your local store, and see how Marvel has flushed the title down the toilet!) Aside from the lesson, Marvel has done a great job with this title! Were I in charge of it, I probably would have been tempted to throw in a McFarlane Spidey "story," just to insure the Megazine's long term success. They had no such ideas, and instead we readers were treated to four excellent Spidey stories from days gone by each month! So, until the market gets turned on its head, make mine Dark Horse! But, for bringing back the good old days (which only seem more grand when compared to the comics of the present) make mine Megazine! Now, get outta here! (Nathan Bredfeldt is now semi-regular, and working his way towards regular. We're rootin for ya, Nate! Nathan can be reached via his CBN cohorts at: ComicBkNet@aol.com) ________________________________________________________________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Recent Reads, by William Hughes I've been putting off writing the Random Thoughts on these Recent Reads for almost a week now, simply because I've been so busy, what with the new job, computer hunting, etc. So, if the posts seem a little rushed, that's why... I don't really feel like doing them! Say, anyone remember a guy named Chris Oarr? WHat the heck happened to him??? Random Thoughts on the following books in the appropriate conferences... JOE MATT'S PEEPSHOW #8 STRAY BULLETS #5 STRANGERS IN PARADISE #6 X-FORCE #46 UNCANNY X-MEN #325 X-FACTOR #115 CABLE #24 X-MEN UNLIMITED #8 GENERATION X #8 BATMAN #523 SHADE THE CHANGING MAN #64 BATMAN ADVENTURES #36 HARDWARE #32 ICON #30 AZRAEL #9 SUPERBOY #20 ROBIN #21 ACTION COMICS #714 EXTREME JUSTICE #9 ASTRO CITY #1 SOLAR #52 X-O MANOWAR #52 DARK HORSE PRESENTS #100 (2 OF 5) SMALL PRESS: JOE MATT'S PEEPSHOW #8: This is my first issue of PEEPSHOW, I picked it up based on the solicitation which mentioned something about Matt recounting a tale about comic collecting in his youth. I enjoyed the book quite a bit, I like Matt's cartoonish style. I liked the subject matter, having gone thru a similar situation involving my collection when I was a kid as well. Although I think $2.95 is a bit high for any comic, this was an enjoyable read, and I'll probably pick up the next issue to learn the fate of Joe's comic book collection! STRANGERS IN PARADISE #6: The mystery and intrique in this title continues to grow with each issue. I'm a bit suprised with the direction this book has taken, but I'm enjoying it nonetheless. Katchoo is on the run, from the police and from the person who actually committed the crimes that Katchoo is being accused! Meanwhile, Francine's subconscious is trying to tell her that she's in love... with David??? Just when you think you know everything about SIP, Terry Moore throws in something that makes you question everything. This is easily one of the best comics being published today. STRAY BULLETS #5 A relatively slow-moving issue of SB, and not as exciting as the first four issues, but since we see characters from other chapters, it adds to the feeling that although each issue is a seperate, complete story, they are also a part of a bigger, cohesive whole. Although I thought this issue was below par for David Lapham, I'm sure that'll be an integral part of the overall tale, and as such, important to anyone that's following the title on a regular basis (like me.) I wouldn't recommend this issue as a jumping on point, I'd still gladly recommend any of the first four issues however. MARVEL COMICS: CABLE #24: As if it weren't confusing enough attempting to keep track of Cable's timeline, now it appears as though his wife who died in the future before Cable ever came back to the past has now come back to the past to enlist Cable's aid in the future. Confused by all that? Then don't bother picking up this book, that's as easy as it gets. This book is real close to the chopping block right about now. GENERATION X #8: It's the return of those freaky little elves that lived in Sean Cassidy's castle! Man, haven't seen them in, what- twenty years? This title is surviving the loss of Chris Bachalo quite nicely- something I didn't think they'd be able to do. Too often when one of the "big" creators leaves a book, the title falls like a house of cards. Fortunately, that's not the case here. Remember the old, New Mutants? Well, if you were a fan of that book, you should certainly check out this title, it's the same feel all over again. UNCANNY X-MEN #325: Unnecessary cover enhancement raises the cover price on this puppy to a whopping $3.95! Nothing in this issue warrants that price. This title just slipped another notch in my book... I also dislike Joe Madureira's art, so that's yet another black mark on this one... even seeing old standards like the X-Men playing baseball, or Petey/Wolverine's fastball special don't work well anymore. This book is one that should be left on the spinner. PASS! X-FACTOR #115: All in all a rather forgettable issue of X-Factor revolving around Alex and his X-MAN brother Scott. The only thing of interest that occurs is on the last page of the book, with EVIL BEAST and RANDOM. I'm definitely interested in _that_ particular storyline. X-FORCE #46: This issue: We find out that Siryn is actually on a mission for Cable. When she attempts to contact him with no success, she decides to get help from another source... DEADPOOL! Meanwhile, the boys throw down with The Mimic... someone refresh my memory... when was the Mimic an actual member of the X-Men??? Decent issue. I look forward to seeing Deadpool in future issues. X-MEN UNLIMITED #8: This was a pretty nice, easy going story about a kid that discovers he's a mutant, and has to deal with the harsh reality of what that means in today's mutant-world. Although I did enjoy the story content, I think $3.95 is too much to pay for a comic unless it's extra-special, which this is not. I may take this one off my pull list, and just pick them up off the shelf if/when they look worthy. DC COMICS: ACTION COMICS #714: AN excellent issue that has The Joker visiting Metropolis because an overzealous businessman decides to use the Joker's image for profit. I seem to remember a similar plotline in the BATMAN ADVENTURES animated series. Anyway, I really enjoyed how the Joker went up against Supes, and how he cleverly escaped. AZRAEL #9: Azrael is still nuts, Lilhy discovers that she's beautiful (it comes as a shock to her) and Brian passes up on an opportunity to drink! AZRAEL is good super-hero fun, in fact, I like it better than the Bat-books that spawned it. Highly recommended to action/adventure super-hero fans. BATMAN #523: Remember last time when I mentioned that I didn't usually like Kelley Jones artwork on this title, that issue being the exception? Well, we're back to the original feelings with this issue. I just do not like his depiction of Batman, and I found it especially irritating with this issue, which seemed to be especially annoying. Can't comment on anything else, since the art distracted me from anything else. BATMAN ADVENTURES #36: The last issue of probably the best Batman comic being published. I hope the follow-up title, ADVENTURES OF BATMAN AND ROBIN picks up exactly where this title left off. EXTREME JUSTICE #9: WONDER TWIN POWERS: ACTIVATE! This title keeps me reading my returning heroes that I haven't seen in a while, like Firestorm, and now the Wonder Twins (who technically haven't ever appeared in this universe, right?) The art is still the weakest point for this title. Get somebody decent on pencils and this title could secure a place on my pull-list. HARDWARE #32: Alva is dead, and it's a new direction for Hardware. He's got the armor, he's got the business, he's go the money. I hope he doesn't turn into a black Tony Stark, that would suck. I'll stick with it for a while to see where this is going, but I've got a bad feeling about our newest rich industrialist... ICON #30: Cancel Christmas! It's the funeral of Buck Wild. Funerals are normally somber occasions, but not so for this one! It's a hilarious look at other black "icons" in comics from the past, part tribute, mostly satire. We get a history of the hero that was Buck Wild, and his past adventures as not only the short-lived replacement Icon, but as Buck Goliath, Jim Crow, Buck Lightning, and finally, Buck VooDoo! Absolutely hilarious. I hate to see Buck Wild go, but to quote Jack Nicholson's Joker, "If ya gotta go, go with a smile!" ROBIN #21: Robin goes to Ninja school after a slew of crimes are committed by a gang of wannabee ninjas. Dixon and Wieringo both showed up for work, and it's a fun read because of it. SHADE: CHANGING MAN #64: I like this new, heartless (literally) Shade. The madness seems to be out of his control, and what used to be his supporting cast is out for his head, with good reason. This title has come out of it's recent slump, alas it's been announced that the title will be ending soon. At least it looks as though it'll go out on a high note. SUPERBOY #20: Grummett and Kesel take an issue off, and the book suffers for it. I just don't care for this book or character without them. Still, this wasn't too bad, the Green Lantern appearance made up for the lack of the regular creative team. IMAGE COMICS: ASTRO CITY #1 So what did everyone think of the debut issue of Kurt Busiek's new title? Not the most interesting recent read, and certainly not the most original, but I liked it nonetheless. The new take on the "Super" man isn't even all that new, Samaritan reminds me of a character from Innovation's HERO ALLIANCE whose name escapes me at the moment. He had the civilian grey hair schtick too. Anyway, I'll pick up the next few issues to see where this one goes. ACCLAIM COMICS: SOLAR #52: The spark that Jurgen's new world brought to this title has died out, with me anyway. I just can't get into this character anymore, at least not in the traditional super-hero role. Have him pull a Miracle-Man, and I'll be back. X-O MANOWAR #52: Did I miss something? Who is the new guy in the armor trading punches with Aric? Plotwise, this comic is practically non-existant all of a sudden. Sure, it's great art, but what about story content? Where is this book going? Birthquake opened up new possibilities for the character, instead of exploring them, they've got Aric going from one meaningless fight to another. I'm about ready to bail on this one too... DARK HORSE COMICS: DARK HORSE PRESENTS #100 (2 of 5): This issue was much better than the first. Although I've only seen HELLBOY in NEXT MEN, I really like the HELLBOY cover and story. I may track down more on this character. ALEC: THE SNOOTER by Eddie Campbell was truly bizarre, and I liked it! DEVIL CHEF: THE SHINING by Jack Pollock got a smile outta me... I didn't care for FAT DOG MENDOZA by Scott Musgrove or BITCHY BITCH by Roberta Gregory. And, although the point behind YES by Paul Pope escapes me, I am to the point where I love anything that Pope does. Bill Hughes!! EMail Address: william.hughes@f748.n109.z1.fidonet.org ________________________________________________________________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Comic Comments by John Keady This review will be a bit longer than usual as I have about 2 weeks worth of stuff to catch up on! Steel #20- The good was the art. Very visually stunning and eye catching. The bad was the story. When I read the story twice and still not remember anything that was said or done, that spells trouble! C Detective Comics #690- I had left the bat titles after the Prodigy storyline and it looks like I haven't missed too much in the few months I've been away. I liked this particular issue. The Firefly is one twisted individual and makes me want to know more about him! The art was well done and was fun to see. B Adventures of Superman #528- This is a most interesting issue as we see the Man of Steel through the eyes of an alien visitor. Virtually no dialogue didn't take anything away from the story and the art was fantastic. This also has a lead in to the upcoming Trial of Superman which may be the first good story arc in a long long time! A Outsiders #23- With Pelletier gone as artist, this book's strongest point is gone. It may be fortunate that it's ending at #24. Next months issue may be readable as it has an Underworld Unleashed tie-in! C Batman: Vengeance of Bane II- I kept debating whether to get this one but decided after reading some good comments here on CBN and on the internet. It didn't dissapoint! Seeing how Bane remakes himself made for some great reading and the art was good! B+ Azrael #9- Azreal is one unhappy camper and his misfortune makes for some great reading! The character developement has been outstanding from the first issue and combined with a great art team make this one of the most consistanly good books! B+ Damage #17- Grant is not having a good time either as the pressures of superheroing takes its toal on the young metahuman. I wish this book had some consistant direction to it but I fear it is already too late. Keep an eye out for the final 5 issues of the New Titans to see the continuing downslide of Grants fortunes! C+ Green Arrow #101- Yeah, another older DC hero bites the dust as Oliver Queen exits the book and his son Connor Hawke takes over. If this weren't as good as it is, I'd complain about it as much as some but this was handled very well and how he was paid tribute was fitting for the character that Oliver was. A- Wonder Woman #102- An enjoyable read and a turning point for the Amazone babe as Darkseid sets his plans in motion! With the rumored Artemis series with Loebs & Deodato, I may give this book the chance it deserves! I liked this particular issue a shot! B Spectre #34- The Monsters theme continues as Spectre takes on blood sucking Hollywood vampires. It was actually a pretty humorous issue as the Spectre takes a trip through bad movie hell! B ________________________________________________________________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Late Comics Report 8/25/95 by Andrew Troth This is the Late Comics Report for the week of August 25, 1995. The three latest items on the list are enclosed in asterisks (*): three for the latest, two for the runner-up, one for third place. Ties apply the same rank to all tied items. New additions to the list are enclosed in these: < >. See below for items that have been removed since last week's list, other cancellations, and the top three late publishers. These comics are LATE: Academy Comics: Altered Realities (Jul) Acclaim Comics: Bar Sinister #4 (May) Starslayer: The Director's Cut #8 (May) Turok, Dinosaur Hunter/Shaman's Tears #1 (Apr) Turok, Dinosaur Hunter/Shaman's Tears #2 (May) Turok, Dinosaur Hunter/Shaman's Tears #3 (Jun) Alaffinity: **Greymatter #9 (Dec '94)** Greymatter #10 (Jun) Black Eye Productions: Atomic City Special #1 (Jul) Caliber Press: Gabriel #1 (Jul) Kabuki: Circle of Blood #4 (Jul) Negative Burn #25 (Jul) Oz #10 (Jul) Raven Chronicles #1 (Jul) Slaughterhouse #1 (May) Slaughterhouse #2 (Jun) Slaughterhouse #3 (Jul) Unleashed #1 (Jun) Comico: Elementals: Ghost of a Chance GN (Jul) Dancing Elephant Press: Kane #10 (Jul) Dark Horse Comics: Agents of Law #6 (Aug 8) Edgar Rice Burroughs' Tarzan vs. Predator #1 (Jul 4) Edgar Rice Burroughs' Tarzan vs. Predator #2 (Aug 15) Star Wars: River of Chaos #3 (Aug 1) DC Comics: Batman: Knightgallery (Aug 8) Tank Girl: The Odyssey #4 (Jul 18) Fantagraphics Books: Big Mouth #5 (Jun) Crap #8 (Jul) Human Diastrophism UK Edition (Jan) Little Nemo Volume 2 SC (Apr) Little Orphan Annie 1935 (Jul) Most Important Thing and Other Stories (May) Savage Love #2 (Mar) Wit and Wisdom of Mr. Natural TPB (Jun) Genesis West Publications: Last of the Viking Heroes: Nidhogger Lives HC (Jun) Gladstone/Disney: Donald Duck Adventures #34 (Jul) Horse Press: Buzz Buzz Comics Magazine #1 (Jun) THB #6 (Feb) Image Comics: Art of Erik Larsen (Feb) Badrock! #2 (Apr) Badrock! #3 (May) Bloodstrike: Assassin #2 (Jul) Brigade #21 (Jun) Brigade #22 (Jul) CyberForce/Codename StrykeForce: Opposing Forces #1 (Jul) Cyblade/Shi Special (Jul) Gen13 #4 (Jul) Glory #5 (Jul) Glory TPB (Jul) Knightmare #5 (Jun) Knightmare #6 (Jul) Newmen #16 (Jul) Operation Knightstrike #3 (Jul) Pitt #10 (Jun) Prophet Annual #1 (Jul) Savage Dragon #21 (Jul) Shaman's Tears #11 (Jul) Stormwatch #26 (Jul) Supreme #29 (Jun) Supreme #30 (Jul) Team Youngblood #20 (Jul) Violator/Badrock #3 (Jul) Voodoo/Zealot: Skin Trade (Jul) Weapon Zero #T-2 (Jul) WildCATs #22 (Jul) Malibu Comics: ***Edge #4 (Nov '94)*** Mortal Kombat Kollection TPB (Jul) Marvel Comics: Akira #34 (Aug 15) Aladdin #12 (Jul 25) Bizarre #1 (Aug 1) Doctor Who Poster Magazine #2 (Jan 31) Doctor Who Poster Magazine #3 (Mar 28) Doctor Who Poster Magazine #4 (May 30) Doctor Who Special (Aug 1) Dr. Dre: Man With a Cold, Cold Heart (Feb 28) Greatest Villains of the Fantastic Four TPB (Apr 25) Hammer Horror #6 (Jul 11) Hammer Horror #7 (Aug 8) Little Mermaid #13 (Jul 18) Mighty Morphin Power Rangers Magazine (Jul 4) Playback #1 (Jul 4) Playback #2 (Jul 25) Ruins #2 (Jul 18) Snoop Doggy Dogg: Unleashed (Feb 28) *Spider-Man Magazine #12 (Jan 17)* Tales of the Marvels: Wonder Years #1 (Aug 15) Thunderstrike #24 (Jul 25) Venom-Deathrap: The Vault (May 9) Web of Spider-Man Super-Size Special #1 (Aug 15) Maximum Comics Press: Black Flag #5 (May) Warchild #0 (Jul) Slave Labor Graphics: Destroy All Comics #3 (Jul) Dork #3 (Jul) Spiderbaby Grafix: Stephen R. Bissette's Tyrant #4 (Apr) Stephen R. Bissette's Tyrant #5 (Jun) Taliesin Press: Starchild #13 (Apr 4) Starchild #14 (Apr 18) Topps Comics: Watermark: Solstice #2 (Jun) Solstice #3 (Jul) REMOVED since the last list: Antarctic Press: Gold Digger #23 (Jul; came out Aug 22) Hit the Beach 1995 (Jul; came out Aug 22) Shanda #10 (Jul; came out Aug 22) Claypool Comics: Deadbeats #13 (Jul; came out Aug 22) Dark Horse Comics: Harlan Ellison's Dream Corridor #5 (Aug 1; came out Aug 22) Species #3 (Aug 15; came out Aug 22) DC Comics: Batman: Shadow of the Bat Annual #3 (Aug 15; came out Aug 22) Black Lightning #9 (Aug 15; came out Aug 22) Chiaroscuro #4 (Aug 15; came out Aug 22 and wasn't really late anyway) REBELS '95 #12 (Aug 15; came out Aug 22) Fantagraphics Books: Duplex Planet Illustrated #13 (Jul; came out Aug 22) Image Comics: Ballistic #1 (Jul; came out Aug 22) Knightmare #4 (May; came out Aug 22) Marvel Comics: Ghost Rider 2099 AD #18 (Aug 15; came out Aug 22) Nocturne #3 (Aug 1; came out Aug 22) Maximum Comics Press: Warchild #4 (Mar; came out Aug 22) Milestone Media: Shadow Cabinet #17 (Aug 15; came out Aug 22) TOP THREE late publishers, by number of late items: 1. Image Comics: 29 items 2. Marvel Comics: 27 3. Caliber Press: 8 PUBLISHERS covered at present: Aardvark-Vanaheim, Abiogenesis Press, Abstract Studio, Academy Comics Ltd., Acclaim Comics, Alaffinity, Amaze Ink, Animus, Antarctic Press (not including Venus Comics), Argo Press, Aria Press, Astro Comics, Black Eye Productions, Bongo Comics, Caliber Press, Cartoon Books, Claypool Comics, Comico, Cosmic Comics, CPM Comics, Crusade Comics, Dancing Elephant Press, Dark Horse Comics, DC Comics, Double Diamond Press, Dramenon Studios, Drawn & Quarterly, Eddie Campbell Comics, El Capitan, Event Comics, Exhibit A Press, Fantagraphics Books (not including Eros Comix), Fiasco Comics, Fireman Press, Genesis West Publications, Gladstone/Disney, Hanthercraft, Harris Publications, Horse Press, I Box, Image Comics, King Hell Press, Lady Luck Ltd., Malibu Comics, Mark's Giant Economy Size Comics, Marvel Comics, Maximum Comics Press, Meet Danny Ocean, Milestone Media, New England Comics Press, Nightwolf Graphics, Palliard Press, Pen & Ink Comics, Planet Lucy Press, Promethean Studios, Retro Graphix, Slave Labor Graphics, Spiderbaby Grafix, Taliesin Press, Tekno-Comix, Thinkblots Publications, Topps Comics, Viz Communications, WaRP Graphics, and Watermark. DISCLAIMERS: This is a list of comic books that have *not* arrived in stores as of the date above. When they *will* come out is anyone's guess. Only comics, hardcover and softcover graphic novels, hardcover reprint collections, and trade paperbacks are covered. I will include an additional list of newly cancelled or resolicited items when possible. If you have any information regarding any item on the list, or if you think an item on the list has come out, please contact me. Not all distributors deliver items at the same time. Depending on your retailer and your retailer's distributor, actual on-sale dates may vary. cheers, andrew ________________________________________________________________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Splash Page! Asgard.TW BBS IS A PROUD MEMBER OF THE COMICBOOK NETWORK Featuring conferences dedicated to as well as conferences MaRVeL COMiCS (iNCLuDeS MaLiBu) to discuss the following DC COMiCS (iNCLuDeS VeRTiGO aND MiLeSTONe) SCi-Fi CHaT iMaGe COMiCS MOVieS aND TV aCCLaiM COMiCS TRaDiNG CaRDS SMaLL PReSS aND iNDePeNDeNTS aNiMaTiON aND 'TOONS ...and that's just the tip of the iceberg! Asgard.TW BBS W. Islip, NY 516-422-4225 23 Hours/Day - 7 Days/Week Speeds up to 28.8K And it's FREE! ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Press Release: Atoka, TN A new on-line, small press publication, joined the plethora of new books hitting the markets. Delmar Chronicles, published by SiClone BBS, Atoka TN, is the first in a series of RIP based graphic novels for distribution by local BBS's on the internet. The first issue introduces the characters to the readers of this D&D style graphic novel. The publication is one of the first to utilize the RIP graphics protocol for on-line viewing. The issue can be previewed on-line at SiClone BBS by connecting 8-N-1 300-14400 BPS (901) 837-8985. INTERNATIONAL Comic & Magazine Publisher Forums, Online Mall, Talent Showcase COMIC NETWORK Industry Newsline, Convention/Retailer/Fan Club/User Registries (313)565-8464 Art Gallery, Contests, Club Discounts, RIP Grafix, FREE ACCESS! ________________________________________________________________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Virtual Boy Review by Ralph Barbagallo Hey, I picked up a Virtual Boy today with Red Alarm so I figured I'd post my thoughts about it.... While it's kind of a hassle to set up, and it's a bit uncomfortable to use, the VB isn't a bad little machine. For those of you who don't know what it is, the Virtual Boy is a Stereoscopic 3D 'portable' (I use that term very loosely) game system. It uses a proprietary 3D display technique developed by Massachusetts-based Reflections Technology. It uses vibrating red LEDs and some sort of mirror mechanisim to display monochrome 3D images in red and black. That doesn't sound so impressive, but it does give an impressive 3D effect. It won't blow you away, but it adds a nice element of depth to the games. A color display would be nice, but the lack of color isn't as big an obstacle as you might think. Anyway, once you have the thing clamped into the flimsy stand included in the package, you have to adjust the VB to your eyes. Don't worry, it works with glasses. The pack-in game, Virtual Tennis isn't bad. It's sort of an update to the old NES Tennis game--this time with more options. You'll notice the 3D effect right away. It almost looks like a ViewMaster. The game itself is simple, yet fun. I believe it has a link up feature so you can connect two Virtual Boys together for 2 player simultaneous action. I also bought Red Alarm, a 3D wireframe shooter. It's almost like Starfox, but it's got crystalline wireframe graphics instead of filled polygons. Since the polys aren't filled, it can be a bit confusing. You can see enemies while they are behind walls, and objects which are infront of your ship (well, behind actually) can obscure the view. However, there are a few different perspectives which can give a better sense of what's going on. The game itself is an average shooter. Nothing special, but it's fun to fly through the 3D world aimlessly blasting stuff. It takes a little while to get used to the controls (since you really cant stop to look at what you're doing...your eyes have to be in the VB headset), but it's not a terrible game (despite what the magazines have been saying). Anyway, if you have the money, it's not a bad little toy. With the Playstation coming out in a matter of weeks, it may be wise to save the bucks. But I'd keep the VB in mind for the future. Some of the games such as Mario Clash and Waterworld look pretty good (and they should be out by Xmas). ________________________________________________________________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------------- The CBN Toy FAQ! by Nathan Bredfeldt, conference host of CBN: TOYS CBN: Toys/Collectibles FAQ! Version 0.1 August 24, 1995 By Nathan Bredfeldt Table of Contents/List of Questions: (+ indicates question that needs work) 1. What is this place? +1a. No, what is THIS place? 2. And, who are you? 2a. How come you get to be in charge? 3. What's this FAQ for? +4. What's on topic here? 4a. What exactly is a toy/collectible? 5. What about games? +5a. What about collectible trading card games? +6. Why allow buying/selling/trading? 7. Why not post news from the toy industry? +8. Can I get price estimates on ? 9. How often will we have to look at this FAQ? 10. Will ever have a figure made? 11. You missed a question! What's to be done? Answers to your questions! 1. WHAT IS THIS PLACE? This is the Comic Book Network (CBN). As the name so blatently implies, it is an e-mail network dedicated solely to the addiction that is comic books. Scary, huh? 1a. NO, WHAT IS _THIS_ PLACE? Ah, you must mean the toys/collectibles discussion area. This is the toys/collectibles discussion area. 2. AND, WHO ARE YOU? I'm Nathan Bredfeldt, owner and operator of NateCo, Inc, and writer of SOME STUFF. I also attend classes and deliver VCR's at a small college campus in my spare time. I'm also the Conference Host for the Toys/Collectibles area, here on CBN (like a moderator, only nicer). I'm here to keep things together, whenever they start getting out of hand. I try to rule with an iron fist, but there's a Net Administrative Team (NAT) standing over me, keeping me in line. 2a. HOW COME YOU GET TO BE IN CHARGE? Because I asked politely, and politeness will get you just about anywhere in life. So, give it a try! 3. WHAT'S THIS FAQ FOR? A FAQ is a list of Frequently Asked Questions, written with having the reader come away more informed in mind. This particular FAQ really isn't based on any particular frequently asked questions, just stuff I figured someone might want to know. Plus, I wanted something to write. 4. WHAT'S ON TOPIC HERE? Best I can tell, discussion, critique, and buy/sell/trading of any toys (not just comic book related) and collectibles is on topic, here. Plus spam. 4a. WHAT EXACTLY IS CONSIDERED A TOY/COLLECTIBLE? Toys are anything you play with. (That makes everything a toy to a two year old, but then again, how many two year olds frequent CBN?) When in doubt, remember: toys can be found in the (aptly named) toy department of local stores (except Toys R Us, where you can find them everywhere). Collectibles are anything that can be collected as part of a hobby. You know, stuff like pogs, stamps, and slurpee cups. Comic books, cards, and anything else that might have a separate CBN confrence are not on topic (unless used somehow in conjunction with toys). 5. WHAT ABOUT GAMES? Hm...yes, I think games are on topic. (I'm looking forward to hearing stuff about the Tick Game! (Spoon!) 5a. WHAT ABOUT COLLECTIBLE TRADING CARD GAMES? Oh, sure; put the confrence host on the spot. Let's see: two other CBN confrences exist that might cover Collectible card games like: Magic, Rage, Star Trek, Sim City, and Wildstorms. These are: RPG, and Cards. But, if you want to discuss them here, _I_ won't mind. Heck, I'll even join the conversation. 6. WHY ALLOW BUYING/SELLING/TRADING? To quote Homer Simpson: "It was like that when I got here!" And since the messages aren't getting too out of control, and it keeps the confrence from looking too slow when the weekly totals come in, I just let them be. Besides, I can't think of a good reason to ban them, and nobody else has offered me one, so my hands are tied. (and not in a good way) Before you post a buy/sell/trade message, I recommend taking a look at one or two of the other B/S/T messages in the confrence. Some of them are well done! 7. WHY NOT POST NEWS FROM THE TOY INDUSTRY? With Hero going under, and since Dallas is the last place (in the world) to get new toys (one place in the city has big Tick action figures), I don't know if I'm even remotely qualified to do this. From now on, if I catch any snipets of info relating to toys, I'll pass them on. That's about all I can promise. 8. CAN I GET A PRICE ESTIMATE ON ? Not from me. There are a number of magazines out there that should offer fairly comprehensive toy price guide listings. I would NOT, however recommend using COMBO magazine. As soon as I do find some accruate price guides, I will post their name/publisher/cost/frequency. 9. HOW OFTEN WILL WE HAVE TO LOOK AT THIS FAQ? Once a month, unless things change a lot. After a lot of changes, I'll go ahead and repost, to heck with once a month. 10. WILL EVER HAVE A FIGURE MADE? That depends. If it is a Dark Horse or DC character, I wouldn't count on it, unless they are on a tv show. And even then, don't expect too much from Superman or Batman, because Kenner likes putting out lots of single character variations, while shorting us on the rest. (I only just recently found a Batman Fornever Two-Face, after wading through dozens of Batmans and Robins.) If it's a Marvel character, maybe. If it's on a tv show, or in an X-book, probably (except Psylocke). If it rides a flaming motorcycle, probably. If it's in the Ultraverse, there's an even chance. Otherwise, not likely. Most mainstream Image characters will have a figure. Liefeld, Keith, and Portacio make toys with McFarlane. Jim Lee makes toys with Playmates. Silvestri keeps planning on toy lines, but he can't even get comics out on time, so why bother expecting them? Larsen and Valentino don't make toys. Tick has figures, too. As for every other company, you're on your own. Wouldn't hold my breath, though. 11. You missed a question! What can I do? Let me know! It's hard to anticipate the demands of the public, without feedback! If I can come up with an answer, I'll put it in the FAQ, and add your name to a special thanks section! ________________________________________________________________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hugo Pratt Dies, cross-posted by David LeBlanc This from RACM: Subject HUGO PRATT IS DEAD From otoublan@hec.unil.ch (OLIVIER TOUBLAN) Date Mon, 21 Aug 1995 10:35:40 LOCAL I learned it yesterday night : the famous an renowned Hugo Pratt, the father of Corto Maltese, is dead, after a long illness, in Switzerland, a the bottom of the Lake Leman (Lake of Geneva). He was 68. I had an interview with him, just 6 month ago, for my fanzine, and he didn't seem so ill, just aged and a bit tired, reading a paper on the italian army in Africa in the 30's, in a huge encyclopedia, while talking with me. I remember, I was a bit afraid to meet someone of his fame (and he had a very bad reputation in the fanzine world), but, as it happenend some times, he was very kind, and accepted to pass a whole day with me, at his incredible home (or his library should I say, because all the walls were covered by books, more than 30'000, he told me), to speak about comics, about life, about the adventure of Corto, and about his adventures, perhaps more incredible than the ones of his paper heroes (or perhaps just the sames).We told about the way he was seeing the comics storytelling, about an adventure of Corto, following some short stories of Somerset Maugham he wanted to draw, about the critics (taht he was really disliking), about the fans. He told me that in the mid 60's Stan Lee invited him to work for the Marvel Comics (he was living in America at this time), and so on. I'm very sad, for the comics industry has just lost one of his most proheminent author and for I could never met him again. He was a greart human being. I don't know if he is also famous in the States, but believe me, here, in Europe, he was like a god : I don't have TV, but at the radio, it was the main issue of the 22.00 news : he was really famous and everybody know Corto maltese, his most famous creation). And just say that his "Ballada del Mare Salata" is one of the 10 comics/graphic Novel/album, I'll bring with me on a desert Island So, you could, like always, say that he is not really dead, for his works will survive him, but .... Olivier T úúúúÄÄÄÄÍÍÍÍ*David LeBlanc> ComicBkNet@AOL.COM david.leblanc@mailtrain.com RIME->5179 FIDO 1:322/743.1 ________________________________________________________________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------------- CBN Conference Totals, by the Net Admin Team >> CBN Conference Traffic week of 08/19/95 - 08/25/95 Conference Tot Conference Tot ---------------------------- --- ---------------------------- --- CBN: Image Comics 60 CBN: Back Issue Bin 10 CBN: Writers/Artists 59 CBN: Toys/Collectibles 6 CBN: Bullpen 51 CBN: Movies/TV 5 CBN: Marvel Comics 45 CBN: Video Games 4 CBN: DC Comics 43 CBN: Acclaim Comics 2 CBN: Comic Issues 38 CBN: Dark Horse Comics 2 CBN: Fan Fiction 29 CBN: Independents 2 CBN: Small Press 28 CBN: Fanboy 1 CBN: Cards 26 CBN: Manga 1 CBN: Electronic Mag 22 CBN: Role Playing - CBN: Editors Office 19 CBN: SciFi - CBN: Animation 13 CBN: Splash Page - >> Total Combined: 466 ________________________________________________________________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------------- CBN Growth Chart, by Jacob Greenberg E-Mag # Date of E-Mag # of Nodes /~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~\ | 001 February 28 47 | | 002 March 14 47 | | 003 March 30 50 | | 004 April 9 50 | | 005 April 16 55 | | 006 April 25 60 | | 007 April 30 62 | | 008 May 8 61 | | 009 May 14 63 | | 010 May 22 65 | | 011 May 28 69 | | 012 June 4 74 | | 013 June 11 73 | | 014 June 18 73 | | 015 June 25 73 | | 016 July 2 73 | | 017 July 8 74 | | 018 July 18 77 | | 019 July 24 77 | | 020 July 30 76 | | 021 August 7 77 | | 022 August 13 77 | | 023 August 22 79 | ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ That's it! Go home! Jacob ________________________________________________________________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Letters to the Net From: cjbr@gonix.gonix.com (Jim Lawless) Date: 95-08-20 18:16:34 EDT Ryan, Mike, Mike, Ed, David, Bob, & Walter... I'm sorry about the belated nature of this e-mail. I've wanted to write you since your first issue. Let me introduce myself. I'm Jim Lawless, writer/publisher/chief cook and bottle-washer of Comics Jabber (CJBR) Electronic comics news / reviews magazine. I initially published exclusively on CompuServe ( although David LeBlanc did try to assist me in getting published on AOL...that didn't seem to work out.). CJBR now has its own Web page ( http://www.gonix.com/cjbr ) which continues to evolve... I know how difficult it can be to put together an e-zine on a monthly basis. My hat is off to you guys for being able to jam-pack good stuff into each issue on a weekly basis. I'm glad to see that you have a presence on the Web. It has been a very uplifting experience for me ( allowing me to get a little more creative with my endeavor ). Be warned that I review your publication in issue #14 of CJBR ( should be available in a couple of days on CompuServe...it's readily available at the Web site ). After reading issue #22, I have to comment on Ryan Brewster's thought of bringing CBN to a Web Page message base. May I suggest that you start a Usenet Newsgroup and echo the postings there? ( I don't get CBN locally, so I don't know how big of an ordeal this would be ). You can automatically provide links to Usenet groups via your Web page which would alleviate having to write message-base programs and such. Again, I wanted to commend you on a fine publication. If you ever need a helping hand with your Web endeavors, I've learned an awful lot in the last few months and would be more than happy to assist! If any of you have ever read CJBR, I more than welcome criticism! Jim Lawless cjbr@gonix.com 74217.531@compuserve.com ---------------------------- Jim - Hey, thanks for the kind words! We appreciate your review, and for all of you who don't read the Comics Jabber, you really ought to! I have personally found the Comics Jabber to be highly informative, and can always find it within my busy schedule to read an issue or three!! We also appreciate your suggestions, Jim. As for a usenet newsgroup, I'm afraid that's where I lose my savvy... The Comic Book Net would appreciate help from ANYBODY!!?!? with the project of bringing our message bases to the Internet. Please e-mail us at our e-mail address (which, in case you forgot , is ComicBkNet@aol.com) and give your ideas and tips! As I said, I'm really lost as far as the process of creating a Usenet Newsgroup goes... Thanks again for your letter, Jim! Best, --Ry Editor The Comic Book Net E-Mag Xenozoid@cris.com From: RF To: Ryan Brewster Ryan, Geez . . . you guys do this magazine weekly? It's awesome! Thank you so much for sending it my way, and keep up the good work. --Arif ---------- Arif - Thank YOU for all the kind words! We really love feedback like that!! >;) Best, --Ry Editor The Comic Book Net E-Mag Xenozoid@cris.com From: John Holbrook To: Xenozoid@cris.com Subject: Greetings! Ryan, I've been checking out the CBN WWW page - good work. Thought I might offer to contribute to the E-Mag...reviews or whatever...if that would fly with all my "devoted fans" at CBN..:) Also, there isn't any local BBS carrier for your network here in Grand Rapids, MI...any way to access via WWW? John Holbrook -------------- John - We welcome any contributions to the e-mag! Just email them to me, the editor, at Xenozoid@cris.com, and I will personally cross-post the messages to the Comic Book Net and splice them into the E-Mag! As for accessing via WWW, we are seriously looking at that possibility, but as I said in my reply to Jim (up a few letters...), I'm kinda lost right now as to the technical mumbo-jumbo of it all. :S Suffice it to say, we'd love to make CBN available to whoever wants to join us! :) Best, --Ry Editor The Comic Book Net E-Mag Xenozoid@cris.com ________________________________________________________________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Join in the fun! You too can enjoy the intelligent conversations and informative threads that occupy the conferences of the Comic Book Net every day! However, many people who read this e-mag aren't familiar with the Local BBS echo-mail system.... Bulletin Board Systems are scattered everywhere across the USofA, and many of them are free! Chances are, if you have a modem you have the accompanying communications software. Using the Terminal Emulation software that came with your modem, you can dial up one of the many systems linked into CBN (see the listings down a few paragraphs). Most of the boards offer all the message echoes in the Comic Book Network... there are message bases devoted to all the bigger comics publishers, as well as big Small Press and Independent message bases, not to mention sections for general (doesn't even have to be about comics!) conversation. If you are worried about long distance charges, worry no longer! Most if not all the BBS's offer a mail service from which you can download a .QWK packet of recent e-mail to read offline with a program called an offline mail reader. You can read & write messages at your leisure, and then upload your own messages & replies the next time you call your local BBS. There are many .QWK packet readers out there, for every type of computer system. They all give you a better explaination in their documentation than I can. These programs are available all over the Internet and are downloadable from most BBS's. These "mail runs" (dialing up, downloading the mail packet and uploading replies) generally take less than 5 minutes to accomplish, and at the average after-5pm/weekends/holidays long distance phone rates, that is LESS THAN 75›! See? Even less expensive than many of the commercial information services available! :) So what else can you find on free BBS systems? Theres plenty of files for specific types of computers. Some systems also offer other types of message networks ranging from general topics to specific themes like sci-fi, role playing, games, music, etc. And, let's not forget online games. Join into the many different multiplayer games, each system sports different challenges. There's nothing like becoming the most powerful being in a online adventure! And when you _do_ log on, leave a message in The Bullpen conference to ALL, and introduce yourself to us! You're guaranteed to get plenty of replies and all the help you need to join in the fun! Best, --Ry, the editor, with assists from Ed Dukesshire. ________________________________________________________________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------------- BBSes Linked into CBN * Last posted 25-Aug-95 16:31:48 * Posted with permission - Thanks Wayne! +----------------------------+ | The ComicBook Network !! | A message network devoted to Comic +----------------------------+ Fans, Collectors, and Professionals! ---- ---------- ------------- - Over 20 message echoes for your reading enjoyment! - Marvel Comics - DC Comics - Image Comics - Acclaim Comics - Dark Horse Comics - Small Press - Independents - Manga Comics - Comic Issues - Writers/Artists - Toys and Collectables - Cards - Back Issue Bin - Video Games - Bullpen - Fanboy - Animation - TV/Movies - Role Playing Games - Splash Page - SciFi - News, info, reviews, and general conversation with other comic book fans and professionals. - Log onto the systems, check it out and participate. We'd love to have you aboard! -- More? (Yes/No/Continuous): - Here's a quick rundown of free access BBSes already linked in! Most offer a QWK/Bluewave door to pack mail and read offline. * = New systems linked in. City St BBS Number City St BBS Number ------------- -- ------------ ------------- -- ------------ Russelville AR 501-968-3910 * Hector AR 501-284-5503 Lakeside CA 619-561-2961 Victorville CA 619-955-6445 Destin FL 904-654-9385 Ft. Walton FL 904-244-7434 Eustis FL 904-357-0355 Jacksonville FL 904-363-6347 Melbourne FL 407-253-0782 Melbourne FL 407-253-8754 Tavares FL 904-343-7272 Davenport IA 319-359-4449 Davenport IA 319-381-2906 Palatine IL 708-776-2395 Indianapolis IN 317-856-9020 La Porte IN 219-325-3655 Acushnet MA 508-995-0085 Agawam MA 413-789-6533 Freetown MA 508-763-2027 Haverhill MA 508-372-2258 New Bedford MA 508-984-1212 New Bedford MA 508-984-5321 New Bedford MA 508-994-4687 Rochester MA 508-763-5579 Shrewsbury MA 508-753-3767 S. Dartmouth MA 508-979-8930 Worcester MA 508-791-1281 Worcester MA 508-798-5647 Bishopville MD 410-352-5754 Frederick MD 301-831-8057 Frederick MD 301-698-5194 Gaithersburg MD 301-601-9731 Gaithersburg MD 301-977-0791 Mount Rainier MD 301-779-9381 * Walkersville MD 301-898-4088 Dearborn Hgts MI 313-565-8464 Kalamazoo MI 616-349-9438 Durham NC 919-286-4542 Durham NC 919-286-7738 Raliegh NC 919-833-3412 Raliegh NC 919-790-3599 * Newton NH 603-382-0338 * Hillsdale NJ 201-722-1495 * Park Ridge NJ 201-307-9225 * Saddle Brook NJ 201-368-1866 Astoria NY 718-204-0159 Poughkeepsie NY 914-485-5463 Saugerties NY 914-247-9601 Spring Valley NY 914-426-3029 West Islip NY 516-422-4225 Collinsville OK 918-371-0980 Oklahoma City OK 405-672-0615 Oklahoma City OK 405-728-7960 Cottage Grove OR 503-942-4561 Brookhaven PA 610-872-0916 * Eddystone PA 610-872-2830 Philadelphia PA 215-535-3055 * Old San Juan PR 809-721-6512 Union City TN 901-885-9647 Dallas TX 214-680-2755 Garland TX 214-494-3702 Grand Prairie TX 214-641-1136 Houston TX 713-568-0825 Irving TX 214-790-6472 Killeen TX 817-699-2254 * Missouri City TX 713-835-0965 Odessa TX 915-530-2712 Waxahachie TX 214-938-7115 Arlington VA 703-415-0134 Burlington VT 802-860-2948 Burlington VT 802-863-1591 Williston VT 802-864-7021 Longview WA 206-577-7358 Gananoque ONT 613-382-1788 * Niagara Fall ONT 905-371-0736 St.Catharine ONT 905-938-1670 * St.Catharine ONT 905-988-9698 Tecumseh ONT 519-979-4251 * Mexico City MEX 52-5-264-2994 - If you have access to internet mail, you can receive a complete listing of bbs systems linked in. Address your message to ComicBkNet@AOL.COM - Weekly "Comic Book Electronic Magazine" available on all above systems. Also available on AOL - GOTO: SCIENCE FICTION and select Science Fiction Libraries from the main menu. The files are in: ANIME, COMICS, OTHER. If you don't have an account on AOL, check the CompuServe and GEnie libraries, they're uploaded there as well. - Sysops: FREQ the latest information packet using the Magic Filename COMICS from these Fidonet systems; 1:19/37 in AR, 1:324/134 in MA, 1:109/748 in MD, 1:2201/66 in MI ________________________________________________________________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Comic Book E-Mag is published weekly by the many participants of The Comic Book Network. This is a compilation of articles and columns which were originally posted in the network's conferences or written specifically for this electronic magazine. All text contained within are copyrighted to the originating author(s). Freely distributable for noncommerical purposes only. THE CBN WEB PAGE ---------------- If you have access to the World Wide Web, please stop by and visit our web page! On our web page, you can find the latest issue of our E-Mag, as well as an annotated index of back issues. You'll also find important information on how to join the conversation in the Comic Book Net, an archive of Comic Book Net fanfic, and other neat features! The URL address is: http://www.cris.com/~Xenozoid/ComicBkNet.html LOCATING THE ISSUES ------------------- The latest issue is always available from all the systems linked into The Comic Book Network. Issues may be obtained through several online pay services as well (ie; AOL, CompuServe, GEnie). All back issues should be available at the above sites, as well as our World Wide Web page. SUBMISSIONS ----------- Submissions are encouraged. Please address submissions to the internet address: ComicBkNet@aol.com or send directly to one of the Network Administration Team members: Mike Imboden, Ed Dukeshire, David Leblanc, Walter Tietjen, Bobb Waller. SUBSCRIPTIONS ------------- If you wish to receive these issues automatically through your internet account, please address a message to Xenozoid@cris.com to be placed on the subscription list. ________________________________________________________________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - End of Issue #24.. see ya next week!