------------------------------------------------------------------------ THE COMIC BOOK NET ELECTRONIC MAGAZINE - ISSUE NUMBER 53 ________________________________________________________________________ World Wide Web Page------>> http://members.aol.com/ComicBkNet ------------------------------------------------------------------------- o \o/ _ o _| \ / |_ o_ \o/ o /|\ | /\ _\o \o | o/ O/_ /\ | /|\ / \ / \ |\ /) | ( \ /o\ / ) | (\ / | / \ / \ This publication is brought to you by the members of the premiere BBS network for the discussion of comics books and the people who create them, The ComicBook Network!!! Edited by: David LeBlanc [ComicBkNet@aol.com] ------------------------------------------------------------------------- The ComicBook Network was founded by Ed Dukeshire and Mike Imboden ------------------------------------------------------------------------- If you wish to receive these issues automatically through your internet account, please address a message to ComicBkNet@aol.com to be placed on the subscription list. ________________________________________________________________________ T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S ------------------------------------------------------------------------- [1] On the Net ............................ David LeBlanc [2] Letters to the Editor ................. Your Page! TRIVIA CONTEST......................... Guesses & Answers [3] CBN Insider ........................... News, gossip, & rumors [4] Compuserve Awards ..................... Michael R. Grabois [5] Recommended Reading ................... Joseph Torres [6] Suspended Animation ................... Michael Vance [7] Some Stuff ............................ Nathan Bredfelt [8] REVIEW: Jack Split Undergut Private Eye David LeBlanc [9] New Comics Shipping 4/9/96 ........... Bobb Waller [A] How to join ComicBook Network.......... BBS 101 [B] BBSes Linked into CBN.................. CBN node list [C] E-Mag Info: Submissions, Subscriptions, Back Issues, Copyrights ________________________________________________________________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------------- [1] On the Net by David LeBlanc Well, how many people were "fooled" by our Special Edition #1? It was a lot of fun to do, and so far I only had one message from someone who really thought Adam West would be the new Batman and was he upset! It was easy enough for me to escape blame on that one though, since our fearless leader, Mike Imboden, wrote the CBNsider items. Elsewhere this week, in Comic Buyer's Guide (CBG) #1169 dated April 12 with Heartbreakers on the cover, you will find and ad for Dr. Wonder #1 on page 22. Our friends at Oldtown Publishing used a lengthy quote from our review in CBEM #50 and gave us big bold credit for the quote in the ad in CBG. FREE ADVERTISING! Thanks guys! I guess we may not be such a small speck in the grand scheme of things after all. It is strange that other things are happening around the same time and folks aren't saying, "this is a joke, right?". I am referring to the downsizing of Heroes World, reported to be in the works last Friday and finally confirmed this week by a rare posting online by Marvel. Can any good come of all this change? It seems like things can't get worse and then another shoe drops. I am reminded about a conversation online, not that long ago that rings true. Things were much simpler, and the hobby much more fun when we didn't know what was coming 3 months in advance and the latest dirt took at least a month to filter down to the fans. Too much advanced and inside information takes away some of the mystery and the thrill of anticipation. On the other hand, being able to plan what to buy, and reserve those things ahead of time would have been great when I was growing up during the early days of Marvel, and I still remember scouring the newsstands for those DC Kirby's. I just try not to think of the bad things, the closing stores, the creators and others losing there jobs, and all the bad effects of the current shrinking market. I still do my part by buying LOTS of comics and hopefully find time to read them and escape for a while. That is what it is all about after all. This week I am reviewing a new comic from Maelstrom Entertainment Inc. called Jack Split - Undergut Private Eye, sort of a cross between Sam Spade and the Twilight Zone. Nate is going the positive route with his ten best things list. Suspended Animation and Recommended Reading are both back this issue and we lead off with the Compuserve Comic Book Awards recently announced at the Motor City Convention. Of course you'll find the latest news and rumors from our "cutting edge" crack reporting staff in the CBN Insider and Bobb "fed up with exclusivity" Waller tells you what will be on the racks next week. Do you have something to say? Write to: David LeBlanc [ComicBkNet@aol.com] Editor The Comic Book Net E-Mag ________________________________________________________________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------------- [2] Letters to the Editor If you want to comment on this or any previous issue, want to offer something for us to publish, or just want to shamelessly suck up to the editor to try and get your name in print send Email to: ComicBkNet@aol.com Note: letters of comment may be used in future issues of the CBN E-Mag unless you specifically request us NOT to use them. +++++ Date: 30 Mar 96 16:07:29 EST From: "Brian D. Kirk" <76365.273@compuserve.com> Subject: CBEM #52 MOOT review David, Thanks much for the neat Moot Comics review...it made my day...REALLY! I appreciate the kind words! Blue Rat was something I started back in '89...just the first four pages; the last four were completed a few months ago. I forgot my original plan for the book but maybe it will come back to me in ANOTHER 7 years!! Oh well...I tried, right? thanks again...I'll be sending you Moots as they come out.. ( for your personal enjoyment of course). Best, Brian Kirk [Thank you Brian for sharing them.] +++++ Next, a timely letter with a tie in to MOOT COMICS Date: 96-03-31 13:43:57 EST From: 102514.3002@compuserve.com (John E. Thompson) David, Got a little note for your news if you want it. I am speaking on my own behalf and not as a representative of JMR Entertainment Inc. or Didactic Chocolate Press. The solicitation for PLASTIC SODA #3 in both PREVIEWS vol. VI no. 4 for comics shipping in June 1996 and in ADVANCE COMICS #90 for comics in shipping in June 1996 have been edited to exclude JESUS COMIX from the solicitation. Because of this people might get the impression that Brian Kirk's ASININE HEAD (from the MOOT mini-comic) which has his first official appearance in a regular comic book, is sacrilegious. It is a great comic none the less, so do not let this keep you from giving it a try. Also take note that part two of JESUS COMIX which began in PLASTIC SODA #1 will be appearing in PLASTIC SODA #3. It was omitted from the solicitation. The original solicitation should have read: PLASTIC SODA #3 3.25 48 Pages wrap-around oil crayon cover, comic-sized, b/w Magnificent oil-crayon cover by Thomas Mansell encompasses the mysterious pages that lurk within. This issue features the exciting conclusion to part two of Life After Dark. Continue to exploit the that crazy O.J. funk with a special Team Kato story by Scott McKenzie. Check out the first official appearance of mini-comix genius Brian Kirk's Moot Comix, with an eight page Asinine Head story. Jesus! We've got twelve fly pages of the allegedly sacrilegious, nutritious, delicious, and part of your complete balance breakfast including twelve vitamins and minerals Jesus Comix#2. Plus, surprises galore! Just thought you all might like to know. Jesus Comix was a well received feature of PLASTIC SODA #1 and I figured anyone who liked it might be curious as to when it would return. It is in issue #3. [Thanks for the info John.] +++++ Subj: I WANT A SUBSCRIPTION!!! Date: 96-03-31 20:04:17 EST From: bscott@rogidi.com (Bruce Scott) Dear CBN People, My name is George Scott and I just finished reading issue 49 of your e-zine and I must tell you I am impressed. You have a great up to date info on the industry and its all well within my budget! As soon as I saw your WWW address I headed straight for it to get the next three issues. I'm going to start reading them when I finish this message. Well I want to subscribe to your e-zine if thats O.K. with you. I myself am an aspiring comic book writer and artist who hopes to get into Image because of the creator freedom they stand for (and hopefully I'll be able to improve their rep of having so-so stories). [Best of luck to you on your attempt at stardom!] A little more about me, I live in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and go to a studio which is probably one of, if not the best place, for aspiring artists, writers, and colourists to get into the comic biz. The studio is co-owned by artist Logan Lubera (who is working at Extreme Studios for Rob Liefeld. So far some of his credits include: Black Flag #0, an issue or two of Bloodpool and something else I can't remember right now.) and his friend Percy. The atmosphere is great because there are always other aspiring artists there to help you out, and give you constructive criticism and such. Were called Hired Guns Studios right now but it seems that is going to change. Right now we are starting work on a number of projects such as posters and ash-cans. Well enough about me (Sorry about the shameless plug but the place really is great), [No problem.] I know I haven't read any other issues or your mag yet so I don't know if these questions will be relevant but: Will you be adding a section on how to get into the biz and offer tips and company requirements? This would be very useful for people such as myself. I know all the big comic book mags like Wizard do things like this but not all of us have enough in their budget to get both their monthly comics plus these inside info mags. [This magazine is primarily done by fans, not pros. Some contributors are self publishing their own stuff. Advise from someone on how to break into the big time is best found in the resources you mention. If someone in the know wants to offer an article for us to publish, we would welcome it, but I am not an expert in those areas.] Also, could you maybe add a section devoted to whats happening in the movies, as relevant to comics that is. I for one have heard nothing on the Spider-Man movie that is James Cameron is supposed to be doing since an article I read in the middle of the summer last year. Is it still going to be made? [We do publish relevant movie information as soon as it is verified by legitimate sources. We also talk about the rumors of what might be happening, but try to be careful about labelling them as such. This information is generally in the CBN Insider column which is meant to collect all those types of things. Longer press release or messages from bonifide sources will be run as stand alone articles. Spider-man is still mired in the bankruptcy dealings so whoever ends up with the rights when everything is liquidated will decide the fate of any movie - as far as I know.] Oh, one last thing, are there going to be any BBS in the Toronto area which will feature an echo of your mag? So far the closest one look to be in London, Ontario, which means long distance charges. Well thats all for now, and once again, Great Mag! [That is up to people in your area to decide. The quickest way to get a BBS near you to carry ComicBook Net is to grab the info pack CBN1195.zip off our WWW page and upload it to lots of BBSes in your area and send a message to the SysOp asking him to pick up the network. Our London, Ontario members get the network via long distance so there is most likely a BBS in your area willing to poll them to join the network. Your help is the best way to get it for yourself. Thanks for writing.] +++++ All positive response (so far) to our APRIL FOOL issue. Either the few we poked fun at didn't get it, or they can take a joke! (if not, my lawyers will be in touch.) From: Augie De Blieck Jr Subject: Re: CBEM SPECIAL EDITION Hi David! Thanks for a great April Fool's issue! It's the best April Fool's joke I've seen so far. Oh, wait. It's still March 31. That must mean - NO! It can't be! "Unfinished Business" really _is_ a scam and Bone _is_ a Broadway play? Excuse me - I have to go apply for a job at the local A Capella Karaoke Bar... -Augie ;-) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Augie De Blieck Jr. - http://daniel.drew.edu/~adebliec/index.html augie@nic.com - Karaoke Bar: "A room full of tone-deaf businessmen adebliec@drew.edu - trying to sing 'My Way'" -Yakko, Animaniacs #13 +++++ Date: Mon, 1 Apr 1996 19:06:12 +0930 From: bmillard@adam.com.au (B.C.Millard) Subject: Re: CBEM SPECIAL EDITION At 6:24 PM 31/3/96, David L. LeBlanc wrote: >The big news this week is the announcement that Marvel has pulled out of >their deal with Rob Liefeld and Jim Lee. Our source, who requested >anonymity, stated that "Unfinished Business was a scam all along... It was >done to get back at Rob and Jim for leaving Marvel in the first place." An >unidentified employee of Liefeld's studios claims Jim and Rob are livid about >Marvel's mean-spirited practical joke and intend on evening the score. We'll >stay on top of this story and bring the latest news to you as it happens. I wish :):) Strange that I received this on April 1st :) he he -------------------------- Brenton Millard +++++ Subj: Re: comments on April Fool's edition... Date: 96-04-02 08:14:00 EST From: phoenix@worf.netins.net Hi, David. Just wanted to mention a couple of things... >Welcome to the NEW, er, the different, er the somewhat the same but at the >same time all new ComicBook Collector's Electronic magazine! More about >that in a second but first an apology: > >To John Brookhole, I am sorry I took your web page link off our home page. [snip] I couldn't help but laugh big time at this. I made myself famous when I [on the advise of our attorneys we are forced to edit this comment. :)] On to more funner stuff... :) [4] The Answer Man - PHOENIX: The REAL Story! by Bill deHaan The Answer man is always ready to fill in newer fans about past continuity and threads of stories used today that don't make much sense if you haven't read the last ten years of 3 or 4 different books, you know like the X-Men! So when this question hit our mailbox we went straight to Bill deHaan, the Answer Man! JE> I am getting into this Ultraverse Phoenix story and understand that JE> the character has been kicking around the X-Men for a long time. JE> How do I find out more about her? This was some of the funniest stuff I've seen in forever. Bill was always hilarious when he wrote something meant to be funny. I saved a copy of this, along with Bill's old page-by-page description of Sludge #1. That was also hilarious. I've love to see Bill do a regular feature for CBN. Any chance? [Bill is a pretty fun guy, but hard to nail down. I would love to run more material and he has an open invitation to contribute anytime he likes.] Congrats on a great edition. :) Brian [Thanks] +++++ From Marc Sparks: From: figment@connx.vironix.co.za Date: 2 Apr 1996 06:44:08 GMT+0200 Subject: CBEM SPECIAL EDITION Heh heh, thats almost as good a joke as our tax system. Sorry (you've) I've been quiet all of a sudden, I blame: Hard Drive death! That 40mg MFM had to die someday, and it's taken a while to get back on line, expect something soon. VRoom Just a Figment@connx.vironix.co.za-Alloy-Marc Sparks [If you are not too miffed at my spoof of Out Of Africa, come back soon] +++++ From: "Desabrais, Dave" Subject: RE: CBEM SPECIAL EDITION Date: Tue, 02 Apr 96 09:02:00 EST Great issue! Thanks [Your welcome] +++++ [TRIVIA CONTEST] I guess you either see the same things I see, or you haven't got a clue. This week's answer was in the weekly WATCH THIS SPACE page of the DC comics two weeks ago. Every one who answered got it right so once again the prize goes to the swift. >DC says it only once shipped a comic to both newsstands and Direct >distributors without a cover price, by accident. It was an issue of >what series? Date: 96-03-30 20:11:49 EST From: 102514.3002@compuserve.com Hey, I am gonna write more later but I want to answer the trivia question before I forget. DC shipped the infamous comic WELCOME BACK KOTTER without a cover price. Yes, their classic adaptaion of Juan Epstein, Freddie "Boom Boom" Washington, "Vinnie Babarino, "Arnold Horshack, and, of course, Gabe Kotter. Classic stuff, man. Anyhoo, I'll drop for now. BTW, put me on your mailing list at 102514.3002@ compuserve.com. [ok, whoever you are. :) ] Date: 96-03-30 16:24:14 EST From: smiv@primenet.com (Jim Murdoch) To: ComicBkNet@aol.com >DC says it only once shipped a comic to both newsstands and Direct >distributors without a cover price, by accident. It was an issue of >what series? Welcome Back, Kotter Jim, Master of Comics smiv@primenet.com [A bride's maid again Jim as we see below only by minutes!] Date: Sat, 30 Mar 1996 16:11:53 (EST) From: Seth Matthew Biederman Subject: Re: CBEM #52 The issue without a cover price? I think it was revealed that it was Welcome Back Kotter in this week's batch of DC Comics. [You win the CHEEZY PRIZE(tm) on the way as we type.] Well, your new guess as to the new writer of Vampirella is MUCH closer.... [Seth publishes a newsletter called the Harris Horrornet and is my source of info for those titles. Write him to get put on his list.] +++++++++++++++++++++++++++ THIS WEEK'S TRIVIA QUESTION: Ok,time to get more people involved and away from DC for a change: We are firmly convinced that somehow the Green Goblin is behind all of the clone mess in the Spider-Man books. So in honor of Spidey's best villain, tell us in what comic was the first appearance of The Green Goblin. IMPORTANT RULES NOTICE: The first correct answer to reach the editor will win the CHEEZY PRIZE (tm). The editor will be the sole judge as to which guess arrived first! Please be sporting and send only one guess at a time. LIMIT: ONE PRIZE PER MONTH PER PERSON! Submit your own trivia and win the CHEEZY PRIZE(tm) if you stump the subscribers! ________________________________________________________________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------------- [3] CBN Insider - News, gossip and rumors from around the industry 3/30 - from CBN SysOp Bobb Waller (received a bit to late for last issue) For what it's worth at this point, Yesterday 3/29/96 The Remember When Shop got a call from the employees at the Dallas/Ft. Worth Heroes World warehouse, (Penny & Dean) to inform us of their imminent closure. We were told ALL HW warehouses except New Jersey will be closed and all books across the country will be delivered UPS. I will stand behind these facts, the CC deal is still just vaporware. [Bobb broke the true story and confirmed finally by industry sources] From Compuserve: (Cross posted by Matt High of Antarctic Press) HEROES WORLD ANNOUNCES NEW DISTRIBUTION STRUCTURE Heroes World announces the restructuring of its distribution operations, centered on consolidated central shipping. Tom Greenebaum, Heroes World Senior VP and C.O.O. explains the revised operations as "Our next step in engineering a state of the art distribution system, focused on fast, efficient weekly orders." The new distribution system, scheduled to begin in April 1996, replaces all weekly shipments with UPS delivery, closing operations at all five US regional facilities. Centralized operations will also phase out packaging and shipping currently based in Long Island City, and Randolph by the end of June. Heroes World's ongoing research has identified central packaging as the best method for restructure, explained by Greenebaum as "One unified base of distribution streamlining our service, reducing errors, and providing a stable base for future expansion." Additional benefits of the new Heroes World structure include: - complete inventory access, stored in one location. Customers can place unlimited orders for backlist, trading cards, licensed merchandise, or back issue comics, and count on their arrival. - consolidated packaging, with more product in fewer boxes. - increased reorder availability, through stringent inventory control. "Our changes are designed with the clear goal of increased service and improved delivery, to our retail accounts." add VP, Sales Matt Ragone. "Accounts can expect uninterrupted service through the transition, and look forward to noticeable improvements in the coming months," concludes Greenebaum, "We look forward to beginning our second year of Marvel distribution with renewed organization, and unlimited potential." +++++ Date: 96-03-29 14:10:37 EST From: JMariotte Strangers in Paradise joins Homage Comics Line San Diego, 3/29/96 -- Jim Lee announced the second title in the Homage Comics line, Terry Moore's popular and critically acclaimed Strangers In Paradise. Strangers in Paradise joins Kurt Busiek's Astro City in the newly-formed Homage Comics division of WildStorm Productions. Homage Comics is Lee's new imprint formed to publish creator-owned properties, freeing the creators from the burdens of publishing, soliciting, promoting and advertising their own books. Homage Comics is not part of Image Comics, and is distributed exclusively by Diamond Comics. Moore published the first three issues of Strangers in Paradise as a miniseries with Antarctic Press, beginning in 1993. After the miniseries he entered his extended foray into self-publishing with a new Strangers in Paradise #1, published under his own Abstract Studios imprint. When SiP is relaunched as an Homage Comic, it will be with Strangers in Paradise Volume 3, #1, to be released in August. As well as beginning a new story arc for Katchoo and Francine, this new #1 issue will mark another departure for SiP -- this will be the first issue of the series to be published in full color. In the three years of its existence, Terry Moore and Strangers in Paradise have racked up an impressive number of Eisner and Harvey Award nominations, proving the title's popularity with Moore's peers in the comic book community as well as with fans. "I discovered Strangers in Paradise at a store in Berlin when I was on tour and picking up some reading material for the night" Jim Lee said. "I instantly fell in love with the characters, and was impressed by Terry's multiple talents. Strangers has it all -- great characters, clever dialogue, and a terrific mysterious storyline. I'm proud of this addition to our line and look forward to working with Terry on a number of projects during the years." Homage Comics Editor in Chief Jonathan Peterson added, "Strangers in Paradise and Kurt Busiek's Astro City don't have much in common on the surface, but they do have this -- meaningful stories of real people, told well. Combine these kinds of stories with the great art that marks both of these books, and you have comics that should appeal to the broadest spectrum of readers." Of hooking up with Homage Comics, Terry Moore had this to say, "When I got a call from Jim Lee about coming to Homage Comics I was thrilled because the timing couldn't have been more perfect. I've self-published for a couple of years now and the book has done well, but one guy alone can only do so much. I'm at the point where I need a high quality studio like WildStorm to help me with all the business and production stuff that needs to be done, allowing me to concentrate on the comic. I mean, that was my goal all along, just to do this comic that I love. Homage Comics will give me that opportunity. "I can't tell you how exciting it is to be part of something like this. Jim Lee has risen to the top of the industry on the basis of his talent and quality, and I know Homage Comics will carry on that tradition. Considering Kurt Busiek's Astro City was the first book signed, it's clear that the line-up is going to be exceptional. It's a real honor to be associated with them." WildStorm's Director of Marketing, Jeff Mariotte, said, "I see the Homage Comics line as the kind of comics that can bring people into comic stores who haven't frequented them in the past. We'll certainly be doing what we can to reach beyond the traditional comic marketplace with the message of these titles. But that doesn't mean mainstream comics fans won't enjoy them too -- these are books with a very wide appeal." Future plans for Strangers in Paradise, after the August launch, include deluxe hardcover editions and possible color reprints of the earlier black and white issues. More announcements about additions to the Homage Comics line are expected soon. +++++ London Night has announced that it has signed three major comic book creators to work on various future London Night properties. Writers David Quinn and Tom Sniegoski and artist Kyle Hotz will be working on a number of new series, one-shots and mini-series starting this fall, which London Night plans to promote with the promotional tie-in called "Dark Fall". Quinn will be writing the all-new "Razor" monthly for the company. The acclaimed scribe of the independent cult comic hit Faust as well as a critically lauded run on Marvel's "Doctor Strange", and a upcoming all-new "Carnage" series for that same company, will be writing new "Razor" monthly for at least a year, starting with a new issue #1. Razor creator and London Night President Everette Hartsoe says that the new series, under Quinn's guidance, will take his character into places she has never been. Quinn will also be writing a "Night Visions" one shot which will be published by London Night which will be drawn by fan-favorite artist Kyle Hotz. Hotz has achieved a lot of attention for his dark and moody artwork on such titles as Marvel's "Ghost Rider 2099" and last year's "Carnage" one shot, as well as Malibu's "Night Man" and "Rune". Hotz will also be drawing a number of covers for "Razor" this year. Also signed with London Night is writer Sniegoski, who will be writing London Night's all new team book "Hellborne" as well as a "Morbid Angel" mini-series. Sniegoski was the chief writer behind Harris Comics' revitalization of the long-running character of Vampirella in the "Vengeance of Vampirella" title. The work of these three creators, as well as others to be announced later, will form the core of London Night's "Dark Fall" which will be the company's biggest comic book launch in its history. More details of that launch will be revealed in coming months. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- London Night invades the Internet with its official World Wide Web Site London Night announces that it has an official Razor World Wide Web site on the Internet. Called "Razor's Domain", the site can be reached at "http://www.hiline.net/~bl00d/razor.html". Net surfers are advised that bl00d in the address are zeroes and not the letter o. The site has, in fact, been on the net for quite a while. Created by Razor fan Kevin Nunn in his home state of Texas, he created the site simply because he was a fan of the character Razor and the London Night comics created by Everette Hartsoe. Hartsoe enjoyed his work so much that he declared Nunn's site to be official. "Razor's Domain" is filled with information about current and upcoming work from London Night Studios, with lots of artwork for fans to look at and download. The site is best viewed with a Netscape Navigator web browser. The site will be updated with new info and artwork so net surfers are encouraged to check back with the site frequently. [Kevin is a member SysOp of Comic Book Network!] +++++ This message was posted to various online forums, I have seen it on AOL and Usenet: For the past several weeks, we've followed with interest the dialogue on Previews' "adults-only" content. Diamond, too, has received feedback from retail stores and parents about our catalog content. The following letter was sent to suppliers who have items listed in previews and/or advertise in our publications. Hopefully, this will help clarify Diamond's intentions with regard to adults-only material. PREVIEWS CONTENT ADVISORY Dear Supplier: I am writing to ask for your assistance. In recent months, Diamond has received concerns from retailers, consumers, and parents about the "adult" subject matter of advertisements and solicitations found in Previews. A typical letter reads: "Dear Diamond: We own and operate a family oriented comic book shop which has been a loyal Diamond customer for the last five years. During this time, we have used your Previews catalog as a very successful sales tool, by giving copies away to our customers, so they are aware of what products are coming out and when they will be available. Lately, however, we have seen a trend in Previews that has us quite concerned. Previews is sometimes far too "revealing" in its depiction of females and violence, and its use of "Adult" language - to the point where we are becoming uncomfortable distributing it in our store..." Clearly, it's in no one's best interest- retailers, suppliers, Diamond, or the fans - to reduce the distribution of Previews. Thus, while we don't want to be perceived as censoring creativity or inhibiting our suppliers' ability to sell products through Previews, we find it necessary to send out a general reminder as to what "content" is acceptable in our monthly catalog and other consumer oriented publications. As a general rule, Diamond strives to publish catalogs which parents and community members will find acceptable for their teenage kids to purchase and read - a standard similar to the PG-13 rating used in the movie industry. While this standard is obviously subjective, with different interpretations available from one family to the next, or one part of the country to another, the "spirit" of the rule is clear. In practical terms, this means your ads and artwork should not contain nudity or "overly suggestive" hints of nudity and/or sex. Likewise, depictions of violence or the results of violence should not be "overly sensationalized," and "Adult" language should be avoided. What's "overly suggestive" or "overly sensationalized?" Again, it's a subjective standard, but please be aware that in most cases, if an ad or graphic is "questionable," Diamond will err on the side of caution. This means we will ask for a substitute ad or graphic, and, if none are available, we reserve the right to not publish the piece in Previews. If you have a graphic that might be "questionable," the best thing to do is to run it by your Brand Manager or Supplier Liaison early in the solicitation process. That way, we can work together to make sure there isn't a last minute problem which might wind up detracting from your solicitation. As I wrote at the beginning of this letter, it is not our intent to censor or inhibit our suppliers' ability to sell their products. Diamond distributes "Mature" and "Adults Only" products, and publishes an Adult Supplement to Previews which includes more "Adult oriented" graphics. All we're asking for is your assistance in helping us keep Previews accessible to the widest possible "PG-13" audience. If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions about this topic, please call or fax me, or e-mail at: mdan@diamdcom.com. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. Sincerely, Dan Manser Director of Marketing Communications +++++ And, from this week's CSNsider in Comic Shop News #459; lots of stuff we already told you about, plus . . . a reported suit by Johnny and Edgar Winter was filed against DC for the depiction of *depraved* characters Johnny and Edgar _AUTUMN_ in "Jonah Hex: Riders of the Worm" claiming that it defamed them. . . Howard Porter is reported to be doing the art for the upcoming revamping of the Justice League by Grant Morrison. . . Paul Ryan will be drawing the Superman Annual written by Kurt Busiek. . . You heard about STARGATE the comic from Entity based on the movie, now the TV series is in preproduction for early 1997. . . a previously unreleased in the US "Tarzan:The Land That Time Forgot" graphic novel by Russ Manning will be out in June from Dark Horse. . . Blackout Comics will have a hero in two formats in June; Hari Kari:Silence of Evil in a comic mini series, and Hari Kari:Violated on a CD Rom comic . . . The final issues of Marvel's licensed books have been announced; Beavis & Butt-head #28, Conan #11, Conan the Savage #10, Power Rangers #7, and Ren & Stimpy #44. A few have already ended; Barbie #63, Gargoyles #11, MM Power Rangers/VR Troopers #5. . . Comic Images plans for 1996 include a 2nd SHI series, 3rd BONE, Animal Mystic, and STRANGERS in PARADISE. . .Sirius brings PRIMAL RAGE to comics in June. ________________________________________________________________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------------- [4] Compuserve Comics Award Winners posted by Michael Grabois compiled by Paul Grant These are the nominees and winners(*) of the fourth annual Don Thompson Awards, announced at the Motor City Comic Con. Individual Awards 1. Best Achievement by a Writer *Kurt Busiek Garth Ennis Neil Gaiman Tony Isabella Mark Waid 2. Best Achievement by a Penciller Brent Anderson Steve Dillon Tom Mandrake Eddy Newell Humberto Ramos *Michael Zulli 3. Best Achievement by an Inker Rick Burchett Tom Mandrake *Mike Mignola Kevin Nowlan Jimmy Palmiotti Wade Von Grawbadger 4. Best Achievement by a Painter Simon Bisley John Bolton Daniel Brereton Glenn Fabry Tony Harris *Alex Ross 5. Best Achievement by a Letterer Michael Heisler *Todd Klein Dave Sim Richard Starkings John Workman 6. Best Achievement by a Colorist Matt Hollingsworth Tom Luth Tom McCraw *Patricia Mulvihill Daniel Vozzo 7. Best Achievement by a Cover Artist Daniel Brereton Glenn Fabry Tony Harris Dave McKean Jerry Ordway *Alex Ross 8. Best Achievement by an Editor Brian Augustyn *Karen Berger Tom Brevoort Stuart Moore Joe Pruett 9. Best Achievement by a Writer/Artist Zander Cannon *David Lapham Frank Miller Terry Moore Jeff Smith 10. Best Achievement by a Publisher Caliber Dark Horse *DC/Vertigo Image Slave Labor/Amaze Ink 11. Best Achievement by a Cartoonist Scott Adams Bill Amend Lynn Johnston Jeff Smith *Bill Watterson 12. Best Achievement by a Political Cartoonist Pat Oliphant Tom Toles Tom Tomorrow *Garry Trudeau 13. Best Achievement by a New Talent Edvin Biukovic Zander Cannon *Paul Jenkins Adrian Tomine Rob Walton Comic Awards for Specific Works 1. Best Continuing Series *Kurt Busiek's Astro City (Image) Impulse (DC) Preacher (DC/Vertigo) Sandman (DC/Vertigo) The Spectre (DC) Strangers in Paradise (Abstract) Stray Bullets (El Capitan) 2. Best Limited Series AKA Goldfish (Caliber) Amazing Fantasy (Marvel) Chiaroscuro (DC/Vertigo) The Nocturnals (Bravura/Malibu) *The Tale of One Bad Rat (Dark Horse) 3. Best New Series *Kurt Busiek's Astro City (image) Impulse (DC) Preacher (DC/Vertigo) The Replacement God (Amaze Ink) Stray Bullets (El Capitan) Untold Tales of Spider-Man (Marvel) 4. Best Graphic Novel Dropsie Avenue (Kitchen Sink) The Mystery Play (DC/Vertigo) Sandman Midnight Theatre (DC/Vertigo) *Stuck Rubber Baby (DC/Paradox Press) 5. Best Single Issue *Black Lightning #5 (DC) Kurt Busiek's Astro City #1 (Image) Kurt Busiek's Astro City #3 (Image) Impulse #3 (DC) Legionnaires Annual #2 (DC) 6. Best Story Arc Captain America: Operation Rebirth (Marvel) Hellblazer: Critical Mass (DC/Vertigo) Legion of Super-Heroes/Legionnaires: The White Triangle (DC) *Sandman: The Wake (DC/Vertigo) Uncle Scrooge: The Life & Times of Scrooge McDuck (Gladstone) 7. Best Non-Fiction Work *The Big Book of Conspiracies (DC/Paradox Press) The Big Book of Death (DC/Paradox Press) 8. Best Reprint Series or Collection The Collected Sam & Max: Surfin' the Highway (?) The Complete Bone Adventures (Cartoon Books) ERT! Not Available Comics (Caliber) Starchild: Awakenings (Coppervale) *The Tale of One Bad Rat TPB (Dark Horse) X-Men Archives Featuring Captain Britain (Marvel) 9. Best Cover Black Lightning #5 (DC) *Kurt Busiek's Astro City #1 (Image) Kurt Busiek's Astro City #3 (Image) Kurt Busiek's Astro City #4 (Image) Preacher #3 (DC/Vertigo) 10. Best Publication Design Acme Novelty Library (Fantagraphics) *Kurt Busiek's Astro City (Image) Harlan Ellison's Dream Corridor (Dark Horse) Jar of Fools (Black Eye) Vertigo Tarot Deck (DC/Vertigo) 11. Best Marketing Idea Black September (Malibu) DC Versus Marvel/Marvel Versus DC Gen 13 Multiple Covers (Image) *99 cent books (Marvel) Year One Annuals (DC) 12. Most Improved Series *Captain America (Marvel) Excalibur (Marvel) Fate (DC) Hellblazer (DC/Vertigo) Legion of Super-Heroes/Legionnaires (DC) 13. Best Newspaper Strip *Calvin and Hobbes Dilbert For Better or For Worse Fox Trot Overboard 14. Best American Publication of Foreign Material Akira (Epic) *Domu: A Child's Dream (Dark Horse) Gunsmith Cats (Dark Horse) Maison Ikkoku (Viz) Manga Vizion (Viz) Ranma 1/2 (Viz) 3x3 Eyes: Curse of the Gesu (Dark Horse) 15. Best Publication About Comics *Comic Buyers Guide The Comics Journal Comics Pro Pro-Motion Wizard 16. Best Anthology Comic Dark Horse Presents Harlan Ellison's Dream Corridor Instant Piano Manga Vizion *Negative Burn Animation Awards: 1. Best Long-form (1 hr +) Animation Pocahontas *Toy Story 2. Best Short-form/TV Animation *The Batman & Robin Adventures The Maxx Pinky & the Brain Reboot The Tick ________________________________________________________________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------------- [5] RECOMMENDED READING #2 by Joseph Torres TUG & BUSTER #2 (Art & Soul Comics) 32pg, $2.95. By Marc Hempel. 7844 St.Thomas Drive, Baltimore, MD, 21236. Marc Hempel writes that there is an underlying message to Tug & Buster, that he's trying to make a point. Sure, he's poking fun at machismo and macho culture, or in his words, "the (largely screwed up) ideals/self-image of many modern American males". But at times in Tug & Buster, one can't help but feel he's celebrating it a little. It's almost like this comic is the wake for the death of Arthur Fonzarelli. The Fonz is dead, long live the Fonz! As seen in the first issue, the diminutive and loud-mouthed Buster continues to play Chester to Tug's Spike (remember those two Looney Toon dogs?). This time the routine is brought into a barber shop in a comical story called "Of Mousse and Men". Guess who gets a (gasp!) haircut and guess who's more neurotic about it than the other? Stinkfinger returns in this issue, mopey as ever, with more of his unique brand of insight and innuendo. The hilariously gross Genital Ben is back, too, with more perfectly perverse pick-up lines. Even the girls "love 'em and leave 'em" Tug & Buster, uh, love and left last issue put in an appearance. Overall, more of the same bedroom/toilet humor you know and love from the house of Hempel. Plus, another Victim Victoria strip and a Radical Dreamer text piece by Mark Wheatley. Oh, cant forget, this issue sports a (Gland Ho!) Naked Lady cover! Men! People who aren't men! Pick it up! RAGMOP #5 (Planet Lucy Press) 24pg. By Rob Walton. 264 Bloor Street West, P.O. Box 52536, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3C5. The race to retrieve the mysterious O-Ring continues. Don't ask me what the O-Ring is. I think it's the key to controlling the universe or something. I've been reading this comic book from the start but I've forgotten exactly, if I've actually ever really known. You see, Ragmop is like a zany, loopy, dizzying ride not unlike a roller coaster, so disorientation is part of the high. Yeah, Ragmop is all over the place like the Tasmanian Devil but its a comical romp like you've never seen. Why for you not reading this funny, funny comic? In this issue, the Pope pumps iron for Jesus then calls in his best assassin from the Brotherhood of Killers for Christ: Cardinal Assassini, the Tuscan Terminator, chief among the Papal Punishers. His holy, buff excellency wants Assassini in Washington to deal with the Americans. Meanwhile, U.S. agent Alice Hawkings is saved from a collision course with the sun by those time traveling dinosaurs whose witty banter we've been enjoying since the first issue. Here they continue with the one liners, taking jabs at each others' evolution or lack thereof. This is like Looney Tunes meets Cannonball Run or It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World. Truly funny, irreverent satire where nothing is sacred. Well, Rob Walton seems to have a healthy respect for the important things in life like a sense of humor, great cartoon art and Rocky & Bullwinkle. If you're not already reading this title you're really missing out on a laugh-out-loud small press gem. ------------------------------------------------------------------ [+] j.torres [*] watch for "the copybook tales" [!] jtorres@cam.org [=] from slave labor graphics [x] montreal, quebec [$] may solicitation/july release ------------------------------------------------------------------ ________________________________________________________________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------------- [6] SUSPENDED ANIMATION by Michael Vance COMICS LEGENDS Simplicity can be dynamic, and one of the earliest contributors of original art to comic books remains a master of "less is more". His name was Ogden Whitney. In 1939, Whitney was drawing "Cotton Carver", a world adventurer, and "The Sandman", a crimefighter, for National Periodicals (DC Comics). Superman had triggered the first sales explosion in comic books. Whitney was twenty one years old. When a principal at National formed Columbia Publishing, it was Whitney's distinctive visual storytelling that made "Skyman" that company's (and Ogden's) first runaway success. No slouch at fast- paced adventure, Skyman and his supporting characters slumped, slouched, lounged, leaned and gestured like few other contemporary heroes. Ogden was adept at natural body language and posture; his men and women moved instead of posed. Never diverting attention to art at the expense of story, Whitney's uncluttered style next made him the most popular artist at The American Comics Group (1950 to 1955). He drew love stories for "Romantic Adventures", cowboys for "Blazing West", horror for "Midnight Mystery" and humor for his masterpiece, "Herbie". Written by Richard E. Hughes, Herbie was a "fat, little nothing" to his parents, and the most powerful being in the universe to the rest of creation. Tapping into teenage angst and adding a twist to the underdog theme, Herbie was full of subtle visual and verbal satire. Whitney's talent for caricature also sparkled with guest appearances by The Beatles, world leaders and movie stars. Several od Herbie's adventures have been republished in affordable editions by A+ and Dark Horse Comics. Among Whitney's best work are SKYMAN (Columbia, 1940-'43, 1946-'49), SHIELD and TWO GUN KID (Marvel) and NOMAN and DYNAMO (Tower, 1966-'68). Whitney dominated the titles published by American Comics Group, including ADVENTURES INTO THE UNKNOWN, UNKNOWN WORLD and FORBIDDEN WORLDS. Published over many years, these seminal works may be difficult to locate. Price guides or comics dealers will help. Comic shops, mail order companies, trade journals and comics conventions are best sources. Prices vary widely; shop around. (Mr. Vance is a professional writer having written for numerous magazines like CBG, Starlog and Comics Interview. His work has appeared in over 500 newspapers and he's had work published by Comico, Renegade, Innovation and Rip Off Press. SUSPENDED ANIMATION appears in 14 publications reaching 214,000 readers in the U.S., Ireland and Portugal.) ________________________________________________________________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------------- [7] SOME STUFF by Nathan Bredfeldt Well, after a half dozen all but piss and moan fests, I feel the time has come to justify my staying in the comic collecting business. To that end, I present to you... TEN REALLY GREAT THINGS ABOUT COMIC BOOKS And the industry in general, for that matter... In no order, except the order I thought them up. One>> Comics are cheap to make (compared to movies and TV, that is). That means more comics can be made, and the people who make comics can try new and different things that might be too risky or costly for movies or TV. (Of course, usually they don't try new things, but they CAN...) Two>> Continuity and characters: Movies and TV just can't seem to offer the continuity and character development that comic books do. Movies just can't appear frequently enough, and TV seems to pander to morons. (With the possible exception of Soap Operas and dramas, I guess) Three>> Many genres to choose from. 90 or 95 percent of comics are super hero related, but if you look intently enough, you can find anything. Four>> One of the best types of comic could be the extension of stories from other mediums. There have been comics based on: Movies, TV, Video Games, and even Card Games. Most of them are quite poor, but occasionally one comes along, like Babylon 5 or Animaniacs, that stands above the rest. Five>> Pictures. That's really all that separates comics from books. And I love to look at pictures. Sure, I'm no judge of art, but I love 90% of everything I see. And that really cinches the experience for me. How far along am I? Just five? Yeesh! I wish I hadn't promised ten...this could be tough...hmmmm... Six>> Occasionally, when I'm having a bad day, or a boring day, or life is getting tough on me, or I just need a break, I get a drink, lie back, put my feet up, and read an old comic. Maybe you have a similar ritual...it dosen't seem to work with new comics; the sense of nostalgia is missing. (and that's why I keep my comics in plastic bags...I like them to stay in a readable condition) Seven>> Suicide Squad. One of the best team books ever! THE best team book ever. I mean it. I love each and every issue. Eight>> Some of the best storytellers I've encountered are writing comic books: James Robinson, John Ostrander, Steve Grant, and John Byrne, to name a few. Nine>> The little soap opera that is happening inside the industry. It really started when Marvel bought Heroes World and went exclusive. Sure, the move pissed everyone off and ultimately led to Marvel losing tens of millions of dollars, but what the heck; it started a chain of events that were to watch, if overly depressing. Things will get better any day now, anyhow. Ten>> The final great thing about the comic book industry that I love is each and every comic book collector! I love each and every one of you guys! Except you, in the plaid shirt. You keep things interesting, keep me in touch with the goings on of the industry, provide wonderful opinions, and put the wood to companies when you don't like what they're doing! This hobby just wouldn't be the same without ya! Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to work on my research paper. NEXT: Sandman #75 is out! (yay) And that means I can't complain about it being late any more! (boo) But I will take the opportunity to look it over (assuming I get the copy I reserved) and let everyone know what I think about the final issue of this mega-epic-saga type story. ________________________________________________________________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------------- [8] REVIEW: Jack Split - Undergut Private Eye by David LeBlanc Jack Split - Undergut Private Eye #1 - MAELSTROM COMICS b&w, $2.95/$3.95 Mature Readers Louis Neal - story, Jenifer Marrus - art, Tom Ebelt - letters This book is 32 pages and solicited for shipment in June. The preview I received is a photocopy, which does detract a bit in places where the copier did not do so well (too dark). Be that as it may, the art is very well done with some interesting perspectives here and there. There is frequent use of surrealistic images in dream sequences and to depict or suggest the real power behind the mystery the hero is trying to unravel. I was reminded of the fascination I had after first viewing "The Garden of Earthly Delights" by Bosch. This is not that detailed, but has that kind of feel in places. The real world art is solid and a great asset to the book. The characters are all unique and look like real people, ie. not stencilled repeats you see in the hot style of the day. The set up introduces us to a private eye who was a homicide detective before being suspended. He gets suspicious of certain ambulances always arriving with DOA's at certain hours of the night and his investigation earns him a beating from his partner and eventually a suspension from the force. At this point he has the ambulance staffing roster, which shows the the director of the hospital himself assigned the staff of those ambulances, and some people high up in the city power structure want it back. This promises to be just the beginning of a story of what the solicitation says will be a fusing of our reality and the preternatural realm of myth, folklore, and magic. Well, the first issue is intriguing enough. The story moves along at an easy pace and the art is constantly giving you the foreboding of this surreal and horrifying element that Jack Split will be struggling with in the chapters to come. They blend together well and set the mood at each scene while we learn more about the characters as the story unfolds. I found this to be worth my time, though I groan every time I see a $3 cover price. You may want to check it out as an alternate to the super hero fair. I am anxious to see the finished product. Rating: I don't *do* ratings - I recommend this one! ________________________________________________________________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------------- [9] New Comics Shipping 4/9/96 by Bobb Waller Well here's the list of what is scheduled to ship next week from Diamond & Heroes Cities, oops I mean Capitol World,,, er, whoever is shipping the Marvel books next week! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Acclaim Comics: Bad Eggs #3 Bloodshot #51 Turok Dinosaur Hunter #47 X-O Manowar #65 Archie Comics: Betty & Veronica #101 Flintstones #11 Jughead w/Archie Digest #127 Street Sharks #2 Big Entertainment: Primortals #0 Tekno-Comix Handbook #1 Black Out Comics: High Voltage #0 Chaos! Comics: Evil Ernie: Straight to hell #5 Comic Shop News: CSN #460 Crusade Comics: Shi #7 Dark Horse Comics: Dark Horse Insider #5 Dark Horse Presents #108 Dominion Conflict 1-No More Noise#2 Ghost #13 Heartbreakers #1 DC Comics: Adv. of Superman #535 Animaniacs #14 Azrael #10 Batman #531 (Both Editions) Books of Magic #25 Books of Magic:Summonings TP Fate #19 Green Arrow #109 Impulse #14 Industrial Gothic #5 Invisibles #21 Legionnaires #37 New Gods #8 Ray #24 Static #36 Supergirl Annual #1 Vamps:Hollywood & Vein #5 Vertigo Verite:The System #2 Wonder Woman: The Challenge of Artemis #1 Gemstone Publishing-R. Cochran: Shock Suspense Stories #16 Tales from the Crypt #16 Weird Science #16 Image Comics: Ballistic Action Body Count #2 Defcon 4 #2 Dragon #1 Fire from Heaven #1 Kid Supreme #1 Medieval Spawn/Witchblade #1 Spawn/Wildcats #4 Wildcats #28 Marks Giant Economy Size Comic: Radical Dreamer Prime Marvel Licensing Corp: X-Nation 2099 #4 Iron Man Press Poster #225 Silver Surfer:Dangerous Articles Thing Press Poster #224 Thor #499 Ghost Rider #74 Amazing Spider-Man #412 Sensational Spider-Man Boxed Set Spider-Man Boxed Set Spider-Man Press Poster #226 Untold Tales/Spider-Man #10 Advs. of the X-Men #3 Generation X #16 Xavier & the X-men #8 X-Factor #123 Witch Hunter #1 Night Man/Gambit #2 Foxfire #3 Maximum Comic Press: Warchild #1 Mushroom Entertainment Group: Araknis #1-Ongoing Series Topps Comics: X-Files #4-2nd Printing =========================================================================== Man Pesach dinner with the family tonight, then dinner with the congregation tomorrow. Maybe Friday I can have my own holiday, PASSED OUT! Anyway see ya in 7, on the spinners! Origin: FIAWOL/MSConnections * 214-790-6472 * (23:203/4) ________________________________________________________________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------------- [A] How to join the COMIC BOOK NETWORK (CBN) You too can enjoy the intelligent conversations and informative threads that occur in 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 continent and the world, 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 conversation, collecting, gaming and other forms of entertainment. 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 explanation in their documentation than I can. These programs are available all over the Internet and are free to download from most BBS's. I recommend SLMR or OLX-TD for DOS to get started. 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? There are 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! ________________________________________________________________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------------- [B] BBSes Linked into CBN Here's the most up-to-date node listing for the COMIC BOOK NETWORK F=FIDO Q=QWK B=Both *=Major HUB -- ARKANSAS ------------------------------------------------------------- F* Karate & Comics & ... Russelville AR 501-968-3910 Robert Wood Conway PC Users Conway AR 501-329-7227 Tim Stone -- CALIFORNIA ----------------------------------------------------------- Q Freedom Flight Victorville CA 619-955-6445 Ronald Siodla Electronic RPO Newbury Park CA 805-498-8061 Kelly Cruise -- FLORIDA -------------------------------------------------------------- F Never Never Land Melbourne FL 407-253-8754 Wayne Bell Steel Dog Cafe Destin FL 904-654-1631 Keith Schultz Ghost's Realm Crestview FL 904-689-6664 Kie Dorton -- ILLINOIS ------------------------------------------------------------- F The Chess Board Grand Prairie TX 214-641-1136 Ken Givens -- INDIANA -------------------------------------------------------------- F The CyberSpace BBS Indianapolis IN 317-856-9020 Charlie Smith -- KENTUCKY ------------------------------------------------------------- Lex Corp Georgetown KY 502-867-0992 -- MARYLAND ------------------------------------------------------------- F The Vampyre Bar! Frederick MD 301-698-5194 Darryl Pierce F DataStorm Kettering MD 301-390-5243 Tarek Gordan F Bifrost Mount Rainier MD 301-779-9381 Kevin Carlin F Womens World East BBS Silver Spring MD 301-431-0647 Wendy Dumser F Sherata's Realm Mechanicsville MD 301-884-9732 Linda Peek -- MASSACHUSETTS -------------------------------------------------------- F Archives BBS Acushnet MA 508-995-0085 John Viera F Muskrat & Heatwave New Bedford MA 508-984-5321 Dennis Racine B* Keystone BBS Shrewsbury MA 508-753-3767 John Harris F HellFire BBS S. Dartmouth MA 508-979-8930 Brock Cordeiro B Call Again Soon Worcester MA 508-791-1281 Joe Johnson -- MICHIGAN ------------------------------------------------------------- F Intl. Comic Network Dearborn Hgts MI 313-565-8464 Anthony Palacio -- MISSOURI ------------------------------------------------------------- F The Oan Citadel Grandview MO 816-767-1488 Brian J. Stewart -- NEW HAMPSHIRE -------------------------------------------------------- Venom's World Rollinsford, NH 603-743-4188 Ira Locke -- NEW JERSEY ----------------------------------------------------------- Phoenix Modernz Systems Seaside Hts. NJ 908-830-8265 -- NEW YORK ------------------------------------------------------------- Asgard TW BBS West Islip NY 516-422-4225 Tom Pemberton Interzone BBS Long Is. City NY 718-786-5557 Jim Garvin F Starbase : Red Dwarf Saugerties NY 914-247-9601 John Dragun -- NORTH CAROLINA ------------------------------------------------------- F Electronic Hangover Durham NC 919-286-4542 Richard Lee F Psychotronic Durham NC 919-286-7738 Richard Lee F* TI-Raliegh Maximus Raliegh NC 919-833-3412 Walter Tietjen F Crystal Winds Raliegh NC 919-790-3599 Mike Gurkin F Federal Post Spring Lake NC 910-436-2055 Frank Koza -- OKLAHOMA ------------------------------------------------------------- Compumate Tulsa OK 918-628-0887 Danny Pelletier F Snart's Dreamland Collinsville OK 918-371-0980 Jeff Bennett F The Dreaming World Broken Arrow OK 918-451-3056 Greg Adkins -- PENNSYLVANIA --------------------------------------------------------- F Comic Book Board Philadelphia PA 215-365-5225 William Horton -- TENNESSEE ------------------------------------------------------------ The Factory BBS Union City TN 901-885-9647 -- TEXAS ---------------------------------------------------------------- F Razor's Domain ][ Edinburg TX 210-631-5159 Kevin Nunn Q Way Out There Dallas TX 214-680-2755 Justin Pasher F The Chess Board Grand Prairie TX 214-641-1136 Ken Givens B* FIAWOL/MSConnections Irving TX 214-790-6472 Bobb Waller F Star Streams Waxahachie TX 214-938-7115 Michael Rudolf F Orion BBS Odessa TX 915-530-2712 Dennis Brown -- VIRGINIA ------------------------------------------------------------- B Crystal Aerie Arlington VA 703-415-0134 Spencer Greenwald -- WASHINGTON ----------------------------------------------------------- -- ONTARIO, CANADA ------------------------------------------------------ F Dark Knight BBS London ONT 519-850-9929 Michael Cross F MACH 1 BBS London ONT 519-457-6771 Tomasz Heiber Stargate:Above & BeyondLondon ONT 519-472-4938 Paul Nicholas -- MEXICO --------------------------------------------------------------- B* The Gate BBS Mexico City 52-5-264-2994 Emilio Karam - From USA, dial international-access 011 then 52-5-264-2994# ________________________________________________________________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------------- [C] E-Mag Info The Comic Book Net E-Mag is published 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. Some articles are independent of any connection with CBN and are used with permission. All text contained within is copyrighted to the originating author(s). Opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the Editor, the Network Administration Team or the members and users of The Comic Book Network. Except where elsewhere noted, The Comic Book Network Electronic Magazine is Copyright 1996 by the Comic Book Network. You may freely distribute or duplicate this file intact without alteration for noncommercial purposes only. Please do not distribute except as the complete file as originally transmitted by The Comic Book Network. 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 and all back issues. You'll also find important information on how to join the conversation in the Comic Book Net, and other neat features like newly release comic book graphics, links to lists of Comic Book Company addresses, Comic Professionals Email addresses, and other Comic Book related Web pages! The URL address is: http://members.aol.com/ComicBkNet LOCATING THE ISSUES ------------------- The latest issue is always available from all the systems linked into The Comic Book Network. You can also find the back issues at America Online, by going to Keyword: Science Fiction, scrolling to the menu item _Comic Book Forum_ and then going to the _Comics Library_ from there. Most issues should also be available on Compuserve, Genie, Channel1 BBS and Software Creations BBS as well as other non CBN affiliated Bulletin Board Systems. All back issues should be available at the above sites, as well as our World Wide Web page. SUBMISSIONS ----------- To submit an article, review, column, etc to our e-mag, simply post it in any Comic Book Net conference and leave me a message in the CBN: E-Mag conference giving me permission to use the article. If you cannot access the Comic Book Net, submit your articles for consideration to the editor at: ComicBkNet@aol.com Reviews of mainstream books are least likely to get included when submitted from sources outside of CBN. We give more consideration to reviews of indies and self published material as we feel that material deserves more exposure to the general public. Commentary on the state of the industry, and personal observations and reflections related to comics are *most* likely to be included in our publication. We also accept product for review purposes. Advanced copies of comic books will not be returned but anything sent to us will be reviewed in the ComicBook Net Emag. Send all material to: David L. LeBlanc 84 Heather Circle Jefferson, MA 01522-1419 SUBSCRIPTIONS ------------- If you wish to receive these issues automatically through your internet account, please address a message to ComicBkNet@aol.com to be placed on the subscription list. ________________________________________________________________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - End of another Issue .. see ya in the funny papers!! Live fast. Love hard. Die with your mask on.