------------------------------------------------------------------------ THE COMIC BOOK NET ELECTRONIC MAGAZINE - ISSUE NUMBER 81 Edited by: David LeBlanc [ComicBkNet@aol.com] ________________________________________________________________________ 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!!! ------------------------------------------------------------------------- The ComicBook Network was founded by Ed Dukeshire and Mike Imboden ------------------------------------------------------------------------- If you wish to receive each issue automatically through your Email account, please address a message to: ComicBkNet@aol.com to be placed on the FREE 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] Keep up with DePace ................... Mike DePace [5] Top 50/Top 10 B&W Sep/Oct.............. Comic Shop News [6] Suspended Animation ................... Michael Vance [7] WORDS HARD AS STEEL ................... Brian Babyock [8] My View: Dr. Wonder #4 ................ David LeBlanc [9] New Comic Book Releases List .......... Charles LePage [A] E-Mag Info: Submissions, Subscriptions, Back Issues, Copyrights [B] How to join ComicBook Network.......... BBS 101 [C] Bulletin Boards Linked into CBN........ CBN node list ________________________________________________________________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------------- [1] On the Net by David LeBlanc "The beat goes on ..." Just something that came into my head thinking about what to write about this week. Notice how the spreading of the word about quality product seems to breed more quality product? Notice how people got so tired of the gloom and doom talk about the "end of comics as we know it" when the whole distributor war/exclusivity thing began that they are not so amazed by the in-fighting at Image or the drastic plunge in the MARVEL stock (4 3/8 this Friday)? Well, some are amazed, but others just knew that things can't go on forever. Some things are just predictable. The new "Heroes Reborn" titles would top the "orders" for the month was predictable, but how long before *sales* drop like a rock, particularly on the Liefeld titles? Here is some truth I have observed in my journey through time. Treat others with respect, help anyone you can when you can, give what you can just because it is the right thing to do and because you can do it. Don't ask for or expect anything in return. Do all this and you will be truly amazed at how many favors are returned because your activity was the catalyst. Ever notice when you are driving along and someone cheerfully yields the right of way that you are inclined to do that yourself the next chance you get? That is what I am talking about. Why am I sounding like a preacher? I was reminded this week that people appreciate things you do to help them, and respond in whatever way they can. I mentioned that Acclaim sent along some stuff just because I wanted to read the previews of the new Valiant Heroes and promised to write them letters of comment, which I did willingly. I was happy enough to see the previews which helped me decide on what to buy and what to recommend to others. I was promised nothing else, but I got more than I expected. Thanks to Fabian and the gang. In fact over the last 3 years Valiant had responded very generously to a plea for items to auction to raise funds to fight a killer disease that afflicts the son of a SysOp in the ComicBook Net. Their generosity (along with DC and Marvel) was truly amazing. Likewise, the folks at Old Town Publishing have provided free copies of Dr. Wonder which I am more than happy to give out as I really like the concept, the art and the nostalgia of the book. Look for the latest review this issue. Finally, on a personal note, the guys at my local retailer always go the extra mile for their customers. They suggest things we might want to try, sometimes throw in a free comic or give a money back guarantee if we don't like something. They spread the word about the fun of comics and try to involve kids of all ages with activities in the store, like the Pro-Am Comic Jam we advertised a while back. They had a huge crowd and everyone from Paul Ryan to the local self published guys had a line to see them through the entire event. They even treated a LOT of people to a private screening of the first BATMAN movie when it came out. I try to help them when I can, even though being a steady customer who speaks well of them is usually the best I can do. Their attitude and support of diversity makes me want to do something extra for them when I can. Anyway, I received another token of that kindness this week in the form of a print of the cover to Kurt Busiek's Astro City vol.2 #1. Thanks to Paul & Ken and everyone else at That's Entertainment for keeping the joy of the hobby alive even during times when all lots of people can do is bitch about the bad things. The place you buy comics, and the people you deal with, are very much part of the experience and I would miss it if it wasn't the way it is. Thanks. One last note, welcome a new columnist this week, Brian Babyock. He wrote in to respond to a review last week nd decided to give it a shot himself. That is the way we work around here. If you think you can say things worth saying, and can put it together neat and to the point, you get a shot at sharing it in our forum. Check out "Words Hard as Steel" in its debut offering and another installment of Suspended Animation from Michael Vance. David LeBlanc [ComicBkNet@aol.com] Editor The Comic Book Net Electronic Magazine ________________________________________________________________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------------- [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, complete with the sender's Email address, may be used in future issues of the CBN E-Mag unless you specifically request us NOT to use them. Email address will be withheld upon request. +++++ My comments about Savage Dragon #31 brought this letter. My response is in [] Subj: God Is Good Date: 96-10-13 02:21:23 EDT From: Sean Med <> Yes. [I disagree, mildly amusing yes. Claiming a trademark right on a religious icon or an actual person is not funny, where is the joke?] <> Do you really think he's saying he created God? [By making a legal statement to that effect he is, that is my understanding of the indicia claim. Further, the text of the book indicates one possible interpretation of God is that man created Him, rather than the other way around. It is one legitimate religious (or anti-religious if you prefer) belief to say that man created God. So, how do you know he is NOT? ] <> What a silly thing to say. *None* of it was realistic. Is it realistic to show God and the Devil having a superhero-style fistfight? For the Devil to kick God in the groin? No. Then why should God talk the way *you* think he should? And how would you know what kind of language God uses these days anyway? [If God indeed got into a fight it would be over in a nanosecond. Of course the whole thing is silly to begin with. Having God swear is Erik's way of trying to be cool. It is blatantly offensive to anyone with a true belief in the supreme being, even trying to allow for a sense of humor in the whole concept. SO, he is deliberately trying to be provocative but he did not warn the people he makes a living off of to keep them from getting into trouble. In fact, after the fact he pretty much said, "too bad". The point is not what I think God would say, but how the dialogue would be interpreted by Johnny's mother when he got a comic with language and an interpretation of God that she might not endorse.] As for the two versions, mine says "God Is Good" on the cover, and God says "Don't @%$! with God!" inside. I assume the "God Is Good" indicates the "clean" version. I agree that warning people about it could've been handled better. Or maybe the controversy is just what Larsen wants. [Of course it is, DUH! Thanks for writing in and expressing yourself. I really appreciate hearing from people so diverse opinions can be shared.] Sean Medlock +++++ [Another new creator made contact so we publicize his efforts while we wait in joyful hope (that's church type talk :) ) for his sample for review. Subj: Comic Book Net Emag Subscription... Date: 96-10-13 14:27:36 EDT From: gronlund@metronet.com (Christopher Gronlund) David- We'd like to be placed on your emailing list to receive new issues of the Comic Book Net Emag. We linked your site to ours awhile ago and sometimes don't get hit the site, but like your mag, and would like to receive it via email. We'll also be sending a copy of our new book, Second Rate Heroes, your way, for review. Keep up the great work! Christopher Gronlund gronlund@metronet.com VISIT THE FOUNDATION COMICS WEBPAGE, HOME OF SECOND RATE HEROES: http://www.metronet.com/~gronlund/foundation.html or write to us at: * Issue #1 Shipping Schedule: Foundation Comics * Capital Orders=October P.O. Box 1143 * Diamond Orders=November Grapevine, Tx 76099 * Direct Ordering Available +++++ From: Weirdling1 To: ComicBknet CC: MDePace Dear Mr. DePace, Concerning your Body Bags review, let me just say that you were being entirely too generous. You said and I quote, "it's a story about bounty hunters and violence, violence, and more violence. It has a Stray Bullets/Hitman/Pulp Fiction type of brutality to it with a little satire thrown in for spice." The only part I can agree with is the violence. I would rather of read what you really thought about it. Where to begin? Let's start with Clownface, why Clownface? His mask is more like a warped smiley face than a clown, so wouldn't that make him smiley face? That aside, let's talk about the real heart of the matter. To me Clownface is a misogynistic, stereo-typical killer that lacks any redeeming value. As a matter of fact, all of the characters in Body Bags are two-dimensional (pun intended) cardboard cutouts of current movies. To mention Stray Bullets, Hitman and Pulp Fiction is the equivalent to comparing a small child's black and white version of Venus Rising to the original. Sure you can kind of see the similarities, but it is no way equal or even close to the original. Pulp Fiction and it predecessor Reservoir Dogs helped to define a film genre, the same with Hitman and Stray Bullets. All are excellent examples of violence to advance a story or make a point. Body Bags in my opinion is just trying too hard to be hip and the violence was not only gratuitous but pointless. You were correct when you said that the story didn't have much depth to it. It was about as deep as a half filled Dixie glass of water. I can only hope that Body Bags four issue run will be it's last. Brian Babyok Weirdling1@aol.com +++++ [TRIVIA CONTEST] Last week's question: >In UNITY, Jack Boniface learned about a disturbing future event. >What was it, and for a Bonus give the year involved. [Well, everyone knew Jack was told when he was going to die, but only half could remember the right year.] From: petersta@umich.edu (Troy Ali Claytor Peters) Shadowman learned that he was going be killed in 1997 during Unity +++++ From: desada@edc1.edc.ca (Desabrais, Dave) Probably way too late again, but he found out about his own death. Going to take a shot at the year, but it's a wild guess. I'll try 1996. +++++ From: perler@tix.timeplex.com (Michael Perler) Jack learned that he was going to die in the year 1999. +++++ From: ComixBear@aol.com THIS trivia answer I know! In Unity, Jack Boniface learned that he was destined to die in 1999. +++++ From: KENSPIDEY To: ComicBknet Jack Boniface also known as Shadowman learned he was going to die in 1999. +++++ From: "Jim, Master of Comics" That he would be killed at some point in the future, and hey, wasn't it supposed to be 1996? Who really remembers Valiant books anyway. All I remember is the phrase "Smokin' like a penguin," from Solar after he fried the South Pole. Jim, Master of Comics Comic Madness smiv@primenet.com 3277-L Grand Avenue Chino Hills, CA 91709 universo@lsh.org (909) 590-5949 +++++ From: HELSPAWN Hello, His death in 1997 Later, Helspawn Aka Brian +++++ From: Will778 To: ComicBknet Jack Bonaface, Shadowman, learned he was going to die in the year 1999. +++++ From: KGPALMER Jack Boniface-Shadowman...scheduled to die in the year 1999. Hmmm....when last I checked, it looked like his number was up BEFORE then. Great, newsworthy pub...keep up the good work! BTW: check our site at: http://members.aol.com/podium1/podium_home.html Just one more-printed copies of THE PODIUM are available from me at: THE PODIUM 491 Bark St. Swansea, MA 02777 Price is $1.00 post-paid. We come out monthly and have been for a while. Peace Joe McDonald THE PODIUM +++++ From: cscherer@mgl.ca (Martin Scherer) Jack Boniface (AKA SHADOWMAN) leanered in the year 1999, he was going to die. Martin Scherer Proud Member of the GFC, SC and DNRC +++++*****+++++ [This time the winner is the award winning columnist of past issues of this publication. His SOME STUFF, was always fun to read. He made it first but missed the bonus for getting the date wrong. The correct year that Shadowman was *supposed* to die was 1999!] From: Nathan Bredfeldt Date: Sat, 12 Oct 1996 Hihi! In Unity Jack Boniface learned of his death, which I believe was set for the year 2005. His funeral is in Rai #0, which I can't find! Argh! Love the mag! Take care, Nate [I am trying to entice Nate back with a poster of one of his favorite heroes! Congratulations Nate] +++++++++++++++++++++++++++ THIS WEEK'S TRIVIA QUESTION: In "Crisis on Infinite Earths" Supergirl, the original KARA from Krypton, died. Which 2 heroes witnessed her death? BONUS: Who lead the eulogies at her funeral? IMPORTANT RULES NOTICE: The first correct answer to reach the editor wins 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 can stump the readers! You MUST submit the correct answer with your question. ________________________________________________________________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------------- [3] CBN Insider - News, gossip and rumors from around the industry. Image vs Liefeld part 3. . . Date: 10/10/96 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Matt Hawkins ROB LIEFELD RESPONDS TO IMAGE As a result of Image Comics latest press release I am obliged to respond to their latest attempts at spin control. The conflict that led to my resignation from Image Comics began when I decided to produce less titles for Image Comics and more titles for Maximum Press, as detailed in the July 31st Diamond Dateline Volume VII #64 newsletter . The plain and simple truth is that our Maximum Press titles were producing a greater revenue for Extreme and, given the fact that our industry is experiencing trying economic times, it made better business sense. This move threatened Image Comics because of their competetive market share requirements and they immediately reacted in a hostile and malicious manner. I was told that because I was moving books to Maximum Press that I was to be penalized and ultimately voted out of the company, even though the titles that I left behind produced more market share and revenue than Erik Larson and Jim Valentino combined. These actions that were taken against me by my partners seemed to go against the entire spirit and principles that Image Comics was founded on. I was told that I should stop producing books for Maximum Press or fold Maximum Press into Image permanently. That was a move I was not interested in making. Market share was becoming more important to Image Comics as evidenced by the TMP toys being added to the overall grouping. Only after Image conducted a number of illegal acts in accordance with the company's by-laws and its shareholders agreement did I make the decision to resign. Rather than stay on and fight I would tender my resignation. Weeks before my actual resignation was made public I contacted Jim Valentino, Erik Larson, Jim Lee and informed Todd McFarlane and Larry Marder that I was preparing to resign. I was informed days later that they would vote me out regardless of my resignation. Far from minutes before any vote was taken, I handed in my resignation as prepared by my attorney. Image proceeded to vote me out of the company hours later with my attorney present. From that day on Image Comics has done everything it can to hurt me and my operation. In reference to the slanderous allegations made in their Oct. 9th press release, I can only say that these statements will only serve to aid me in my lawsuit against them. As to the statement that I used my position in Image Comics as a platform from which to conduct my non-Image business, I can only remark that I have no idea what that is in reference to. I ask the public to analyze and study Image Comics recent statements and draw their own conclusions as to what's really going on. +++++ Liefeld vs. Everybody part 4. . . SMASH magazine posted this quote from Randy Queen yesterday: October 17 -- "On the morning of October 15, due to a series of unforeseen events, I was forced to notify Maximum Press that I could no longer continue any business association with them." said DARKCHYLDE creator Randy Queen. "Later that same day I received a letter from the legal firm representing Maximum Press. On the same night, hours later, before I had time to respond to this letter, Maximum issued a press release saying it would no longer be publishing DARKCHYLDE because, and I quote, '[Maximum has] grown uncomfortable with certain titles that [Maximum} have produced and [we] feel the need to pull back and away from books that explore and promote evil.' DARKCHYLDE in no way, shape or form promotes evil, but, by Maximum having released this press release, [they] have made it clear that even provided our differences could be resolved, that because of their new found publishing 'philosophy' that they would have no intention of producing DARKCHYLDE anyway because it is not fitting with their desire to return to a 'lighter and more accessible comic book experience.' This being the case, I am now in the position of having to secure a new publisher for my property." Several companies have expressed interest in continuing the mini-series and carry an ongoing title as well. The Darkchylde/Glory and Avengelyne crossovers where #13 and 16 respectively in the latest Diamond top 200. +++++ House of Secrets #1 from DC has sold out it's first print run. It seems like DC has another hit in the Vertigo line, this time from Steven Seagle and Teddy Kristiansen. +++++ Speaking of sell outs, DC has gone back to press for the third time on the new SUPERGIRL #1, the series by Peter David and Gary Frank. This hasn't happened since the "Death of Superman" storyline when SUPERMAN #75 had 3rd printings, according to DC's Bob Wayne. +++++ Tom Galloway posted this stuff to the Usenet which is Info is from a book of DC's plans handed out at a DC retailers conference held in Montreal. ADVENTURES IN THE DC UNIVERSE: "Animation-style" stories of Green Lantern, Wonder Woman, the Flash, the JLA and others. Three new series with no titles given: 1) Definitive stand alone origins of DC heroes. 2) Something that "delves into our characters' secret fact files". 3) A focus on the early days of DCU heroes ala Legends of the Dark Knight. MAJOR BUMMER: about a super-hero who wishes he wasn't, by Arcudi and Mahnke who worked on THE MASK. RESURRECTION MAN: written by Abnett and Lanning, drawn by Guice, about someone who dies and is reborn repeatedly, each time with a different power. Elseworlds gets AMAZONIA by Messner-Loebs and Winslade, putting Wonder Woman in Edwardian England. Also TITANS: SCISSORS, PAPER, STONE, a far future tale apparently done in manga style by Adam Warren (both writing and art). KINGDOM COME hardcover collection...but with 12 new pages "including a final revelation that's sure to leave readers panting for more. It also includes original character sketches, paintings used for advertising, and trading card art. [There is also going to be an ongoing KINGDOM, series featuring events that may or may not lead up to Kingdom Come. More about that next time.] +++++ From the CSNsider in this week's Comic Shop News #487, a lot of stuff we already told you about, plus . . . a new television series is being worked on based on the hit movie Timecop and the creator Mark Verheiden will be involved . . .Wildstorm will release a DV8 #1 set for $39.95 for those who missed all 8 covers. It will also include a signed chromium card . . . Big Entertainment (was Techno) appears to be shifting its comic product to illustrated novellas next year, along with some Trade paperbacks and a Primortals CD-ROM this winter. . . more wrestlers are possibly going to be the subjects of comics based on the success of Warrior. . . Reid Fleming, The World's Toughest Milkman #11 comes out from Deep Sea Comics in December . . . The Art of Johnny Romita is a hard bound 96 page book due out in December . . . The Invisibles Volume 2 begins in December and will be set in America . . . How about a good girl western call Wynonna Earp, coming from Image by Beau Smith, Joyce Chin and Mark Irwin in December . . . James Robinson and John Estes will be doing the Batman hardcover holiday graphic novel, Batman/Deadman . . . Albedo moves to Antarctic Press with a first issue in December. . . the first issue of Gen 13 Zine will be out in December, a must read for the fans of the popular comic book. . . Ghost Rider #82 will feature Devil Dinosaur. ________________________________________________________________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------------- [4] Keep up with DePace by Mike DePace LILLITH #1 MATURE READERS Antarctic Press Story: Barry Lyga Art: Jeff Henderson Lillith is a cool character from the Warrior Nun Areala books that I really like. She was so evil that it was good (huh?). So when I saw she had her own book at my local shop I had to take a look. This book picks up sometime after Warrior Nun Areala literally clips Lillith's wings. Lillith is a demon princess from Hell who is stranded on Earth. Why? Apparently because she has no wings. Lillith wants to get back to Hell in a very bad way so she enlists the help of Lord Orcus. Who is Lord Orcus? One of the rulers of Hell who usurped Lillith's sphere of influence in Hell. In the meantime she is on the run from the Cross, the Host, and the Wine. This trio is after Lillith because she killed their father and they want revenge. When did this happen? I guess I missed something. I think that story would've been more interesting than this one. What can I say about the writing... it's not very cerebral. It was an average story with little depth. Some things I find annoying are: the fact that events are referred to in the story and the books aren't listed, dialogue that makes no grammatical sense (p.21 panel 6), and a misspelling ('shurch'). Oh, one more thing, Lyga constantly puts "cut-off dialogue" in this book. I really think it's inappropriate to overuse such techniques because it can cause the reader to get migraine headac-. Anyway, the writing seems quite amateurish and needs a lot of work. Who edited this book, Stevie Wonder? The artwork was kind of hit and miss. Some panels were quite attractive while others were sophomoric. Henderson did have some nice action panels. His camera angles and body positioning were eye-catching. I liked his 'tongue in cheek' attitude towards some of his artwork. The best thing this book has going for it is its sparse attractive artwork. My opinion is that this is not enough to sell this book. Save your money. But, if you have some cash burning a hole in your pocket, pick up some Warrior Nun Areala back issues. This is not the usual quality I expect from Antarctic. I'm Mikey D. and that's the way it's got to be. What do you think? Questions? Comments? I'd love to hear from you. mdepace@aol.com ;^) ________________________________________________________________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------------- [5] Top 50 Comics for September/October Comic Shop News The CSN Top 50 is compiled from Orders to Diamond Distribution by retailers and a survey of comic shops. The Diamond figures exclude Marvel and are for orders only. The retailers report sales of all products to the consumers. Diamond Index (100 = 100,000 copies ordered) 1 Fantastic Four 1 2 Iron Man 1 3 Captain America 1 4 Avengers 1 5 DV8 1 6 Spawn 52 160.3 7 Curse of the Spawn 1 157.8 8 Uncanny X-Men 338 9 Final Night 1 90.8 10 Final Night 4 81.8 11 X-Men 56 12 Final night 2 84.1 13 Final night 3 82.5 14 Wolverine 107 15 XSE 1 16 Generation X 21 17 Parallax: Emerald Night 1 70.9 18 X-Force 60 19 Magneto 1 20 Batman 536 73.2 21 Supergirl 3 67.0 22 Elektra 1 23 X-Man 21 24 X-Factor 128 25 X-Files 21 71.3 26 Star Wars:Shadows of the Empire 5 70.1 27 Incredible Hulk 447 28 X-Men/Clandestine 2 29 Gen 13 13A 30 Deathblow/Wolverine 1 95.2 31 Spectacular Spider-Man 240 32 Detective Comics 703 68.5 33 Justice League:Midsummer's Nightmare 3 52.9 34 Superman 117 64.5 35 Cable 37 36 Excalibur 103 37 Adventures of Superman 540 63.1 38 Superman:Man of Steel 62 62.0 39 Action Comics 727 63.2 40 X-Men:Pryde & Wisdom 3 41 Amazing Spider-Man 417 42 Teen Titans 2 40.7 43 Robin 35 54.7 44 Nightwing 2 54.5 45 Youngblood/X-Force 46 Incredible Hulk:Hercules Unleashed 47 Sensational Spider-Man 10 48 Journey Into Mystery 503 49 Batman: Shadow of the Bat 53 53.6 50 Superman Adventures #1 47.6 Top 10 Black & White 1 Crow:Flesh & Blood 3 2 Strangers in Paradise:Molly & Poo 3 Poison Elves 15 ~ 16 (based on previous issue) 4 Elfquest 4 ~ 15 " 5 Cerebus 210 12.1 6 Ranma 1/2: Part 5 10 12.7 7 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 3 8 Return of Lum: part 3 #4 9 Bandy Man 1 10 Dark Horse Presents 113 ________________________________________________________________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------------- [6] SUSPENDED ANIMATION by Michael Vance Comic books and strips are too numerous and diverse to make their history easy to write. Les Daniels, James Steranko and Mike Benton have emphasized the comic book, but Robert C. Harvey has given us a comprehensive view in ART OF THE FUNNIES (1994) and ART OF THE COMIC BOOK (1996). Both are published by the University Press of Mississippi and subtitled AN AESTHETIC HISTORY. Cost: $19.95 each. Harvey is a working cartoonist and an academic with excellent style. His books are jargon-free and can be read for pleasure as well as for research. Some material appeared in magazines including COMICS JOURNAL and JOURNAL OF POULAR CULTURE, but there is no choppiness. His illustrations are well chosen and often generous. Reprints from colored comics do not work well reproduced in black and white, but Harvey is unique in telling what important details are obscured by the loss of color. (Warning: the drawings by Robert Crumb and other underground artists in ART OF THE COMIC BOOK are still shocking.) Both books are chronological, but Harvey never hesitates to juxtapose examples from different eras to show an artist's development or influence on later artists. I am particularly impressed by his willingness to criticize early works from such comic strip icons as artist Hall Foster (Tarzan; Prince Valiant) or of modern favorites. His distinction between "simple" and "poor" drawing is sure to evoke disagreement, but he is careful to note that seemingly poor drawing can be a powerful tool, as in Gary Trudeau's early DOONSBURY comic strips. Harvey's coverage is timely, but there are gaps: Publisher DC's recent Milestone series is covered, but Dark Horse Comics is mentioned once. Publishers Malibu, Topps and Valiant are not mentioned at all, in fact, there is no reference in the index to editor, writer and publisher Jim Shooter. The discussions of such artists as Gil Kane, Will Eisner and Bill Watterson are perceptive, leaving the reader hoping for more contributions from this scholar-enthusiast. (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] WORDS HARD AS STEEL by Brian Babyok I was looking forward to Ship of Fools #2 to figure out what in the world Michael Avon Oeming and Bryan J.L. Glass were up to. Fortunately, I still have no idea yet so I am now looking forward to issue #3. But for now let's focus on issue 2, Dante's Compass. The art captures the mood of film noir, not unlike a good Orson Wells film. MAO is a great inker and it shows. The pencil work is a little loose, but it's fun. The story is unfolding like a piece of string you find on your sweater; the one that you pulled on to get rid of, but now you can't stop it from unraveling. SoF follows the tale of four beings on a cruise ship that is hauling prisoners on the sly. Two of the four are galactic criminals, Mala & Shiro and the other two, Darius Trill and the mad poet Atlanta Williams are just plain crazy. In the background is the Jet Black Illuminati who are hunting Mala. The characters themselves are a blast, with my favorite image being the robot captain who's face was blown off by the Nexus Glove, walking around with robot head and human hair. I really liked the book, mainly because of the energy and love that has been put into it's creation. I can only hope that MAO and Bryan Glass continue to allow us on board their Ship of Fools". Hope you enjoyed this review and I look forward to feedback of any kind. (Be it rants, raves or recipes) Reach me at the following; Brian Babyok Weirdling1@aol.com ________________________________________________________________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------------- [8] MY VIEW by David LeBlanc DR WONDER #4 Writer: David Allikas Art: Dick Ayers Cover Colors: Marie Severin Text story: "The Office" by Kathy Probe Black & White $2.95 ($3.50 CAN) 40 Pages, OLD TOWN PUBLISHING Subscriptions & back issues: P.O. Box 447, Franklin Square, NY 11010 "The Once and Future Hero" One good device that some thoughtful publishers are using more these days is to put a "what has gone before" or "the story 'til now" blurb at the front of the book. It serves to introduce the main characters, sets up the main plot and ties in the hanging threads from the last issue. This is a welcome feature and serves to aid new readers in getting the hang of the book. Hats off to Old Town for doing this on the inside front cover. The title of this issue refers to a former super hero that may be of help with Dr. Wonder's battle against the ever expanding Web of Evil. Through the course of the first 3 issues we have watched as the colleagues of the ruthless Gil Bates try to create more super powered minions while trying to learn the secrets of the good doctor's technology so they may better accomplish their criminal goals. Both sides of the war want to recruit the long forgotten Powerhouse to their side of the battle. Meanwhile the Web has internal struggles trying to keep certain members under control with promises of returning them to normal. Another apparently normal member has a major problem that begins to manifest itself at the end of this chapter. Speaking of secrets, we now know that the secretary Patricia is more than she seems and we are promised more on that theme next issue. More bits of information are revealed this issued, like the fact that the Web does not really understand the nature of Dr. Wonder's power. Since they have seen him manifest many powers, they think he has multiple powers at all times. We know from the beginning that he only gains the temporary ability of those beings near him who have powers created by the Isobortium technology. There is a lot of action and development in this chapter. Not only do we learn more about the characters and what is motivating them but we watch as the both contend to find the hero that lost his desire long ago and could turn the tide of battle in the future. How he is affected by the conflict suddenly thrust open him make for interesting reading and of course Mr. Ayers as always makes you feel like the the characters are just the way they should be. They *feel* right. Whether it is Vector growing out of control on the splash page or the mysterious Waterfall coming to the rescue, this is super hero comics in the basic, clean style that made them great. The writing has settled in with a little more emphasis on moving forward while constantly adding elements that enhance what has gone before. It is not convoluted or confusing, but at the same time there is mystery and suspense. There is just the right mix of elements to the story and the art to keep you coming back for more. That is what its all about. The text story is another well crafted tale in the manner of the stories of the sixties. The fun in this type of story is to try and guess what you are not being told before the end of the story. I must confess I did figure it out but not much before the end. These reader submissions are a welcome addition and serve to give you much better value for the dollar than another two pages of gushing fan letters and self absorbed creators expounding there philosophy and opinions that have no entertainment value. But wait, there's more! (No, not ginsu knives!) The Silver Sixties section is ten more pages of entertainment you won't find in a normal comic book. It is a bit of nostalgia for the older readers and a peak at the highlights of the past to the younger reader. Perhaps it will be of no interest to a number of people, but I would take a closer look and give it a try. Some of this material comes from the readers so it is a chance to participate like the text story is. Furthermore the section will be expanded soon to another 8 pages without taking away from the main story. As I have said before, you get more for your money with Dr. Wonder than anything else. ________________________________________________________________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------------- [9] New Comic Book Releases List by Charles LePage ncrl@fair.net NCRL: New Comic Book Releases List for Wednesday, October 25, 1996 compiled by Charles LePage. This is the *preliminary* list and is not complete. The completed list is posted weekly, usually Monday evening, at rec.arts. comics.info, http://www.america.net/~cslepage/ncrl.html, and Compuserve's Comics Publishers Forum. PUBLISHER, TITLE, ISSUE NUMBER, PRICE IN U.S. DOLLARS ACCLAIM X-O Manowar Vol. II #1, 2.50 ARCHIE Archie #455, 1.50 Betty & Veronica Double Digest #62, 2.75 Veronica #59, 1.50 BIG I-Bots Limited Edition Plate (signed/framed), 62.50 BROADWAY Fatale #6, 2.95 Knights On Broadway #3, 2.95 COMIC SHOP NEWS Comic Shop News #488, free CRUSADE Shi: The Way Of The Warrior #10, 2.95 DARK HORSE Aliens Vs. Predator TPB, 19.95 Big Blown Baby #3 (of 4), 2.95 Blade Of The Immortal Genius #1, 2.95 Body Bags #3 (of 4), 2.95 Decade Of Dark Horse #4 (of 4), 2.95 Gunsmith Cats: Bonnie & Clyde TPB, 12.95 Hard Looks TPB (2nd edition), 17.95 Hellboy Wake The Devil #5 (of 5), 2.95 Madman Comics #11, 2.95 DC Action Comics #728 (resolicited), 1.95 Aquaman #27, 1.75 Azrael Plus #1, 2.95 Batman Legacy Collectors Set #1, 3.55 Batman Legacy Collectors Set #2, 3.55 Batman: Death Of Innocents #1 (of 1), 3.95 Batman: Legends Of The Dark Knight #89, 1.95 Big Book Of Thugs, 14.95 Birds Of Prey Manhunt #4 (of 4), 1.95 Death: The High Cost Of Living TPB (AA), 12.95 Green Lantern Plus #1, 2.95 Hellblazer #108, 2.25 Hitman #9, 2.25 Legionnaires Annual #3, 3.50 Mythos: The Final Tour #1 (of 3), 5.95 Robin #36, 1.95 Sandman: The Kindly Ones TPB, 19.95 Sandman: Preludes & Nocturnes TPB (AA), 14.95 Sandman: Season Of Mists TPB (AA), 19.95 Scare Tactics #1, 2.25 Sovereign Seven Annual #2, 2.95 Superboy & The Ravers #4, 1.95 Takion #7 (final issue), 1.75 Vermillion #3, 2.25 Vertigo Verite Unseen Hand #4 (of 4), 2.50 DYNAMIC FORCES Cyberforce #28 (S/N), 29.95 Tales Of The Witchblade #1 (S/N), 22.95 EL CAPITAN Stray Bullets #1 (AA)(current printing), 2.95 Stray Bullets #5 (AA), 3.50 FANTAGRAPHICS Zero Zero #13, 3.95 GEMSTONE EC Cover Set: Weird Science (AA), 8.00 Overstreets Fan #18, 4.50 Shock Suspenstories #18, 2.50 Tales From The Crypt #18, 2.50 GLADSTONE Donald Duck #300, 2.25 Uncle Scrooge Adventures #42, 1.50 HOMAGE Astro City Vol. II #1 (AA), 2.50 Astro City Vol. II #2, 2.50 Leave It To Chance #1, 2.50 IMAGE Big Bang Comics #5, 2.95 Bone #12 (AA), 2.95 Savage Dragon #32, 2.50 Spawn The Impaler #1, 2.95 Vanguard: Strange Visitors #1, 2.95 KITCHEN SINK Armed & Dangerous, 9.95 KRAUSE Comic Buyer's Guide #1198, 2.95 MARVEL 2099: World Of Tomorrow #4, 2.50 Black Knight: Exodus, 2.50 Captain America #2 (Heroes Reborn), 1.95 Elektra #2, 1.95 Essential Wolverine TPB, 12.95 Marvel Fanfare #4, 0.99 Spectacular Spider-Man #241, 1.50 Star Trek: Voyager #2, 1.95 Star Trek/X-Men #1, 4.95 Untold Tales Of Spider-Man '96 #1, 1.95 Wolverine #108, 1.95 X-Men: Rise Of Apocalypse #3, 1.95 X-Men Unlimited #13, 2.95 NBM Mercenary Year 1000, 11.95 TOP COW Cyberforce #28, 2.50 Witchblade Collected Edition #4, 4.95 Witchblade Collected Edition #4 (custom slipcase), 10.95 Witchblade Complete Collected Edition (slipcase A), 29.95 Witchblade Limited Collected Edition (slipcase B), 49.95 TOPPS Star Wars Galaxy Magazine #9 (newstand edition), 3.95 X-Files #22, 2.95 TRADING CARDS Babylon 5 T/C Box (1996), 48.65 VEROTIK Goth TPB, 9.95 Jaguar God #5, 2.95 Satanika #5, 2.95 VIRTUAL Suit #1 (of 3), 2.50 VIZ Fist Of The North Star Part III #4 (of 5), 2.95 Ogre Slayer TPB, 15.95 Ranma 1/2 Part V #11 (of 12), 2.95 Sanctuary Part V #8 (of 13), 3.50 ________________________________________________________________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------------- [A] E-Mag Info: Submissions, Subscriptions, Back Issues, Copyrights SUBMISSIONS ----------- To submit an article, review, column, etc to our e-mag, simply E-mail it to the editor at: ComicBkNet@aol.com If you have access to the ComicBook Net, submit your articles for consideration in any ComicBook Net conference and leave me a message in the CBN: E-Mag conference giving me permission to use the article. Reviews of mainstream books are least likely to get included when submitted from sources outside of CBN, but are not excluded off hand. We give more consideration to reviews of indies and self published material as we feel that material deserves more exposure to the general public. If You write intelligent, coherent, and timely reviews of anything it will almost always be printed so give us a shot. 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 each issue automatically through your Email account, please address a message to ComicBkNet@aol.com to be placed on the subscription list. THE CBN WEB PAGE http://members.aol.com/ComicBkNet ---------------- 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 ComicBook Net, and other neat features like newly released comic book graphics, links to Jeff Mason's lists of Comic Book Company addresses and Comic Professionals Email addresses, plus other Comic Book related Web pages! LOCATING EMAG ISSUES -------------------- The latest issue is always available from all the systems linked into The ComicBook Network. You can also find the back issues at America Online, by going to Keyword: COMICS, then choose the menu item _Comic Book Forum_ and then going to the _Comics Library_ from there. Most issues should also be available on Compuserve, Genie, Software Creations BBS as well as other non CBN affiliated Bulletin Board Systems. All back issues are also available on our World Wide Web page. COPYRIGHTS ---------- The Comic Book Net E-Mag is published by the many participants of The ComicBook 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 ComicBook Network. Except where elsewhere noted, The Comic Book Net Electronic Magazine (CBEM) is Copyright 1996 by The ComicBook 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 ComicBook Network. ________________________________________________________________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------------- [B] How to join the COMIC BOOK NETWORK (CBN) 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 ComicBook 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! ________________________________________________________________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------------- [C] BBSes Linked into CBN Here's the most up-to-date node listing for the COMIC BOOK NETWORK CBN Node Board Name Sysop Phone ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 23:102/0 Warner Robins Net Host Jeff Floyd 1-912-929-3762 23:102/1 The Congressional BBS Jeff Floyd 1-912-929-3762 23:103/0 Russellville Net Host Robert Wood 1-501-968-3910 23:103/1 Karate & Comics &... Robert Wood 1-501-968-3910 23:103/2 The Factory Rick Brewer 1-901-885-9647 23:103/3 The Mystic Curtis Tesch 1-501-284-5503 23:103/4 Conway PC Users Group BBS Tim Stone 1-501-329-7227 23:104/0 Raleigh Net Host Walter Tietjen 1-919-833-3412 23:104/1 TI-Raleigh Maximus Walter Tietjen 1-919-833-3412 23:104/3 Psychotronic Richard Lee 1-919-286-7738 23:104/4 Electronic Hangover Richard Lee 1-919-286-4542 23:104/6 The Federal Post Frank Koza 1-910-436-2055 23:108/0 Melbourne Net Wayne Bell 1-407-253-8754 23:108/2 Never Never Land Wayne Bell 1-407-253-8754 23:109/0 Jacksonville Net Eric Cohen 1-904-363-6347 23:109/1 Extreme Online Eric Cohen 1-904-363-6347 23:110/0 Destin Net Keith Schultz 1-904-654-1631 23:110/1 Steel Dog Cafe' Keith Schultz 1-904-654-1631 23:110/2 Ghost's Realm Kie Dorton 1-904-689-6664 23:111/0 Lake County Net Thomas McNeill 1-904-357-0355 23:111/1 Programmers Citadel Thomas McNeill 1-904-357-0355 23:111/2 Ded Dudez Mike Burgess 1-904-343-7272 23:112/0 Area Code 305 Mitchel Waas 1-305-792-9622 23:112/1 Information Interchange Mitchel Waas 1-305-792-9622 23:202/0 Houston Net Jeff Watts 1-713-568-0825 23:202/1 The RASTER Line Jeff Watts 1-713-568-0825 23:202/2 Dream Sequence Biju Mathai 1-713-835-0965 23:203/0 Nearly Dallas Wayne LeMonds 1-214-494-3702 23:203/2 Star Streams Michael Rudolf 1-214-938-7115 23:203/5 Way Out There Justin Pasher 1-214-680-2755 23:205/0 Odessa Net Dennis Brown 1-915-530-2712 23:205/1 Orion BBS Dennis Brown 1-915-530-2712 23:206/0 Collinsville Net Jeff Bennett 1-918-371-0980 23:206/1 Snart's Dreamland Jeff Bennett 1-918-371-0980 23:206/2 CompuMate Danny Pelletier 1-918-663-3454 23:206/4 The Round Table Garett Merrill 1-918-274-0775 23:207/0 Killeen TX Net T.J. Gohl 1-817-699-2254 23:207/1 Young Blood T.J. Gohl 1-817-699-2254 23:208/0 OKC MetroNet Lonnie Johnson 1-405-787-2540 23:208/1 Beggar's Forum IV Lonnie Johnson 1-405-787-2540 23:208/2 Beggar's Forum IV Lonnie Johnson 1-405-787-2557 23:400/0 Saugerties Net Host John Dragun 1-914-247-9601 23:400/1 Starbase : RED DWARF John Dragun 1-914-247-9601 23:401/0 Mass Net John Harris 1-508-753-3767 23:401/3 Archives BBS John Viera 1-508-995-0085 23:401/7 Keystone BBS John Harris 1-508-753-3767 23:401/8 Call Again Soon Joe Johnson 1-508-791-8456 23:401/9 Muskrat & Heatwave Dennis Racine 1-508-984-4632 23:401/10 HellFire BBS Brock Cordeiro 1-508-979-8930 23:403/0 DC MetroNet Spencer Greenwald 1-703-415-1130 23:403/4 Crystal Aerie Spencer Greenwald 1-703-415-1130 23:403/6 Bifrost Kevin Carlin 1-301-779-9381 23:403/7 Vampyre Bar Darryl Pierce 1-301-698-5194 23:403/8 Womens World East BBS Net Wendy Dumser 1-301-445-1612 23:403/9 DataStorm Tarek Gordan 1-301-390-5243 23:404/0 New Hampshire John McNally 1-603-382-0338 23:404/1 Computer Castle John McNally 1-603-382-0338 23:404/2 Venom's World Ira Locke 1-603-743-4188 23:405/0 LI Net Host Tom Pemberton 1-516-422-4225 23:405/1 Asgard.TW BBS Tom Pemberton 1-516-422-4225 23:406/0 Philadelphia Net William Horton 1-215-365-5225 23:406/1 Comic Book Board William Horton 1-215-365-5225 23:406/2 Dark Lands Chris Ford 1-215-487-7315 23:407/0 RoachTel Net Eric Sears 1-716-647-9068 23:407/1 Generation X Eric Sears 1-716-647-9068 23:409/0 St Mary's County Net Linda Peek 1-301-884-9732 23:409/1 Shearata's Realm Linda Peek 1-301-884-9732 23:410/0 Bergen County Net Jacob Greenberg 1-201-722-1495 23:410/1 Bergen BBS Jacob Greenberg 1-201-722-1495 23:410/2 Cyberspace Arcade Rick Smorawski 1-201-440-0563 23:410/3 Unnamed BBS Edward Di Geronimo J 1-201-368-1866 23:410/4 Quantum Zone Wayne Robinson 1-201-307-9225 23:410/5 Virtual Connection Dmitry Korsun 1-201-796-7202 23:411/0 AreaCode 908 Tal Meta 1-908-830-8265 23:411/1 Phoenix Modernz Systems Tal Meta 1-908-830-8265 23:501/0 KY Net Todd Millhouse 1-502-867-0992 23:501/1 Lex Corp Todd Millhouse 1-502-867-0992 23:503/0 Windsor Net Gary Ranchuk 1-519-974-2976 23:503/1 The Trading Post ][ Gary Ranchuk 1-519-974-2976 23:503/2 The Snake Pit BBS Mark Godard 1-519-979-4251 23:505/0 Dearborn Hgts Net Anthony Palacio 1-313-565-8464 23:505/1 Int. Comic Network Anthony Palacio 1-313-565-8464 23:506/0 Gananoque Net Mike Serson 1-613-382-1788 23:506/1 Gananoque System Mike Serson 1-613-382-1788 23:507/0 Iowa Net Andy St.Pierre 1-319-359-4449 23:507/2 The Final Destination BBS Andy St.Pierre 1-319-359-4449 23:508/0 KC Area Net Brian J. Stewart 1-816-767-1488 23:508/1 The Oan Citadel Brian J. Stewart 1-816-767-1488 23:509/0 Ontario Net Michael Cross 1-519-850-9929 23:509/1 Dark Knight Michael Cross 1-519-850-9929 23:509/3 Mach 1 Tomasz Heiber 1-519-457-6771 23:509/5 Stargate: Above & Beyond Paul Nicolas 1-519-472-4938 23:510/0 Chi & Burbs Alex Gen 1-708-776-2395 23:510/1 Warp Speed Alex Gen 1-708-776-2395 23:512/0 Area Code 219 Rob Swanson 1-219-325-3655 23:512/1 Rob's BBS Arcade 1 Rob Swanson 1-219-325-3655 23:512/2 Rob's BBS Arcade 2 Rob Swanson 1-219-324-4713 23:600/0 Longview Net Host Jeanne Lejon 1-360-577-7358 23:600/1 Longview On-Line! Node1 Jeanne Lejon 1-360-577-7358 23:600/2 Longview On-Line! Node2 Jeanne Lejon 1-360-577-0276 23:601/0 Tacoma Net Host Robert Richards 1-206-272-8083 23:601/1 Alpha's Attic Robert Richards 1-206-272-8083 23:601/2 Area 51 Paul Powloski 1-206-538-9435 23:602/0 VanPortNet Robert Leveque 1-360-696-2440 23:602/1 Cyberotica Online Robert Leveque 1-360-696-2440 23:700/0 Mexico DF Net Emilio Karam 52-5-264-2994 23:700/1 The Gate Emilio Karam 52-5-264-2994 ________________________________________________________________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - End of another Issue .. see ya in the funnny papers!! Why be politically correct when you can be RIGHT?