------------------------------------------------------------------------ THE COMIC BOOK NET ELECTRONIC MAGAZINE - ISSUE NUMBER 82 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] Words Hard as Steel ................... Brian Babyok [6] Suspended Animation ................... Michael Vance [7] Our Favorite Stores ................... The ComicBook Network [8] My View: The CopyBook Tales #2 ........ 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 First, for those who didn't notice, or those who have no way of knowing, the actor who played the *old* Jimmy Olsen on last week's episode of Lois & Clark was the same actor, Jack Larson, who played Jimmy in the original "Adventures of Superman" TV series. Second, I just reread the "Crisis on Infinite Earths" and found it amazing that by coincidence in the story that the older Superman suggests to the younger that he should consider marrying his Lois and our Clark says he will take it under advisement. With the actual marriage just a couple weeks old it made me smile. Then I read the Starman Annual and part of it is the story of the Starman, from another world, that died during Crisis! Coincidence? I think not! One thing I strive for in the mag is accuracy. I try not to report anything as *news* unless it has been reported as such by a legitimate source such as a wire service or magazine or reliable professional. If it is just some talked about bit of info then I state it as such. If I can verify it elsewhere I make an effort to do that. Some things I just leave out just because they can't be verified and it serves no purpose (to either inform or clarify) to put it in the mag. This does not mean you can rely on everything you read here as absolute truth, I can't guarantee that. It does mean you will get a good idea of upcoming events and the general buzz around the nets. As far as other things go, well the accuracy slips sometimes. Last week's trivia contest was an example of knowing what I wanted to say, but saying something else. The bizarre thing is that almost everyone knew what I meant, but did not say. I asked for the two heroes who witnessed Supergirl's death. It should have been her deathBLOW. While two people saw the fatal blow delivered, several more were present as she died. Only one reader caught the error so the prize goes to the person who answered the question I intended to write and the person who caught the error wanted a special mention of his web page - so here it is: The web page is called POP ROCKET and you can find it at: http://soho.ios.com/~nexus1/ What you will find is a weekly commentary on various bits of the pop culture. Features include a news section and sections on Movies, comics and TV. Each page has plenty of small graphics of the item in question. For example the main page leads with the news section listing a few items, the first being the return of "It's the great Pumpkin Charlie Brown" to network tv. The graphic is a clip from the show and it is the link to the news page which has in depth stories. Likewise there is a gif of Batman that links to the comics area, Fox Muldar gets you to the TV area, and Tom Hanks links to the movies. Each one of those areas has plenty to read, more pictures of celebrities and such related to most of the articles, and links to other things or web pages. It is all very well done - which to me means not OVERDONE! If you browse much you see some pretty awful stuff i.e. pages that take forever to load because the owner wanted to jam every feature and a zillion graphics on one page. This is not the case at POP ROCKET. The main page has the 4 main area links with teasers about what you will find as well as graphic links to other areas like Top Ten TV shows, movies, and videos, comments on the World Series, or links to other pages of interest. This is really basic web page as it should be, uncluttered by miscellaneous stuff not relevant to the purpose of the page. Pretty well done and worth a look see. My thanks to Nexus1 for pointing out my error in the trivia question. Do not hesitate to speak up again. Lastly, we have added three stores to our CBN list of favorite shops which is posted in this issue. The only way you get on the list is to post a message on the ComicBook Network. Details on how to do that are at the end of each issue of this magazine. 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. +++++ From the Editor in Chief of Acclaim Comics - From: fabnic@aol.com Date: Fri, 18 Oct 1996 Subject: Re: [REVIEW] TROUBLEMAKERS #1 (preview) David, thanks for the really nice review. Trust that most of what you say you might be worried about (big conspiracies, world-shaking storylines) are exactly what I WON'T be touching on. At least not for the first year. :-) [Heh, heh. Well that is fine. Let's get to know these people first!] Oh, to comment on your comment: <> I am Editor-in-Chief, but when I'm writing, Lynaire Thompson is most certainly my editor. She is keeping me very much on my toes so far. Power has not made me crazy, just kooky. -- fabian [Geez Lueez! Another case of me not saying what I meant! I know he does not edit the book (Take a lesson Rob) I just meant as EIC he can see to it that company wide crossovers don't destroy plot lines set up in the individual books thereby ensuring the integrity of his own work.] +++++ Subj: ROB LIEFELD VS IMAGE Date: 96-10-19 01:23:21 EDT From: headless@cliff.concentric.net (Craig McKenney) If I hear one more thing about Rob Liefeld versus Image, I might have to puke! This is the epitome of infantile-ism. Image hurls mud one week, Rob the next and the cycle continues. And I have to ask about the whole thing: Do we, the comic reading public, care? Do we have to be made party to this idiocy? I, for one, wish that I was not. Rob's books, his ideas, his art ALL suck...this is the exact kind of instance where ego outdoes quality, and makes me sick to say I read comics. Artists and writers should be more grateful for what they have and not try to ruin kids' ideas of their "heroes" (being the comic book professionals) by airing professional dirty laundry in public. [I am afraid airing dirty laundry is not only done in the comic Industry but the impression such activity makes does not reflect well on anyone. I report it here as news since so many want to be informed but I agree it is not helping. As the saying goes, "He who slings mud loses ground." On the other hand I seldom make my choice of reading material based on knowledge of the creators opinions or actions. There have been exceptions, but they are rare. If I like the work I will buy it, unless I feel a *moral* obligation not to provide income to a reprehensible person. Very few are really in that category.] +++++ Subj: Just a few questions... Date: 96-10-25 17:30:01 EDT From: DChrist624@gnn.com (Don Christian) Hello, I really enjoy your e-mag alot but, I got a couple of questions for you guys... [I can't answer these folks so feel free to Email Ben at the above address] 1)Whatever happened to that Jim Shooter YOUNGBLOOD story that was promised on the back cover of those EXTREME comics a couple years back? 2)Whatever happened to Youngblood: Year ONE supposedley written by Kurt Busiek? 3)Whatever happened to Jeff Purves? He was that guy that drew HULK after McFarlane left, I believe. As far as I know that was the only comic work he ever did. Just curious... 4)Why hasn't D.C. gotten smart and reprinted Garth Ennis' run on Hellblazer? As popular as the guy is they could really cash in, not to mention its a GREAT epic story when you read ALL of his issues! To tell the truth I really dont care if those Youngblood books ever come out, I was just wondering why Extreme\Maximum is SO bad about running ads for or hyping books that NEVER make it out? Every month theres some new Extreme series being launched! Its always hyped as a new series but it only runs 4 or 5 issues and A) we never hear from it again or B) it gets relaunched as "volume 2". Its pitiful! The manager of the Book store I shop at says that its just a cheesey attempt to boost sales. As in, they hope to boost sales by thinking that people are more likely to buy a #1 issue than a later issue! I'm suprised they didn't "re-launch" SUPREME with a brand new "1" now that Alan Moore has taken over. Well, thanks for your time and any answers you may be able to provide will be gratefully appreciated! Laters, Ben C. [TRIVIA CONTEST] Last week's 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? From: "The man w/the chaotic MIND!!!" Hoy David! hey excellent newsletter U got here.... in regards to ur trivia question, I believe it was Kara's cousin Kal-el & the female Dr. Light that witnessed her gettin killed at the hands of the Anti-Monitor. as for her eulogy, I believe it was Batgirl who gave it. +++++ From: petersta@umich.edu (Troy Ali Claytor Peters) Supergirl's death was witnessed by Superman and the 2nd Dr. Light. Her eulogy was given by Batgirl. +++++ From: j.secret@ix.netcom.com (Jack Secret) Lesee, if memory serves (and God knows it don't most of the time) Superman (Earth 1 version) and Dr. Light (The Japanese woman version) saw the anti-monitor blow her to smithereens. Batgirl said the eulogy at her funeral. +++++ From: "Jim, Master of Comics" Superman and Dr. Light (Japanese version) saw her die. Batgirl spoke first at the memorial. Jim, Master of Comics Comic Madness smiv@primenet.com 3277-L Grand Avenue Chino Hills, CA 91709 universo@lsh.org (909) 590-5949 +++++ From: cct107@psu.edu (Chad Trout) Superman of Earth 1 and the Japanesse femal Dr. Light witnessed the death of Supergirl and Batgirl lead the eulogies. +++++ From: mike.kirkpatrick@the-spa.com Dr. Light and Superman witnessed Supergirl's (Kara's) death in Crisis. Batgirl also lead her eulogies I believe. Mike Kirkpatrick +++++ [The earliest correct respondent declined the prize] From: bdh@deus.com (William de Haan) Oi. You know you're getting old when Crisis becomes a TRIVIA question. I'm waiting for the "what artist created Spawn" to be a trivia question next... Superman, of course, and the new Dr. Light. >BONUS: Who lead the eulogies at her funeral? Batgirl. As usual, show I submit, I will not win, should I win, I will not accept, etc. ________________________________________________________________________ William de Haan bdh@deus.com 905-281-3523 Voice 905-281-3524 Fax Deus Ex Machina Ltd., 3650 Kaneff Crescent, Mississauga, Ontario L5A 4A1 "No more tears now; I will think upon revenge." - Mary Queen of Scots. +++++ From: mpp98913@Bayou.UH.EDU (Monty Paul Phillips) Pariah and Doctor Light saw Kara die. Batgirl delivered her eulogy. Right? +++++ [Well, here was the message that pointed out the problem in the question] From: nexus1 Subject: Trick question?!!? Supergirl (Kara) died in Crisis On Infinite Earths #7. You asked for two heroes: The death-BLOW was witnessed by the Superman of Earth 1 (Kal-El) and the female Dr. Light -- BUT she didn't actually DIE until a bit later, when quite a few heroes were watching (check page 39)! Her actual death itself was witnessed by the Supermen of Earths 1 and 2, the female Dr. Light, Pariah, Quantum Queen, Green Lantern of Earth-2 (Alan Scott), Capt. Marvel, Wildfire, Martian Manhunter, Firestorm, Jade, Wonder Woman, The Ray, Capt. Atom and Mon-El. The eulogies were led by Batgirl (Barbara Gordon). -------------------------------------------------- For comic book and pop culture news & reviews, check out POP ROCKET at http://soho.ios.com/~nexus1/ +++++ [And here is the winning response for the question I meant] Subj: TRIVIA QUESTION #81 From: Sew Jude Supergirls death was witnessed by Dr. Light and Superman. The eulogy was lead by Batgirl. Judy +++++++++++++++++++++++++++ THIS WEEK'S TRIVIA QUESTION: The X-Men recently had a big hoe-down with Apocalypse in the "Age of..." When did Apocalypse first appear? (in what comic?) 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. According to this month's FAN there is still talk going on that Eclipse Comics will be coming back and that Jim Valentino will be involved with its rebirth, including Miracleman. . . They also note that Green Arrow will be joining the Justice League of America and Aztec, JLA writer Grant Morrison's creation in another series, will also join up. Another member will be a "winged wonder" that is a fallen angel doing penance for failing to protect the human to whom he was assigned. AND once more the TOP COW/ Marvel weekly crossover starting December 4th goes in this order: Weapon Zero/Silver Surfer; Cyblade/Ghostrider; Ghostrider/Ballistic; Ballistic/Wolverine; Wolverine/Witchblade; Witchblade/Elektra; Elektra/Cyblade; Silver Surfer/Weapon Zero +++++ WASHINGTON, D.C.--(ENTERTAINMENT WIRE)--Oct. 21, 1996--After decades of fighting menaces here and across the galaxy, Superman faces one of his most difficult problems: how to teach the children of Bosnia-Herzegovina about land mine safety. Today, he teams up with UNICEF, the United Nations, IFOR (Implementation Forces in Bosnia), the Department of Defense, Time Warner, U.N. Ambassador Madeleine Albright and First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton to show young people how to protect themselves. DC Comics has published a comic book, Superman: Deadly Legacy, in three languages, using the Cyrillic and Latinic alphabets, which will be distributed at no charge to children through the Mine Action Center in Sarajevo. Participating organizations assisted writer Louise Simonson and artists Kieron Dwyer and Dick Giordano, providing research and reference materials to make the comic as useful to the children as it is emotionally gripping. There are currently three million land mines buried in Bosnian soil, and as many as three million unexploded rounds of ordnance. There are 16,000 registered fields containing land mines, and thousands more unidentified. Worldwide, there may be as many as 110 million unexploded land mines, and as many as 25,000 people die each year as a result, many of them children. In Superman: Deadly Legacy, the Man of Steel teaches young people the first steps in protecting themselves against these dangers. DC Comics President and Editor-in-Chief, Jenette Kahn, said, "When Judy Collins told me about the situation in Bosnia-Herzegovina, it sounded like a problem where we could be of help. We chose Superman to carry the message because he is uniquely renowned not only for his humanity and compassion, but also as a citizen of the world. Because he cannot be everywhere at once, Superman shares his knowledge of land mine peril with Bosnian children, confident they will spread the word when he's gone. We're proud to be part of this remarkable alliance of government agencies, non-profit advocacy groups and private industry." CONTACT: Martha Thomases 212/636-5450 +++++ NEW YORK, Oct. 21 /PRNewswire/ -- Marvel Entertainment Group, Inc. (NYSE: MRV) has named Michael Dresner to the newly created position of Executive Vice President, Corporate Development. The announcement was made today by David Schreff, President and Chief Operating Officer, Marvel Entertainment Group, Inc. Dresner will oversee the development of a cohesive branding message through the company's expansion into comic Super Hero theme restaurants, theme parks, touring live-action shows and other media properties. His appointment, effective in November, emphasizes Marvel's strategy to deliver it's renowned characters -- such as Spider-Man, the X-Men, The Incredible Hulk, Captain America and the Silver Surfer -- to mass audiences via fresh and exciting projects. Dresner joins the Marvel Entertainment Group from the National Basketball Association, where he served as Vice President, International Television. He also held a variety of marketing and media development positions during more than six years with the league. Before joining the NBA, Dresner held sales positions at WWOR-TV and Madison Square Garden. "Michael brings to Marvel a wealth of global media knowledge. He understands the interactions between broadcast media, events and marketing partnerships and is a world class brand marketer. He was instrumental in the NBA's success in the global marketplace and will be a key component in Marvel's expansion," Schreff said. +++++ It is being reported in messages from Leonard Kirk that some of the Star Trek titles will be turned over to Mark Paniccia and produced on the West Coast at the Santa Monica office of Marvel West. Paniccia was the main editor on the Malibu version of Deep Space Nine. Star Fleet Academy and Early Voyages which do not require as stringent likeness approvals, will remain in New York. +++++ The Comic Cafe reports that Disney has spent $900,000 (US) to bring Gen-13 to the big screen. We'll be watching for developments. . . +++++ From this week's CSNsider in the Comic Shop News #488, lots of stuff we already told you about, plus . . . King Come will return, in a deluxe hardcover collected edition with a sketch book and twelve new pages. Also a hardcover novel by Elliot Maggin with Ross and Waid will be out next year expanding on the characters and including 8 new paintings by Alex.. AND a new ongoing series written by Mark Waid with Ross consulting and providing covers, interior art by Gene Ha. "KINGDOM" will be set in the DC Universe presenting event s that may or may not lead to Kingdom Come. The bad news is it won't be around until early 1998. . . Homage Comics is a big hit with all three debut issues, Astro City (V2), Leave it to Chance and the Astro City trade paperback all going into second printings. . .(dare I repeat it?) 20th Century Fox has gone into preproduction on Chris Columbus' Fantastic Four movie for a summer 1998 debut . . . an ALL STAR COMICS ARCHIVES is in the works from DC in 1997. . . Hari Kari: The Diary of Kari Sun debuts in January with the two issue about her past, family and foes. . . Alex Ross is doing a two issue prestige series written by Steve Darnall called Uncle Sam for early 1998. . . sources at Marvel say that another venture into the Amalgam Universe with DC is almost certain. ________________________________________________________________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------------- [4] Keep up with DePace by Mike DePace Before I get to my review I would like to respond to Brian Babyok's comments on my review of Body Bags #1 that appeared in CBEM #81. What can I say? I think you basically got the same impression from the book that I did. You just had a more severe attitude towards it. Yes, I did mention some famous media like Stray Bullets, Hitman, & Pulp Fiction. But I did not intend to put Body Bags on the same level. I was merely trying to point a potential reader in the right direction. If my review did otherwise I apologize to the readers of CBEM. Your take on the book was quite interesting - colorful words and analogies. By the way, welcome aboard CBEM. I look forward to reading your reviews in the future. ;^) OK, on to this weeks review. PORTRAIT OF A YOUNG MAN AS A CARTOONIST #1 Hammer & Anvil Press Story/Art: George Komninos Ah yes! Another week of good books. Hello folks! You know, one of my favorite things in the comic world is a good new independent comic book. You know, the ones with the color cover and black and white art work inside. There is something so raw and unpolished about them. Well, this week I saw one issue of Portrait of a Young Man as a Cartoonist on the stands and I couldn't resist. This book gives us an interesting perspective on an artists life in New York. The Story starts off with a brief look at the life of Mark Hampton. He is a somewhat moody comic book artist struggling to break into the business. Upon a visit from his friend, Dan, they begin to discuss the process of an artist getting work. They talk about the quandary of artistic integrity and selling out to get work (in the comic book biz, that is). The story deals with such social issues as pride, desire, deception, and frustration all interwoven through a typical network of friendships and acquaintances. The story moves on to Mark's budding relationship with Susan. She is a co-worker of Mark's at a warehouse. During their conversation she offers some meaningful advice to Mark about life, the unending struggle. She seems more like a philosopher than a warehouse clerk. The dialogue is very conversational, much like you would use in every day life with your friends. But at times, like every day conversation, the dialogue gets kind of mundane. It seems that this book is a product of an artist who wants to write as well. There is nothing wrong with that, many people do it. It just seems that there is a spark missing from the writing. Now on to the artwork. Komninos has his own indy style and I like it. At times it is dark and moody, and that sets the scene well. Some of the panels have terrific detail and the layouts are great. I think the characters' expressionism was a little out of balance with the writing, but that's not a major problem. This book is a 'reality comic' worth looking at. It's similar in genre to Strangers in Paradise but it's got it's own story to tell. However, it has quite a way to go before being in the same caliber as SIP. I think with a little fleshing out of the story and characters this book could have great depth and great demand in the indy community. It really gives us some insight to an artists' hungry years, when they are paying their dues. There is a lot of truth about humanity and relationships in this book. Give it a try. What do you think? Questions? Comments? I'd love to hear from you. Please note the change in my email address - thanks. miked@usaor.net ;^) ________________________________________________________________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------------- [5] WORDS HARD AS STEEL by Brian Babyok Kabuki: Masks of the Noh #3 "The calm before the storm" Writer: David Mack Artists: Rick Mays, Mshindo Kuumba, Caesar, Mike Bair, Buzz, Mike Avon Oeming and Andrew Robinson Pinup by Terry Moore I originally wrote a much longer missive on the greatness of Kabuki and this issue in particular, however I am trimming it down for size and readability. That being said let me give you the skinny in one sentence. Kabuki has been kidnapped, the remaining agents of the Noh are regrouping and preparing to go after Kabuki again. David Mack's Kabuki mythology is one part John Woo, one part Kafka. It can be enjoyed on several levels and often is, it's a synthesis of story and art. Everything that the characters do and everything that you see has a reason. It may only be known to David Mack now, but someday everything will be revealed and then the light bulb in our heads will explode, sending the glass into our brains as we scream out, "Now I understand!". The list of artistic talent alone should be incentive enough for anyone to purchase this book. David Mack recruited some of the industry's finest talent and it shows. Rick Mays handles Scene 1: Scarab, and I must admit that I was sad that we only got six pages. It was Rick's trademark style combining fine art and manga influence into a hybrid that only he can pull off. My favorite page is TigerLily in the bathroom, it captures a moment that very few comics dare to go. The Caesar, Mike Bair combo did a great job on Siamese with a great shot of one of them surrounded by stuffed animals. Ice by Mike Oeming and Snapdragon by Andrew Robinson were also very cool. Then last but certainly not least is a real treat for Strangers in Paradise fans, a pinup by Terry Moore of Kabuki, Francine and Katchoo playing strip poker. Masks of the Noh was a great read for so many reasons, I hope that you take the time to read it. I would love to hear feedback so contact me at: Brian Babyok weirdling1@aol.com ________________________________________________________________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------------- [6] SUSPENDED ANIMATION by Michael Vance FORBIDDEN ADVENTURES: THE HISTORY OF THE AMERICAN COMICS GROUP is the premiere and most extensive history of one comic book publisher ever written, reflecting the reading habits of millions of people of all ages during the seminal Golden and Silver Ages of Comics, 1938 to 1970. This textbook answers several long-standing questions among historians about the relationship of ACG and the largest publisher of comic books at that time, DC. FORBIDDEN ADVENTURES also dispels some long-lived myths about EC Comics and their (in)famous horror titles, while shedding some light on the early history of the most popular art form in the world. As an independent agent, the Sangor Shop began producing comic book material for publishers in 1941 and had grown into ACG by 1946. Never the largest publisher, ACG was nevertheless a microcosm of the industry, publishing titles in every major comics genre. During the Sangor period, many famous characters were created including "The Black Terror", "Pyroman", "The Fighting Yank" and "Supermouse". "Herbie", "Forbidden Worlds" and "Adventures Into the Unknown" (the first horror comic) are the best remembered ACG titles. Many major talents germinated at Sangor and ACG. Ken Platt wrote mystery novels, Norman Fruman wrote a book on Samuel Taylor Coleridge. Harry Lazarus holds many patents and illustrates children's books. Everett Raymond Kinstler's portraits of American Presidents hang in the White House. Hy Eisman writes and draws "The Katzenjammer Kids" and "Popeye". This history surveys the Sangor Shop and ACG, using many primary sources, exclusive interviews and a wealth of information available in the comics themselves. It includes many capsule story summaries from selected titles, Much of editor Richard Hughes' philosophy of writing and producing comics is explored as well as the entire process involved in creating a comic book. It (should have been) released to libraries by Greenwood Publishing Group on July30th, 1996. If you wish to read a copy, call your library today and ask then to order a copy. How do I know so much about FORBIDDEN ADVENTURES? I wrote it. (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] Our Favorite Comic Stores The ComicBook Net These stores have been mentioned by the members of the Comic Book Network as the places they like to shop. We suggest you check them out when in the area and mention you heard about them from the Comic Book Network. Heck, print it out and tell them *hundreds* of people read this mag! (It's true!) Maybe you'll get a free comic! Conway Comics Plus The Comic Book Store Hwy 286 9307 Treasure Hill Road Conway, AR Little Rock, AR Ken's Collectibles Collector's Edition Comics Exit 48 Flea Market 3217 John F Kennedy Blvd Interstate 40 North Little Rock, AR Judsonia, Arkansas Comic Madness The Golden Apple 3277-L Grand Avenue 8962 Reseda Blvd Chino Hills, CA 91709 Northridge, CA 91324 Famous Faces THAT'S ENTERTAINMENT Wickam Rd 244 Park Avenue Melbourne, FL Worcester, MA 01609 Comikazi, Comics, Toys, & Noise THAT'S ENTERTAINMENT 503 State Road 387 Main Street North Dartmouth, MA Fitchburg, MA 01420 Web Head Enterprises Collectors World 353 Main Street 235 Muddy Branch Rd Wakefield, MA 01880 Gaithersburg, MD The Closet Of Comics Brainstorm Comics 7315 Baltimore Avenue (U.S. Route 1) 177B Thomas Johnson Dr. College Park, MD 20740 Frederick, MD Paperback Bazaar The Card Buck 120 Tri-City Plaza 68 Partition Street Somersworth, NH Saugerties, NY 12477 The Comic Empire Of Tulsa World of Comics 3122 S. Mingo 5623 E 41st Tulsa, OK 74146 Tulsa, OK Memphis Comics & Records 665 S Highland Memphis, TN Myth Adventures EG Comics 3000 N. 10th 142 Maple Ave McAllen, TX Vienna VA 22180 The Spiders Web Lady Jayne's Comics & Books 729 River Road 5969 6th Avenue Puyallup, Washington 98371 Tacoma, Washington 98406 ________________________________________________________________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------------- [8] My View by David LeBlanc The Copybook Tales #2 24pages B&W $2.95 ($3.95 CAN) Slave Labor Graphics 979 S. Bascom Ave., San Jose, CA 95128 Words: J. Torres [copybook@cam.org] Pictures: Tim Levins "Kitsch in Synch" You open this comic and you wonder if you have the wrong insides to the book. A strangely familiar dynamic duo pulls up to a building marked in bold graphitti, "THIS IS NOT A CRIMINAL HIDEOUT." As far as a super hero parody goes, those two pages are great, and of course are a sample of the comic that Jamie and Thatcher, our heroes, are creating. I won't spoil the rest of the gags but you will enjoy their sense of humor. The next page we see them discussing their work, and the basic tangled anatomy question that has been posed to fans of Todd McFarlane (can a human body really pose like that?) is researched with humorous results. Copybook Tales is two stories told at once. One is of two young adults trying to break into the comic book business and the other the early life of the writer, Jamie, and his high school friends as they make their way through their teen years. Often those earlier tales revolve around the fact that Jamie is keeping a log, his copybook of the days of his youth. Sometimes those entries are stories in flash back that relate to current events. This time he is going to a Halloween party with Thatcher and their two friends and the copybook tale of another costume party is interlaced along the way. In high school Jamie, and the three Mike's plan to go as a musical group, but somehow everyone thinks they are the G.I. Joes (trust me it is funny) In the present Vero and Bernie tease Jamie for always relating everything to comics and superheroes, especially for picking the Superman costume to go to a costume party based on Broadway Hits. He and Thatcher decide to instead go as a famous play and the gag is a pretty good one I must admit. This is the basic premise of both stories, these guys going to costume parties and the interactions, fears and doubts of the male female courting rituals. The shy guy who can't bring himself to ask the girl to dance. The common error of meeting someone too good to be true and finding out things are not as they seem. It is all told with a great sense of humor and a knack for hitting that chord of a familiar experience and a true to life memory. It is easy for me to relate to the times and experiences of the high school kids and the subplot of the comic creating is fun because it brings in bits and pieces of the hobby I enjoy so much. This is such a delightful comic because it does not need the elements of fantasy or science fiction or crime drama to make it entertaining. It is true to life and something the reader can easily relate to, even if they hardly read comics at all. The art by Levins is a perfect match for the story. The "Maskman" introduction grabs you right away and then the flow into the real world is all the more pleasing. He has the story teller touch going from panel to panel smoothly and giving each character a unique look. I often wonder how close the story of Jamie and Thatcher is to the story of J. and Tim, or at least if they look like that. This is the second issue after some highly praised mini comic issues. J. Torres has written reviews for us before and it is nice to see such a enjoyable work get larger exposure in a regular size comic. Maybe sometime if he gets a chance he will tell us what it is like to be in the *BIG* time now ! Needless to say this one is highly recommended! ________________________________________________________________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------------- [9] New Comic Book Releases List by Charles LePage ncrl@fair.net NCRL: New Comic Book Releases List for Wednesday, October 30, 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 Gravediggers #4 (of 4), 2.95 ARCHIE Archie Digest #145, 1.79 Betty & Veronica Spectacular #21, 1.50 Cheryl Blossom Goes Hollywood #2 (of 3), 1.50 Sonic: The Death Egg Saga #2 (of 3), 1.50 BIG Neil Gaiman's Lady Justice #7, 2.25 BONGO Simpsons #25, 2.25 BROADWAY Star Seed #9, 2.95 BYRON PREISS 6 Lethal Origins #1 (of 3), 2.50 Suit #1 (of 3), 2.5 They Call Me The Skul CD ROM Comics Pack, 9.95 CHAOS Evil Ernie: Youth Gone Wild TPB (AA), 9.95 COMIC SHOP NEWS Comic Shop News #489, free CRUSADE Shi: Way Of The Warrior #10, 2.95 DARK HORSE Adventures Of The Mask #10, 2.50 Aliens: Nightmare Asylum TPB #2, 16.95 Fax From Sarajevo TPB, 24.95 Usagi Yojimbo #6, 2.95 DC Catwoman #40, 1.95 Essential Vertigo: Swamp Thing #2,1.95 Flash #120, 1.75 Green Lantern Gallery #1 (of 1), 3.50 Hardware #46, 2.5 Icon: A Heroes Welcome TPB, 12.95 Justice League: A Midsummers Nightmare TPB, 8.95 Legion Of Super Heroes #87, 2.25 Legion Of Super Heroes Archives Vol. #6, 49.95 Mythos: The Final Tour #1 (of 3), 5.95 Robin Plus #1, 2.95 Spectre #48, 2.25 Superman Man Of Steel #63 (resolicited), 1.95 Teen Titans #3, 1.95 Wonder Woman #116, 1.95 Worlds Finest: Superboy/Robin #1 (of 2), 4.95 DIAMOND Previews Vol. VI #11, 2.75 FANTAGRAPHICS Coventry #1 , 3.95 Pie #1, 2.95 HIGH IMPACT Double Impact #2 (AA), 2.95 HOMAGE Leave It To Chance #2, 2.50 IMAGE Allegra #3, 2.50 Backlash #25, 3.95 Big Bang Comics #5, 2.95 Brass #1 (Folio Edition), 4.50 Distant Soil #16, 2.95 DV8 #2, 2.50 Shattered Image #3, 2.50 Stormwatch #41, 2.50 Wetworks #22, 2.50 KITCHEN SINK Crow: Wild Justice #1, 2.95 KRAUSE Comic Buyer's Guide #1199, 2.95 LIGHTNING Catfight: Escape From Limbo #1 (platinum)(signed) 19.95 Creed: Cranial Disorder #1 (platinum)(signed), 19.95 Sinja: Resurrection #1 (signed)(platinum), 19.95 MARVEL Magneto #2 (of 4), $1.95 Marvel Vision Catalogue #13, 1.50 Prime Vol. II #13, 1.50 Silver Surfer #123, $1.50 Spider-Man Team-Up #5 (w/Howard The Duck), 2.95 Venom: Tooth & Claw #1 (of 3), $1.95 MAXIMUM Avengelyne #7, 2.99 SLAVE LABOR Hearts Of Africa: Trials, 14.95 Replacement God #6, 2.95 Skeleton Key #16, 1.75 TOP COW Witchblade #10, 2.50 TOPPS Hercules: The Legendary Journeys #4, 2.95 VEROTIK Goth TPB, 9.95 Jaguar God #5, 2.95 Satanika #5, 2.95 VIZ Battle Angel Alita Part VII #1 (of 8), 2.95 Bio Booster Armor Guyver Part V #6 (of 7), 2.95 Return Of Lum Part III #6 (of 11), 2.95 WIZARD Wizard Guide #64, 4.55 ________________________________________________________________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------------- [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!! With great power comes no appreciable increase in intelligence.