---------------------------------------------------------------------- Ed Dukeshire and Mike Imboden Present: THE COMIC BOOK NET ELECTRONIC MAGAZINE ISSUE NUMBER 218 6/11/99 Edited by: David LeBlanc - ComicBkNet@aol.com FREE VIA EMAIL SINCE FEBRUARY 1995 ______________________________________________________________________ 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! [3] TRIVIA CONTEST ........................ Win *real* prizes! [4] Network Buzz .......................... News, gossip & rumors [5] Ramblings `99 ......................... Rich Johnston [6] Tony Isabella's Journal ............... Tony Isabella [7] Interview with Matt Pasteris .......... Paul Dale Roberts [8] You Be The Judge Of That .............. Jason J. Larsen [9] Stranger in a Strange Land ............ Jennifer M. Contino [10] Some Pages, A Cover, and A Few Staples. Marlan Harris [11] Venting My Spleen ..................... David Groenewegen [12] Can't See The Forest .................. Alan J. Porter [13] M.O.E. Reviews ........................ Paul Dale Roberts [14] My View: MOJO MECHANICS.- DREAMWALKER.. David LeBlanc [15] New Comic Book Releases List .......... Charles LePage [16] HYPE! Section ......................... Various [A] Submission, Subscriptions, Back Issues, Copyrights, BBS Info ______________________________________________________________________ World Wide Web Home Page-->> http://members.aol.com/ComicBkNet HTML WEB EDITION at -->> http://www.digitalwebbing.com/cbem featuring the exclusive comic strip: HEROES RERUN by Johnny Gonzales & a week's worth of the strip: Steve Conley's ASTOUNDING SPACE THRILLS ----------------------------------------------------------------------- o \o/ _ o _| \ / |_ o_ \o/ o /|\ | /\ _\o \o | o/ O/_ /\ | /|\ / \ / \ |\ /) | ( \ /o\ / ) | (\ / | / \ / \ ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 with the word SUBSCRIBE in the SUBJECT to be placed on the FREE subscription list. To drop it use UNSUBSCRIBE as a SUBJECT. See section [A] for the address to mail material to be reviewed. ______________________________________________________________________ All text contained within is copyrighted to the originating author(s). Except where elsewhere noted, The Comic Book Net Electronic Magazine is Copyright 1999 by The ComicBook Network. You may freely distribute or retransmit this file intact without alteration for noncommercial purposes only. Except for personal archiving, permission must be obtained from the individual authors to reproduce, retransmit, or publish any part of this magazine. ______________________________________________________________________ ----------------------------------------------------------------------- [1] On the Net David LeBlanc "On the road again . . ." This news just as I typed the finishing touches of the Emag. DeForest Kelly, Dr. "Bones" McCoy of the original STAR TREK series, died today at the age of 79. I'll be the first to say it . . He's dead Jim. Yes, coming to you from the great Northwest this is the second of two traveling editions of the E-mag. Unfortunately, not all the usual things can be taken care of while I travel. Somehow the `NUFF SAID Real Audio file was messed up and the best I could do was link it to be downloaded rather than stream online. Ed Menje helped me to correct that problem but the 7Meg ram file is now missing from the web site. I do not have it with me so I will have to correct that when I get back from this trip. Sorry for any of you who wanted to hear this program but it will be fixed soon. These should be on the racks this week for you to choose - DC COMICS Hourman #5, 2.50 Legionnaires #74, 2.50 Martian Manhunter #9, 1.99 Plastic Man Special #1, 3.95 Stars And Stripe #1, 2.50 Superman Last God Of Krypton, 4.95 IMAGE COMICS Clockwork Angels GN, 9.95 Monster Fighters Inc #1, 2.95 INSIGHT STUDIOS GROUP Liberty Meadows #1, 2.95 <-----Pick of the Week! MARVEL COMICS Iron Man #19, 1.99 As I said, I am traveling on business, heading back to New England on the silver bird on Saturday AM - which means I will be in the air all day since there is a 3 hour time change. This Thursday I was in the Portland area for a day and did not realize what was there until I looked at the map heading to the business appointment in one of the suburbs. I saw the name Milwaukie and it hit me - that is where Dark Horse Comics is! I barely had time to detour through the town on the way to the airport and snap a picture of the building - proof I was there. That and finding a Darth Maul action figure in L.A. for only $6.79 (a gift for #1 son) helped to make up for the hassles traveling on business brings. Next week, back to normal and tomorrow a nice long plane ride to catch up on my comic reading. See you in seven. 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 may be used in future issues of CBEM unless you specifically request us NOT to use them. Your Email address and/or name will be withheld upon request. +++++ From: schung1968@juno.com Subject: Stranger In A Strange Land David, I just read Jen's intriguing column on the fates of various super-heroines vs super-heroes in comics and would like to comment. She points out that certain super-heroines have been maimed, depowered, killed, raped, or have sacrificed their powers for a male super-hero (when?). Let's see: Aquaman was recently maimed. Superman was de-powered. Bucky was killed, as was Menthor (?) of The Thunder Agents, while saving his teammates from a trap. Ar-Val was turned into a statue as he transferred his Kryptonian abilities to a powerless Superman in Pre-Crisis History. During Byrne's run on W.W., Donna Troy was revealed to be a copy of Diana, than a real person. In order to restore a comatose Donna, Wonder Woman used her magic lasso on Wally West and Donna, doing selective memory surgery and returning Donna to the living (?) Now, she has a new costume, but no heroine name, as of yet. Maybe we'll find out that this was a ruse, as well. Jen mentioned that Carol Danvers became an alcoholic during Busiek's run on The Avengers. It could be mentioned that due to the amount of harsh experiences that she's been through, perhaps she was a casual drinker, like Logan (healing factor not included) or Nick Fury, and didn't notice her problem. On the other hand, I can see how this could be seen as abrupt. Ms. Marvel (Warbird) isn't the only Avenger who's had a bout with the bottle. Tony Stark got into it during David Micheline's memorable run on the title, and had decided to become Iron Man full-time. Later, Rhodey took over for a time, and was shot by Kathy Dare, resulting in paralysis. Over time, Tony regained his mobility and recovered. Perhaps he can earn an honorary place on the Super-Heroine Web Site. Let's not forget the shrapnel that he once had, it was removed and he was given an artificial heart. Wotta guy. In the "Whom The Gods Would Destroy" Graphic Novel by Jim Shooter, Don Perlin, and Vinnie Colleta, Don Blake is attempting to come to terms with his dual identity. The story begins in a bar, where Sif finds him and tries to persuade him to accept his magical walking stick. Perhaps he was on his way to a drinking problem, perhaps not. Thor/Blake had a girlfriend, who his father rejected and placed elsewhere, only to reappear on the verge of death, where Sif transferred her life-energy and becoming one with her. Sif sacrificed her life and powers for the man she loved, proving Jen's hypothesis of the super-heroine doing so for the benefit of her male counterpart. Thor, of course, has had his powers removed by Big Daddy Odin on numerous occasions, and perhaps the Son of Odin can gain Valhalla in Gale's website, next to Shell-Head. Wonder Man gained his powers from the experiments of Baron Zemo, he got killed, brought back to "life" as a being of ionic energy, died once more, and is now back, due largely in part to The Scarlet Witch's love for him. Again, proving Jen's hypothesis, but in a productive way. Can Simon have a spot, as well? Cap lost Sharon Carter in 1979, only to have her re-surface during Waid's run on Cap. At the end of the current issue, she disappears again? I dunno. Super-heroines tend to sacrifice themselves in a blaze of glory: Supergirl during The Crisis, Phoenix in X-Men #137, leaving their friends to mourn their passing. The Flash also died in Crisis, Thunderbird died in The New X-Men's early mission, comparable events. Aunt May died in Amazing Spider-Man #400, but now she's back, thanks to Mr. Byrne and Howard Mackie. She'll out-live us all! +++++ From: "Jason James Larsen" I got this letter and never saw it in print in the e-mag. I think the e-mail glich you had got it a couple of weeks back. Anyway you can print it if you want to either way I responded in my column this week. Thanks, Jason Larsen > > This message is almost entirely devoted to Jason Larsen's comments on Nova. > I've cc'd him as well. I'd love to know if Erik responded to your > criticism, Jason. > > Roll Call: > > Jason Larsen > > > The reason I'm now officially declaring open season on Erik is his Nova > >series. I will admit before the evil begins that I like some of the Savage > >Dragon issues but not all, and the book isn't for everyone. Since this isn't > >about the Dragon though gloves are off on the rest of > >the section. Nova #1 was a piece of crap! The art was so-so but the plot was > >about the grade of toilet paper. Larsen not only sets the > >character developmentally back past its existence he pushes the whole > >remaining NW cast down with him. > > First the whole plot of Nova killing or maiming an ordinary guy was > >already done in the NW. I believe Fabian wrote a story called "The > >Trial of Marvelboy". In it Marvelboy, now known as Justice, accidentally > >kills his abusive father by pulping him with his power and is sent to the > >Vault. Reusing such a major plot thread of an old series in one related to > >it is a no no. > I was a bit suprised to see this event, which was already a major component of the original NW title, complete with consequences that lasted a long time, in the very first issue of Nova. It makes me wonder if Erik even read any of those books. He must've read a few, because I've read his reactions to how Nova was treated in that book. More on that later. But as for being a no-no, well, it's an interesting concept, despite having already been done in the New Warriors, Freak Force, and Savage Dragon:Sex and Violence, among others. It depends on how this one plays out. The basic event is the same, true, but the motivations are somewhat different - Justice defending himself after years of abuse vs Nova defending someone he cared about on the spur of the moment. Vance lashed out too hard because of emotion, but it's not clear whether Nova's fluctuating powers or his feelings caused the hit to be too hard or not. I think there's enough potential difference for it to still be interesting. We'll see what happens next. > >The other gripe is destroying the rest of the New Warriors. > >Night Thrasher would never give such a lame Spiderman power and > >responsibility speech. Ick bad bad bad. > Okay. Didn't seem that bad to me - Thrasher was always the most serious and dedicated, and he laid out his plans pretty no-nonsense and plain. Didn't seem out of character to me. Or cliche-ridden. Correct me if I'm wrong, but wasn't the jist of the speech "I'm not getting done what I set out to do in the NW, I can accomplish more as a business man than a Super Hero?" I thought he had a good point about not accomplishing anything by busting heads at the street level. > >Next bad > >play was to mutate blue skinned Nita back to pink skinned Nita. I would like > >to see the old Nita too but not is such a dumb way. > What's dumb? - we don't even know what's happening to her yet. And how do you? You haven't even read #1 yet (or have you just not bought it?) I don't understand what you're criticizing if you haven't read it. And if you have, I don't understand why just having her mutate is any dumber than any other way for her to get back to pink skin. > > >Her dialogue was corny > >and Rich would never turn away in disgust. The two have gone through so much for each other story wise they are like the Ross and Rachael of the MU. How do you know what they would and wouldn't do? I read NW too - Rich's reaction seemed very harsh and insensitive, but not unreasonable. It's not clear to me what the current status of Rich and Nita is, and we just saw him coming on pretty strong to his high school sweetheart. Compound that with the fact that you have an oozing, possibly contagious woman confessing her total love and immediate overwhelming neediness for him while his interest is focused on another; is his hesitation that tough to understand? He didn't get a chance to apologize, either - she shut him down pretty quick. > > The only thing missing was him giving it any thought later in the issue. Which he should've given his past with her. The Nova I read in #1 was someone who had completely moved on from Nita, and if that's the case, it would be nice to see that addressed more. I'm expecting this to happen. But I'm sure you won't like it,even if it does. > > >Erik > >only has Rage, Speedball and Power Pax left to dink with. > > I am not against Erik Larsen the creator. I am against Erik Larsen the > >writer who ignores established character histories that he writes > >about. I think that maybe Erik has been working on the SD for so long that > >he has forgotten how to function in a universe ruled by boundaries and > >parameters. If he would just work with the history instead of around or over > >it his work would I bet be really good. I know Erik has the potential to be > >a really good writer for Marvel. > Okay, Erik has stated that he hates the changes Nova was put through as a character in the NW. Your beef should be just as strong with the writers of the original New Warriors for changing Nova so much from his solo book, but instead you've canonized them and think that any deviations from their characterizations are bad. This happens so often when a new writer takes over a book or character, I'm amazed you still read comics. I hope they get as much grief from you when it happens. > > The things you are the most angry about are no worse than, say, the changes when Peter David made to folks like Polaris and the Multiple Man when he took over writing X Factor a few years ago. I don't think too many people jumped up and down and said how those changes proved that Peter David was a lousy writer. The real problem is that you don't like what Larsen has done with the characters, and/or don't like his writing style. Too bad, because Nova is his book now. Hopefully you'll find whatever it is that you're looking for in the new New Warriors book. Because based on what you've said here, I don't see anything Erik ever does in Nova actually pleasing you. > > --------- SPOILER Warning!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! > After Erik is done with the current revamping of the old Megaton story > lines and worked them into current continuity, what's next? There are big > changes happening - According to CSN, Smasher's Dead, Angel is now his > daughter (well-adjusted to Mommy dead and her step Daddy dating, too) and > he's retired and doing commercials. That seems so drastic and permanent - > where can the book go from there? > > I cannot defeat him - I can only kill him, and that... no longer interests me. > spam > > Joe Spampinato spam@aw.sgi.com > "Sex is one of the most beautiful and natural > things that money can buy." -- Steve Martin +++++ Subj: CBEM mail From: barrett@mitec.net (Dee Barrett) There were several creators in the GA who had better deals than S & S. Simon and Kirby owned several of their books outright (Fighting American, Boys Ranch, etc). Eisner had a deal where all the rights to The Spirit reverted back to him after the insert was canceled. Harvey Kurtzman somehow owns all of the "Hey Look!" one-pagers that ran in Timely(Marvel)Comics back in the forties. So there are exceptions to the rule. The sad fact is that the publisher's held all the cards back then. DC had to be publicly embarrassed to get them to do any thing about Siegel and Shuster. And don't even get me going about how Marvel treated Jack Kirby! +++++ Subj: Would Siegal & Schuster have signed with Platinum? From: Crucialcg After reading the series of responses to Robert Scott's statements about Siegal & Schuster and the piece on Platinum Studios in the same issue of CBEM, I felt compelled to comment on the subject of artist's rights. As an artist and holder of several copyrights, the notion of someone not being compensated fairly for their efforts is always unsettling. Although I have never personally lost an entire concept or character do to an unfair contractual arrangement, my work has been bootlegged on a large scale in the US and abroad. I can tell you that it is not a pleasant experience. In 1986 I created a series of dinosaur characters called Saurus®. You may recall Partyasaurus, Shopasaurus, Beachasaurus, etc., appeared on T-shirts, coffee mugs, beach towels and hundreds of other items. In all my dealings with manufacturers of licensed merchandise, publishers or entertainment companies, there was never an attempt by any of them to wrest copyright control of my creation. But, they were not all going to willing offer the best possible arrangement for me. That became my responsibility. To weigh each offer, who was making the offer, and how it would effect my financial future. Siegal & Schuster are historically important to us because Superman is such a colassal icon in comics. And sadly, that the creators lost or gave up their rights to that character. Could they have worked a better deal? Was the publisher "unethical" as some have claimed? Not having been in the creators' or publisher's shoes fifty years ago, I have no real way of knowing. But maybe Siegal & Schuster have left creators everywhere a story more compelling than that of The Man of Steel himself. And that is that no one can take what is yours unless you let them. We have the right to sign away all or part of anything we create. We are free to take the first offer that comes our way, no matter how inequitable it may seem. Free to want immortality in the form of a character that will possibly be seen and loved by countless generations to come. Free to feel we are entitled to a phat lifestyle as a result of our efforts, and that now is a perfectly good time to cash in. Whereas Siegal & Schuster were probably motivated by a sense of job security in uncertain times, we are subject to temptations that Superman's creators could never have imagined. We live in a day and age where creativity can be a highly compensated, rare commodity. Today's scribbles can become tomorrow's blockbuster film or hot toy line. The promise of such fortune can easily sew the seeds of misguided decisions that will haunt a creator all the days of his life. I would urge all creators to think of Siegal & Schuster before signing anything that remotely looks like a contract. I think we owe them that much, for the lesson they have left us. Cliff Galbraith Creator of Rat Bastard Crucial Comics www.crucialcomics.com +++++ From: Sewellart@aol.com Hello! My name is Paul Kent Sewell of PKS CoMiX! I'm a self comics creator, and I'm just writing to let you know about the world of PKS comix, and to experience it for yourself, with the release of the comic I am currently working on. The Sci Fi adventure comic will be out in early August, and I would like for you to have a chance to get a FREE copy. I'm giving away 20 FREE copies to the first 20 requests I get. All others can still get the book at a big discount. When you receive the book in August, write me back, and give me your comments. All comments I receive help to make me a better comics creator. Thanks for taking the time to read this open letter. To see a preview of the forcoming comic, click on the inserted web page below featuring the comic's title. Thanks again, and I hope to hear from you. Many Thanks, Paul Kent Sewell PrETTy PoISoN in ThE BaTTleZoNE PKS CoMiX! +++++ From: "J.Torres" Subject: Fw: [Hype] Monster Fighters Inc. #1 Finally! After some technical difficulties at the printers, computer problems at the studio, and some personal scheduling conflicts... MONSTER FIGHTERS INC. #1 is due in stores this Wednesday, June 9th. Please be on the lookout for it! Because of this delay, the release of our second issue is being pushed back to August. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause our fans and retailers. For more information on MONSTER FIGHTERS published by Image Comics, please visit: www.monsterfighters.com A preview of the first issue can be found at: www.monsterfighters.com/preview.html so please take a look and let us know what you think. Thank you for your attention. J.Torres Writer: Copybook Tales, Siren, Monster Fighters Inc. http://members.tripod.com/~jspot +++++ Subj: 'Nuff Said! radio show info 'Nuff Said!, the comic book interview/talk show, is on the air for a full hour every Tuesday at 10 PM on WBAI-FM, 99.5 in the New York City metropolitan area. And, hopefully, on the internet at www.2600.com Tuesday, June 15, 1999 - Denny O'Neil. Acclaimed writer for Charlton, Marvel and DC, current editor of the Batman books, writing teacher. We'll talk about the "relevance era," and writing & editing in general among other things. Tuesday, June 22, 1999 - Bill Schelly, author of the "Golden Age of Comics Fandom" and editor/publisher of the fanzine "Sense of Wonder." We'll discuss the origins of comics fandom and its evolution. 'Nuff Said! is itself a descendant of fanzines. Listener phone calls as well. Tuesday, June 29, 1999 - Lou Small, Jr. Vampirella artist with the super-detailed pencils and excellent use of light and darkness; artist for Defiant and Valiant. Tuesday, July 6, 1999 - No guest. Phone calls from the listeners. (212) 209-2900 Tuesday, July 13, 1999 - Irv Novick. He started his comic book career with the Chesler studio and MLJ back in 1939, but is probably best known for his work on Batman and The Flash in the early '70s. Your phone calls, too. WBAI-FM, 99.5, is a 50,000 watt station broadcast from the Empire State Building. Our signal usually gets out to New Haven, CT; Westhampton, L.I.; the Poconos of Pennsylvania, Orange County, NY and Trenton & Princeton, NJ. The show covers the entire world of comics: golden age, silver age, contemporary, mainstream, independent, underground, foreign, strips and fandom. Hosted by Ken Gale (interviewer) and Ed Menje (Engineer). WBAI is a Pacifica Network station (if your local station carries any Pacifica programming (such as "Democracy Now" and Gary Null), they might be able to get 'Nuff Said! as well). WBAI, 120 Wall St., 10th flr, New York, NY 10005. --Ken Gale, interviewer and co-host ______________________________________________________________________ ----------------------------------------------------------------------- [3] [TRIVIA CONTEST] **THE FIRST PLACE TO FIND THE EMAG EACH WEEK IS ON OUR HOME PAGE!** IF YOU ARE DESPERATE TO WIN THE TRIVIA, GO THERE FIRST ON FRIDAY NIGHT http://members.aol.com/ComicBkNet/emag.htm QUESTION OF THE WEEK (Prizes donated by THAT'S ENTERTAINMENT - Worcester, MA) (DC COMICS & DIAMOND COMIC DISTRIBUTORS, INC.) +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.+ LAST ISSUE'S QUESTION OF THE WEEK: What fan favorite writer used to be a supporting cast member to Supergirl in her 80's Chicago adventures, in fact hitting on Linda Danvers in nearly every issue? The answer is none other than John Ostrander . . . and since no one got it, Mr. Rogers wins the prize! +++++++++++++++++++++++++++ THIS WEEK'S TRIVIA QUESTION: For which TV show did Mike Kaluta design an aircraft? 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! Messages with more than one guess will be disqualified. LIMIT: ONE PRIZE PER MONTH PER PERSON! ______________________________________________________________________ ----------------------------------------------------------------------- [4] Network Buzz News, gossip and rumors from around the industry Comic Book Writer Paul Newman Dies COLUMBIA, Md. (AP) -- Paul S. Newman, who was so prolific a comic-book writer that he got listed in the Guinness Book of World Records, has died. He was 75. The cause of Newman's death May 30 was a heart attack, according to Newman's son, Peter. Newman wrote scripts for Superman, Mighty Mouse, The Lone Ranger and Jungle Jim comic books, among others. Beginning in 1947, he wrote more than 4,100 published stories totaling about 36,000 pages, the equivalent of 120 mystery novels. His stories included dialogue and panel-by-panel descriptions of what the artist was supposed to draw. ``To get my 4,000-plus stories approved, I had to submit another 5,000 plots that were not approved,'' he said. ``In the old days, you wrote a comic book for about $10 a page or about $300 an issue. I'm not a millionaire but I made a very good living.'' In 1993, the comic-book historian Robin Snyder named Newman King of the Comic Book Writers. The Guinness book listed him as most prolific comic book writer under a headline, ``Lots of plots!'' He also wrote a few newspaper comic strips, as well as screenplays and television sketches for such stars as Boris Karloff. Newman was born in Manhattan in 1924 and enrolled at Dartmouth College. He served in World War II. He hoped to be a playwright, but he found he could make a living writing stories for comic books. +++++ We received this message from creator Mark Pacella: TOOTH AND CLAW, an image book by creator Mark Pacella. A three issue origin series that will begin in August, and then ship monthly from September to October. Retailing at 2.95 each 30 page book will be full color. The story is about a prehistoric couple that get technologically reincarnated. When they return in 2002 they find themselves in the forefront of a secret alien invasion. +++++ From THE SPLASH PAGE at http://www.comicon.com/splash/ SPLASH BOTCHES PLATINUM STORY! OOPS! ANOTHER LOOK AT THE PLATINUM DEAL! June 7: Last Friday the SPLASH ran a story on the PLATINUM STUDIOS deal under the headline "PLATINUM SIGNS BIG HOLLYWOOD DEALS, OFFERS SMALL PERCENTAGES TO CREATORS!". We got an immediate call from Lee Nordling over at the PLATINUM offices, telling us we'd misinterpreted their deal and asking us to check it out more closely. Sure enough, it looks like we got it wrong in our intial report! Here are the details: The SPLASH said: "On the publishing end, PLATINUM will not really publish any books. If it succeeds in licensing a property to another publisher it does so under an 80/20 profit split, with 20% going to the Creator." This is incorrect. The Platinum deal actually involves an 80/20 split of "direct market receipts", meaning that the creator would realize 20% of what Diamond paid for the books rather than 20% of whatever profit, if any, the book generated. While we've never seen a publishing deal structured like this, it appears it could be substantially fairer to the creator than what we reported. The SPLASH also said: "It appears that the deals they are offering are non-competitive with other companies such as FULL MOON, MOTOWN, KITCHEN SINK and DARK HORSE that have attempted the same 'comics to film' dynamic. Kitchen Sink reportedly took 40% of any property sold to Hollywood, while Dark Horse and virtually all of the European publishers work a 50-50 split with creators while offering decent page rates and/or publishing advances and no limit on how much a creator might realize from a sale." The SPLASH was incorrectly comparing the apples of comics publishing deals with the oranges of PLATINUM's film production deals. Scott Rosenberg explains the difference this way: "If we acquire a property, it's as a production company with the intent to develop the project for film and television, and if a comic book is not yet published and requires financing, we'll pay all of those costs. As a production company, our entire development staff is geared totally for film and television—we don't even produce comics out of our LA office, which is for development—and we actually produce the picture for the studios or financiers we set the projects up with. In general, (option fees and advances aside), intellectual properties are acquired by production companies for 5% (sometimes 10%) of profits. We generally acquire with a pool of 10% for the creators involved. Thus, if a publishing company offers a 50-50% split to creators and options a property to a third party film or television production company that pays 5%-10% of profits, the creators make 2 1/2%- 5% of profits (as compared to the 10% we offer)." The SPLASH also said, "PLATINUM says page rates will be small and it locks the creator into the above percentages just by signing the Submission Form." While PLATINUM admits advance page rates will be small, they say the signing of the Submission Form "opens the door for Platinum Studios to be able to review material sent by creators. It does not confirm the specific terms of future agreements, as those are negotiated on a case by case basis." While that may be their intent, the Submission Form creators must sign to have their project reviewed does include the phrase: "If we agree to option or acquire your project, Platinum Studios pays 5-10% of Producers Adjusted gross Profits...ranging up to $100,000..." The SPLASH also said: "Platinum caps any advance or purchase price at $100,000." This is a distortion of the actual deal dynamics. Rosenberg explains it this way: "We offer guaranteed advances to creators ranging up to $100,000 for produced pictures (depending upon budgets and individual creator situations). These advances are specifically based not on profits but on items such as timing of release, budgets, and, for TV, it depends on when, where and how many episodes are aired, as there are additional per-episode amounts. There are also additional amounts paid for sequels, remakes and other such productions based on the property (and for TV, spin-offs, TV movies etc). All of this is prior to determining profit - they are guaranteed amounts that are paidd by Platinum to the creators. While we happen to believe in our profit definition, it still is a "back end" position, and we want creators to receive guaranteed payments (other than up front option fees and other bonuses or payments) by the commencement of principal photography. This way, they don't have to wait until Platinum's profits are determined later on, and won't even have to depend upon the existence of profits from the financing studio." The SPLASH regrets the errors and thanks Lee and Scott for being such good sports about it. While our reporting on the PLATINUM (or any other) deals should in no way be seen as advocacy, the SPLASH strives to report the news correctly and when we blow it we'll move quickly to get it right. Scott Rosenberg's complete statement to the SPLASH, which goes into much more detail about the PLATINUM deal, has been posted on the COMICON.COM MESSAGE BOARD for perusal and discussion. Anyone wishing to contact Lee Nordling at PLATINUM, can e-mail him at: lee@platinumstudios.com The SPLASH's earlier recommendation, that creators read ALL contracts carefully, and to ALWAYS pass them on to an agent or entertainment lawyer before signing on, still stands (and goes double for us)! +++++ From: DivaLea@AOL.COM FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Lea Hernandez wants to win BIG BUCKS for CBLDF For about three months now, Lea Hernandez has maintained the DivaLea mailing list at divalea@ONElist.com, described as "a journal straight from the toy-infested loft of graphic novelist and illustrator Lea Hernandez...a tasty feed of regular updates on Lea's current and forthcoming projects, musings on chocolate, chicken, drawing and comics!" Subscribers have enjoyed inside info on new projects, the release date of Lea's new graphic novel CLOCKWORK ANGELS, and trip reports about LuluCon and Project: A-Kon. But, until June 19th, joining "DivaLea" could also help Hernandez win $5,000. for her favorite charity, and she has designated the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund (www.cbldf.org), which "exists to fight censorship and defend the first amendment rights of comic book professionals throughout the United States." ONElist's "Grow to Give" Program will donate $5,000 to each of two charities chosen by the two communities that grow their membership the most by June 19th. The community that grows the most in new and confirmed ONElist subscribers and the community that grows the most as a percentage basis of new and confirmed ONElist subscribers will each choose a recipient charity. Persons wanting to participate with Hernandez in this effort for the CBLDF can go to http://www.onelist.com/subscribe/divalea and fill out the form. As Hernandez puts it, "This is a really easy way to get money to an organization crucial to comics creators, retailers and readers. Besides doing something potentially great for the CBLDF, you'll get an entertaining monthly-or-so update from me, and no evil email spam whatsoever." +++++ AMAZING MONTAGE'S TRIPLE-DARE! Amazing Montage Press announces a new CBLDF benefit publication, a new website, and the return of a popular internet news column. With 24 contributors on 20 comics stories, the 192-page squarebound book MURDER BY CROWQUILL is the largest mystery comics anthology ever produced! MURDER BY CROWQUILL is a benefit book for the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund. All profits from the sale of the book will be donated to the fund. The CBLDF is a non-profit organization that provides legal assistance and information pertaining to first amendment and censorship issues for comic-book professionals. MURDER BY CROWQUILL should arrive today in stores that ordered it through Diamond Comics Distributors. The anthology is also available through the new Amazing Montage website, http://members.tripod.com/~amazingmontage which premieres today. The website features: --Amazing Montage magazine, with new reviewws of WHITEOUT, VOYEUR, and SCENE OF THE CRIME. This will be an ongoing comics magazine with interviews, features, and reviews. --Indypreviews news on upcoming comics (seee below) --Online comics --An interactive mystery thriller --Sections on comics theory and the mysteryy genre --Links to over 400 comics publishers --Amazing Montage Press, including * A five-part section on our latest release, MURDER BY CROWQUILL * A complete catalog of all our titles and discount packages * Online credit card processing through CCNOW. The website has an uncluttered design, but actually contains over 90 screens! Also, after a one-month hiatus, Indypreviews is returning to publication as part of the Amazing Montage website. Indypreviews provides a preview of upcoming independent comics being solicited each month. It is based on the distributor catalog from Diamond, COMICON.COM's Connect Sales Directory, and other information sources. The books listed can usually be preordered from your local comics shop Joe Zabel Amazing Montage Press P. O. Box 18959 Cleveland Hts. OH 44118-0959 joezabel@hotmail.com http://members.tripod.com/~amazingmontage +++++ SPX: THE COMIC RETURNS! This August, the Small Press Expo will unveil the latest and greatest in small press anthologies -- "SPX 99: The Comic." Featuring a who's who of the burgeoning small press and self-publishing scene, this collection is wrapped in a new "Jay and Silent Bob" cover from Matt Wagner. Altogether, it's 200 pages of high quality sequential entertainment for the unbelievably low price of only $5.00. And like previous SPX volumes, all proceeds from "SPX 99: The Comic" benefit the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund. However, due to a technical error, Wagner's cover art for "SPX 99: The Comic" was not included the June issue of Diamond's "Previews" for items shipping in August. A full description of the book appears under the Small Press Expo listing on page 296, and the item code is JUN991560. For those wishing to see Wagner's cover, it's up the CBLDF web-site at http://www.cbldf.org. Over the years, the Small Press Expo has raised more than $15,000 in support of the CBLDF's mission to protect and promote free speech in comics. This year's Expo (September 17-19 in Bethesda, MD) and "SPX 99: The Comic" will continue that tradition with an even more diverse array of comics talent. The 1999 comic includes new stories and strips from Jim Mahfood, Brian Ralph, Dean Haspiel, James Kochalka, Rachel Hartman, Jordan Crane, Bob Fingerman, John Hastings, Nick Bertozzi, Steve Conley, and many more. "SPX 99: The Comic" is a 200-page square-bound book with a full-color cover retailing for $5.00. It's an outstanding read and an outstanding way to support the Fund. Fans of comic innovation should ask for it by name at their local comic shop. Retailers can order it directly from Cold Cut, Diamond, FM International, Bud Plant, and other distributors of fine sequential art. The Comic Book Legal Defense Fund is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization preserving the First Amendment rights of the comics community. Donations and inquiries can always be sent directly to the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund at P.O. Box 693, Northampton, MA 01061. Be sure to check out Busted! or http://www.cbldf.org for more CBLDF news. For additional information contact Chris Bleistein at (413) 586-6967 or cbldf@compuserve.com ********************************************************* Chris Bleistein - Assistant Director Comic Book Legal Defense Fund P.O. Box 693, Northampton, MA 01061 413-586-6967 Voice 413-582-9046 Fax web: http://www.cbldf.org e-mail: cbldf@compuserve.com ********************************************************* +++++ Film Roman Set to Bring the Fabulous Furry Freak Brothers From Comic Pages to Big Screen; Rapidly Growing Film Division Animates to Life Legendary Underground Comic Book Series HOLLYWOOD--(ENTERTAINMENT WIRE)--June 11, 1999--Continuing to build upon its development slate for 1999, Film Roman Inc. (NASDAQ:ROMN) ("The Simpsons," "King of the Hill") has formed a joint venture with Gilbert Shelton to develop the animated feature film "The Fabulous Furry Freak Brothers," based upon the wildly popular comic book series of the same name. The comic book series was created by legendary underground artist and comic book illustrator Shelton. Film Roman's President and Chief Executive Officer David Pritchard and Mitchell Solomon, president of Feature Films, made the announcement Friday. "The Fabulous Furry Freak Brothers" is the latest title to be added to Film Roman's rapidly growing feature film development slate, which already includes the comedy films "My First Mister," to be directed by Christine Lahti and scripted by Jill Franklyn, and Robert Reece's "Asphault 101," which Film Roman is co-developing with Destination Film. "The Fabulous Furry Freak Brothers" tells the stories and the antics of three loveable hippie brothers: cowboy-hatted Freewheeling Frank, mad-inventor Phineas, and Fat Freddy, as well as Fat Freddy's cat, described as meaner than Garfield, smarter than Felix, randier than Fritz and a better mouser than Tom. Film Roman has tapped a veteran team to helm this project with Emmy Award-winning "Simpsons" director Mike B. Anderson slated to direct the script he has been developing with the Film Roman team. "Since 1967, `The Fabulous Furry Freak Brothers' have been providing comic book readers with hilarious fun and adventure," commented Anderson. "Now we're bringing these pranksters and their timeless humor to the big screen in a movie that is certain to entertain hippies, ex-hippies, would-be hippies, and new and established audiences of all ages. We are committed to preserving the authenticity of `Fabulous Furry Freak Brothers' and will continue to work closely with Gilbert Shelton as we bring their project to the screen." Commenting on the rapidly growing feature film development slate at Film Roman, Pritchard added: "This is another of numerous feature films we will put into development over the next several months that include both animated and live-action projects. We are in development on `Asphault 101' with Destination Film and are currently casting for `My First Mister' and hope to begin production in fall '99." Shelton first penned the Freak Bros. in 1967; he then went on to publish it in various underground newspapers around the United States, including The Los Angeles Free Press. After Shelton collected enough pages, the first Freak Bros. comic book was published by Rip Off Press in 1970, and went on to become the best-selling underground comic book of all times selling more than 1 million copies in the first year. Currently, Film Roman is producing the mega-hit shows "The Simpsons" and "King of the Hill" for 20th Century Fox Television, "The Downtowners" for Warner Bros. Network, and is in production on "Johnny Tsunami," a live-action movie for The Disney Channel. Additionally, Film Roman has a number of live-action and animated feature films and television programs in active development. +++++ From Comics 2 Film at http://www.comics2film.com X-Men ----- Ever since he's been cast as Sabretooth in the X-Men movie Fans have been dying to know what Tyler Mane looks like. Aside from assurances by our source at Donner/Shuler-Donner that "he looks like Sabretooth" we've had little to go on. Now, Kevin Pitman, proprietor of the An Unofficial "X-Men: The Movie" Page has blown away the veil of invisibility that has prevented fans from getting a look at the wrestler-turned-actor. Mike Kahn, creator of the X-Men Movie Cast Page passed the pictures on to us. Thanks to Kevin and Mike we now have pictures of Mane from his early days at World Championship Wrestling. Curious readers can visit any of the sites below to view the pictures: http://members.xoom.com/thexmenmovie/xmen.htm http://members.tripod.com/mck84/Xcast.html http://www.comics2film.com Comics 2 Film recently placed a call to our source at Donner/Shuler-Donner to check for any breaking stories on the X-Men production. Our source was shaking his head over the plethora of rumors that had been surfacing on the internet as of late. He did admit that the talk of Dougray Scott (Ever After) in negotiations for Wolverine is definitely legit. He told us that a deal with Scott is very close. He also emphasized that Russell Crowe (L.A. Confidential) is out of the picture and has been for months. They definitely were interested at one point, but it didn't happen and that's that. Our source also told us that Patrick Stewart has now officially signed for the role Professor X. Furthermore, the negotiations with Stewart were not difficult or unusual as recent rumors suggested. Our source also told us that they are pursuing a particular actress for Rogue, but refused to give us a name. Most of the other casting rumors we've been hearing are false. Gina Gershon (Face/Off), who was recently rumored to be attached to the role of Mystique is definitely not in the movie. Our source assures us that the movie will be FULLY CAST by the end of June. As far as the rumors of delays in the production, our source confirmed that these are, for the most part, correct. There is a concern about an actors strike in Canada, where the movie will be filmed, which the producers of X-Men hope to avoid. The schedules of the actors who have been cast were also a consideration in delaying production. The movie is now set to go before the cameras in September of this year. Concrete and Other Dark Horse Projects -------------------------------------- A source at Dark Horse Entertainment told Comics 2 Film that Peter Jackson (The Frighteners) has written a screenplay for a movie version of Paul Chadwick's Concrete. The screenplay was turned in some time in the last two months. Jackson will not, however, be directing the movie, as he'll be turning his attention towards The Lord of the Rings. Concrete is set up at Disney and will be produced by Dark Horse. The filmmakers are hoping for a Summer 2001 release. Chadwick is serving as creative consultant. While we had him on the phone we quizzed our source about a variety of other movies based on Dark Horse comics. One we hadn't heard about is Lords of Misrule. This outstanding comic book, by Dan Abnett, John Tomlinson and Steve White with art by Peter Snejbjerg, featured a mix of urban legends and bizarre supernatural horrors. The movie is set up at Universal and hopefully production will get going some time next year. A screenplay is in the works by Ted Kennenbaum who recently worked on Fantastic Voyage. Our source tells us a major talent is eager to play the lead role of Jack in this movie. Likewise a movie adaptation of Frank Miller and Geoff Darrow's Hard Boiled is heating up. This is also due to a big name taking an interest in the movie. Previous reports indicated that Nicolas Cage was interested in the movie. When we asked our source if Cage was the big name he only replied, "Maybe, maybe not." The Big Guy and Rusty The Boy Robot cartoon is shaping up nicely. It should debut on Fox Kids in September of this year. August will be Big Guy month on the network, promoting the show's launch. Toy and sponsorship deals are also in place. An adaptation of Ghost is still in the works. DHE hopes to have it set up at a studio in a month or so. Avengers Animated ----------------- FROM THE DETROIT NEWS COMIC BOOK CONTINUUM: According to the Detroit News Comic Book Continuum the animated Avengers TV series is tentatively set to being airing September 25. The show is part of the Fox Kids line-up. http://detnews.com/comicbooks/ Generation X ------------ FROM THE DETROIT NEWS COMIC BOOK CONTINUUM: The Detroit News Comic Book Continuum reports that the Generation X TV series will probably not appear on the Fox Kids line-up as a midseason replacement next year. The show is suffering some unspecified delay and now looks more likely for fall of 2000 at the earliest. http://detnews.com/comicbooks/ FROM THE DETROIT NEWS COMIC BOOK CONTINUUM: The release of Universal Pictures' Mystery Men has been bumped up a week due to positive early buzz according to the Detroit News Comic Book Continuum. Instead of the previously announced release date of August 6, the movie is now set to open on Friday, July 30. Nikki Rocco, Universal's president of distribution made the announcement with the following explanation, "I saw the film last week with only one-third of the visual effects completed, and my immediate reaction was, 'This is fabulous -- a big, mind-blowing summer comedy that delivers big laughs and is different from anything else in the marketplace.' And after seeing such a positive audience reaction, we decided to move the film up from the Aug. 6 release date to give us one more week of summer play." Mystery Men is based on characters that have appeared in Bob Burden's hilarious and surreal Flaming Carrot comics. A new line of Mystery Men comics by Burden are due out in July from Dark Horse. Likewise a comic book adaptation of the movie by Bob Fingerman, Chris McLoughlin and Steve Moncuse is due out from that company in August. However, it's possible that the rescheduling of the movie will also cause that comic to get bumped up a week as well. Given the strong cast (which includes Ben Stiller, William Macy, Janeane Garofalo and Geoffrey Rush, among others), the great source material and the encouraging early word. This is the movie that we here at Comics 2 Film are most looking forward to. http://detnews.com/comicbooks/ World's Finest -------------- FROM PREMIER, THE MOVIE MAGAZINE: Early this year, rumors surfaced of a possible World's Finest movie that would pair Batman and Superman. The rumors were apparently debunked as quickly as they started. The July issue of Premier magazine reignites that rumor. In a column titled B.C.C. News You're Not Supposed To Know the magazine claims, "Warner Bros. is salivating over it's double-franchise dipping Batman Vs. Superman event. The cod pieced Gotham dweller will be the bad guy." http://www.premieremag.com/index.html FROM AIN'T IT COOL NEWS: Ain't it Cool News presented readers with some new information on the World's Finest or Batman Vs. Superman story. One interesting thing to note about AICN's findings: they dug up their information while following up on a previous Superman rumor and NOT in reaction to the recent mention in Premier magazine. So you could consider this independent confirmation. AICN's source in this is said to be "very very reliable." The source claims that the project is very hush-hush at Warner Bros. but it is being discussed. The project is said to be on the fast track, albeit it is still in the preliminary stages. The angle would have Supes and Bats as adversaries, just as suggested by the Premier posting. The article suggests the movie could be targeted for a year 2000 or 2001 release. It would be in lieu of a Batman 5 and a Superman Lives. Warner execs are allegedly hoping to jump start both franchises with this unprecedented movie pairing. http://www.aint-it-cool-news.com/ +++++ From The Daily Buzz at http://www.mania.com/newsarama/index.html Feeling Blue? Check Out Image's New Book Matt Hawkins' Blue, a new comic for Image, stars a teenage girl who discovers she's really an android. The covers of the series will be fully painted by Drew Struzan who did the movie poster for The Phantom Menace. The comic debuts this fall. Kin Marks Gary Frank's Return Gary Frank-best known for his work on Incredible Hulk, Gen 13 and Supergirl--returns to comics with Kin, a creator-owned project launched by a new company ICE Entertainment. The plotline involves violence surrounding the Neanderthal Man that still lives in the present day. It premieres in September. Wildfire Re-Ignites Legion The new creative team on Legion of Super-Heroes will revive Drake Burroughs, Wildfire this summer. Penciller Jeff Moy says the character will have a different look and beneath the costume will be the combined essences of the fallen heroes Radion and Atom'X, whose last names are Drake and Burroughs. --Comic Book Resources Vertigo To Offer Petrefax Vertigo Comics will soon spin off a Sandman character into his own book. Petrefax appeared as a storyteller in the "World's End" plotline and is trained in the funereal arts, artist Steve Leiahola told the Comic Wire. Mike Carey takes the writing chores and the series should start by year's end. --Comic Book Resources +++++ From Newsarama; http://www.AnotherUniverse.com/newsarama WINNER OF THE 1997 & 1998 INTERNET "SQUIDDY" FOR BEST WEB SITE According to editor Tom Brevoort, All-Winners Comics #19, featuring the first appearance of Marvel's first-ever superhero team, in a format similar to the recent Human Torch reprint, is set for an October release. And as with the recent Human Torch book, artist Ray Lago will paint a recreation of the cover, and Roy Thomas will do a text feature putting the book into its proper historical context. Also that month, Marvel will publish Marvel Mystery Comics, an 80-page one-shot in the format of the recent Magneto Ascendant and Black Widow reprints, collecting assorted golden age stories, though the exact line-up had not yet been set. - Glory is the latest Awesome Universe charracter to return to the pages of her own solo series, according to Rob Liefeld. Written by Alan Moore (as part of the library of unpublished stories he wrote for Awesome last year), and illustrated by Art Thibert, Glory and the Gate of Tears will utilize flashback sequences to Glory's past illustrated by Melinda Gebbie, artist of the Cobweb serial in Moore's upcoming ABC title Tomorrow Stories. In an open letter distributed to Gladstone's Disney Comics subscribers, Gladstone President and Publisher Bruce Hamilton announced that he had just learned of "serious and substantive discussions" between Steve Geppi of Gemstone Publishing (and Diamond Comic Distributors) and the New York offices of The Walt Disney Company concerning Gemstone's possible acquisition of the Disney Comics license. "It is also my understanding that in an effort to speed up negotiations and the resumption of subscription fulfillment, the two companies, at least in principle, have agreed to exchange Letters of Intent," wrote Hamilton. "If this is done quickly and the final commitments are made in June - as all indicators are pointing that they will - the chances are excellent that new issues will ship late this summer." According to Hamilton, he's been informed by former Gladstone editor John Clark that two months worth of books are mostly done and approved, and it's Hamilton's belief that there will be no fall-off in the quality of the Disney comic books the new publisher will produce. Hamilton went on to tell subscribers that he had received personal assurance from Geppi of his commitment to the project, and he, in turn, agreed to help in every way possible to ease the transition. +++++ From the DCOnline newsletter; http://www.dccomics.com/newsletter.html To subscribe, or for questions or comments about the DC newsletter, please email DCWebSite@aol.com. A DARK KNIGHT IN THE GENERATION GAP When the Dark Knight suspects a modern-day rock and roll icon of masterminding a nationwide crime spree using teenaged fans as henchmen, Batman runs into opposition from an unexpected source: his own ward, Robin. Certain that his idol could not be responsible for the crimes, Dick Grayson sets out to uncover a bizarre and elaborate frame-up in BATMAN: FORTUNATE SON, a startling hardcover graphic novel written by Gerard Jones with dazzling art and cover illustration by Gene Ha (X-Men, TOP TEN). In FORTUNATE SON, Jones and Ha put their considerable storytelling gifts to work, exploring a theme rarely considered in stories of Batman and Robin: how the "generation gap" between them leads them to view the world in strikingly different ways. As the heroes struggle to overcome their differences and uncover the truth about rocker Izaak Crowe's alleged crimes, incredible secrets are revealed about pop culture, American life and the role music played in the development of two of DC's greatest heroes. BATMAN: FORTUNATE SON arrives in comic book stores July 21 with a cover price of $24.95 U.S. CHRIS BACHALO AND JOE KELLY BRING STEAMPUNK TO CLIFFHANGER Where is the future set 100 years in the past? Where do haunted steamships go to die? Where are hearts fed with coal and souls born of steel? The answers will be found only in the year 2000 -- only in STEAMPUNK. DC Comics is pleased to announce that Chris Bachalo (renowned artist of DEATH: THE HIGH COST OF LIVING, Generation X, and the upcoming VERTIGO miniseries THE WITCHING HOUR), and Joe Kelly (writer of Deadpool and soon to be the writer of ACTION COMICS) are bringing their newest creation to the CLIFFHANGER line of cutting-edge creator-owned titles from WildStorm Productions. Beginning next year, Bachalo and Kelly will unveil STEAMPUNK, a fusion of turn-of-the-century steam-powered technology and the intrigue and romance of late Victorian culture, all driven by a modern- day feel for action. "Forget everything you know about the industrial steam-driven, rivet- sown world that existed at the beginning of the 20th Century," advises Bachalo. "Forget everything you've read and heard about the iron- wrought horse and carriage and dark-shadow days of the Victorian age. Because Joe Kelly and I have just shoved the two eras into a tree shredder and shot the remains all over the landscape in this industrial gothic, sci-fi, action-adventure, steam-driven love story known as STEAMPUNK!" STEAMPUNK will invite readers to follow the story of Cole Blaquesmith, a man who awakes after a century to find himself with a pneumatic arm and a heart powered by coal. His world is in turmoil, rocked by the effects of technology being used before its time, and reluctant hero Cole must find out how to restore the balance of history. With the support of characters like Dr. Absinthe, Skom (pronounced Scum), Rabid Randy, Magistrate Nixon, the Iron Monk, Victoria, and the seductive femme fatale Fiona, STEAMPUNK will chart a course through a world of gothic romance and horror combined with high- tech science-fiction wizardry. "You won't have to be a history major to understand or enjoy STEAMPUNK," says Kelly in an interview in the online magazine Newsarama. "It's really a big, epic, fun story that just happens to be set in Victorian times. So it's the 1800s, but there's robots and computers and funky flying machines and all sort of fun Jules Verne, H.G. Wells sci-fi type stuff. When Chris and I sat down to create this, we wanted to make a book that had something for everyone, but with a really strong visual content, and I think we pulled that off." Tentatively scheduled to debut in early 2000, STEAMPUNK will be released monthly in story arcs of four to six issues, with several months hiatus planned between arcs. According to Bachalo, this system will allow him to maintain a high level of quality while holding the title to a consistent shipping schedule, and will also provide the opportunity for collections, Specials or other merchandise to be solicited during the months between story arcs. "The most important thing," says Bachalo, "is to have a realistic publishing schedule that retailers and fans will be able to count on, and keep to it." Scott Dunbier, editor of STEAMPUNK and WildStorm Group Editor, agrees wholeheartedly with that assessment, adding, "STEAMPUNK is a natural addition to the Cliffhanger stable. The combination of Bachalo's and Kelly's unique brands of creativity and energy are destined to do great things -- and on time." ANIMATION EPISODE SCHEDULE THE NEW BATMAN/SUPERMAN ADVENTURES airs weekdays and Saturdays on the WB Network, and BATMAN BEYOND airs Saturdays. Times given are Eastern and Pacific. This schedule is subject to change. 6/14/99 (4:00 pm) -- "On Leather Wings" (Batman) 6/14/99 (4:30 pm) -- "Joker's Millions" (Batman) 6/15/98 (4:00 pm) -- "The Late Mr. Kent" (Superman) 6/15/99 (4:30 pm) -- "Second Chance" (Batman) 6/16/99 (4:00 pm) -- "Never Fear" (Batman) 6/16/99 (4:30 pm) -- "Identity Crisis" (Superman) 6/17/99 (4:00 pm) -- "Target" (Superman) 6/17/99 (4:30 pm) -- "The Lion & The Unicorn" (Batman) 6/18/99 (4:00 pm) -- "Stolen Memories" (Superman) 6/18/99 (4:30 pm) -- "The Demon Within" (Batman) 6/19/99 (8:00 am) -- "New Kids in Town" (Superman) 6/19/99 (8:30 am) -- "Chemistry" (Batman) 6/19/99 (9:30 am) -- "Spellbound" (Batman Beyond) ______________________________________________________________________ ----------------------------------------------------------------------- [5] Ramblings 99 Rich Johnston twisting@hotmail.com [Renamed for the new year, Ramblings 99 continues to spread confirmed and unconfirmed news and rumours. It welcomes comment, especially comment that clarifies, refutes and corrects information already disseminated. Rich Johnston is an advertising copywriter, co-self publisher of Twist And Shout Comics, BBC comedy writer and comics columnist. He currently lives in South London, England. His column can be found online at: http://www.twistandshoutcomics.com All Ramblings e-mail received will be considered public domain and may be quoted.] This column is RUMOUR. Do not take anything here seriously. These RUMOURS are presented here as GOSSIP for their ENTERTAINMENT value. Dateline: 03 June 1999 Kosovo Stories. The Midnight Kosovo Benefit comic, previously mentioned on Ramblings has a couple more additions. Dave Gibbons will be drawing the Garth Ennis story, and John Bolton will be painting the cover. John Higgins is also signed up to do a piece, and Books Etc. have agreed to both stock the book, promote it and arrange signing events. Gibbons, Bolton and Higgins will also all be signing and promoting the book at this year's Galaxion event. Now, are you a top-level creator? Do you know any personally and reckon you could twist their arm? Or even just pass on the message? Then e-mail info@bluesilver.com to find out how you can help out. Ellis, you read this. And you Dunbier. Probably Jeres and Wayne. I've even heard a certain writer/director of Chasing Amy does too. Mark Waid certainly did (and used to ring Grant Morrison up about it too). Well, what are you all waiting for? Ask not what info@bluesilver.com can do for you, but what you can do for info@bluesilver.com. Knightmore. From a slightly more reliable source, we hear that Black Panther is basically leaving Marvel Knights for the Marvel Universe stable along with Inhumans. The word is that since the Event guys have fixed the characters, Marvel Universe want them back! Christopher Priest will be staying with Black Panther, but Paul Jenkins won't be with Inhumans. Jenkins has, however, pitched a number of ideas to Event since then. We also hear about the Marvel Knight Christmas Special, starring a minor Marvel Universe character picked up by the Event people. And as for Green Arrow by Smith/Quesada/Palmiotti? We'll have to wait. Joe and Jimmy still want to work on it, but it's a case of when... Up The Corridor... The word from the X-Offices is that Alan Davis can do anything he likes for Marvel, all he has to do is to propose something, and Bob Harass will see that it happens. So, if a certain Elayne and Robin really want to get a certain creator-owned project off the ground and fancy a certain Marvel publishing it, perhaps they should try bending the arm of a certain acquaintance of theirs to do the layouts or something. Mindless Speculation (emphasis on the mindless!) Well, loads of ABC merchandise, posters, t-shirts etc have been cancelled recently by DC. But why? Based on nothing more than my idle speculation, could DC have realized that whatever payments they'd arranged on these items were similar to the Watchmen merchandise fiasco that saw Alan getting narked and, along with other reasons, saw him leaving DC vowing never to return? I've got no idea. Anyone who has (Bob, Patty, Rick, Scott etc..) give us an e-mail! Sour grapes, 'cos I ordered one... Flinch DCease? We hear internal Vertigo speculation that Flinch, their horror anthology won't last... apparently it'll really be tricky to keep the hot-creator name tally high enough on a monthly basis, even if the quality of the stories themselves don't falter. Still, according to the Vertigo noticeboard, we'll be getting another Weird War Tales mini soon... ______________________________________________________________________ ----------------------------------------------------------------------- [6] Tony's Isabella's Journal Tony Isabella tonyisa@ohio.net Tony Isabella is a featured weekly columnist in the nation's largest comic book collector's publication, Comics Buyer's Guide. His satiric "Tony's Tips!" is a favorite among fans and industry professionals alike. A life long comic book fan, Tony began his career in 1972 as a comics professional as assistant to Stan Lee! He has worked in nearly every aspect of the business, from retailing, to distribution to writing. Among his credits is the creation of DC's first black super-hero, Black Lightning. Tony's latest project, the daily "Tony's Isabella's Journal" made its debut in June of 1997 on the world wide web exclusively through World Famous Comics, at http://www.wfcomics.com/tony The following is one of those daily columns . . . Tony Isabella's Journal #715 The first Big Easy Comic-Con is over as you read these words, but, for me, it's still four days away. I have columns to write, dry cleaning to retrieve, bags to pack...and what seems like way too little time before I depart for New Orleans. What with time weighing so heavily on me, it seems like the right...ah...time...to check in with DC's newest master of time. ****** HOURMAN I suspect that HOURMAN writer Tom Peyer is a fan of that cult favorite television series, DUE SOUTH. For just as the misplaced Mountie hero of that show used to recap his "origin" in virtually every episode, so does this comic book's title star--or some member of its cast--make with the "I am Hourman, an intelligent machine colony from the year 85,271" speech. The gag worked for DUE SOUTH and it works it here, too. Having read HOURMAN #1-4 (DC; $2.50 each), I see the book in terms of pluses and minuses. Overall, it's worth following, but it has its problems. I'll leave it to you to keep score as I go down the list. Let's start with the new Hourman's appearance. The Golden Age Hourman's costume was simple with an unattractive color scheme. It really only looked good when Murphy Anderson drew it. But, y'know, it's Armani next to every Hourman costume since. When Rex Tyler's son took up the legacy of Hourman, he wore a generic spandex suit designed by the pre-Spawn Todd McFarlane; it wasn't original and it wasn't pretty and it still looked better than the fashion nightmare which is the new Hourman. The most noticeable thing about the new Hourman is this garish red slash which cuts across his mouth and dribbles down past his lips as if it were a crimson Fu Manchu mustache. It makes his face look like a cheap ninja mask and makes me want to hand him a napkin to wipe it off while telling him not to play with Mommy's lipstick again. If the Silver Age Jimmy Olsen was a transvestite--at least six cross-dressing stories that I can recall--then the new Hourman is a Modern Age drag queen. Hourman's red-and-yellow costume is pretty lame as well, just another generic super-suit. The sides of the costume are yellow, as if to say, "if this intelligent machine colony from 85,271 had sweat glands, you'd be seeing the stains right HERE." Somebody get this guy a new tailor and quick. Hourman, as noted before comes from the future. In addition to his Miraclo strength and speed--his genetic makeup is that of the original Hourman--he has one-hour periods of "time vision" and can traverse the ages in a "timeship." Initially, Hourman is more- or-less omnipotent, but, at the suggestion of his "mentor"--a more- or-less adult Snapper Carr--he chucks the device which gives him said omnipotence and retains only the above powers. That's a good move on the part of both the character and his writer. Story-wise, well, in previous columns, I've described Peyer as a "50-50" writer. I'd rate about half of his work between readable and very good...and the other half below that. His HOURMAN writing falls into the top half of the scale. It's readable with some fine and not-so-fine moments throughout. His Keith Giffen-style humor in the first issue felt flat, but the Tomorrow Woman guest shot in the second was an exceptional and moving story. I'm not a big fan of time-travel stories, but Peyer hooked me with his cliffhangers in the first and third issues. I find the grown-up Snapper Carr annoying, but I do like his narration of the stories. I'm not all that thrilled with the rest of the supporting cast and the villains to date--Amazo and the Lord of Time are about as obvious as you can get to send against a time- traveling android--but I'm giving Peyer the benefit of the doubt in the hope the supporting players will grow on me and future villains will be a bit more surprising. Art-wise, I mostly like what penciler Rags Morales is doing in the book. He's a solid storyteller, though he does have a tendency to--on rare occasion--break the story flow by breaking the borders unnecessarily. The David Meikis inking is okay, but nothing to get too excited about, and the coloring sometimes gets a bit too showy for my tastes. HOURMAN definitely has potential. Let's see if that potential is realized in the coming months. ****** STARS AND S.T.R.I.P.E. DC Comics has revived and revamped two other Golden Age second bananas in STARS AND S.T.R.I.P.E. #0 ($2.95) by writers Geoff Johns and James Robinson, pencilers Lee Moder and Chris Weston, inkers Dan Davis and John Stokes, and editors L.A. Williams, Mike Carlin, and Peter Tomasi. One look at all those credits and I was worried, albeit momentarily, about whether or not there were too many cooks stirring the creative pot. I needn't have been. Stars is Courtney Whitmore, the new Star-Spangled Kid and the stepdaughter of Pat Dugan, formerly "Stripesy," the adult sidekick of the original Star-Spangled Kid. To keep up with the rebellious Whitmore, Dugan wears a suit of high-tech robotic armor. The armor is known as S.T.R.I.P.E., though the story doesn't explain what the name stands for. In this out-of-order story, which takes place in between issues #8 and #9 of the forthcoming STARS AND S.T.R.I.P.E. title, they team with Jack "Starman" Knight to go after the son of the Icicle. I can't imagine how any fan of DC's Golden Age super- heroes could pass up such a combination. "A Chilly Day in Opal" is a delightful story. Actually, it's two related stories. One tells of the original Star-Spangled Kid going up against the original Icicle during the former's Infinity Inc. days--with guest shots by the original Starman and a somewhat younger Jack Knight--and the other is the present-day team-up that I mentioned above. The characterization and writing on both halves of the story are very good. Character notes. Stars/Courtney is sarcastic and willful and not above kicking a villain in the gonads. I like her; she reminds me a little of my own daughter Kelly. Stripesy/Dugan is just a bit out of depth vis-a-vis the whole parenting thing. I like him, too, and, yes, I have days like that, too. Moder's "modern day" artwork is a bit too cartoony and a bit too "manga big-foot" for my taste, but I think it has a good chance of growing on me. Weston's "flashback" art is incredibly detailed and expressive. I'm not saying I would kill to work with him, but I would definitely be willing to mock men much larger than myself (and reduce them to tears) for such an opportunity. STARS AND S.T.R.I.P.E. #0 gets my recommendation. It's a fun comic book. ****** GUIDE TO THE DC UNIVERSE THE BRENT CLARK ROGERS GUIDE TO THE DC UNIVERSE ($32, US) is now in its fourth edition. The product of 15 years of research, this reference work lists over 12,000 characters, hundreds of teams and groups, hundreds of planets, and 805 extraterrestrial races. We're talking everyone from A, AA, and A'Abah (Blackhawk #112, Green Lantern/third series #21, and Action Comics #519) to Zyra, Zyrax, and Zzlrrrzzzm (Action Comics #316, Challengers of the Unknown /third series #16, and Infinity Inc #41). For this newest edition, Rogers has gone to a more convenient size, but this tome is still hefty enough to serve as the foundation for a small house. I never cease to be amazed by his scholarship. THE BRENT CLARK ROGERS GUIDE TO THE DC UNIVERSE is published in an extremely limited edition. If you want to score a copy, you should immediately e-mail Rogers at: BCROG@juno.com He'll tell you if he's got any copies left and where to send your dough. If you're an avid reader of the DC Universe, you will want this guide. ****** TONY'S MAILBOX Here's a little highway humor from SCOTT CHALLMAN: A quick note in the same vein as the "God" billboards, which have even made it to Delaware. As I was barreling, I mean, as I was driving slowly along I-95, I looked over to the next lane and saw GOD. On a semi. Apparently, He owns His own trucking line now. As the truck passed me, my anticipation of the Four Horsemen eased a bit: the back of the truck assured drivers of their "Guaranteed Overnight Delivery." I can just picture some poor slob contemplating adultery when this semi, HUGE letters jumping off the stark, white background, drives by. "Honey, I'm NOT working late tonight!" I'll be back tomorrow with more stuff. Tony Isabella May 24, 1999 ______________________________________________________________________ ----------------------------------------------------------------------- [7] Interview by Paul Dale Roberts Silhouet9@aol.com Interview with Matt Pasteris (name),Co-Creator/ Artist of Mojo Mechanics Question: Tell us something personal about yourself. Like where you were born and raised, your family life, schools attended, etc. I was born in Plymouth, MA but raised in Juneau, Alaska. Juneau is where i met my greatest friend and incidentally the writer of Mojo Mechanics, Tait Bergstrom. Juneau has a strange effect on the minds of growing children, i think. I went to art school in Boston, but ended up screwing that situation pretty well. I produced some really intriguing art, but also became far too immersed in the local nightlife. That eventually sort of took over and i wound up drifting from my education. After a while, that which i had constricted to my nighttime outings started to leak into my day life as well. I made some poor choices. Okay, a lot of poor choices - too many to go into detail with here, but the short of it is that i became a couch-surfing junkie nobody. Then my daughter was born and i knew things had to change. Oh - i'm sorry. Did i mention the wife? Yes, well, i'm married (in spirit if not in state...which is more important anyway) and as i mentioned a moment ago, i have a beautiful little girl. She's 2. After she was born, i was still having - enh - difficulties. So, we packed up and moved to the other side of the country (California). In case anyone is wondering, i'm doing great now. Question: What was the first comic book you read? Uh? I'm not certain. Crumb and Tintin were pretty early reads. The first comics i seriously got into though were Groo, Cerebus, and a little later (tho not much) Grendel. Question: Tell us something about your comic book Mojo Mechanics. It is very good and extremely entertaining and everyone should go out and buy it right now!!! NOW! ...please? But really, folks, it is a fun read and that right there is the whole point. It's FUN. Remember back when comics could be fun? We got comedy, we got adventure, we got action, we got really bizarre aliens, we got exotic locales, we got monkeys, we got all the ingredients of a non-stop, rumplicious, rollercoaster-ride, blockbuster event hit of the season. Kidding. What's wrong with me? I'm spazzing out and probably endangering any sales of the book. I'm just the artist, folks - pay me no mind. Seriously, it is a book that is intended to be fun and enjoyable. My hope is that after reading an issue, one will sit back and feel full - happily satiated. We pack it in, so far eeach issue has at least 30 pages of solid COMIC - that's the sequential art, no ads or nothin in there. The stories will keep you guessing right to the end and the characters are easy to become attached to. I don't know if it'll appeal to EVERYONE - this ain't your daddy's Danger Girl, here. We're trying to find our audience right now, more than anything. I know that there is a substantial group of people out there who are absolutely going to love the Mojo and those are the folks the book is really for. Question: Tell us something about the characters in your comic book. Actually, i think i'll leave that to Tait - he's much better at summarizing the main players of the book than i am. Question: Who was the brainchild of this comic book? If you mean who's responsible for creating these wacked characters, that'd be both Tait and myself. More Tait, really. See, I originally created Ajax Sterling back when i was attending a sort of delinquent boarding school, when i was 16. Then, many years later, Tait was in Beijing and i sent him a package of stuff i'd been working on, including a sketch of Ajax along with one of a big odd-looking hippo guy stating: "I am Space Hippo". I didn't think much of the sketches until Tait sent back a full 12-page script for a story based off these two characters called "Mojo Mechanix". That ended up becoming the first story in issue one. So, with Ajax, the look stayed more or less the same as when i first scrawled him all those years ago, but Tait really created the character. And Bippy was really Tait's innovation as well - he created that character completely from scratch, using my lil sketch as inspiration. And he came up with the title et al. Question: Do you have a website and if you do, what is the URL address? URGH!!! Soon. Goddamnit, we've been trying to get that friggin thing going for nigh on 6 months now. Ridiculous. But it will come. We'll be issuing a press release about that when we're ready to launch. Question: What is your email address or snail mail address, so people can write for more information? e-mail: glert@hotmail.com That will get to both of us. snail mail: Syndicate Publishing 1919 Montecito Ave, #5 Mountain View, CA 94043 Question: Where do you want to be 5 years from now? 10 years? Rich, famous, and fat. Just kidding. Though i could certainly stand to gain some weight. And money. Having a decent income for once could be nice. In 10 years...hmm. I hope to be standing atop my great empirical skyrise headquarters, lord of all i survey, cackling madly and throwing hundred dollar bills into the wind while chawing on a bigass cigar... Kidding again. No, really, though - we'll just have to see how things go. I won't leave myself to fate, as i believe that there's no such thing. Not for all of us, anyway. Some folks really do just seem lucky, but i sure as Hell ain't one of them. I believe that we have to create our own destiny. If one keeps that much in mind, failure is eliminated as an option. Sure, you might have to step back and look over your strategy occasionally, but you get what i'm saying. Regardless, the future is uncertain. We'll see. Question: What do you think of the comic book industry (pro and con)? Well. I love comics, always have, always will. It's the one medium i've always returned to, no matter how much time or growth or whatever lay between. It's unfortunate that the industry is in such a slump right now, especially so for us little guys. But i sort of have a theory on that. I mean, if you look at any convention, there's a hell of a lot more folks there than there used to be. Granted, they're not ALL buying comics, but most of em are. It seems to me that the market hasn't actually shrunk at all, if anything it's continued to grow. A prime example of that is that i see a LOT more girls into comics these days - creating, buying, all aspects of the industry. Back in the day, girls who liked comics were as difficult to find as unstable Uranium isotope 238. So, if the market is growing, why ain't we selling? I think it's just that there are TOO MANY goddamn comics! It's hard to compete with a billion other titles. There are only so many people at any given time reading comics. Hell, there are only so many people on the friggin earth! So, with all these books, even if half the population was reading comics, we'd probably still be whining about the state of the industry. But then, i could be completely wrong. Question: If you were stranded on a desert island, what 3 things would you take with you and why? Question: What comic books do you read now? A fair pile. Um...let's see. Oni Double Feature, Lenore, Inhumans, Mage (and pretty much anything else Mr. Wagner does), Dreaming, anything by Jhonen Vasquez when he gets off his ass and produces something (i say that only with love - i know he's a busy guy), Jay& Silent Bob and Clerks et al, uhhhhh...there's more than that. There's so many little series now, it's hard to keep track. I dig Jim Mahfood's stuff as well as Scott Morse and i'm a huge Troy Nixey fan. Troy's got a mini-series coming up with Mignola called "Jenny Finn" - i can't wait for that sucker. Also, i still often reread all the stuff i have by Will Eisner, Bernie Wrightson, and Art Suydam. Love those guys. And i sure wish Sam Kieth would do something again. Question: What recreational activities and hobbies are you involved in? BWAHHAHAHAHAHA!!!! *ahem*...ah, excuse me. No, actually, i work all night and i watch my daughter from 9 - 5, so the whole recreational / hobby thing isn't an available reality in my life as of now. Question: What books are your favorites? I like a bunch of books. Favorite authors would be William S. Burroughs, Poppy Z. Brite, Neil Gaiman, Hunter S. Thompson, Euripedes, Philip K. Dick, funky folks of that nature. Question: What tv shows, movies and cartoons are your favorites? A long standing favorite flick of mine is the Wizard of Oz, for a lot of reasons. Loved it since i was wee. I watch a lot of movies, like a lot comic creators, i'm real big on film. Two recent flicks i liked were "Shakespeare In Love" and "The Matrix" (have you seen the matrix's website? Very cool). Didn't think i'd like them quite as much as i did - was pleasantly surprised. I don't get to see much prime time tv because i sleep during those hours, but i do still catch "Buffy" and "Star Trek: DS9". I watch the Daily Show. My favorite tv series of all time would have to be either Dr. Who or RED DWARF (i love that bloody program). I like British sci-fi comedy, i guess. Although, Twin Peaks was way up there too. And going back to the film topic, i love David Lynch's work in general. And Terry Gilliam - Brazil, Time Bandits, Baron Munchausen, Fisher King, 12 Monkeys, Fear and Loathing...all great. Dig that guy. And i'm a big Kevin Smith devotee as well. Looking forward to "Dogma". As for current cartoons, i really like "Daria" a LOT. That show is way too underrated. And i look forward to the "Clerks" animated series (see - Kevin Smith again). I LIKE MEDIA. Sensory overload! Gimmee more! Question: How far do you want to take your comic book? As far as we can possibly bring it. I really believe in the strength of the characters and the book in general and i think it could go somewhere, it's just a matter of finding our audience. Or running out of money and crashng and burning - whichever comes first. But, yeah, i'd like to take it as far as we can. We have a lot of great things planned for future issues and it'd be a shame to have to pull the plug early on, know what i mean? Question: Can you tell us something about the creative staff that is involved in your comic book? Tait handles the linguistic gymnastics - he writes the scripts. He also spends a lot of time mentally building the universe in which our intrepid mojo repairmen live. I occasionally throw in an idea for a story or element of a story or character or random plot concept, whathaveyou. But Tait's the one who makes it work. And he creates most of the stories all on his lonesome in the first place. I draw the books. I'm the art whore. I also do all of the scans as well as the interior digital layout, lettering, and f/x. And i currently handle all the business angle - phone calls, mailings, emails, etcetera. Wes Breazell is our talented cover colorist. He's a big-time computer enthusiast and is quite deft when it comes to working his way around photoshop. We've also got an inker by the name of Eric Ipsen. He's a very talented guy. We haven't published anything he's worked on with us yet, but we will. Oh, yes, we will...muhahahahaa!! Question: That winds up the interview, is there anything you would like to comment on? Um - i skipped the desert question. I've never had an answer to that ago old konundrum that i felt comfortable with. Thanks for the interview, i hope this gives folks some insight into the world of the Mojoverse and the things that we're trying to accomplish with this book. See ya in the funny papers. ______________________________________________________________________ ----------------------------------------------------------------------- [8] You Be The Judge Of That Jason J. Larsen larsenja@pilot.msu.edu [Jason is a 23 year old MSU alumni who lives in the Lansing area. He has a BA in Marketing and has a job as a Customer Service Rep. He has been reading comics since he was five years old and hopes by writing these columns he is giving back to the medium he loves in some way.] Hello everyone it has been awhile since I have put anything on paper so to speak but I have been diverted with other things every time I have sat down to write the latest column. I decided to wait until after I went to the Motor City Comi-Con to write anything. All I have to say is wow! I spent about $100 and brought home about 150 comic books. I love 50-cent bins. Mint books that are just cancelled or not hot anymore that need to be cleared out of dealers stock. I bought DARKHAWK, GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY, NEW WARRIORS, NOVA (1ST and 2ND series), SUICIDE SQUAD, JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA, and some SHOWCASES. I even dabbled into picking up some missing cards from my MAXX and STAR WARS GALAXY sets. I had a blast. I still have about 65 books to go before I am done let alone get to my new stuff I just picked up from the last month. Man I need bags and boards along with a new long box so I can store it all. Finally on the personal front, I noted that earlier every time I try to start a new column that I get distracted this weekend was no different. I have found out I am going to be an uncle. I was kind of surprised by the news when my sister told me but I recovered enough by now to pump this puppy out. RESPONSES: I got quite a few from the last column. I received five e-mails with three giving me Eric Larsen's e-mail address. First up is Louis Kolchak. I am sorry Louis but I can only receive text e-mail at this time so I couldn't read yours. Next on deck is Jim Demonakos who disagreed with the Nova review but agreed with the outcome of Aquaman's future. Our third response comes from a reader only known as augie@nic.com. He commented on the KABOOM section I wrote. He basically told me that Matsuda does not own all of KABOOM or never did. Thanks for the clarification on that. Contestant number four is Steve Chung, come on down. Steve had lots to say so here is the abridged version. He enjoys my writing style because it shows that I read what I write about. Thanks Steve I couldn't be an honest writer if I didn't. If I am going to rip a book and its creators then I had better have something of honest use to back my opinions up. You do have me on the Grinder scene in NOVA #1 it was probably the funniest part of the book. I ask forgiveness on my ignorance of series one plot threads is was not even one when the book was started. I have the last response from Joe Spampinato. He sent a letter to the editor that never saw light. I am betting it was when our editor god had mail problems some time back. I have sent that letter on to the editor so hopefully it will see print Joe. I am will respond here since it would be a waste to send to things on the subject to David. I'll start by saying I am glad that someone finally strongly disagrees with me on something. I am always glad when people agree with me on what I see but having different view points on topics is what this column is about thus its title. I will agree that you may be right on the beating issue at the end of NOVA #1 we will see. I see your point on Night Theresa but still stick to my guns. The character has never been one of open acts or good covers stories, if any at all, for his actions. The trait has gotten him booted of the Warriors once and he quit over his principles once. I like forward development much as the next guy but if it is a good step forward is the issue here. I do read all the books I review or rip on. My view may seem bitter to you but not to everyone. I have #2 & 3's review next column on so look for that to see what I thought of them. The whole Nita/Rich relationship it sounds like will be dealt with more in the new Warriors series out in August. I guess I will have to wait to see how it is handled to see if I just am stuck in the mud on the characters. I agree things in a relationship are never easy and a perfect romance would be boring but something's just don't fit the molds of the characters. I hope either way that in the end we get to see them together. I don't read newsgroups so I don't know that he was unhappy with what was done with the characters. I still think that it shouldn't matter, if you take a job with an existing character you should have to deal with all the baggage that comes with it. Do all creators do that? No but I am only dealing with Nova at the moment not the medium as a whole. I could go on and on but that would be pointless. I am just stating a personal belief that Eric hit a nerve with. As always thanks to all that wrote in please don't stop I love reading responses to my thoughts in electronic form. Now we can move into the rest of the column. ERIK LARSEN UPDATE: I sent my last column to him to read. I have not gotten a response yet but if there is one you will all be the first to know. OUT OF THE CLOSET__ NO MAN'S LAND STYLE: I can't take it anymore, I must confess I like NML. Thanks to dear old mom I have been reading it since part 1. She picked up the first four issues while we apartment looking in Lansing. Her reasoning was that she could give me something to read while I was getting ready to move in the coming weeks. I read NML #1 at least four times and the next three parts about as many. I finally decided to add them to my pull list in February. I can already hear hypocrite mail coming so to address the issue I will say just this statement. I was reading it when I was yanking on it so I never compromised my beliefs on ripping or praising books. Was I wrong for doing the anti-NML sections? Yes most likely and for that I have no excuse. My pride was a little hurt that they actually pulled it off when in the past usually I have been pretty accurate on predictions. I am very glad that they pulled it off so far and hope they can make it last. One comment I will not retract is AZRAEL stinking like last week's milk. I think the book stinks still except that maybe by the end he can go back to being a good character. I still have liked every story arc except MOSIAC and two of the one shots. The story was really boring and the art was the worst on MOSIAC. The one shots in May were a mixed bag. LOTDK was so-so with the high point being it showed what Alfred had been doing the whole time. Detective was a wasted story that could have been given to either Oracle or Bruce Wayne's where abouts just after NML began. I failed at my guest on Batgirl. I was going to predict Talia or Vesper Fairchild. Huntress never crossed my mind as a possible suspect. Question is now what will she do since she is no longer Batgirl but is still running loose in NML against Batman's orders. I will say the highlight will be Harley Quinn entering ongoing continuity in August. I just can't wait to see how puddin' reacts to his new girlfriend, so to speak. I know I promised a Nova review this column and some other stuff but I have so much written material for the next column already I decided to make it a summer issue so to speak, a topic that is within the column no less. Next column will be the reviews, responses, Comic moment of Zen, Shameless plug and two or three other topics of I have been thinking about. So until then have fun and enjoy the unofficial start to summer. Loved it? Hated it? Just want to share? Send any and all comments to Jason Larsen at: larsenja@pilot.msu.edu ______________________________________________________________________ ----------------------------------------------------------------------- [9] Stranger in a Strange Land Jennifer M. Contino Jencomx3@aol.com [Jennifer M. Contino is 27 and a life-long lover of comics books and super heroes! While most girls were playing with Barbies and watching cute little shows, she was playing with Mego's and watching the Superfriends and any other super hero show she could find on the television! NOW almost 19 years later she owns over 26000 comics, has written some interviews for SEQUENTIAL TART--the online e-zine, is a frequently published letter of comment writer and is the official HOST of the DC COMICS chats on AOL! She is pursuing work in the comics field at DC and is trying to start her own independent comics company!] "Thanks For the SUPPORT" Throughout the history of comics there have been some cool supporting players in most of the major characters lives. Characters like Lois Lane, Jimmy Olsen, Alfred Pennyworth, Steve Trevor, J Jonah Jameson, Rick Jones, and Mary Jane Watson are almost as well known as their respective 'hero' counterparts and-in most cases-just as entertaining! IN fact Lois and Jimmy had a strong enough following to hold their own comics titles for over 10 years throughout the sixties and seventies! (*Sure the occasional appearance by Superman in both titles didn't hurt sales any, but for the most part the titles did last on the merit of their storylines and effort put forth by the creative teams!*) However what of the 'unsung' supporting characters...the ones who are not as well known outside of comics but who have touched our hearts and souls! My favorite supporting characters are those cuties from the forties! I love WOOZIE WINKS (*Oh yah go read the new PLASTIC MAN SPECIAL that TY Templeton just did for DC I think it comes out this week--it features Woozie in it also!*) I loved Doiby D. from GA Green Lantern and his 'space princeress!' (*Heh check out the Golden Age Green Lantern ARCHIVES if you have never heard of Doiby or check out INFINITY INC annual 2 and some ALL STAR SQUADRON Issues to see the D man!) I ADORE Etta Candy and the HOLLIDAY GIRLS from Wonder Woman comics! Sure those 'supporting' characters may have seemed a little 'unrealistic' for the comics--but SO WHAT?! They were....FUN! Yah, FUN! There is a lot of that FUN stuff missing in today's comics! I like to see 'realistic' comics as much as the next 'adult' but it is not the reason that I read comics! ORIGINALLY I started reading comics for the action and adventure and the EXCITEMENT! Now it's more like "oh," the comics are mirroring the 'real life' too much, imho! I miss the 'craziness' of comics! Yah, sure there is insanity out there! BUT I liked it much better when Joker was a villain that you would see maybe once a year or once every year and a half! I loved it when the 'major' foes were not so overused! Now it's like, 'oh there's the Joker again!' I mean yah he's cool and all, but it's not that great a 'thrill' when he is used anymore! Sure, every character has a 'supporting' cast, but they are not as memorable as those originals! NOR as long term! The supporting cast of the WONDER WOMAN series post crisis has changed at least three or four times--and now WW has separated herself from her 'friends!' The Bat family has grown but old familiars like Alfred and Commissioner Gordon are still around; same for the Superman Family! IF I had to I could probably rattle off one or two hundred key supporting characters in Marvel Or DC comics--but there aren't a lot of 'supporting' characters who have left that much of an impact on me! WE all have our favorites! I liked Carol Danvers in Captain Marvel--she had a lot of spunk and later writers took advantage of that 'spunk' and made her a hero in her own right! BUT most 'supporting' characters are not that lucky! They are used for a few years then discarded! Heh it would be cool to see a spoof issue like a HEMBECK comic with all the supporting characters talking about how much they did for the hero..... STEVE TREVOR: Why....Wonder Woman would not even be here TODAY if I hadn't crashed my ship on that island! AND where does that leave me?? Last time I checked Etta and I had crashed in some corn field and were NEVER heard from again! (*Good thing this wasn't the corn field from CHILDREN OF THE CORN----or maybe it was and that is why we have not heard from STEVE and ETTA!) ETTA CANDY: Woo WOO ..you said it, Steve! CAT GRANT: Well....well....I was BIG in Superman! YES I was! I had the sweetest little boy...*sniff*...and he was killed! HOW would you like that!? TERRY LONG: Well....at least you are still alive! I was 'byrned' and so was my little boy! DONNA TROY 1: Yah? Well I died a million times! SHARON CARTER: Hah! I died and was brought back and NOW who knows what is going to happen to me! CHEEKS THE TOY WONDER: WAAAAAAAAh...that is all so sad! *sniff* heh! OR something like that could happen! SO thanks for the support all of you characters through the years! AND heya folks which supporting characters do you like the most and how long do you think they are going to last?? ______________________________________________________________________ ----------------------------------------------------------------------- [10] SOME PAGES, A COVER, AND A FEW STAPLES Marlan Harris mar93@aol.com mar93@aol.com [Marlan Harris lives and works in Burbank, CA.] MYSTERY MEN movie Is there anyone who had heard of Bob Burden's Mystery Men before the movie was announced? Sure, we've heard of Burden's Flaming Carrot, maybe even read an issue or two, but the Mystery Men came out of nowhere. Much like this movie. You'll get what you want out of this movie: comic book action, comic book humor, comic book story. But the characters and the story fit with the action and the humor, not a crowd-pleasing movie just to be a crowd-pleasing movie. It's funny and it'll probably be perfect for its release in August (well after AUSTIN POWERS 2 is out and everyone has seen it). For parents: there's no cursing, the violence is all very comical, and it's great eye-candy. Kids will love it. It's very simply a comic book movie, in a positive sense of the phrase. Unfortunately, few people will know that it came from a comic book, like most other comic book movies, even if it's super-popular, and if it bombs, which is always entirely possible, then there will be fewer movies based on comic books and we'll see even less movies-to-comics cross-pollination than we see now. BATMAN: NO MAN'S LAND GALLERY The gallery issues that DC has put out thus far have been interesting—whole comic-length issues chock-full of pin-ups by a variety of artists. Sure, there are no words so the $3.95 or so you spend will be used up in the less-than 3 minutes it takes you to look through the issue, though I recommend looking through the issue in the comic store and only buying it if there are some really good pictures in it you want to scan into the computer or tear out and pin up. This issue should have been left completely at the comic store. The only stand-out name that isn't immediately related to DC is Jim Lee, who does a cover that looks more like any other Wildstorm artist that gets paid to draw like Jim Lee. Sure, there are some other good artists in the book like Terry Dodson, Bill Sienkiewicz, Rodolfo Damaggio, John Cassaday, Phil Jiminez, ChrissCross, and Paul Pope, to name most, but their few drawings aren't enough to justify $3.95. And there's a picture by comics legend Jim Aparo that looks like it's out of a Batman coloring book. If you're at all interested in this issue_ look at it in the comics store then leave it there. BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER: SPIKE & DRU I don't think it's a secret that the Dark Horse comics based on the BUFFY THE VAMPIRE property aren't very good (and that editor Scott Allie doesn't print negative letters). And this one-shot featuring characters from the series isn't an exception, even if it's co-written by one of the actors on the show (perhaps proving that some people are paid to act, not create). But the art on this special does stand out. Ryan Sook may be an obvious and unremorseful swipe of Mike Mignola, but the art completely blows away any so-called talent that the BUFFY comics series and related spin-offs have seen. Hell, let Sook draw an ongoing HELLBOY series so it can come out monthly. The web site of the week for you to check out is: http://cgi2.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewListedItems&userid=mar93 It goes directly to the eBay page that lists all the comics I'm selling. Put a bid down and tell me you read about this in the CBEM and I'll throw in some extra comics if you win. mar93@aol.com Http://members.aol.com/mar93/BoneMachine.html ______________________________________________________________________ ----------------------------------------------------------------------- [10] VENTING MY SPLEEN David Groenewegen david.groenewegen@lib.monash.edu.au [David Groenewegen is 30, a librarian and sadly addicted to comics. He has been reading them since before he could read, and plans to keep on doing so. His first trip out of the house with his infant son was to a comic shop. Can't start 'em too young. ] Last weekend I had the great good fortune to meet one of my favourite creators for the first time, when Grant Morrison came to Melbourne. I've been a fan of Grant's work for years - probably since I read ANIMAL MAN in the late eighties. I don't buy everything he writes, and I haven't read everything he's written, but there's a fair chunk of his work in my comics box, and I ferreted through it the night before I went to the con he was, so I could get his best stuff to sign. This is what I took, and why: St. SWITHINS DAY (ONI Press): A wonderful story that really captures what it feels like to be a self obsessed teenager. Based on Grant's diaries from his youth, and really well written. Nice art from Paul Grist too. Killer line: "Guitars like church bells" the perfect description of one of my favourite songs, "There She Goes". DARE #2 (Monster Comics): This miniseries was a very grim retelling of the later life of 50s British comics hero Dan Dare. More fantastic art (although Grant complained at the con that he never got good artists because he doesn't like to talk to them), and a really gripping story that personalised and humanised some pretty dumb characters. Killer line: "All that lovely art deco with no bloody shops". I told Grant how much I loved that line, and he was quite pleased. FLEX MENTALLO #1 (Vertigo): I have no idea what this series is about, and Grant told me that he doesn't either. We also agreed that it is fascinating, and that Frank Quitely is a genius. Three books, three great artists. What was he complaining about? Killer line: none special, but the whole mood of the book seeps into your brain. Irresistible. ANIMAL MAN #25 (DC): The infamous issue where Grant meets Buddy Baker. Mind blowing at the time, and still good today, possibly even better because it demonstrates hypertime quite nicely, and has all those great cameos of crap DC characters from the past. Never cared for Truog and Farmer's art though, especially compared to those fab Bolland covers. Killer line: "I'm Grant. You coming in?" INVISIBLES Vol 1. #12 (Vertigo): A refreshingly different story because it's the life flashing before the eyes of a victim of the Invisibles. Its so rare to see an admission that "bad guys" are people too, especially in this days of rampant killing. I still find this story really touching, and painful (in a good way) to read. Good art too. Killer line: "I don't want to be like this. I'm not a bad man." Although "I always hated you" comes bloody close. THE FLASH #133: In some ways the best single issue of the Flash in the last five years. Captures the pure speed and exhilaration of being the Flash unlike any other book I've read. Grant's reinvention of Mirror Master as a Glaswegian was a masterstroke ten years ago, and it still seems good. OK art, but a real bit of Silver Age fun. Grant seemed quite chuffed that I turned up with this one too. Killer Line: "I didn't save up for the shiny toys and the fancy dress for a laugh y'know." I got all them signed, got to chat with Grant and ask him a few questions. He's a charming guy with a wicked grin and an addictive enthusiasm for comics and his ideas. Killer line: "I'm here to cause trouble". The sort of trouble we could do with a little more of I reckon. David Groenewegen davidhar@lib.monash.edu.au ______________________________________________________________________ ----------------------------------------------------------------------- [11] Can't See The Forest Alan J. Porter ajporter@compuserve.com ************************************ A slight change in format this month. Instead of selecting a handful of books for a in depth review I've decided to do a quick one-line review for each one of the 46 comics I read over the last month. ====================== ANARKY #3 by Grant & Breyfogle (DC) Anarky as a Green Lantern wields the power ring to save the Universe. A moderately decent tale enhanced by Breyfogle's art. I'm not sure if Grant's metaphysical hero is strong enough to sustain an on-going series. AUTHORITY #3 by Ellis & Hitch (DC / Wildstorm) Cool superheroics for grown-ups. Intriguing and witty scripting combined with cool artwork. AVENGERS #18 by Ordway & Vey (Marvel) The last Ordway fill-in issue - thank goodness. Looking forward to the return of Kurt Busiek and Ultron. AVENGERS #0 by Busiek & Immonen (Marvel / Wizard) Wizard special that acts as a "prelude" to the upcoming "Ultron Unlimited" storyline. Not essential but provides good background material. AVENGERS FOREVER #7 by Busiek & Pacheo (Marvel) Busiek having fun playing around in Marvel's continuity sandbox. A classic series in the making. AZRAEL: AGENT OF THE BAT #54 by O'Neil & Robinson (DC) More of a Barbara Gordon issue than and Azrael one as Orcale's relationship with Jean-Paul is explored and settled. One of the better issues of late - mainly due to the presence of the ex Batgirl. BATMAN #567 by Puckett & Scott (DC) Minimal dialog and strong visuals give this issue a very Japanese feel. The story reveals yet another old time trainer of Bruce Wayne's and brings Barabara Gordon into focus as probably the strongest and most stable member of the Bat family still resident in Gotham. BATMAN BEYOND #5 by Bader & Staton (DC) An amusing and lightweight tale set in the TV show continuity. Going by this Terry McGinnis has a lot to learn about being as good a detective as his mentor. BATMAN BOOK OF THE DEAD #2 by Moench & Kitson (DC) Great Kitson artwork on a typical Moench conspiracy tale - this time spun around ancient Egyptian prophesies. A run of the mill Elseworld's not worthy of the extended price tag nor the two issue format. BATMAN CHRONICLES #17 by Beatty & Alixe, Wyn & Barreto, Renaud & Nolan. (DC) A mixed bag of tales from No Man's Land with perhaps the strongest being the middle one about Batman and Oracle hijacking a cable TV broadcast and "beaming" it out of beleaguered Gotham to show the rest of the country "the true face of Gotham." - the bravery and sacrifice of its everyday citizens. BATMAN: GOTHAM ADVENTURES #14 by Templeton & Rousseau (DC) Ty Templeton's swan song on this title is another excellent Harley Quinn story. His dialog is harp and witty and he capture's Harley's spirit perfectly. It's just a shame that the usual Adventures art crew of Rich Burchett & Terry Beatty didn't draw this. BATMAN: NO MAN'S LAND GALLERY by various (DC) For sad Batman completists (like me ) only BIRDS OF PREY #7 by Dixon & Krause (DC) A strongly written short tale with a sting at the end. Raising issues of morality vs. professionalism in the sort of story that BoP excels at. BLACK WIDOW #2 by Grayson & Jones (Marvel) More evenly paced than the last issue with a surprise ending. Excellently rendered artwork. CAPTAIN AMERICA #19 by Waid & Kubert (Marvel) I've lost interest in this series. And so it would seem has the writer. I'm dropping this one at the same time as Waid leaves and this issue did nothing to make me want to stay. CATWOMAN #70 by Grayson & Balent (DC) So much better than the last issue - but still what's with that goofy new costume with the whiskers ? DANGER GIRL #5 by Campbell & Hartnell (DC / Wildstorm) A quilty pleasure to read. It's such shame that it's so long between issues, when something is this fast paced you need to be able to stay on top of the plot from issue to issue. Good job that they have the recap page at the front. DETECTIVE #734 by Puckett & Scott (DC) The second part of the story from Batman #567 with a cracking last page. FANBOY #5 by Evanier, Aragones & Various (DC) A comic to please an aging Batman fans heart with art by Sprang, Mooney, Giella, Adams, Miller & Timm - say no more ! HEART OF EMPIRE #2 by Talbot ( Dark Horse) My personal favorite book of the moment. Talbot spins an engaging tale full of wonderful observations and metaphor. His artwork is as detailed and exquisite as ever. IMPULSE #50 by Dezago & Van Sciver (DC) A pre-earthquake tale of Batman's first encounter with Impulse as he "assists" the Dark Knight with the Joker. I don't know why but this one reminded me of one of the classic Englehart / Rogers Batman tales both in storytelling and artwork. The surprise read of the month. IRON MAN #18 by Stern & Chen (Marvel) Run of the mill super-heroics. Read more like an old issue of Marvel Team-Up than part of the ongoing Iron Man storyline. Another title that is missing the guiding hand of Kurt Busiek. JLA #31 by Morrison & Porter (DC) Another confusing chapter in the latest JLA/JSA crossover. Plot confusion is offset by some excellent dialog - particularly Wildcat's. KABUKI CLASSICS #4 by Mack (Image) A reprint of the hard to find "Circle Of Blood" storyline form 1995 gives an insight into the lead characters backgrounds and shows the start of David Mack's unique approach to comics storytelling. KNEWTS OF THE ROUND TABLE #5 by Fitzgerald & Chamsuwan (Pan) An action packed conclusion to the first Knewts story arc. Stunning detailed artwork and an original spin on the Arthurian legends make this one of the best black & white books on the stands at the moment. LADY PENDRAGON: DRAGONS BLADE #2 by Hawkins & Stinsman (Image) Long legs, long swords, lots of dragons and a overwhelming number of subplots make this issue fun but confusing. For those already onboard only. LADY PENDRAGON / MORE THAN MORTAL by Scott, Hawkins & Norton (Image) The protectors of druidic England and Ireland at odds of the mission of St Patrick to the Emerald Isle. A mix of history, religion and old-fashioned storytelling. A fair introduction to either series. LEGENDS OF THE DARK KNIGHT #119 by Rucka & Deodato (DC) A strong No Man's Land story behind an excellent Bolland cover. But one has to ask is The Batman losing control of the situation in Gotham ? LEGENDS OF THE DC UNIVERSE #18 by Wolfman & Guice (DC) A "prequel" to New Teen Titans # 1 (from 1980) that sets the stage for much of what followed. For Titans' aficionados only. Will probably confuse more recent DC readers. MAGE: THE HERO DEFINED #12 by Wagner ( Image) Probably the weakest issue of this story to date. Although progressing the plot slightly it felt, and read, like padding. I'm sure it will read better as part of the whole than it does as a single issue. MARTIAN MANHUNTER #8 by Ostrander & Mandrake (DC) Behind a powerful cover lies one of the most creative and original "death-cheating" sequences I've yet seen in comics. NIGHTWING #33 by Dixon & McDaniel (DC) The best bits of this story are Dick Grayson's attempts to hide his abilities during his police academy training. The superheroic sections of the storyline just detract from its real strength. ONI DOUBLE FEATURE #12 by Smith, Allred, Dini, Fowler & Aragones (Oni Press) A mix of good fun story telling and thought provoking tales. Too much emphasis on the bad language detracts from the overall effectiveness - rather like a Kevin Smith movie. RISING STARS #0 by Straczynski & Cha (Image / Wizard) A special giveaway preview issue that lays out the foundations for JMS's new series. Sets up more in 7 pages than a lot of comics achieve in 22. An original premise that should provide JMS with a broad canvas on which to develop his story. ROBIN #66 by Dixon & Johnson (DC) Pointless tie-in to the events in No Man's Land. ROBYN OF SHERWOOD #3 by Storrie & Larson (Caliber) Caliber's irregular shipping of this book haven't helped. Given the long gap since the last issue it took a while to get back into the story. But within a few pages I was soon hooked again. Storrie's spin on the Hood legends and tales is refreshing and different while still respecting his source. SHADOW OF THE BAT #87 by Rucka & Deodato (DC) A lack-luster conclusion to the story set-up in LOTDK #119. The Bolland cover is it's only saving grace. SPAWN: THE DARK AGES #3 by Holguin & Sharp (Image) The Dark Age Spawn learns is origins and background in this dark spin of the Spawn legacy. Retreads old ground without adding anything. This will be my last issue. For Spawn completists only. SUPERBOY #64 by Kesel & Grummett (DC) Action packed conclusion to the Hypertime story arc. DC's first real use of the Hyper-time concept recycles the old multiverse ideas. The best part was trying to figure out what sort of "universe" each of the various Superboys may belong to. SUPERMAN: THE ODYSSEY by Dixon & Nolan (DC) A look into the early days of Clark Kent before he became Superman. A reasonably well told tale - the sort of thing that used to be reserved for Annuals. Not sure it was worth the $5 price tag. TITANS #5 by Grayson & Buckingham (DC) An enjoyable fish story that I'm sure lays the foundation for future Titan encounters with the mysterious "mermaid." Nice character interaction between Roy Harper & Donna Troy that shows a deep understanding of Titan's history. TOM STRONG #2 by Moore & Sprouse (DC / Wildstorm) Fun pulp style super-heroics from Moore. I love the comic within a magazine type approach and the feeling that there's lots of backstory here that we should already be familiar with. A perfect lesson in how to introduce and sustain a mutli-layered complex story environment without making it confusing to the casual reader. WILDCATS #3 by Lobdell & Carest (DC / Wildstorm) Nice effective trick cover art - shame about the rest. If you are deep into Wildcats lore I'm sure this made sense - I just found it confusing as hell and it put me off picking up anymore issues. WORLD'S FINEST #4 by Kesel & Taylor (DC) Batman in Metropolis and the early days of Intergang and Project Cadmus. Another strong issue that continues to define the relationship between the two iconic heroes. YOUNG JUSTICE #10 by David & Nauck (DC) Typical YJ fun - you either love it or hate it. Personally I love it - Highlight of this issue had to be Impulsee thinking he was Batman ( in a homage to a well known candy commercial). YOUNG JUSTICE IN NO MAN'S LAND # 1 by Dixon & Beatty (DC) What was it I said about this month's Robin ? - Oh yes "Pointless tie-in to the events in No Man's Land." The same could be said of this effort. =========================== Don't forget that you can also find "can't see the forest" reviews at the Empyre Comics (http://members.aol.com/empyre) web site. "..can't see the forest" also appears on the CompuServe Comics Forum and as part of The Super-Hero News mailing. Past "..can't see the forest" reviews can be found on the web at http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/ajporter/cstf.htm ================================ "..can't see the forest" is a FOREST COMICS publication and is © 1994-1999 and a trademark of Alan J. Porter . All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part is strictly forbidden without permission. ______________________________________________________________________ ----------------------------------------------------------------------- [12] Multiverse Observer and Explorer Reviews Paul Dale Roberts silhouet9@aol.com [Paul promotes amateur and professional comic book artwork, scripts, storylines, and unpublished comic books with a newsletter called the Peoples' Comic Book Newsletter. Its website is at Jazma Comic Book Newsletter Productions at http://www.twmgrafix.com/jazma He is also a prominent letter hack, as anyone who reads comic letter pages would know. He is in production of his own self-published comic book called The Legendary Dark Silhouette and has copyrighted over 600 characters for his Jazma Universe.] MOE Sidenote: At A1 Comics, new on their racks were the following: Louis Riel by Chester Brown, The Fatal Bullet by Rick Geary, Sparks by Lawrence Marvit, Cruel & Unusual 3 or 4 by Vertigo, Flinch #2 by Vertigo, Silent Mobius by Viz Comics, Chibi - Pop Manga, Quantum Mechanics #1, Night Tribes by Wildstorm, Roland - Days of Wrath, Neon Genesis Evangelion, Mobile Suit Gundam 0079, No Need for Tenchi!, Silent Mobius - Into the Labyrinth, Pokemon and more! For more information about any of these comic books, contact Brian Peets, owner of A1 Comics at: A1Comics@quiknet.com Name: Deadbeats #35 Publisher: Claypool Comics Written by: Richard Howell Drawn by: Ricardo Villagran Price: $2.50 Comments: Everything started off so smooth in Deadbeats #35. Here we have Kirby Collier and Jo Isles frolicking with their children and everything is peaceful in the known-to-be-stormy Mystic Grove. Even the Kool-Aid jug sitting over to the right of our loving couple, brings the false sense of harmony. That harmony ends real quickly when Kirby's dad shows up. There is definitely a father/son breakdown in their relationship. Kirby doesn't try to understand his father and talk things out in a private session, instead he is ready to come down hard on him, for not being around or being unreliable. Kirby is not concerned with his feelings and uses no tact to discuss these confidential matters to him. Shame on Kirby. He's still your father! Deadbeats are growing with 2 new faces and even though one is reluctant in being a vampire, this vampire nest will get stronger as the recruits come in. The complaints came rolling out from the new vampire named Caffrey as he whined about being killed first, then turning into a vampire; the wanting of human blood; the burning thirst and then I had to laugh until I cried when he made the comparison of vampire to parasite to lawyer! Caffrey of course used to be a lawyer, when he was living and basically he was saying that a vampire is a parasite and one of the vampires says...so are lawyers! That was hilarious! Love the details and explanations on how to kill potential vampires and that's by breaking their necks. The legend of vampirism grows within this comic book! Vampire birth control is important, because then if everyone were vampires, there wouldn't be any more meal tickets. The new Deadbeats learn about 'vampire birth control'. I really loved Mick Johnson and got a kick out of his metal filaments. Mick was a normal guy turned demon and he hates Deadbeats! In this issue, he gives the Deadbeats a real hard time! Mystery and intrigue falls upon the Dagger of Deliverance. Is this the cure for vampirism? Only time will tell. Started chewing my nails as the deformed Mick had our beautiful vamps cornered on the pier, but these ladies know how to handle all situations and our big galoot falls off the pier and sinks into the depths of the water. That is one pesky demon that won't be bothering the Deadbeats again! I thought for sure the cliffhanger will be left with the demonic Mick Johnson and the Deadbeats, but with the twists and turns in this story, another cliffhanger emerged. Great story and quite horrific! Check out Deadbeats! Name: Elvira #73 Publisher: Claypool Comics Written by: Frank Strom & Jo Duffy Drawn by: Tod Smith/pencils Ronn Sutton/pencils Bob Wiacek/inks Bruce Patterson/inks Price: $2.50 Comments: "Lucky Legs" was a great story as Elvira faces a public relations catastrophe. Elvira knows how to fend off the competition as she enters the Lucky Leg Pageant. Even with the threat of Spookie Suzie (who never had a chance anyway) and the hard body blonde who happens to be an alien, Elvira still comes through! I knew Elvira didn't give two hoots on the grand prize, that being a romantic rendezvous with the heart throb known as Leonardo DiCrappio. Elvira seeks out to be #1 in everything that she does and sets out for her rigorous workout, so she can be the winner! Very inspirational as Elvira is depicted this way in the comic book and anyone who follows the career of Elvira will also know that she is like that in real life! I was surprised to see Elvira team up with Spooky Suzie (her arch-enemy) and tinker with the idea of sabotage. Eva the hard body alien gave Elvira plenty of competition as Eva has the capability to juggle elephants and then uses vocal cord manipulating weapon to take away the voices of Elvira and Spookie Suzie. All it took was Suzie's lame brain idea of dumping water on Elvira while she wore a bathing suit, to allow Elvira to take the grand prize! Elvira looked like she had stepped out of the movie "Flashdance" and the judges went wild! Even the judge who was in Elvira's pocket knew he made a mistake by dropping Elvira and going for Eva. The biggest laugh was seeing that skinny kid Leonardo washing Elvira's car on their romantic outing...only if this story was true! I can't stand Leonardo! The second story "Or Give Me Death" was a delight to see one of Elvira's greatest nemesis, that being Skelloween! But, I really got a kick out of seeing the gorgeous Princess Pumpkin! As this story progresses it will be interesting to see how Elvira will deal with the missing Pierce (her close friend and associate) and then deal with the villain who is responsible for his disappearance! Both stories are fun and exciting and Elvira is remarkably drawn! Elvira was killa' in this issue! Name: Comic Effect #23 Publisher: Paloma St. Publications Published and Edited by: James G. Kingman Price: $3.50 Comments: Highly professional comic book review booklet that is put together with superb perfection! This booklet starts off with "Letter From the Editor" by Jim Kingman. Jim has a majestic way of putting words together and is very descriptive as he discusses deaths that have occurred in the DC Universe. He also gets personal with the readers, by talking about his life and his connection to comics. Fascinating read! He also has a letters page from his fans called "Comic Effectations". This booklet is filled with 48 pages of comic book reviews. Everything from Green Lantern #88 - Feb-March 1972 to Superman #261 - Feb. 1973 to Power Pack #47 by Marvel Comics and a whole lot more! Very nostalgic, as I was able to read some of these reviews, that brought back memories of comic books I have read in my past. There I was a little kid, age 12, sitting in my treehouse, built on a huge oak tree in Monterey and reading.....well, you get the picture, these reviews revive those glorious memories! One of the best reviews was The Yellow Claw #1 by Atlas - October 1956! I never had a chance to read this comic book, but I was aware of it and the review was full of details! James G. Kingman does some of the reviews in his booklet, but he has a multitude of talent that are willing and ready to do reviews for him! The cover depicts Green Lantern and the back cover is of Pinhead of Hellraiser. This booklet is worth every penny and more! Now your probably wondering how you can order "Comic Effect"? Easy. Here goes: All issues of Comic Effect are available: #1 $2.00, #2 $3.00, #3 - 23 $3.50 each. Cash accepted or make check or money order payable to: Paloma St. Publications, PO Box 2188, Pasadena, California 91102-2188 For information, email James at: jkcomeff@aol.com Comic Effect is like a Lay's Potato Chip. After digesting one, you'll want more! I guarantee it! Name: Promethea #1 Publisher: America's Best Comics Written by: Alan Moore Drawn by: J.H. Williams III/pencils Mick Gray/inks Price: $3.50 Comments: This comic book deserves a full 10! After reading this gem, I wrote Alan Moore a letter, here's that letter. Warning! If your going to pick up this comic book to read and don't want no storyline give-aways, don't read this review! Now to that letter: Wow! I was completely enthralled with the article: The Promethea Puzzle: An Adventure in Folklore. I never knew about this and found it to be mind boggling. Is it possible that when an author creates a character, that this character could exist someway or another, because of the energy that is exerted through the conscious mind? Is it possible that when Charlton Sennet created Promethea through his poems, she carried on without him, in the minds of other authors? Could Promethea be some type of energy entity created from within the mi