---------------------------------------------------------------------- Ed Dukeshire and Mike Imboden Present: THE COMIC BOOK NET ELECTRONIC MAGAZINE ISSUE NUMBER 233 10/01/99 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] Interview:Jeremy Kirby ................ Paul Dale Roberts [6] Stranger in a Strange Land ............ Jen [7] Independent Voices .................... Rich Henn [8] And Let Me Tell You Why ............... David Coulter [9] M.O.E. Reviews ........................ Paul Dale Roberts [10] My View: MOJO MECHANICS ............... David LeBlanc [11] New Comic Book Releases List .......... Charles LePage [12] 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 a week's worth of the online 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 AMAZING! As my AOL subscribers know, last week, for the first time in a long time, every section of the emag sent to the AOL actually made it to the recipients as soon as they were sent, one after the other, minutes apart as was intended. I do not know if it was in response to my own protests, to those of the subscribers who themselves added their protest about what was going on, or some secret benefactor who took up the cause behinds the scenes. Heck I don't even know if it will continue this week, but I am hopeful this episode has been resolved. And to all who may have spoken up, whether you let me know about it or not, I applaud your willingness to stand up for the principle and thank you on behalf of all my subscribers on AOL. Speaking of AOL, they have begun to give some advanced looks at the new version, 5.0 which will be out soon and here are some of the new features: LONGER - 12 digit screen names - e.g. DavidLeblanc@aol.com will now be possible 7 screen names per account - enough for the whole family (not to mention the FTP WEB space that goes with EACH name) The new Welcome Screen has several new features: * Channel Guide -- one-click access to all of AOL's channels. * AOL Search -- one-click access to searching AOL and the rest of the Internet. * My Places -- a customizable list of places that are most often visited. You've Got Pictures: Developed in partnership with Eastman Kodak, You've Got Pictures lets you choose to have your pictures delivered online so you can share the pictures with friends and family. Additionally, you can order reprints, enlargements and personalized merchandise. My Calendar is the new, easy-to-use, interactive calendar Retrieve Recently Deleted E-mail You can recover e-mail that you deleted in the last 24 hours. Personalized E-mail Signatures You can create personalized "signatures" that are automatically added into your e-mail messages. The signatures can include your name, contact information, a personal quote, or however you like to end each of your e-mail messages. You can set up Auto AOL to sign on and download e-mail and newsgroups from multiple screen names without disconnecting. And a few other features as well. Let me say, I have been a charter member of the service and do not view the recent unpleasant situation as a reason to not promote the service for what it offers. It is not for everyone but for ease of use for the novice you can't beat it. And since about 1/4 of my subscribers are members, as are most of my family, I am glad to see them correct that situation and continue to improve the service. Anyway, I have passed along this upgrade info in the past and so for those who are curious I thought you would want to know. Or maybe give it a try if you never did. End of commercial. :) Now, isn't this supposed to be about comics? Here are some out this week, some of which got lost by Buster Brown on the way to my retailer :( ACCLAIM COMICS Shadowman Vol 3 #3, 2.50 BEANWORLD PRESS INC. Larry Marder's Beanworld Book Four, 11.95 DC COMICS Authority #7, 2.50 Batman & Superman Worlds Finest #8 (Of 10), 1.99 Day Of Judgment #5 (Of 5), 2.50 Flash #154, 1.99 Flinch #6, 2.50 JLA #35, 1.99 Legion Of Super Heroes #121, 2.50 More Secret Origins 80 Page Giant Replica Ed, 4.95 DIAMOND PUBLICATIONS Previews Vol Ix #10, 2.95 IMAGE COMICS Adventures Of Evil & Malice #2, 3.50 Rising Stars #2, 2.50 MARVEL COMICS Avengers #22, 1.99 Avengers #1 1/2, 2.50 ONI PRESS INC. Oni Double Feature #13, 2.95 PEREGRINE ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Independent Voices #2, 2.95 <-----Pick of the week! If you only knew how many things have been going wrong or just adding to the stress level in the past 3 weeks you would appreciate the huge sigh of relief (with fingers crossed) the AOL Email unblock has caused. It really is a big help to have that behind us. 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. +++++ Subject: Re: CBEM 232.1 From: schung1968@juno.com David, I had the pleasure of meeting Don McGregor at San Diego this past August and had the opportunity of telling him how much his work has meant to me, as a reader. I fondly remember his work with the likes of Herb Trimpe, Howard Chaykin, and P. Craig Russell. on Amazing Adventures: War of The Worlds with Killraven, M'Shulla, Old Skull, and The Free Men, and those McGregor/Colan Black Panther stories in Jungle Action during the '70s. My favorite Killraven stories include: "The 24-Hour Man" which begins and ends with Killraven and The Freemen discovering a startled woman and her unusual offspring. The story came about when he and Russell were discussing in a restaurant a unique way to tell a story. Another is "Only The Computer Shows Me Any Respect" where we learn about Hawk's early years, as his aged father immerses himself in virtual reality in order to ignore what is happening to him and his family in real life. Another fave was when Killraven encountered bizarre versions of the Marvel Super-Heroes who worship at the altar of The Mighty Howard (not The Duck!). Don mentioned what happened when Don invited someone over to the house and while he was in another room, his guest read the story where rocks fall on the free men and we didn't know if Grok, Hawk, or Old Skull was going to die. According to Don, the guest came into his room and said, "You sonuva !@#$#!!! You killed Old Skull!" That's how good of a writer, Don McGregor is, with that awesome Russell art, of course. Images of M'Shulla fishing and catching a prehistoric tuna fish stick in my mind to this day. I will never forget the climax of "Panther's Rage" in Jungle Action where Erik Killmonger is about to throw T'Challa off a cliff, but then is undone by... I won't reveal the ending, but Don says that readers were upset by the ending, which I loved. In my opinion, heroes don't kill. Meeting Don was one of the highlights of my San Diego con and thanks for the great stories, plus signing a copy of Matanzas for me. Steve Chung P.S. It is a mystery to me why Marvel doesn't collect those Jungle Action and War of The Worlds stories into trade paperbacks. I sure as heck would grab those puppies. As the saying goes, "If you gotta read something, read these!" +++++ This was not a letter to the editor, but it is important enough to run here: From: Tony Isabella's Journal #815 for September 22, 1999 Like much of the comic-book community, I rejoiced when I heard that the Jerry Siegel family had reclaimed its 50% of the copyright on Superman. I wish I could have written "all" instead of "much," but, sadly, there were fans and even--amazingly--professionals who took umbrage at the Siegels reclaiming what was legally theirs. I think "disgust" is not too strong a word to describe my reactions to such comments. What should have been one of the happiest moments in comicdom has been further dampened by Time-Warner seeking to deny the Siegel family what is legally and morally theirs. Apparently, and despite the best efforts of DC Comics president Paul Levitz to negotiate a fair and just settlement with the Siegels, Time-Warner is trying to perpetuate the inexcusable wrongs done to the creators of Superman by previous DC management. COMICS BUYER'S GUIDE and Another Universe's Matt Brady, along with COMICON.COM's Rich Veitch and The [Cleveland] Plain Dealer's Mike Sangiacomo, have done a great job covering an important story that is being ignored by the mass media. That's not surprising as many of the major news outlets are part of media conglomerates that also own properties that will be coming up for copyright renewal in the years and decades to come. Time-Warner is probably counting on the silence of their fellow media giants to help them avoid public remonstrance against their actions. So it falls to the comics community to try to get a measure of justice for Jerry Siegel and the other comics creators whose legal rights are in jeopardy of being trampled on by the media moguls and the financial resources they so arrogantly believe will allow them to "outlast" the creators in any legal proceedings. Goliath is big and he's got big lawyers. What can you do? The first thing you can do is write a polite letter to Time- Warner president Richard D. Parsons expressing your dismay over the situation. You might want to point out how contradictory it is for the co-owner of a hero who stands for "truth and justice" to deny a fair settlement to the family of the co-creator of that legendary hero. You might want to mention how difficult it will be for you to--in good conscience--continue to enjoy Time-Warner products and entertainments, knowing that Jerry Siegel's family has not received their legal and moral due. Whatever you write, keep your discourse as high-minded as possible. That's what Superman would do. Send your letters to: Richard D. Parsons, President Time-Warner 1325 Avenue of the Americas New York, NY 10019 The second thing you can do is to contact local and national (broadcast and print) news media and request they cover this story. Remind them that Superman is a symbol of "truth, justice, and the American way," a hero who represents our finest values throughout the world. This should be a news story that stirs our innate sense of fairness. And, if the Siegels get their due, it can be a story that reaffirms our belief in the American Dream. One more request from your Tipster. Let's not forget that, by all accounts, Levitz and the current DC management team are trying to do the right thing here. Given that they are employees of Time- Warner, I'd call their actions heroic. Superman would be proud of them. I know I am. +++++ Subj: 'Nuff Said! radio/web show guest info From: nuffsaid@escape.com (Nuff Said) '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. We're also on the internet at www.wbaifree.org and www.2600.com as well. There's a link to each of those on our own web site: www.nuffsaid.net. I'm hearing the limited number of connections gets filled up early, so dial in early. Tuesday, Oct. 5, 1999 - I'll review some of the independent comics I got at the Small Press Expo. The rest of the show will be given over to listener phone calls. Now that we're live-streamed on the internet, we hope to get calls from outside the radio listening audience. And we'll be announcing what we'll be giving away on our special this month. Great stuff! Tuesday, Oct. 12, 1999 - Pre-empted for the Membership drive and... Tuesday, Oct. 19, 1999 - A two-hour special, 10 PM to midnight. We'll be playing an interview with Mike Kaluta taped at a recent Big Apple Convention here in New York City. Mike's fine, detailed linework has made him one of the most admired and respected of all comic artists. His Shadow series from DC in the '70s is considered by many to be the best rendition of that character. "Starstruck" the continuing series he does with Elaine Lee is always eagerly anticipated. He's done posters, the Tolkein calender, and so much more. He talks about the history of the legendary "Studio" and gives advice to young artists. A helluva nice guy, too! A wait'll you see the PILE of excellent comics you can get for becoming a member of WBAI-FM! Tuesday, Oct. 26, 1999 - Jim Toomey, the creator/writer/artist of the excellent offbeat charmingly demented comic strip "Sherman's Lagoon," now syndicated by King Features. Comic strip expert Jeff Lindenblatt will be joining me on this. 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. But via the internet for an even greater distance, natch. 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-FM, 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 Discount Comic Book Service at www.dcbservice.com where you can order most DC, Marvel, Image, and Dark Horse comics, statues and retail products for 35% off. +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: How did Superman get MXYZPTLK to return to the 5th dimension the very first time they met? He actually ASKED him what the word was that would send him back! Gary Peterson got it first. He gets a Batman versus Predator III: Blood Ties graphic novel from our sponsor. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++ THIS WEEK'S TRIVIA QUESTION: Submitted by Josep Calduch: In which Marvel comics (title and issue) was the name of the writer the same as an alter ego of the hero? 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 New Line Cinema Hosts a Special Online Auction of Todd McFarlane Collectibles To Benefit The ALS Association CALABASAS, Calif., Sept. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- New Line Cinema, in association with Todd McFarlane Productions, will host an online auction of collectibles from McFarlane's famous Spawn comic book series. The auction will begin Monday, September 27, 1999 and run through Sunday, October 10, 1999. The auction site is http://www.auctionmovie.com. 100% of the proceeds will be donated to The ALS Association -- fighting Lou Gehrig disease. New Line Cinema is the production company and distributor for such hit films as "Spawn" and "Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me." The auction consists of 10 Todd McFarlane autographed August 1st, 1997 Movie Premiere Issues of the Spawn comic book. The comic book is a reprint of Spawn Issue #61, the lowest print run of any Spawn comic book ever produced to date. These comic books are considered to be the most valuable of the McFarlane Comic Book Series. In addition, the cover of the book is very distinctive, featuring a collage of photographs of characters from the movie "Spawn" -- a rarity, since every other McFarlane comic book cover is a drawn illustration. "Through our online store and award-winning film sites, New Line Cinema has earned its reputation as an interactive leader in the entertainment industry," stated Jim Rosenthal, Executive Vice President of Business Development, New Line Cinema. "We believe there is tremendous growth in online e-tailing and these auctions will create a unique partnership with collectors and film lovers worldwide who are searching for authentic movie memorabilia and rare, one-of-a-kind gifts." The "Spawn" character is the creation of Todd McFarlane, who owns and operates numerous companies, including McFarlane Toys, the fifth-largest action figure manufacturer in the world. Todd McFarlane has won an Emmy for his "Spawn" HBO animated series and two MTV Video Music Awards as director of Korn's "Freak on a Leash" music video. Additionally, McFarlane is slated to begin pre-production in February 2000 on New Line Cinema's sequel to the live-action movie, "Spawn," which grossed $100 million in 1997. McFarlane is also the owner of The McFarlane Collection, containing 10 historic baseballs from the 1998 Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa home run chase. The ALS Association is the national charity of The McFarlane Collection Tour, in which over $40,000 to date has been raised to support research and patient services programs of The ALS Association. Founded in 1967, New Line Cinema is the entertainment industry's leading independent producer and distributor of theatrical motion pictures. New Line licenses its films to ancillary markets including cable and broadcast television as well as to international values. The company, which is a subsidiary of Time Warner, Inc., operates several divisions including in-house theatrical distribution, marketing, home video, television, acquisitions, production, licensing and merchandising units. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neuromuscular disease that occurs when motor nerve cells cease to function and die. While a person's mind remains sharp and alert, voluntary muscle control becomes completely lost. There is no known cause or cure at this time. The ALS Association is the only national non-profit organization dedicated solely to the fight against ALS and to improve the quality of life for ALS patients and their loved ones. For more information, visit www.alsa.org. SOURCE ALS Association +++++ Topps Signs Multi-Year Licensing Pact with Marvel to Produce Trading Cards and Other Marvel Products NEW YORK, Sept. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Spider-Man, The X-Men, Captain America, The Incredible Hulk and The Fantastic Four -- along with the entire stable of Marvel characters -- have a new trading card home. Topps has secured the license to the Marvel Super Hero Universe and, with it, looks to re-establish the Marvel property as the industry's premier comic-based card franchise. The comprehensive deal grants rights to other categories as well, including: sticker & album collections (to be marketed under Topps' Merlin brand), Action Flats collectibles, confectionery items and other picture products. The worldwide agreement enables Topps to exploit its international strength and leverage the global popularity of the Marvel library. "Marvel and Topps have both been at the head of the pack when it comes to quality and exciting, innovative product. We're very pleased to be partnering with them on this latest venture and look forward to a long, rewarding relationship," commented Marvel CEO and President, Peter Cuneo. According to Ken Abrams, Marvel Vice President of Consumer Products, "Trading cards are a key component of our merchandising program and Topps is the dominant player in the category. Marvel's beloved characters combined with Topps' proprietary technologies and supported by its strategic brand marketing make for a potent partnership," says Abrams. The Topps/Marvel association will yield products based on the Classic characters (as seen in the comics), as well as characters appearing in upcoming motion pictures and television shows. "The beauty of this opportunity is that it allows us to optimize our distribution capabilities in both the hobby market and the broader retail market," says Ira Friedman, Topps Vice President of Publishing & New Product Development. The hobby trade channel, the core marketplace for trading card collectors, is also where the Marvel brand reigns as #1 among comic book buyers. (The latest industry sales figures list 15 out of the top 20 best-selling comics as Marvel titles.) Marvel's current movie activities offer the potential to open many mass-market doors for the Topps product line. A big screen adaptation of "The X-Men" is now in production with a star-studded cast at 20th Century Fox and scheduled for release in theaters in July 2000. A long-awaited motion picture based on the popular "Spider-Man" franchise is in preparation at Sony Pictures, with more films based on other Marvel fan favorite characters in various stages of development. Topps initial plans call for a new series of Marvel trading cards based on the Classic property in the Spring of 2000, followed by a tie-in with "The X-Men" movie during the Summer. Topps is an international marketer of entertainment products, principally collectible trading cards, confections and sticker collections. +++++ Meet Comic Celebrities On NextPlanetOver.Com; Find Out If Green Lantern Will Mop the Floor with Prometheus. SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- NextPlanetOver.com, the ultimate Internet destination for the entertainment hobbyist, this week added firepower to its message boards with the addition of online dialogues with the writers of "Batman" and "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," among other comic-industry luminaries. NextPlanetOver.com cofounder and COO David Reid said, "This is a unique opportunity for people to interact with the best talents in the business. Visitors to our site can ask their favorite writers and artists the questions that have been burning in their minds. Each week, our featured artists will check the message boards and respond to comments and questions." Industry celebrities Grant Morrison, writer of "The Invisibles" and "JLA," two of the more popular DC titles, and David Mack, creator of the critically acclaimed "Kabuki" and the new writer of "Daredevil," have recently joined the message boards. Other current participants include "WildC.A.T.s" and "Darkness" writer Scott Lobdell, "Batman" and "Whiteout" writer Greg Rucka, "Giantkiller" creator Dan Brereton, "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and "Wolverine/Punisher" writer Christopher Golden, "Inhumans" artist Jae Lee, and "Bacchus" creator Eddie Campbell. +++++ From the SPLASH PAGE of Comicon.com at: http://www.comicon.com/splash/ ARCHIE PUBLISHER FURIOUS AT 'SABRINA' SEX SPREAD! SILBERKLEIT WANTS 'TEEN-AGE WITCH' STAR BURNED AT STAKE! September 29: The NEW YORK POST is reporting that ARCHIE COMICS Publisher, Michael Silberkleit, "hit the ceiling" when he heard about sexy interviews and photo spreads of 'SABRINA' star Melissa Joan Hart in upcoming issues of MAXIM and BIKINI. The POST said that "In a sharp letter to Sumner Redstone - chairman of Viacom,which produces "Sabrina" - publisher Michael Silberkleit of Mamaroneeck-based Archie Comics Publications, says Melissa's comments about having sex and playing "Sabrina" drinking games have damaged the wholesome image of the Sabrina character. Archie Comics owns the Sabrina character." The POST said, "He's calling on Viacom to dump Melissa and her mother, Paula Hart - executive producer of the ABC sitcom - unless Melissa agrees to apologize for the nude pictures and interviews in this month's editions of Maxim and Bikini magazines. "If Ms. Hart wants to change her image, she must wait until after her contract with Viacom expires and refrain from associating our Sabrina the Teenage Witch character with her personal endorsement of binge drinking, participation in pornography and discussions about sex," Silberkleit wrote in a letter faxed yesterday to Redstone. "I have been personally embarrassed by Melissa's interview and posing practically nude in Maxim." The POST said that, "In the magazine stories, Melissa is shown in swimsuits and in her underwear. And she speaks candidly about sex and about drinking, even describing a "Sabrina" drinking game. "Whenever the cat talks, take a shot," she says in Maxim. "And that's quite often - you can be pretty wasted after half an hoour!" The Archie Comics publisher says such statements violate the contract under which Viacom has licensed the Sabrina character." "She can say whatever she wants as Melissa but she can't say it as a representative of my trademarks," Silberkleit told The Post last night. "It's my livelihood plus it's a 60-year-old image of decency and wholesome family entertainment." In a separate letter faxed to James Goodman, vice president of business affairs for Los Angeles-based Viacom Productions, an attorney for Archie Comics demanded that "Viacom immediately terminate Melissa Joan Hart's and Paula Hart's involvement with the Sabrina trademark and property" unless Melissa admits publicly that the magazine articles "were a poor exercise of judgment," agrees not to do anything like them again, and "agrees to voluntarily participate in an anti-drinking campaign." +++++ From COMICS 2 FILM at http://www.comics2film.com Ghost World ----------- Sources tell Comics 2 Film that a movie version of Daniel Clowes' Ghost World comic is in the works. The movie is currently at Mr. Mudd, the production company that brought us Crumb and The Man In the Iron Mask, as a co-production with Jersey Films. Clowes is writing the screenplay and will be a producer on the movie. Terry Zwigoff (Crumb) is expected to direct. Ghost World tells the story of two friends who see themselves drift apart during the summer between high-school and college. Wonder Woman ------------ A source at Warner Bros. told Comics 2 Film that Jon Cohen is hard at work on a Wonder Woman screenplay for Silver Pictures. Cohen recently completed writing chores on Steven Spielberg's Minority Report. Our source had nothing new to report whispers that Sandra Bullock is interested in landing the title role in the Wonder Woman movie. Astro Boy / Domu ---------------- FROM MOVIELINE: The October issue of Movieline contains a brief article on Hollywood's growing fascination with anime and manga. The article mentions Osamu Tezuka's Astro Boy which looks to be a big production at Columbia. According to the magazine, "wild gossip around [Hollywood] says the role of the grieving scientist [Astro Boy's creator] could be filled by anyone from Tom Hanks to Jim Carrey to Will Smith." The article also talks about Katsushiro Otomo's Domu. This movie is in development at Disney by writer/director Guillermo del Toro. The article speculates that the lead female role in this one could go to Leelee Sobieski (Eyes Wide Shut), Natalie Portman (Phantom Menace) or Kirsten Dunst (The Crow: Salvation). http://www.movielinemag.com Avengers -------- FROM THE COMICS CONTINUUM: Rob Allstetter of The Comics Continuum states that sources claim the Avengers animated program will "likely" make its debut on Saturday, October 23. Fox Kids has not yet made an announcement about the debut. http://comicscontinuum.com Hellboy ------- FROM CORONA COMING ATTRACTIONS: Corona Coming Attractions reports that Hellboy director Guillermo del Toro has been twisting a particular actor's arm for the title role in that movie. CCA's scooper allegedly heard from the director at a screening of his cult favorite hit Cronos. Del Toro told the audience that he'd love to get Ron Perlman (Alien: Resurrection, Happy, Texas) to fill the iron gauntlet of everyone's favorite demon gone good. Perlman appeared in Cronos which del Toro wrote and directed. Reports from last years comic convention in San Diego indicated that Hellboy creator Mike Mignola agrees that Perlman would be good for the part. http://www.corona.bc.ca Lady Death ---------- FROM THE COMICS CONTINUUM: Rob Allstetter of The Comics Continuum recently reported on the progress of the Lady Death animated feature. Lady Death creator Brian Pulido told Allstetter, "It is based on the Lady Death: The Reckoning, the first mini-series, that told her origin, but yeah, there are a heck of lot of twists and turns. For example, this story has Pagan, The Court Jester of Hell. And (it) further explores her 'training' to be Lady Death." According to the article, animated designs based on Chaos! character designs are expected from ADV Films in about three weeks. http://comicscontinuum.com +++++ From Newsarama; http://www.AnotherUniverse.com/newsarama WINNER OF THE 1997 & 1998 INTERNET "SQUIDDY" FOR BEST WEB SITE CrossGeneration Comics has announced the addition of industry veteran Barbara Kesel as its head writer. The new comics publishing imprint is scheduled to debut May of next year. Brandon Peterson is the art director. As head writer, Kesel will be responsible for overseeing CrossGen's writing staff, editing the line, serving as its ‘historian,’ and grooming new writing recruits. She will also write a CrossGen quarterly title and two monthly series. Wildstorm editor John Laymen thinks the original Wildstorm Universe has been getting "smaller". He thinks even new books added to the WSU proper, like Warren Ellis' Planetary and The Authority, and the relaunched Wildcats, seem almost self-contained and that their flagship universe doesn't have the same scope and unity it once had. So Laymen and Wildstorm want to do something about it, and they've created GenActive, a new quarterly shipping, 48-page per issue series, tentatively scheduled to debut this coming March. "It'll have team-ups between characters you've always wanted to see together (or against each other). We'll see what certain characters who currently don't have books have been up to, and we'll be introducing something co-editor Eric DeSantis and I believe has always been lacking in the WSU - supervillains...and lots of 'em." The current tentative plan is for each issue to have three stories, one main story and two smaller back-ups. The stories will be self-contained, but according to Layman. Laymen revealed that writer Jay (New Warriors) Faerber will be doing the main stories of issues #1 and #2, stand alone stories that will also complement one another. "We've also got Ben Raab on board for on of the continuing storylines, and the writing team of Andy Lanning and Dan Abnett working on another," he said. One artist team has been revealed for issue #1, however: the rising star duo of Bryan Hitch and Paul Neary. New Warriors News Marvel's New Warriors will be getting some new looks over the next several months, culminating with issue #7 - an issue that welcomes aboard new regular penciler Jamal Igle to the series. Departing artist Steve Scott's last issue will be #3. - Move over Iron Giant...Gigantor, the Japaanese grandfather of all giant robots, is coming to American shores early next year in a new ongoing color comic book series by Antarctic Press. Antarctic, in association with Entercolor Technologies Corp. and Fred Ladd, announced the launch of a monthly series in January 2000. Written and illustrated by Antarctic's Ben Dunn (along with Ted Nomura), the series is based on Mitsuteru Yokoyama's Tetsujin 28-gô (translated - Ironman #28), which was created in 1956 and premiered on American television in the mid-60's. The story of a boy crime-fighter named Shôtarô Kaneda (Jimmy Sparks) who controls a giant robot, Gigantor is considered by many aficionados as one of the big three of anime in terms of its influence on the genre - Astroboy and Speed Racer being the other two. Revered as a major icon in its homeland, Tetsujin 28-gô has appeared in Japan as a series of manga adventures for nearly 30 years, but Gigantor has never had a comic series all its own in the United States. == Awesome Entertainment's Rob Liefeld has spoken out on rumors about possible involvement with Marvel editor Jason Liebig's stable of X-titles. "Yes, it is true that Marvel had been discussing with me the possibility of spearheading a creative restructuring of a number of X-titles which would have included Ian Churchill collaborating with me on an X-title for the duration of the deal,” said Liefeld, in a Friday statement to Newsarama. "We proposed a radical transformation of several of the titles including but not limited to X-Force, X-Man, Generation X and Cable, Ian and I designed and created several new characters and concepts that would have fueled these books for years but ultimately, I believe that the powers that be thought that what we had planned was too radical a move and put the kibosh on the entire deal.” "I was recently informed that Warren Ellis would be taking over these books instead, largely due to the fact that he was a better fit with returning X-scribe, Chris Claremont. I am a huge fan of Warren's work, particularly his run on The Authority, and I look forward to the direction that a talent as accomplished and esteemed as Mr. Ellis will bring to these titles." "For the moment, my final issue of Cable will be the double-sized anniversary issue #75, which features Cable in a knock down drag out fight with both Apocalypse and Wolverine as the countdown to the Twelve draws closer. Fans should be very pleased with final resolve of this conflict that they have been patiently waiting years for." For the record, officials for Marvel were unavailable for confirmation or comment regarding Liefeld's statement or any possible developments regarding Warren Ellis, and Ellis was unavailable for comment as well. If true, the development would seemingly be in somewhat of a contrast to public statements Ellis has made regarding his desire - or lack thereof - to work in superhero comics other than Planetary and his remaining issues of The Authority, as well as his desire to take on new ongoing projects. +++++ 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. JOHN CASSADAY SIGNS EXCLUSIVE CONTRACT WITH DC DC Comics and WildStorm Productions are pleased to announce that PLANETARY artist John Cassaday has signed an exclusive contract. Known for his distinctive and stylish portrayals of Warren Ellis' metahuman investigators, his art adds as much to the character of the title as the writing. Cassaday first came to WildStorm's DESPERADOES: A MOMENT'S SUNLIGHT before making waves on Union Jack for Marvel. His take on the Western landscapes and desire to challenge himself with something different led a union between him and writer Warren Ellis (TRANS- METROPOLITAN, THE AUTHORITY, PLANETARY), a visual and conceptual feast within the WildStorm Universe. "When- ever Warren [Ellis] sends me a script, it's like Christmas," says Cassaday. Signing an exclusive contract with DC was easy for Cassaday because "PLANETARY is exactly what I want to be doing right now. Working so much this last year with Scott Dunbier, John Layman and the rest of the Wildstorm and DC crew has been the most fulfilling experience of my career thus far. DC and Wildstorm offer me the greatest degree of artistic freedom and professionalism. They run a good strong ship and I intend to stay the course." In addition to the WildStorm monthly title, he plans to do several upcoming Batman and Superman covers. WildStorm Group Editor Scott Dunbier is not amazed that "John in a very short time has become one of WildStorm's premier artists, going from DESPERADOES to a very successful high-profile book. It's a rare combo to get someone so talented and with such a great work ethic be such a great guy too." ANIMATION EPISODE SCHEDULE THE NEW BATMAN/SUPERMAN ADVENTURES and BATMAN BEYOND air Weekdays and Saturdays on the WB Network. Times given are Eastern and Pacific. This schedule is subject to change. 10/4/99 (4:00 pm) - "Legends of the Dark Knight" (Batman) 10/4/99 (4:30 pm) - "A Touch of Curare" (Batman Beyond) 10/5/99 (4:00 pm) - "Knight Time" (Superman) 10/5/99 (4:30 pm) - "Animal Act" (Batman) 10/6/99 (4:00 pm) - "Judgement Day" (Batman) 10/6/99 (4:30 pm) - "Livewire" (Superman) 10/7/99 (4:00 pm) - "Ghost in the Machine" (Superman) 10/7/99 (4:30 pm) - "Over the Edge" (Batman) 10/8/99 (4:30 pm) - "Ascension" (Batman Beyond) 10/9/99 (8:00 am) - "Superman's Pal" (Superman) 10/9/99 (9:00 am) - "Lost Soul" (Batman Beyond - new) ______________________________________________________________________ ----------------------------------------------------------------------- [7] Interview Paul Dale Roberts Silhouet9@aol.com Interview with Jeremy Kirby of Kirby Comics! Question: Well, this is pretty exciting. I have always been a great admirer of the legendary Jack Kirby and now on this very night, I get to interview the soon to be legendary Jeremy Kirby! Before, we move on with this interview, please tell us something personal about yourself. Talk about your family (that should be easy), where you were born and raised and anything else that pops in your head. Well, I am a native Californian. To tell you the truth, I would rather be in the Seattle area, but I can't complain. I have lived all over this state, from the country outside of Fresno, to the inner-city of Long Beach. I lived with my grandmother Rosalind from 1996-1997. That was probably the most enriched time of my life. She was a great women, who taught me a lot about myself. I think I grew up more in that one year than I had my whole life. Question: Big things are happening and I know you have much to say, so can you please tell us something about Kirby Comics? Kirby Comics is being started to publish Jack Kirby characters that are owned by the family. We are only publishing one title now, but hope to expand in the future. Captain Victory will be our first book and will be limited to a three book mini-series. Question: Who is Captain Victory? Can you tell us some juicy details about this character? Captain Victory was actually created as a screen play. When my grandfather got the chance to put a comic book out, that he would still retain the rights for, he jumped at the chance. Having just written the Captain Victory screen play with Steve Sherman, the story was still fresh in his mind. So he decided to use Captain Victory as his first self owned comic book. Question: What other titles will be coming out of Kirby Comics? We have a few in the works. We are waiting to see how well Captain Victory does. If all goes well, I'd like to reprint the original Captain Victory books. Question: Who is part of the Kirby Comics team? First and for most, all the Kirby fans out there. There is no way Kirby Comics would have ever happened if it wasn't for the support of all the fans. Kirby Comics was created by myself, in cooperation with the Kirby Estate. Question: This is probably a silly question, but what was the first comic book you ever read? This is really cool! The first comic I actually picked up and read was Captain Victory. My grandfather had drawn me into one of the stories so I thought I better take a look at what this whole comic book thing was all about. Question: Many people have been inspired by your talented grandfather Jack Kirby. Do you feel like you may always be in his shadow? I do feel that way to an extent. I have a great time writing, so that is what I am going to do. My grandfather deserves that shadow. He did so much for this industry, that I'd be scared if people didn't view him as a great storyteller. He taught me a lot and I am going to use what he taught me, to inspire a new generation of people. Question: What do you think of the comic book industry? There is nothing more fun than going to the San Diego Comic Con and being consumed by all the chaos of the comic world. I have heard now for the past few years that the industry is in a slump. That the fans have lost their enthusiasm for the genre. I don't know if I agree entirely with that, but I think the industry has itself to blame. I really think that a lot of the product out there has become to similar. Question: Do you think that all comic books will be online someday? I think in one form or another they will. People will always want a physical copy of the book, but I believe that the comics industry online is going to explode. Computers are the future so I think like everything else, comic books will have to adapt. I would love to see all of Kirby Comics online someday. Question: What hobbies and recreational activities are you involved in? I love to write and draw maps. Don't ask me how I got started drawing maps, but I have these behemoth drawings of fictional cities all over my walls. My grandfather saw them once and thought they were incredible. Of course he had no idea what in the heck they were! Unfortunately, I'm not that good of an artist. Question: What are your favorite books? I enjoyed Jurassic Park and Sphere. I also love to read Stephen King novels. "It" is probably my favorite. Question: What are your favorite comic books? I like the "Alien" and "Predator" books. Dark Horse is really a shinning star in the comics publishing world. I have always loved "Groo" by Sergio Aragones and Mark Evanier. Question: What are your favorite cartoons, TV shows and movies? Simpsons, Friends, Family Guy, Stargate SG1, Battlestar Galactica, Blade Runner, 5th Element, The Last Star Fighter and of course Star Wars. Question: If you were stranded on a desert island, what 3 things would you bring and why? My fiance', for someone to talk to. Don Rickles, for comic relief. Last but not least, a game of monopoly to pass the hours. Question: Where do you want to be in 5 years? 10 years? I want to be king of the world! Well, not exactly. I just want to be doing something that makes me happy. I would like to be in a position where I can make people laugh and have a good time. I would love to be writing. I would really like for Kirby Comics to be a major publishing house. I hope that within five years, I have been able to get my Grandfather more credit on the books that he created. Last but not least, I picture myself either having worked on, or working on the New Gods. I would really like a chance to create a few adventures for them. Question: How can someone get in touch with you, to inquire about Kirby Comics? Everyone can email me at: jkirby@kingkirby.com or fax the office at: 949-831-9764 Question: Do you have a website and if you do, where is it located? The Jack Kirby Web Experience can be found at WWW.KINGKIRBY.COM Question: When can we see the first Kirby Comic on the stand? The first one should hit shelves in the early spring. Question: What comic conventions will you be attending? I was hoping of attending the Mid-Ohio Con, but it looks like the first I will be able to attend will be the San Diego Comic Con. Question: Well, that about sizes it up, is there anything you would like to add? I would like to thank you for the opportunity to give this interview. I would also like to thank all those who are helping out behind the scenes, as well as all those who are supporting us, in this early stage. I hope that everyone checks out the book and that they love it! ______________________________________________________________________ ----------------------------------------------------------------------- [8] 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!] "O Mighty Isis" Anyone remember that old 70s TV show? I can remember waking up early on a Saturday morning, taking my superfriend's sleeping bag downstairs and curling up in front of the TV ready for my weekly dose of special shows and fun. Saturday was my favorite day of the week. Early in the morning I got to watch Superfriends, Isis, Shazam, Batman, and *sometimes* Electra Woman and Dyna Girl (The Kroft shows seemed to rotate and I never knew which week was going to be EW/DG week!*) Then that night I got to view WONDER WOMAN! What more could a super hero fan ask for? I miss those shows. Sure once in a while I will see the occasional rerun of WW or EW/DG and I think, "Man how hokey is all of this?" But you know what? I am still glued to the TV set most times watching to see how our heroes will get out of this mess, even though I know that the good guy is going to win in the end. I miss that, though, the innocence that I had as a child not 'knowing' as I do now that good will prevail--at least on TV series the good prevails--real life is another matter. Everything on TV now related to superheros seems so intense now. The 'fun' is not a factor lately. I started watching Sailor Moon a few years ago when I was sick and had insomnia--at four am there wasn't much else on and I caught it at an episode where one of the villains turns good and dies helping SM's best friend. I thought, wow this is a kids cartoon? A few months later, a friend of mine sent me some original Japanese episodes of Sailor Moon, and I was blown away. The anime was on a par with most soap opera's complete with nudity, swearing, and long dramatic drawn out death scenes. AND This is the norm for cartoons in Japan. I wonder where their fun is too? Comics are mirroring life more and more and so are cartoons. BUT if everything becomes so realistic, what will the kids have to escape to? I'd rather watch Isis soar on Zephyr winds and Diana Prince spin till I get dizzy then watch a bunch of these "serious" heroes of today on TV. Don't get me wrong, cause I like realistic! But I don't think I would have enjoyed BATMAN AND ROBIN half as much if I knew at 3 or 4 that they both lost their parents in violent deaths. I would have been too sad. Maybe we all should think about that? The cartoons are supposed to be cool and I thought for the kids..but are they? OR are cartoons and stuff becoming ours?? And is that right? ______________________________________________________________________ ----------------------------------------------------------------------- [9] INDEPENDENT VOICES Rich Henn rasmus@timespell.com [When not stressing at the day job, Rich is stressing over the next issue of TIMESPELL. He lives in sunny Maryland with his beautiful wife and their lazy Siberian Husky.] Well, it's here! INDEPENDENT VOICES #2 is finally here! It hit shelves all over the comic industry on Wednesday. Benefiting the CBLDF, Indy #2 features a smashing cover by Dawn artist, Joe Linsner! Within, you will find all new material by David Napoliello (creator of Books of Lore, and publisher of Peregrine Entertainment comics), Vince Sneed & John Peters (Forty Winks), Billy Martinez (Kick Ass Girl), Eric (The Goon) Powel, and a new Hershal The Rat story by myself, with inks provided by newcomer Chris Flick. In Other news, lets talk about the Expo-SPX 99! It was a magnificent show. A big thanks to everyone who came out to support the small press, and sample the new findings. Although the hurricane had a lot to do with attendance, we still had a huge turn out! Some of the big guns who showed up were David Lapham (Stray Bullets), Jeff Smith (Bone), Neil Gaiman (Sandman), Linda Medley (Castle Waiting), Charles Burns (Black Hole), Steve Conley (Comicon.com; Astounding Space Thrills), Eddie Campbell (Bacus, From Hell), and Dark One (Animal Mystic). Anyone who met me, got to see the massive display I built for behind the Club 408 Graphics/Timespell table...it stood over 9 feet high with the dry mount posters, and had a swinging girth of up to 9 feet. The display was holding framed pieces of original art from Timespell, and took over 4 hours to put up! Unfortunately, I had to abandon the monolith at the hotel, as there was NO way this thing was going home. I thought about strapping it to the roof of the car, but one gust of wind would have taken me out. My fellow Club 408 buds couldn't make it due to the storm taking out Amtrak from NYC. So without Russ or Ron to help man the booth, I was unable to make the rounds and properly sample other creators books. However, what I was able to snag was VERY good. I'd like to start with a mini comic by FULL SANCTION by Jose Mochove and Rusty Rowley. In a story titled "Rob Liefeld Sucks Ass" or "Rusty's Psychic Adventure", this crudely drawn, yet funny as hell mini gets my full attention. Ironically enough, I only discovered this comic at the SPX Pig Roast, after the show. I was pulling pork (the pig) with fellow Indy creator, Mike Speranza of TROUT FISSION. We were discussing how the Full Sanction boys had descended upon Neil Gaiman like flies to shit. Mike asks me if I'd seen their book, to which I replied, "No...never heard of it." Well, the Full Sanction boys, Rusty and Jose gave me a copy of their little book, and great googally moogally...it was FUNNY! Funny enough that I offered to print it in the Indy Spotlight section of the next Timespell. I was also fortunate enough to get some copies of Elena Steier's THE VAMPIRE BED & BREAKFAST. Published under Crazy Mama Publications, this excellent and well-drawn book rests on the simple premise of a vampire that lives at home with his mama...who runs a bed and breakfast. Funny enough by itself, the book also features The Goth Scouts (also by Elena), Lunar Appetite by Matt (Bigger) Ryan, and a real nice expose on the horror genre by Craig Shaw Gardner. With a cover price of $3.95, you can't go wrong with this 48-page book. For more info, go to http://www.striporama.com/ or snail mail Elena Steier at P.O. Box 270979, West Hartford, CT 06107. One of the creators I've been looking forward to meeting and sampling his work for months and months now was Marcel Guldermond of Aporia Press. Marcel's various works, UNDER A SLOWLY SPINNING SUN, RESONATING TRANSPARENT, and BILL, have been available in bits and pieces over the internet, as well as via his mail list. I've been following Marcel's process over a bit of time now, and was very excited about meeting him at the Expo. His work is simply put...amazing. Not in a mainstream kind of way, or a Indy way like Fantagraphics...but in it's own right, Marcel's work stands on it's own as a unique vision. His line work is breathtaking. His color work to the Slowly Spinning Sun cover is eye-catching, flavorful, and inspiring. My only regret was not being able to see more of Marcel's color work. It's very reminiscent of Jon Muth. The story telling is more of a documentary type of verbal communication, as it mixes contemporary and college level essay work. It is a direct response to Borges' essay, "A New Reflection Of Time" and the Borges collection of essays entitled "Labyrinths". A unique and all together different approach to telling sequential art stories, the work of Marcel Guldemond is highly recommended. For more info, check out http://aporia.brainmade.com/ or write to: Aporia Press, 677 Field R. RR#2, Lynden, Ontario Canada, LOR 1T0. Lonnie Martin's STRANGLING DESDEMONA was an interesting find, by the accident in which it happened. I was checking out the links to various creator sites from the Expo site (http://www.spxpo.com) when I stumbled upon this link. It was mistakenly set up within the walls of someone else's link. When I checked out the site, I thought this was definitely a book to pursue. Featuring art by Leanne Buckley, and published under Ningen Manga Productions. I'll be fully reviewing this title in an upcoming column, but until then, feel free to check out the site at http://www.ningenmanga.com/. Also of particular interest was Jamar Nicholas' THE JAMAR CHRONICLES, published under SweatShop Press and BLOOD SHED by D.T. Washington and Fern Wharton, published under Double Eye Studios. Again, a full review on these title in a future column. Aside from the Expo being just plain out and out sensory overload, allow me to mention one of the best highlights of the show...the Neil Gaiman & Jeff Smith chat. Where last year we featured Frank Miller and Scott McCloud discussing the state of the industry and the like, this year Neil and Jeff just talked it up like buddies in a bar. We got to hear some real nice "behind the scenes" stuff on Bone, Sandman, and Stardust. After which, the hotel bar was host to a big Indy party. I got to hang with Mike Manley for a bit, Steve Conley and Mike (The Waiting Place) Norton. Speaking of Mike Norton, Mike is the new artist on Sean McKeever's highly anticipated return of THE WAITING PLACE. I was fortunate enough to some previews of the first two issues, and HOLY MOLEY...the stuff is amazing! For those waiting (like me) for two years, allow me to state THE WAIT IS OVER! It's here and it's well worth it. I was a HUGE fan of the original Waiting Place, and was extremely disappointed when Sean ended the 6 issue run on a cliffhanger of a note. Well fans, be prepared. The art is stunning and the story is a rocker. Sean is back on his feet, proving that when it comes to modern day and true to life parables, there is no comparison. Mike Norton's art highly complements Sean's story, as we pick up where the old series left off. It may be a bit confusing at first to new readers, but fear not...Sean fills in the holes as he goes along without making you scratch your head for long. It's been two years since I read the original, and although I was able to follow it fine, The Waiting Place vol.2 made me want to re-read the initial six. Another highlight was lunch with Steve Conley at the Tastee Diner (body systems beware) and the Dark Horse party in the Penthouse on Saturday night. Neil Gaiman was funny, charming and entirely approachable as he showed off some early pages of his new Swamp Thing story with art by John Totleben and Steve Bisette. Of course, getting to the party was another thing entirely. Hershal the Rat inker, Chris Flick, offered to drive to John (Buzzboy) Gallagher's cookout. A fine time was had by all, as I mostly hung with Richard (Bastard Tales) Marcej and Tim (Forever Eve) Shea. When we left, Chris (a local dude, no less) got us wonderfully lost on the streets of Georgetown, Chevy Chase and Bethesda. So when we finally got to the Dark Horse party, mucho beer was needed. Breakfast at 4:30 am with Vince (Forty Winks) Sneed proved that not only can my system NOT handle a double hit from the Tastee Diner, but also reiterated the hard fact that I can't keep up like I used to. Dragging my happy ass out of bed 4 hours later for the SPX Panels proved to be not only a chore, but also impossibility. However, the coolest part of the whole weekend came early on Sunday morning. I met Quentin Tarantino's mother, Connie. Connie happens to be a huge comic book connoisseur since she was a little girl. We ended up chatting for well over an hour, on everything from comics, to movies, and the state of the industry. What a nice lady! A pleasant woman in every regard, she reminded me in many ways of my own mother. Well, as I write this I feel the need to now go and read some more of my various findings from the Expo. So until next time... ______________________________________________________________________ ----------------------------------------------------------------------- [10] And let me tell you why .... David Coulter DneColt@aol.com [David - who declared himself "America's Weirdly Cool Columnist" in a misguided tribute to The Firesign Theatre -- lives with his family in Kansas City and pays the bills as Marketing Director for a computer consulting group. He's heard the old saying that the best comics ever published were the ones that came out when you were ten ... and he's not buying it. He knows there are good comics out there, he can hear them breathing.] I didn't think Marvel had it in them. I'm speaking of this week's Avengers 1.5, which -- against all odd -- I found to be a real treat. I had no idea that anyone still working at Marvel today could produce a creditable facsimile of a decent comic (with the exception of Busiek & Perez's monthly Avengers), but Roger Stern and Bruce Timm proved me wrong. Granted, neither works for Marvel on a regular basis, but just the fact that Marvel could produce a book this fun and charming says there may still be signs of life up there after all. I mean, here's a book that's supposed to take place between Avengers #1 and 2 (the original series, natch), and instead of succumbing to what seems to be the uncontrollable urge these days to modernize ("hey, let's give Peter Parker an iMac instead of a microscope!"), Avengers 1.5 actually looks like it could have been produced in 1962 -- right down to fake house ads for Kid Colt Outlaw #112.5 and Sgt. Fury #3.5 and mildly funny take on the dusty old "Insult That Made A Man Out Of Mac" ad. I'm the first to admit I was extremely skeptical of this book, even taking into account the creators attached (I doubt Stern and Timm could screw anything up too badly). Sure, it smacks of a marketing gimmick. Truth to tell, it probably has more to do with cross-promoting the recent box set of Avengers Action Figures than with any desire to create a comic -- but who cares? I honestly can't remember enjoying anything Marvel has done this much since... well ... since Marvel used to do stuff like this. So everyone get out there and find yourself a copy. Not only will it be the best 250 cents you're likely to spend this year, it might just send the message that Marvel ought to think about more comics like this. But then, Chris Claremont is returning to X-Men, so I won't hold my breath. That's all, see you next week. Comments? Criticisms? Flames? E-mail them to DneColt@aol.com ______________________________________________________________________ ----------------------------------------------------------------------- [11] 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.jazmaonline.com/ 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.] M.O.E. Sidenote: A1 Comics keeps their racks stocked up all the time and this week, they have a whole slew of new indies. Here are some of those titles: ACG Presents Weird, Tsunami Girl #2 by Image, Stitch by Slave Labor Graphics, Tony Millionaire's Sock Monkey #1 by Dark Horse Maverick, Sparks - An Urban Fairytale, Jenny Finn by Oni Press, Beowulf by TheComic.Com, Ace McCoy by ACG, MD #2 by EC Comics and a whole lot more! For more information you can contact Brian Peets, owner of A1 Comics at: A1Comics@quiknet.com In the fantasy / science fiction section of Barnes and Noble, you will find these books that have potential of becoming great comic books: Into the Darkness by Harry Turtledove, Lord Prestimion by Robert Silverberg, Otherland by Tad Williams, Owl Knight by Mercedes Lackey and Larry Dixon, Operation Luna by Poul Anderson, Witch Storm by James Clemens, The Changeling War by Peter Garrison. The reason why these books have potential of becoming comic books is due to the fact, that they have superhuman characters, realities snatched from the Multiverse, heroics and adventure! You couldn't ask for more! If you have a chance, check them out and tell me if I'm wrong. Multiverse Observer and Explorer checking out until next time...... Name: Elvira #77 Publisher: Claypool Comics Written by: Frank Strom, Jo Duffy Drawn by: Al Bigley - Ronn Sutton - pencilers, Louis Lachance - Mike Manley - inkers. Price: $2.50 Comments: Let's talk about the first story..."Rome on the Range". It was nice seeing Elvira in Italy, it brought back memories of my days in Bologna, Italy, but that's another story. Things got crazy as Elvira meets the B-rated actress named Caroline Seemore. I hadn't really expected a spoof on spaghetti westerns and I thought it was going to stay James Bondian, like the first part of the story. Boy, was I surprised! I wasn't disappointed as the excitement mounted with Elvira's confrontation with the W.H.I.S.P.E.R. battle tanks and seeing Agent 000 and Silent Q in cahoots at the secret volcano base. Elvira in the realm of ghost cowboys was a delight to see and I had a good laugh seeing Elvira question the fact that the ghosts were American ghosts in Italy. Then when I saw the parody of Clint Eastwood, those spaghetti westerns kept popping in my head, from movies like: Hang 'Em High, High Plains Drifter, Outlaw Josie Wales and Play Misty for Me. Oops, take out the last one. I thought for sure things were going to get a bit rough as the Elvira A.R.M. with the explosive device made her appearance. All in all, a great story and I was glad to see Elvira win like always! Next story, entitled "Cat on a Wire" was absolutely hilarious. I noticed Al Bigley really has a different style in penciling. His artwork is classy as Ronn Sutton's artwork is stylish. Both have their own set styles and both are great artists in their own right. I loved the way Elvira took a parody crack at shows like: Bewitched (and the 2 Darrens mention - now, that was funny!), I Dream of Jeannie, Dallas, Brimstone, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Charmed and more! Then at the end with the Paranormal Police, c'mon those guys at Claypool Comics are a riot! Fun entertainment! Name Blue #1 Producer: Image Comics Written by: Greg Aronowitz Drawn by: Jason Johnson, Edwin Rosell, Greg Aronowitz, Drew Struzan Price: $2.50 Comments: Concepts of the universe is explained on the beginning page. Concepts that I believe in and I was glad Greg places them in perspective, like how the universe is moving in two directions, from energy to matter and matter to energy. E = MC2 (Einstein's theory). Then the mention on how thoughts are a form of energy. This is true, as we think, we emit brainwaves that carry our thoughts. Those brainwaves if they could be deciphered would reveal what we are thinking. The brainwaves are energy and energy cannot be destroyed. Everything in the universe is always changing forms. Greg Aronowitz hit it on the money, he must be reading the same books like me. This story was superb in every way. A complicated story with many twists and turns! Enjoyed the futuristic ideas set forth in this tale, like the way Blue sends out her message via a micogram to her mysterious Uncle Cyrus. As this series continues, many things seem to be playing out. The biggest play is that an alien armada is headed towards Earth! Plenty of things are on Blue's mind and just like how the universe is complex, so is the mind of Blue. Blue ponders on the mystery of her own family and the mystery of her secretive uncle Cyrus. Enjoyed Blue's answer man and that being Morris, who is an inventor of sorts. As Blue unexpectedly comes across her uncle fighting a spidery mechanism contraption, the intrigue of this encounter has Blue wondering what her uncle is involved in. Now, if the mystery of Blue's uncle doesn't keep me hanging on for more, then the sudden appearance of Jacob, threw me for a loop! Jacob speaks in riddles and metaphors and has Blue quite baffled. Jacob claims to be a friend and he proves it by assisting Blue after her fight with the mechanized spider. This reality could easy turn chaotic, as I learn that the Corporation has contracted the military who can supply worker robots. War is on the horizon and there is nothing anyone can do about it. When it is said that entire civilizations are at stake, he's not kidding! Development of war machines places civilizations at stake. Professor Cyrus seems to have an elaborate self-history, as more is revealed in future issues. Will they get their defense grid up in time, before the aliens attack? All I can say is I was overwhelmed with enthusiasm as Blue #1 began! Brilliant sci-fi, placed on a human scale of adventure, thrills, emotions and drama! Standing ovation to: Edwin Rosell, Greg Aronowitz, Jason Johnson for producing a high quality comic book! Name: Batman Beyond #1 Publisher: DC Comics Written by: Hilary J. Bader Drawn by: Craig Rousseau/pencils Rob Leigh/inks Price: $1.99 Comments: With Batman Beyond #1, things got pretty hairy as the elderly original Batman v. the newer younger version Batman. Bruce Wayne took some chances pursuing Terry. Bruce could have easily received a heart attack from that ordeal. Bruce is set in his old ways and preaches that strategy and skill will beat strength any day. Bruce was quite worried as Terry seemed rebellious with his mother. Then to learn that he hit Matt (his younger brother), things were way out of control and Bruce knew he had to deal with the problem at hand. The shock of all shockers was to see that the Batmobile was missing and knowing that Terry was behind the wheel. All these dastardly deeds were brought on by no other than the Spellbinder. Spellbinder uses those subliminal messages well and knows that he can have strangers do his bidding. Spellbinder could use his powers easily to build a cult of obeying people. Spellbinder has the potential of becoming a big threat in the future, if he ever uses his powers in that type of way. He could be the next Ron L. Hubbard of the Church of Scientology. I thought the subliminal message was only for Terry and didn't realize that the message was not for Bruce and not for Terry, but it was for Batman. Even though this story was a right on the edge with its suspense, it still managed to have a happy ending and I had a big laugh as Bruce mentions Terry's slogan..."It's a vast wasteland of mind numbing drivel" (referring to tv - after learning he has been restricted from television). Ahh...being restricted from television is a truly harsh punishment. I remember when I was a kid, I was on tv restriction and was not allowed to watch my three favorite shows: Batman, The Green Hornet and The Man from U.N.C.L.E. Now, talk about being depressed! Two big thumbs up to Hilary J. Bader for his direction with this story, Craig Rousseau for his right on the money penciling! Name: Psychoanalysis #2 Publisher: EC Comics Written and Drawn by: Various writers & artists. Price: $2.50 Comments: After reading Psychoanalysis #2, I couldn't help but feel sorry for the doctor's 3 subjects. Let's talk about patient Freddy Carter first. More childhood trauma, as Freddy's mom wants him in arts and his dad wants him to be a professional athlete. Freddy needing attention steals his friend's watch. Freddy comes across to the doctor like he is proud of his stealing and that subconsciously he wanted to be caught. The subconscious is a dangerous place of the mind and no telling what random thoughts are sent through this area of the mind. His deep roots of envy came about as he was jealous of his friend Billy and his relationship to his parents. One good thing about Freddy, at least he was honest about the thievery and admits it to his friend Billy and his father after being confronted on where he found the watch. Complications of asthma attacks come about and Freddy feels better when his parents worry about him. Yep, the doctor is right, Freddy wants to be a baby, he has the Peter Pan Syndrome, never wanting to grow up. Freddy should earn love by earning it. Good analysis Doc! Next is Ellen Lyman. Ellen feels she is hopeless, absolutely hopeless. All her life she has received negative comments and now those comments have shaped her adult life. Her dad was a very negative person and to yell and complain about supporting children was harmful to his kids. His furious nature rubbed off on Ellen. Ellen's life has been traumatic and her close call to death by drowning was a wake up call that something was terribly wrong. The doctor summed it up right, Ellen blamed herself for her own parent's hatred for each other. Ellen's parents didn't love each other and didn't have the time to think on how this will be accepted by their children and how it will effect their children's lives. The shame of it all. Now to the last patient, Mark Stone. Mark with his heart attacks, possible ulcer and over-eating didn't realize until it was almost too late, that he was having a mental emotional breakdown. His rejection of his ancestry, despising his mother and blaming his parents for everything has lead to this. To think he thought he was punishing his father for the make-up of his own self being. Three difficult tasks, handled exceptionally well by the good doctor! These cases seem like real life cases and I was fascinated with each case!! Very well done! ______________________________________________________________________ ----------------------------------------------------------------------- [12] My View David LeBlanc ComicBkNet@aol.com [David LeBlanc is the Editor of the Comic Book Net Electronic Magazine. He is a long time fan of comics and the electronic media - having been the moderator of the comics forums on WME, FIDONET and the Comic Book Network. He and his wife are attempting to raise two teenage sons in a suburb of Worcester, Massachusetts. David supports his comic book habit by working as the Manager of Marketing and Sales for a privately owned manufacturer of electro-mechanical components.] MOJO MECHANICS #2 32 pages, black & white, color covers, $2.95/$3.95 CAN Syndicate Publishing 1919 Montecito Ave, #5 Mountain View, CA 94043 synonlin@xoommail.com http://members.xoom.com/SynOnline Written by: Tait Bergstrom Illustrated by: Matt Pasteris Cover Colors by: Wes Breazell The MOJO MECHANICS are Ajax Sterling and Bippy the Space Hippo. They cross the galaxy to wherever repairs of any kind are needed. Their latest call for help comes from Primeva II in the Altoid system. In a mostly jungle area of the planet we follow the guys as they seek to locate the client who sent the distress signal. What they find, or rather what finds them, are the indigenous population of creatures that are shaped like 3 foot eggs with arms and legs. What is more communication is difficult as they only have a language of 50 words, half of which mean "waffle". The meet a fellow prisoner, Dr. Livingston, presumedly the sender of the distress call since he claims he needed them to fix his satellite dish so he can tape reruns of the Dukes of Hazard to pass the time while he conducts his research on the planet. But there are other forces at work because the boys have been captured at the direction of the one who really sent the distress call, although the little natives misinterpreted what they were supposed to do with the Dr. and the Mechanics. This all turns into a round of who will survive the ritual sacrifice and what is the real reason the boys have been summoned to the planet. I won't give away much more of the plot as there are a few more twists and turns. It is all in good fun and lots of laughs along the way. Matt has a good handle on bringing more humor to the plots with the cartoony characters offset by the humans in the cast. There is a nice blend of everything in the story to keep it entertaining through out. The back up feature is called LITTLE TIMMY SMITHERS AND THE MONSTA MART. This corner store is like none you have ever seen. Timmy is looking for sauerkraut ice cream to complete his death ray which he built from instruction in "Four-Fisted Science". What he finds are some rather odd employees, and I don't mean the stereotypical broken English speaking foreigners. In fact everything in and about the store is a clue as to the way this story is going. Matt and Tait have fun with product names and other offerings at the store. The big tip-off is the zombie pricing the products. As Timmy seeks to escape when he realizes the danger he gets thrown in the cooler with other little boys - likely to be sold to flesh eating clientele. Well our hero finds a way out of this mess, as you might guess. Once again the point is not so much a heavy plot but a lot of sight gags and one-liners along the way. The entire issue is done for fun and stands alone as a pleasant diversion from the mainstream comics out there. Looking for a chuckle and some interesting, well crafted black & white art? Pick up the MOJO MECHANICS today! ______________________________________________________________________ ----------------------------------------------------------------------- [13] New Comic Book Releases List [NCRL] by Charles LePage ncrl@mediaone.net +++WINNER OF THE 1996 REC.ARTS.COMICS.* "SQUIDDY" FOR BEST WEB SITE+++ http://www.jacksonville.net/~ncrl New Comic Book Releases List for Wednesday, 10/06/1999, compiled by Charles LePage with information from Suncoast Comics. This is the *preliminary* list and is not complete. The completed list is posted weekly, usually Monday evening, at rec.arts.comics.info, http://www.jacksonville.net/~ncrl, and Compuserve's Comics Publishers Forum. "TPB" = "trade paperback". "GN" = "graphic novel". "AA" = "available again". "SC" = "softcover". "HC" = "hardcover". "S/N" = "signed/numbered". "AR" = "ask retailer about price". PUBLISHER TITLE, ISSUE NUMBER, PRICE IN U.S. DOLLARS ABSTRACT STUDIOS Strangers In Paradise Vol III #27, 2.75 AMAZE INK (SLAVE LABOR GRAPHICS) Dork #2 Curr Ptg (AA), 2.95 Oddjob #3, 2.95 Slave Labor Peepshow #19, AR CHAOS! COMICS Undertaker Halloween Special, 2.95,"Chaos! Comics*" Undertaker Halloween Special Photo Cvr, 2.95,"Chaos! Comics*" Lady Death Judgement War #1 (Of 3), 2.95,"Chaos! Comics*" Lady Death Judgement War #1 Free Premium Ed Incentive, AR CPM MANGA Geobreeders #7, 2.95 Lodoss War Grey Witch #11, 2.95 CRYPTIC PRESS/CS COMICS Quicken Forbidden #8, 2.95 DARK HORSE COMICS Oh My Goddess The Fourth Goddess #6 (Of 8), 3.50 R I P D #1 (Of 4), 2.95 DC COMICS 100 Bullets #5, 2.50 Batman Legends Of The Dark Knight #124, 1.99 Batman The Gotham Adventures #19, 1.99 Birds Of Prey #12, 1.99 Catwoman #74, 1.99 Dv8 #32, 2.50 Flashpoint #1 (Of 3), 2.95 Green Lantern #119, 1.99 Heavy Liquid #3 (Of 5), 5.95 Looney Tunes #59, 1.99 Martian Manhunter #13, 1.99 Mr Majestic #3, 2.50 Nightfall Black Chronicles #1, 2.95 Planetary #6, 2.50 Preacher #56, 2.50 Starman #60, 2.50 Superman #151, 1.99 Superman For All Seasons HC, 24.95 The Invisibles Volume 3 #6, 2.95 The Sandman The Wake HC, 29.95 The Superman Monster (resolicited), 5.95 Yeah #3, 2.95 IMAGE COMICS Age Of Bronze #5, 2.95 Alley Cat #3, 2.50 Aria Blanc & Noir #2, 2.50 Fathom #9, 2.50 Journeyman #2 (Of 3), 2.95 Kabuki Classics #8, 3.25 Kiss Psycho Circus #23, 2.25 More Than Mortal Coll Ed Vol #1, 6.95 Solar Lord #7, 2.50 Spawn TPB IX Urban Jungle, 9.95 Tenth Evils Child #1, 2.95 INSIGHT STUDIOS GROUP Liberty Meadows #3, 2.95 MARVEL COMICS Black Panther #12 (resolicited), 2.50 Contest Of Champions II #4 (Of 5), 2.50 Deathlok #3, 1.99 Fantastic Four #24, 1.99 Fantastic Four Domination Factor #2.3 (Of 4), 2.50 Juggernaut The Eighth Day, 2.99 Slingers #12, 1.99 Spider-Woman #6, 1.99 Uncanny X-Men #375, 2.99 Warlock #3, 1.99 Wild Thing #3, 1.99 REALM PRESS Battlestar Galactica Season 3 #3, 2.99 Battlestar Galactica Season 3 #3 Dan Parsons Variant Cvr Ed, 2.99 magazines Comic Shop News #642, AR Alter Ego #2, 5.95 NCRL for the foreseeable future... TITLE OLD RELEASE DATE NEW DATE DC COMICS Battle Chasers: A Gath. Of Heroes HC 10/13 10/20 Crimson Sourcebook #1 09/29 10/27 Crisis On Inf. Earths Medium Statue 10/20 10/27 Deathblow: Sinners And Saints TPB 10/06 10/13 Divine Right #12 09/29 10/20 Dreams Of The Darkchylde #0 06/16 TBA Elseworlds 80-Page Giant #1 06/30 TBA Hellblazer #143 09/29 10/27 Planetary #7 10/13 11/10 Promethea #4 09/22 10/20 Promethea #5 10/27 11/17 Speed Racer #3 10/13 10/20 Tom Strong #5 08/25 10/13 Tom Strong #6 10/06 11/17 *Please Note: These dates are tentative. ______________________________________________________________________ ----------------------------------------------------------------------- [14] HYPE! Section Various CLAYPOOL COMICS solicitations for JANUARY, 2000: ELVIRA #81: Elvira's yakking it up on TV face-the-issues shows like "Politically Indolent," and it's been groovy -- until a horrifying craft-services accident turns one of her fellow panelists into a giant, ravenous Doughnut Monster. Wouldn't you just know it? It's all in "Strange Bedfellows!" by Frank Strom, Dan Day, and Louis Lachance. Also, a teen genius ghost stalks the halls of V.I.T. -- and only Elvira can help it find peace. It's "Good Will Haunting," by Jo Duffy, and a surprise art team. Color Photo Cover of Elvira B&W Interior 32 pages $2.50 REMEMBER: Claypool Comics can be ordered as back issues. Reorders can be placed for Elvira #76, 77, 78, 79, or 80 along with your order for #81. PLUS: All Claypool Comics have easy, reader-friendly intro pages on their inside front covers, making it simple to get a new reader started enjoying our stories. SOULSEARCHERS #40: Now that Baraka's left the Soulsearchers, he's dejected, alone, and at his most vulnerable. Could there be a better time for the return of the twisted sorcerer Willem Haggard? Featuring the wildest foray into Internet shopping you've ever seen and a wild showdown at Boston's Fenway Park! Don't miss "Evil.Com!" by Peter David , Dave Cockrum, and Bob Wiacek -- with an inferno of a cover by Amanda Conner and Steve Leialoha). Color Cover B&W Interior 32 pages $2.50 REMEMBER: Claypool Comics can be ordered as back issues. Reorders can be placed for Soulsearchers #35, 36, 37, 38, or 39 along with your order for #40. ALL CLAYPOOL TITLES CAN BE RE-ORDERED -- AND WE RECOMMEND THAT YOU START WITH OUR PERENNIAL TRADE PAPERBACK COLLECTIONS ______________________________________________________________ ELVIRA MISTRESS OF THE DARK TPBK "Comic Milestones -- Comics Format!" The very best of the adventures of Elvira, Mistress of the Dark as she faces foes both fearsome and farcical. Make sure you get your customers to sign a laugh-release so you won't be responsible if they suffer harm from extreme amusement. The volume is an incredible 152 pages if sexy, silly, satirical sashays by Elvira. Buy it for your sexist roommate! Buy one for your feminist cousin! Your mother! Your job counselor! Everyone will enjoy Elvira-- except those who have absolutely no sense of humor! Don't become one of them!! This collection features work from the first twelve issues of Claypool's Elvira Mistress of the Dark comics series, nominated by the British Comics professionals Society as Best Humor Comic (and they read it). Stories and Art by: Kurt (Astro City) Busiek, Paul (Batman Adventures) Dini (his first published comics work), James (New Shadowhawk) Fry, Terry (Mr. Miracle) Austin, Dave (X-Men) Cockrum, Ricardo (Strange Tales) Villagran, Jim (Spider-Man) Mooney, and a host of others! Every line approved by Elvira herself as being witty and/or curvaceous enough for her! New Photo Cover B&W Interior 152 pages $12.95 SOULSEARCHERS & COMPANY TPBK "On the Case" The early adventures of the funniest supernatural investigators that ever existed! Discover the roots of Bridget, Baraka, Kelly, Janocz, and Peterson in their first forays against the forces of farcical fright! This material had initial low circulation and is in high demand today. Including: "Puppet Dictatorship," a cadre of killer marionettes target kids'-show hosts; "Pastramia on Wry," introducing Creature-Feature; "Season of Misseds," the war between the dream-demons (Sandman parody); "Into the Woods," twisted excursions into fairy-tales; "Spin Cycle," Soulsearchers get a make-over into more commercial models (Image Parody). This riotously funny collection features work from the first six issues of Claypool's much-hailed Soulsearchers & Company comics series, nominated by the British Comics Professionals Society as Best Humor Comic (they read this one, too). Stories and Art by: Peter (Hulk, Aquaman, Spider-Man 2099) David, Amanda (Vampirella) Conner, Jim (Spider-Man) Mooney, Steve (Hitchhiker's Guide) Leialoha, and Richard (Portia Prinz) Howell. New color cover by original Soulsearchers artist Amanda Conner with Steve Leialoha; introduction by Peter David. New Color Cover B&W Interior 152 pages $12.95 DEADBEATS TPBK "New In Town!!" Five fearsome newcomers arrive in Fear City, and their first outreach is to murder four teen-agers on the beach. They're the Deadbeats, a cruel and crafty vampire gang, and their mission could result in utter destruction of the entire town. Meet Dodger, Colleen, Mickey, and their so-called leader Southie, as they were presented for the first time. Discover why Deadbeats is the vampire saga with enough murder, sin, lust, and redemption to satisfy the most discerning reader. The early chapters of the vampires' invasion are presented in their integrity. Deadbeats is America's new favorite vampire epic, and this volume collects all the vital early issues of the story. This thrilling and terrifying collection features work from the first six issues of Claypool's much-hailed DEADBEATS comics series, with stories and art by Richard (Portia Prinz) Howell and Ricardo (Strange Tales) Villagran. Deadbeats has been nominated by the British Comics Professionals Society as Best Dramatic Comics Series (and they read it). And, as a bonus for fans -- Kathryn Leigh Scott of the original Dark Shadows television program has written a foreword to this collection. Vampire fiction -- especially that with a strong horror or sexual flavor -- is always popular, and Deadbeats has both of those qualities in spades, in addition to the added allure of strong, continuing story momentum and lush, reality-based art. Any reader of Vampa, Vampirella, Lady Bathory, or viewer of Dark Shadows or Forever Knight would be happy to add Deadbeats to their ongoing list of "must-have" titles. Try it out and see! New Wraparound Color Cover by Howell and Villagran Foreword by Kathryn Leigh Scott B&W Interior 160 pages $12.95 THE PITCH Many retailers have found that their customers have expressed interest in all the critical praise that Claypool Comics have garnered, but are wary of committing to any line which is so hard to locate. Our TRADE PAPERBACK LINE is Claypool's commitment to making our earlier material continually available to the comics-store retail professional chain, with an eye towards solidifying the interest in a continuing consumer base for Claypool Comics. CLAYPOOL COMICS: They're GREAT! So BUY 'EM, already! If you have any questions about story content or distribution, please call me at (707) 887-1524 or fax (707) 887-7128. Thank you, catherine yronwode (claypool@sonic.net) +++++ FANTAGRAPHICS BOOKS RELEASES: JANUARY 2000 The ACME NOVELTY LIBRARY #14 by Chris Ware 88-PAGE FULL COLOR GRAPHIC NOVEL * $10.95; $16.45 in Canada * MATURE READERS Almost five years ago, in ACME NOVELTY LIBRARY #5, Chris Ware sent the hapless Jimmy Corrigan on a quest for his estranged dad. Now, in the heartbreaking conclusion to this 350-page graphic novel, all the emotional and dramatic elements of the past seven issues come together as Jimmyís newfound dad is rushed to the hospital after a terrible car accident; Jimmy finally gets to meet his African-American half-sister Amy; and Jimmy, Amy, and their grandfather James (the little kid in the book-length flashback in ACME #13), a family together at last, wait to hear the news in this subtle, stunningly intimate drama. ACME NOVELTY LIBRARY #14 will be presented in the same full-color, squarebound, 80-page format as the previous issue. It represents the culmination of what many have called the greatest single work by a cartoonist since MAUS, and will be on every serious comics readersís must-have list. THE BRADLEYS #6 (of 6) by Peter Bagge 32-page black-and-white comic * $2.95; $4.45 in Canada * MATURE READERS * Port The final issue of the mini-series re-presents ìBuddy the Weasel,î the final, epic-length tale of Buddy-the-adolescentís downward spiral into degradation. It starts off with Buddy and his pal Stinky (yay! Stinky!) shooting at beer cans on a beach, and 28 pages later, after a close encounter with his reprobate friend Willieís nutty girlfriend, a drug deal gone bad, a horrible lapse in memory regarding his kid brother Butch, and massive screaming blow-out fights with every member of his family, a homeless Buddy is reduced to sleeping on that selfsame beach -- the last image we saw of the teen-aged Buddy. (Continuity note: The next time we saw him was as a grown-up, in HATE #1) Bagge fans who missed those early NEAT STUFFs will definitely want this issue, the first-ever appearance of ìBuddy the Weaselî in standard comics format, and with a new Bagge cover and back cover to drive the collectors nuts! COMICS JOURNAL #219 120-page black-and-white magazine about comics * $5.95; $8.95 in Canada *MATURE READERS * Shipping from Port Theyíre two of the fastest men in comics! From award to award with Why I Hate Saturn and You Are Here; and currently at work on his fourth graphic novel, I Die at Midnight, and an upcoming animated film, Corey Q. Jeeters, Iím Telling on You, forerunner of the cutting-edge KYLE BAKER discusses the art and industry of comics today (and somehow manages to make time to do the cover of this issue!) -- PLUS, alumnus of the Eisner-Iger shop and mainstay of Timely Comics, Golden-Ager PIERCE RICE takes the Journal on a tour of comicsí foundations. Always burning the candle at both ends - itís The Comics Journal! COMICS JOURNAL (Year/Decade in Review) #220 120-page black-and-white magazine about comics * $5.95; $8.95 in Canada *MATURE READERS * Shipping from Port To kick off the millenium, weíve scheduled a second issue of TCJ for January! Issue #220 is both a ìYear in Reviewî and a ìDecade in Review,î featuring flip covers by Eddie Campbell and Jessica Abel, with ìTop 5 Books of the Yearî lists by dozens of industry professionals, retailers and TCJ readers! Who made waves in the í90s? Who produced the best single comic of 1999? Also, essays and criticism on what comics meant in the past decade, 25 years of Eddie Campbell, and more! The COMICS JOURNAL, summarizing the comics industry so you donít have to! LUBA'S COMICS AND STORIES #1 by Gilbert Hernandez 32-page black-and-white comic * $2.95; $4.45 in Canada * MATURE READERS Okay, pay attention. While Gilbert Hernandezís LUBA (#4 solicited for December 1999, #5 coming in the Spring) will continue to tell the ongoing dramatic story of Luba in America, the brand new continuing series LUBA'S COMICS AND STORIES will feature short tales about Lubaís many relatives and other popular supporting characters. ---The first issue will focus on Lubaís half-sisters Fritz and Petra: it flashes back to Petraís early days as a Catholic schoolgirl/slut and Fritzís later college days as a depressed punkette with a mohawk. Then Petraís daughter Venus shows up to explain everything about her mom and aunt, including the circumstances of her conception. Itís 24 pages of sex, angst, and family repercussions as only Beto can tell it! Oh, one more thing: LUBA'S COMICS AND STORIES will be very sexy -- NC-17 but not X, a strong ìMature Readersî title but not an ìadults-onlyî one. POP LIFE #4 by Ho Che Anderson and Wilfred Santiago 32-page two-color comic with cardstock cover * $3.95; $5.95 in Canada * MATURE READERS * Ronaldís (WISE SON and KING creator) Ho Che Andersonís compelling comic series continues with confrontational conclusions of the lives of young urbanites. The ìNaked Girlsî story wraps up with Faith being evicted from her basement apartment, Cookie and Danny stumble upon a protest of shirtless women, (bare-breasted) Faith and Cookie get into a fight with each other, psycho-cop Wilbur toss them in jail, and Faith & Cookie come to a kind of truce. ALSO - The mezmerizing slice-of-life story ìMiles from Homeî continues in its simplistic beauty when Moís father and step-mother go to Moís apartment for an intimate night among family. If you like LOVE AND ROCKETS or any Jim Jarmusch film, this is the perfect read for you. ______________________________________________________________________ ----------------------------------------------------------------------- [A] E-Mag Info: Submissions, Subscriptions, Back Issues, Copyrights and the Comic Book Network BBS system. SUBMISSIONS ----------- To submit an article, review, column, etc. to our e-mag, simply E-mail it to the editor at: ComicBkNet@aol.com Reviews of mainstream books are welcome and will get included when submitted, they are not excluded off hand. We encourage reviews of indies and self published material as we feel that material deserves more exposure to the general public. If you write intelligent, coherent, and timely reviews of anything it will almost always be printed so give us a shot. Commentary on the state of the industry, and personal observations and reflections related to comics are *most* likely to be included in our publication. 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You may freely distribute or duplicate this file intact without alteration for noncommercial purposes only. Please do not distribute except as the complete file as originally transmitted by The ComicBook Network. Information about the Comic Book Network of computer bulletin board systems and how to join can be found on our internet homepage at: http://members.aol.com/ComicBkNet ______________________________________________________________________ ----------------------------------------------------------------------- - End of another Issue .. GIVE A KID A COMIIC TODAY! Eagles may soar, but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines.