---------------------------------------------------------------------- Ed Dukeshire and Mike Imboden Present: THE COMIC BOOK NET ELECTRONIC MAGAZINE ISSUE NUMBER 251 2/04/2000 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] Had Your Phil? ........................ Phil White [6] Venting My Spleen ..................... David Groenewegen [7] Independent Voices .................... Rich Henn [8] Pond Life ............................. Paul Hayward [9] M.O.E. Reviews ........................ Paul Dale Roberts [10] My View:ARSENIC LULLABY................ David LeBlanc [11] New Comic Book Releases List .......... Charles LePage [12] HYPE! Section ......................... Various [A] Submission, Back Issues, Copyrights ______________________________________________________________________ World Wide Web Home Page-->> http://members.aol.com/ComicBkNet Mailed by ONElist: http://www.onelist.com/community/ComicBookNetworkEmag 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, FREE, please send amessage FROM that account TO: ComicBookNetworkEmag-subscribe@onelist.com To UNSUBSCRIBE send a message FROM the account to be dropped to: ComicBookNetworkEmag-unsubscribe@onelist.com 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 2000 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 There is only one major story this week, the death of Gil Kane. There are a few select artists who have unique styles and who have been successful throughout their career for a number of companies. Gil was one such artist. You always know his art no matter where it shows up and it is always terrific. Others will say more than I can about yet another giant of the industry who has past. Some of those comments are in the Network Buzz section. So I will just say I admired and enjoyed his work. Rest in peace. Now these comics for you to check out this week: A SILENT COMICS Arsenic Lullaby #7 Jan 2000, 2.50 DC COMICS Invisibles Volume 3 #3, 2.95 Preacher #60, 2.50 <-------Pick of the Week! DIAMOND PUBLICATIONS Previews Vol X #2, AR HARRIS COMICS Harsh Realm TPB, 14.95 IMAGE COMICS Chassis #2, 2.95 SICILIAN DRAGON Anne Rices Tale Of Body Thief #4 (Of 12), 2.95 At the end of a long and tiring week I am not too enthused about writing much more. In two weeks we begin our 3 weeks worth of anniversary celebrations as I begin my 5th year as editor. By then I will have more to say. Enjoy this week's issue. 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. +++++ Subj: Patricia Highsmith Date: 1/29/00 8:20:41 AM Eastern Standard Time From: SRoweCanoe@aol.com > just read in Entertainment Weekly that Patricia Highsmith, the > world-known thriller writer (whose "Talented Mr. Ripley" novel has > recently been adapted for the screen), began her writing career with > comic books! Does any CBEM reader know which comic book she wrote? > It's probably during the golden age since her first novel was published > in 1950. She wrote for comics between 1942 and the late 1940s for Marvel and Standard, among others. Most of her work is uncredited (in those days, most writers were uncredited). I do have a text story with her name of it. I seem to recall that she wrote the Black Terror and Captain America, and many other non-superhero strips. Steven Rowe +++++ From: astresin@ea.oac.uci.edu (Alexander Giovanni Stresino) Hello just wanted to comment on one of the columnist's remarks about Mike Allred in a previous column a week or two ago. I essentially agree with the column's assessment. Mike Allred used to be one of the coolest illustrators in this business. His style is distinct yet familiar. A lot of the past influenced his style. His problem developed when he stopped producing his comic. Sometimes it's important to take breaks but it just seemed like he disappeared. Resentment grew out of this which diminished his fan base. It seems some of the most sought after books of the early ninety's are no longer being published. For example, William Tucci tried to pass off his artistic duties while he ran his company. He seemed to forget that he wouldn't have a company without him doing the art. Ultimately Shi: The Series was cancelled. Who knows what's happening with Crusade now. Many other artists who have growth potential can't seem to find the right book to show their talents. One such example is Ed McGuiness. Despite previous work on Vampirella he seemed to really explode when he arrived on the Deadpool series. A well developed and well executed series with Joe Kelly. Then he moved over to Awesome working on Fighting American. Currently he's working on Mr. Majestic for Wildstorm. But that's not the final stop. It looks like he's moving over to one of the Superman titles. Maybe someone should just give him his own creator owned book so he can let loose and rock n' roll. Consistency is very important. It will make or break a book. Some examples of consistency: Chris Cross on Capt. Marvel, Mark Buckingham on Titans, and Mike Weiringo on Tellos. And it doesn't hurt that they have quality writers along for the ride. My point: If artists can work more consistently their fan base will stand by them till the end, and perhaps, even grow. Thanks for listening, Alex +++++ Subj: Eisner Awards nominees Date: 2/3/00 1:48:43 AM Eastern Standard Time From: MAR93@aol.com As a general question, does anyone know when the Eisner Awards nominees are announced? Thank you in advance for your answer if you know and for taking the time to read this e-mail. mar +++++ Subj: Gene Colan Annual From: CBPROFILES@aol.com Hello David- I just wanted to let you and your readers know about a new book that will be coming out in April featuring the work of Gene Colan. I mention this now because it is being sol. in this month's issue of Previews. In fact the solicitation info can also be found on line at: http://www.diamondcomics.com/previews/products/books/feb 00/colon.html The book will be 120 pages, perfect bound, and will include a 2 page insert bound inside. The retail price of the book will be $19.95. It is being published by As You Like It Publications, publishers of Comic Book Profiles. Material in the book includes: a brand new wrap around cover, excerpts from comic strips that Gene had planned out at an early age, a look at the evolution of Gene's "take" on such characters as Batman, Daredevil and Dracula, Gene's latest comic strip "B'twixt and B'tween", previously only available on the web, a series of essays on comics and on life written by Gene, character designs for previously unpublished characters, a bibliography of Gene's work from the 1940’s and 1950’s, commentary by Gene running throughout the book, photos of Gene in his studio, a 16 5/8 x 10 1/2 special insert, and an introduction by Marv Wolfman and an afterword by Don McGregor. Matt Poslusny Editor Comic Book Profiles +++++ Subj: 'Nuff Said! radio/web show guest info Feb/Mar, 2000 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, Feb 8, 2000 - We'll be talking about the late Gil Kane then taking listener phone calls. Tuesday, Feb 15, 2000 - A conversation with the outspoken writer/artist of Stinz and Desert Peach, Donna Barr. Margaret O'Connell joins me in the studio. Tuesday, Feb 22, 2000 - Part 2 of our Will Eisner interview. Join us as we talk to one of the creators of the industry and the art form itself. Tuesday, Feb 29, 2000 - Arnold Drake. Long time comic book writer who wrote hundreds of stories for DC, Gold Key and Marvel, including the creation of the Doom Patrol and some of the original X-Men stories. Tuesday, March 7, 2000 - A short monologue from me then listener phone calls. 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: From what two things was the name Monel created? Mon-EL was made by taking Monday (the Day he arrived on earth) and the El last name from Superboy's Krytponian name, since Superboy thought Mon-El was originally his older brother. Steve Topper, our winner, receives Daredevil:Marked for Death trade paperback from our sponsor. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++ THIS WEEK'S TRIVIA QUESTION: What other comic cover did THE SIMPSONS COMICS #1 pay homage to? 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 From The Daily Buzz at http://www.mania.com/newsarama/index.html Comics Legend Passes Away by Matt Brady & Michael Doran Contributing Editors webdate: 1/31/00 12:59:55 PM Long-time and highly respected comic book artist Gil Kane died Monday morning at his home in Florida. Kane, born in 1926, had been suffering from cancer. Born in 1926, Kane produced volumes of material for MLJ, Marvel and DC, but is probably best known to current comic book fans for redesigning the Silver Age Green Lantern and creating the Ray Palmer version of the Atom for DC. Among other creations, Kane also created Morpheus (whom Kane based on Jack Palance) and Iron Fist for Marvel, as well as redesigned Captain Marvel's costume. During his career Kane was closely associated with many characters, including the Atom, Green Lantern, the Hulk, Captain Marvel and Spider-Man, as well as numerous Western heroes, which he counted among his favorites. Throughout his career, Kane strove to be an innovator of the comic book medium, pioneering the graphic novel format (with the stories Blackmark and His Name is Savage) as well as independent publishing, two achievements he's rarely acknowledged for. Additionally, in the late '70s, Kane left comics and launched Starhawks, a science-fiction newspaper comic strip in the form of a comic page to critically acclaimed five-year run. As the 1980s came around and many of Kane's contemporaries found themselves replaced by younger artists, Kane's fluid and dynamic style fit right in, allowing him return to creating comics without so much as a career hiccup. In the early '80s, Kane found himself working on Action Comics and again the Atom - in a new role that he himself had suggested - a miniature barbarian in The Sword of the Atom. During that stretch of working on the Atom and Action Comics in the early '80s, Kane performed what would be considered an unapproachable task by many artists today - penciling and inking his own work, sometimes up to 50 pages plus two covers a month. His output, he insisted in a slightly curmudgeonly way, was due to the fact that he hated seeing his pencils inked by anyone other than himself. In the midst of his return to comics in the early '80s, Kane took a cue from his contemporaries and headed to California to try his hand at animation and work for Ruby-Spears and Hanna-Barbera, working on development for a number of different series and concepts. During his approximately five-year stay in the animation field, Kane managed to squeeze out a few comic projects for DC, most of which coming in as favors for Kane's long time friend, Julie Schwartz. Following his run with Ruby-Spears, Kane returned to comics in the early '90s, working on Batman and Superman projects as well as other DC books, such as the adaptation of Wagner's Ring of the Nibelung with Roy Thomas in 1989-90. Even at 63, Kane was still pushing comics as a medium, ever eager to see how the tried and true art form could reach a new audience. Despite his illness, Kane kept busy the last several years, including illustrating The Edge (written by frequent collaborator, Steven Grant) for Malibu, as well as perhaps one of the most touching stories of his career, Awesome's Judgment Day: Aftermath, a warm tribute to Kane from Alan Moore that brought a smile to Kane's lips. In the story, Moore cast Kane as himself - a freelance 'imagineer,' an acknowledged master in the Imagineering Corps. 'Once Long Ago," Moore's script reads, "A tale processed had portrayed him as a prisoner of this imaginary realm. If so, no freedom was ever so sweet, for he is master of the mind-skies, mariner of epic tides. His name is Kane!' Kane was moved when he first read the script. "I was really surprised at the opening and closing pages that cast me as a character," Kane said in a recent Comics Buyer's Guide interview. "Alan is a remarkable writer, something you can see especially when you read his scripts - they read like novels. I enjoyed the fantasy parts of the script, and there were sections of it that were quite wonderful to pencil." Recently, Kane has worked with Grant on a number of different projects, including a two-part Green Lantern story guest-starring the Atom for DC's Legends of the DCU, that begins in March's issue #28 and concludes in #29. he and Grant were also working on a hardcover Superman graphic novel at the time of his passing. Here's a sampling of some of the praise Kane has garnered by contemporary pros during the last several years... Mark Waid on Gil Kane: "Gil Kane's most magical skill is that he always knows exactly when to snap the shutter--when to freeze the action to catch dynamic expression at its peak. Equaled in the 1960s only by Carmine Infantino and Jack Kirby, Kane was one of the most powerful artists of that decade--and with all deference to the other two powerhouses I just mentioned, Kane was unique in that his style never aged one bit, except in the way a fine wine ages to accrue greater and greater boldness and flavor. Working with him on The Life Story Of The Flash was undeniably a high point of my career." Jan (Sword of the Atom) Strand on Gil Kane: "Working with Gil Kane was one of the top thrills of my comics career. I loved his Green Lantern and Atom work so much as I grew up, having the opportunity to work with a comic book Great was like a baseball fan getting to toss pitches to Babe Ruth. "Sword of the Atom is still one of my favorite pieces of work, and it all started with a one-line premise from Gil: "The Atom is lost in the Everglades where he falls in love with an alien princess." I did change the Everglades to the Amazon, but the idea of Ray Palmer falling in love with a woman other than Jean Loring was thrilling. I'd always thought that their relationship was a bit dysfunctional and now Gil had sold a premise to Dick Giordano that would let me play with that. "Gil's design of the "new" Atom, with the free-flowing hair, riding a frog, a colorful barbarian, was just terrific. But the best part was getting to meet Gil and to share many dinners and hours together as we worked on the series and other stuff. He's so smart and articulate and funny, I value that experience immensely, and the memories of it are precious." Alan Moore on Gil Kane: "When I found out that Gil would be drawing Judgment Day Aftermath, I was stunned and delighted. Then when I actually saw the job, I was actually more so. We repeated that with the Supreme issue that Gil did such an incredible job on. Gil was one of the greatest, most individual talents in the industry. He's somebody who I was in awe of when I first picked up Green Lantern, and was honored to work with him." DC Comics Honors and Remembers Gil Kane DC Comics has announced it will be sponsoring a memorial service for Gil Kane – who passed away this morning at the age of 74 at his home in Aventura, Florida as a result of complications from cancer – to be held in New York, with details will be released as they become available. Paul Levitz, DC Comics' Executive Vice President and Publisher said of Kane's passing: "Gil was one of the masters of comic book art -- drawing with a style so personal that his pages could be picked out of a stack by even a casual reader, and yet so influential that a generation of totally dissimilar artists would look back on what they learned from him. Ever a gentleman and a scholar, Gil loved comics. He experimented with them, published them in unprecedented formats, translated their characters to other media, and never stopped delighting our eye with his pencil and pen." Mike Carlin, Executive Editor - DC Universe, also remembered the comics giant: "Gil Kane called me 'M'Boy,' from the time I first got his autograph at a NY convention in1969 until the phone call he gave me a month ago. I loved that he called me that. I loved Gil's art as a kid and I love it now - from his forward-thinking costume designs (the Silver Age's Green Lantern and the Atom are two of the coolest costumes ever designed) to his up-to-date reflections of fashion and style in a medium that doesn't keep up with the times as well as it should. There are not a lot of artists who stay on top of their game as long as Gil did. I know Gil called everyone 'M'Boy' (even my wife once!)...but I still loved that he called me that." Kane is survived by his wife Elaine. GIL KANE MEMORIAL AND DONATIONS While DC has not yet released details on their upcoming New York City memorial service for Gil Kane, they have announced that Donations in Gil's name may be made to Cancer Cares, American Cancer Society, or any cancer-related charity. In addition, they noted that sympathies may be sent to DC's offices at their New York address - DC Comics 1700 Broadway New York, NY 10019 and will be forwarded to Elaine Kane. Superman vs. Darkseid Round One The first part of the 2-part "Legacy" episode of the animated Superman TV series will show Feb. 5 at 8 a.m. Featuring a clash between Superman and Darkseid, it will be the last new Superman for some time to come. A new Batman Beyond episode "Final Cut" follows later that day. Braithwaite To Draw Universe X Rob Allstetter Jim Krueger said that Doug Braithwaite will be the artist for Universe X, the 14-issue follow-up to Earth X masterminded by Krueger and Alex Ross. "He was Alex's fave for the job," Krueger said of Braithwaite, who is currently drawing the six-issue Supermen of America series for DC Comics. In addition to the regular maxi-series, Krueger said that there will be four 48-page specials spaced throughout. John Paul Leon, the artist of Earth X, will be drawing a Hulk/X-Men issue, and Brent Anderson will draw 4. Krueger said the other specials will feature Captain America and the Iron Men. False Idol Premieres 7 Guys Oregon-based comic company False Idol Studios will be premiering its debut book The 7 Guys of Justice at this Saturday's Alternative Press Expo in San Francisco. According to the company's press release, the comic book deals with the humorous misadventures of the egomaniacal superhero Lord Talon. To combat the villainous Dr. Julian Jerque, Talon assembles a team of inept heroes with names like Ugly Monkey, Hunter-Gatherer, and Johnny Explode. "Obviously, it's a humor-based comic," says creative director Brain Joines, who, with artistic director Joshua C. Rowe created the book. "We're hoping to capture the same feel as Ben Edlund's The Tick or Keith Giffen's highly-underrated The Heckler with our own bizarre sensibilities applied to the characters and situations. We want this book to both embrace and ridicule the genre it's a part of." In a bit of unique marketing, False Idols is publishing the first three issues of The 7 Guys of Justice all at once. New Milestone In Offing Rob Allstetter Dwayne McDuffie, editor-in-chief of Milestone Media, confirmed that a new Milestone Comics series is in the works. "I'm not ready to make an official announcement, but the rumors are true, we are hard at work on a new Milestone series," McDuffie said. "I can't say what it is, but I suspect our old fans won't be disappointed. I also suspect we'll benefit from an imminent opportunity to make lots of new fans. "This is going to be a very good year for Milestone. Just as soon as I can, I'll shout more specific information from the roof tops." McDuffie has hinted the new book will feature one of the more popular characters from Milestone's run in the 1990s. Marvel Knights Confirms Bendis/Mack Daredevil Arc Michael Doran, Newsarama Last week Marvel Knights' Joe Quesada and Jimmy Palmiotti promised more news regarding their efforts to improve the shipping situation with their flagship title, Daredevil, and Sunday night they came through on their promise. "As I mentioned last week, Jimmy and I have been working on ways to get DD on schedule while still maintaining the high standards that we expect each issue," explained Quesada. "We realized that the only way for this to happen was for us to start bringing in some new talent to take over the title for a few issues. This would enable us to take a breath and get to work on Bob Gale's epic story arc. I'm sure you've all heard the rumors and I'm here now to confirm them..." "After much wining and dining and many a crank phone call pretending to be Hollywood agents interested in his work (sshhhh, I think he believes those were actual agents calling), Brian Michael Bendis (Sam & Twitch) is joining us and will be writing an earth shattering three-part story arc. As for the art chores, well this one was a no brainer. He had a break in his schedule and fans have been raving about his writing stint on DD thus far, so David Mack has jumped at the chance at working with his good friend Bendis (sorry, I can only call him that Brian Michael crap once per press release) and continuing what he's started on DD. David will be painting issues #16-18 and Bendis will be providing the snappy dialogue. Again, this will hopefully help get DD on schedule while at the same time give fans and retailers more of 'The Man Without Fear.' Who would have thought that Daredevil would be in such high demand!" Asked by Mania's Newsarama if readers can expect to see DD monthly beginning with the release of the next issue (#11) through the Gale story arc, Quesada replied " I sure as hell hope it can be monthly. That's the ultimate goal. That and to find some time for much needed sleep." In other Knights news, fans looking forward to Chuck Dixon and Eduardo Baretto's Marvel Knights ongoing series might want to check out issue #3 of the Garth Ennis/Steve Dillon Punisher maxi-series. According to Quesada, the issue will serve as "sort of a starting point for the team", and "after Garth turns the whole Punisher/DD relationship on it's ear in Punisher #3, you'll get an idea of how this Marvel Knights team should really never exist in the first place. Still, Chuck manages to make it work in the quirkiest way possible. Let's just say that you'll never see these characters joining hands and proclaiming 'KNIGHTS UNITE!'" Inked by Klaus Janson and computer colored by Avalon Studios, Quesada likens Marvel Knights' artwork as reminiscent of "the Miller/Janson/Mazzachelli era-only brought to you in MK color!" Tucci Not Taking Shi to Image Matt Brady, Contributing Editor Shi creator Billy Tucci told Mania Wednesday afternoon that previous reports of his taking Shi to Image were a little premature, despite confirmation late last week from the creator and Image Publisher Jim Valentino that he was. "We thought about moving to Image for a while," Tucci told Mania. "Jim Valentino sent us a contract and I thought it would be a great way to restart things with a lot of momentum. After all, Jeff Smith had done it for a little while and had a great experience. "It comes down to the fact that we are virtually ignored by Wizard and the other publications, so I figured if we had the Image machine behind me, they couldn't ignore us anymore." But as he considered it more, Tucci had a change of heart. "Image is putting out in the neighborhood of 30 books a month and I really don't think Shi would get the attention that we had hoped it would as one book among all the others. The owners of Image still get the covers of Previews, so there's an avenue that's closed to us. With Image, we'd probably get a push for a month, and that would be it. I've always had the best success when I've just done things myself, stay small and do the book I want." The first issue of Tucci's new Shi three-issue limited series, Shi: Year of the Dragon, is slated to ship in July. "It's set in 1988 and has a real Nagel feel to the art, to give it more of an '80s feel," Tucci said. "We get to see Anna when she's 18 and just picking up the costume for the first time. It's kind of a Shi: Year One style story that fills in some of the blanks left from the original series." Tucci is currently finishing up work on the Wolverine/Shi crossover which is slated to ship in late spring. Butler Cast As Witchblade Rob Allstetter Yancy Butler has been cast in the title role for TNT's Witchblade television pilot movie. Butler's credits include the feature film Drop Zone and such TV shows as Law and Order, Mann & Machine and Brooklyn South. Baywatch's David Chokachi will play Detective Jake McCarthy in the film, which is set to begin production in Toronto in a few weeks. Look for more on the Witchblade movie in Friday's installment of Trailer Park. +++++ COMING IN MAY 2000: SAFE AREA GORAZDE: The War In Eastern Bosnia 1992-1995 By Joe Sacco Introduction by Christopher Hitchens 7 1/2” x 10”, 240 pages bxw illustrations Hardcover, $28.95 ISBN: 1-56097-392-7 Graphic Novel/Journalism/Bosnian Studies "In a world where Photoshop has outed the photograph to be a liar, one can now allow artists to return to their original function — as reporters.” — Pulitzer Prize-winner Art Spiegelman In 1996, Joe Sacco won the American Book Award for his ground breaking work Palestine, a first-person journalistic account of the situation in the occupied territories, told in comics form. Naseer H. Aruri, Professor of Political Science at the University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth, wrote, "Sacco brilliantly and poignantly captures the essence of life under a repressive and prolonged occupation. Each page is equivalent to an essay on one of the many aspects of the occupation_ His material is presented with a great deal of skill, insight and compassion.” Entertainment Weekly wrote, "It figures that one of the first books to make sense of this mess would be a comic book.” SAFE AREA GORAZDE is the long-awaited follow-up to Palestine, a 240-page look at war in the former Yugoslavia. Sacco spent four months in Bosnia in 1995-1996, immersing himself in the human side of life during wartime, researching stories that are rarely found in conventional news coverage. The book focuses on the Muslim enclave of Gorazde, which was besieged by Bosnian Serbs during the war. Sacco spent four weeks in Gorazde, entering before the Muslims trapped inside had access to the outside world, electricity or running water. Sacco published a short story prefacing SAFE AREA GORAZDE in 1997 titled "Christmas with Karadzic,” which prompted a page-four story in The New York Times about Sacco's coverage of the war, referring to Sacco's journalism as “a searing and amusing look at the motley collection of reporters, war profiteers, criminals, soldiers and hapless civilians trapped in a war zone_ Sacco's drawings are stark, realistic visions of the gray, depressing world of a land mangled by artillery shells and deformed by poverty.” As Men's Journal wrote in late 1998, "Not since 1992, when Art Spiegelman won the first-ever Pulitzer Prize for narrative cartooning with Maus, has anyone from the demimonde of comics portrayed the effects of war so intimately or powerfully.” Spiegelman concurred, and as an editor at Details, commissioned the cartoon journalist last year to cover first-hand the Bosnian war-crimes tribunal in the Hague (a subsequent story featuring Sacco's first-hand report of touring with R.L. Burnside, one of the great living Mississippi bluesmen, is being published in Details' March 2000 issue). "Sacco's at the vanguard,” says Spiegelman, "He got training as a journalist — a good one, and he knows how to distill and communicate. He's obviously got the calling.” SAFE AREA GORAZDE: The War In Eastern Bosnia 1992-1995 is Sacco's magnum opus, and with it he is poised to become one of America's most noted journalists. The book features an introduction by Christopher Hitchens, political columnist for The Nation and Vanity Fair. Sacco currently lives in Portland, Oregon, and has a degree in journalism from the University of Oregon. [Complete press release and interview in HYPE section - D.L.] +++++ Subj: Hernandez' RUMBLE GIRLS virtual ashcan now online! From: DivaLea@aol.com Dear all, My usual thanks to each and every one of you for the support you've shown to my previous books, CATHEDRAL CHILD and CLOCKWORK ANGELS, and the support so far for RUMBLE GIRLS. If you have any questions, requests for art, etc., feel free to email me at DivaLea@aol.com. Thanks, Lea Hernandez FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Just in time for pre-ordering from the PREVIEWS shipping the first week of February--five pages from the first issue of Lea Hernandez' first Image Comics series, RUMBLE GIRLS: Silky Warrior Tansie. The RUMBLE GIRLS ashcan can be found at: http://www.divalea.com --Click on the "Rumble Girls" logo on the main page to get to the preview. The Rumble Girls of the title are female professional wrestlers in powered armor. Like pro wrestling, they fight as characters designed to evoke emotion--either love or hate--from their audience. And also like pro wrestling, real life can and often does mar the illusion. The newest Rumble Girl, Raven Tansania Ransom, finds "playing" Silky Warrior Tansie is anything but play, and that the fantasy has some very real consequences. Hernandez expects RUMBLE GIRLS to enjoy the commercial and critical success of her Image Comics graphic novels, the "steampunk romances" CATHEDRAL CHILD and CLOCKWORK ANGELS. "Besides having a great team --the able aid of Warren Ellis as consultingg editor, and Anthony Bozzi at Image Central helping me think of ways to make RUMBLE GIRLS the best book it can be--I'm really enjoying writing and drawing RUMBLE GIRLS, and I believe it shows," Hernandez says. Retailer Bob Schaefer of San Antonio's Excalibur Comics agrees. In a post to Comic Retailer's Forum on Delphi, he said, "She is justifiably confident in (RUMBLE GIRLS)... the story (is) engaging and the artwork (is) quite pleasant. For anyone here who had any success with Cathedral Child and Clockwork Angels, this book will sell even better (especially with a lower price point)." RUMBLE GIRLS began as a satirical prose novelette, "Silky Warrior Tansie", that was submitted by Hernandez in to an anthology of superhero stories edited by Kurt (ASTRO CITY, SHOCKROCKETS) Busiek and novelist Lawrence Watt-Evans. "Tansie" was too long for the anthology, but Busiek and Watt-Evans liked the story, and Busiek encouraged Hernandez to develop it further. When Hernandez decided to strike out in a new direction for her next Image Comics project, she wanted to take readers from the never-happened past of CC and CA to a retro future, and finishing "Silky Warrior Tansie" came almost immediately to mind. RUMBLE GIRLS comes out swinging in April, and will ship every six weeks thereafter. Issue #2 will have a flip cover by Adam (GEN 13, DIRTY PAIR) Warren. +++++ "CASTLE WAITING"'S LINDA MEDLEY COMES ABOARD CBLDF CRUISE LINDA MEDLEY, creator of "CASTLE WAITING," is the latest cartoonist to join MAKING WAVES, courtesy of her new publisher CARTOON BOOKS. Making Waves, the CBLDF FUNDRAISING CRUISE, is the first of its kind to bring creators and fans together for a week-long luxury vacation of panels, drinking, and dining. All proceeds from this dream cruise go to benefit the COMIC BOOK LEGAL DEFENSE FUND. Medley got her start as a cartoonist penciling popular action titles like "Justice League," "Doom Patrol," and "Deathblow," but she garnered critical acclaim for the fantasy series "Castle Waiting," which she writes and draws herself. In 1997 Medley joined fellow cartoonists CHARLES VESS and JEFF SMITH as a founding member of the TRILOGY TOUR, promoting their work at conventions across the country. "Castle Waiting" has steadily gained fans of all ages, and in 1998 Medley was honored with two Eisner awards. During a brief hiatus from the series, she worked on DC/Vertigo's forthcoming "Books of Faerie." After self-publishing the original run of "Castle Waiting," Medley recently announced her new association with Cartoon Books, publisher of Jeff Smith's "Bone." In May 2000, Cartoon Books will publish "Castle Waiting, Vol. 1: The Lucky Road," a trade paperback compiling the first seven issues self-published by Medley. July will see the relaunch of "Castle Waiting" #1, featuring all new artwork and stories. "I'm so excited to be a part of Making Waves," said Medley. "I've already started packing an appropriate wardrobe of espadrilles, tropical shirts and loud-print muu-muus. And a whoopee cushion to help keep things lively on the Lido Deck I hope there are other comic bookies on board who'll join me in shopping excursions for stuffed frogs and Chupacabra souvenirs; I truly want to help make this CBLDF maiden voyage a memorable one." "I'm a big fan of Linda's, and I'm really glad she'll be joining us in Mexico," said CBLDF executive director CHRIS OARR. "We're grateful to Linda for coming, and to Cartoon Books for sending her." Medley joins an already impressive cast of seafaring stars including: Neal Adams Kurt Busiek Dan Clowes Evan Dorkin Sarah Dyer Will Eisner Neil Gaiman Jaime Hernandez Gilbert Hernandez Frank Miller Martin Nodell Brian Pulido P. Craig Russell Jeff Smith Jill Thompson Adrian Tomine Matt Wagner Mark Waid Chris Ware Judd Winick As if that weren't enough, Making Waves will also include many of the comics industry's movers and shakers: BOB CHAPMAN of Graphitti Designs, Fantagraphics publisher GARY GROTH, CBLDF president DENIS KITCHEN, NBM publisher TERRY NANTIER, MIKE RICHARDSON and DIANA SCHUTZ of Dark Horse Comics, NextPlanetOver.com's DAVE REID, BOB SCHRECK of DC Comics, CBG's MAGGIE THOMPSON, and many more editors, publishers, and industry insiders. Many comics fans rang in the new year by booking their own passage on Making Waves. Enrollment is limited to only 300 fans and professionals, and cabins are going fast. The ship leaves APRIL 9 from LOS ANGELES and makes ports of call in PUERTO VALLARTA, CABO SAN LUCAS, and MAZATLAN. On board, the cruise will feature cocktail parties, slide shows, panel discussions, seminars, and much more comics programming. Fans will also be able to sign up for dinners and drinks with all the attending pros to guarantee time for some quality conversation. Of course, this is in addition to all the informal hanging-out in the ship's bars, pools, sundecks, restaurants, and casinos. The cruise ship includes nine deck levels with a sliding scale of cabin prices, from luxury accommodations to "starving artist" rates. Prices include just about everything--food, 24 hour room service, even tips - except drinks and shopping. Altogether, the cruise is a unique opportunity for comics aficionados to wine, dine, and converse with some of their favorite creators in a relaxed, fun-filled atmosphere. To obtain your free MAKING WAVES CRUISE KIT, please contact THE CRUISE AUTHORITY at 1-800-448-1830. A joint fundraising venture between the CBLDF and "THE COMICS JOURNAL," Making Waves follows the lead of many high-profile publications and organizations who have hosted successful celebrity fundraising cruises, from political magazines like "The Nation" and "The National Review" to many major league baseball teams. Making Waves is made possible by the generous support of CARTOON BOOKS, DARK HORSE COMICS, DIAMOND COMIC DISTRIBUTORS, DRAWN & QUARTERLY, NBM PUBLISHING, NEXTPLANETOVER.COM, ONI PRESS, SIRIUS ENTERTAINMENT, SLAVE LABOR GRAPHICS, and WONDERCON. All proceeds from the event benefit the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund, a non-profit organization protecting the First Amendment rights of the comics community. To inquire about attending creators and comics programming, please contact the CBLDF at 1-800-99-CBLDF or visit our web site at http://www.cbldf.org. For additional information and artwork contact Chris Bleistein at the CBLDF at (413) 586-6967 or cbleistein@cbldf.org +++++ Wizards of the Coast to Produce Trading Card Games Based On Marvel Universe RENTON, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 4, 2000--Adventure games leader Wizards of the Coast Inc. has been granted the exclusive license to create trading card games and card game accessories based on the Marvel Universe, featuring some of the world's most popular superheroes, including Incredible Hulk, Spider-Man and Captain America. The first release will be the X-Men trading card game in the summer of 2000. "The X-Men have long been among the most popular and exciting characters in comics and the upcoming movie will propel them even higher," said Stephen Horvath, brand manager for the X-Men trading card game. "We plan on producing a game that will be an integral partner with the comics and movie, as well as set the standard for future Super Hero TCGs." "Wizards of the Coast is an important licensing partner helping Marvel fulfill its brand strategy for the X-Men character property. The X-Men TCG leverages the entertainment value of these ever-popular super heroes by inviting the player into the Marvel Universe," said Mike Dichter, senior vice-president, Marvel Characters Group. Highlighting the popular heroes and villains from the X-Men movie and comic series, fans will be able to play their favorite mutant characters in the X-Men trading card game. Featuring the impressive graphics from the Marvel Super Heroes comics on full-color game cards, the X-Men trading card game will be packaged in starter decks, as well as booster packs. Wizards of the Coast, a subsidiary of Hasbro Inc. (NYSE:HAS), is the worldwide market-share leader in the trading card game and tabletop roleplaying game categories. Wizards of the Coast is a leading developer and publisher of game-based entertainment products as well as the owner and operator of one of the nation's largest specialty game retail chains. The company holds an exclusive patent on the play mechanics of trading card games (TCGs) and produces the world's best-selling Pokemon(TM)(a) and Magic: The Gathering(R) TCGs. Wizards of the Coast is also one of the world's leading fantasy and science fiction book publishers, and is a publisher of adventure games such as the classic Dungeons & Dragons(R) games, family card and board games and electronic media products. The company's retail locations, many of which provide game-play areas, include a growing number of Wizards of the Coast(R) specialty game retail stores as well as 53 The Game Keeper(R) stores. Headquartered near Seattle, Wash., Wizards of the Coast has international offices in Antwerp, Paris, Milan, London and Beijing. For more information on Wizards of the Coast, visit the company's website and electronic retail store at www.wizards.com. Marvel Enterprises, Inc. is one of the world's most prominent character-based entertainment companies with operations in the licensing, comic book publishing and toy businesses. Through its ownership of over 3,500 proprietary characters, the Company has published comic books for over 60 years in the United States and numerous foreign countries. The Company licenses the right to use its characters in a wide range of products such as apparel, packaged goods, video games and collectibles, as well as for television series and feature films. For additional company information, please visit the Company's corporate webside at www.marvel.com. +++++ Feb. 1st, 2000 To the Bat-Polls...! As One of Comics' Oldest Icons Turns 60, Comicology Joins Forces with Tony's Online Tips He was billed as "the Sensational Character Find of 1940" when Batman introduced him on the cover of Detective Comics #38, but Robin the Boy Wonder doesn't look a day over 16... Or does he? It all depends on which Robin you mean, and -- just in time to relieve Presidential primary fatigue -- you're invited to choose your favorite of the Gotham Guardian's many sidekicks in one of Tony Isabella's Web-renowned TonyPolls. The poll questions are the brainchild of Brian Saner Lamken, editor of Comicology, the comics magazine whose brief first run sent a shockwave through the industry twelve months ago. After the release of Comicology Volume One -- a stand-alone edition that was to be the first in a series of squarebound periodicals each focusing on a different comics genre, series, creator, or character each issue -- the publication went into hibernation while plans were hatched to bring it back on a more frequent basis in a more traditional magazine format. Comicology Volume Two #1 is being solicited by direct-market distributors right now. It has received a Spotlight in the latest Previews catalog from Diamond Comic Distributors -- which arrives in comics shops this week soliciting material for release in April 2000 -- and is also available from FM International, as well as directly from TwoMorrows Publishing, home to such acclaimed comics magazines as Alter Ego, Comic-Book Artist, and The Jack Kirby Collector. TonyPolls have long been a staple of Tony's Online Tips, the daily, Internet incarnation of Isabella's acclaimed weekly column for Comics Buyer's Guide. Tony's Online Tips is part of the World Famous Comics Website family, which can be found at . According to Lamken, some of the results from the Robin-related TonyPolls -- in which fans can vote for their favorite costume, their favorite live-action and animated Boy Wonders, and more -- will accompany a feature article celebrating the character's 60th anniversary in the first issue of the all-new Comicology. "We have a top-notch Robin cover rendered exquisitely in marker by Bruce Timm," Lamken said today, "and, like the cover, our celebration of Robin's history inside touches upon many facets of the character's 60-year history, including the Golden Age version, Jason Todd, Tim Drake, Carrie Kelley of Batman: The Dark Knight fame, and of course the older Dick Graysons of the Earth-One, Earth-Two, and current-day continuities. There's also a fantastic interview with Bruce and a gallery of little-seen and never-before-published Bruce Timm artwork." (For a JPEG of the cover, please E-mail Comicology at the address in our header.) The editor has promised since the release of Comicology's first edition that there would be more to his magazine than explorations of superhero history. "I'm committed to variety, absolutely," he confirmed. "Mostly, I'm committed to covering good comics with a blind eye towards whether or not they're 'mainstream' or 'alternative'. The flip-side cover on our new first issue features the character Glory from Lea Hernandez' Texas Steampunk graphic novellas. That's backed by a very fun interview with Lea, a look at Stan Sakai's excellent Usagi Yojimbo, and more, including a wide-ranging interview with Jeph Loeb, writer of, among many other titles, Batman: The Long Halloween and Batman: Dark Victory, which brings us back to the Boy Wonder again...!" COMICOLOGY Phone: (610) 645-4369 Fax: (610) 645-5346 E-Mail: Comicology@AOL.com +++++ Stan Lee Media and CYBERWORLD to Create Immersive Low-Bandwidth 3D Universes On the Web LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 2, 2000-- Partnership Will Result In Graphic Intensive Landscapes For Stan's New Animation Franchises CYBERWORLD(R) International Corporation, a new-media enterprise committed to transforming the Web into an interactive multimedia experience, and Stan Lee Media (OTCBB:SLEE), comic book icon Stan Lee's global branded Internet entertainment content production and marketing company, will join forces to create Super Hero branded immersive 3D universes accessible to showcase Stan's new animated creations for the Internet. The partnership will help transform SLM's Web community at www.stanlee.net into a world that combines 2D and 3D graphics in an easy-to-navigate, immersive world of information and entertainment. Instead of flat graphics and low-resolution pictures, visitors to the site will be able to navigate a 3D world on the Web surrounded by video, animation, 3D graphics and sound. These environments can be viewed by 28.8 modem users, although 56K and higher connections are recommended for optimum viewing. As part of the agreement, Stan Lee Media has made available to CYBERWORLD shares of Stan Lee Media common stock and CYBERWORLD has made available to Stan Lee Media warrant options in CYBERWORLD Corp. "If you're creating a community on the Web for Super Hero fans, it only makes sense to use a highly-graphic interface," said Keith Soley, CYBERWORLD president and CEO. "It's gratifying to us that Stan has chosen CYBERWORLD as a vehicle for his new multimedia creations. We believe that Stan's new creation, The 7th Portal, will reinforce Stan's legacy as one of the architects of the Super Hero genre at the same time that we are working together to transform the Internet." "I can't wait to show fans around the world our 21st century Superhero creations in their new 3D playground," said Stan, chairman and chief creative officer of Stan Lee Media. "They come to life in 3D with captivating and interactive adventures by utilizing CYBERWORLD's mind-boggling multimedia and 3D technology." With the February 29, leap year 2000 launch of Stan's first episodic creation in 25 years, on shockwave.com, the largest original animation portal on the internet, the creator of Marvel Comic's most popular Super Heroes will add his first New Millennium Global Super Hero Team, the Internet-based The 7th Portal, to his unmatched universe of astonishing characters and amazing adventures. About CYBERWORLD International CYBERWORLD International Corporation is dedicated to transforming the web into an interactive multimedia experience. CYBERWORLD International Corporation provides unique software products that enable individuals, businesses, organizations, and communities-of-interest to build fast, interactive, new media environments for the web. The company is headquartered in Toronto, Ontario with offices in Los Angeles, San Francisco and Columbus, Ohio. Readers can visit the CYBERWORLD web site at http://www.cyberworldcorp.com. +++++ PRESS RELEASE: RAPSCALLION MAGAZINE Rapscallion Magazine is still accepting small press and indy titles for review. If you produce a comic we want a copy. Each contributor will receive a copy of issue 3. Issue 3, due in March, will feature a cover by Sean (Worgard) Patty. This extraordinary individual is setting new standards for the fantasy genre. This issue will also include interviews with Not My Small Diary's Delaine and Illusion Studio's Wayne (Jonathan Savior) Smith. Send review materials to Rapscallion, c/o Richard Sullivan, PO Box 425, Orrville OH 44667. Email Rapscall99@AOL.com Check out the Rapscallion Web Page for a FREE copy of Rapscallion!!! http://hometown.aol.com/rapscall99/myhomepage/photo.html +++++ MORGER JOINS HARVEY AWARDS COMMITTEE Northampton, MA, February 2, 2000 — With less than three weeks to go before the HARVEY AWARDS Nominating Ballots are due, the HARVEY AWARDS COMMITTEE is pleased to announce the addition of STEVE MORGER. Morger helped spearhead the Harvey Awards during their tenure at Wondercon. He joins Harvey Awards administrator PAUL McSPADDEN, who oversaw the awards during their nine years at the Dallas Fantasy Fair. Morger, who works at the law firm of Wendel, Rosen, Black & Dean, LLP, in Oakland, CA, was the individual responsible for the administration and presentation of the Harvey Awards during their last year at Oakland's Wondercon. He also served as chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Cartoon Art Museum in San Francisco. "It is an honor to continue my involvement with the Harvey Awards so that the creators in our field will continue to be recognized for creative excellence by their peers," said Morger. "I hope that the awards can continue to build on the foundation of previous years and remain the most coveted and respected awards in the industry." "Now that Steve is joining our team," said McSpadden, "there's a real sense of continuity and cooperation here. We've also got a broader geographic base on the Committee, with representatives from both coasts and the Mid-West. We've already received hundreds of ballots back, and we're looking forward to an excellent turn-out from artists and other members of the creative community." "With both Morger and McSpadden on board," said Committee chairman DENIS KITCHEN, "we've got a great deal of experience and expertise to go with the energy of the Committee's newcomers. Steve is particularly adept at fundraising and will be focusing on preserving and expanding the Harveys' relationship with the sponsors which help underwrite the annual awards. With his help, we're confident that the Harvey Awards will continue to improve." Named after the late comics genius HARVEY KURTZMAN, the Harvey Awards honor outstanding work in comics and sequential art. One of the industry's two oldest and most respected awards, the Harveys recognize achievements in 24 categories, ranging from Best Artist to the Jack Kirby Hall of Fame. They are the only industry awards both nominated and selected by the full body of comics professionals. The 13th Annual Harvey Awards Ceremony will take place on Friday, APRIL 28th at the PITTSBURGH COMICON. Reservations for the banquet can be made by contacting Rene George at (814) 467-4116. Nominating Ballots for the awards were mailed to creators and publishers in mid-January and are due by FEBRUARY 18. Qualified professionals who have not received ballots should contact the Committee by e-mail at HarveyAwards@hotmail.com or call Paul McSpadden at (972) 690-5491. Contact Information For Press Information or to obtain a Harvey Awards Ballot contact HarveyAwards@hotmail.com For Banquet/Convention Information, contact Michael & Renee George at pcomicon@nb.net Phone (814) 467-4116 Fax (814) 467-4416 Web site: http://www.pittsburghcomicon.com For General Information, contact Denis Kitchen Phone (413) 586-9844 Fax (413) 586-8295 +++++ [Ultimate Art] Alex Horley website updated - 2/3/00 Date: 2/3/00 2:33:42 PM Eastern Standard Time From: "Enrico Salvini, the Muffin Man" Just updated (a smaller one, this time) Alex Horley website. http://members.xoom.com/horley_art/ What's new on the website? - "Cheepnis" section in Art For Sale (artworrk starting at $15!); - "Being Alex Horley" section in the Galleryy. Let me also remember you the two new gorgeous S/N prints: Red Stacy - http://members.xoom.com/horley_art/babes/printsta.htm Goldie - http://members.xoom.com/horley_art/babes/printgol.htm Now I can also accept cashier checks, personal checks and non-postal money orders. http://members.xoom.com/horley_art/ An important announcement: a recent query conducted by DC Comics' chief-archivist came up with an unpleasant result. The art to Lobo #26 has been returned July 3, 1996 to Horley/Parente Studios' address, but it has never been handed to it's rightful creator and owner, Alex Horley. The artwork is therefore to be considered stolen property and anybody found in its possession will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. If someone wants to sell you art from this issue, please do the smart thing: contact me. I'll take proper action and you'll be nicely rewarded if I'll succeed in recovering the art. What will be next? Finally, an UNCENSORED Penthouse Comix website! Happy browsing, Enrico Subscribe: ultimateart-subscribe@onelist.com Unsubscribe: ultimateart-unsubscribe@onelist.com Ultimate Art homepage: http://members.planet.it/freewww/ultimateart +++++ From Comics2Film at http://www.comics2film.com Faust ----- Comics 2 Film is pleased to present a first look at images from the upcoming movie Faust. We spoke with David Quinn, who co-created the comic with Tim Vigil and wrote the screenplay for the film. What should fans expect from the movie? "We're talking violent and sexual and complex characters, but something that we can edit for an R rating...hopefully." Quinn said laughing. "Going into the movie it feels like there's three protagonists, three good guys to look through their eyes," Quinn told us. "One is a cop, one is a psychiatrist and one is Faust, an insane killer. At first you experience it through the cop and it feels like a cop movie. Then you experience it through the psychiatrist's eyes and it starts to feel like...Silence of the Lambs. Then you're left with only John Jaspers, Faust and you realize all bets are off. "That's a fun movie to get into and I think [director] Brian [Yuzna] picked that up right away. Its' a little more complicated because it blends three genres, but he got excited about that and that made me feel like 'OK...he got that.'" Yuzna came on board the property without having read the comics first. "He read the script first. He read it as a screenplay and then found out it was a comic," Quinn commented. "Totally backward." Although Yuzna had not read the comics beforehand, he was familiar with the material by the time filming started. "He really did try to work with myself and work with Tim Vigil, to study the comics, to talk to both of us. He looked at the way Tim drew things when he went to get designers. And he did work from my screenplay" Quinn told us. "We were pretty happy that Brian turned out to enjoy the visuals of the comic a lot, which is not to say the would literally reproduce them but he knew where we started." Lest fans fear that Faust won't be seen in all his super- psycho-hero glory: "He wears the costume," Quinn assured us. The writer revealed that the Faust costume is of the rubber suit variety. However, the filmmakers will use certain techniques to keep things real. "[The movie is] written so that a lot of the scenes are so you never seen him in full light. It's also a good way to do a movie that's more about horror than about a super-hero." Although Quinn hasn't been involved with the movie since the production went to Barcelona, he continues to work on various projects in comics and in film. He'll have comics out this year from Avatar, Ultimate Sports, Marvel and DC. Look for more images from the Faust movie this Thursday on Comic 2 Film. Special thanks to Dizey for the technical assist! (Images from the movie Faust can now be seen on the Comics 2 Film website at http://www.comics2film.com) Tick TV ------- A source at Sonnenfeld/Josephson told Comics 2 Film that the script for the live-action Tick TV pilot has been completed. Tick creator Ben Edlund wrote the script. The pilot is now in, or close to, pre-production. Sheena, Queen of the Jungle --------------------------- FROM THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER: An article from the The Hollywood Reporter's NATPE coverage indicates that the syndicated Sheena, Queen of the Jungle is doing well for Columbia TriStar Television Division. The our long action show, starring Gena Lee Nolin been cleared in 92% of the country. The figures were announced Wed. by CTTD president Barry Thurston and executive VP of sale Steve Mosko. "We are delighted with the response and the level of interest in the series by so many quality stations," Mosko said. http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/ http://www.natpe.com/ +++++ From Newsarama; http://www.AnotherUniverse.com/newsarama WINNER OF THE 1997 & 1998 INTERNET "SQUIDDY" FOR BEST WEB SITE Image Debuts New Warren Ellis Mini The Warren Elli-fication of the comics industry continues_Today, Image Comics announced the publication of City of Silence, a new monthly 3-issue mini-series debuting this May by writer Warren Ellis and artist Gary (Star Wars, Hellblazer, Punisher/Wolverine) Erkskine. According to Image, City of Silence is a "tech-noir mini-series about a metropolis in The Separated States of America where every citizen has the technology to easily create brand new weird sciences, and the policemen, the Silencers, who will hunt them down for having a bad idea.” The project was originally created and produced in the mid-Nineties and was a precursor in theme and approach to later Ellis projects such as Transmetropolitan. According to information at Ellis website www.warrenellis.com, the series – previously entitled Silencers - was created for Marvel's Epic line around 1994, and went unpublished due to the subtraction of Epic from the Marvel publishing schedule. Ellis describes it as “a science-fiction action book with occult tendencies,” The previously unpublished series also features colors by D'Israeli (Sandman, Batman: No Man's Land), and the editor of the series is former WildStorm Editor-In-Chief, Michael Heisler. "City Of Silence is the missing link in my career,” said Ellis. "It's a strange brew of mad science and action movies, a weird three-minute single, perfect comics pop. It's also one of the most beautiful-looking science fiction comics ever produced. It's nice to see it in its full glory. There's still nothing quite like it." Added Image Publisher, Jim Valentino: "We are overjoyed to finally publish a Warren Ellis title under the Image Comics banner. Warren is simply one of the best writers in the field today and is complemented by a creative team that further elevates his talents at every turn." Image Director of Marketing, Anthony Bozzi, lastly noted: "It's done, I tell you- story, inks, letters, it's all done! This series will ship on time!" Mark Waid Exits The Flash In today's comic book industry, when creative teams sometimes shift with the frequency of the seasons, it's unusual that any one freelance creator gets closely associated with the classic characters of Marvel or DC. But today word comes that one of those unusual long-time pairings is coming to an end_ "I'm leaving The Flash,” Waid told Mania's Newsarama early Wednesday morning. "Issue #159, on sale in three weeks, will end my eight-year run on the book that has been easily the most creatively fulfilling project I've ever been associated with." The announcement may come as some surprise to loyal readers of the Flash and fans of Waid, as the writer is well known for being on the record as saying DC would someday have to "pry this book out of my cold, dead fingers!" Asked about that years ago prediction, Waid responded: "When I said that, I meant it with all my heart - and let me make it crystal clear that no one, NO ONE, loves Wally West more and carries a greater devotion to him than do I - but I was foolish to try to predict the rest of my life when I was 29” And as to why? "It's certainly not a matter of workload; unfortunately, it's more complicated than that, and I hope those who care will understand that this was the hardest professional decision I ever had to make - actually, probably the hardest decision ever, period. I also hope that those who care will (eventually) believe me when I say that I'm leaving for Wally's own good." "Let me explain: at least from my perspective, the book's always been at its best when it's been its most personal - when I was using Wally to work out difficulties and quandaries in my own life. How to deal with impatience; how to learn to know, truly know, the one you love; how to set personal goals and how to deal with personal grief - astute readers have, over the past eight years, frequently realized that Wally's been the lens through which I've examined my own past and my own future. Lately, however, I haven't felt that same deep personal connection to Wally, and after nearly a year of reflection, I've finally come to the inevitable conclusion that it's because whatever issues and challenges I'm facing today, eight years later, Wally's not the appropriate character through which to explore them. I wish I could explain this better - frankly, I wish I could say it at all without sounding borderline delusional - but I'd be doing Wally a disservice at this point to try and force him down my own personal path rather than let him explore his own roads; he and I are no longer moving in the same direction. That said, here's hoping (with, to be honest, some certainty) that our paths will cross again someday." "Some readers may be disappointed, some Usenetters will no doubt be celebrating, but across the board, I hope they understand that I'm making this decision out of respect for a character who was around before I was born and who will probably outlive me. I owe him at least that much.” "Over the last eight years, I've done some good work and some less-than-inspired work on this book, but I have always, always given it 100%. I'm lucky to have been joined by many folks who did the same: Greg LaRocque, Mike Wieringo, Carlos Pacheco, Oscar Jiminez, Paul Ryan, Paul Pelletier, Tom McCraw and others - and first and foremost, my editor and collaborator Brian Augustyn, who's backed me through thick and thin. Wally and I are both grateful to them all.” As for the future of The Flash, Brian Augustyn is scheduled to write March's issue #160 solo, and writer Pat McGreal is lined up for April's #161, but there is no word yet from DC as to the long-term creative future of the title. Stay tuned to the Daily Buzz for updates_ - Tellos creator Mike Wieringo has ended speeculation as to whether he'll take his and writer Todd Dezago's creator-owned series from Image Comics to the short drive over to Image imprint Gorilla Comics, for which Wieringo is a founding partner. In an interview with Christopher Butcher of the online comics magazine PopImage.com, Wieringo first confirmed he indeed will be making the move. In a follow-up with Newsarama, Wieringo further explained the move. "We'll be launching with a new #1 in July, which will kind of be the beginning of the second part of this first story arc,” said the creator. Wieringo explained that the cast of Tellos will recoup from injuries suffered in the battle in #5 in #6, titled "Aftermath," while Tellos #7 sends erstwhile heroes on the final leg of their quest.” Issue #7 wraps up the Volume 1. "The story Todd and I have to tell will last another 8-10 issues at Gorilla and then we'll see where we go from there. While that will finish the first major storyarc, we've got many more stories and regions of Tellos left to explore in the future." According to Wieringo, while he and co-creator Todd Dezago had some reservations about moving Tellos from Image Central to the Gorilla imprint, ultimately, the move will be what's best for the book. "Being part of Gorilla will be a good thing in terms of the attention that we'll be getting for the book," Wieringo said. "While we were doing well on our own with Image, pulling in under Gorilla will increase our exposure and hopefully attract new readers to the book, which is a very good thing." Tellos V.2 #1 will be previewed in a 5-page story in George Perez's Crimson Plaque #1, June's Gorilla launch. The "5-page preview" will become a regular feature in Gorilla books, with April's Shockrocketspreviewing May's Empire, Empire previewing Crimson Plague, and so on_ - As Alan Davis readies to make way for Chriis Claremont and Leinil Yu on Marvel's core X-Men titles, comes the question, "what's next for the fan-favorite Brit creator.” The answer - at least in terms of Marvel - is Killraven, a 6-issue mini-series for editor Tom Brevoort with a tentative release of late this year. Davis was originally slated to write and illustrate the Killraven revival back in late 1997/early 1998, but the project was put on hold when Davis agreed to then 6-month penciling stint on the X-Men, which of course grew into a 2 plus years writing and penciling assignment. - A spokesperson for DC has officially confiirmed rumors that artist Howard Porter will take over as regular penciler of Adventures of Superman, following his exit sometime later this year from JLA. Porter is set to pencil Mark Waid's first JLA story arc, a multi-issue story pitting the team against Ra's al Ghul, after which he'll depart for AOS, tentatively set for around issue ##584, according to writer J.M. DeMatteis. Porter's move will then open things up for the new ongoing JLA art team of Bryan Hitch and Paul Neary. BAGGE REFLECTS ON YEAH!, THE FUTURE Fans of creator Peter Bagge best savor the final issues of his and artist Gilbert Hernandez's Homage series YEAH!, because it may be the last comic book you see from him in a while. “I have no future plans as far as comic books are concerned,” Bagge told Newsarama. "My proposals are all being turned down! Finances, along with the current state of the market, seem to be forcing me out of the comic book biz all together, sad to say.” "The problem with the comics market is that it's just plain old puny - it always has been, and is getting smaller by the minute,” Bagge explained. "Plus no one's gonna make much of a living off of anything other than few genres, and I'm both unwilling and unable to work in those genres. I always assumed that I'd be drawing comic books forever, and it's odd to realize that it doesn't look like that will be the case. Meanwhile, I'm getting much more generous offers to test my skills in other media, so I'd have to be an idiot not to take advantage of them.” Some of those plans include the development of a Hate feature film, as well as a Hate Web TV show; a bi-weekly Chet and Bunny Leeway strip for Adobe's website that begins this month, as well as semi-regular features for the Suck.com website. And ironically enough, Bagge is currently negotiating with Will Smith's production company, Overbrook, to develop YEAH! into a TV show. +++++ From Zentertainment; HTTP://WWW.ZENTERTAINMENT.COM To sign a friend up or begin receiving ZEN yourself, e-mail: subscribe@ZENtertainment.com NEW 'GEISHA' DUE FROM ONI ON MAY 5th Andi Watson's GEISHA gets a new, 48-page one-shot this May, catching up with android Jomi Sohodo in her new life. "I was extremely pleased with the reaction GEISHA has received," said Watson. "I had been doing SKELETON KEY for so long, it was beginning to become my defining series, and you never know how fans will react an artist doing something new. With GEISHA, not only did my base audience give it a thumbs up, but I got a lot of new readers as well. Jomi's plight really seemed to strike a chord with a lot of people, and given the amount of people who wrote or asked for more GEISHA at conventions, I saw pretty clearly that I couldn't let the story stop at the end of issue four." http://www.onipress.com 'SPIDER-MAN' POSSIBILITIES? ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY Online reports the three leading candidates for the title role in the SPIDER-MAN feature film are Leonardo DiCaprio, Freddie Prinze Jr., and Jude Law. All three actors have previously expressed interest in the role. http://www.ew.com http://www.marvel.com TOP COW CHARACTERS MEET UP IN 'CROSSINGS' TOP COW characters from WITCHBLADE, DARKNESS, FATHOM, and TOMB RAIDER will meet up with several other IMAGE Universe characters in the May one-shot special DARK CROSSINGS. Charles Holland (Murder One, Millennium) wrote this story involving the origin of the Butcher Knight, and it's illustrated by Dwayne Turner (Spawn). http://www.topcow.com APE THIS WEEKEND IN SF The ALTERNATIVE PRESS EXPO, or APE, descends on San Francisco this Saturday, at Ft. Mason. Peter Bagge, Shannon Wheeler, Darick Robertson, Caitlin R. Kiernan, Greg Espinoza, the CBLDF, KUNG-FU Magazine, GIANT ROBOT, Jim Mahfood, Judd Winick, and Scott Morse will all attend, and that's just the tip of the iceberg. http://www.comic-con.org 'BATMAN' GAMES FOR PSX2 GAMESPOT reports UBI SOFT is developing two BATMAN games for SONY's PLAYSTATION 2 system, one based on a BATMAN animated series, and another likely based on THE DARK KNIGHT RETURNS. http://www.gamespot.com Those curious about the inner-workings of ZEN should look out for a couple new interviews -- The second issue of the BLUE PHOENIX E'Zine features a lengthy interview with yours truly about all sorts of things, and an upcoming issue of WIZARD which spotlights a number of us online entertainment sites features me pictured and everything, looking slightly less geeky than VANITY FAIR captured... http://welcome.to/bluephoenix - SeanJordan@aol.com ______________________________________________________________________ ----------------------------------------------------------------------- [5] HAD YOUR PHIL? PHIL WHITE ogre4@earthlink.net [Phil has written and edited numerous comics for AC, including MS. VICTORY and BOLT. He self-published the four part OGRE limited series and has been a contributor to CBG and CBEM. After many years as a Marketing and Advertising manager in Southern California, he recently moved to Northern Nevada where he works as a sales representative for a specialty software firm.] At first, it was confusing. I'm reading Thor #17, the God of Thunder has just pummeled the Juggernaut with a two fisted blow from Mjolnir when, on the facing page, the story jumps to Spider-Man escaping from a giant Mystero. There followed eight pages of this Spider-Man story and, just as abruptly, we're back to the Thor story. The confusion led to annoyance that the editors hadn't seen fit to separate this insert pastiche with some advertising or editorial page. And, I'll admit, I did not read the insert thoroughly because I lost interest in Spider-Man over 20 years ago and thought the artwork was a second riff off of Mike Wieringo. By now, regular readers of CBEM are well aware of some of the controversies surrounding the infamous, anti-drug inserts that appeared in so many Marvel Comics with a November and January cover date and with a promise (warning?) that at least two more installments are on the way. Some writers have pointed out that the insert is meant for a much younger reading audience than Marvel currently boasts. Others suggest that poor storytelling actually makes it seem more like a glorification of the use of marijuana than an indictment against drug use. Still, others point out that Marvel is not being altruistic, but is acting out of greed. That does appear to be the case, given the fact that, while Marvel eagerly stretches out its itching palms, the film and television industries are crying fowl that the Clinton administration is trying to buy the privilege to dictate story themes and messages. Growing up in the 50's and 60's, it was not unusual to see comics distributed to schools. These promoted safety and common sense. We had comics featuring Reddy Kilowatt with lessons on household electricity and comics that instructed us on techniques for building kites and messages about how to fly them safely. These were community service messages. It would be more appropriate and direct if these eight page chapters were gathered into a 32-page comic and distributed to grammar schools. Inserting them within the comics is like mixing castor oil with sugar. Sugar won't help the castor oil taste better, but castor oil will ruin the taste of sugar. The Clinton government and Marvel goofed by not identifying the insert as a paid political announcement. On the back covers of these same issues is a spot, probably sponsored by the Milk or Dairy Counsel advocating milk consumption with Spider-Man and the Hulk saying, "Got Milk?" These are clearly marked as an "advertisement." My irritation grew to animosity when a retailer pointed out that he, like the majority of shop owners, is responsible for paying the freight on his comics. The extra weight caused by the insert issues resulted in an unexpected increase to his shipping costs in November and January. That reduced his operating margins in an already tight market. We all know that "product placement" takes place and that Pepsi Cola pays to have actors drink their sodas on screen. But I have a major problem with any administration that stoops so low as to pay the media to include subliminal or blatant anti-drug messages within the context of entertainment vehicles. (On television, that payment came in the form of increased government spending on anti-drug commercials to a given network, based on that network's increase of anti-drug messages on shows like ER and Drew Carey.) While it may start with a message that is, supposedly, a universally accepted truth, like "Drugs are Bad" this practice opens the door for more and more messages and dictates. What's next? Will we see an anti-gun story featuring the Punisher? Perhaps they'll sponsor a story where Professor Xavier argues for pro- choice, wishing his son, Legion, had been aborted? How about a story line that establishes Chinese officials as Tony Stark's close friends and partners, who never steal his technology? It's possible, though unlikely, that raising their cover prices by 25% will put Marvel in a less greedy position allow them to turn down requests from the White House. Better still, we may elect a new President whose administration won't waste the taxpayers' money and will respect the entertainment industries' autonomy. Isn't it ironic, tough, that it's the same entertainment industry that helped elect the current administration? Phil White PS. Newsarama announced a Joker/Mask crossover between DC and Dark Horse, which sounded interesting until they proceeded to describe three fourths of the plot. Now, I have no reason to read the four issue limited series. Guess I'll spend that time updating my web site at: http://home.earthlink.net/~ogre4/ ______________________________________________________________________ ----------------------------------------------------------------------- [6] VENTING MY SPLEEN David Groenewegen david.groenewegen@lib.monash.edu.au [David Groenewegen is 30, a librarian and sadly addicted to comics. He has been reading them since before he could read, and plans to keep on doing so. His first trip out of the house with his infant son was to a comic shop. Can't start 'em too young. ] I used to really like ASTRO CITY. I got into it just after the first mini-series finished, because I got a chance to buy the whole set cheap. And I really enjoyed them, so I kept reading it once the regular series got going. And I enjoyed them for quite a while too. The "Confessor" story was very entertaining, particularly the little details, like the club where superheroes hang out in their civvies. It was a good read. But after a while I was starting to feel like I'd read it all before somehow - it just wasn't satisfying to me. So I dropped the title a fair while back. Then Kurt Busiek had all his problems, and the book got really delayed (not that I cared, because I wasn't buying it anymore). ASTRO CITY just dropped off my radar. A few months ago there was a really interesting interview with Busiek in TCJ, and he made some interesting comments on a few message boards around the place, and I decided to read all my back issues again. And I really enjoyed them. Coincidentally, the "Steeljack" storyline had finally finished, and I knew that the next issue, #21, would be a stand alone issue. So I bought to see if I wanted to start buying this title again. I don't think I do. While the story (about a comic book writer), was quite interesting, and had some of the nice detail that makes ASTRO CITY fun (someone is treated by a Dr. F. Wortham, for instance), I was still left feeling dissatisfied. I'm still trying to pin down exactly what it was that didn't work for me. Partly, it's the whole "real people interacting with superheroes" thing. It's getting real old, and for all the variations that Busiek keeps coming up with, there's a feeling of sameness starting to permeate this book. Maybe if I'd read the "Steeljack" story (which seemed, form what I saw, to be much more ... superheroy, for want of a better word), I might feel differently. But I'm just tired of it. Partly it's the art. I was never huge on Brent Anderson even when I really liked the book. He's a better than average storyteller, and he's solid, but his "realistic" figures are so stiff, and expressionless. Look at the picture of Crackerjack coming through the window of Manny's office. His facial expression is straight out of a men's wear catalogue. Too much of the art looks like bad life drawing. There's not enough of the dynamism that you get in really good comics (ironically, the story in this issue is partly a song of praise for just that sort of art). Partly it's the characters. I read a review recently (can't remember where, sorry) that said that one of the problems with this book is the lack of a central recurring character. At first I thought that was stupid. But I'm coming around that way myself. All these little vignettes of people's lives are very well done, but it's harder to care about a character who you know will be gone for good by the end of the issue. The city itself sort of serves as a recurring character, but it didn't really appear enough in this issue to carry that off. This story could have been set in any comic book city, rather than Astro City itself. Maybe it's just the conditioning of too many monthly books in the past, but I want more of a hook. Anyway, I'm still not sure about this title. I might buy it again next month, I might not. It will probably depend on whether it's a slow week or not. See, I used to really like ASTRO CITY. But now I'm not so sure. David Groenewegen davidhar@lib.monash.edu.au ______________________________________________________________________ ----------------------------------------------------------------------- [7] INDEPENDENT VOICES Rich Henn rasmus@timespell.com [When not stressing at the day job, Rich is at home stressing over the next issue of TIMESPELL. He lives in sunny Maryland with his beautiful wife and their lazy Siberian Husky.] Well, I'd like to start this column of with a contest, if I may. A mistake has been discovered within the pages of TIMESPELL #4. E-mail what you think the error is to me at rasmus@timespell.com. The first FIVE (5) correct answers go into a pot to be drawn out during the first week of March. So there you go...a 1 in 5 chance of winning the grand prize. GRAND PRIZE: $20 cold hard cash, PLUS...a signed uncut press form of the cover (painted by artist Brian Rood) and signed by Brian, myself, and inker Mostafa Moussa. AND...an uncut, unfolded full size press form of one of the signature sheets from the interior pages. That puppy alone measures approx. 23x35, and will have 16 pages of the book on it. RUNNER UP: A triple-signed Kromekote copy of TIMESPELL #4 signed by Brian Rood, myself and inker Mostafa Moussa. These Kromekote cover books were a special addition to the print run. Only 75 copies on 8pt and 50 copies on 10pt were printed on this stock. SO...go get a copy of T4 and find the error. I'll drop some hints in my next column. And speaking of which... This week I went on a Bendis Bender. Brian Bendis, that is. A while back, a buddy of mine told me that I should really find the time to seek out Sam & Twitch. I had no interest in that book...it's a Spawn off-shoot for crying out loud. But, I always trusted my friend's judgement, so just for the hell of it, whenever I was in a shop, I would actively seek out the book. Just so I could flip through it and see what the hell he was talking about. Problem was, I couldn't find any. Not a copy, not anywhere. So come Mid Ohio Con, at the Laughing Ogre party, I was able to check the book out. As I stood there flipping through the book, two things caught my eye. First, no Spawn. BIG plus. Second, the art by Angel Medina looked just fantastic. I was familiar with his work when he was on HULK about what, four years ago? But this was killer! So I picked up 1-4. The next day at the show, I hit Bendis up for Sam & Twitch #5, as well as TORSO. TORSO was a book I'd been hearing a lot of good things about, but never got a look at. On a whim, Brian's wife handed me True Crime Confessions and Lost Treasures. (**Note...TCC and LT are humor books, and rival Brian's Noir work to new levels!) Well, two weeks ago I read Brian's new book, Fortune & Glory #1. F&G is pretty much an autobiographical account of Brian's whirlwind ride on the twister known as HOLLYWOOD. Funny? You betcha! It was more than just a page-turner...it was absolutely hysterical! I'm on the couch laughing as I'm reading this book, and my wife is going "What? WHAT?!" As if she's going to miss something! So I tell her about the bits, and show her some of the book (which is GOING to go past her, because comics to my wife is like a bridal shower to most men...we'd just rather NOT.) But we both did agree that the last page with Bendis and his wife was just a pisser. So now I've read Fortune & Glory, and I'd been following Sam & Twitch since November. I'd breezed through TORSO, but it's pretty involved and you REALLY need to be focused upon reading it. It's heavy stuff, and the various dialect within can be engrossing. In it's essence, TORSO is based on the true story of Eliot Ness after his days in Chicago with the Untouchables. He's brought into Cleveland Ohio to help straighten out the crime rackets that's festering within the city. His first big case happens to be a string of serial killings, which are being referred to as the "torso" killings. Once you're into this book and reading it, it's hard to put down. I was very glad I had all six issues, and knocked them all out in one sitting. Then I moved on to Brian's humor titles, True Crime Confessions and Buried Treasures. VERY funny stuff! As I mentioned earlier, these books rival the Bendis "noir" works. Mostly true tales brought to life in Brian's illustrations, these books are a nice predecessor to Fortune & Glory. It gives you a real nice sense of the variation and diversity of Brian's work. This week in Entertainment Weekly, there is a pretty spiffy critique of Fortune and Glory #1 in the back, where they do most of the reviews. It's hard to argue that the work of Brian Michael Bendis is one of those "templates" or "cookie cutter" books that Image puts out much too often. It is unique, it is expressive, and it is Bendis. I firmly believe that Brian has all but single handedly created a new genre in the comic field. Sound silly? No, not at all. Not if you're familiar with his work. Brian has a very firm following in this market, and it's growing every day. His work cannot be compared to anyone currently working and stands proud on it's own. Sam & Twitch are currently being published by Image, and TORSO can be found in back issues from Image. Fortune & Glory is published by Oni Press, and look for Bendis spin on Daredevil from Marvel in the coming months. And maybe, soon...look for his name on your local movie marquee. Hopefully, Fortune & Glory #3 will wrap with the good news of Brian's movie deal struck in Hollywood. For more on Brian Michael Bendis and his work, visit http://www.jinxworld.com ______________________________________________________________________ ----------------------------------------------------------------------- [8] Pond Life Paul Hayward pjhay@clara.net Spider Jerusalem- Where are You? You know, there's never a good journalist around when you need one. One with integrity. One who checks his sources. One who gives his victim a chance to reply. Not that Old Spidey does all those things- but it got your attention, I hope. Anyway, imagine if you will an International Comics magazine which makes off-colour comments about creators it is in regular contact with & makes no effort to look into the story. Perhaps this magazine might say something like " Bloody Marvelous Bloke has al life outside comics. At least he must have because he appears to be a very popular chap." "Over 40 people said they got their (Ostrich Awards) form from one Bloody Marvelous Bloke..." "Whether he helped them fill them in we cannot possibly conjecture. But they were all remarkably similar... and they all voted for him!" Now, what would you think? This guy's a cheat? A cad? A scallywag? If you don't, or at least don't laugh there is no story is there? What about if you know that the guy posted the awards form on his Message Board at the request of the Cunningly Insidious magazine itself? Would you tell the creator (who doesn't read the magazine)? Or let the lie remain. I took the first option. The Completely Inept magazine then mailed me to say that (a) the magazine does not give the right of reply to any creators and (b) I should mind my own business. Are all journalists like this? They make comic shop owners seem angels by comparison! Speaking of comic shop owners... A big hooray for Chaos City comics of St Albans, England. They held a 75% off sale last weekend (sorry, you missed it!) & gave anyone who couldn't get there the option of doing mail order. They allowed me to go in today (Monday) & pick up the comics. Yep, above & beyond. Not only that, but the week before, when I casually mentioned that I couldn't find 2 particular graphic novels the owner ordered them & had them in the next week. Now that's service. We're all (me included) quick to criticise shop owners & God knows sometimes we have reason to but there are examples of good service. How to save the comic industry part 3. Speaking of Chaos City Comics, although they have wonderful service they are typically bad in that the window display is enough to deter almost 100% of the population. Spider-Man, Wolverine and the guys. If the shop's got the name "Comics" we know they sell these guys. When you go inside you see nothing but superheroes (and the ubiquitous Pokemon). The independents are downstairs in the basement. Nice display of Strangehaven (set) & SiP (lots of issues) but downstairs. How many people do you know who read detective books? Horror books? Philosophy? History? You get the idea. Books where nobody can lift a Cadillac & not every woman goes around in a costume up her arse (way to attract women!) May be, just may be they'll give a comic a try. May be not a 20 page flimsy- but Murder by Crowquill? A Cerebus phone book? Faith- a fable? The average literate wouldn't touch a comic with a barge pole might pick up one of them. Imagine a display which would not appeal to superhero fans (hey, they're going to go in anyway) but might do to the general public. Would that increase sales? Isn't it worth a try? How many people read superhero books in the English language? 300,000? (A guess) That's the maximum sale of a superhero book. Every one who doesn't buy your book is one of that figure. What's the break even figure? What about a book targeted & marketed to the rest of humanity. Maximum sale? More, anyway. Sure, a minority of comic fans buy independent style books. But that's because a majority of fans are still superhero fans! We need to get Joe Public through the door. The way to do that is not by shoving Batman down his throat. However good that character's books may be for him it's a kid's comic. It's by widening the appeal. What can you do? Buy something different from this week's Previews. If you don't like it then don't buy it any more. Just don't complain that comics are boring & Spider-Man's crap! ______________________________________________________________________ ----------------------------------------------------------------------- [9] 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.] MOE Sidenote: Today dropped by A1 Comics and discovered plenty of good indies/magazines on their racks. Here are just a few I found: The Yearning, Future Fantastic by Fink Inc., The Atomics #1 by AAA Pop Comics (I will be doing an overview of this comic book), The Waiting Place #2 (which is heavy in the dramatics and falls in the same category as Stray Bullets and Strangers in Paradise), The Comics Journal #219 (for $6.95 - you can't go wrong with this magazine!). If you want more information on any of the above-mentioned titles, drop Brian Peets, owner of A1Comics an email at: A1Comics@quiknet.com Name: Catwoman #78 Publisher: DC Comics Written by: Bronwyn Carlton Drawn by: Staz Johnson/pencils Wayne Faucher/inks Price: $1.99 Comments: Catwoman encounters old woman who has told her that she has eaten the wandering cats of the neighborhood to survive the post-earthquake torn Gotham City. Catwoman is appalled from her comments. Sort of a funny scene, but not funny for cat-lovers. I only owned two cats in my whole lifetime, the cats were named Jockey and Straps and both had fleas. Fleas I could never get rid of. When I got rid of the cats to a good family, I decided never to own cats again. So, of course I sided with the old lady. Have you seen the Thomas Crown Affair? Well, this story is better than the movie. Commissioner Gordon has GCPD watching over the city's Crystal Spire which represents Gotham rising from the ashes. When the spire is taken, guess who is blamed? Yep, you got it, it's Catwoman. Gordon makes Catwoman Public Enemy #1. Watch out Catwoman, here comes Gordon and he ain't happy! Name: Extra! Publisher: EC Comics Written and Drawn by: Numerous writers/artists of the 1950s Price: $2.50 Travel to Algiers, the Mediterranean, Paris through these intriguing stories about Keith Michaels - World Press Correspondent; Steve Rampart - News Photographer and Geri Hamilton - Newss Reporter from World Press as they investigate homicides or a 17 year old mystery in which a boy learns that his father was gunned down by a policeman during a hold-up. If you like mysteries, then you'll like these stories. If you like the mystique of the movie "The Thomas Crown Affair", then you'll like the adventures of Keith Michaels! If you have a chance, pick up an EC Comic, you won't be disappointed. Name: The Atomics #1 Publisher: AAA Pop Comics Written and Drawn by: Mike Allred Price: $2.95 Comments: After I finished reading The Auto Mix....uh, I mean The Atomics, I was quite pleased with this entertaining story. It was nice seeing Madman make a special appearance in the story too. The story in a way was a reminiscence of the Marvel Silver Age of Comics. There was plenty of laughs from the female alien who eats her mates - just like a Praying Mantis and the mention of Lil' Abner's Sadie Hawkin's Day. The characters are quite unique and unusual as the Crystal is able to meld with The Slug and become one with more strength. Zapman and the Mutant Street Beatniks aka The Atomics have a very strange origin. These diseased Beatniks become superheroes through a cell changing ability. One of the characters, Mr. Gum seems like he will always be harassed by the public who have stuck the moniker "The Booger" upon him. How will he ever gain the self-respect that he craves? He got this moniker because he gets all gummy (sort of like Mr. Fantastic) and some reporter says that he looks like a booger and the name stuck. The Beatniks may hate Frank Einstein aka Madman, but they should take notes and learn from this well-seasoned superhero..uh heh. I must say after the Beatniks changed over to the Atomics, they did look cool and their costumes hit the mark! Mike Allred does it again, with The Atomics! Name: Ghost #16 Publisher: Dark Horse Comics Written by: Mike Kennedy Artists: Ryan Benjamin, Francisco Ruiz Velasco Price: $2.95 Comments: Fantastic story that inspired me to do a bit of letter hacking. Here's what I wrote to Dark Horse Comics: Before I talk about the story, I want to mention that I highly enjoyed Ryan Benjamin and Francisco Ruiz Velasco's artwork, it blended well together - both are quite talented. Edgar Delgado did an exceptional job with the artwork too. Ghost #16 was magnificent and everyone should be noticing that the stories get better and better, I'm quite impressed. Elisa is a complex character, she is possessive with her guns, as Margo tries to clean them. Yet, she is willing to give up her gun for a little child. Ghost's heart is pure gold and at times she is too trusting. I enjoy the Ghost's version of Hell and I for one have always considered Hell to be a huge place with many sections. As one walks through Ghost's version of Hell where Cameron Nemo rules, they could walk into another section where Clive Barker's Hellraiser version of Hell exists and find themselves facing the dreaded Cenobites. Of course, Elisa describes Hell as something that exists between here and now and may derive from her own mind. Nemo is quite deceiving and I couldn't believe he changed Hell to look like some kind of fairy tale paradise. With what I thought was an innocent girl, that being Christine, I was shocked to see that this was one of Nemo's many demons. Mike Kennedy did a superb job with the twist of this story, I wasn't expecting that. It was shuddering to see Nemo act normal, then later say he might be seen next time wearing Christine's skin. As the story continued, more shockers came about as the tree uprooted itself and went after Ghost, then seeing the innocent looking Norg the Unicorn turn into a huge black devilish Unicorn. I also noticed that Norg had a heart shaped brand on his rear and when he did his change, it became a pitchfork. How wicked! Seeing Nemo with all those children under his control, I couldn't help thinking if he was the original Pied Piper of Hamelin? Deceit was everywhere, as Nemo creates a fairy castle, the pond, the ducks, the green grass, etc. When Norg was complaining that he was full from eating the grass, I thought at anytime he would explode. When he didn't, again I was fooled. I thought for sure this is something that Nemo would do, since Norg indicated that Nemo was having him eat the grass. A big teaser came when Nemo took off his devil mask, but I was unable to see his real face. Will his real face one day be revealed? Things did get quite scary as Ghost went into the tunnel without her gun. Ghost is facing some bad times and Christine really has pleased the master, this was a very harrowing ending! As Marlon Brando said in the movie "Apocalypse Now!"...."the horror...the horror!" Talk to you guys real soon! Name: A Shadowlander's Dream - Chapter One: A Faraway Place Story and Art: Kathryn Williams Publisher: K&N Manga Price: $2.50 Comments: The story so far..."Neko and Kima break into Drake's stronghold to discover Leinala and Jenn fighting. Meanwhile Kurisu finds Alyson with the help of a stray alley cat. They are presently searching for the other..." This comic book has a beautifully colored front cover, interior black and white, highly detailed. Drake Dalfort, an immortal servant of Dreigo, who seems to have his own agenda now relates that he wishes to protect his sister. Warnings of intruders is announced in the story and one has been identified as The Kat. Jenn Kitano, who was pulled into the Shadowlands with Kima while unconcious now makes her appearance in this story and displays her powers. Jenn goes to her grandmother who prophesizes that generations of Kitono women were granted great powers and it has been envisioned that a child will be born within a dream. This child will appear and it has been foretold that Jenn will marry this dream child. The story continues.... For more information about this comic book, check out: http://come.to/shadowlander'sdream or email Kathryn at: neko_haruka@hotmail.com Kathryn Williams also has posters available. The posters are entitled: 002 - Trouble; 003 - Together; 004 - Lonely Cat; 005 - Angelic Kurisu; 006 - Unmasking; 007 Siblings; 008 Leinala. Price for posters: $10.00 plus shipping and handling - send check to: K&N Manga, PO Box 43026, London, ON, Canada N6C 6A2 MOE Sidenote: New at Broadway Comics & Cards this week: Tony Daniel's F5 Preview by Image; The Sandman Presents Petrefax 2 of 4; Trouble Magnet #3 by DC Comics; Relative Heroes #2 of 6 by DC Comics; The Rhinegold 1 of 4 by Dark Horse Maverick; Frontier Line #5 by CPM Manga; Kia Asamiya's Nadesico #8 and of course a whole lot more! For information about any of these above-mentioned titles, you can contact Wilson Lew, owner of Broadway Comics & Cards at: wilsonlew@sprintmail.com Multiverse Observer and Explorer signing off until next time.... ______________________________________________________________________ ----------------------------------------------------------------------- [10] 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.] ARSENIC LULLABY (May 1999 and #7 January 2000) 32 pages, black & white, color covers, $2.50/$3.50 CAN A. Silent Comics 1619 Whitaker Ave. Milwaukee WI 53221 Created by Douglas Paskiewicz Every once in a while I get a comic to review that is so far from what I am used to it can't be categorized with comics I normally read. This is not a bad thing and ARSENIC LULLABY is certainly different. So much so that it would not appeal to many and even offend a lot. With this in mind you must also be made aware that in the sea of alternative small press comics it is one of the few still being distributed by Diamond by keeping up strong sales. All I can say to this is there are a lot of sick puppies out there! Now picture this: A man standing and facing an open car trunk his front entirely covered in red (paint or blood - we can't tell). His back is to the side of a building and the red is splattered all over it as well, except for his outline where he got it instead. That is it, no dialogue, not indication what happened, just the car the building and the man. That is the cover to the May issue. Intriguing and one can envision what might have caused it, but if you never read an issue of this comic you probably would be wrong. It involves a weed whacker and several infants. This cover is drawn from the last story in the issue about Ed Bryers, a US Census Agent. You see he is a perfectionist and well, people just can't go around having babies AFTER a perfectly good census has been taken - it will throw everything off. So he decides to keep the count accurate by getting rid of newborns and make it look like accidents. The first stop proves a challenge as there are quintuplets - kind of hard to fake an accident for that many. So one by one he contrives conditions and pretends to be a child services agent taking the babies away one at a time for their own good. The finale is gruesome though not graphic. Then there is the recurring stories about Joe the Voodoo sorcerer who is helping a man get revenge on various people. Sometimes he uses magic like creating zombies and then impregnating the ex girlfriend with one or beating up a guy who once beat up Joe because he is an avowed pacifist. The next issue he is hired by a boy who wants to have an abusive parent and so . . . more of the same. There seems to be a recurring theme of violence played for laughs. If you are into that kind of thing, it is well done, if not well then you should stay away. There are a few shorts mixed in that are very funny as well - like two bugs watching a typical appeal for the starving on tv and commenting how like heaven it would be there with all the filth. And then there is one about a farmer in an outhouse noticing how the tissue is billed as being soft as a baby duck and so he decides to see if that is true. As I said - some of it is sick and may not appeal to many but all you open minded sickoes will love it. The art works well, and I like that the covers are a bit of a puzzle until you look inside. Those who like to spice up their reading with al variety of material need look no further than ARSENIC LULLABY. ______________________________________________________________________ ----------------------------------------------------------------------- [11] 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, 2/09/2000, 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 AAA POP COMICS Atomics #2, 2.95 Stitch #3, 2.95 Sparks #3, 4.95 ABSTRACT STUDIOS Complete Strangers In Paradise Book Three HC, 49.95 AMAZE INK (SLAVE LABOR GRAPHICS) Potential TPB, 24.95 ARCHIE COMIC PUBLICATIONS Archie Weird Mysteries #3, 1.99 Betty #84, 1.99 Betty & Veronica Double Digest #87, 3.19 CHAOS! COMICS Lady Demon #1 Premium Ed, 9.99 Lady Demon #1 (Of 3), 2.95 CPM MANGA Time Traveler AI #5, 2.95 DARK HORSE COMICS Hieroglyph #4 (Of 4), 2.95 Masakazu Katsuras Shadow Lady Awakening (5 Of 7) #17, 2.50 DC COMICS Adventures Of Superman #577, 1.99 Azrael Agent Of The Bat #63, 2.25 Books Of Magic #71, 2.50 Brave Old World #3 (Of 4), 2.50 Detective Comics #743, 2.50 Hourman #13, 2.50 Impulse #59, 2.25 Nightwing #42, 1.99 Scooby-Doo #33, 1.99 Star Trek The Next Generation Perchance To Dream #3 (Of 4), 2.50 Stars And Stripe #9, 2.50 Superman Adventures #42, 1.99 Tomorrow Stories #6, 2.95 Transmetropolitan #32, 2.50 IMAGE COMICS Kin #1 (resolicited), 2.95 Lady Pendragon Origin Of Merlin #1, 2.95 Rising Stars #5, 2.50 Sam And Twitch #7, 2.50 Spawn #92, 1.95 Spawn The Undead #8, 2.25 Spirit Of The Tao #14, 2.50 Tenth Evils Child #3, 2.50 Warlands #4, 2.50 Wicked #2, 2.95 INSIGHT STUDIOS GROUP Liberty Meadows #7, 2.95 MARVEL COMICS Amazing Spider-Man #16, 1.99 Blade Vampire Hunter #5 (Of 6), 2.50 Cable #78, 1.99 Earth X #12 (Of 12), 2.99 Iron Man #26, 1.99 New Warriors #7, 2.50 Punisher #1 (Of 12), 2.99 Punisher #1 Variant Cover, 2.99 Spider-Girl #19, 1.99 Spider-Man Universe #1, 4.99 X-Men Hellfire Club #4 (Of 4), 2.50 X-Men Unlimited #26, 2.99 NEW BREED COMICS Tohubohu #5, 3.00 ONI PRESS INC. Adventures Of Barry Ween 2.0 #1 (Of 3), 2.95 VIZ COMMUNICATIONS Dragonball Part 2 #12 (Of 15), 2.95 Inu Yasha Part 4 #4 (Of 7), 3.25 No Need For Tenchi Vol 7 Tenchi In Love TPB, 15.95 Pokemon Advs Part 2 Team Rocket Returns #1, 2.95 Pulp Vol 4 #3, 5.95 WIZARD ENTERTAINMENT Toyfare The Toy Magazine Fat Bastard Cvr #32, 4.99 Toyfare The Toy Magazine WWF Toy Cvr #32, 4.99 magazines Comic Shop News #660, AR Jack Kirby Collector #27, 5.95 NCRL for the foreseeable future... TITLE OLD RELEASE DATE NEW DATE DC COMICS Batman/Demon: A Tragedy 02/09 02/16 Batman: Gotham City Secret Files 02/02 02/16 Beast Boy #4 02/16 03/01 Cartoon Network Starring #8 02/16 02/23 Dreams Of The Darkchylde #0 06/16 TBA Faith #5 01/26 02/23 Four Horsemen #3 02/16 02/23 Green Lantern: Emerald Allies TP 02/09 02/16 JLA #40 02/23 03/01 Manhunter Medium Statue 01/26 02/16 Planetary #10 03/08 03/15 Planetary #9 02/02 02/16 Promethea #6 01/12 02/16 Promethea #7 02/16 03/08 The Titans #14 02/16 02/23 Titans/Legion: Universe Ablaze #2 02/09 02/23 Top 10 #7 02/02 02/16 Yeah! #7 02/02 02/16 IMAGE Adrenalynn #4 03/01 Alley Cat #5 02/16 Ascension #22 02/09 02/16 Ascension #23 03/01 Atomic Toybox #2 02/23 03/01 Blue #2 03/01 EVE #1 Holofoil Incentive 02/02 02/16 Hellhole #3 03/01 Intrigue #3 02/16 Kiss: Psycho Circus Mag #5 02/23 M-Rex #3 02/16 Nine Rings of the Wu-Tang #3 02/23 Pakkins' Land: Forgotten Dreams #4 02/23 Savage Dragon: Gang War TP 02/16 03/01 Stone Vol. II #4 02/23 Tenth: Black Embrace TP 02/23 Tin Can Man #2 03/01 *Please Note: These dates are tentative. ______________________________________________________________________ ----------------------------------------------------------------------- [12] HYPE! Section Various IT'S MARVEL'S 60th ANNIVERSARY AND HOME SHOPPING NETWORK IS CELEBRATING! Watch HSN Wednesday, February 16, 2am EST, February 15, at 11pm PST, as Dynamic Forces once again takes to the airwaves with the coolest exclusive Marvel merchandise ever. The show features a 35th Anniversary Spider-Man/X-Men package containing 60 signed and unsigned comics. X-Men/Spider-Man "Legends Package" signed by industry legends Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, these hard to get signatures will go quick! T-shirts, a special set of six premiere comics signed by creators, plus lithographs, lunch boxes, action figures and much, much more! These offers are extremely limited, so tune in and order early! It's gonna be both "Dynamic" AND "Marvel-ous!" http://www.dynamicforces.com +++++ COMING IN MAY 2000: SAFE AREA GORAZDE: The War In Eastern Bosnia 1992-1995 By Joe Sacco Introduction by Christopher Hitchens 7 1/2” x 10”, 240 pages bxw illustrations Hardcover, $28.95 ISBN: 1-56097-392-7 Graphic Novel/Journalism/Bosnian Studies "In a world where Photoshop has outed the photograph to be a liar, one can now allow artists to return to their original function — as reporters.” — Pulitzer Prize-winner Art Spiegelman In 1996, Joe Sacco won the American Book Award for his groundbreaking work Palestine, a first-person journalistic account of the situation in the occupied territories, told in comics form. Naseer H. Aruri, Professor of Political Science at the University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth, wrote, "Sacco brilliantly and poignantly captures the essence of life under a repressive and prolonged occupation. Each page is equivalent to an essay on one of the many aspects of the occupation_ His material is presented with a great deal of skill, insight and compassion.” Entertainment Weekly wrote, "It figures that one of the first books to make sense of this mess would be a comic book.” SAFE AREA GORAZDE is the long-awaited follow-up to Palestine, a 240-page look at war in the former Yugoslavia. Sacco spent four months in Bosnia in 1995-1996, immersing himself in the human side of life during wartime, researching stories that are rarely found in conventional news coverage. The book focuses on the Muslim enclave of Gorazde, which was besieged by Bosnian Sebs during the war. Sacco spent four weeks in Gorazde, entering before the Muslims trapped inside had access to the outside world, electricity or running water. Sacco published a short story prefacing SAFE AREA GORAZDE in 1997 titled "Christmas with Karadzic,” which prompted a page-four story in The New York Times about Sacco's coverage of the war, referring to Sacco's journalism as “a searing and amusing look at the motley collection of reporters, war profiteers, criminals, soldiers and hapless civilians trapped in a war zone_ Sacco's drawings are stark, realistic visions of the gray, depressing world of a land mangled by artillery shells and deformed by poverty.” As Men's Journal wrote in late 1998, "Not since 1992, when Art Spiegelman won the first-ever Pulitzer Prize for narrative cartooning with Maus, has anyone from the demimonde of comics portrayed the effects of war so intimately or powerfully.” Spiegelman concurred, and as an editor at Details, commissioned the cartoon journalist last year to cover first-hand the Bosnian war-crimes tribunal in the Hague (a subsequent story featuring Sacco's first-hand report of touring with R.L. Burnside, one of the great living Mississippi bluesmen, is being published in Details' March 2000 issue). "Sacco's at the vanguard,” says Spiegelman, "He got training as a journalist — a good one, and he knows how to distill and communicate. He's obviously got the calling.” SAFE AREA GORAZDE: The War In Eastern Bosnia 1992-1995 is Sacco's magnum opus, and with it he is poised to become one of America's most noted journalists. The book features an introduction by Christopher Hitchens, political columnist for The Nation and Vanity Fair. Sacco currently lives in Portland, Oregon, and has a degree in journalism from the University of Oregon. ------------------------------------------------------------- Q & A with SAFE AREA GORAZDE author JOE SACCO. How did you end up in Gorazde and decide to make the town the focus of your book? NATO had just finished a two-week bombing campaign against the Bosnian Serbs, a cease-fire had been declared, and under the terms of the cease-fire, UN convoys were to be allowed unhindered access to the Gorazde enclave, which was deep in Serb territory. Some journalists I knew had joined these convoys and come back after a day or so. I'd been in Sarajevo for about six weeks, and I sort of went for the hell of it, just because a press pass entitled me to get on a convoy, to see something new. But I fell in love with the place and the people, and I was captivated by their story. I was pulled in. What advantages does your decision to focus on the town of Gorazde are there in terms of making sense of the war? Gorazde was a microcosm of the break-up of Yugoslavia. Serbs and Muslims had lived alongside each other for a long time, nationalist leaders stoked their fears, and the communities went to war. By telling Gorazde's story and the story of individual people there, it's possible to show the disintegration of the goodwill that existed between neighbors and the drift toward total war between them. What advantages do you have as a journalist working in comics that a traditional print journalist covering the war doesn't? The chief advantage I had in Bosnia was not having to file a story every day, not having to cover the morning press conferences. In other words, I was free to spend a week or two at a time in Gorazde, which most journalists considered a backwater. They'd come in, get their interviews, and go back to Sarajevo to file. I wasn't under the same constraints. I could hang out, get to know people, let them get to know me, and find out their stories slowly. No one was looking over my shoulder telling me what to do. What advantages does the medium itself have over traditional war reporting? Before I got there myself, I read some very evocative journalism about Gorazde, but I was at a loss to picture the town in my mind. I didn't know if it was a little village or what. When I got there, I saw it was a town of multi-story buildings and apartment complexes. Comics can provide a great deal of visual information, which I think makes a place like Gorazde REAL in the reader's eye. And not just the place, but the people, because through background detail one can see what they wore, how they chopped wood, the extent of the damage to their homes, etc. Comics is a very engaging journalistic medium. It allows a sense of time and place to seep in through repeated images. It's a more organic way of creating an atmosphere than photojournalism, which usually tries to use one picture to sum up a whole story. Not that I don't appreciate photojournalism, by the way. How did your experiences in researching and creating PALESTINE inform your approach to SAFE AREA GORAZDE? Working on PALESTINE demonstrated to me that it is possible to present complicated political and human stories in comics form. So I went to Bosnia knowing I could handle the material. PALESTINE was meant to be an organic work. As I learned, the reader learned. But with SAFE AREA GORAZDE I wanted to present the story in a more organized fashion; in other words, telling the story of the war chronologically. I also wanted to bring some of the people I met to the fore, which was something I hadn't done so much in PALESTINE, except for a few characters in the Gaza Strip chapters. I made some good friends in Gorazde, and I think it's clear in the work that I got to know these people well. What do you hope people will come away with after reading your book? A sense of connection with the town of Gorazde. I hope readers will recognize themselves in the people I introduce in Gorazde. I want readers to feel empathy, to appreciate the human stories behind the staggering headlines. I want readers to understand how history can run over people and destroy lives. I want readers to appreciate how lucky they are to live in a place that's known peace for a long long time. In addition to SAFE AREA GORAZDE being published in May, DETAILS magazine is running another story by you in March, correct? It's about several living Mississippi bluesmen, right? Yes. Mostly R. L. Burnside and his cronies. A much different story from SAFE AREA or my last DETAILS piece [DETAILS flew Sacco to the Netherlands in 1998 to report on the U.N.’s Bosnian War Crime Trials from the Hague]. I joined the musicians in Columbus, Ohio, and spent three days on tour with them. We hit Cincinnati and Asheville, North Carolina. Then stationed myself in Oxford, Mississippi, for five days and visited them in their homes. Paul Jones' drummer, Pickle, had me over for a catfish fry. Six pages was not enough to tell such a rich story about such rich lives. I really have to cut everything to the bone. I love the music these men put out. It speaks so much to me, volumes about what life is really about. I'm thinking of going back to Mississippi on my own dime and getting a much longer story. Line up the bottles of corn liquor! ------------------------------------------------------- KEY SELLING POINTS for SAFE AREA GORAZDE: The War In Eastern Bosnia 1992-1995 • By Joe Sacco, Introduction by Christopher Hitchens 1. APPEAL: This is Joe Sacco's debut in hardcover, and his first major follow-up to the critically-lauded PALESTINE, which is now featured in many Middle East Studies university curriculums. The book is a sure-sell for Sacco's existing fans, and a potentially huge new market of fans exists in anyone with a serious interest in politics and the war in the former Yugoslavia, as well as those who have been exposed to his cutting-edge journalism in Details magazine. 2. AUTHOR: Sacco is widely regarded (by war reporters at The New York Times, Pulitzer Prize-winner Art Spiegelman, Details magazine, The Journal of Palestinian Studies and others) as the most cutting-edge of a generation of New Journalists to emerge in the last decade. 3. ATTENTION: Earlier this year, following a page four full-page profile in the Sunday New York Times, Sacco reached his largest audience to date by covering the Bosnian War Crimes Trials in the Hague for Details magazine. A second assignment, with Sacco's report from touring the American South with a number of Mississippi bluesmen, will be published by Details in March 2000 and prime the public for Sacco's magnum opus. 4. FANS: Sacco is possibly the only cartoonist in America held in equal regard by comic book fans and journalists. Sacco's brand of New Journalism — using the comics medium to tell his stories — has led to exhibitions throughout the U.S. and abroad. Sacco's work is as likely to appeal to fans of Hunter S. Thompson and Bob Woodward as it is to fans of Art Spiegelman and Robert Crumb. 5. EVENTS: Sacco was recently the focus of major exhibitions at the University of Buffalo Art Gallery as well as the University of Pittsburgh Art Gallery, the latter of which coincided with a cover feature in Speak magazine about the leading crop of New Journalists as we head into the 21st Century, citing Sacco as the leading light of the movement. 6. REVIEW COVERAGE: Expect MAJOR review coverage outside the comics industry. Publisher's Weekly, The New Yorker, Vibe, Rolling Stone, Spin, Men's Journal and Interview magazine are just a few of the publications that have already inquired about the release date and review copy availability of GORAZDE. 7. MARKETING PLANS: An author tour, BEA Featured Author appearance, college lectures, national press coverage, national advertising in comics trade magazines and alternative weekly newspapers are all expected. Sales kits with Author Q&A, bio, photo and national press clippings are available. The book features an introduction by noted Nation and Vanity Fair columnist Christopher Hitchens. ---------------------------------------------- ABOUT JOE SACCO: Joe Sacco, 38, is a Maltese citizen currently residing in Portland, Oregon, where he makes his living as a cartoonist. Sacco received his bachelor of arts degree in journalism at the University of Oregon in 1981. Two years later he returned to his native Malta, where his first professional cartooning work (a series of romance comics) was published. After relocating back to Portland, he co-edited and co-published the monthly comics newspaper Portland Permanent Press from 1985 to 1986; PPP lasted 15 issues, and included early work by such cartoonists as John Callahan and J.R. Williams. In 1986, Sacco moved to the Los Angeles area, where he worked on staff for Fantagraphics Books, editing the news section for the trade publication The Comics Journal and creating the satirical comic magazine Centrifugal Bumble-Puppy. From 1988 to 1992, Sacco criss-crossed the globe, producing six issues of his own comic book Yahoo for Fantagraphics Books as he traveled. He returned to Malta for a half a year; he spent a couple of months traveling around Europe with a rock band (an experience he recorded in Yahoo #2); he lived for close to two years in Berlin, where he drew dozens of record sleeves and posters for German record labels and concert promoters; and, in late 1991 and early 1992, he spent two months in Israel and the occupied territories, traveling and taking notes. When he finally returned again to Portland in mid-1992, it was with the intention of communicating what he had witnessed and heard during his Mid-Eastern jaunt — to combine the techniques of eyewitness reportage with the medium of comics storytelling to explore this complex, emotionally weighted situation. Palestine, the first issue of which was released in January, 1993, was the result. Since the first issue of Palestine was published, Sacco has gained widespread praise for the depth of his research, the sensitivity of his handling of a delicate subject, as well as for the craft exhibited in his dynamic, sophisticated layouts and bold narrative. Palestine has been nominated as "Best New Series" in the prestigious Harvey Awards (the comics community's equivalent of the Oscars), and has garnered praise in a wide variety of publications, including The Utne Reader ("Sacco's a skillful, subtle storyteller") and the Washington City Paper (“...one of the most profound and compelling treatments of the Middle East...”). Palestine sets new standards for the use of the comic book as a documentary medium, and is the first graphic novel to invite serious comparison with Art Spiegelman's Pulitzer Prize-winning Maus. Sacco has contributed work to a wide range of comics magazines including Drawn & Quarterly, Prime Cuts, Real Stuff, Buzzard, and R. Crumb's Weirdo, and continues to illustrate the semi-regular "Painfully Portland" cartoon strip for Willamette Week. He was a recipient of the prestigious American Book Award in 1996 for Palestine. His first post-Palestine work, the short story "Christmas with Karadzic,” appeared in Zero Zero (#15), the leading alternative comics anthology. The story was the subject of a major feature on Sacco in The New York Times last June. In 1998, Sacco was commissioned by Details magazine's comix editor, Art Spiegelman, to cover the Bosnian War Crime Trials in the Hague, Netherlands. His six-page story was hailed as one of the best pieces of journalism in the magazine's history, and the magazine promptly commissioned a second strip from Sacco. This time around, Sacco was sent on tour with R.L. Burnside, one of the elder statesmen of the great living Mississippi bluesmen (Sacco is a great afficianado of classic American blues). The strip will be published in the March 2000 cover-dated issue. Sacco has been working on his first ma