---------------------------------------------------------------------- Ed Dukeshire and Mike Imboden Present: THE COMIC BOOK NET ELECTRONIC MAGAZINE ISSUE NUMBER 254 3/03/2000 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] Ramblings 2000 ........................ Rich Johnston [6] E-Dispatches from the Great White North Jonathan Gilbert [7] The Professor of Comics ............... Thomas M Read [8] M.O.E. Reviews ........................ Paul Dale Roberts [9] New Comic Book Releases List .......... Charles LePage [10] 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 Once again we remind you to consider voting for the Comic Book Net Electronic Magazine in the category of Favourite E-zine in the Comics International Eagle Award balloting still going on. you can link to the voting form on their web page at: http://www.comics-international.com/eagleawards/eagleawards.html or just click on the link at our web site on AOL or at the online web edition of the emag hosted at Digital Webbing at: http://www.digitalwebbing.com/cbem This issue marks the end of our anniversary season. We celebrated our 5th year last week and my 4th as editor the issue before. Shortly after I took over this job I learned of the death of Seaborn Adamson. He was the official Valiant Historian and spent lots of time online in various forums promoting that comic line. One of the ways he did that was by giving away premium comics in online trivia contests. I won one of the first ones on a BBS network forum we both frequented. When I learned of his untimely death I decided to run a contest in his honor in the Emag. It was well received so I did another, and then another and the rest, as they say, is history. The Trivia Contest is the longest running feature of the Emag and is my favorite thing to do each week. Over the years we have had lots of winners, some have won several times. At one point the reps for the ACCLAIM version of Valiant contributed so many prizes we had to start a second contest just to give them all away. And of course, a special thanks goes to our long time sponsor, That's Entertainment of Worcester, Mass. and our current sponsor, Discount Comic Book Service. These are both great sources of comic reading, like these new comics just out: AIT/PLANETLAR Astronauts In Trouble Space 1959 #2 (Of 3), 2.95 <---Pick of the week! DC COMICS Invisibles Volume 3 #2, 2.95 JLA #40, 1.99 Legion Lost #1 (Of 12), 2.50 Millennium Edition Wonder Woman #1, 2.50 Preacher #61, 2.50 Realworlds Batman, 5.95 Tom Strong #7, 2.95 DIAMOND PUBLICATIONS Previews Vol X #3, AR IMAGE COMICS Savage Dragon #71, 2.50 MARVEL COMICS Black Panther #17, 2.50 Please welcome two new columns this week "E-Dispatches from the Great White North" by Jonathan Gilbert and "The Professor of Comics" by Thomas M Read." Check them out and drop them a line about there work. it's what the Emag is all about. *** This issue is dedicated to the memory of Seaborn Adamson, one of the most devoted comic fans I have known. I wonder what he thinks of UNITY 2000? David LeBlanc - ComicBkNet@aol.com Editor The Comic Book Net Electronic Magazine ______________________________________________________________________ ----------------------------------------------------------------------- [2] Letters to the Editor If you want to comment on this or any previous issue, want to offer something for us to publish, or just want to shamelessly suck up to the editor to try and get your name in print send Email to: ComicBkNet@aol.com Note: Letters of comment may be used in future issues of CBEM unless you specifically request us NOT to use them. Your Email address and/or name will be withheld upon request. +++++ From: Bill Knapp Subject: CCB website Finally, we have the Carbon-Based Books website is up and running. There are still a few elements that need to be completed, but all the important bits are in place. For anyone who's read the reviews of "Faith: A Fable" in CBEM, iComics.com, Amazing Montage magazine, Comics Worth Reading or jazmaonline.com and wondered what all the fuss was about, they can now log onto www.carbonbasedbooks.com and see for themselves. Along with info on the plot of "Faith: A Fable," viewers can get an idea of just what it is I'm trying to do with Carbon-Based Books. The first ten pages of "Faith" are available for reading on the site which will, I hope, get people interested in seeing where the story goes from there. Ordering can be done directly through CCNow or a link exists to take the viewer to Amazon.com where they can order the book along with their other Amazon purchases. News on upcoming appearances, review excerpts and other website-y things are also included. For those interested in when "Faith" will be out in actual comics shops, it should only be a couple weeks. The books have been sent off to Diamond and as soon as they wend their way through the system, they will hit the shelves. After spending two years working on this, it'll sure be a relief to see this in a store. The orders through Diamond were terrific and I'd like to thank all the people out there who have said such great things about this book and to Diamond for their support. Thank you. Bill Knapp Carbon-Based Books www.carbonbasedbooks.com Available now from Carbon-Based Books, a 72-page novel in words and pictures, "Faith: A Fable" +++++ Subj: Tim O'Shea/Letter to Editor: "Everybody Loves Raymond" episode From: tim_jen@mindspring.com Dear David: Yes! I did see this week's episode of Raymond with the comic book store scene. Fanboy that I am, and despite the fact we've been together for more than 10 years, I still weirded my wife out when I said of one character: "Cool, he's wearing the new Avengers shirt!" Incredulously she looked at me and said "How can you even tell?" I was in mid answer before I realized any thing else I said on the subject would only embarrass us both even further. By the way, the guy in the role of comic book store owner was none other than one bad personal choice moment guy--Paul "aka Pee Wee Herman" Reubens with longer than normal hair. Take care, Tim O'Shea +++++ From: astresin@ea.oac.uci.edu (Alexander Giovanni Stresino) Hello Again. I wrote some weeks ago about inconsistent artists. Another important form of inconsistency are artists with inconsistent concepts. What I'm referring to is the attempt to produce a comic that plays well to their storytelling skills. Such examples of inconsistent artists include Tony Daniel, Adam Pollina, Gary Frank, and Humberto Ramos. Books like The Tenth, Hellhole, Kin,and Crimson won't hold their audience very long. There's no depth to these works and their styles are lost. Each of these artists are trying to be unique unsuccessfully. Don't get me wrong. I love their previous works, but is their current work worth the time to read. Their current works are quite literally uninteresting making them inconsistent. All of these artists have great qualities but they need a concept that meshes well with their styles. None of their recent efforts show any originality. It seem like they're just trying to cash in on their limited popularity. I know it's difficult finding a niche but in the end it can be worth the effort, personally and financially. Thanks for listening. Alex +++++ Subj: Exhibiting comic books From: mrhode@hotmail.com (Michael Rhode) David, CBEM 253 quoted what seems to be a Fantagraphics press release saying, "For this inaugural exhibition, the curators have included several issues of The ACME NOVELTY LIBRARY, created by CHRIS WARE. It is likely the first time a contemporary comic book has hung in any branch of the Smithsonian." Nah, the Smithsonian sticks comics in exhibits all the time. On display within the past couple of years, and maybe still there, have been Superman (an American popular culture exhibit near Archie Bunker's chair) and the X-Men (an exhibit on genetics). They also did a big exhibit on Superman for his 50th anniversary 10 years ago. Speaking as a museum pro, comics are a quick, easily-recognizable and usually cheap graphic. The National Museum of Health and Medicine (not part of the Smithsonian), where I work, has the Hulk issue where Jim Wilson dies of AIDS on display; the assistant archivist was a comics fan too and she tucked it into an exhibit she was writing. Maybe it's the first Fantagraphics comic in a Smithsonian exhibit... a somewhat lesser distinction, but it's good that Ware's excellent design ability is being recognized on a wider scale. Mike Rhode [As with most press releases, we tend to let them stand on their own and leave commentary to those who wish to write in. It does seem in this case that Fantagraphics editorial either did not do their research or hoped most fans would believe the hype - note the use of the word "likely" as an out. The one continued reference in press releases I often spoke out against was Todd McFarlan's claim that SPAWN was the number one selling comic - something it hadn't been for years. - D.L.] +++++ Subj: [Ultimate Art] Alex Horley Penthouse Comics website online! 2/27/00 From: ultimateart@planet.it (Enrico Salvini, the Muffin Man) It was quite time! Alex Horley uncensored artwork for Penthouse Comix #21-23 and 30 has eventually found a home at http://hardcore.sexhound.net/horley/index.htm Unlike on Xoom and Tripod, on this website there will be no blinding of naughty parts like nipples, pubes or assorted "fun devices" but, of course, this makes it an ADULTS ONLY website. If you're a minor (whatever this means in your Country), please steer away! It's not like you'll go blind or grow hair on your palms or something, but there are laws that you must respect and this is one of them. http://hardcore.sexhound.net/horley/index.htm Happy browsing! Enrico +++++ Subj: sequentialtart.com From: Jencomx3 BEGIN TRANSMISSION Hear ye! Hear ye! We are pleased to announce that the March ‘00 issue of Sequential Tart (http://www.sequentialtart.com) is now online. This issue is chock full of comic goodness with: -- Exclusive cover by Mike Norton. -- Interviews: Brian Wood and Steve Pugh (Geeneration X), Serena Valentino (Gloomcookie), Michael Bresnahan (Dim-Witted Darryl), Batton Lash and Jackie Estrada (Supernatural Law), David Roman (Quicken Forbidden), Mary Chen and Joe Benitez (Magdalena), Anne Timmons (Go Girl!), Andy Ristaino (Life of a Fetus) -- Articles: Karon Flage presents Spotlight On... Collecting Original Art Other articles this month include: Lee Atchison's Original Art Online and the Goth Genre and Slave Labor Graphics, Favorite Art Pages from Marcia Allass, Karon Flage, Katherine Keller and Lee Atchison, Jennifer Contino's Memories of Gil Kane, Melanie Johnson's Breaking up with Bitchy, and Rebecca Salek's Mantel of the Bat. -- Atsukamashii Onna, our new Anime section in Culture Vultures, features articles from Jennifer Contino on Sailor Moon, Laura Bissey on The Seductive World of Shoujo Anime Barb Lein-Cooper on Rumiko Takahashi, and comparison of Record of the Lodoss War and Warlands from Lisa Webster, Manga reviews and an anime soundtrack review -- Thirteen Questions with Brian Wood (Channnel Zero, Generation X) -- Retailer's Corner featuring Sci-Fi City iin Orlando, Florida -- All our regular columns including Ask Kaddy Mae, Bizarre Breasts, Tart of the Month, Going Postal and Redirected Male -- Read This or Die featuring the Tarts' favvorites from Slave Labor Graphics -- Declaration of Independents spotlighting Sherard Jackson's Semantic Lace -- News, humor, reviews, press releases, upddated links, Culture Vultures, and more! Tart T Shirts are still available in our Store! Also, we are now selling banner space! For more info, check out our Media Kit! END TRANSMISSION +++++ Subj: 'Nuff Said! radio/web show guest info Mar, 2000 From: nuffsaid@escape.com (Nuff Said) If you had trouble getting us on-line before, try again. Porus.com, who live streams WBAI, just added a couple hundred connections so it'll be a lot easier to listen to us. '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. Tuesday, March 7, 2000 - A short monologue from me then listener phone calls for the rest of the hour. Tuesday, March 14, 2000 - A special on the late, great Charles Shulz. We'll be talking with one of the most knowledgable Peanuts/Charles Shulz fans around. Tuesday, March 21, 2000 - An EC special. Fred Von Bernewitz, one of the founding fathers of EC fandom in the '50s will be bringing tape of Bill Gaines, Al Feldstein and several other EC greats! Tuesday, March 28, 2000 - More with Fred and EC, talking to him about his book which is coming out soon. As complete a book on EC as can probably be written, complete with a full checklist. 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] 4th ANNIVERSARY EDITION **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: Which industry award did Mark win for XENOZOIC TALES - 3 out of 4 years in a row? Well, as one correspondent corrected, that is very poor English. Mark won the HARVEY Award for best Cartoonist, 3 of 4 consecutive years. Henry Clemente is the winner of a signed copy of TIME IN OVERDRIVE, donated by THAT'S ENTERTAINMENT of Worcester, Massachusetts. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++ THIS WEEK'S TRIVIA QUESTION: In memory of the late Seaborn Adamson the anniversary of the Trivia Contest involves the VH1 Valiant Universe: The last line of the UNITY SAGA refers to what other familiar work of fiction? IMPORTANT RULES NOTICE The first correct answer to reach the editor wins the CHEEZY PRIZE(tm). The editor will be the sole judge as to which guess arrived first! Messages with more than one guess will be disqualified. LIMIT: ONE PRIZE PER MONTH PER PERSON! ______________________________________________________________________ ----------------------------------------------------------------------- [4] Network Buzz News, gossip and rumors from around the industry Comic scribes win ``Harsh'' judgment By Janet Shprintz HOLLYWOOD (Variety) - Describing the world of television writing credits as ``the law according to Humpty Dumpty,'' a federal judge ordered that two comic book authors be given better credit on the canceled Fox sci-fi series ``Harsh Realm.'' The network pulled the show in October after only three airings, but cable's FX subsequently agreed to air all nine episodes. U.S. District Judge John Martin of the Southern District of New York Monday issued a preliminary injunction requiring the following credit to be displayed at the beginning and end of each episode: ``Inspired by the Harsh Realm comic book series, Created by James D. Hudnall and Andrew Paquette, Published by Harris Publications, Inc.'' The ``inspired by'' credit must run in proximity to the ``Created by Chris Carter'' credit, the judge ruled. The original Paquette and Hudnall credit was a ``Special Thanks'' that ran far from the ``created by'' credit. That credit was modified as a result of the litigation to ``inspired by,'' but it was still far away from Carter's ``created by'' credit and did not occupy a full screen. A Fox spokesman said the company was satisfied with the ruling. ``We are pleased that the court vindicated our position that Chris Carter is the creator of the 'Harsh Realm' television series and that the court adopted the 'inspired by' credit that Fox had already included in the show as a good-faith effort to resolve this matter.'' The comic book series, ``Harsh Realm,'' created by Paquette and Hudnall, was licensed by Fox for the 1999 television series in which the hero enters a virtual reality world and experiences life and death adventures. The creators filed suit while the series was airing on Fox, claiming that the ``Created by Chris Carter'' credit violated the Lanham Act, the federal trademark statute, because, they claimed, it is false and misleading as to the source of the series. The preliminary injunction will stay in effect until after a trial on the lawsuit. +++++ CHAOS! SEEKS AID FROM FANS, CREATORS FOR STEVEN HUGHES TRIBUTES Scottsdale, AZ - February 29, 2000 - In light of the tragic death of penciler Steven Hughes, June's Lady Death Pinup book has been redesigned and retitled Lady Death by Steven Hughes #1. The book will serve as the first of two tributes to the artist responsible for much of the look of Chaos! Comics. The new pinup book shipping in June will now include five all-new pin ups, rather than the previously stated 12. While Chaos! will not offer a signed edition of the project, it will be a benefit comic book, the proceeds of which will benefit Hughes' widow, Barbara and his children, Samantha, Amber and Chance. All proceeds of Lady Death by Steven Hughes #1 will now go to the Hughes family. Chaos! Comics publisher Brian Pulido is urging all Chaos! fans to pre-order and purchase at least 10 copies of the special so it will generate a substantial amount of money for the Hughes' family, as well as climb to the top of the charts - a fitting tribute to Steven, for whom drawing comics was the fulfillment of a lifelong dream. Details of the second tribute book have not been announced. http://www.chaoscomics.com agoldfine@chaoscomics.com 7655 E. Gelding Rd. Suite B1 Scottsdale, AZ 85260 ph: 480.991.9080 ext. 546 fax: 480.991.6005 +++++ "Geeksville #0” debuts from Image Comics March 8! "Geeksville,” the critically-acclaimed comic book that features both Rich Koslowski's THE 3 GEEKS and Gary Sassaman's INNOCENT BYSTANDER, will debut in comic shops March 8, 2000. The premiere issue, #0, is the first to be published by IMAGE COMICS, and features The 3 Geeks' Y2K adventure and a close look at the careers of silent film's forgotten funnymen, Arthur and Elliot. This issue also features TRUE TALES FROM THE COMICS SHOP, illustrated by Jason Asala (writer/artist/creator of POE). "We're very pleased with our move to Image Central,” said Koslowski. "We've already seen a great increase in our sales and a heightened awareness of the book.” "Image is gradually building a great line-up of stellar small press books,” said Sassaman. "We're glad to be along for the ride with books we enjoy like `Wahoo Morris' and "Astounding Space Thrills'.” In addition to the Image debut, March 8 will also see GEEKSVILLE as the cover feature on COMIC SHOP NEWS #664. The next 9 weeks will see full-color comic strips, featuring both The 3 Geeks and Innocent Bystander, in the pages of CSN. Koslowski and Sassaman merged their respective books in August 1999. They co-published 3 issues before moving the book to its new home at Image Comics. Koslowski and The 3 Geeks were nominated for three 1999 Eisner Awards, including Best Humor Publication, Best Short Story and Best Writer/Artist, Humor. GEEKSVILLE #0 is a 32 page, bi-monthly, black and white, standard size comic book with color covers, published by Image Comics. Retail price is $2.75. Available exclusively through Diamond Comic Distributors. For more information, visit http://www.geeksvillecomic.com or contact: Rich Koslowski, 3 Finger Prints, 414-250-0269 (The3Geeks@aol.com) Gary Sassaman, Ollie Ollie! Oxen Free Press, 619-237-0369(GSassaman@aol.com) Jim Valentino or Anthony Bozzi, Image Comics, 714-288-0200 +++++ Contact: Jeremy Kirby C/O Jack Kirby Comics jkirby@kingkirby.com www.kingkirby.com Jack Kirby Comics is proud to announce that our first project, "Captain Victory and the Galactic Rangers" will be featured in the May edition of Previews for July shipping. The three book mini-series contains artwork as brand new never before seen artwork. The books were written by Jack's grandson Jeremy Kirby. Each book will also contain original unseen sketches of characters created by the King. One such sketch is a mind blowing drawing of "Raam.” Jack created this character in the early seventies. Work is currently being done to bring this sketch to life, in the form of an all new comic book. In conjunction with this summer's release of Captain Victory, the Jack Kirby Web Experience (www.kingkirby.com) will update starting on March fifth, with a Captain Victory section. This will include an online "teaser" comic that tells the back story of the upcoming mini-series, as well as early chances to get promotional material for the comic book. CAPTAIN VICTORY The concept of Captain Victory and the Galactic Rangers came about in the early eighties as a screenplay. The concept was then reformed and changed to include new characters for a comic book. Although Jack had originally wanted to publish Captain Victory himself, he quickly signed with upstart independent publisher, Pacific Comics. Pacific published the book for Jack, yet allowed him to keep the rights to his characters; A first in those days. Captain Victory went on to a run of thirteen regular books and one Special. When Kirby Comics was created in 1999, it was decided that the first book would be a Captain Victory comic. The plot involves Captain Victory doubting himself, which allows his evil Grandfather, Blackmass, to rise from the dead and reek havoc on the entire universe. Captain Victory must learn why his Grandfather has come back from the dead and destroy him, before all life becomes his slave. The book makes use of Jack's original characters, Major Klavus, Egg Head, Tarin, the Lightening Lady, the Insectons and Chief Engineer Chusang. QUOTES "The hardest thing about the new Captain Victory, was writing a brand new story to artwork that was finished fifteen years ago.” “I think Captain Victory is a very deep character. He was born into a family that had immence power and did nothing but evil with it. Even though he turned out good, the emotional scars must be enormous. Not to mention the fact that it was him who finally brought about his families undoing.” “ I don't like one dimensional characters. I think that they can serve a purpose, but you can't let one be the lead in a story. I like to try to think what makes our hero act the way he does. There is always a back story. My grandfather was great at giving each of his characters tremendous depth.” "The greatest influence in my life came from my Grandfather and Grandma. My Grandpa would love to tell me stories. We would play around when I was about five years old. He would come up with some outrageous characters that would outdo a five year olds imagination. The Goozlebobber was one of those characters. Just something funny that he made up to entertain the kids, which later made it into the Captain Victory books.” "The Captain Victory mini series was a great experience. It was a lot of fun to do and it came out great. I hope the fans enjoy the books.” "The unused art that we have in the back of the Captain Victory books will blow your mind! They are some cool drawings.” CONTACTS: Kirby Comics 27 Redbud Rancho Santa Margarita Ca. 92688 E-mail: jkirby@kingkirby.com Web Site: www.kingkirby.com Jeremy Kirby is available for interviews. KIRBY COMICS The dream of having a Kirby-owned publishing house is finally a reality. The concept of Kirby Comics is not a new one. Jack Kirby first envisioned the idea of starting his own comic book company in the late seventies and early eighties. A mock up of the original Captain Victory number one cover, from 1981, actually had the Kirby Comics logo on it. The idea to produce that comic by himself was put aside when the people at Pacific Comics offered to publish Captain Victory for Jack, while still letting him keep the rights to his character. This was one of the first true instances of creator owned comic books. Jump ahead eighteen years. In 1999, Jeremy Kirby, along with the Jack Kirby Estate, decided to throw their hats into the turbulent comic book industry. Kirby Comics was created primarily for the purpose of publishing a three book Captain Victory mini-series. The series, written by Jeremy Kirby, brings readers a fight between Captain Victory and his evil grandfather Blackmass. Those who were fans of the original Captain Victory books will be treated to the origin of the Insectons. The books promise old fashion comic book fun. The future of Kirby Comics rests in the fate of the comic book fan. The company is based on the fact that Jack's grandson, Jeremy, wanted to do a comic book with his grandfather-- One where quality is valued over quantity-- A comic that will let the fans get back to the basics of reading the books for fun. Until the future: Kirby Comics +++++ FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Larry Shell sheltone@ix.netcom.com Timothy Truman GRIMJACK Auctions Begin April 1st – No Foolin'! IRVINGTON, NJ, March 1, 2000 – At last, after 20 years, the vault has been opened! Larry Shell, original art agent for noted comic artist, Timothy Truman, announces the sale via a series of quarterly auctions of the original interior artwork to Tim's popular series of the 1980s, GRIMJACK! All of the interiors for the series penciled AND inked by Timothy Truman will be sold over the next several years, one or two issues per auction, every three months. Fans of Truman's breakthrough series have searched for years for artwork unaware that save for the cover art, all the interiors were saved by the artist who has chosen to release them at this time. The initial offering will be in a 10 day Feature Auction on eBay, the Internet Auction Website, and shall begin on April 1st. In addition, if anyone is interested in purchasing a specific issue outright, they can contact Larry now. Future auctions will include the first ever appearance of GRIMJACK in the multi-part back-up serial which introduced the character and ran in the back pages of STARSLAYER prior to him receiving his own series. Anyone interested in being notified when the auctions actually begin and receiving news of future Grimjack auctions should email Larry at sheltone@ix.netcom.com. +++++ CHARLOTTE, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 3, 2000-- Kid-Friendly Comic Book Entertains Auto Racing Fans Young and Old RaceWarrior(R), America's Racing Comic Book, makes its debut this week in more than 2,500 retailers across the United States. The weekly action/adventure comic book about auto racing in the year 2020 appeals to race fans and comic book readers of all ages. A new collectible issue hits the shelves every week of the 38-week NASCAR racing season. In a day and age when many children's reading materials are questionable, the creators of RaceWarrior(R) looked to comic books of the past in order to create a futuristic story line free of sex, drugs and graphic violence. RaceWarrior(R) comic books help combat illiteracy by using the ever-popular sport of auto racing to create a form of entertainment that kids enjoy. "RaceWarrior(R) is a family comic book," said John A. Powell III, creator and CEO. "These books draw from the golden era of comic books, when parents didn't have to worry about what their kids were reading." RaceWarrior(R) comes to parents' rescue as an affordable and imaginative means of entertainment for youngsters. The comic book is easily accessible to all parents because of a unique sponsorship arrangement with 7 UP. RaceWarrior(R) will be distributed through grocery stores, CVS drug stores, and select Wal-Mart Super Centers, Target and Kmart stores, unlike most comic books which are sold primarily through comic book dealers. "By the end of March, there will be 4,250,000 copies of RaceWarrior(R) on the stands," Powell said. "This is the biggest launch of a comic book ever." RaceWarrior(R) sells for 99 cents with the purchase of 7 UP products or $2.99 when purchased separately. Back issues will be available through the RaceWarrior(R) web site at http://www.racewarrior.com . To support the nationwide launch of the comic book, Powell held a press conference Feb. 26 at North Carolina Speedway. Jay Thomas, a RaceWarrior(R) investor -- most recently known for co-hosting "Who Wants to Marry a Multi-Millionaire"-- served as the emcee, along with RaceWarrior(R) spokesperson and NASCAR Winston Cup driver Mark Martin and his son, Matt. The kickoff also is supported by radio remotes at RaceWarrior(R) retailers across the nation. Note: A Photo is available at URL: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/photo.cgi?pw.030300/bw2 CONTACT: The Cotter Group Jenny Bonk, 704/455-3500 jbonk@cottergroup.com http://www.racewarrior.com +++++ From Beau Yarbrough's Comic Wire at: http://www.comicbookresources.com/ McFARLANE WINS GRAMMY He has a top-selling comic book and a string of spin-off titles, a movie, an animated series, action figures, a very famous baseball and now Todd McFarlane has a Grammy award. The "Spawn" creator won the award for Korn's "Freak on a Leash" music video last week at the awards in Los Angeles. This wasn't his first time at bat, however: McFarlane was nominated last year in the same category for his work on Pearl Jam's "Do the Evolution." McFarlane also designed the cover art for "Follow the Leader," the album that contains "Freak on a Leash." THE IMPORTANCE OF REGISTERING DOMAIN NAMES, PART II Gareb Shamus isn't alone. While he's discovered that his Black Bull comic company will soon have a very different sort of company using a URL that he failed to register (hint: no one under 18 should look back at last week's Comic Wire for the address), he's certainly not the only person in the comic industry who has let relevant Web addresses slip through their fingers. Comic Wire reader Grant Giandonato wrote to give the heads-up to a few other Web addresses that might not point where one expects. "If you use www.superman.com it takes you to DC Comics," Giandonato wrote last week. "www.aquaman.com takes you to a water filtration site. www.R2-D2.com used to be some sort of lumberyard." At least one comic company is taking steps to make sure nothing like this happens to them: Last year, Archie Comics infamously took on a number of Web sites, including a family that had registered Veronica.org for their toddler, battling for the rights to all the URLs that shared the names with Archie characters. +++++ From Comics2Film at http://www.comics2film.com X-MEN ----- FROM AIN'T IT COOL NEWS: Speaking of the trailer, many fans have been puzzling over the short sequence where Cyclops appears to fire his optic blast. The mystery? No blast is seen coming from Cyke's visor. Instead, the scenery is simply bathed a red light. Is this how the effect is to be depicted on the big screen? Apparently not. Ain't it Cool News received word from producer Lauren Shuler Donner about the the lack of an actual beam. "We do have Cyclops shooting a beam out of his visor, but the MPAA made us take it out of the teaser," Shuler-Donner told AICN. "They said it didn't qualify for the PG rating all teasers must have. Pretty lame, I know. Also, Storm's eyes are temporary - they will look more natural for the film." http://www.aint-it-cool-news.com/ GHOST WORLD ----------- FROM THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER: It's about time Steve Buscemi, one of our favorite actors, landed in a comic book project. The Hollywood Reporter reports that Buscemi (Armageddon, Big Daddy) and Brad Renfro (Apt Pupil) have both signed to appear in the adaptation of Daniel Clowes' Ghost World. The actors join Thora Birch (American Beauty) and Scarlett Johansson (The Horse Whisperer) who were signed late last year to star in the movie. The article states "Buscemi plays a pathetic loser without a date since high school who is befriended by Birch. Renfro will portray an obnoxious slacker whom the girls have a crush on." The screenplay for Ghost World is written by Clowes and Terry Zwigoff, who will also direct the movie. Zwigoff is best known for directing Crumb, the documentary about underground cartoonist Robert Crumb. The movie is set to begin filming in March. John Malkovich, Lianne Halfon and Russell Smith are named as producers on the film. http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/ DAREDEVIL --------- FROM THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER AND DAILY VARIETY: Both the Hollywood Reporter and Daily Variety have reported what we all read on Ain't it Cool News last week: Mark Steven Johnson (Simon Birch) is in negotiations with Columbia Pictures to direct the Daredevil movie. According to The Reporter, the movie is to be produced by Gary Foster and Marvel Enterprises' Avi Arad. The article also states that Johnson will write the movie. http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/ http://www.variety.com/ DOCTOR STRANGE -------------- FROM THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER: Writer-Director Chuck Russell is now officially on board the Doctor Strange movie according to the Hollywood Reporter. Russell has directed comic book fare like The Mask as well as horror movies like Nightmare on Elm Street 3. Previous comments from producer Don Murphy indicate the good Doctor will be squaring off against Baron Mordo in the movie. http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/ SUPERMAN -------- FROM AIN'T IT COOL NEWS: Ain't it Cool News reports that production scouts for the Superman movie have recently been spotted in Houston, TX. According to the report the scouts were sizing up the Republic National Bank building, which sports some very modern architecture. AICN reports that Pittsburgh, which was set to provide location filming when the movie went into pre-production a few years back, has likely been abandoned by the filmmakers. The reason stated is that the same Pittsburgh locations that appealed to the Superman team have since been used in Inspector Gadget. A week ago, the trades reported that the latest script for the movie had been turned in and was greeted favorably by the studio. http://www.aint-it-cool-news.com/ FROM THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER: Meanwhile, Director Oliver Stone (Any Given Sunday) is said to be interested in directing the long-anticipated and much- troubled Superman movie. According to a recent article in the Hollywood Reporter, the director has taken an interest after seeing the latest script by Bill Wisher. The article also claims that producer Jon Peters is looking to lose the hero's tights and make the movie more "Matrix"-like. Let the complaining begin! http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/ FANTASTIC FOUR -------------- FROM DAILY VARIETY: Daily Variety ran a feature article on Chris Columbus' move from Twentieth Century Fox to Sony. Columbus' 1492 Pictures has had a first-look deal with Fox for six years, which expires this spring. Buried at the end of the article is a mention that 1492 will continue to work on The Fantastic Four for Fox. The article also states that Roger Donaldson was recently signed as the director of the movie. Donaldson has recently helmed such movies as Dante's Peak, Species and No Way Out. http://www.variety.com/ FROM CORONA COMING ATTRACTIONS: However, it turns out the the Variety report is incorrect. The esteemed Corona Coming Attractions website checked in with Chris Columbus' 1492 Productions, the producer on the film, to verify the story. CCA learned that Raja Gosnell (Mrs. Doubtfire) is still attached to Fantastic Four and Roger Donaldson is not. http://www.corona.bc.ca/ BITCHY BITCH ------------ For those that missed it, Roberta Gregory's permanently PO's and PMS'd heroine Bitchy Bitch made her cable debut this month. Midge McCracken's adventures, which originally appeared in Gregory's Naughty Bits, now air weekly on cable's newly launched Oxygen Network. The character appears in Bitchy Bits, a three- minute segment which is part of the half-hour X-Chromosome anthology. X-Chromosome can be seen Saturday and Sunday nights at 10:30pm EST. Fifteen Bitchy Bits episodes are on tap for the first season. Thanks to Andy Mangels, of Hollywood Heroes fame, for the scoop! http://www.robertagregory.com/ http://www.oxygen.com/ http://www.oxygen.com/xchromosome/ http://www.oxygen.com/xchromosome/bb.html SPIDER-MAN ---------- FROM AIN'T IT COOL NEWS: Ain't it Cool News reports that Sam Raimi is courting John Dykstra to take on visual effects supervision for the Spider-Man movie. This word comes from an unnamed source who is said to be "high placed." Dykstra rose to prominence for his effects work on Star Wars. He's been a factor in big budget effects movies ever since, including the recent box office hit Stuart Little. http://www.aint-it-cool-news.com/ FROM SCI-FI WIRE: A related report on the Sci-Fi Wire states that Brendan Fehr (Roswell, Disturbing Behavior) is the latest actor rumored to be up for the title role in Spider-Man. Fehr is said to have shown up at a Roswell fan party wearing a Spidey T-shirt. He also is alleged to have said that he's received the script and is "reading it with an eye to the lead role." http://www.scifi.com/ WONDER WOMAN ------------ FROM COMING SOON: The Coming Soon website reports that there is a new candidate for the role of Wonder Woman in the Silver Pictures production. According to "anonymous sources" Warner Bros. wants Madonna to play the Amazon princess. The same source also claims that Brett Ratner (Rush Hour) is up to direct the movie. We placed a call to Silver Pictures to try to corroborate the story and were greeted with a firm "no comment." http://www.comingsoon.net/ FROM CORONA COMING ATTRACTIONS: For those of us who love monitoring the Internet domain name game, Corona Coming Attractions reports the following acquisitions for Warner Bros. The studio picked up www.wonderwomanmovie.com and www.wonderwomanthemovie.com last August. The domains are not yet active. As readers know, the Wonder Woman movie is still in the early stages. In most cases, studios don't launch a website until about six months prior to the movie's release. She didn't need a golden lasso to get Jason Biggs to dance for her in American Pie, but CCA reports that Shannon Elizabeth is the latest actress rumored to be up for the part of Wonder Woman. The same scooper also tells CCA that former Amazon Lynda Carter is being considered for the role of the goddess Hippolyta. We're not sure what to make of these rumors, but its fun to think about! http://www.corona.bc.ca/ MATT WAGNER CHAT ---------------- Fans who missed out on the online chat with Matt Wagner chat last month, Kevin Hawkins tells us that another is scheduled. The next chat will take place at the Mage web site on March 8th at 6:30 PST, 9:30 EST. Show up and quiz Matt about the Mage movie! Fans can attend using IRC software or the sites browser- based, java software. See the Mage site for more details. http://www.higherlove.com/mage +++++ From The Daily Buzz at http://www.mania.com/newsarama/index.html Comic Strip Writer Dies Eliot A. Caplin, who wrote for such comic strips as Big Ben Bolt, Dr. Bobbs, and The Heart of Juliet Jones died on Feb. 20 in Stockbridge, MA. Caplin, who was 86 when he died, was also a playwright. In 1971, his play Any Resemblance to Persons Living or Dead was produced off-Broadway. Despite his long career as a playwright and comic strip writer, Caplin never collaborated with his cartoonist brother Al Capp of L'il Abner fame. Capp did pass along two strips to Caplin that he had thought up: Abbie an' Slats and Long Sam. Abbie an' Slats, which was drawn by Raeburn van Burne, ran for 23 years. --The Washington Post Randy Queen and Wildstorm Part Ways DC/Wildstorm have announced the cancellation of all orders for Randy Queen's Darkchylde: The Legacy #4 and Dreams Of The Darkchylde #0. The projects will not be resolicited by DC Comics and all publishing rights to Darkchylde have reverted to Queen. Gil Kane Memorial Service Details DC Comics has announced the details regarding the Memorial Service for Gil Kane. The memorial will take place on Friday, May 5th, at 4:30 PM at the Time-Life Building's 8th floor conference center in New York City. DC invites members of the creative community as well others interested in celebrating Kane's life and work to attend the event. Superman, Hulk Honor Stan Lee Dean Cain and Lou Ferrigno, TV's Superman and Incredible Hulk, were among the guests at a Hollywood gala celebrating Stan Lee's 60th anniversary in the entertainment industry. --BBC Singer Talks X-Men According to James Bullwork of the What's Worth Watching online site, X-Men director Bryan Singer fielded questions last weekend about his upcoming comic book-based feature at a Script to Screen conference. "There are battles for me," Singer said, about directing X-Men. "It's not Woody Allen or David Cronenberg's X-Men on one hand, but it's not Micahel Bay's X-Men either. If I do press on the picture, they're like, 'What's it like making a big action movie?' and I'm like, 'I'm not making a big action movie.' There's action in it--the characters fight--but it might not be what people are expecting. On the other hand, I'm very proud of it. It's the kind of movie I would go see as a kid. It's not the kind of movie that the more interesting filmmakers usually try to tackle." Singer went on to confirm that Fox plans to make a series of X-Men films. --Cinescape Gorilla World Scrapped UPN has scrapped plans to develop Todd McFarlane's Gorilla World series, a project that the creator of Spawn claimed was inspired by the Planet of the Apes movie franchise. Understandably, 20th Century Fox, the studio that produced the Apes series, was more than a little miffed by the potential series, especially in light of the recent announcement of a Tim Burton-directed Apes remake. Fox's legal eagles sent a cease-and-desist letter to UPN. UPN claims that Gorilla World was nixed for reasons other than the Fox letter. The network also announced that it hoped to have another McFarlane project ready for next midseason. According to McFarlane, Fox had no reason to be upset. After all, isn't Fox the same network that put Greed on the air in response to ABC's hugely successful Who Wants to be a Millionaire? "It's always amazing when the thieves call the other thieves thieves,'' McFarlane said. "There are no big original ideas.'' --Reuters/Variety +++++ From Newsarama; http://www.AnotherUniverse.com/newsarama WINNER OF THE 1997 & 1998 INTERNET "SQUIDDY" FOR BEST WEB SITE Apollo & Midnighter - Sitting In A Tree While it's no secret to knowledgeable comics fans that The Authority's Apollo and Midnighter are an openly gay couple, next month's debut issue of the new creative team of Mark Millar and Frank Quitely will break new ground in the portrayal of homosexuality in mainstream superhero comics. According to the 2/27 edition of The Sunday Times of London, in March's issue #13, the team members/life partners will be seen sharing a kiss at a superhero party aboard the team's headquarters the Carrier, and are billed in a "mocked-up" copy of the British celebrity magazine Hello! as "The Worlds Finest Couple" – a play on words and cheeky reference to the long-time DC title Worlds Finest starring Superman and Batman - heroes to whom Apollo and Midnighter bear obvious and not-so-coincidental similarities. "A gay superhero has never been done before. It is seen as one of the last taboos," Millar told The Sunday Times. "The whole idea of a superhero is that he or she fights for the underdog, so I don't see why we shouldn't have superheroes who are gay.” "The idea is that it is low-key and in the background. They will be like any other superheroes, fighting crime and saving the world. It's just that, at the end of their adventures, they will go to bed, or kiss, or hug. We have gay people in soap operas and movies, so why not comics?" X-Men Horror Limited Series Coming in October Fandom's X-Fan site reports that in addition to his regular Cable gig beginning with this month's issue #79, Robert Weinberg the horror novelist-turned comics writer will also be penning a four-issue supernatural limited series starring the X-Men. "When Marvel first contacted me, they originally wanted me to do a limited X-Men series focused on the supernatural and appearing around Halloween,” Weinberg tells X-Fan. “Then, as we talked more, Mark Powers realized I was interested in writing a continued series and I got the Cable assignment. While I was working on the fifth issue of Cable, Mark informed me that the mini-series concept, which had been submitted when we first talked, had been approved. So, I was offered it as well and I accepted." Ever hesitant to discuss details, Weinberg did confirm that the limited series would feature the entire X-Men team, rather than just Cable, and that the villain won't be just one of Marvel's standard `Oooo, I'm a demon!’ supernatural bad guys who could be easily defeated by Aunt May. "The menace is definitely going to be supernatural,” Weinberg says. "Since I've written ten horror novels, you can be sure that it will be menacing and spooky. No silly stuff. From what I understand, the series will be published four weeks in a row in October." Weinberg also confirmed that, while yet unnamed, the limited series would not feature either Ghost Rider or the official return of Magik, the identity Colossus' sister, Illyana Rasputin took while she was trapped in Belasco's dimension, and also added that the X-Men he'll use will be from the ongoing series, ruling out the possibility the series will be set in the team's past. Dark Horse Plans New Eisner Graphic Novel Despite the fact that DC will soon begin reprinting his classic works in its Archive Edition format, legendary comics creator Will Eisner has forged a deal with Dark Horse Comics to publish his latest work. Sources at Dark Horse Comics have confirmed that they will release an all-new, original graphic novel by comics legend Eisner this July. Entitled Last Day in Vietnam: A Memory, the graphic novel will be made up of short vignettes set during the closing days of the Vietnam Conflict. Like many of Eisner's works, Vietnam will be autobiographical in nature, and begins with an introduction which reads in part: "In the autumn of 1967, I was based in Saigon for what was supposed to be a short tour of duty..." According to Eisner, the stories contained in the graphic novel are culled from encounters with memorable and unique individuals he met during his time in the country, and are arranged in order of personal importance. Eisner is currently finishing up the final stories, so while the final page count is not yet known, Dark Horse sources report that the prolific creator has turned in over 58 pages so far. Planet DC - The 2000 Annuals Cleveland Plain Dealer journalist Michael Sangiacomo is reporting in his weekly column on comic books that this year's DC international annual theme - which Mania's Newsarama reports on in their current edition - is called Planet DC. It will include eight 48-page annuals introducing new DCU heroes and villains from around the globe, including the five reported by Newsarama - JLA, The Titans, JSA, Batman and The Flash - plus Superman, Green Lantern and Batgirl annuals. They'll ship once a week beginning in the first week of June with JLA Annual #4, with one skip week in July. According to Sangiacomo, Batgirl co-writer Scott Peterson will write and Mike Deodato Jr. will pencil Batgirl's first annual, in which the new Batgirl and Batman investigate the kidnapping of an Indian actor in Gotham. They travel to India to investigate where they meet that country's heroine, a shapechanger named Aruna. Superman's annual will be set in Mexico and introduces three local superheroes, Acrata, El Muerto and Iman "in a mystical battle that isn't what it seems.” DC tells the writer that the new characters will not be tossed away at the end of the summer, but will become a part of the DC mythos. The unnamed hero in the Green Lantern Annual will reportedly be part of a secret JLA miniseries later this year. Hama Exits In June Though DC has not yet announced who will be the next regular writer Batman, the publisher has confirmed exiting writer Larry Hama's last issue will be June's #580, part 2 of a 2-issue story introducing a new Batman villainess, Orca. And in other Bat-news, Detective Comics regular penciler Shawn Martinbrough will be taking a 3 issue sabbatical for issues #747-749. He'll return with issue #750, an extra-length issue featuring Ra's al Ghul. Filling in for Martinbrough will be artist Will Rosado for #747 and then Phil Hester for issues #748-749. Lobdell Exits Gen 13 Writer Scott Lobdell has confirmed internet rumors that he is leaving the Wildstorm series Gen 13, after a run of 8 issues. According to the creator, his last scripted issue will be June's issue #54. Asked why he's exiting after such a short run – did he jump or was he pushed – Lobdell responded with a laugh, "Ah, the age old question! I would have to say it was pretty clear to me that editorial wanted to go in one direction - play to the `history' of the book - while I wanted to plow forward. That seems to be happening a lot to me lately, huh? Maybe I'm wr-wrr-wrrrong?” he joked. This will be the 3rd assignment Lobdell has left relatively quickly in recent years – he exited the relaunched Wildcats after 6 issues and the Fantastic Four only after 3 – does he worry about getting the perception of a creator who can't play well with others? "Gee, I don't think so...but what do I know?” the writer said laughing “I did spend almost seven years on Uncanny X-Men, and 25 issues on Generation X. Maybe I'm just punch drunk from the freedom? Maybe I'm concentrating on the screenwriting? (Lobdell warns to expect a "major" announcement very soon) Maybe I am just having so much fun on limited runs of series like Ball & Chain and Mostly Wanted and the upcoming Stray? Or maybe I just don't play well with others?” he said laughing again. "Well_The Darkness editor still loves me!” There is no word yet from DC/Wildstorm on the next Gen 13 writer. Nicieza Comments on X-Mini-Series Report Wizard Magazine reports in their latest issue that Marvel is looking to "capitalize" on the success of Kurt Busiek's (with Roger Stern) and Carlos Pacheco's Avengers Forever maxi-series, tabbing Thunderbolts and Gambit writer Fabian Nicieza to write a "similar time travel epic focusing on the X-men". Mania's Newsarama caught up with Nicieza to get his side of the story... According to the writer, he and artist Kevin Maguire, his creative partner on the recent JLA: Created Equal mini-series at DC, did approach Marvel with a series proposal and it has been approved. As to any ties or similarities to Avengers Forever, Nicieza explained it is "only in the Avengers Forever vein in terms of planned production format (although that could always change) and style in that it takes a disparate group of X-related characters and dispatches them on a mission of 'universal importance' that sends them to the very heart and soul of the decisions that have been made that have affected mutants in the Marvel Universe." Currently working on issue #2 of what's tentatively a 6 to 8 issue limited series, Nicieza preferred not to disclose further details at this time, as the series is not scheduled for release until later this year. +++++ From Zentertainment; HTTP://WWW.ZENTERTAINMENT.COM To sign a friend up or begin receiving ZEN yourself, e-mail: subscribe@ZENtertainment.com 'TREK' COMIC BASED ON UPCOMING PC TITLE GAMESPOT reports DC/WILDSTORM Comics and ACTIVISION will co-produce a 48-page comic based on the upcoming first-person PC shooter STAR TREK VOYAGER: ELITE FORCE. Jeff Moi will write the comic, which will weave in tips that will assist gamers, and W.C. Carani is illustrating. http://www.gamespot.com http://www.activision.com EASTMAN JOINS KALEIDOSCOPE TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES co-creator and HEAVY METAL Magazine owner Kevin Eastman has joined the Board of Directors at KALEIDOSCOPE Media Group. KALEIDOSCOPE offers worldwide distribution of hundreds of hours of sports and entertainment programming, including TARZAN: THE EPIC ADVENTURES, SHAKA ZULU: THE CITADEL, MERLIN: THE MAGIC BEGINS, and the upcoming David Hasselhoff series DOUBLE CROSS. ______________________________________________________________________ ----------------------------------------------------------------------- [5] Ramblings 2000 Rich Johnston twisting@hotmail.com [Renamed for the new year, Ramblings 2000 continues to spread confirmed and unconfirmed news and rumours. It welcomes comment, especially comment that clarifies, refutes and corrects information already disseminated. Rich Johnston is an advertising copywriter, co-self publisher of Twist And Shout Comics, BBC comedy writer and comics columnist. He currently lives in South London, England. His column can be found online at: http://www.twistandshoutcomics.com All Ramblings e-mail received will be considered public domain and may be quoted.] This column is RUMOUR. Do not take anything here seriously. These RUMOURS are presented here as GOSSIP for their ENTERTAINMENT value. Dateline: 29 Feb 2000  Gene Happy! Gene Ha popped by to comment on the recent ABC rumours (see this very column!) "I am going to work on Top Ten as long as they'll have (me). I do want to take over color, so I won't be working on a monthly. There are a lot of things I'd like to do with the color, so this makes me very happy. It looks like they'll be more than happy to accommodate me!" "I will stay on the monthly until issue 12. Currently, there are no plans to continue the monthly book without me. That could change." "Alan's playing with ideas for non-monthly projects for Zander Cannon and me. The ideas are pretty vague right now and could change completely. I'm hoping we get to use Jack Kirby as a character somehow." "That's all I really know. I hope you're having as much fun in Neopolis as I am." Thanks Gene! Future Peek In the new Wizard, the Next Month section runs this line: "Stan Lee's Lost Marvel Hero! Did you know that Fantastic Four was NOT the first Marvel Comics comic book? One week before FF, there was another... how could we all forget?" That is the new Jenkins/Lee Marvel comic we've been hearing about for ages and that Ramblings reported on about a year ago now... happy anticipation! Marvel Delights Bill Rosemann, better known as YourMan@Marvel is quick to reassure Ramblings that both Black Panther and Spider-Woman are in fact very far from over. He writes "Yes... both titles are healthy and are not-repeat NOT-canceled! In fact, Black Panther was recently handed over to the editorial hands of Tom Brevoort, which only promises good things for this title!" Good to hear Bill... still, if you love any Marvel comic that's scraping the bottom of the Top 100, it's still not a bad thing to act now! Marvel Despair It wasn't too long ago that certain creators were singing the praise of Marvel's new-found commitments to dealing well with creators. Well, Karl Bollers and Mike Higgins, writers of M-Tech title X-51 see if in a very different way. Quotes like "I think all of the problems really stem from the fact that Harras is interested in any number of things besides what is actually good for Marvel or its line of books." or "The people up at Marvel have very little understanding of or respect for Kirby and I think that`s very sad." and even "Mark Powers really dropped the ball every step of the way and success was virtually impossible once he became involved." certainly make for interesting reading. Read the full interview at http://www.fandom.com/x-men/editorial.asp?action=page&obj_id=90234 X-Tracts Remember those rumours about Chris Claremont's hands-on involvement with the Xbooks? Well, we were directed to these little snippets, cut from the published Claremont interview in the new Wizard, but available on the website. Chris says "Well, everyone has a preconceived notion of what I am as a writer. I could probably write a silent story and we would get letters saying it was too wordy. I think there is a tendency to look at an author's work and judge it by your prejudices and expectations--good or bad--rather than by the work itself." "The irony is I've done some stuff in the last few years without credit. The fun part is looking at the letters and reviews of those issues compared to the letters and reviews I get for the stuff that's under my own name. And there is a difference." "So, on one hand, the name recognition carries with it a certain cache, on the other hand, it also...for a lot of people...pushes a very specific button. It's Chris Claremont, therefore it must be A, B, C, D. And if it isn't A, B, C, D...they're pissed off if it is, and they're pissed off if it isn't. Or they're excited if it is, they're disappointed if it isn't." "It's just part and parcel with the job. You step in and have to do some emergency stuff. It's fun. The fantasy is to do a whole series of books under a pseudonym and see if anybody notices...or claim that the last five years have been somebody writing under my name as a pseudonym." "That's the trouble--nobody has a sense of humor in the industry anymore. We all take ourselves too damn seriously." See this, and more at http://www.wizardworld.com/w103/claremontqna/claremontqna.html Spiders And Panthers Our man inside Marvel, Lt_Kali writes "Spider Man Unlimited : Cancelled as of #7... Spider Woman : It looks like the big events happening with Spider Woman are that the new girl will bite the dust, and either Jessica Drew or Julia Carpenter will become Spider Woman Again, but they will also lose the monthly. Bart Sears has already left for X-Men Unlimited, and it looks like John Byrne will be finishing the run with a rotating team of guest artists." Cancellation wise, Lt_Kali writes "Also rumoured, but I haven't got any more info on it is Black Panther, this probably is true as it sells lower than Spider Woman, although it is higher priced so it might be saved. Due to all of this, Marvel are going to be more cautious with their new monthlies (After all of their new wave of titles, bar Bishop & Gambit have been cancelled) at the moment their are only plans for 2 new monthly titles(Marvel Knights and a new X-Men spin off)." Which means one thing chaps. It's time for... Ramblings Says 'Save The Panther'. Why, oh why did Marvel take it from Marvel Knights to Marvel Universe, if it was only going to be struck by the new-Marvel-series illness? Black Panther is Marvel's only truly innovative comic book at the moment (with Deadpool being innovative in parts) and its sales are bad. Hell, they're below Spider-Woman's. Black Panther goes places other Marvel comic don't. Self referential without going over the top like Byrne's She-Hulk, it plays with convention and expectation, dabbles in politics and the real-world impact of superheroes and the reality of a King who is a superhero and generally does all the things you wouldn't expect a Marvel book to do. Like being clever and original. It's written by Priest, who also writes wonderful books like Quantum And Woody and Deadpool and, as a group, demonstrates that quality does not equal sales. Along with Moore's ABC line and Ellis' Authority/Planetary stuff, he's one of the few creators currently pushing the superhero form. And if we don't do something, Black Panther might be in danger. So, here's what you can do. E-mail to mail@marvel.com. Write your own words or cut and paste this: Dear Marvel, Black Panther is one of Marvel's truly great comics. Priest has created an innovative and dazzling work. However, I understand it is in danger of cancellation. Please, either work on promoting this book so it gets into the hands of new readers, or transfer it back to Marvel Knights, so their magic sales effect can help the book survive. Save Black Panther! ---- Go for it folks. Maybe we can do for Bllack Panther what we did for Deadpool. But remember, it's a lot easier to save a book before a cancellation notice than after one. DC Rumour Responses Jimmy Palmiotti writes to comment of the now much discredited recent DC rumour: "Well, that's really a funny story. We love DC comics and are flattered when they offer us any work, but that rumor is total bogus. I did get to pencil and ink a pin up for a new Transmetropolitan book - now that's news!! DC comics is in good hands with great talented people. As far as the Bob Harras rumor, I hope it is true, we need all the care we can get!" One well-placed industry source had some comments on the DC Rumour. Again, rumour-hard-hats on everyone... "The rumor that Paul will be out on his ass has circulated every six months since I can remember. However, there are a few things that make it somewhat more believable this time around." Our source also stated other rumours about employment changes among the Warner Brothers executives. "His attitude about how DC fits with Burbank (Warner Brothers Studio) is quite odd. He allegedly told his executive staff, when Bob and Terry announced they were stepping down, that this was a good thing because it would take new guys longer to figure out what was going on with the comics." "Plus he's lost a lot of money lately. Plus Burbank isn't happy he's pulping books." However our source continues on an upbeat note. "I don't think you'll see lots of editors fired. Even if the books don't sell, they make a lot of money in terms of trademarks and copyrights. For example, Axel Alonso's stuff gets optioned lots and lots." And while we can't name any specifics yet, our source does tell us how other recent firings within DC are more significant... as it reduces payroll for certain individuals in that all-important first quarter... One other rumour, about Paul Levitz goes "There's a rumor that his stock options are worth $40 million." However, our source countered that with "There is this rumor, but I don't believe it. If Paul had that much money, he'd stay home and write. However, since I think rumors are interesting whether or not they're true because of what they reveal about the relevant sub-cultures, I think it's interesting that so many people have sworn to me that this is true." And that, my friends, is Ramblings in a nutshell. We reveal interesting aspects of relevant sub-cultures. Which is a hell of a good post-rationalization for stirring it up a bit. It must be a hard job, being Paul Levitz. Not only do you run the USA's biggest comics company, but you have to deal with a half-assed column like this one. Everyone, raise a glass to the genius of Paul Levitz! Hoorah! And let's hope he releases the Elseworld's 80 Pager soon. And Ellis' Hellblazer story. And that Swamp Thing issue. And the Moebius Batman story. And the Twilight proposal. And... Gorilla Goes Grabbing. Ramblings has had a year-long history of printing the rumours about Gorilla Comics, many that came true... and many that didn't. We've now got a new one. It goes as follows: John T. Wells, the money man behind the upcoming Gorilla imprint, published by Image Comics is looking for floundering creator owned properties to be brought into the fold. He's got his feelers out, getting in contact with the creators of books like Happydale, trying to convince them to make the move. Look forward to an increase in familiar creator-owned titles from Gorilla before other publishers, like DC's Vertigo, Dark Horse's Maverick, Fantagraphics and others know what's hit them. ABC, It's Easy As One, Er... Two, Er... No, That's Not Right... We're received some interesting Ramblings rumours about the ABC line. Now remember, people, there have been lots of rumours about these comics and many have fallen. There's a lot of rubbish around... see what you think. Top 10 The rumour is, it finishes with issue 12. Gene Ha is leaving because he wants more control over the book, like colouring (which is excellent in the few stories he coloured his art) making it all but impossible for Top 10 to stay monthly. They are thinking of cancelling it because they can't replace Gene with someone of Gene's calibre. JG Jones was a rumoured replacement, but it looks doubtful. Tom Strong The rumour is that Chris Sprouse, the much praised artist of this book, is so methodical, obsessed with detail and... well... slower than some of his peers, that the book might officially become bi-monthly. This may replace the attempts to help him out by having "flashback" artists do some of the pages ­ also seen in Sprouse's previous Supreme work (which managed a regular schedule well, certainly in Maximum/Awesome terms). There's another rumour, however, that states that Tom Strong would come out monthly with different artists doing the non-Sprouse months. Tomorrow Stories We hear that the fact that Kevin Nowlan is taking time off has come as a big hit to the book. Rick Veitch we know for a fact is upset with DC over the Swamp Thing deal and, with DC making no conciliatory moves, will leave after 12 issues. And despite my own personal affection for both strips, Melinda Gebbie, Jim Baikie, Cobweb and First American may not be able to support this book. Promethea The rumour goes that JH Williams and Mick Gray love what they are doing and could do it forever. Hey, wait a minute, that's a rumour without any doom and gloom whatsoever... what's going on here? And remember, if certain books do come to an end, Alan has plenty of other ideas for ABC... including the cowboy comic with Glenn Fabry we spoke about... ooh, almost a year ago. Still on the cards, apparently. Of course, there's still the issue of whether Alan will stay with ABC after the initial contract ends. We've heard reports that go both ways on that one. And while DC will get the control of characters if he leaves, will they want them without the Moore mind that gave them life? Possibly not... We e-mailed a query about these rumours to Scott Dunbier but were then informed by one of our trusted Ramblings scouts he was spotted comics shopping in London... literally 500 metres from where I'm typing this column. He'll probably be stopping by Alan while he's in the country, maybe addressing some of the issues raised above... certainly we hope he'll be able to reply to us on his return. ______________________________________________________________________ ----------------------------------------------------------------------- [6] E-DISPATCHES FROM THE GREAT WHITE NORTH! Jonathan A. Gilbert SeajayVentures@netscape.net [Jonathan A. Gilbert is a freelance writer, columnist and part-time radio broadcaster. When not writing for PCBN, JAZMA UNIVERSE ONLINE, and MAD SCIENTIST magazine he is busy working on a couple of books and redeveloping some of his previously published comics series including Young Immortals and Mister Chameleon - both of which he hopes he will eventually find a publisher for.] Welcome to the first installment of E-DISPATCHES FROM THE GREAT WHITE NORTH. For those of you who are reading me for the first time I am a freelance comic book writer and fiction writer plus a regular columnist for PEOPLE'S COMIC BOOK NEWSLETTER (PCBN) and MAD SCIENTIST magazine. From the moment I got online about a month ago thousands (well maybe two or three) of people requested I do an online column thus the appearance of E-DISPATCHES. The main purpose of this column will be to amalgamate the four print columns I am writing for PCBN (DISPATCHES FROM THE GREAT WHITE NORTH, COMICS OF THE GREAT WHITE NORTH, ALL THINGS MEDIA and IT'S ONLY MY OPINION BUT...) into a single e-column with the hope of reaching a wider audience. While much of what I discuss in my PCBN columns will also be appearing here I will also be taking into consideration my e-audience's interests and tailoring E-DISPATCHES accordingly. Another purpose of this column will be to get some interactive feedback going between you readers. Writing can be a solitary occupation at the best of times and when you don't get any feedback the various subjects I cover in this column, gals and gals. Some of the subjects I hope to discuss in the coming months will include comics art, publishers not paying their talent, the future of the comics industry (or lack thereof) and why focusing on the direct sales market is killing comics. If you have any comments on these or other subjects send me a brief e-mail and I'll try to incorporate it in my column. I can be reached at... SeajayVentures@netscape.net From time to time I'll also be reviewing comics and websites so if you want to e-mail me a website you think I should bring to the attention of others or you have a comic you'd like me to review and you want to find out where to send it (meaning my mailing address) feel free to do so.As mentioned above I want this column to be as interactive as possible but the only way I can bring that about is if you, the e-reader, participate. And speaking of websites here are a few that I have recently come across that I'd like to draw to your attention. The first one belongs to my pal Dayne Adams at PIN! & Ink (publisher of Thunder Girls Comics) and can be seen at...www.ThunderGirls.com. TandT Comics also has an interesting sight and can be seen at...http://tandtcomics.freeservers.com. A third sight I'd like to plug is for a new comics publisher called Star Verse Comics. They can be found at... www.geocities.comTimesSquare/Bridge/1409/. And last, but certainly not least, I hope you've checked out my friend Lloyd Smith's website for his publishing company, BLUE MOON COMICS. It can be found at...www.bluemooncomics.tsx.org. That pretty much brings this introductory column to a conclusion. I haven't decided as yet how often I will be posting a new column but tentatively I am planning for E-DISPATCHES FROM THE GREAT WHITE NORTH to appear at least once every three weeks. The next column by the way will deal with publishers not paying their talent; specifically and particularly with BRAINSTORM COMICS not paying me $100 U.S. despite the fact I signed a contract with them and they published a story of mine some three years ago in LEGENDS OF LUXURA #3. And I'm not the only person that BRAINSTORM hasn't paid; not by a longshot. So if you have any comments on this subject definitely e-mail them to me. 'Til next time guys, gals and other assorted comics fans. Yours, Jolly Jon Gilbert. ______________________________________________________________________ ----------------------------------------------------------------------- [7] The Professor of Comics Thomas M Read trodimus@hotmail.com Before I begin, I just would like to thank Mr. David LeBlanc of Comic Book Net Electronic Magazine (CBEM) (http://members.aol.com/comicbknet) for taking a chance and giving me this weekly column. And I hope I can educate and interest you all each and every week. Now, sets start class. Salutations and greeting my good friends. Welcome to The Professor of Comics, I will be your instructor, Thomas M Read. Before we begin class today, I would like to tell you my credentials. I have obtained a Bachelors of Science in Marketing and well as a minor in Advertising. I am currently working on finishing my MBA in Business Management while I work as a marketing coordinator and head advertiser at one of the largest independent corrugators in the Eastern United States. I grew up reading and learning to read on Wittman Disney Comics that my mom got for me when I was younger. I started full time collecting when I saw a TV advertisement for a GI Joe comic. The issue was #50 and featured the Dreadnocks and the Thunder machine on the cover. When I got to the newsstand, they already had the next issue, GI Joe %51 with Storm Shadow and Quick Kick on the Cover. Needless to say, I was hooked. And thus began my interest in comics (and advertisement as well.) Throughout the years, I have moved with the comic industry and seen its greatest point (The late eighties: the years of all exceptional comics: Watchman, Dark Knight, Superman the Man of Steel, Kraven's Last Hunt, Claremont's X-Men, Fall of the Mutants, the list goes on.) and its lowest of its lows (the mid-nineties: Spider- clone fiasco, Heroes Reborn, the Crossing, Superman Red Superman Blue, Anything by Rob Liefeld, countless "Blood" based books, "Bad Girls" the list goes on.) but I have always stuck by her. I was there when Spidey got married; I was there when Superman got killed then married (in that order). I have read the Dark Knight Returns hundreds of time and enjoy more each time. Batman: Year One: Is there a finer origin comic than this? The death of Jason Todd (one of the only heroes to rightfully stay dead). I have seen countless X-teams, the introduction of Image and more heroes than you can shake a stick at. I have seen it all, and that's the problem. Today's comics are strip-mining their past and for long time readers it's hard. I have seen it all before. Spidey quits and comes back, Captain America questions his beliefs, and Lois and Superman have problems. The list goes on. The best example I have seen was the recent Peter Parker Spider-man # 16, entitled "Clich‚". The story revolved around every Spidey clich‚ that has ever been written, and while it was one of the best Spider-man stories in recent Post Chapter One time, it still was strip-mining the past. Why do we strip mine the past? Because of a fear. All comics are intended for an "All Ages Audience" that's why we don't see curses in Marvel Comics. Yet, their buyers, their consumers, customers are all 14 to 33 year old males. Then why is everything toned down for the "G" rating? I saw "American Beauty" the other week. The best film of 1999 and guaranteed to win a bunch of Oscars. And you know what? It was Rated R. Rated R and it is considered the best movie drama of all year. That's why comics aren't accepted in the public, because it is viewed as "Just for Kids" It is marketed towards kids, yet a whole different group buys it. And companies wonder why the industry is shrinking. Kids want something edgier. All their movies are more adult, their video games are more adult, but their comics are G. What would happen if "American Beauty" was toned down for a G-Rating? Probably wouldn't be that critically acclaimed, or have been nominated for that many Oscars. Yet the comic industry still markets to its wrong crowd and alienates its old and only readers. So for the sake of the industry, for the sake of all the companies, I hope they see the light. And even if they still want to gear their comics to the younger crowd, that's fine. But the needs and wants of the younger crowd have changed since the 1960. The word "Sucks" was in a recent issue of Iron Man (#26) Joe Quesada had to fight to get it in. Then why do I hear, "Ass, Damn, Hell, Bitch and Bastard" on "Friends" at 8 o'clock on Thursday nights. And at an even earlier time in syndication? It is time the industry to start to make a change. Advertise to the older crowd; make it edgier to compete in this market. Advertise outside the medium and get new readers in. Let creators go wild and make some changes, let the characters grow as characters. Re-do the product, make it more of intense story driven comic, with real dialogue, face it, if a super- villain is ripping apart Wolverine, he isn't going to say, "flaming'". Give the market (what's left of it) what they want, more mature comic in line with society today. And then advertise that fact to non-comic readers, get some new blood in, and if your lucky, get some of the old readers back in. And when they see the changes there is just one thing everyone wants to hear, "Wow, comic have changed, this is cool." That's a start. Marvel is trying it with Daredevil and Kevin Smith, but where are the ads in Rolling Stone or Entertainment Weekly about it? Write-ups and blurbs in the magazines don't cut it. And advertising in comics is just telling people who already know what is going on, to pick up something they where already going to do. Get the word out to more people, and deliver on the hype. That's key, and that's the future of the industry. Class Dismissed Thomas M Read PS: By the way, I am really enjoying Batman: Dark Victory. I recommend everyone who is a Batman fan, mystery fan, villain fan, hell, all comic fans to go out and get it. And just sit down and read it. Don't flip through it before you read it, just sit back, enjoy and try and solve the crime yourself, if you can. ______________________________________________________________________ ----------------------------------------------------------------------- [8] 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: New at A1 Comics are the following comics: Crime Patrol #1 by EC Comics; Enki Bilal The Dormant Beast; Disavowed; Fightin' Army #4 by ACG; Comic Book Heaven #2 and a whole lot more! For more information on any of these fine comics or you just want to rap to the owner, contact Brian Peets at: A1Comics@quiknet.com He'll love hearin' from ya'. Name: War Against Crime #1 Publisher: EC Comics Written and Drawn by: Numerous creators. Price: $2.50 Comments: Now on the shelves are EC Comics' Crime Patrol #1 and War against Crime #1! Let's talk a bit about the true stories found in War Against Crime. With War against Crime #1, I found the Machine Gun Kelley story quite compelling! Machine Gun Kelley is a legend and this story only strengthens the mythos surrounding his career in crime. The story went step by step from his encounter with the North Siders, then his bootlegging days and finally his team up with bank robber Al Bates. Even though most criminals feared Machine Gun Kelley, his wife still was able to henpeck the poor guy. Some what like the situation that our President Bill Clinton faces with his wife Hilary. I couldn't help but feel sorry for Kelley. Kelley thinks that the kidnapping of Mr. Gordon will end his career in crime and set him up for the rest of his life. I guess he was partially right, he is set up for life, life behind bars. Poor Kelley. Dmitri Martine is an unusual criminal. I was surprised that EC took the true-life crime stories outside of the US and into the remote land of Bucharest. I never heard of Martine, but found his crimes of blackmail, treason, arson, and sabotage very intriguing. Martine commits one atrocity after another. He does this blackmail trick and later changes hats and shows his traitorous side and sets up this guy with a defective gun. His power became overwhelming as he steals secrets from different countries and even holds an innocent child hostage. No matter how good the criminal, there is always a better policeman and because of Martine's own ego, he had to read his own casebook from police headquarters. A place that turns out to be a trap and Martine meets his demise. Excellent story! In fact all of the stories in this issue were superb, including the two I didn't mention..."Fate Plays a Part...When Justice is Blind" and "Smokin' Six-Guns!" Standing ovation to EC Comics once again! Name: Rising Stars #5 Publisher: Top Cow Written by: J. Michael Stracynski Drawn by: Christian Zanier Price: $2.50 Comments: I'm not going to say how much I enjoy the artwork, because I know that every reader is enjoying the artwork in Rising Stars. It's fabulous. So, I'm going to talk strictly about the story. John Simon has the weight of the whole world on his shoulders, the murdering of 'specials' is taking its toll on him. Sure he's calm and collective during his investigations, but there is some strain, as things aren't the way they should be. Especially, when he discovers that dreamwalker Clarence Mack was killed by Jason. The story was dramatic and quite suspenseful with plenty of twists. It was quite interesting to see Clarence tear into John by telling him how he was an outcast to the other 'specials'. Things like this will tear at John's soul. The specials have very unique powers and Lionel Zerb, the dead talker brings on memories of the Bruce Willis movie called "The Sixth Sense" or the Kevin Bacon movie called "Stir of Echoes". I can see how this power could drive someone mad. Chandra on the other hand has a very weird power. A power that makes her the most beautiful woman to any man's eyes. A power that seems to control her. Her lifestyle in Beverly Hills and being surrounded by rich and powerful men is just plain strange. Her love for John has set her over the edge, in which she has all the men wear masks, so she can imagine them as John. Jason being the killer is after full power and control, as it is told that the assets of Nexus Corp is behind him. Power and control is a good motive to kill the other 'specials'. John will have much to deal with, when he comes face to face with Jason. Even though this story was quite intense, the sidebar humor had me laughing, when Clarence was complaining that John couldn't save him or the others and Lionel merely says that Clarence 'wished him luck'. Rising Stars #5 only made me want more! There is going to be a climatic finish and I know I want to be there! Name: Xena - Warrior Princess #6 Publisher: Dark Horse Comics Written by: John Wagner Drawn by: Mike Deodato Price: $2.95 Comments: The sacrifice of Philomena was quite dramatic. Just like the TV series, there is plenty of good Xena action in this comic book and I'm very grateful that they have Mike Deodato as their artist, this is majestic artwork done in perfection! I love it when Xena & Gabrielle meet historical characters of the past, like Cleopatra in this story. Cleopatra shows plenty of comradery with Xena, as she is ready to hire her on as a permanent employee. I was surprised that Cleopatra doesn't think much of Set and the other Egyptian gods, because of their concern over the afterlife. After thinking about this for a moment, maybe I can see her point. Seeing the way Ankar was resurrected was chilling. John Wagner delivers a story that is full of gusto! The sacrifice was close and not a minute to spare. Even though the protection of Ra was asked, the gods kept their distance throughout this story. Nepatuk really got the sore end of the deal, as Cleopatra will make sure he will receive a daily beating for his crimes. Cleopatra is fair, but harsh in her punishments. She's a type of woman leader you don't want to cross. Xena - Warrior Princess #6 had a very happy endinng and it is a relief to Cleopatra that the cult poises no danger to her. Powerful story that was set in motion with a bombshell ending - loved it! Name: Star Wars #15 Publisher: Dark Horse Comics Written by: Timothy Truman Drawn by: Tom Lyle/pencils Robert Jones/inks Price: $2.50 Comments: Timothy Truman builds up the legend of Star Wars and I know he is sitting back at his desk somewhere, very proud of his accomplishments. Star Wars - Emissaries to Malastare 3 of 6 took my breath away! In the past I have tried out different stories from Battlestar Galactica to Babylon5, but I always found myself coming back to the Star Wars saga. It seems to be like a huge magnet with a definite drawing power that beckons readers from all around the world. I've come to known the planet of Malastare from Timothy Truman's writings and have found comfort in this strange environment. I keep my eyes on A'sharad, there is a story behind his bravado, a man who won't be attacked or provoked for any reason - a true warrior. Plo Koon's wisdom can be irritating at times, as he says that he finds beauty in the patterns of the grain (or with the carvings) on a door, when thoughts dwell on other issues. Maybe what he says is correct, but it is hard to rationalize on beauty inside a fortress. I was impressed with all the dignitaries who were greeting the arbitrators of the Jedi Council. I guess what impressed me the most is all of their titles, now if that wasn't intimidating, then I'm a monkey's uncle. Even though Master Even Piell talks of peace, there is still friction between him and Zug. They have a history together, a history of pain, this is something that can never be erased. Even though this story is heavy in the dramatics, there is still some light hearted fun with Beed and Fode - two very funny characters! As the podracess began, I sat there thinking this is better than Nascar. Exceptional cliffhanger as turbulence is present amongst the VIPS and now Master Mace Windu is clinging on for his dear life! Raving good story with top notch artwork, what more could I ask for? Name: GoGirl! #1 Preview & Overview By: Trina Robbins, Anne Timmons Comments: This is going to be a fun comic book that the whole family can enjoy. Sometimes, I have to be careful with previews and watch myself and not give away too much of the story. This comic book should be coming out in May, so make sure your comic book retailer is aware of it. Let's talk a bit about the story. Meet Lindsay, her mom is a former superheroine known as Go-Go Girl. She is quite proud of her mother and shares stories and pictures from their family scrapbook with her girlfriend Hasseena. Dire circumstances places Lindsey in a situation where either she acts like a normal human being or takes the mantle of superheroine and becomes GoGirl! This preview is a teaser on what is yet to come. Lindsay's mom has a history that will most likely be explored in future issues. I am curious on why she separated from her husband and how she acquired her powers. There are some funny moments in the story as Mrs. Goldman (Lindsay's mom) holds up a picture of 'Lady Badd'. Lady Badd wears a scantily clad outfit and became more popular than Go-Go Girl, this is one of the reasons that 'good girl' Go-Go Girl got out of the superhero business. Lindsay's idol is her mother, but she has other idols too, as she has a Xena poster on her bedroom wall. Lindsay's main desire is to be a heroine herself and that goal is what she sets her mind upon. You'll meet a strange character called 'Baby' and see how Lindsay fares against this brute. Lindsay has much to learn and her mother is very supportive and the exciting part of this story is that just like the movie "Karate Kid", we the readers will see how Lindsay masters her powers! This comic book has superb artwork and a story that delivers with a rock em' - sock em' punch! GoGirl! is a banquet full of splendid dramatic delights and action filled edibles that will satisfy any reader's palate! I recommend this comic book to everyone! Name: Comic Library International #1 and #2 Publisher: Comic Library International Stories and Art by: George Broderick, Jr., Art Baltazar, Jamie Cosley, Chris Yambar, Scott Roberts and Dave Mazure. Price: $12.95 How many Pages? 152!! How to Order? Check out their website at: http://www.geocities.com/SoHo/Cafι/9669/clipage.html or email them at: gbstudio@sprintmail.com or snail them at: Comic Book Library International, 2049 Alfred Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15212 Stories in #1: Get a nice editorial on how comic books are evolving from 32 pages to a whopping 152 pages! These guys are taking comics to the next level! Some of the stories are: Click Track part 3 and part 4; Fire-Breathing Pope; Amy Unbounded; Stardust and Thor; Eep!; Captain Camel and The Space Chicken; Comicosley; Forty Winks. Stories in #2: Editorial; Click Track part 1; Stardust and Thor; Fire-Breathing Pope; 40 Winks; Comicosley; Captain Camel and The Space Chicken; Levi's World; Mr. Beat Rarities; Click Track part 2; Creator Biographies. Overviewed by: Paul Dale Roberts, MOE Comments: Anthology of super stories from some of the hottest talent in the comic industry. Don't be surprised if you see Mr. Beat meeting up with the cast of Elf Quest in these comic books! Yep, I'm not joking. These 2 books are truly a comic book internationl library in itself. Let me briefly talk about each story. 'Click Track' has an unusual pesty character named Elmo. Elmo pays a visit with his neighbor who was a movie star at one time and now is a has-been. This has-been is paranoid and has no confidence in himself - the story is outrageously funny! 'Stardust and Thor' - more zany humor with a superhero and his mutt! You'll get a kick out of their adventures! 'The Fire Breathing Pope' - hilarious one liners. Priest wins race with a donkey and the headlines read: Priest *** Shows! Ummm...believe this or not you might even see the rock group KISS! 40 Winks - the misadventures and adventures of Pandora! Entertaining story that will brighten up your day! Added delight: 40 Winks Pin-up Gallery! 'Another Boy & Dog Adventure' - talk of boogers, nasal poo and other boyish nasties! 'A Big Nut Cartoon' - just like it says! 'Captain Camel and the Space Chicken' - Did ya' think that Cartoon Network's Cow & Chicken was funny? You ain't seen nothing yet! Excellent artwork, done in a cartoonish way! 'Dick and Jane' - One laugh a minute, this ain't the Dick and Jane you read in school! No siree! 'Ninja Dot v. Some More Famous Monsters of Filmland' - yep, there all here - Godzilla - Bride of Frankenstein - The Phantom of the Opera and more! This tiny dot of a superhero thinks he can take on these monsters! Get ready for more one-liners! 'Mr. Beat meets Elfquest' - Check this out, Elfquest character says to Mr. Beat. "Why have you attacked us? Speak now or taste my blade!" Mr. Beat says in retaliation: "Whoa! Slow down hippie! Loan me a second and I'll make it all straight for you!" Mr. Beat is too cool! 'Amy Unbounded' - Watch Amy play Sir Thomas Tupperdome with a dragon to battle the vile King Mudpuppy! This girl gets her stories mixed up with her own life - see how! Eep! Watch this little ball with 2 black eyes get in some trouble! Let's talk a bit about the authors. George Broderick has written stories for Marvel and DC! This guy is talent superb! Chris Yambar, creator of Mr. Beat - internationally known pop artist! Art Baltazar - Creator of the maniacal Cray-Baby! Remember that? I thought you did! John Peters - Artist and Co-Creator of 40 Winks - 'nuff said! Scott Roberts - creator of Patty Cake and this guy has a very excellent last name - what more can I say? Levi Krause - yep, you got it, creator of Levi's world! Fun, fun, fun! Jamie Cosley - runs a comic strip in a newspaper called Mechanicsville Local. Cartooning is this guy's life! What I sum up about these 2 comic books: If your tired of watching Dawson's Creek and want some excitement in your life, then I highly recommend you get some hearty laughs with Comic Library International! These comic books are soooo hot, I declare them a four-alarm fire!! MOE Sidenote: Discovered some science fiction/fantasy books that would make great comic books at B. Dalton Books today. Some of those books are: Aberrant - Year One; David Weber's Ashes of Victory; Piers Anthony - Centaur Aisle; Marion Zimmer Bradley - Traaitor's Sun; Piers Anthony - Shame of Man; David Eddings - The Seeress of Kell; Mercedes Lackey - Werehunter; L.E. Modesitt Jr. - The Magic of Recluse; Robert Jordan - Lord of Chaos; Katharine Kerr - Darkspell; Mercedes Lackey Oathblood; David Gemmell - Legend. All of these books have colorful heroes with unique powers, strange worlds, strange monsters, etc. If you have a chance, check these books out. Multiverse Observer and Explorer signing off until next time..... ______________________________________________________________________ ----------------------------------------------------------------------- [9] 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, 3/08/2000, 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 ARCHIE COMIC PUBLICATIONS Betty & Veronica Digest #111, 2.19 Jughead #127, 1.99 Sabrina Vol 2 #5, 1.99 Sonic The Hedgehog #82, 1.99 BLACK DAZE PUBLISHING Ballad Of Utopia #1, 2.95 BROADSWORD COMICS Tarot Witch Of The Black Rose #1 (Of 4), 2.95 Tarot Witch Of The Black Rose Dlx #1 (Of 4), 19.95 CHAOS! COMICS Lady Demon #2 (Of 3), 2.95 CPM MANGA Geobreeders #13, 2.95 Time Traveler AI #6, 2.95 DARK HORSE COMICS Masakazu Katsuras Shadow Lady Awakening (6 Of 7) #18, 2.50 Ring Of The Nibelung Rhinegold #2 (Of 4), 2.95 DC COMICS Adventures Of Superman #578, 1.99 Azrael Agent Of The Bat #64, 2.25 Batman The Hill, 2.95 Books Of Magic #72, 2.50 Hourman #14, 2.50 Impulse #60, 2.25 Millennium Edition House Of Secrets #92, 2.50 Nightwing #43, 1.99 Promethea #7, 2.95 Scooby-Doo #34, 1.99 Star Trek The Next Generation Perchance To Dream #4 (Of 4), 2.50 Stars And Stripe #10, 2.50 Superman Adventures #43, 1.99 Superman And Batman Generations TPB, 14.95 Tom Strong Top 10 Print Set By Alex Ross, 19.95 Transmetropolitan #33, 2.50 Trouble Magnet #4 (Of 4), 2.50 FANTAGRAPHICS BOOKS Evil Eye #5, 2.95 IMAGE COMICS A Distant Soil #29, 3.95 Adrenalynn Weapon Of War #4 Sexy Incentive Variant Cover, 5.00 Adrenalynn Weapon Of War #4, 2.50 Alley Cat Movie Poster, 3.00 Aria Coll Ed #1, 5.95 Crow Vol 1 Vengeance TPB, 10.95 Darkness Spear Of Destiny TPB, 12.95 Demonslayer #3, 2.95 Hawkshaws #1, 2.95 Judge #1, 2.95 Lubas Comics And Stories #1, 2.95 Magdalena Poster #1, 5.95 Mage The Hero Defined Vol 3 TPB, 12.95 Nine Rings Of Wu Tang #3, 2.95 Saint Angel Preview, 2.95 Spawn #93, 1.95 Tin Can Man #2, 2.95 Tomb Raider #4, 2.50 Warlands Poster #1, 5.99 INSIGHT STUDIOS GROUP Liberty Meadows #8, 2.95 IRONCAT Deadly Curve Gun Crisis Prelude #1 (Of 4), 2.95 Futabakun Change Vol 4 #3, 2.95 Hyper Dolls Vol 4 #1, 2.95 New Vampire Miyu Vol 5 #4, 2.95 Ogenki Clinic Vol 5 #6 (adult), 2.95 Sepia #3 (adult), 2.95 MARVEL COMICS Amazing Spider-Man #17, 1.99 Avengers Two Wonder Man And Beast #1 (Of 3), 2.99 Blade Vampire Hunter #6 (Of 6), 2.50 Cable #79, 1.99 Deathlok #9, 2.50 Generation X #63, 1.99 Iron Man #28, 1.99 Mutant X 2000, 3.50 New Warriors #8, 1.50 Punisher Cvr A #2 (Of 12), 2.99 Punisher Cvr B #2 (Of 12), 2.99 Spider-Girl #20, 1.99 Spider-Man Universe #2, 4.99 X-Men The Hidden Years #6, 2.50 ULTIMATE SPORTS ENTERTAINMENT Super Sluggers #1 (Of 2), 3.95 VANGUARD COMICS Wally Wood Sketchbook SC, 14.95 VIZ COMMUNICATIONS Pokemon First Movie Mewtwo Strikes Back #4 (Of 4), 3.95 magazines Comic Shop News #664, AR NCRL for the foreseeable future... TITLE OLD RELEASE DATE NEW DATE DC COMICS Batman: Black & White TP 03/01 03/08 Faith #5 01/26 04/05 Kurt Busiek's Astro City Vol. 2 #22 03/01 04/05 Planetary #10 03/08 04/12 Promethea #7 02/16 03/08 Steampunk #1 Chromium Edition 02/23 03/15 StormWatch: Lightning Strikes TP 03/01 03/08 Supergirl Statue 03/29 03/08 Titans/LSH: Universe Ablaze #3 03/08 03/22 Tom Strong/Top 10 Print Set by Alex Ross 03/01 03/08 Tomorrow Stories #7 03/01 04/12 Tomorrow Stories #8 04/19 05/10 Top 10 #8 03/15 04/19 Trouble Magnet #4 03/01 03/08 Yeah! #8 03/01 03/15 IMAGE A Distant Soil #29 03/08 Adrenalynn #4 03/01 03/08 Age of Bronze #7 03/22 Alley Cat #6 01/19 03/22 Aria Collected Ed. #1 03/08 Aria/Angela #1 03/08 Blue #2 03/01 03/15 Chassis #3 03/22 Crow Vol. 2: Evil Beyond Reach TP 03/22 DarkMinds Vol. 1 TP 03/15 DarkMinds Vol. 2 #2 03/15 Darkness #30 03/15 03/08 Darkness: Spear of Destiny TP 03/08 03/22 EVE #2 03/15 Fathom #11 03/01 03/15 Gear Station #1 03/08 Gear Station #1 Fraga Cvr Gold 03/15 Gear Station #1 Lee Cvr Gold 03/15 Gear Station #1 Ross Cvr Gold 03/15 Gear Station #1 Turner Cvr Gold 03/15 Geeksville #0 03/08 Hawkshaws #1 03/08 Hellhole #3 03/01 03/08 Intrigue #3 02/16 03/08 Iron Wings Vol. 2 #1 03/15 J.U.D.G.E. #1 03/15 03/08 Kabuki #9 03/15 Kabuki Agents #4 03/22 Kabuki Classics #12 03/15 Kin #2 03/15 Kiss: Psycho Circus #28 03/15 Kiss: Psycho Circus Mag #5 02/23 03/15 Lady Pendragon #9 03/22 Magdalena #1 03/22 Magdalena Poster #1 03/08 Mage: The Hero Defined Vol. 3 TP 03/08 M-Rex #4 03/22 Neon Cyber #6 03/08 Nine Rings of the Wu-Tang #3 03/01 03/08 Primal Instinct Preview 03/22 Rising Stars #6 03/22 Saint Angel Preview 03/08 Sam & Twitch #8 03/08 Savage Dragon: Gang War TPB 03/01 03/15 Soul Saga #2 03/01 03/15 Spawn #93 03/08 Spawn the Undead #10 03/22 Spawn: The Dark Ages #13 03/22 Spawn: the Undead #9 03/08 Spirit of the Tao #15 03/22 Stone Vol. II #4 02/23 03/08 Tellos #6 03/01 03/08 Tenth: Evil's Child #4 01/19 03/08 Tin Can Man #2 03/01 03/08 Tomb Raider #4 03/08 Wahoo Morris #1 03/22 Warlands #5 03/15 Warlands Poster #1 03/08 Wicked #3 03/22 *Please Note: These dates are tentative. ______________________________________________________________________ ----------------------------------------------------------------------- [10] HYPE! Section Various THE BIG, FAT, CRUNCHY MUSKRAT CENTRAL MONTHLY NEWSLETTER THINGY January -- yes, JANUARY -- and February, 2000 ______________________________________ * DORK TOWER on NextPlanetOver.com ______________________________________ * Original DORK TOWER art auction NextPlanetOver.com * PokeGONE T-Shirt and PokeGONE Company T-Shirts in! * DORK TOWER #7 in! * New Backups for DORK TOWER! * Reprints of DORK TOWER #1, #3 in * 2000 Convention Schedule * The Daily Cardinal Award * Apples to Apples Expansion Deck 1 Released * The Fantasy Roleplaying Gamer's Bible Released * The Complete Munchkin's Guide to Power Gaming Released * Anybody know anything about SEARCH ENGINES? * APPLES TO APPLES fourth press run! * Dork Tower buttons back soon! * MUSKRAT-L Special Offer! *People I've Been Told I Look Like Recently. * Geeking on Baron, Knight, and more! Would you believe, "Happy New Year"? Yuppers. The MUSKRAT-L list is *that* late. It's a strange year. It's supposed to be 65 degrees Fahrenheit tomorrow, and there's not a flake of snow to be seen in the yard. People, this is WISCONSIN we're talking about! Every season, there seems to be a day or two that makes you long for the upcoming season. Spring is definitely in the air right now...even though there's usually a lot of Winter left in Madison by this point. I was even thinking of breaking The Trusty Hammock out. But I shouldn't. A) it would probably sink three feet in the mud pit that used to be our backyard, and B) Life here is *incredibly* busy. I just put in a week of workdays that stretched from 6 am to 10 pm. Which is a good thing, since it means there's work to be had. The bad thing is, right now, I'm exhausted. There's a lot of stuff left off of this newsletter, including some REALLY big news coming down the pike. But it's late Monday night, and the only other thing I've got to do right now is listen to some Matthew Sweet, get this puppy out, then get some sleep. So the rest of the stuff can be saved for next time. See you soon, John ______________________________________ * DORK TOWER on NextPlanetOver.com ______________________________________ OK. The new strips have started running at NPO. Here's what they've got to say about it: "John Kovalic, creator of the cult-smash independent comic Dork Tower, is bringing his unique brand of humor to NextPlanetOver with a monthly strip you won't find anywhere else! We're thrilled to offer you this exclusive content, and to give you the chance to chat with Kovalic in his own Artists Speak message board. We also have excerpts from two recent issues of Dork Tower. See it all at Dork Tower Central!" Remember, that's NextPlanetOver talking, not me. I'm still trying to figure out how to act, being a "cult-smash" comic kind of guy. :-) Seriously, if you haven't seen the NextPlanetOver Dork Tower site yet, check it out. I'm having fun with the comics (a second new one goes up this week), and getting some great feedback. There are honest-to-goodness chat boards up, and everything! (I check them out every couple of days, so stop by to say "hi." FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, STOP BY AND SAY "HI!") If nothing else, stop by and laff heartily at my sensitive guy publicity photo. NPO Dork Tower Central: http://www.NextPlanetOver.com/pulse/dorktower.asp Dork Tower Chat Boards: http://mbd.NextPlanetOver.com/cgi-bin/WebX/?14@@.ee72c74 ______________________________________ * DORK TOWER auction NextPlanetOver.com ______________________________________ There's a first time for everything. NextPlanetOver twisted my arm, and got me to put up an original Dork Tower page of art for their new auction site. Why haven't I offered other specific pages for sale before? Actually, I'm not sure. For the most part, I guess I just feel weird about selling original cartoons. But this is the FIRST Dork Tower page ever offered for sale. Anyhoo, NextPlanetOver calls this "one hell of a collector's item," so who am I to disagree? (In fact, at the moment, it's the only piece of art listed as "hot" on their auction site, meaning there's quite a bit of activity on it. This is a huge relief to me, as I worried about it going without a single bid. I'm funny that way. What can I say?) The auction is almost over (just under two days to go, if my math is correct), so if you're into that kind of thing, go wild. Help Cartoon Boy make rent! The direct link is http://auctions.nextplanetover.com/Scripts/ListingInfo.asp?LotNo=8595513&SiteCat No=63155 If that's too much of a mouthful, just go to NPO.com, and navigate your way to their auction site. ______________________________________ * PokeGONE T-Shirt and PokeGONE Company T-Shirt ______________________________________ THE ORIGINAL POKEGONE SHIRT is in stock! Yes, just go to http://kovalic.com/pokegone.html, and get your very own copy of the most controversial t-shirt I ever created. (OK, granted, having only created six or seven t-shirts, that's not saying an AWFUL lot, but it's all I've got, folks!) Also, a *small* test run of the far more subtle (read: tasteful) POKEGONE COMPANY T-SHIRT has also arrived. I've only got one or two of most sizes, so if you'd like one, check out the PokeGONE page and drop me a line to see if your size is still available! (Personally, these are my favorites of the two). That URL again: http://kovalic.com/pokegone.html ______________________________________ * Dork Tower # 7 in! Backups announced! ______________________________________ A-yup. They're in. Along with reprints of Dork Tower #1 and Dork Tower #3. And they're all available at the DORK STORE (http://kovalic.com/sales/sales.html). Even better, I'll soon have some copies of Aaron Williams' NODWICK #1 for sale there, as well. By the way, DORK TOWER #8 should be off to the printer this week! It's a full, 21-page story, along with the usual assortment of weirdness. And starting with DORK TOWER #9 ("Road Rules"), there'll be space for a brand-new three-page backup feature each and every issue of DT! Some I'll work on with other cartoonists, while others will be things completely done by others. But all, I hope, will be wonderful. (In fact, further wonderfulness should ensue as -- even though the page count increases -- the cost of the comic will remain the same). DT8 will be on shelves almost exactly two months after DT7 was. This is good, as the comic is, after all, bimonthly. But it doesn't do a lot to get the book back on schedule (the last two books were out almost a month after they should have been). DT9 should go some way towards rectifying this, and by DT10 (double-digits! Huzzah!), everything should be back on schedule. DT11 (the big summer convention issue) is already done and in the bag -- so the cons shouldn't push anything behind schedule THIS year... 2000 DORK TOWER Publication Schedule DORK TOWER #8 - "High Sobriety" Y2K has come and gone. Now how are the Dorks going to pay for all those holiday games they bought? * Shipping Date - Wednesday, March 15, 2000 DORK TOWER #9 - "Road Rules" Matt and Igor go on the road to BigCon. They can survive the Tomb of Horrors, but can they survive 7 hours in a car with each other? * Ad Deadline Date - Wednesday, March 15, 2000 * Shipping Date - Wednesday, April 12, 2000 DORK TOWER #10 - "The Young and the Feckless" Igor has to work the Pegasaurus Games booth at BigCon! Matt has to run the Warhamster Sanctioned Tourney. The horror! The horror! * Ad Deadline Date - Wednesday, April 19, 2000 * Shipping Date - Wednesday, May 10, 2000 DORK TOWER #11 - "Angry Young Fan" Special Summer Convention issue: this is the DORK TOWER that will be available at Origins, The San Diego Comic Con, the Wizard World Chicago Comic Con and Gen Con! * Ad Deadline Date - Wednesday, June 14, 2000 * Shipping Date - Wednesday, July 5, 2000 DORK TOWER #12 - "Dork Shadows" The return of Gilly the Perky Goth in our annual, highly-anticipated Halloween GOTH issue! Including ANOTHER free DORK TOWER game! * Ad Deadline - Wednesday, August 16, 2000 * Shipping Date - Wednesday, September 6, 2000 DORK TOWER #13 - "A Very Dorky Christmas" The big holiday issue! * Ad Deadline - Wednesday, October 11, 2000 * Shipping Date - Wednesday, November 1, 2000 ______________________________________ * 2000 Convention Schedule ______________________________________ Late-breaking news: I'll be in Carbondale, IL, in late March for Egyptian Campaign 2000 (http://www.siu.edu/~gamesoc/ecgamcon/guests.htm -- good to know that I draw "Wild Lide", andd am skilled at "ullustration"). But last year's big DORK TOWER WORLD TOUR took a lot out of me...so I'm cutting back, elsewhere. At the moment, the 2000 schedule is starting to look like this: * CONVENTIONS I'M COMMITTING TO (AKA my five-week midsummer from hell): ORIGINS (Columbus, Ohio): July 13-16 COMIC-CON INTERNATIONAL (San Diego): July 20-23 WIZARD WORLD (Chicago): August 4-6 GENCON (Milwaukee): August 10-13 * CONVENTIONS I CAN'T COMMIT TO YET, BUT I'D LIKE TO GET TO (I'm guessing there's a 50/50 chance or less of me getting to these): GAMA (Las Vegas) March 19-23 MOTOR CITY COMIC CON (Detroit): May 19-21 PITTSBURGH COMIC CON (Pittsburgh): April 28, 29 SMALL PRESS EXPO (Bethesda, Md): Sept. 15-17 The most likely of the latter cons I'll get to with the Mighty DORK TOWER Booth is the Small Press Expo. ______________________________________ * The Daily Cardinal Award ______________________________________ Got an unexpected e-mail the other day: "Dear Daily Cardinal Alumni, "In preparation for the May 13, 2000 Alumni Awards Dinner, I am collecting alumni nominees for the Daily Cardinal Alumni Association's four awards. Award descriptions and previous winners are listed below. I have included the nominations that I have received to date and welcome your comments: "WILLIAM WESLEY YOUNG AWARD "This award, named after the Cardinal's founder, recognizes a former Cardinal staff member who has been off the staff for at least five years and has enjoyed early prominence in a profession related to Cardinal staff work. A recipient must show promise for future accomplishment in his or her field. 1999 recipient: Anthony Shadid "2000 nominees: * Nathan Brackett, arts editor in 1990, is an associate editor with Rolling Stone. * Scott Dikkers, a graphic artist in the 1980s, is now president and editor in chief of The Onion. * Abby Goldman, campus editor from 1990-91, is now a reporter for the Los Angeles Times, who worked as part of Pulitzer Prize winning reporting team. * Peter Kafka, campus editor from 1991-92, is a reporter for Forbes magazine. * John Kovalic, graphics editor from 1986-87, is an artist for the Wisconsin State Journal and creator of "Wildlife" and "Dork Tower." * Stephen Thompson, a former Cardinal writer and supervisor between 1990-92, is entertainment and copy editor for The Onion. * Daniel Vebber, graphics editor in 1991, is now a staff writer for the series "Buffy the Vampire Slayer." What can I say, save for I'm honored, humbled, and look forward to losing to Scott Dikkers, Abby Goldman or the others enormously. ______________________________________ * Apples to Apples Expansion Deck 1 Released ______________________________________ Huzzah! It's out! 288 new cards, to add to the basic Apples to Apples game! As the promo copy says (MAN alive, I'm quoting a lot of promotional sludge in this newsletter): "The hilarious fun continues with thousands of new and outrageous comparisons. Just mix these cards into your "Apples to Apples" card set, and you're ready to play..." More good news! The FOURTH printing of Apples to Apples is now in stores. And APPLES TO APPLES JUNIOR was a huge hit at the New York Toy Fair last week, according to more than one source. Available now at the Dork Store: http://kovalic.com/sales/sales.html ______________________________________ * The Fantasy Roleplaying Gamer's Bible Released ______________________________________ Coming soon to a bookstore near you! Chock-full of DORK TOWER strips, published by Obsidian Studios! The first edition was a wonderful addition to my gaming shelves, and I'm pretty darn pleased to have been asked to lend a hand to the brand-new second edition. I'll see if I can't get some extra copies for the DORK STORE... ______________________________________ * The Munchkin's Guide to Power Gaming Released ______________________________________ Didn't get as many illustrations in as I'd hoped, in general because I just was *far* too busy when the call came down. But the book's a hoot! Check it out at the Steve Jackson Games website! (http://www.sjgames.com/munchkin/) (And by the way, there's kind of a nifty extra coming down the pipeline for Steve Jackson Games' Chez Geek game (http://www.sjgames.com/chez/), which I illustrated). ______________________________________ * Anybody know anything about SEARCH ENGINES? ______________________________________ I could use some help here from anybody who's skilled in the devious ways of Search Engines. Frankly, even on good weeks I don't have the time to do things like register Muskrat Central. These days, it's even worse than normal. If anybody would be so good as to instruct me in the ways of these beasts, I'd be ever so grateful. ______________________________________ * Dork Tower buttons back soon! ______________________________________ Soon as in, within a week or two. There are two sets of four buttons (Set 1: Mat, Ken, Carson and Igor. Set 2: Gilly, "What Would Igor Do," "Gothically Inclined Male Person" and "Roll the dice! I Want to see if I eat your spleen!") Available soon at the Dork Store: http://kovalic.com/sales/sales.html And, I don't want to anything away TOO soon, but SPEAKING of buttons, think four words: "Dork" "Tower" "Button" "Men" ______________________________________ * MUSKRAT-L Special Offer! ______________________________________ Just noticed that there's only ONE XL-size left of the original "Gaming is Life" T-shirt design. XXXXLs are gone. And there are one or two of most other sizes (M, XXL and XXXL). HOWEVER, there are 15 (!) large shirts left! Let's face it. I made these when I *first* started Dork Tower, and had no idea that gamers tended to come in size M or size XXXL. So I made far too many "mundane" sizes. So here's the deal - if you or anyone you know could use a large Original Gaming Is Life t-shirt, you can get them for HALF PRICE, or $10 each, plus $2 postage and handling. This is a MUSKRAT-L special only. Just drop me a line first to make sure there's still some available, and to make sure you get them at the sale price. All other sizes are regular price...but if you'd like one, you'd best get it soon. Just e-mail me first to make sure your size is still available. Remember -- these are the LAST of the original Gaming is Life shirts. They won't be reprinted. Just go to http://kovalic.com/sales/salescatalog.html to see these classics from Dork Tower's dim, dark past. Act now. Operators are standing by. :-) ______________________________________ *People I've Been Told I Look Like Recently. ______________________________________ * Tom Green * Jeff Goldblum * The late Carl Sagan. Be scared. Be VERY scared. ______________________________________ * Things I'm geeking on ______________________________________ * My pal Steve Marmel's stint on the Tonight Show. It was easily the best bit of the segment. Woo-hoo! * Co-Madisonian Mike Baron is posting his new novel, THE HODAG, on Steve Grant's fiction web site, @VENTURE.com. Word is it'll be up March 15. ALSO, Mike's got a brand-new e-mail mailing list, BARON-L@onelist.com. To subscribe, just send some e-mail to BARON-L-subscribe@onelist.com, or go to http://onelist.com/community/BARON-L. Anyone who's into the Badger, Nexus, or any of Mike's too-cool-for-words projects should definitely sign up. * The Finn brothers. Neil, in particular. Sorry. I'm listening to several Crowded House albums, as well as the Finn's solo works, right now (Matthew Sweet finished a while ago). Man, is my mood getting better. * The fact that cartoonist Kevin Knight's new collection of the K Chronicles, "Dances With Sheep," is out now. * The last couple of issues of Alex Robinson's Box Office Poison. MAN, is this comic great. But I still can't believe he killed off you-know-who... * My wonderful, beautiful wife, the lovely and talented Judith. We celebrated our seventh dating anniversary (and fifth engagement anniversary) this weekend at the Blackwolf Lodge, a hotel/indoor water park at the oh-so cheesy Wisconsin Dells. I fall deeper in love with her every day of my life. See you soon! John ------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Muskrat-L list is a monthly read-only mailing list, updating all who care on the doings of DORK TOWER and other such scribblings of John Kovalic, including the comic strips WILD LIFE, Beached and the Unspeakable Oaf. The Dork Tower Mailing List is a honest-to-goodness mailing list, full of discussions of Dork Tower, Shop Keep, Wild Life and other Kovalic cartoons. Subscribe by sending an e-mail to dorktower-subscribe@onelist.com, or by going to http://onelist.com/community/dorktower. Available in regular or crunchy digest version! Other DORK TOWER web pages to check out! The NextPlanetOver.com DORK TOWER Message Boards: http://www.nextplanetover.com/pulse/dorktower.asp The Dork Tower Club at Yahoo: http://clubs.yahoo.com/clubs/dorktower Eric Bouchard's French Canadian Dork Tower Fan Page: http://pages.infinit.net/kodt/dorktower.htm Johanna Draper Carlson's "Comics Worth Reading" Dork Tower Overview: http://www.mindspring.com/~johannadc/comics/dorktower.html Bruno Chevalier's French Dork Tower, Beached and Wild Life Pages: http://www.lurpa.ens-cachan.fr/~Chevalier/kovalic/index.html ----------------------- Soylens viridis homines est. ***************************************************** DORK TOWER #8 ("High Sobriety'") is OUT SOON! ***************************************************** "Dork Tower," "Shop Keep," "Beached," "Wild Life," "Murphy's Rules": http://kovalic.com +++++ CLAYPOOL COMICS solicitations for JUNE, 2000: _____________________________________________________________ ELVIRA #86: Elvira's starring in a TV show about an all-female detective team -- written by TV wonder boy David E. Telly. The problem is the show stinks and only Elvira's hilarious rewrites can save it. it's all in "Snoop Troop!" by Frank Strom, Dave Simons, and Louis Lachance. Also, Elvira's making hearts race at the race-car circuit in "It's the Pits" by John Wilcox and Buddy Scalera. Color Photo Cover of Elvira B&W Interior 32 pages $2.50 REMEMBER: Claypool Comics can be ordered as back issues. Reorders can be placed for Elvira #81, 82, 83 ,84, or 85 along with your order for #86. PLUS: All Claypool Comics have easy, reader-friendly intro pages on their inside front covers, making it simple to get a new reader started enjoying our stories. ______________________________________________________________ DEADBEATS #42: When the mayor's wife went over the cliff, it scotched his chances to stay in office. Now the real culprits are revealed, the ones who plotted to gain control of the vampire-plagued town. Also, the fourth membership slot in the Deadbeats appears to be taken -- but vampires Martine and Colleen will be sorry about the results. It's all in "Dark Dealings!" by Richard Howell and Ricardo Villagran, with a cover by Howell and Leialoha. Color Cover B&W Interior 32 pages $2.50 REMEMBER: Claypool Comics can be ordered as back issues. Reorders can be placed for Deadbeats #37, 38, 39, 40, or 41 along with your order for #42 PLUS: All Claypool Comics have easy, reader-friendly intro pages on their inside front covers, making it simple to get a new reader started enjoying our stories. ______________________________________________________________ ALL CLAYPOOL TITLES CAN BE RE-ORDERED -- AND WE RECOMMEND THAT YOU START WITH OUR PERENNIAL TRADE PAPERBACK COLLECTIONS ______________________________________________________________ ELVIRA MISTRESS OF THE DARK TPBK "Comic Milestones -- Comics Format!" The very best of the adventures of Elvira, Mistress of the Dark as she faces foes both fearsome and farcical. Make sure you get your customers to sign a laugh-release so you won't be responsible if they suffer harm from extreme amusement. The volume is an incredible 152 pages if sexy, silly, satirical sashays by Elvira. Buy it for your sexist roommate! Buy one for your feminist cousin! Your mother! Your job counselor! Everyone will enjoy Elvira -- except those who have absolutely no sense of humor! Don't become one of them!! This collection features work from the first twelve issues of Claypool's Elvira Mistress of the Dark comics series, nominated by the British Comics professionals Society as Best Humor Comic (and they read it). Stories and Art by: Kurt (Astro City) Busiek, Paul (Batman Adventures) Dini (his first published comics work), James (New Shadowhawk) Fry, Terry (Mr. Miracle) Austin, Dave (X-Men) Cockrum, Ricardo (Strange Tales) Villagran, Jim (Spider-Man) Mooney, and a host of others! Every line approved by Elvira herself as being witty and/or curvaceous enough for her! New Photo Cover B&W Interior 152 pages $12.95 ______________________________________________________________ SOULSEARCHERS & COMPANY TPBK "On the Case" The early adventures of the funniest supernatural investigators that ever existed! Discover the roots of Bridget, Baraka, Kelly, Janocz, and Peterson in their f