---------------------------------------------------------------------- Ed Dukeshire and Mike Imboden Present: THE COMIC BOOK NET ELECTRONIC MAGAZINE ISSUE NUMBER 271 1999 EAGLE AWARD NOMINEE 6/30/2000 Edited by: David LeBlanc - ComicBkNet@aol.com FREE VIA EMAIL SINCE FEBRUARY 1995 ______________________________________________________________________ C O N T E N T S ----------------------------------------------------------------------- [A] Submissions, mailing address, web page [1] On the Net ............................ David LeBlanc [2] Letters to the Editor ................. Your Page! [3] TRIVIA CONTEST ........................ Win *real* prizes! [4] Network Buzz .......................... News, gossip & rumors [5] Interview: Dan Schaefer ............... Paul Dale Roberts [6] On Patrol with John Arcudi ............ Tim O'Shea [7] Great Googaly Moogaly ................. Chad Trout [8] M.O.E. Reviews ........................ Paul Dale Roberts [9] My View:SAMURAI GUARD/INFINITE TALES .. David LeBlanc [10] New Comic Book Releases List .......... Charles LePage [11] HYPE! Section ......................... Various ______________________________________________________________________ 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 strips: Steve Conley's ASTOUNDING SPACE THRILLS AND DR. CYBORG by Alan Gross & Mike Oeming ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 a message 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. Opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the Editor, the Network Administration Team or the members and users of The ComicBook Network. ______________________________________________________________________ ----------------------------------------------------------------------- [A] E-Mag Info: Submissions, Back Issues, Web Page SUBMISSIONS ----------- To submit an article, review, column, etc. to our e-mag, simply E-mail it to the editor at: ComicBkNet@aol.com Reviews of mainstream books are welcome and we encourage reviews of indies and self published material as we feel that material deserves more exposure to the general public. If you write intelligent, coherent, and timely reviews of anything it will almost always be printed so give us a shot. Commentary on the state of the industry, and personal observations and reflections related to comics are *most* likely to be included in our publication. PLEASE, no material on Gaming, role playing, collectible card games or other hobbies or collectibles other than comic books. That does not include plugs for web pages UNLESS they are concerned with print comic books. We do not promote web comics as we do not consider them to be comic books. SEND US YOUR WORK ----------------- We also accept product for review purposes. Advanced copies of comic books will not be returned but anything sent to us *will* be reviewed in the ComicBook Net Emag. Send all material to: David L. LeBlanc 84 Heather Circle Jefferson, MA 01522-1419 Material is generally reviewed in the order received and be advised that we work a few weeks in advance so your review may not be in the magazine immediately. Advanced copies are therefore encouraged so the review will occur prior to your product hitting the stores. THE Comic Book Net WEB PAGE http://members.aol.com/ComicBkNet ---------------- If you have access to the World Wide Web, please stop by and visit our web page! On our web page, you can find the latest issue of our E-Mag, as well as all back issues and an annotated index. You'll also find important information and other neat features like links to the HTML version of the current issue of this magazine at DIGITAL WEBBING, [http://www.digitalwebbing.com/cbem], some of the comic companies and creators' web pages and many other Comic Book related links! You can also find some back issues at America Online, by going to Keyword: COMICS, then choose the menu item _Comic Book Forum_ and then going to the _Comics Library_ from there. These are non-zipped text files. ______________________________________________________________________ ----------------------------------------------------------------------- [1] On the Net David LeBlanc No sooner do I run an editorial on what we do NOT promote here or on the web page then I get two requests for links to online "comic book" web sites. I don't get it. They are NOT comic books! They may be a form of comics, even strips though some are more like cartoons with the animation they have - but they are not books. AND, I will say it again - we are dedicated to promoting Comic books that are PRINTED and meant to be read on paper. There is nothing wrong with that other stuff, more power to you and good luck. And while on the subject of electronic stuff. Here is NO-NO numero UNO in my book. NEVER, NEVER, NEVER sign up someone to a mailing list no matter WHAT it is about or what you THINK they may want. You are abusing the privilege of the service that allows you to do a mass mailing, or list serve type mailing and are more than likely violating their terms of service. That little line in there about "if you do not want this newsletter just send a message to unsubscribe@etc.com" is the stuff of insincere SPAM originators - it does not let you off the hook and it does not excuse signing up someone without their consent. If you really want the person send them a short, polite note ASKING them to check out what you have and then IF they want the Ezine or whatever THEY can send the request to join. If not they won't have a basis to report you since it was a one time mail asking them to check you out. Comics in other media observation. I got a flyer stuffed in with some mailers for Mystic Color Labs - a national developer of photo film. The ad is from a company in Richardson, Texas called Personalized Children's Books. You may have seen this before, or a similar offer. They take a children's book or create one from scratch, and insert your kids names and their friends as the characters, their hometown and a personal message from you as well. This particular company has some well known properties to choose from, no doubt through some hefty licensing fees. Among them, Star Wars, Sesame Street, Looney Tunes, and others. In the standard 9X6 size is a BATMAN story book and in the larger 12X9 size a SPIDER-MAN book. This might be a way to get them interested in comics as reading material. Speaking of reading material, here is a few new books this week: ABSTRACT STUDIOS Strangers In Paradise Vol III #33, 2.75 AWESOME ENTERTAINMENT Supreme The Return #6, 2.99 <----Pick of the Week (Alan Moore) CROSSGEN COMICS Meridian #1, 2.95 DC COMICS Supergirl #47, 2.25 DIAMOND PUBLICATIONS Previews Vol X #7, AR IMAGE COMICS Section Zero #1, 2.50 WIZARD ENTERTAINMENT Gatecrasher The Series #1, 2.50 And speaking of stuff at the comic store, THAT'S ENTERTAINMENT is having FRANK CHO, creator of LIBERTY MEADOWS for an in store appearance on Saturday, August 5. The guys are working out the details of a promotional tie in with this Emag, likely a special prize for the trivia contest. If you are a fan, and are within driving distance of Worcester, MA, I urge you to mark your calendar and show up between 10:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Frank is a terrific artist and his work is lots of fun to read. Make it a summer outing to remember. As we celebrate the birthday of the good old US of A next week, comics will be late to the stores by a day. To all my fellow citizens, enjoy the long weekend and happy Independence Day! David LeBlanc - ComicBkNet@aol.com Editor The Comic Book Net Electronic Magazine ______________________________________________________________________ ----------------------------------------------------------------------- [2] Letters to the Editor If you want to comment on this or any previous issue, want to offer something for us to publish, or just want to shamelessly suck up to the editor to try and get your name in print send Email to: ComicBkNet@aol.com Note: Letters of comment may be used in future issues of CBEM unless you specifically request us NOT to use them. Your Email address and/or name will be withheld upon request. +++++ Subj: Superman From: teva@sprint.ca (tony) Dear David, Many thanks for the review of the 20/20 program on George Reeves. I share your feeling about the show and the presentation of the character. It may have been my youth, but I had no difficulty accepting the presentation of this character on the screen vs. the comic, and that has become something rare for me. Superman was likely my first "must see" TV show, and I still enjoy it. Local trivia note: Bill Kennedy, minor Hollywood actor, returned home to the Windsor-Detroit area to host an afternoon movie/guest show for many years. His was the voice of the announcer of the show. I would have also enjoyed seeing the 20/20 bit, but your description was the next best thing. Thanks again. Tony Baltulis +++++ Subj: dis + dat From: senft@worldnet.att.net (Donna Ellis € Mitchell Senft) Firstly, I was watching Superman II on HBO Sunday afternoon with my 4 year old (who let me know that it wasn't real). And I started to get curious: I have heard weird stuff about the production, but references, not the actual story. As we might recall, the first two movies were shot simultaneously, more or less. But there was a change of director mid-way through S2. I also heard, maybe attendant to that, that with the change of director, part 2 was effectively a whole new, re-shot movie. So: Does anyone know the full story or could lead me it? Please? Meanwhile, I was just now surfing at Stan the Man's site, now that I finally (bothered) to get Shockwave. What a waste -- the site, not the plug-in. A 1+ MB download for caca? Please. More like an example of the superiority of print, at least in this regard. Paul Chadwick's first Matrix strip worked fine without all the excessive technical crap. there's no reason -- I think -- for an adequate web comic to work as a 'way smaller document. What is it? Gratuitous sounds? Voice tracks for the illiterates? Feh! Besides, as we elders recall, Stan was a great writer and editor, but ultimately only as good, and no better than, his collaborators, so I ask you: why bother? And I'll spend the $$ on the DC project: it'll be for the art and concept, certainly not the stories. ("Ravage 2099" anybody?) Last, the Monday 26 June N.Y. Times had a mediocre article on the dreadful state of comic books. I got a copy for anyone who asks. Mitchell ______________________________________________________________________ ----------------------------------------------------------------------- [3] [TRIVIA CONTEST] **THE FIRST PLACE TO FIND THE EMAG EACH WEEK IS ON OUR HOME PAGE!** IF YOU ARE DESPERATE TO WIN THE TRIVIA, GO THERE FIRST ON FRIDAY NIGHT http://members.aol.com/ComicBkNet/emag.htm QUESTION OF THE WEEK Prizes donated by Discount Comic Book Service at www.dcbservice.com where you can order most DC, Marvel, Image, and Dark Horse comics, statues and retail products for 35% off. +Submit your own trivia and win the CHEEZY PRIZE(tm) if you can stump+ +the readers! You MUST submit the correct answer with your question.+ LAST ISSUE'S QUESTION OF THE WEEK: > Which character from the original ULTRAVERSE Made it to a live action > TV show adaptation? John Northey was the first to answer NIGHT MAN. He added this comment: Almost answered Firearm due to the movie, but Night Man had the tv series. And, many made the mistake he did not. The FIREARM movie was a direct to video production, never broadcast as a TV show. John wins Star Wars: Prelude to Rebellion Trade Paperback from our sponsor. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++ THIS WEEK'S TRIVIA QUESTION: What animated TV show are some of the characters in DR. CYBORG patterned after? 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 X Marks the Spot. Islands of Adventure Slated for X-Cellent Summer Universal Orlando's Newest Theme Park Introduces Two X-Cellent Attractions, New X-Treme Sports Showcase...and Other X-Tras X-Men Super Heroine 'Storm' Harnesses Whirling Weather To Defeat Archenemy Magneto in 'Storm Force Accelatron' Flying Unicorn' Mini-Coaster Soars Through Magic Forest Xtreme Xventure' Pits Bikers, Bladers and Boarders Against Law of Gravity And...Prospective Presidents, Prehistoric Pounding, Parades and Pyrotechnics ORLANDO, Fla., June 29 /PRNewswire/ -- X-treme temperatures are breeding X-cellent adventures as Islands of Adventure at Universal Orlando heats up Summer 2000 with a host of new rides, attractions and shows. (Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000629/FLTH028) There are rides that will sweep families into the midst of whirlwind battles between super heroes and super villains or transport them aboard a larger-than-life unicorn to an enchanted wood filled with mythical creatures, fairies and gnomes. And a new extreme sports show places guests inside the airborne mayhem as BMX bikers, skate-boarders and roller-bladers hurl and spin, narrowly avoiding collision 40 feet overhead. Islands of Adventure's two new rides and six new shows -- along with the newly opened MEN IN BLACK ALIEN ATTACK attraction at the adjacent Universal Studios motion picture and television theme park -- make Universal Orlando the "can't miss" center of the entertainment universe for Summer 2000. STORM FORCE ACCELATRON concentrates the potential of human energy to augment the powers of the X-Men super-heroine Storm, as she and Universal guests attempt to defeat Magneto, the X-Men's most unrelenting nemesis. The ride, located on Marvel Super Hero Island adjacent to the thunderous energy of The Incredible Hulk Coaster spins 360 degrees every two seconds, harnesses the forces of spinning vortexes in order to send cyclonic energy surges to the Accelatron's central core. As guests enter the Accelatron, they learn that Storm, majestic mistress of weather, has requested the aid of her mentor, Professor Xavier, as the evil Magneto has begun a rampage of terror that will ultimately affect all mankind. Xavier and Storm, realizing that they alone cannot defeat Magneto, request the aid of humans to repulse the powers of darkness. Guests board circular Power Orbs, specially designed to convert human energy into massive electrical forces through the power of "cyclospin." As the Accelatron's generator powers up, guests are bombarded by sonic and visual impulses. They grasp the Power Orb's rudder, spinning the Accelatron faster and faster as the kinetic human energy converted by "cyclospin" actuates natural energy through the central core, creating a magnificent thunderstorm of swirling light and sound, providing Storm enough power to easily defeat Magneto's wicked schemes. Sharp-eyed visitors to Islands of Adventure's wondrous Lost Continent will discover traces of mythical creatures, fairies and gnomes. At the end of a meandering path hidden under the trees, they will spot the FLYING UNICORN, an exhilarating flight of fancy through the skies aboard a magical vehicle constructed by an ancient sorcerer. The Flying Unicorn is the first roller coaster at Islands of Adventure, a theme park known for its thrilling coasters, that is built just for kids. In order to find the "Flying Unicorn," children will first discover a wizard's workshop, hidden behind ancient vine-covered oaks, flowers and ferns and surrounded by delicately carved topiaries. Gazing balls reflect tiny gnomes as the breezes echo the sounds of delicate wind chimes (or are those giggling fairies?). Visitors enter the workshop, eyeing an old stone fireplace and mantle topped with alchemist's tools, jars and potions. Unseen elves reveal secrets of boarding the Unicorn and suddenly the Pegasus appears. As if drawn by a spell, children climb aboard his back, and as magical incantations are heard, the steed soars skyward, on a gentle, undulating journey towards the clouds. Beginning July 2, the Toon Amphitheater is invaded by "Generation X" as bad-boy BMX bicyclists, psycho skateboarders and radical rollerbladers grind, spin and fly across the stage in the new XTREME XVENTURE. This in-your-face extreme sports showcase combines daring stunts, breakthrough techniques and primo pyrotechnics set to a ravin' beat and features the largest cast of daredevil athletes ever assembled on one stage. Marvel Comics fans will find themselves in the middle of the action with MARVEL SUPER HEROES ON PARADE. Guests will meet their favorite Marvel super heroes and villains up close as the comic-book characters leap off the page and onto the streets in a massive motorcade at Marvel Super Hero Island. Just in time for election season, guests will watch the erudite Bullwinkle J. Moose and Boris Badenov debate the "issues" in the BULLWINKLE FOR PRESIDENT street show on Toon Lagoon. They'll also get the chance to see if they have what it takes to become an apprentice knight in MERLIN'S MYSTIC KNIGHTS on Lost Continent Island -- and thrill to primitive, rhythmic drum beats as they watch PREHISTORIC RHYTHYMS on Jurassic Park Island. Finally, after a day full of memorable adventures, guests can thrill to a pageant of pyrotechnics with the all-new ADVENTURE TO THE STARS, an explosive display of dancing color, light and music. Beginning July 5, 2000, Adventure to the Stars can be seen nightly at 9:55 p.m. high above the Islands of Adventure Inland Sea. Universal Orlando is a joint venture between Universal Studios (www.universalstudios.com), a unit of The Seagram Company Ltd., a global entertainment and beverage company, and The Rank Group Plc. Universal Orlando (www.uescape.com) includes the Universal Studios theme park; the new Islands of Adventure theme park; CityWalk, a 30-acre themed entertainment complex; and world-class on-site hotel accommodations. Rank Group is a leader in leisure and entertainment and operates two business streams: it provides services to the film industry and entertains consumers directly through its portfolio of strong leisure and entertainment brands. Its famous brands include Hard Rock, Odeon, Butlin's and Mecca. In 1998, the group turnover was over 2.1bn pounds sterling and operating profit was 280m pounds. Worldwide, Rank employs around 45,000 people. SOURCE Universal Orlando +++++ Image Comics Brings Back The Monster Fighters Anaheim, CA - Image Comics is pleased to announce the return of the fan-favorite Monster Fighters with the release of MONSTER FIGHTERS INC: THE BLACK BOOK #1 scheduled for a September release with the solicitation appearing in the July 2000 issue of PREVIEWS. The Monster Fighters have been called a cross between the Ghostbusters and the X-Men, and MFI: THE BLACK BOOK promises to be the team's creepiest, most intriguing and action-packed adventure yet. In this issue, our young heroes go up against vampire gangs, Neo-Nazis contingents and demons hordes all wanting to get their hands on "The Wicked Bible of 1462" - a once holy book with a misprint that somehow transformed it into a powerful conduit for dark magic. MFI: THE BLACK BOOK includes 24-pages of story, plus some exclusive behind-the-scenes material brought to you by the same creative talents who produced the critically acclaimed "Ghosts of Christmas" MFI special this past December. "It was a scheduling coup getting everyone from the last book working on this new release," claims J. Torres, writer and co-creator of the series. "With Francis (Manapul, penciler) doing his freelance work for Top Cow, Arthur (Dela Cruz) coloring for everyone under the sun, including comic strips for Nickelodeon and YTV, and me also releasing books from Oni Press and Fanboy Comics later this year, we had to work overtime to get the issue ready for when Image wanted to release it." The creative team pulled through, and MFI: THE BLACK BOOK will ship in September in plenty of time for stores to include the one shot in their Halloween promotions. Anthony Bozzi, Image Director Of Marketing says, "While The Black Book has no direct ties to Halloween -- some stories and seasons just belong together. An earlier MFI release means more time for The Black Book to become this Halloween's most thrilling and essential reading material. Besides, I'm personally just too excited and couldn't possibly wait any longer for a new MFI thriller!" MFI: THE BLACK BOOK #1 is a full-color one shot special retailing for $3.50 US. Look for the solicitation on page 139 of the July issue of PREVIEWS for product shipping in September 2000 (item number = JUL001094). Visit the official Monster Fighters website for more information, or follow these links for an exciting sneak peek... View the MFI: The Black Book cover: http://www.monsterfighters.com/pictures/mficover3.jpg View MFI: The Black Book page 9: http://www.monsterfighters.com/blackbookpg9.html View MFI: The Black Book page 10: http://www.monsterfighters.com/blackbookpg10.html View MFI: The Black Book page 11: http://www.monsterfighters.com/blackbookpg11.html View MFI The Black Book page 12: http://www.monsterfighters.com/blackbookpg12.html Contacts: Anthony Bozzi Director of Marketing, Image Comics Tel: 714-288-0200 Fax: 714-288-2898 J. Torres Writer, Monster Fighters Inc. Tel: 714-288-0200 Fax: 714-288-2898 +++++ From the SPLASH PAGE of Comicon.com at: http://www.comicon.com/splash/ NY TIMES: 'COMICS FIGHT TO SURVIVE!' REAL WORLD TAKES HEED OF COMICS' COLLAPSE! June 27: To anyone who has followed the business of comics for the last five years, describing the state of the industry is easy: its a trainwreck. The Direct Sales Market, which powered a huge expansion of comics in the eighties and early nineties, has crashed and burned, forcing publishers, distributors and shop owners out of business as readers departed comics in droves. But, in a surreal disconnect, perpetuated for years by the public relations departments of the few remaining publishers and last surviving distributor, the national news media missed the story entirely, often portraying comics as a dynamic powerhouse industry that was growing in leaps and bounds. This appears to be changing. In recent news articles and interviews, Stan Lee has taken off the rose tinted glasses when describing the plight of the comics business. Lee's high profile move to the Internet, in conjunction with the public perception of him as a major comics spokesperson, has begun to make a dent in reporters' and editors' understanding of what's really been happening in the industry. In recent weeks, Scott McCloud's REINVENTING COMICS was released by DC's PARADOX PRESS, providing a comic book chronicle of the the rise and fall of the form in the last decade. And Marvel's new President, Bill Jemas, has given a number of interviews in which he pulls no punches about the hard times comics have fallen on (SEE ARTICLE BELOW). Yesterday, THE NEW YORK TIMES finally picked up the story of dwindling audiences, a collapsing retail network, and an exclusive distribution oligarchy that doesn't work, saying: "Everyone from Marvel Enterprises, the industry giant and home of Spider-Man, to small publishers like (Mark) Alessi (of CROSSGEN) are fighting to increase sales. The task is becoming increasingly difficult as the number of comic-book shops drops and fewer newspaper stands and supermarkets carry the thin magazines that are often filled with pictures of macho men, well-endowed women and vicious villains. Even the superhero genre -- the books that generally power sales -- may be in need of rescue. While tales of characters gifted with superhuman abilities continue to be popular among the mostly middle-class, white men who have grown up reading comic books, they do not necessarily pull in the younger, more diverse readers who would help the industry increase sales." "Most people are still trying to survive in a milieu that doesn't work anymore," Justin Savage, president and editor of Saber's Edge Associates Studios, a small collective of artists in Minneapolis told the TIMES. "The market is getting smaller because people get sick of it or die off." The TIMES said: "The death of Superman in the early 90's led to the current slump in the comic-book industry, some industry insiders said. When Superman was reborn, speculators drove up sales by buying up huge quantities of the first issue. Mitch Cutler, the owner of St. Mark's Comics in New York, remembers trying to dissuade one businessman from buying 500 copies so that his regulars could still find the comic. Others say the industry's current problems started when Marvel began to have financial difficulties in the early 90's. The company, which eventually filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, was beset by troubles with management. Now, Marvel has a new management team and is focusing its efforts on using tie-ins with Hollywood to pull more readers into comic-book shops. Even the staunchest supporters of comic books say that the industry is facing problems in everything from production to distribution to marketing. There are no hard and fast figures for the industry. Publishers and distributors are secretive about sales. In fact, the only figure that insiders agree upon is the number of comic-book stores. Today, there are fewer than 4,000, down from more than 10,000 during the comic boom in the mid-90's. "I think people like comics as much as ever, but now it's very difficult to buy them," said Stan Lee, creator of Spider-Man and an icon in the industry. "There used to be so many places to buy comic books; there used to be a corner store in every city." The TIMES said: "Marvel, DC Comics, Image Comics and Dark Horse Comics, four of the largest companies, all have direct sales distribution contracts with Diamond Comic Distributors of Timonium, Md. Diamond became the dominant distributor in the 1990's, after a failed attempt by Marvel to move in on the distribution business. Marvel acquired Hero's World, an East Coast comic-book distributor, in the early 90's. Soon after, the company announced that Hero's World would distribute only Marvel comics and that only Marvel comics would be sold through Hero's World. The move forced most of the other established distribution companies out of business. Several of Marvel's competitors signed with Diamond. Marvel eventually left the comic-book distribution business, and Diamond was the only major distributor left. Comic-book shop owners grumble about having to go through Diamond to get Marvel or DC comics. They say the company treats them like adversaries, rather than partners." While Lee, Jemas, McCloud and others in the industry are sending out the clarion call, some key players in comics continue to publicly act as if everything is fine. DC Comics Publisher Paul Levitz told the WASHINGTON POST last week, "Comics aren't dying." Meanwhile, Steve Geppi, the chief executive at Diamond, which controls 95% of what's left of the Direct Sales Market, "did not return phone calls" from the TIMES requesting comment. BARKS PREPARES FOR FINAL ADVENTURE! AILING DUCKMAN REFUSES MEDICATION! June 29: News of the health of Carl Barks, released on the Internet this week, is not good. Barks, at 99 perhaps the greatest living comic book artist, is suffering from leukemia and has refused all medication that will prolong his life. In a letter posted to the Carl Barks Message Board last week, family friend, Detlef Giesler said: Dear family and friends, It is Carl`s wish that I write to his close friends and family and explain his current health condition. As most of you know Carl was diagnosed with Leukemia in July of 1999. The doctor has been treating the cancer with a very mild form of oral chemotherapy. Over the past 4 to 6 weeks Carl`s health has steadily become worse. He is very weak and tired, and spends the greater part of his day in bed or resting in his chair. Carl has requested all medications that are prolonging his life be stopped. He will no longer be given his chemotherapy pills. Helen Hunicke and I oversee Carl`s care. We are doing everything in our power to keep him comfortable. Helen arranged for Hospice care. There is a nurse and an aid who assist in Carl`s personal care and work with his doctor to insure that he is receiving the correct medication to help keep him comfortable. Short letters, cards or family photos would be enjoyed and appreciated, but please know that Carl is unable to respond to them. Helen or I will periodically keep you informed as to his condition. Also phone calls and visits should be kept brief due to the fact that he tires very quickly. Cards and letters can be sent to: Carl Barks, 1415 NE Heritage Drive, Grants Pass, OR 97526 USA +++++ From Beau Yarbrough's Comic Wire at: http://www.comicbookresources.com/ 'WIZARD' APOLOGIZES TO GORILLAS FOR 'DOOMED' COMMENT, FABRICATED FIGURES "Wizard" magazine apologized Tuesday for characterizing the new Gorilla Comics line of creator-owned comics as "doomed" and admitted their published analysis was made based on fabricated sales figures. In a press release sent out Tuesday morning, "Wizard" magazine "retracted and apologized" for comments in issue #106 saying that Gorilla Comics' "disappointing sales" of "Shockrockets" #1 had doomed the line. "Wizard" staff members had calculated the book's sales around 28,000, about 70 percent of the book's actual sales, which were in the 40,000 range. "I was flabbergasted by it," "Shockrockets" writer Busiek told the Comic Wire on Tuesday, "But it seems clear at this point that it was an error, and hopefully won't be repeated. If this was part of an ongoing editorial approach, I think it'd be terrible for the industry - I don't see any upside to a 'Guide to Comics' pronouncing doom on any publisher or imprint - but that's obviously not the case, and I'm sure 'Wizard' will be vigilant in the future to keep this kind of thing from happening again." Given the characterization of Gorilla's prospects in "Wizard," and the possible resulting financial harm that might have come to the line, many people would have taken legal action against the magazine. "Infighting serves no purpose," Mark Waid, whose "Empire" was the second Gorilla Comics title to debut, told the Comic Wire. "We'd rather spend our energies creating the best possible comics for our fans." "It's not what I want to do with my life," Busiek said. "I'm a comics writer, and I want to spend my time writing comics. If this couldn't have been resolved any other way, it would have been a consideration, but the important thing was to get the error corrected. 'Wizard' has acted to do that, and that's what counts. I'm happy that they've taken it seriously, and happy that they issued the press release. Suing them would waste a lot of my time, and regardless of the outcome, it's time I'd never get back. I'd rather focus on the important stuff - which is getting the problem fixed, not seeing how big a hammer I can hit the other guy with." As for how the books are really doing, Busiek was frank. "I don't think any publisher in the industry would say that he couldn't be doing better, and I'm no different. But 'Shockrockets' launched just fine … we did closer to 40,000 than what 'Wizard' reported, and since then, I keep hearing more encouraging statistics - we placed very high on Diamond's reorder-vvolume list, we just got listed as the #25 book in the industry in the sell-through charts that 'Comics Retailer' runs - I have no idea what it's all going to add up to at the end of the day, but we're in there swinging and I'm delighted with the response. The reaction from readers has been terrific -- they love Stuart [Immonen] and Wade [von Grawbadger's] art, and they seem to like the stories a lot, too." In the press release, "Wizard" said the figures were "based on rough estimates generated by its circulation department and therefore imprecise by definition. 'Wizard' traditionally uses these numbers internally strictly as an informal and preliminary gauge on the state of the industry." Wherever the figures "Wizard" was using had come from, they certainly hadn't come from Busiek. "Nope," Busiek said. "The first I heard of it was when I got a copy of those pages faxed to me by a friend who'd seen an advance copy." Busiek contacted "Wizard" "within days of finding out about it. And to their credit, they immediately realized it was an error and focused not on how to cover their butts but on how to fix the problem, for which I'm grateful." As for whether the incident has damaged Waid's relationship with "Wizard" publisher, Gareb Shamus, who is also the publisher of Black Bull Comics - for which Waid writes "GateCrasher" - it's not an issue, he said. "Nope - they've been great about maintaining the distinction between church and state, and everyone's still on good terms," Waid said Tuesday. "I have nothing but praise for the way in which Black Bull Comics has treated me past and present." Busiek doesn't believe what happened is indicative of the normal state of affairs at the magazine. "I've never heard of it happening before - and 'Wizard' seems determined to make it never happen again. So at this point I'm looking forward; there's no future in looking back …" +++++ From Comics2Film at http://www.comics2film.com G-MEN FROM HELL --------------- Producer Rick Albert told Comics2Film that his G-Men From Hell movie will definitely make its debut at a free screening at Comic-Con International in San Diego. The film will be shown at 9:30am on Saturday, July 22nd at the nearby Pacific Theater. Currently Albert expects G-Men creator Mike Allred and the film's director Christopher Coppola to attend. Actors from the film will also be invited to the screening, but none have committed so far. Tickets will be given away for free. "I will give preference to all of the people who responded by e-mail to [Comics2Film's write-up of 5/17] to help convince me to do this," Albert told us. "I'll probably have a list of those tickets, segregated at Comic-Con where they can pick them up so they'll be sure that they get tickets." Albert hasn't worked out the logistics of getting tickets to the people who wrote in, but he promised to let us know as soon as arrangements are made. The screening will be limited to an audience of 260. The tickets remaining after the reserved sets will be distributed first-come, first-served. The film has wrapped production this point and a screenable print is in the can. Albert told us the the movie has been given a PG- 13 rating by the MPAA. Although there's been plenty of things for the producer to do, not only in creating the film, but also in putting together promotions like the Comic-Con debut, he's found the process to be enjoyable. "It's fun because it's a comic book. It's fun because it's something people really care about out there." http://www.comic-con.org/ X-MEN ----- As reported last week by IGN FilmForce, an X-Men TV special focusing on Senator Kelly's anti-mutant agenda will air of Fox TV next month. Here's the official release from Fox: X-Men: The Mutant Watch, an all-new special which takes a unique approach to bringing viewers behind-the-scenes of the theatrical movie X-Men, airs Tuesday, July 11 (8:00-8:30 PM ET/PT) on FOX. X-Men is based on the best-selling Marvel Comics series about a team of genetically-mutated human beings shunned by ordinary humans. In the film, the mutants have come under the watchful eye of Senator Robert Kelly (Bruce Davison) whose priority is to identify and eventually destroy them with his Mutant Watch Campaign. Taking Senator Kelly's campaign as its theme, X-Men: The Mutant Watch follows a mock hearing by the Senate Subcommittee on Mutant Activities. Through the Senator's arguments viewers will be taken behind-the-scenes of the film with exclusive footage and interviews. Among the aspects of the film explored are: The difference between "good" and "bad" mutants and their struggle to maintain balance in a human world that constantly rejects and scapegoats them. The X-Men characters, who include: Jean Grey (Famke Janssen), Storm (Halle Berry), Wolverine (Hugh Jackman), Cyclops (James Marsden), Rogue (Academy Award-winner Anna Paquin), Magneto (Sir Ian McKellen), Dr. Xavier (Patrick Stewart), Mystique (super- model Rebecca Romijn-Stamos), Sabretooth (former wrestler Tyler Mane) and Toad (Ray Park). A behind-the-scenes interview with the film's director Bryan Singer (The Usual Suspects, Apt Pupil). The transformation of Mystique and Sabretooth from human actors to mutant characters using special effects make-up. A close-up look at the stunts and special effects. X-Men: The Mutant Watch is produced by Tom Grane and Richard Ingber at 20th Century Fox with Tom Grane directing. Corona Coming Attractions provides an update on the TV Special, as well as a look at the publicity materials distributed by the MutantWatch campaign. According to one Corona scooper, the special is filming at Second Church of Christ, Scientist on Adams Boulevard in Los Angeles, CA. Bruce Davison was not seen by the scooper at the filming. Fox has also been distributing Kelly anti-mutant buttons and bumper stickers to "local campaign managers." The managers were apparently enrolled through the MutantWatch site. One such manager reported to Corona that he'd received 150 bumper stickers, 50 pins and "a VERY cool shirt." If you just can't get enough of them X-Men the Oakley people have a new toy for you. Fans can check out their page devoted to Cyclops' Visor (which was designed by the company). The page features a 3-D computer model of the character's ruby-quartz visor (not to be confused with the sunglasses fans can purchase at the site). Users can view and rotate the visor on the display, look at a wire frame technological spec and see early prototype sketches. Thanks to Dark Horizons for the tip. The X-Fan website continues to display more cool stuff for X-Men fans. Among recent additions: Downloadable skins for use with the Maxis computer game, The Sims. The Sims is a simulation game that lets you control the lives of simulated human characters. The skins, will give your computerized humans the look of various characters from the movie. A look at two new X-Men movie trading cards from the upcoming Topps set and an in depth article giving you all the details on the trading card set. A new photo of Magneto and crew landing on Ellis Island. Just this week, the X-Fan website reported that the artwork for three Joe Jusko's X-Men movie covers to this week's Wizard magazine will be auctioned off on eBay. The Professor X, Sabretooth and Mystique covers are all to be sold during weekly auctions starting this week. The artist's painting of Patrick Stewart as Professor X is currently on sale. As of this writing, nobody has placed the opening bid of $2500. The Sabretooth painting goes up on July 3 with the rendering of Mystique hitting the auction site on July 10. http://www.mutantwatch.com/ http://filmforce.ign.com/news/1074.html http://www.corona.bc.ca/ http://www.oakley.com/visor/ http://www.darkhorizons.com/ http://www.fandom.com/x-men http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=367965872 X-MEN: EVOLUTION ---------------- The X-Fan website recently spoke with Bob Forward about the upcoming X-Men: Evolution animated TV show. The show is set to debut in the fall on Kids WB! Forward serves as story editor on the show. The new show is said to be aimed at younger viewers and will go light on the conflicts with super villains. "There is quite a bit of comedy," Forward told X-Fan. "Xavier`s role is that of a patient (but occasionally exasperated) parent and Wolverine is gruffly protective." The show will be new-viewer friendly, giving youngster's who are unfamiliar with the concept a chance to get acquainted with the various characters and their abilities. Forward also told X-Fan that they are considering putting Lockheed, Kitty Pryde's small, purple dragon in the show. http://www.fandom.com/x-men MARVEL/ARTISAN DEAL ------------------- X-Fan (again with the X-Fan) points readers to some additional interesting tidbits to be extracted from Entertainment Weekly's recent comic movie write-up. The article was featured in issue #545 of that magazine and has some additional information on the recently announced pact between Marvel and Artisan. The article states that budgets for the movies will range from $15million to $30million. The top four production priorities from the pact are said to be Black Panther, Deadpool, Iron Fist and Morbius. According to the write up, Artisan is talking to screenwriters, who are apparently beating down the studio doors to work on these projects. "The whole premise is to create a Marvel world within Artisan," Amir Malin, Artisan co-CEO is quoted as saying about the deal. "This is going to be a cornerstone for us." Back when the deal was first announced, the official press releases named only seven of what was said to be 15 properties that were part of the deal. However Daily Variety's reporting on the project included seven additional names. According to Variety, Longshot, Power Pack and Mort the Dead Teenager are part of the package. These would be developed as features along with the four mentioned above as well as Captain America and Ant Man. That disco-mutant Dazzler was named as a TV project. Thor is also slated for the small screen. Meanwhile, we should look for The Punisher, Man-Thing and The Black Widow as direct-to-video projects. Thanks to Drew Reiber for completing us! http://www.fandom.com/x-men http://www.ew.com/ http://www.variety.com/ RISING STARS ------------ A recent write-up on the SciFi.com indicates that Babylon 5 creator J. Michael Straczynski is looking to bring his comic book creation Rising Stars to the big screen. The TV and comic creator first explained that Top Cop was offering him his own publishing imprint. The imprint will be called Joe's Comics and will launch in September with an all-new title. Staczynski went on to say, "In addition to [Joe's Comics], we're in the process of selling the Rising Stars film rights, and there are some TV/film related projects that are in the early stages, but not yet nailed down to a point where I can talk about them. But expect some info in the next few weeks." http://www.scifi.com/ BABY BLUES ---------- Daily Variety reports that the animated version of Jerry Scott and Rick Kirkman's Baby Blues has finally been announced on The WB Network's schedule. The frog-net plans to premiere the half- hour comedy on Friday, July 28 at 8pm with a second episode following immediately at 8:30pm. The net plans to air all eight episodes during a four week summer run, with double-headers every Friday night. The show has apparently been on WB's agenda for almost five years and has been held back several times. Although the Friday night, summer slot will prove challenging for the new show, WB execs are still voicing enthusiasm. "We believe Baby Blues is our best foot forward in animation to date," WB Entertainment president Susanne Daniels said. "If it is successful, as we expect, Baby Blues will be brought back for midseason." http://www.variety.com/ http://www.babyblues.com/ PREACHER -------- Earlier this week the CHUD website put readers face-to-arse with makeup designs done for a movie version of Garth Ennis' Preacher. The site has on display a photo of makeup work done for the character of Arse-face. The work is said to have been done by Vincent Gustani for the movie. Arse-face provides the comic relief for the story. The characters is a man who is disfigured after shooting himself in the face with a shotgun as a boy. There's been no new word on any progress on the Preacher movie. http://www.chud.com/ http://www.chud.com/news/june00/jun20arse.php3 +++++ From The Daily Buzz at http://www.mania.com/newsarama/index.html Hitch on JLA: Heaven's Ladder Rob Allstetter Bryan Hitch is making a first big splash - and we mean BIG - on DC Comics' JLA. Hitch, the former Authority artist, is drawing JLA: Heaven's Ladder, a 72-page tabloid book due in September, before taking over as the regular artist on the JLA monthly. "It's very, very hard work," Hitch said. "And the pages are very large, so it's taking longer to do." Hitch said he co-plotted the one-shot with JLA writer Mark Waid and came up with the original concept. "If you're talking about it as a three-line movie pitch, that's what I came up with," Hitch said. "And then Mark and I sat down and said, 'Why is this happening?' and that's where Mark earned his fee as a writer. I can spit out a lot of ideas, and Mark has a lot of ideas, so we shuffle them around. Some of them actually will become as a story arc for one of the later JLA story arcs. We've come up with so many ideas." So what is Heaven's Ladder about? "What if a space ship as big as, say, Neptune, came along, stole the Earth, dragged it along to some other part of space and stick the Earth into some great machine made entirely of other planets from the universe?" Hitch said. "I can't tell you the shape it is because it would give away the whole plot device. When I told Mark that, he thought it was a great visual, especially when you see the book, and see exactly what this machine is. Then we had to figure out exactly what the aliens were, what they were doing and why they were doing it and why they needed all these planets. "We really have crafted a lot into it. So, hopefully, it will be enjoyable. We're thinking of it as a big, blockbuster science-fiction, super-hero movie. It is very high-concept science fiction, but there's a lot of action." Which are Hitch's favorite JLA characters to draw? "Actually, I thought it would be Superman or Batman, but the characters that I thought I wasn't going to enjoy drawing much, like Plastic Man and Aquaman," Hitch said. "I've actually found that I really enjoy drawing Plastic Man and I'm just getting to grips with Aquaman now. I think they're all fairly even. There are some, like Wonder Woman and Superman, because they're so iconic, ended up being a little more fun, but if you play the characters right, they're kind of rewarding." HSN Catches X-Fever On July 10, the Home Shopping Network and Dynamic Forces will be teaming up to present an X-Men movie extravaganza. Viewers will be able to purchase products signed by X-Men stars Sir Ian McKellen, Sabretooth, and Tyler Mane. Autographed copies of Marvel's X-Men Movie Prequel comics and other X-Men merchandise will also be available to order. The Home Shopping Network will air the X-travaganza at 1 PM and 11 PM ET. +++++ From Newsarama; http://www.Fandom.com/comics/ WINNER OF THE 1997 & 1998 INTERNET "SQUIDDY" FOR BEST WEB SITE PAYING THE `ULTIMATE' PRICE Readers curious about Marvel's upcoming Ultimate line were a bit intrigued by this week's release of the publisher's September 2000 solicitation copy. Readers learned Ultimate Spider-Man #1 - 48-pages with a cardstock cover - was going to the market at a retail price of $2.99, fueling speculation as to the cover price of subsequent 32-page (with ads) issues. According to Marvel's Bill Rosemann, ongoing issues of Ultimate Spider-Man will cost $2.50. "We`re printing the title on `slick` 45 pound `Rebax` paper with nice cardstock covers," Rosemann explained. "We`re going out into the mass market with the best possible ingredients - from the creative team to the paper it`s printed on - to show people that comic books can be quality products." Marvel also provided Newsarama a first look at series artist Mark Bagley's take on the Ultimate Spider-Man. Set against a computer enhanced photo background, Rosemann said interior art for the series will be traditional pencil & ink...but future promo pieces and covers may work in computer-altered photos as background settings. WORD ON THE STREET Fans looking for a Neil Gaiman fix will get a second chance at a project they might have missed first time around later this fall. Dark Horse is preparing a trade paperback collection of The Last Temptation a limited series written by Gaiman and illustrated by Michael Zulli originally published by the Marvel Music line. A "dark fantasy/brooding morality" tale based on a story by Gaiman and musician/rock icon Alice Cooper, based on Copper's album of the same name, DHC will publish the 104-page, 6"x9" collection printed in sepia (brown)-colored ink on cream paper to give it sort of an "Eisner-y touch". DHC describes the story this way_"Steven is afraid. Afraid of ghost stories, afraid of growing up - just afraid. That is until he meets the mysterious Showman and his Theatre of the Real. Steven takes a ticket and watches the show on a dare, but getting out of the performance will be harder than he ever imagined. And Steven learns what it is to be truly afraid." Milestone/Static creator Dwayne McDuffie announced to readers of his website that a trade paperback collecting the first four "origin" issues of the 1993-1997 Static comic book series is slated for for an October release. The issues collected in Static: Trial by Fire were written by McDuffie and Robert L. Washington III with pencils by John Paul Leon. McDuffie and Leon are again collaborating on the new Static four-issue mini-series, Static: Rebirth of the Cool, which will launch later this year. Work also continues on the new Static Shockanimated series and RealPlayer Preview of the series is downloadable at McDuffie's website. The long-in-development DC/Top Cow crossover JLA/Witchblade, by the creative team of Len Kaminski and Mark Pajarillo, has been slated for an October release, according to Diamond Comics Distributors. No doubt the so-called X-Men "completionists" will be able to snare one of the 3 million free copies of the abridged version of the Wolverine movie prequel comic 20th Century Fox will be giving away to theater goers seeing the upcoming X-Men movie_logically they'll be some of the first customers in line for the film. But true completionists will have to be on watch at the nation's biggest toy retailer, because as part of their promotional agreement with Toy Biz/Marvel/Fox, a limited edition gold-foil stamped comic will be offered as a "gift with purchase" incentive by ToysRUs. According to a spokesperson for Marvel, like the free Wolverine comic, this one will feature an abridged version of the movie adaptation one-shot, but it will also feature a variety of other features, designed to further "bridge the gap" and introduce non-comic readers interested in the film to Marvel's X-Men comics. In addition to a rare interview with the film's Wolverine, actor Hugh Jackman, and a feature called Magneto's X-Ray (which features photos of the movie's cast in costume with bios of their characters), the comic will also feature a two page "How a Comic Book is Made" feature using pages from the Magneto movie prequel comic, as well as character design sketches by Tom Raney featuring never before seen villains who will be appearing in upcoming issues of the `continuity titles', plus an unused Raney character design for Rogue. In addition, there will be two sketches by artist Pablo Riamondi giving fans their first look at the new Magik and redesigned Belasco who will appear in the September X-event Black Sun, plus preview art from writer Joe Harris' and artist Enrique Breccia's upcoming Wolverine graphic novel. MARVEL ANNOUNCES SOME X-MANUERVERING Marvel Comics`s Yourman has announced that penciler Adam Kubert has been chosen to pencil their upcoming Ultimate X-Men series. A new writer has not yet been named but an announcement is expected shortly. Kubert's replacement on Uncanny will be artist Salvador Larocca, an artist Marvel has been looking for a full-time gig for since it was announced Carlos Pacheco was taking over writing and penciling duties of the Fantastic Four. Larocca has been doing design work for the upcoming Ultimate X-Men, series, and will take over as Uncanny's main artist with October's issue #387. MORE MARVEL NEWS... In other news revealed at Marvel's "House" news column, here's the schedule for Marvel's Maximum Security event, detailing all the October titles taking part in the event. Week 1 (On Sale Oct. 4): MAXIMUM SECURITY #1 AVENGERS INFINITY #4 THOR #30 UNCANNY X-MEN #387 Week 2 (On Sale Oct. 11): AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #24 BLACK PANTHER #25 IRON MAN #35 Week 3 (On Sale Oct. 18): MAXIMUM SECURITY #2 CAPTAIN AMERICA #36 CAPTAIN MARVEL #12 BISHOP #15 INCREDIBLE HULK #21 PETER PARKER: SPIDER-MAN #24 THUNDERBOLTS #45 X-MEN #107 Week 4 (On Sale Oct. 25): AVENGERS #35 GAMBIT #23 MARVEL KNIGHTS #6 X-MEN UNLIMITED #29 Week 5 (On Sale Nov. 1): MAXIMUM SECURITY #3 According to Marvel, "In MAXIMUM SECURITY #1, and "a worldwide rash of alien menaces spreads, threatening to overrun humanity - not to mention Earth's crime-fighting community As if dealing with the USAgent in his new role as federally appointed `superhuman sheriff' weren`t enough, the Avengers face a bigger problem in the Kree warrior known as Ronan the Accuser - who announces that, now and forevermore, Earth shall become a holding cell for the universe`s worst perps! "Two weeks later, in MAXIMUM SECURITY #2, the Fantastic Four, the Avengers and the world`s super-powered defenders struggle to cope with the horde of alien criminals on Earth - one of whom threatens to swallow the planet whole! Meanwhile, in space, Professor X and Cadre K (his group of mutant Skrulls) storm the Galactic Council in search of answers! But it`s U.S.Agent who discovers the key to the true power behind MAXIMUM SECURITY!" Finally, YourMan has revealed a project entitled X-MEN: THE SEARCH FOR CYCLOPS! is in the works, as has been rumored and reported the last several weeks. MARAT MYCHAELS` DEMONSLAYER CHANGES ADDRESS Creator Marat Mychaels, whose Demonslayer Vol. 2 series "Into Hell" from Image Comics is just about to conclude with its 3rd issue, is just now gearing up for new Demonslayer adventures, but when readers do see the book again it will be at a different home. Mychaels confirmed with Newsarama that he's moving his series from Image to Awesome Entertainment when it returns this fall. "The reason we left Image was that I felt that there were to many books at Image Central," explained the writer/artist. "They picked the books they were going to push into the forefront. I felt Demonslayer deserved to be one of those books we had a quality product that improved with every issue, a good shipping schedule and a good sell-through. I felt that warranted better promotion from my publisher, but the people at the Image office didn`t agree. I don`t have any ill will towards Image - they can`t promote every book equally – and I left on pretty good terms. I just feel they made some bad choices in the books they wanted to champion_Time will tell." "The reason I went to Awesome is that Rob [Liefeld] liked Demonslayer from the beginning," Mychaels continued. "There were talks of taking it to Awesome from the start, but the talks never really got serious. But, Rob has always been one of my biggest supporters, we talked about my frustrations at Image and Rob said if I ever wanted to bring the book to him, the door was open. I decided that would probably be in my properties best interest, so here we are. "At Awesome I`m the `pretty girl at the dance'. They like the product, they like our timely shipping schedule and they want to promote it. Demonslayer becomes a bigger fish in a smaller pond. But it`s still a quality book that will continue to improve and hopefully build up its readership with more promotion from its new publisher. " The first Awesome issue of Demonslayer to be released through Awesome will be Demonslayer: Rebirth #1, which will ship in October. But even before that will be a Tower Records/WizardWorld 16-page exclusive Demonslayer #0, which will be available at this August's WizardWorld con in Chicago. Those will be followed by a Avengelyne/Demonslayer crossover that leads into the Demonslayer regular series. "The #0 special is a brand new story telling the origin of Jaclyn the Demonslayer, that we'll we produce exclusively for Tower to premiere at Wizard World," said Mychaels. "I`m not sure if Tower plans to distribute it in their stores, it`s up to them. But we are negotiating to put Demonslayer: Rebirth #1 into the Tower stores...and it looks like it`s going to happen." "Rebirth then basically opens up the story line, introducing a new major lead character, Ebon, and it'll further explore Jaclyn`s and Michael`s relationship. Jaclyn loves Michael no matter his appearance, but Michael can`t stop seeing himself as anything but a monster. Also there will be a love triangle that will develop between the 3 lead characters." Mychaels explained the new ongoing series will allow him to get into the "meat" of the story now that the six Image issues have set up the Demonslayer world. The creator expects the pace of the new series will be a little quicker, and that they'll be a greater focus on urban action than fantasy. "Not that the fantasy won`t be a major factor," Mychaels added. "In the first story arc our leads go to hidden catacombs under Vatican City and discover prophecies and ancient text that contradicts everything we have based all our religions on. They'll also run into an army who has sworn to keep that fact secret. Also the cadre of demons posing as humans (from the first 2 minis) return as the main baddies, and cause a lot of havoc each and every issue." "I've always described Demonslayer as X-Files meets Romeo and Juliet, continued Mychaels "We're really going to play up both those concepts. In Demonslayer what seems to be one way at one point won`t necessarily be the case a couple of issues later. I think that helps keep the readers from being bored and allows me to tell different types of stories." The creator also explained the Awesome issues will now ship on a six-week schedule, as he's come to realize that plotting, penciling, lettering and doing the production on the book a monthly schedule is not very "realistic" for him. DC TALKS HARLEY QUINN, ROBIN: YEAR ONE DC has provided some details to retailers and the comics press about two Bat-related projects debuting this October, the Harley Quinn ongoing series by Karl Kesel and Terry and Rachel Dodson, and Robin: Year One, a four-issue prestige format mini-series by co-writers Chuck Dixon and Scott Beatty and artist Javier Pulido. According to DC, "Harley Quinn is not the story of an honorable woman and her quest for justice. Instead, it`s a love story gone horribly, horribly, horribly wrong, especially in the first, extra-length issue, as the Joker`s girlfriend must do without Mister J`s "calming" influence! And considering just how many sandwiches short of a picnic Harley is, you know this book`s going to be wild! Harley is driven to astounding lengths to free her loony lover. And that`s just in the first seven pages! What follows is too strange for words, though it does involve one itsy-bitsy cameo by Batman. As for Robin: Year One, which tells the untold earliest adventures of Dick Grayson in his Boy Wonder days, DC says, "Already entrenched in the Batcave and his official training complete, young Dick Grayson has a world of experience to gain - and a ton of new enemies to make - beginning with the truly insane Mad Hatter! Ultimately, over the course of Year One, Robin crosses paths with many crazed villains in Batman`s Rogues Gallery and makes a new deadly enemy for himself - one who`s impact will be felt in the present-day pages of Nightwing! "Robin: Year One explores many facets of Dick`s early days as Robin, including his struggle to maintain a `normal' childhood while not only continuing to serve as the Boy Wonder, but as the ward of one of the world`s most visible, richest and eligible businessmen, Bruce Wayne. As the miniseries progresses, the relationships that Dick has with Bruce and Alfred play a crucial role in his formative years as a hero. Not unlike Batman: Year One, which became an enduring classic because of its account of a hero in the making, Robin: Year Onewill reveal how Dick became the hero he is today, as the full origin of Robin is finally told." Harley Quinn #1 is scheduled to be on sale October 11th; Robin Year One #1 is slated for an October 25th release. CROSSGEN REPORTS INITIAL SALES RANKINGS In a Wednesday press release, CrossGen Comics reported that all five of its #1/launch titles debuted in Diamond Comic Distributor`s Top 100 lists for initial order sales. The first CrossGen release, CrossGen Chronicles #1, debuted on the list of May 2000 shipping products at No. 100, the only title not published by Marvel, DC, Image or Dark Horse to crack the Top 100 for May. The following month, the first issues of CrossGen`s four monthly titles each debuted in the Top 100 for initial order sales for June 2000 shipping products. Mystic #1 placed No. 71, Scion #1 placed No. 83, Sigil #1 placed No. 85, and Meridian #1 placed No. 87, making those the highest placing issues outside of Marvel, DC and Image. The full, unedited text of the CrossGen press release can be read in Newsarama's Company Line area by clicking on the link. MARVEL NAMES ULTIMATE X-MEN WRITER Just a few days after Marvel announced the identity of their penciler for the upcoming Ultimate Marvel X-Men series, Newsarama has learned who will be writing the scripts artist Adam Kubert is slated to draw_and it looks like the publisher is once again going to the ranks of hot, up-and-coming writers to fill the role - The Authority's Mark Millar. "More details will follow soon," Marvel Mark Powers told Newsarama Wednesday morning, "but we`re happy to say we`ve got what we consider a kick-ass creative team locked down for Ultimate X-Men - Mark Millar and Adam Kubert. At the moment, we plan a December launch, and from what has been discussed thus far, readers are in for a wide, shocking ride." Reached for comment, Millar said he and Kubert are both "very, very excited about this book and the ground-breaking places Marvel have asked us to take it. We genuinely think the Ultimate line will save the industry and it`s bloody great to play such an integral part of it." Millar also wanted to give props upfront to Marvel Knight's Joe Quesada, who the writer called pivotal in lining up this assignment for him. "Joe and I have been secretly developing a huge Marvel Knights project for a couple of months (which no one will be expecting) and, when he heard that the X-Men position was available, he submitted some of my Authority issues to Bob Harras, Bill Jemas and Mark Powers." "Joe`s orchestrated of a lot of interesting Marvel signings recently," said Millar. "From Grant Morrison and Garth Ennis to Brian Bendis and Paul Jenkins. He`s kind of like Ozymandias in Watchmen in that he seems to be at the heart of the entire comic-book conspiracy. I don`t know what his evil scheme is ultimately, but the books are looking good for it anyway." Look for a more in-depth conversation with Millar regarding his plans for the series, as well as comments from Kubert, here at Newsarama very soon. BASEBALL`S NEW YORK METS PLAN CURIOUS COMIC BOOK PROMOTION While Marvel hopes to gain new readers by giving away free comics to moviegoers attending this summer's X-Men film, Major League Baseball's New York Mets will be chipping in to expose their younger fans to the medium. The Associated Press reports the Mets have commissioned a 24-page comic book that will be given away free to fans under the age of 14 attending this Saturday's game between the Mets and the Atlanta Braves. The comic reportedly features a villain who wants to blow up a No. 7 subway train, which stops at the Mets` home field Shea Stadium. The villain, Larcenous Vein, and his robotic henchmen are defeated by the Mets` multiracial lineup, with reliever John Franco pounding the bad guy into outer space with his baseball bat. The timing of the promotion is curious considering this weekend Braves reliever John Rocker will be returning to Shea Stadium for the first time since his infamous interview in Sports Illustrated, in which he expressed several politically incorrect views about various New Yorkers who ride the No. 7 train. Last week Rocker fueled the controversy by telling USA Today he planned to ride the train from his hotel to the games over the weekend. In efforts to avoid any violent or unruly incidents, the Mets have instituted a 2 beer per game limit for the weekend series and the city of New York plans to greatly heighten security at the stadium and the subway over the weekend, including assigning unformed police officers to surround Rocker should he decide to get on the subway. But the Mets say no similarities between the comic book and the Rocker situation was intended. "It`s a coincidence," said Mets spokesman Jay Horwitz. "The idea was conceived a long time ago." +++++ From Zentertainment; HTTP://WWW.ZENTERTAINMENT.COM To sign a friend up or begin receiving ZEN yourself, e-mail: subscribe@ZENtertainment.com WB EXTENDS 'DEADWORLD' OPTION WARNER BROS. recently extended its film option on CALIBER Entertainment's zombie comic DEADWORLD. "The script is finished by Todd Alcott (Antz), the special effects have been budgeted, and locations have been scouted," says CALIBER president Gary Reed, whose sources affiliated with the film state it is "heavily active." http://www.calibercomics.com FOX ACQUIRES 'ECHO' According to The HOLLYWOOD REPORTER, FOX has acquired the feature film rights to the IMAGE Comics series ECHO for Kaos (Full Contact) to direct. http://www.foxmovies.com 'TROOPS'' RUBIO WRITES 'STAR WARS' COMIC The fourth issue of DARK HORSE Comics' STAR WARS TALES, hitting stores this week, has a story written by Kevin Rubio, creator of the TROOPS short which combined STAR WARS and COPS. http://www.dhorse.com http://www.theforce.net/troops LEE TO NARRATE 'SPIDER-MAN' ACTIVISION has announced Stan Lee will narrate their upcoming SPIDER-MAN game. The SPIDER-MAN co-creator is joined by Rino Romano (Spider-Man Unlimited) as the voice of the title character, Jennifer Hale (Black Cat), Darran Norris (Venom, Scorpion), Dee Bradley Baker (J. Jonah Jameson, Rhino), and a head bad guy voiced by Efrem Zimbalist Jr.,. The anticipated release, due out for the SONY PLAYSTATION and NINTENDO 64 this summer, is the first free-roaming 3D action/adventure. http://www.activision.com http://www.stanleemedia.com UPDATE: One reader writes in to say Mark Evanier has announced talks for STAN LEE Media to acquire MIGHTY MOUSE are dead. +++++ From the DCOnline newsletter; http://www.dccomics.com/newsletter.html To subscribe, or for questions or comments about the DC newsletter, please email DCWebSite@aol.com. THE NEW BATMAN/SUPERMAN ADVENTURES/BATMAN BEYOND EPISODE SCHEDULE Warner Bros. Animation has supplied DC with the following air schedule for the animated The New Batman/Superman Adventures and Batman Beyond on the WB Network, airing Saturday mornings and on weekday afternoons. All times are Eastern and Pacific: 7/1/00 (8:00 am) -- "In Brightest Day" (Superman) 7/1/00 (8:30 am) -- "Shriek" (Batman Beyond) 7/3/00 (3:30 pm) -- "Heavy Metal" (Superman) 7/3/00 (4:30 pm) -- "Robin's Reckoning-Part 1" (Batman) 7/4/00 (3:30 pm) -- "Second Chance" (Batman) 7/4/00 (4:30 pm) -- "Robin's Reckoning-Part 2" (Batman) 7/5/00 (3:30 pm) -- "The Demon Within" (Batman) 7/5/00 (4:30 pm) -- "Growing Pains" (Batman) 7/6/00 (3:30 pm) -- "Little Big Head Man" (Superman) 7/6/00 (4:30 pm) -- "Old Wounds" (Batman) Be the advised that this schedule is subject to change. ______________________________________________________________________ ----------------------------------------------------------------------- [5] Interview by Paul Dale Roberts Interview with: Dan Schaefer, Inker of Geminar and Exposure! Interviewed by Paul Dale Roberts, Publisher, Jazma Universe Online! http://www.jazmaonline.com/ Question: Before we get this interview started, can you tell us something personal about yourself? Your family life, where you were born and raised, and what schools you attended? As a child I was influenced by animation as much as any other source. Kimba the White Lion left a lasting impression on me as well as comic book influenced animation like Spider-Man and Batman. I was born in Portland, Oregon and I attended Clackamas Community College and Portland State University majoring in fine art. In my second college year, I began apprenticing with several comics professionals. My first book inking back-grounds was with Ron Randall on DC's Warlord. I then went on to assist Randy Emberlin, Chris Warner, Art Nicols, Gary Martin, and Karl Kesel on a variety of projects including Alien Legion, G.I. Joe, Spider-Man, Predator, Godzilla, Doom Patrol, and World's Finest. I consider this an excellent education for comics. Since then, I've gone on to work for numerous companies such as Marvel Comics (Spiderman), DC Comics (The Atom, Batman), First Comics(Sable), Dark Horse (Hammer of God,Black Pearl, DH Presents), Roger Corman Studios (Death Race 2020), Claypool(Elvira) and many others. I've also been very busy in the animation field including projects on Teen-age Mutant Ninja Turtles, James Bond Jr., Sesame Street, Wildcats, and the Mask. I produced conceptual designs for Green Peace, Adidas, CKS/Partners, and the Clio award winning commercial "Toys" for Nissan. My wife Sue is a fantastic wigmaster! She creates wigs, one hair at a time for TV, film, theater, and opera. As an artist and designer, she deals with the same problems we freelancers go through in comics, so we are a good match. Question: What was the first comic book you ever read? The first and most lasting memory was reading and re-reading issue #34 of the Teen Titans original series. Nick Cardy's art work really inspired me to get into comics. When I look at now I still get inspiration from it! The faces were always brilliantly drawn and page for page the best story telling in comics. Question: For people unfamiliar with Geminar, can you please tell us something about it? In the near future, Bryan Lee, America's best astronaut, accepts what he believes will be his last mission into space. This assignment involves charting the unexplored reaches of the galaxy, but, after arriving at his destination, Lee finds he is not only lost, but trapped over 100 years in the future! At this moment of despair, an unknown force offers hope. The astronaut is given the chance to take up the mantle of GEMINAR, a powerful avenging angel of justice! Feeling he now has little else left in life, he accepts this new role. He soon finds himself battling tyrannical conquerors, mysterious super-villains, and, most importantly, his own suspicions concerning his new role. Question: You do all the writing, drawings, etc? How do you find the time? No, I'm not alone on this project. Not by a long shot! Terry Collins and Al Bigley created Geminar three years ago and I was honored to be included in the creative team. Terry is the writer, having written projects for DC and Marvel such as Ren and Stimpy and Tiny Toons adventures. Al has worked on various projects for the DC and Marvel, including West Coast Avengers, Power Rangers, and Batman Adventures. Al and I go back a long way! Al and I first worked together on a project called Intruders. Since then we have seemed to follow each other on projects. Al did three issues on Sable and then I did the next two. Then Al left Beckett Racing Magazine and I came on board pencilling and inking the next 11 issues. I'm an inker on this project, so I take the pencil drawings Al Bigley sends and change them into finished drawings. I re-draw the art in ink emphasizing certain lines to create depth, texture, and enhance story telling where needed. Question: How did you get so good in drawing? I loved the artwork in Exposure! I work every day on my drawing skills. I draw in my sketch book and go to life drawing regularly. Teaching on the weekends has also been an excellent way to re-learn skills that you take for granted. Teaching is hard work, but is very rewarding. David Campiti and Al Rio created Exposure more than a year ago. Last year I was lucky enough to work with Al on the Peter Parker annual and that led to me working with Al on Exposure #4 from Image and the next issue #1-2 Volume 2 from Avatar. It will be collected into a trade paper back this summer. Look at the Avatar site for more information. Question: What is the future for Geminar? Were doing this 72 page special for now, so we'll see how the public reacts to it. This is some of Al Bigley's best work to date! The enthusiasm really shows when your producing a project your inspired to do and Al certainly is. This in turn inspires my work as an inker. Question: Do you have a website? If you do what is the URL address?The web-site is at geminar? The site can be found at http://geminar.net/. Question: How can somebody contact you? You can contact me at dschaefer@jps.net. Question: What happened to Exposure? Will the characters remain in limbo. or will they make a cameo appearance in Geminar? Their are no plans for a Geminar/Exposure cross-over at this point, but who knows what the future holds. Exposure #1, Vol. 2 will debut in August and I have to tell you it's an excellent book! The hiatus in between books allowed Al Rio and I to spend even more time crafting what I feel is our best collaboration. Question: If you were stranded on a desert island, what 3 things would you bring with you and why? This is a good question. A ten year supply of oil painting supplies, a young nude model, and a ten year supply of banana daiquiris. Well, I have to have something to drink, huh!? Why ask why? Question: Your thoughts on the comic industry? The industry has always had it's ups and downs, but we're going though a multi-media metamorphosis right now. The influence of competitors like TV, video games, movies, and especially the internet are having a negative effect on the comics industry. Too many choices. There is this quest by all of the publishers to find that next big thing. The publishers continue to try to rehash old material when, in many cases, that well is dry. The marketing is always turned inward. Instead of trying to appeal to a new crowd you try to appeal to the people already buying comics. You aren't expanding your market base, but trying to convince people who already read your books to buy more. The idea is to introduce people to comics who are not already buying them. The secret is for publishers to allow the creators to do what they love from of their own imagination, not rehash old stuff. I try to get people interested in comics and there are three ways: 1. Make people aware that there are graphic novels at most public libraries. Our Portland Library has over 300 books in it's collection including Bone, Sin City, Astrix, Tin Tin, Tale of One Bad Rat, Superman, and many others. This is a cash friendly way to get people into comics. If someone buys a bunch of comics and doesn't like them, you won't see them at the store again. If they like what they read at the library, they'll look for them in stores. 2. Find out what your friends like and match them up with a similar comic. If they like Anne Rice, there are Anne Rice comics and so on. 3. Take them to a store and introduce them to comics you like. Question: Your 3 favorite fictional heroes and why? The Teen Titans were always my favorite comic characters, probably because it was my first comic and I could relate to their age. Kamandi has always been my favorite Kirby character because you never knew what was hiding behind the next corner. Doctor Who is my favorite hero of all though. I was inspired originally by the comics that Marvel put out and thought(and still think) the Gibbons artwork is phenomenal and crafted my image of the Doctor before I saw the show. I preceded to watch every episode of the show when it reached PBS and have been a dedicated fan ever since. My first Published work(for a major publisher) was doing a few drawings for the book Doctor Who and the Key to Time written by Peter Haining. Question: Your 3 real life heroes and why? Jack Kirby and Moebuis because they can can transfer their imagination to the page so effortlessly. My wife Sue for fuelling my imagination! Question: What movies, cartoons and TV shows are your favorites? My favorite TV shows are hard to pin down. I like so many! Starting with TV would be Doctor Who, Star Trek, and Space:1999. All the Gerry Anderson shows like UFO, Thunderbirds. and Captain Scarlett. The Prisoner is a special favorite, and so much so that my wife and I visited it a few years ago. We stayed in a B & B in a Porthmadoc and toured the Village which is quite tiny from the way it looked on TV. In fact, if you remember the main character Number 6 storming out of his cottage to see the villain Number 2 and taking forever to reach his office. In reality, the two buildings face each other and are probably 20 feet apart. As far as new TV I can't say there's much worth watching. Ballykissangel and the Brit shows on PBS are great. I'm sick of lawyer and medical shows. Can you think of two places you'd rather not experience... court and the hospital! No wonder the millionaire show is so popular, everyone want's to experience that! I listen to a lot of radio as well. The Phil Hendry show is pretty close to science fiction! As far as movies, Zulu with Michael Cane and Stanley Baker is a favorite. I originally saw it on the big screen in the 70'sat a drive-in and was hooked ever since. It was on at 11:30 the other night and I sat through it again, and loved it! The Planet of the Apes movies, Star Wars, Citizen Kane are other highs on my list. The Adventures of Baron Munchausen is fantastic! Question: What books do you read? I like to read biographies about painters and other interesting personalities. I've done a lot of research into the impressionist painters and their contemporaries. Whistler is one of my favorite painters for his quick wit and equally deft approach to painting atmosphere. I also like to read fiction by the classic sci-fi writers like Heinlein, Clarke, Tolkein, etc. My favorite two books about the comic industry are The Comic book Makers by Joe and Jim Simon and The Golden Age of Comic Fandom by Bill Schelly. I think I've read them twice each, in fact. Question: What are your hobbies and recreational activities? I'm an avid NBA fan and follow the league through the year. I'm still not over the seventh game of the Blazer-Laker series! You can't say enough about the great players we have. Brian Grant and Steve Smith are really involved in helping the community as are the rest of the team. I'll probably follow the WNBA as well, now that Portland has a team, the Fire, debuting this summer. My wife and I like to travel. One year we traveled from through France, England, Wales and Scotland. We were guests that year at Angouleme Bande Desinee(comics) festival. It was fantastic seeing the European artists at work! The next year we traveled to Germany and I developed a project for Green Peace. We able to take time off and go to Berlin and Prague. Question: What comic books do you read now? I like to read European comics from creators like Moebius, Manara, Herge, Hugo Pratt, etc. I'm always finding something new and different from the last book I read. Moebius' Airtight Garage is my all time favorite!Among American comics I read Sin City, Danger Girl, and a few others. Question: Where do you want to be in 5 years? 10 years? I'm developing a couple of comic series that I'd like to produce. I want to establish my painting, pencilling and progress artistically. I'd like to do more of my work in water color. Question: What are some of your other projects? Exposure will continue from Avatar in August and I'm currently inking Loony Toons children's books. I do commercial work in advertising doing illustration and design work, including a album designs for the band Valhere. Information on that can be found at www.valhere.com I also teach a class on the weekends that has been very rewarding. Five of my students have been published already in a local magazine! Question: Well, I guess that winds up the interview. Thank you. Is there anything else you would like to say before closing? Keep reading and do what you can to stay young! ______________________________________________________________________ ----------------------------------------------------------------------- [6] On Patrol with John Arcudi Tim O'Shea tim_jen@mindspring.com [Tim O'Shea is a 31-year old desktop publisher who lives in Atlanta with his wife and four-month old son. Tim, who has been reading comic books on a weekly basis since 1977, thinks he's the only rabid comic book fan who intends never to attend a convention.] Originally posted to: http://www.thecomicreader.com/newsmain.htm Copyright 2000 - The Comic Reader, used with permission By Tim O'Shea, TCR Senior Staff Writer I went in search of John Arcudi (one of the architects of the much too short-lived DC's series MAJOR BUMMER) upon hearing that he would be relaunching the DOOM PATROL with artist Kaare Andrews (who is currently working on Marvel's limited series, BEFORE THE FANTASTIC 4: BEN GRIMM AND LOGAN). John was kind enough to agree to an e-mail Q&A, for which I thank him. TCR: In a 1997 Dark Horse website interview with Richard Corben (the artist on ALIENS: ALCHEMY) he described you as a writer who crafted scripts with depth-that work on several levels-as well as often providing him with reference materials for specific scenes. With the relaunch of DOOM PATROL, will you be digging out reference materials for artist Kaare Andrews, or more specifically how would you describe the dynamics/relationship of the writer and artist on a book like this? Arcudi: I have to start out by saying that this is the first I've ever heard anything about this. Richard Corben and I had very little contact while working on the series, and he's not the most expressive guy in the world either, so this is very gratifying. I really didn't think I wrote him a very good story, but hey, who's gonna argue with him? As to reference, if a writer asks an artist to draw some specific and/or obscure thing, then he/she damn well better provide reference. Ergo, if I do that, yeah, I'll send Kaare some pictures. Describing the dynamics of the relationship I have with Kaare Andrews is pretty difficult. I think after I see his pencils on the first issue, then we can forge a dynamic. Every book, or rather, every team, demands a different kind of partnership, after all. Creators must adapt themselves and their working styles to fit their co-creators. In a perfect world, that is. I will say that Kaare and I get along really well, and he seems excited by the project and scripts he's seen, so that's a good sign. TCR: How did you and Kaare get together on this project? Arcudi: Kaare came on after a long search for the right artist, and it was really just kind of a lucky stroke for editor Andy Helfer and me. We were both delighted by his stuff. TCR: Since the end of the last DOOM PATROL run, many artists and writers have expressed interest in bringing the book back, including John Byrne. What do you think in your proposal convinced DC to let you do have a go at it? Arcudi: Why did DC latch onto my proposal? Who knows? Again, luck on my part. Ask them. TCR: What about DOOM PATROL made you want to relaunch it? Arcudi: I really dig the old DP, the Arnold Drake and Bruno Premiani stuff. I think Drake must've written half those scripts while he was drunk. The comics are really out there, but expensive, and therefore inaccessible, these days. As a result, most people don't know how brilliant those scripts were, especially for the times (Early 60's). Plus, if there has ever been a better name for a super-hero in the entire history of comics than "Robotman," I have yet to see it. TCR: As a person who has written both THE MASK and MAJOR BUMMER-two series fueled partially by humor-how much will DOOM PATROL be tinged with humor (if at all)? Arcudi: There'll be humor, only because any well balanced story has some humor in it, and while I may not write well balanced stories, I keep trying. Humor, however, will not be the driving force of the book. Character interaction, character reaction, just plain action, and lots of surprises; these are the things that will move the series forward. TCR: Toward the end of the last series, DOOM PATROL ended up as a Vertigo title. Do you see this book as set more in the DC Universe, Vertigo, a little bit of both, or none of the above? Arcudi: Well, we won't be saying f**k, or sh*t, if that's what you mean. I guess it's a DCU book, but I intend to borrow heavily from both previous incarnations of the DP, just as Grant borrowed heavily from the Drake/Premiani stuff. That's what history's all about. TCR: What aspect of writing do you enjoy the most? Arcudi: The conceptualization. That point in the process when anything is possible and your mind is free to dream up whatever. TCR: What aspect of writing do you enjoy least? Arcudi: The writing. TCR: Are there any upcoming projects that I didn't ask you about that you'd like to discuss? Arcudi: Well, right now I'm working on this rather large JLA project. It's a four-issue prestige mini-series, and it more or less re-invents the JLA in an Elseworlds setting in a way that I think makes perfect sense, but has not been explored. It's very ambitious, very complex, and very hard to write. Scot Eaton is the penciler, and it's such a weird kind of mini with a lot of planned "special features" that I'm pretty jacked about it. There are a few other things, but they're still mostly back burner at this point. (Tim again: Rest assured, TCR readers, that we'll keep in contact with John and the minute those "other" projects move to the front burner [or some part of the metaphorical stove where he'll be willing to discuss them], we hope to fill you in!) ______________________________________________________________________ ----------------------------------------------------------------------- [7] Great Googaly Moogaly Chad Trout cct107@psu.edu [Chad has been collecting comics for over a decade. Currently he is a grad student with hopes of getting out this fall.} Well I was a bit mistaken last week in two places. First the Wizard Iron Man ½ did not come with the magazine. It was actually one where you had to send in a coupon to get the book. To refresh your memory, the first appearance of the Sons of Yinsen was in the ½ and not in issue 31. I am a little calmer this week, but still upset. I know the companies don't give a care about their loyal readers, but this is the biggest slap in the face I have seen in awhile. Then again it may be just the biggest one to affect me. On another note, I ranted on Marvel for handing out trading cards at the movie Titan A. E. instead of comics. Marvel is still doing that, but they also are giving out 3 million comics at the X-Men movie. Hopefully this is enough to get past the initial onslaught of comic book fans, who will be first in line, to get it in the hands of the non-comic book fans. Its to bad that the Ultimate X-Men comic isn't ready for the movie premiere, because I think that would make an excellent introduction for people. This past weekend I went to some garage sales. I found a Hulk jigsaw puzzle, but it was missing a piece. I also found a Spider-Man hide and find book. I passed on both, even though they were only 0.50. I am not really into either character. I also found assorted action figures in various states of decay, but nothing special. I only found one place that had comics. Now these comics were mostly mutant stuff from the boom period of the early 90’s. The price on these____..1.50 each!!!!! The cover prices on most were 1.25 to 1.50 and they were not in mint condition! I didn't see the person around right then and I wasn't interested in those comics, but now I whish I would have talked to the person. I just wanted to know what they were thinking. The rest of the day I kept track of the price of stuff and I did not see anything the whole day that was being sold at the regular price or above. Most of these comics were the kind that you would find in quarter bins. Those comics were still there at the end of the day. The sad thing is that people think comics are worth a lot of money. Some one recently found out that I collected comics and the first thing they said was “ _oh that's a fun and profitable hobby.” My wife would like to know where the profits are! On to another topic. I have seen the light. I now know how to save the comic industry and bring in fresh blood! Tie a comic into a game show by giving away a million dollars! The country is game show crazy and it seems like most involve giving away a million dollars, so we just have to combine the two. Now I have always been a game show fan, but America has just rediscovered their love for game shows though. Game shows are the highest rated shows on TV. Not only that but people are willing to do anything for 1 million dollars. Don't believe me? The newest contest has a company putting a bar code on roaches and releasing them for people to find! This is sadly very true. The problem with tying into this phenomenon is how? I have been trying to think of how this may happen, but I cannot come up with a reasonable suggestion. I figure it would have to be DC to do this, since Time Warner backs them. I also figure the best way to do this is to tie it into a movie or something. It needs to be something free or that cost about a dollar. If it cost more than that, then there wouldn't be any reason for people to this over the lottery. Sure people would still play, but we want to bring in new people, not the same old ones. Also there needs to be some way to get people to actually read the comics, so they can get develop an interest in them. The one huge drawback to this is that it could be the speculation craze of the early 90’s all over. Everybody comes into the comic book market to make money and when they don't they leave. Its possible a few may stay around though, but I could certainly see a backlash. I really don't think it has to be that high of quality because if it involves money, most people would come. It would be better if it were of good quality because this would help to attract people to read them. Anyone have any good ideas? Well its time for one review. Minor Spoilers are in the reviews__.. Aquaman 70 "Unification by Division" DC Comics - 2.50 Writer - Dan Jurgens Pencil Gordon Purcell Inker - Claude St. Aubin Letter John Workman Colors Digital Cheleon Editor Tony Bedard The ramifications of the war with Cerdian continue and I for one am glad. Most of the time, when you see a war in comics, the effects of that war are not explored. How often do we hear of Qurac (It was mentioned recently in Titans) or the country that Ultron destroyed recently in Avengers? Well that is not the case here. I like the exploration of Aquaman's effort to unite two kingdoms that were previously at war. The one problem I have is that if the Queen was as bad as she was portrayed, then shouldn't there be some resistance to her? Most dictators have a rebel group in there country that would like to over throw them. Several countries come to mind such as Iraq, Nigeria, and Cuba just to name a few. Now I can understand the people's fear of being subjected by so called non-humans. I could see hatred bringing the conquered people together against Aquaman. Jurgens is really missing some potential here, but then the book is canceled soon so he doesn't have time to develop the story. We do get a closer look at the feelings of Aquaman's people though. The protesters swimming at the upper levels were they could be heard by Aquaman was a very nice touch by Gordon. It helps to point out that these people can move in 3 dimensions and not just two like us land lovers. Where was Mera's speech? I was looking forward to her stepping forward and taking charge, but we didn't get to see it. Hopefully it will happen next issue. I also like the way that Tempest has been shown to take more power lately. There is no question that he is next in line to the throne. I want to see Mera's position clarified some now. The gesture toward's peace that Aquaman, Tempest, and Dolphin make at the end was great. It reminded me of the marriages for peace that that often took place in Mediaeval times. Recommendation: Buy it! This is the best monthly series behind Nightwing! I have always thought of Jurgens as a serviceable writer, but here he has risen to a new level. He has been so good, that I went out and bought some Thor, which I really enjoyed too. Some last minute stuff ……..I just finished Hellblazer Secret Files and its was by far the best Secret Files I have read. I finally felt like I got my money's worth and the Who Who's section was actually informative for once. Also the Marquis by Guy Davis was excellent. I had planned on reviewing it this week, but I rambled on at the top and ran out of time. I highly recommend both books. Got Something to say? email cct107@psu.edu ______________________________________________________________________ ----------------------------------------------------------------------- [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.] WARNING: THE FOLLOWING COLUMN MAY REVEAL SIGNIFICANT PORTIONS OF PLOTS OR ENTIRE PLOT DEVELOPMENTS. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED. Name: Violent Messiahs #1 Publisher: Image Comics Written by: Joshua D.M. Dysart Drawn by: Tone Rodriguez/pencils Walden Wong - Mostafa Moussa - Marlo Alquiza/inks Price: $2.95 Comments: Most incredible as this story takes me into a forbidden reality in which my darkest fears will beckon me to continue reading. With Violent Messiahs #1 I learn a bit about Rankor Island and its populace of 2.5 million. From what I have seen, most of the people live in poverty with the appeal of drugs everywhere. I will be curious on where the rich live. I must keep my eye out on 2 threatening individuals, the vigilante named Citizen Pain and the mass murderer and possible vigilante that carries the moniker Family Man. How these two will connect is anyone's guess. I will be holding onto the edge of my seat as this story moves along with an unknown direction. Surprises and hard hits come around every corner as one part of the story shows a vicious attack dog, then the scene shift to the Rankor Island police station that reminded me of Hill Street Blues. I will want to know more about the police officer named Cheri Major. It was bad to see her ridiculed by other officers in the precinct. She has a horrible crisis going on with her life, as she tries to deal with her hidden fears and appear callous on the outside. She seems to be under plenty of pressure as she knows that she will confront Pain very soon. I couldn't help but feel empathy for Roland, a little boy surrounded by verbal abuse, poverty and drugs. It was downright creepy seeing the Family Man in the same apartment with Roland and his mother and later with the Family Man aka Jeremiah walking out with his shirt stained with blood. Things got creepier as the biblical rhetoric took place during Jeremiah's departure. Pain seems like he fears no one, not even the police. What is his connection with Cheri Major? I guess I have to wait and find out. I hate the suspense! Pain seems to be quite intelligent and was one step ahead of the police as he lets off the explosion to distract them. Pain's mask and suit gives him a very intimidating look! Another questions pops up...why does he want Cheri to check out the low income housing project? What awaits her? When Pain says he controls the city...believe me, I know he means it! I absolutely LOVED this comic book and also loved the shadowy artwork, it gave the comic an eerie feel to it! Name: JSA #13 Publisher: DC Comics Writers: Goyer & Johns Drawn by: Sadowski/penciler Bair/inker Price: $2.50 Comments: I love it when reality is mixed with fantasy, as when Mr. Terrific starts talking about Stephen Hawking and Albert Einstein's theories of time travel. Even though Mr. Terrific is quite powerful he seemed somewhat intimidated by Metron. Of course, Metron can be very intimidating at times. The drama was at an all time high as Metron who is dazed is found by the JSA. There was a cool JSA space/time ship floating around this time/space stream. I had to stop a bit to admire this fantastic scene. I still find it hard to believe that a superhero like Hawk has turned into the pure entropic energy being known as Extant. From superhero (who was sometimes on the edge) to possibly a god. Extant can't be contained and escaped with ease, because he can distort everything around him, making his escape simple. How can anyone stop this charade that is being played out by Extant? Even though many things were quite nerve wracking for the JSA, there was still some good humor with Jay giving a New God like Metron a hard time. Jay doesn't know how to stop ribbing someone. When this storyline comes close to the climatic end, it will be interesting to see how Extant plans to use the Worlogog to reshape creation. I guess there is no more Hawk or Hank Hall in Extant. He has gone from being good to being someone that is quite sinister and evil. In his own mind, he feels he is doing the right thing. If Metron can get back his Moebius Chair from Extant, perhaps then everything can turn around. If not, then we will have an omnipotent god of a new universe! This story is absolutely BRILLIANT!! Name: Twilight Zine #44 President: Jade Wang Vice President: Yevgeniya Nusinovich Price: Free? Comments: Very nice 'zine dedicated to science fiction. It has a zillion stories written by a zillion writers and great artwork to go with the stories. Besides the stories, it has an editorial, 'state of the MITSFS address', minutes, 'Sturgeon's Law does not apply here' article, a book review and a commentary. Some of the titles to the stories are 'The Tale of Dr. Jasper and Mr. Hatz', 'The V Virus' and a slew of other titles! To Inquire about this 'zine: Write to them at: MIT Science Fiction Society, Room W20-473, 84 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139 - Telephone: (617) 258-5126 - Email: mitsfs@mit.edu or check out their website at: http://www.mit.edu/~mitsfs/ Name: A Shadowlander's Dream #5 - Chapter Two: Death's Corridor Publisher: Kat & Neko Manga Price: $2.50 Story & Art: Kathryn Williams Contact Information: Snail Mail: K&N Manga, PO Box 43026, London, ON, Canada N6C 6A2 Email: neko_haruka@hotmail.com Website: http://come.to/shadowlander'sdream Comments: Detective Yukuna Hayashiku has his work cut out for him as he learns on how long the Kitono Family has existed and it seems like they have been around since the Jomon Period fighting some forgotten war and that they have worked for different emperors. This all leads back to the Kitono Family Massacre in which a man went on a rampage and tore his own mother's eyes out and killed his whole family. 17 police officers died trying to take this lethal lunatic down. With a dozen or so newspaper clippings, this investigation will be a long one for the detective. What direction this story is headed is a big mystery and all I can say, is buy this comic book series and find out! The artwork seems to get better and better with each story. Kathryn strives to outdo herself in each of her comic books! Kathryn tantalizes her readers with a mystery around every corner! Name: Yoriko #1 Publisher: Kat & Neko Manga Price: $2.00 Story & Art: Svetlana Chmakova Contact Information: Snail Mail: K&N Manga, PO Box 43026, London, ON, Canada N6C 6A2 Email: neko_haruka@hotmail.com Website: http://come.to/shadowlander'sdream Comments: Characters fill this comic book up with names like: Yoriko, Teara (water elemental), Flora (earth elemental), Shadow Guy, George (werewolf), Randar, Do Lee (weredino - able to shape shift into a dinosaur). Cute story, with some nice drawn Manga artwork that is done in a fun way. Comedy throughout the story with Do Lee as a dinosaur saying 'moo'. Some of these characters are members of a high council and they discuss that an evil is coming upon them. They seek the 'chosen one' who is the protector of the light. This story is mixed with adventure, drama, suspense and side bits of comedy! Try this one out, I think you will like it! Name: Cyber Prison #1 Publisher: Kat & Neko Manga Price: $2.00 Story & Art: Adam Goode Contact Information: Snail Mail: K&N Manga, PO Box 43026, London, ON, Canada N6C 6A2 Email: neko_haruka@hotmail.com Website: http://come.to/shadowlander'sdream Comments: It seems that Kathryn Williams (publisher) picked out some good story tellers and some superb artists for her new line-up of comic books. Here we come to Cyber Prison and the story is heavy laced with drama and th artwork is exceptionally nice. This is a superb high-flying space odyssey and science fiction adventure that probably could give Battlestar Galactica and Star Wars a run for their money. The reason why I say that is because the chills come in deep as Megatons are let loose! Megatons are life threatening weapons that will blow you away! Wait until you get into the action in this comic book, you will feel like you're part of the story! Name: E.V.E.B #1 Publisher: Kat & Neko Manga Price $2.00 Story & Art: Andrea Haid Contact Information: Snail Mail: K&N Manga, PO Box 43026, London, ON, Canada N6C 6A2 Email: neko_haruka@hotmail.com Website: http://come.to/shadowlander'sdream Comments: E.V.E.B. stands for Espionage Velocity Express Blue. Order an issue and find out the true meaning of EVEB. This is a sci-fi comedy with plenty of hijinks thrown in! Interesting characters that will have you wanting to know more about them. Good character interaction that makes you feel you are watching MTV's The Real World or even Survivor. Yep, you feel like a voyeur watching these characters get into all kinds of antics. This story will get your 'curious antenna' set on radar, be prepared for some enjoyment! ______________________________________________________________________ ----------------------------------------------------------------------- [9] My View David LeBlanc ComicBkNet@aol.com [David LeBlanc is the Editor of the Comic Book Net Electronic Magazine. He is a long time fan of comics and the electronic media - having been the moderator of BBS comics forums on WME, FIDONET and the Comic Book Network. He and his wife are attempting to raise two teenage sons in a suburb of Worcester, Massachusetts. David'S favorite motivational phrase is, "BEHOLD THE TURTLE, HE ONLY MAKES PROGRESS WHEN HE STICKS HIS NECK OUT!"] SAMURAI GUARD #2 32 pages, full color, $2.50/$4.00 CAN Colburn Comics 1112 Prospect Place Brooklyn, NY 11213 Created by Kirk Abrigo Sometimes the measure of a new comic is how much you anticipate the second issue. Sometimes when you get the second issue you have to think a minute about who these characters are and what went on in the first issue. Sometimes, the image left is somewhere in between. This is how I felt with this second issue. There are interesting characters and some good plot development, and the art is certainly worthy. Not every comic can grab you and enthrall you right from the start. Those are few and far between. The goods ones sometimes sneak up on you and build on each issue slowly. That is the sense I get with SAMURAI GUARD. Things are happening that will lead to some major events later. The issue opens with Miamoto Shindo riding into a forest to seek counsel. He is one of the 3 Samurai Guard Captains on Bushido Island and is worried over events of the past day. As the island was invaded and people attacked, one of the offenders told him that the secret he holds dear will kill him and everyone on the island. Back home his wife takes her children to market and one wanders off as the Shogun parades through the town (Nice homage to Lone Wolf and Cub in one scene). The boy is rescued by a stranger and the grateful mother invites him to dinner. Meanwhile the Shoguns are meeting to discuss the problem at hand with the Samurai, all except Miamoto are there. We see one of them turn on Miamoto, suggesting he was in collusion with the invaders. There is intrigue at every corner. Miamoto meets with an old man he calls father to learn more about the powers of the assailant that read his shadow. The stranger in his house is more than he seems, as is the little boy. We begin to see that this more than just a tale of swords and ancient traditions in the real world. There are supernatural forces and beings beginning to reveal themselves as powerful forces line up for a coming conflict. I am not sure if this will be a great read or just another good versus evil slugfest in the end. Parts are interesting and leave you waiting to see what will come next, while other parts get you thinking about what went before and how much more will we learn of the secrets not yet revealed. This is good storytelling if it truly stays tightly plotted and goes somewhere. Sometimes there is so much the writer wants to bring into play things get too crowded for one issue. Too many subplots can leave you unsatisfied about any of them. Kirk is walking that fine edge here but so far he has my interest. INFINITE TALES #2 44 pages, black & white, MAGAZINE SIZE, $3.95/$4.50 CAN Blue Moon Comics HC 66 Box 1448 Barbourville, KY 40906 http://bluemooncomics.tsx.org Subscriptions: 6 issues for $21US/$24 CAN/ $30 overseas Contents: ULTIMUS Lloyd Smith & JP Dupras, letters: David Vance SKYBLAZER Lloyd Smith, Evan Driscoll & David Vance CHAMPION OF LIGHT/CHAMPION OF DARKNESS Ed Quimby ONE SIMPLE TON Steve Skeates, Tom Doyle, Larry Blake SPACE THUNDER Dave Law, Vatche Mavlian NO MAN CAN STOP TOOMBRA Lloyd Smith, Phil Fried, Dick Ayers This is an ambitious anthology, in black & white, in a crowded market. If nothing else, comic creators are daring, and passionate, and willing to push as hard as they can to get there work to the market. As with most anthologies, there are all levels of appeal among the stories. Some are your favorites, others barely make an impression. ULTIMUS is the story of a being who was once ruler of his world and a shepherd to that flock. But they outgrew their need for his guidance3, choosing another who led them to hedonism and violent crime. Now he has plucked a man, fallen from the sky, rejuvenated him and pronounces to him that he will save this world. An alliance is formed and we will see next time where it leads --- Shows promise. SKYBLAZER is continued from last issue as the hero flies away from his once island home which was bombed into the stone age as he left. It turns out he is on a rendezvous with destiny, at a secret meeting with President Truman. He is wanted to use a secret rocket/plane that will actually put him into orbit where he will find invading spaceships waiting to attack. Next is a story of pro wrestling in CHAMPION OF LIGHT/CHAMPION OF DARKNESS. The participants all get along, except with Sandow. He just is a stone that can't seem to be hurt. The hero Terry Vandal thinks there is more than meets the eye and checks Sandow's locker. He finds bones and hair and an inverted cross. Sandow confronts him with the news that he feeds on souls. And so we are set up for a confrontation in the ring with vandal's soul as the prize if he looses. Like a classic pre-silver age story this one has you riveted until the final scene. ONE SIMPLE TON is an illustrated story told by Steve Skeates. Sorry I did not read this one yet and am up against the deadline. I am not much for this type of story in a comic book. I need more pictures to tell the story so I skipped it for now. SPACE THUNDER was the least appealing to me in the art style. Someone else would find it just the opposite, depends on your tastes. The story is of a mercenary working for one side of a galactic war. he has to steal a sacred amulet that is helping to create a magnetic shield against his employers. his adventures are somewhat comical but hard to follow in my opinion. NO MAN CAN STOP TOOMBRA This too is like those stories from the pre-superhero Marvel comics, or the back up stories in the beginning of that age. One man working on his dimension viewer finally has success but unwittingly has created the other half of a dimensional gateway. The big ugly bad guy with horns and bat wings naturally comes through and like and self respecting beast goes after the man and his daughter. As the title suggest, no man can stop Toombra - but can a women? A well told tale with great art by Phil Fried and Dick Ayers. As a whole the book is up and down with enough to make it a worthy read. A tough sell as an oversized book in black & white and at $4 though. ______________________________________________________________________ ----------------------------------------------------------------------- [10] New Comic Book Releases List [NCRL] by Charles LePage chuck@comiclist.com +++WINNER OF THE 1996 REC.ARTS.COMICS.* "SQUIDDY" FOR BEST WEB SITE+++ http://www.comiclist.com New Comic Book Releases List for THURSDAY, 7/6/2000, 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 Tuesday evening, at http://www.comiclist.com and other places. You can receive this list each Tuesday via email by following the instructions at the web site, or you can email NCRL-subscribe@egroups.com PLEASE NOTE- Not all of these titles will actually arrive in all stores. Let CHARLES know if any of the names or numbers are wrong. chuck@comiclist.com (Charles LePage) PUBLISHERS: If you know when your comics are going to be available through Diamond, please email chuck@comiclist.com so that he can place your comics on the appropriately dated list. Thanks! "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 ABIOGENESIS PRESS Strangehaven Vol 2 Brotherhood TPB, 14.95 ARCANE COMICS Prophecy Of The Soul Sorcerer Vol 2 #3, 2.95 ARCHIE COMICS PUBLICATIONS Archie #499, 1.99 Pals N Gals Double Digest #51, 3.19 Sabrina Vol 2 #9, 1.99 Sonic The Hedgehog #86, 1.99 Veronica #103, 1.99 CHAOS! COMICS Insane Clown Posse Pendulum #4, 5.95 Insane Clown Posse Vol 1 TPB, 8.95 CLAYPOOL COMICS Elvira #86, 2.50 Elvira Mistress Of The Dark Vol 2 TPB, 12.95 CPM MANGA Record Of Lodoss War Grey Witch Book 1 (Star10102), 15.95 CROSSGEN COMICS Mystic #2, 2.95 DARK HORSE COMICS Nevermen #3 (Of 4), 2.95 Oh My Goddess (Part Ix #1) Pretty In Scarlet, 3.50 Titan AE #3 (Of 3), 2.95 DC COMICS 100 Bullets #14, 2.50 Authority #16, 2.50 Batgirl #6, 2.50 Batman Gotham Adventures #28, 1.99 Batman Legends Of The Dark Knight #133, 2.25 Bizarro Watch, 89.95 Disavowed #6 (Of 6), 2.50 Flash Dead Heat TPB, 14.95 Green Lantern #128, 2.25 Legion Lost #5 (Of 12), 2.50 Lucifer #4, 2.50 Martian Manhunter #22, 2.50 Millennium Edition Mysterious Suspense #1, 2.50 Promethea #9, 2.95 Star Trek Deep Space Nine N Vector #2 (Of 4), 2.50 Starman #69, 2.50 Superman #160, 2.25 Titans Annual #1, 3.50 Wildcats Vol 2 #13, 2.50 Young Justice #23, 2.50 GETTOSAKE COMICS Say What #1, 2.25 HARRIS COMICS Vampirella Legendary Tales #2, 2.95 IMAGE COMICS Chassis #5, 2.95 Dark Angel Phoenix Resurrection #1, 2.95 Darkminds II Poster #1, 5.99 Darkminds Vol 2 #5, 2.50 Echo #4, 2.50 Fathom HC, 39.95 Objective Five #1, 2.95 Parts Unknown Hostile Takeover #1, 2.95 Sam And Twitch #12, 2.50 Savage Dragon #75, 4.95 Witchblade #41, 2.50 INSIGHT STUDIOS GROUP Liberty Meadows #12, 2.95 MARVEL COMICS Conan The Flame And The Fiend #2 (Of 3), 2.99 Fantastic Four #33, 2.25 Hellcat #1 (Of 3), 2.99 Marvel Boy #2 (Of 6), 2.99 Mutant X #23, 2.25 Power Pack Peer Pressure #2 (Of 4), 2.99 Spider-Man Death And Destiny #2 (Of 3), 2.99 Spider-Woman #15, 2.25 Thor #27, 2.25 Uncanny X-Men #384, 2.25 X Men 2000, 3.50 X-Men Children Of The Atom #5 (Of 6), 2.99 X-Men The Hidden Years #10, 2.50 ONI PRESS INC. Adventures Of Barry Ween 2.0 #1 (Of 3) (AA), 2.95 Grrl Scouts TPB, 11.95 VIZ COMMUNICATIONS Animerica Vol 8 #6, 4.95 Aqua Knight #3 (Of 6), 3.50 Eagle Vol 5 On The Battlefield (Of 14), 6.95 No Need For Tenchi Part 9 #4 (Of 6), 2.95 WIZARD ENTERTAINMENT Inquest Gamer Lara Croft Cover #64, 4.99 Inquest Gamer Wolverine #64, 4.99 magazines Comic Shop News #681, AR NCRL for the foreseeable future... TITLE OLD RELEASE DATE NEW DATE DARK HORSE Classic Comic Char. Ignatz Statue #5 4/5 7/26 Classic Comic Char. Mandrake Magician Statue #7 7/26 8/9 Classic Comic Char. Olive Oyl Statue #6 7/12 7/26 Classic Comic Char. Prince Valiant Statue #3 2/2 7/12 Classic Comic Char. The Phantom Statue #4 3/1 7/12 DC COMICS Batman: Outlaws #1 07/05 07/12 MAD Bathroom Companion 7/5 7/12 Planetary #11 6/14 7/26 Preacher #65 07/05 07/12 Robin: Flying Solo TP 6/28 7/12 Steampunk #5 06/28 08/02 Tomorrow Stories #8 6/7 TBD Top 10 #9 05/10 07/26 Wonder Woman #159 06/28 07/12 IMAGE Aria Vol. 1 TP 6/21 7/19 Aria/Angela: Heavenly Creatures #2 7/19 Astounding Space Thrills #2 07/19 Big Bang #32 06/14 07/12 Blood Legacy #3 6/28 7/12 City of Silence #3 07/12 Cow #1 Spring 00 6/28 7/12 Dark Crossings #2 07/19 Darkness #33 07/12 Demonslayer Vol. 2 #3 07/12 07/19 Echo #0 07/19 Empire #2 7/5 7/26 EVE Protomecha #5 07/12 F5 #3 06/21 07/12 Fathom # 13 07/19 Fathom HC Excl. Signed Dustcover Ed. 6/28 7/26 Fathom HC 6/28 7/26 Gear Station #3 7/5 7/12 Geminar #1 06/14 07/19 Hawkshaws #2 7/5 7/19 Jinn #3 06/28 07/12 Kin #5 7/5 7/12 Kiss: Psycho Circus # 31 7/5 7/12 Lady Pendragon #10 06/21 07/12 Lost Ones #2 06/21 07/12 Magdalena #3 6/28 7/26 Messenger 07/19 M-Rex #3 06/07 07/12 Nine Rings of the Wu-Tang #5 07/05 07/12 Red Star #2 07/19 Saffire #2 7/5 7/19 Saint Angel #1 7/5 7/12 Savage Dragon # 76 7/26 Shockrockets #4 07/19 Skinners #1 07/12 Soul Saga #3 7/19 Spawn #97 07/05 07/12 Spawn: The Dark Ages #16 7/5 7/12 Tomb Raider #7 07/19 Tomb Raider Vol. I: The Saga of the Medusa Mask 07/12 Top Cow Classics: Rising Stars #1 07/19 Warlands #8 7/12 7/19 Warlands Chronicles Vol. 2 06/21 07/12 Wicked # 6 07/19 Witchblade #42 7/19 7/26 Witchblade Deluxe TPB: Revelations 6/28 7/12 Witchblade/DarkMinds Special (50/50) 07/12 Witchblade/DarkMinds Special 7/12 7/19 Witchblade: Destiny's Child #2 6/28 7/26 ______________________________________________________________________ ----------------------------------------------------------------------- [11] HYPE! Section Various FUNNY, SEXY, AND NEW! Second Elvira, Trade Paperback Features Busiek, Evanier, and More! Claypool Comics' first trade paperback collection of ELVIRA, MISTRESS OF THE DARK comics was a hit. So now, debuting in Claypool's booth at Comic-Con International: San Diego, is a second Elvira book, DOUBLE DELIGHTS!, with stories by KURT BUSIEK and an introduction by MARK EVANIER under a photo cover of Elvira herself! The 152-page collection includes: o Kurt Busiek's "The Children of the Night . . . What Crummy TV Shows They Make!", featuring Renfield, Stimpfield, and Dracula, with art by NEIL VOKES and LOUIS LACHANCE. o Rock-and-roll comedy in outer space in "Mars Needs Guitars" by FRANK STROM, TOM SIMONTON, and ART VISCARDI. o An auction that goes bizarrely wrong when Elvira buys a souvenir from old Egypt in "Mummy Dearest!" by Kurt Busiek, JOHN HEEBINK, and JOHN NYBERG. o A magical fraud whom Elvira must outwit--or else!--in "The Most Happy Felon!" by RICHARD HOWELL and JIM MOONEY. o Television programmers from space, with cameos by David Letterman, Star Trek: The Next Generation, and Star Wars, in "Invasion of the Astro-Execs!" by Frank Strom, Tom Simonton, and Louis Lachance. o One of the earliest (and rarest) Elvira stories, "The Monster of Froggenstein" by Kurt Busiek, Tom Simonton, and Louis Lachance, featuring one of the series' most bizarre and infamous running gags--the fish-o-gram! o A hopping Chinese vampire (yep, a hopping Chinese vampire), including a satire on Anne Rice, in "Something Wicked This Way Hops!" by Frank Strom and Tom Simonton. o "Phantom of the Soap Opera" by Richard Howell and Louis Lachance--a story that earned attention from soap-opera fans who don't usually read comics. o Elvira's tiny evil twin, in a story produced years before Mike Myers created Mini-Me for Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me. Did Myers borrow the idea from Elvira? Read "Little Miss Marketing Ploy" by Frank Strom, Tom Simonton, and Art Viscardi, and decide for yourself! To get the first look at the book, which retails for $12.95, visit Claypool at booth 1419 during Comic-Con International: San Diego or booth 836 at Wizard World in Chicago. Or stop by your nearest comics shop, starting in July. Or order copies direct from Claypool by calling (707) 887-1524. Besides Elvira, Claypool publishes the super-powered satire SOULSEARCHERS AND COMPANY by PETER DAVID, RICHARD HOWELL, DAVE COCKRUM, and AMANDA CONNER, and the vampire epic DEADBEATS by RICHARD HOWELL and RICARDO VILLAGRAN. ______________________________________________________________ CLAYPOOL COMICS solicitations for OCTOBER, 2000: ______________________________________________________________ ELVIRA #90: Elvira's in trouble again. Is it because of the supernatural menace of a deadly, headless horseman -- or the witch-hunt against her led by little Cristina Twicci? It's all in "Creepy Hollow!" a humor masterpiece by Frank Strom, Ronn Sutton, and Louis Lachance. Also, Elvira's pressed into helping the boy group 'Nsincere escape their usurious contract, in "Boys on the Slide," by Richard Howell, Anna-Maria Cool, and Art Viscardi. 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 #85, 86, 87, 88, or 89 along with your order for #90. 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 #44: Now that the shambling zombie-creature has become the Deadbeats' fifth member, the vampire band's full strength is pitted against an attempt by Father Gutierrez to exorcise their evil spirits from FEAR CITY. It's all in "A Matter of Faith!" by Richard Howell and Ricardo Villagran, with a cover by Howell and Steve Leialoha. Color Cover B&W Interior 32 pages $2.50 REMEMBER: Claypool Comics can be ordered as back issues. Reorders can be placed for Deadbeats #39, 40, 41 , 42, 43 along with your order for #44. 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 "Double Delights!" (Elvira Trade Paperback #2) As a new century beckons, it's time to think about what made the last one great, including this terrific selection of Elvira classics from the second year of her fabulous Claypool comic book series. This collection includes groundbreaking humor achievements by Kurt Busiek, Jim Mooney, Frank Strom, Tom Simonton, Louis Lachance, Neil Vokes, John Heebink, Frank Springer, Art Viscardi, John Nyberg, and Dan Schaefer. This hefty and hilarious collection includes "The Children of the Night, What Crummy TV Shows They Make," in which Kurt Busiek and Neil Vokes introduce Dracula into the Claypool universe, and the two-part "Phantom of the Soap Opera," which was covered by the soap-opera industry press. The rest of the line-up spotlights each and every aspect of Elvira's adventurous life, with titles such as: "Invasion of the Astro-Execs," "Mummy Dearest," "Mars Needs Guitars," "Little Miss Marketing Ploy," "Something Wicked This Way Hops," and "The Most Happy Felon." Also debuting a brand-new photo cover of Elvira, and featuring an introduction by Mark Evanier. Color Photo Cover of Elvira B&W Interior 1522 pages $12.95 REMEMBER: Claypool Comics can be ordered as back issues. Reorders can be placed for Elvira TPBK #1 ("Comic Milestones, Comics Format!") along with your order for Elvira TPBK #2 ("Double Delights!") ELVIRA MISTRESS OF THE DARK TPBK (#1) "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