---------------------------------------------------------------------- Ed Dukeshire and Mike Imboden Present: THE COMIC BOOK NET ELECTRONIC MAGAZINE ISSUE NUMBER 276 1999 EAGLE AWARD NOMINEE 8/04/2000 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:Judd Winick ................. Jeff Hidek & Tim O'Shea [6] E-Dispatches .......................... Jonathan A. Gilbert [7] Martian Vision ........................ John Jones [8] Great Googaly Moogaly ................. Chad Trout [9] M.O.E. Reviews ........................ Paul Dale Roberts [10] My View:COMIC BOOK CULTURE ............ David LeBlanc [11] New Comic Book Releases List .......... Charles LePage [12] 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 Some interesting comics in other media this week. The TV GUIDE for the past week (the ones with the 8 cover variants ironically enough of the Sluts er.. Sirens of Sci-Fi) has a nice piece about Judd Winick, the subject of this issue's interview. It speaks of his MTV connection through the debut of his take on GREEN LANTERN. Also this week, pre-empted by that big party in the city of Brotherly Love, WIZARD'S Gareb Shamus was scheduled to be on CNN's The World Today on Tuesday at 8:00. It is scheduled to be run on Saturday, August 5th on YOUR MONEY at 7 AM, 4:30 and again late night at 2:30am. Now, if they would just give a batch of comics as a prize after one of those contests on SURVIVOR we really would get exposure! See if you can survive long enough to get to the store before these issues are sold out: ABSTRACT STUDIOS Strangers In Paradise Vol III #34, 2.75 ARCHIE COMIC PUBLICATIONS Archie #500, 1.99 CARTOON BOOKS Bone #38, 4.95 <--------Pick of the week! Yahoo! DC COMICS Green Lantern #129, 2.25 JSA Annual #1, 3.50 Starman #70, 2.50 IMAGE COMICS Rising Stars #9, 2.50 Savage Dragon #77, 2.95 INSIGHT STUDIOS GROUP Liberty Meadows #13, 2.95 LONE STAR PRESS Strange Heroes #1, 2.95 One of the pleasures of parenting is watching the eyes of a child light up at a first experience of its kind. The first comic experience you share is one. This weekend I am enjoying another, touring college campuses with son #2. Hopefully we can get back in time to visit with Frank Cho in WOrcester. See you in seven. David LeBlanc - ComicBkNet@aol.com Editor The Comic Book Net Electronic Magazine ______________________________________________________________________ ----------------------------------------------------------------------- [2] Letters to the Editor If you want to comment on this or any previous issue, want to offer something for us to publish, or just want to shamelessly suck up to the editor to try and get your name in print send Email to: ComicBkNet@aol.com Note: Letters of comment may be used in future issues of CBEM unless you specifically request us NOT to use them. Your Email address and/or name will be withheld upon request. +++++ Subj: Frank Cho From: pmca@together.net (paul howley) David, Thanks for the plug about Frank Cho's appearance at my store That's Entertainment, but my address is actually 244 Park Avenue, not 255 Park Ave. I hope the thousands of Frank Cho's fans will find us....Thanks (and keep up the great work on your e-mag)...Paul Howley [OOPS! Always good to here from my main man, even if it is embarrassing. My mistake after too long a week. - D.L.] +++++ Subj: NEW WEB SITE Date: 7/31/00 8:26:07 PM Eastern Daylight Time From: bcemylar@cwbusiness.com (BILL COLE ENTERPRISES, INC.) Our new web site BCEMYLAR.COM is now up and running. With new and updated graphics we are sure you will be able to navigate this site easier than our last one. We will constantly be working and updating the site and will adding a shopping cart in the very near future. Please stop by and take a look. Our sincere thanks to those who helped pre test it for us. We would appreciate any comments that you may have. Bill Cole Enterprises, Inc. PO Box 60 Randolph, MA 02368-0060 1-781-986-2653 Fax 1-781-986-2656 e-mail bcemylar@cwbusiness.com web site: bcemylar.com +++++ Subj: Re: [ComicBooknet E-Mag] CBEM 275 Date: 7/29/00 3:12:45 AM Eastern Daylight Time From: exidor@juno.com For John Jones - I really enjoyed your first article on superhero powers, and eagerly await the next. - Patrick Long +++++ Subj: Re: #274 From: senft@worldnet.att.net (Donna Ellis € Mitchell Senft) I'm behind with my email and just caught up with # 274, in particular, John Jones' terrific, awesome piece. Not that I agree with it completely, I think, but just generally.... But first this request: IF NO ONE, CAN ANYONE OUT THERE FORWARD IT TO THE PUBLISHERS??? Thank you, and now back to my thoughts, such as they are. Continuity isn't per se a problem; misapplication is. (Duh.) I don't see a big turn-off to the casual reader by imbuing enough continuity into a title so that the fact that the characters have some backstory or history is apparent. No. The problem is that this worship of continuity (explanation forthcoming) has resulted in a great deal of flaccid and drawn-out story-telling. (By continuity worship, I mean the shift by DC to continuity-oriented story-telling as a means to compete with Marvel. But the alternative -- tight, generally self-contained, one issue stories was a pleasant, entertaining alternative.) But look: at the same time Marvel was developing the continuity shtick, it had a whole lot of powerful stories, by Kirby and Ditko, that were relatively short: FF 25 + 26 as a single example. OTOH, I loved the FF 57-60 run (Dr. Doom gains the Silver Surfer's power) but I can't say it was attractive to the casual reader: a whole lotta continuity-relating bloat, including the wholly extraneous breakout of the Inhumans from the Great Refuge. And things have gotten worse from there. Over-extending plots that are weighty enough for an issue or two go for 4, 5 issues or more, with any given issue being thin, incoherent drivel that make no sense without having read All that has Gone Before. And the X-Men. (Remember the rationalization for Jim Lee pushing out Chris Claremont? To get rid of the flaccid storytelling and drawn out stories? He improved things. A teeny bit.) Of course, I loved the manic incoherence, the on-again, off-again plots. But I'm weird like that. And I certainly wouldn't want a steady diet of it. Nor do most reader and non-readers. Comics just aren't things to pick up casually any more. For the frisson, movies and TV are giving the thrills without the social embarrassment of comics. And, regrettably the need of literacy. Finally, a last thought: The first two Batman movies were a) fully self-contained and b) really Marvel stories, not DC. The third and fourth movies were DC stories circa the mid-60s camp era. We know how they did. Continuity and characterization is NOT a problem. The lack of good storytelling and disrespect for a casual reading audience are the problems. (Come to think of it, so is the often incoherent story-telling of the art....) Similarly and ditto, the first two Superman movies (very Marvel) against the last two (very Weisinger DC). S3 basically sucked and S4 was so bad, it left me with amnesia (but for where I saw it and, maybe, with whom). So, are we gonna continue watching the death march of comics or what? Mitchell +++++ Subj: Small Article: Comics that Impacted My Life. Date: 8/1/00 4:23:45 AM Eastern Daylight Time From: Silhouet9@aol.com One of my staff columnists named Jon Gilbert in Canada asked me a simple question. What comic books impacted my life. I did a bit of thinking and came up with the answer. Here it is: Herbie #6 (I think). First comic book I read at a barbershop. This comic book was my doorway into the comic book universe. Also, I liked Herbie. This guy was a fat kid that could walk on air and suck on a lollipop (all at the same time), was carefree, wasn't scared of monsters or anything else for that matter. Very non-chalant character that handled life like it was a breeze. Jimmy Olson #? - This comic book introduced me to Superman and other DC superheroes. This was my deciding factor, I knew I loved superhero comic books parse from Archie comics. Fantastic Four #? The Sue & Reed Richards wedding fiasco, where a zillion Marvel superheroes and villains showed up at. I was completely in awe! This brought me into the Marvel Universe where anything can happen and anyone could crossover! I remember that Jack Kirby and Stan Lee were in the story and they weren't invited to the wedding. Superman v. Spiderman (big comic book) DC & Marvel collaboration. My jaw was agape! 'Nuff said! Mister Miracle #3 - my first letter was published!! I'm on my way to be a letter hacker! Besides I was completely amazed at the new universe that Jack Kirby introduced with the New Gods - Mister Miracle and the Forever People! Death of Superman (Black Cover Issue). My wife Patricia reintroduces me to comic books through this one issue and "BAM!" I was hooked!! Deciding factor that I will NEVER and I mean NEVER give up comics again. Chasing skirts when I was a young buck got me away from comic books, now that I'm married, I'm settled down and able to concentrate! Paul Dale Roberts, Publisher Jazma Universe Online! http://www.jazmaonline.com/ 5606 Moonlight Way Elk Grove, CA 95758 Silhouet9@aol.com +++++ Subj: Your e-mag... From: rnipe@hotmail.com (Rob Nipe) Let me just start out by saying that I love your Comic Book Network Electronic Magazine. I look forward to seeing it in my email each and every week. I truly believe that it has helped me get through days at my job. I wish you continued success in this endeavor and just wanted you to know that you have at least one person here who is behind you, cheering you on. One particular article that I really enjoyed was the article by John Jones called Metaphysics for Meta-humans. I hope that there will be further installments as I found this one to be fascinating. Well, I'll see you next week. Thanks again. Rob Nipe [Thanks for your support. - D.L.] ______________________________________________________________________ ----------------------------------------------------------------------- [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: Was sponsored by THAT'S ENTERTAINMENT of Worcester Massachusetts. They are donating a copy of UNIVERSITY(2) signed by Frank Cho who will be present at the store on Saturday, August 5th from 10:00 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. They invite all within driving distance of 244 Park Avenue, Worcester, MA to come and visit with the creator of LIBERTY MEADOWS. WHO is Brandy, of LIBERTY MEADOWS, modeled after? More than a few knew the answer, fewer made it complete as the very first entry and winner did, quoting Frank himself: "She's based on Lynda Carter, Bettie Page, Candy Loving, and 2 girls from my high school, who, one of them particularly, looked like Brandy." James Marshall is the winner of the signed volume. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++ THIS WEEK'S TRIVIA QUESTION: What successful comedic leading man of the movies in the 30's and 40's did C.C. Beck use as a model for his CAPTAIN MARVEL? 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 Tobey Maguire Lining Up to Play 'Spider-Man' By Michael Fleming and Claude Brodesser NEW YORK (Variety) - Tobey Maguire (''The Cider House Rules'') is in final negotiations to play the title role in 'Spider-Man,' Columbia's live-action film based on the Marvel Comics franchise. Maguire will sign a lucrative deal in the range of $3 million to $4 million for the first film with options for richer back-end deals for two sequel. The deal is ``pay-or-play'' -- meaning he gets paid even if the project does not happen. Filming on the first installment will begin in New York and on the Sony sound stages in November, expected for release by November 2001. Maguire will play cub photographer Peter Parker, who is turned into a crime-fighting wall-crawling superhero after being bitten by a radioactive arachnid. The deal cuts through the web of intrigue that surrounded the search for the young superhero, which ensnared some of the top young actors in Hollywood. Director Sam Raimi had favored Maguire throughout the search process. But while no one doubted that Maguire had the acting chops and gentle demeanor needed to play Peter Parker -- attested to by a string of critically-lauded films including ``The Cider House Rules,'' ''Wonder Boys,'' ``The Ice Storm'' and ``Pleasantville'' -- Columbia studio brass were somewhat reluctant, given that Maguire is not the first actor who springs to mind when thinking of adrenaline-pumping, tail-kicking titans. But when Maguire, who was initially reluctant to test, finally donned the webslinger's vestments, execs were surprised by the 25-year-old's newly buff, aerobicized form. The studio signed off on him as its choice late Friday, and negotiations began immediately. With Fox's adaptation of Marvel's other signature franchise ''X-Men'' leaping past $120 million at the domestic box office (and with a sequel already in the works), anticipation has been higher than ever on ``Spider-Man,'' a franchise once coveted by James Cameron, until it became entangled in litigation for almost a decade. Cameron's lengthy screen treatment served as the basis for the story scripted by David Koepp (''The Lost World''). Later, a rewrite by Scott Rosenberg (''Gone in 60 Seconds'') was commissioned. +++++ Mile High Stadium's Lore Commemorated by ``Super Hero'' Illustrator John Hanley DENVER--(BW SportsWire)--Aug. 1, 2000-- Memories of One of Football's Most Celebrated Stadiums Depicted by Well-Known Illustrator of Comic Book and Sports Heroes The tributes to Mile High Stadium -- one of professional football's most well-known and celebrated stadiums -- are underway in the Mile High City (the stadium will be demolished at the end of this football season and replaced by a new stadium). Among the tributes is an illustration by nationally renown artist John Hanley, who has established himself as a prominent illustrator of comic book super heroes and national sports heroes. Hanley has captured the history and magic of Mile High through depictions of famous Broncos throughout the years, including Frank Tripucka, Floyd Little, Haven Moses, Louis Wright, Tom Jackson and John Elway. The illustration is being offered exclusively by Fascination Street Gallery in Denver, and is available with player signatures. "The Broncos are like super heroes to their fans, so it was great to get Mr. Hanley involved," said Aaron LaPedis, owner and proprietor of Fascination Street. Hanley has established himself as a premier illustrator, completing promotional artwork for the movies Jurassic Park, Batman Forever, Batman and Robin, and Small soldiers. He has also completed limited edition prints for the Green Bay Packers Super Bowl I, Hank Aaron and the 1957 World Series. Copies of the Mile High Tribute Illustration are available to the media by contacting Paul Suter at the number below. CONTACT: Suter Communications, Lakewood, Colo. Paul Suter, 303/694-9232 Sutercomm@aol.com +++++ The Comic Book Legal Defense Fund - http://www.cbldf.org CBLDF CONQUERS CHICAGO Wizard World To Feature Comics' Best Bash There's a party going on in Chicago and everyone's invited! This year's WIZARD WORLD (held AUGUST 4-6 at the Rosemont Convention Center) will culminate in a huge CBLDF BASH on SATURDAY night in Grand Ballroom C of the Rosemont Hyatt. The party, sponsored by CHAOS! COMICS, will begin with a CBLDF MEMBERS' RECEPTION at 9:00 p.m. and open its doors to everyone at 10:00 p.m. At 10:00, the karaoke machine, kindly provided by CHICAGO COMICS and COMIX REVOLUTION, will be switched on, and all in attendance will discover the hidden vocal talents of MARK WAID, BILLY TUCCI, JIMMY PALMIOTTI, and CHRIS OARR (all of whom have promised to embarrass themselves for the First Amendment). The CHAOS! COMICS LIVE AUCTION will provide the capper for the evening when BRIAN PULIDO takes the stage at midnight after the singing has (thankfully) stopped. Fans at the party will get to bid on the veritable horde of treasures gathered by BRIAN and FRANCISCA PULIDO for this special event, including art by JOSEPH LINSNER and one of a kind treats donated by the WWF's CHYNA, KISS's GENE SIMMONS, and the preeminent evil clown band in the land: the INSANE CLOWN POSSE. If you prefer the more staid atmosphere of an online auction, where the conflict and fervor lie in internal struggles rather than public displays, make sure you stop by EBAY's booth (#607) during the show. While you're there, log on to the CBLDF AUCTION EXTRAVAGANZA. You'll have until the end of the show on Saturday to place your bids on BILLY TUCCI's SHI BIMOTA MOTORCYCLE; all the original artwork from Tucci's new "Shi: comic, "Year of the Dragon"; NEIL GAIMAN's LEATHER JACKET (the one he wore during his "Sandman" years) and much more. Neil's famed jacket and Billy's bike will be on display throughout the show. In case you forget the specifics of any of these crazy events, make sure you stop by the CBLDF BOOTH (#222) during the show. We'll have fliers to refresh your memory and membership sign-ups for anyone interested in coming to the party before the party. While you're at the CBLDF booth, make sure you get your favorite comics signed by JIMMY PALMIOTTI ("Deadpool") and AMANDA CONNER ("Gatecrasher"), who will be signing there on Friday from 2:00 – 3:00, JOSEPH MICHAEL LINSNER ("Dawn"), signing Friday 3:00 – 4:00, GARTH ENNIS ("Preacher"), signing Saturday from 4:00 – 5:00, and MARK WAID ("JLA"), signing Sunday from 1:00 – 2:00. What more can we say? The CBLDF has got the goods to rock Wizard World, and we hope you'll be along for the ride. This August 4-6 the CBLDF will break your glasses, shrink your shirts, pull your hems, and flip your wigs. When this con is rocking, you better come knocking. +++++ OCTOBER 2000 FEATURES THE FULL-COLOR, HARDBACK: SPEECHLESS BY PETER KUPER TOP SHELF PRODUCTIONS is proud to present a coffee-table art book of one of the most significant activist artists of our generation. … Spanning three decades, "Speechless" will cover the career of artist Peter Kuper. >From his co-founding days of "World War 3" (the longest running magazine in `zine history), to "Rolling Stone's" Comic Artist of the Year, to major magazine cover illustrator and beyond. This full-color, hardcover collection will include dozens of unpublished illustrations and wordless comics in the unique stencil style that gave his DC/Vertigo collection "The System" its powerhouse punch, and helped revamp the look and feel of the world renowned "Spy vs. Spy" (which Kuper has illustrated for "Mad Magazine" for the past three years). "Speechless" will also include essays and anecdotes on his experiences as a comic art expert in a landmark obscenity trial; step-by-step discussion of the process of illustrating covers for magazines like "Time" and the "Village Voice"; commentary on creating the very first comic strip to appear in the hallowed "New York Times"; and tales of harrowing travels spanning the globe. This ultimate collection of Kuper's art will leave any fan of the medium ... well, speechless! -- $19.95 (US), 112 pages, 12 1/2" x 9 1/4" -- Full-Color, Hardcover, Art Book / Comix -- ISBN: 1-891830-14-7 Featured under TOP SHELF PRODUCTIONS in the current DIAMOND PREVIEWS catalog (Spotlighted on page 286, Certified Cool on page 21, and given a Small Press Snapshot on page 191). Thanks for your continued support! Your friend thru comics, Chris Staros Top Shelf Productions, Inc. PO Box 1282 Marietta, GA 30061-1282 USA http://www.topshelfcomix.com +++++ ThinkBox Gets Friendly with Casper the Ghost(TM) Harvey Entertainment Partners with Educational Internet Company to Bring Classic Content to the Web LOS ANGELES, Aug. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- ThinkBox (www.thinkbox.com), a leading Internet provider of education and family-focused media, and The Harvey Entertainment Company (Nasdaq: HRVY) www.harvey.com, a leader in family and home entertainment, have entered into a partnership to bring Harvey's classic characters to the web for a new generation of young children. ThinkBox's first site, Kindle Park(TM), will launch in September, making this the first time Harvey classics like "Casper the Friendly Ghost(TM)" will appear as learning partners to young audiences on the web. ThinkBox will use the Internet, broadband and wireless media to incorporate classic comic, interactive, and video properties as well as brand new content based on select Harvey characters. Kindle Park(TM) (www.kindlepark.com) is an interactive, educational Internet site for 2-6 year olds and their families that features a creative world of places, animated characters, activities, e-books, video content, and ideas for family fun and learning. The agreement was negotiated by Dan March, Director of New Media for Harvey and Brian Napack, President of ThinkBox. "Casper and company have been enormously popular with children ever since I was a kid," said ThinkBox President and Founder, Brian Napack. "Bringing such well-loved characters to Kindle Park(TM) is like sharing a piece of my childhood with a new generation of eager young learners." Details of this multi-faceted partnership include the use of various properties such as Casper, Baby Huey and Wendy the Witch throughout ThinkBox's websites. ThinkBox will be incorporating highlights from Harvey's extensive library of Harveytoons cartoons, print publications including classic comic books as well as interactive content rights. Harvey will be taking an undisclosed equity position in ThinkBox. "ThinkBox is on the cutting edge of learning and entertainment with an experienced team of educators and Hollywood professionals," said Rick Mischel, President and COO for Harvey Entertainment. "This partnership will broaden the appeal and reach of our characters through a revolutionary interactive medium that makes learning more fun than ever." Since the character's launch in the 1940's, Casper has been popular with kids of all ages. Universal Picture's 1995 feature film, "Casper" grossed over $300 million worldwide. The "Casper" animated TV series ran from 1996-1999, and was nominated for 2 Daytime Emmy Awards. "The Harvey classics are beloved to children around the world," said Bruce Cranston, former Head of Animation Development for Dream Works and Disney, and currently ThinkBox's Chief Creative Officer. "Characters like Casper have been floating through children's hearts for years." Now ThinkBox will have Harvey's classics floating through their minds as well. +++++ Activision's X-Men Mutant Academy And Tony Hawk's Pro Skater Top U.S. Retail Sales Charts Titles in Top 10 Across Multiple Platforms on NPD's TRSTS Report For the Week of July 16-22 SANTA MONICA, Calif., Aug. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Activision, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI) announced today that X-Men Mutant Academy and Tony Hawk's Pro Skater were the #1 and #2 best-selling PlayStation(R) game console titles by revenue for the week of July 16-22, according to NPD's TRSTS Data. The release of X-Men Mutant Academy coincided with the opening of Twentieth Century Fox's "X-Men: The Movie," which has grossed more than $110 million in domestic theatrical box office sales to date. Tony Hawk's Pro Skater has remained a top 10 PlayStation title in NPD's TRSTS Data since it's launch in October 1999. Both games have been rated "T" (Animated Violence -- "Teen" -- content suitable for person ages 13 and older) by the ESRB. During the same time period, both titles ranked in the 10 top of Game Boy(R) Color games by revenue with X-Men Mutant Academy holding the #7 position and Tony Hawk's Pro Skater the #9 position. Additionally, Tony Hawk's Pro Skater holds the #5 spot by revenue for Nintendo(R) 64 games. "The success of X-Men Mutant Academy and Tony Hawk's Pro Skater reinforces Activision's position as a brand leader in the video games market," said Robert Kotick, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Activision Inc. "Activision is poised to continue its leadership in the console market with the impending launches of such highly-anticipated titles as Tenchu 2: Birth of the Stealth Assassins, Star Trek(R) Invasion, Spider-Man, and Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2." +++++ X-Cited Mutant Movie Fans 'Marvel' at kpe Site NEW YORK, Aug. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Teaming up with Marvel Enterprises to mastermind a major web presence in support of the summer blockbuster, "X-Men", based on the best-selling comic book series, kpe drew upon its own formidable superpowers as the universe's leading partner for creating digital media and entertainment businesses. Available to mutants and their supporters everywhere at http://www.marvel.com/xmen, the site recently rolled out its eagerly anticipated third and final phase of implementation coinciding with the triumphant release of the Fox film. The rich interactive features designed and produced by in a combination of Flash, Shockwave and html are filtered through the perspective of mutants viewing our society with a critical eye. Set up as a "secret transmission" from an underground organization of renegade mutants, the site's narrative concept serves as a highly informative supplemental entertainment experience to both the film and comics. Maintaining the integrity of the X-Men series was integral to the project. As Creative Director John Jamilkowski notes, "Our recommendation was to build a 'concept site' for Marvel, one which would immerse users in the unique realm of the X-Men. We did this by creating a special world full of mutants, hostile government agencies and radical factions. This theme serves as the creative thread, linking together site features and engaging users by making them part of the story. Basically, we wanted to give the fans an experience they couldn't get in any other medium." The results are exciting for visitors, particularly for ardent followers of these classic comic characters. The enthusiasm of these fans has already helped drive "X-Men" straight to the nations' top box office spot with the second highest opening of the year, and the fourth highest of all time with a staggering $57.8 million debut weekend. Visitors to www.marvel.com/xmen are met with: -- A fully-fleshed narrative theme framing tthe site as a covert transmission from the "mutant underground," operating in reaction to the insidious propaganda of Senator Kelly's "Mutant Watch" site: http://www.mutantwatch2000.com. -- A wide array of illustrated and interactiive audiovisual sections revealing special details on the characters featured on screen and in the comics-along with bios of the stars and three full trailers from the movie. -- Original video games in the "Mutant Trainning" section, available exclusively on the www.marvel.com/xmen site, including Fly the X-Jet (where players must pilot this sleek flying craft through challenging conditions) and Slash or Burn (where, as Wolverine, players battle robotic probes in a special training facility). "This was an ideal project for , utilizing several of our service offerings including strategy, rich media design and game development, production know-how and back-end work," remarks CEO, Mark Patricof, "this was truly a team project, bringing together the various facilities of ." (Screen-shots furnished upon request) +++++ From the SPLASH PAGE of Comicon.com at: http://www.comicon.com/splash/ DIAMOND OWNER BUYS LARGEST GAME DISTRIBUTOR! GEPPI BUYS ALLIANCE GAMES! July 31: According to a Diamond press release that was sent out to retailers this morning, Steve Geppi, owner, President & CEO of Diamond Comic Distributors has reached an agreement with the owners of Alliance Games Distribution, to purchase their company. The move associates Alliance, the leading distributor of Role-playing and Collectible Card Games, and Diamond, the only large scale distributor in the comic book specialty market, under ownership of Geppi. With comic book sales continuing to sputter, the move continues Geppi's expansion beyond Diamond's near monopoly on comic book distribution. Last year Geppi announced the formation of Diamond Select, a separate company from Diamond, solely owned by Geppi, that manufactures and distributes comics related toys both to Diamond's retailers and other retail channels. According to the press release, Diamond and Alliance have signed a letter of intent, with the final agreement to take place in thirty days. Diamond and Alliance will continue to operate as separate companies, with management remaining in their current positions. According to the press release, Alliance President Daniel Hirsch said: "In the long run, we view 'The New Alliance' as a way to marry the strengths of both companies for the benefit of retailers and suppliers alike. Over time, retailers will gain access to a wider variety of products and services, and suppliers will benefit by having their products exposed to more retailers. Just as important, our customers won't have to adapt to a new way of doing business. All of Alliance's Sales Reps and Warehouse personnel will remain in place to serve their needs, just like they're doing now." Steve Geppi was quoted as saying: "While we have some exciting synergies to explore, and while Diamond's commitment to Games will be strong, I want to stress that Alliance will continue to operate as a separate company. Charlie, Dan, and their entire organization have the expertise in the Game market, and we intend to keep that expertise in place." Diamond said that: "According to our research, virtually all comic retailers also sell games to one degree or another, with many falling into the "full-service" category. For those who have had success with Pokemon and are looking to branch out, we can offer things like "starter kits" of the most essential backlist, together with personalized ordering advise from Alliance's experienced Sales pros. Likewise, we look forward to devising programs for Game Retailers who want to expand into comics, graphic novels, toys or one of Diamond's other lines." RAMBLIN' RICH RAGES BACK! RUMORS COLUMN RETURNS AT SILVERBULLETCOMICS.COM! July 31: You can't keep a good gossip down! Rich Johnston, king of Internet comics gossips, who was dropped from his two week old high profile berth at NextPlanetOver.com has set up shop under the new name, ALL THE RAGE, at the Internet retailer and news site, SilverBulletComicBooks.com. Johnston, who has been regularly entertaining and enraging the professional comics community for years with his freewheeling approach to industry rumors on 'RICH's RAMBLINGS', has refused to comment on the reasons NPO pulled the plug on his GUTTERS PRESS. +++++ From Rich Johnston's ALL THE RAGE Gossip Column at: http://www.SilverBulletComicBooks.com. On the DC Comics Message Board, Rick Veitch wrote "What I heard is TS #8 is in the can but there is some sort of legal question about one of the stories. Don't know if its been resolved or not.” He also mentions that the Greyshirt story in the delayed issue, entitled `Thinx', was inspired by a dream and attempts to capture human thought processes. While Rick wouldn't comment any further to All The Rage, a more definite rumour came from two other pro sources. They both agree that the delay is due to the appearance of L Ron Hubbard, he of Scientology fame in the comic. One of the sources states that the book was printed and then pulped, under the orders of Paul Levitz. The other states that the book was never printed at all. DC has been reticent about the appearance of real people in their comics before. The appearance of a governor in Impulse had many ramifications. The infamous non-published Jesus appearance in Swamp Thing #88 is another prominent example. There was a rumour at one point that Fantagraphics publisher Gary Groth was asked to sign off an appearance by himself in an upcoming ABC comic. And considering past legal moves by Scientology movement, I would speculate that they don't want to take any chances. Enquiries to DC Comics were directed towards Patty Jeres, but she's currently out of the office. Enquiries to Wildstorm were not answered. +++++ From Comics2Film at http://www.comics2film.com SPIDER-MAN ---------- Columbia Pictures issued the following statement late yesterday finalizing the announcement of the casting: Tobey Maguire is set to star as one of the most popular comic book icons of all time in Columbia Pictures' live-action feature film adaptation Spider-Man, studio Chairman Amy Pascal announced today. The 25-year-old actor most recently earned acclaim for his roles in Curtis Hanson's Wonder Boys, in which he starred opposite Michael Douglas, and in 2000 Best Picture Oscar nominee The Cider House Rules, directed by Lasse Hallstrom. Spider-Man is helmed by Sam Raimi (The Gift), a self-confessed fanatic of the cagey, web-spinning hero. Laura Ziskin (As Good As it Gets) and Oscar nominee Ian Bryce (Almost Famous) produce. Avi Arad (X-Men) serves as executive producer. "I am delighted with this choice," said Pascal. "Tobey's acting ability and incredible screen presence and Sam's creative vision are a powerful combination to bring Spider-Man to the screen." "As an actor, Tobey is a director's dream,'' said Raimi. "He has all the qualities we were looking for in our Peter Parker." Maguire's other film credits include Ang Lee's Ride With the Devil and The Ice Storm, Gary Ross' Pleasantville and Woody Allen's Deconstructing Harry. David Koepp (Stir of Echoes) has drafted a preliminary screenplay for the film; Scott Rosenberg (Gone In 60 Seconds) has also collaborated on the script. The creative team includes Oscar- nominated director of photography Don Burgess (What Lies Beneath), production designer Neil Spisak (For Love of the Game) and costume designer James Acheson, who has won Academy Awards for Restoration, Dangerous Liaisons and The Last Emperor. Spider-Man, the creation of veteran comic book writer Stan Lee, first appeared in comic books in 1962. The story centers on student Peter Parker who, after being bitten by a radioactive spider, gains superhuman strength and the spider-like ability to cling to any surface. Peter first uses his powers to make money, but when his beloved Uncle Ben is killed by thieves after Peter chooses not to get involved, he vows to dedicate his life to fighting crime. The film is slated to begin shooting in Los Angeles in November. The production will then move to New York. Spider-Man is being readied for a November 2001 release. In a related story, there's a fan movement afoot to shape the course of the movie. While fans are generally excited about the new Spider-Man movie, many are divided over the filmmaker's desire to give the character organic web-shooters. For those coming in late: the comic book character spins his webs using mechanical devices of his own creation. The current script for the movie calls for the character to grow web-spinners in his wrists as part of his transformation into the super-hero. On the one hand, director Sam Raimi points out that the organic spinners will increase the teenage character's angst, which is a key ingredient to the comic. "I think it's more interesting because it is one more thing he's got to be embarrassed of," Raimi has said on the recently seen promotional video. On the other hand, fans argue that Parker's invention of the web- fluid and web-shooters are an integral part of the character. After all, Peter Parker is a gifted student with a great love of science. What better way to illustrate that than the invention of the web-shooters? An internet-based, grass-roots movement has sprung up to convince Sony that mechanical shooters are the way to go. The Down With Organic Webshooters website is designed to make the case against the organic spinners. Webmasters Mierk, Zero Cool, or The Raven are collecting signatures via an online petition. The crew hopes to gather one million signatures supporting the traditional webspinners before cameras roll this year. The website also features editorials discussing the issue and a message board where fans can state their opinions. http://www.no-organic-webshooters.com/ EARTH X ------- Trailers for the Earth X short film have recently appeared on the internet. The movie will be included as part of a special hardcover reprint of the popular Marvel comics series. The movie features a mix of computer generated animation and live action footage. The trailers can be downloaded from the Graphitti Designs website as well as from the Alex Ross Art site (which appears to have a faster server. The book will enjoy a premiere party at the upcoming Wizard World convention in Chigago. The party will be held Saturday, August 5th at the Hyatt Grand Ballrooms A & B. Guests will include Alex Ross, Jim Krueger, Bill Reinhold, Composer Scott Vladimir Licinia, and Daredevil. http://www.graphittidesigns.com/ http://www.alexrossart.com/ SUPERNATURAL LAW ---------------- Harald Zwart The Hollywood Reporter has signed on to direct Supernatural Law for Universal Pictures. The movie adapts Batton Lash's comic book about attorneys Wolff and Byrd, who defined monsters and ghouls. The movie is set to go before the cameras in January. Marc Platt Prods. and Stampede Entertainment are producing. Zwart reportedly got the job on the strength of his US feature debut One Night at McCool's which stars Matt Dillon, Live Tyler, John Goodman and Michael Douglas. http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/ FANTASTIC FOUR -------------- A recent article in the L.A. Times details the rising star of director Raja Gosnell (Big Momma's House). Gosnell, it appears, has two major studios with big-budget projects vying for his services. Fox, hoping to strike while the X-Men iron is hot, is eager to sew up its deal with Gosnell to direct Fantastic Four, while Warner Bros. is offering big snacks to lure him over to helm Scooby Doo. Tim Rothman, newly named chairman of Fox Filmed Entertainment told The Times "We expect and hope to make [Fantastic Four] pretty soon. If X-Men hadn't worked, we may have reconsidered." The studio is hoping to budget the movie at $75 million which is the same ballpark as X-Men. Rothman also told the times that it could be year's end before production gets underway. The directory aggressively pursued the project, which has been in development with Chris Columbus' 1492 for years. "I worked really hard to get a meeting on it," Gosnell told The Times. "I really wanted to do a big action comedy thrill ride like Men in Black." The movie is described as more comedic than X-Men. In previous reports, Marvel's Avi Arad described the movie by saying "It's probably the biggest sitcom of all time." Thanks to Corona Coming Attractions for the lead. http://www.calendarlive.com/movies/20000731/t000071932.html http://www.corona.bc.ca/ WITCHBLADE ---------- TNT Television recently conducted a press tour in L.A. talking up their original movies and TV series. Witchblade was part of the tour and participants included actors Yancy Butler (Sara Pezzini), David Chokachi (Jake McCartey), Anthony Cistaro (Kenneth Irons), Eric Etebari (Ian Nottingham), director Ralph Hemecker and TNT Executive V.P. of Original Programming Julie Weitz. Here are some of the highlights: Hemecker talked about the reason the TV character doesn't look like the comic book character. "I have read the comic book, and I am a big fan of it," Hemecker said. "One of the reasons we had the change of costume is just because of the number of stunts that we had to have Yancy do. We had to have her a little bit more padded up and had to conceal the pads." Weitz told the press that the two-hour movie is definitely intended to serve as a pilot for a potential series. "I think the beauty in doing a two-hour pilot is you actually have something that you can entertain people with, and you can air. If you make a pilot, which most of the networks do - [an] hour pilot - it never gets seen." Cistaro talked about the long development time for the show, which has been in the works for over three years. "In talking to the producers, they were saying that, you know, the reason that it took so long is because they didn't want it to be just a typical comic book come to life. They wanted to really bring a real character-driven piece, and bring some real interest to bear on it. And so I certainly expect it to be a series." Should a show go into production, it could include previous incarnations of the Witchblade. "This gauntlet, this artifact, has been handed off for woman warrior to woman warrior through the ages," Hemecker explained. "So, I think that we'd be tapping into some of the previous woman warriors in episodes." Hemecker also said it was possible that other comic-based guests could wind up in episodes of the show. If a series gets picked up, the current cast of actors is expected to continue in their roles. "Since we've shot, we've don a lot of talking about where it can go and our hopes for it, so we really want to bring that bear," Cistaro said. "There's so much more to mine, and you have to remember that it's what? Three years worth of stories in the comic books." The movie airs August 27th on TNT. RISING STARS ------------ A source at Atlas Entertainment has confirmed for Comics2Film that they are the production company that has purchased the option on Rising Stars from J. Michael Straczynski. However, our source cautions that negotiations have not been finalized and there are many facets to the property. The hard part is over but there are still i's to dot and t's to cross. Atlas had a hand 12 Monkeys, City of Angels, Three Kings and the upcoming Roller Ball and Scooby Doo. TOO MUCH COFFEE MAN ------------------- Nelvana Entertainment has optioned Too Much Coffee Man from Shannon Wheeler according to a recent article in Wizard. Plans are to develop the concept as an animated show for Comedy Central. The cable net has solicited a pilot script for the cartoon. http://www.wizardworld.com/ GATECRASHER ----------- The first comic book offering for Black Bull Entertainment has scored a TV development deal according to a recent article in Wizard. Gatecrasher is the subject of a deal between the new publisher and Mainframe Entertainment. The animation house aims to develop a computer generated animated series based on the book. Series penciler and co-creator Amanda Conner may sign on as art director on the project. Co-Creators Mark Waid and Jimmy Palmiotti will provide stories for the series. The show will focus on the first four issues of the comic. Dan Dido, vice president of creative affairs for Mainframe told Wizard what he likes about the concept: "It has the angst of X- Men, the humor of Spider-Man and the monsters of Men In Black. You can't beat that." Plans are to have the series up and running on a network by September 2001. http://www.wizardworld.com/ X-MEN: EVOLUTION ---------------- Rob Allstetter of The Comics Continuum reports that X-Men: Evolution now has a tentative debut date of Saturday, Nov. 4 on the Kids' WB! The show is currently set to air on Saturdays at 11:30. http://www.comicscontinuum.com/ ASTERIX AND CLEOPATRA --------------------- A Reuters news report on the health of French film star Gerard Depardieu bears an interesting tidbit about the sequel Asterix and Cleopatra. The actor was released from a Paris hospital last week after heart bypass surgery earlier in July. The actor plans to resume work on his current film in August. From there he goes to Moroco to begin work on Asterix and Cleopatra. According to the write-up, shooting on that film begins at the end of September. Fans in the United States are still waiting to see the original French-made Asterix and Obelix Versus Caesar. Thanks to Michael Rhode of the Comics Research Bibliography. http://www.rpi.edu/~bulloj/comxbib.html GHOST RIDER ----------- A few weeks ago, The Stax Report at IGN FilmForce posted a review of David Goyer's screenplay for Ghost Rider. The screenplay was written long before the recent deal between Marvel and Crystal Sky to develop a GR movie. Goyer responded to the review. His remarks provide some insights as to the direction the new movie will (or won't) go. "While there were certain elements in the original script that I liked – it is unlikely that much of that script will be used." Goyer told Stax. "We have yet to make a deal for the project – but the story being talked about now is significantly different (no Zarathos, no Caretaker, etc)." http://filmforce.ign.com/news/1186.html BRUCE WAYNE ----------- Bill Ramey over at the Batman on Film site has obtained a copy of the series bible and pilot script for the proposed Bruce Wayne TV series. Ramey tells us "it really kicks ass!" Although many believe that the series has been squashed in favor of the film franchise, Ramey's site includes some speculation that that the series is not a dead issue and that the two can peacefully co- exist. A review and synopsis of Bruce Wayne can be found on Ramey's site. http://jettd60.tripod.com/ +++++ From The Daily Buzz at http://www.mania.com/newsarama/index.html Spidey Universe X Special Added Rob Allstetter Another Universe X special has been added to the other four originally planned one-shots spinning off of the maxi-series. Written by Jim Krueger and drawn by Butch Guice, Universe X: Spidey is scheduled for November. "The special will give a new view of the whole Gwen Stacy tragedy," Krueger said. John Romita Sr. will be inking the Gwen pages in the 48-page one-shot. Following that will be Universe X: Cap in December, drawn by Tom Yeates. "He originally said no, but then I sent him the script and he said, 'I'll do it,'" Krueger said. "Cap is such a different story, I had to have him do it." The next special, Universe X: Beasts, will be drawn by Earth X artist John Paul Leon. "It's the future Hulk and the X-Men," Krueger said. "It's in the last days of Wakanda, so Black Panther and Storm are in it." And the last one, Universe X: Iron Men, will be drawn by Brent Anderson and includes the Iron Avengers and Iron Maiden. "It deals in a big way with Magneto," Krueger said. Maguire Does Gen13/FF Crossover Rob Allstetter Kevin Maguire has written and drawn a one-shot Gen13/Fantastic Four crossover that will ship in November. "Kevin Maguire came up with a Gen13/Fantastic Four story a year ago, and it's a rather unique team-up of the two teams with a climax I guarantee you will not forget," said WildStorm editor-in-chief Scott Dunbier. "It should be a good, fun read." Dunbier said that Maguire has finished writing and penciling the book, and that just three pages need to be inked. "So, it's essentially done," Dunbier said. Seagle's Crusades Rob Allstetter Writer Steven Seagle's new ongoing Vertigo series, The Crusades, should start early next year from DC Comics. The series is being drawn by former Batman artist Kelley Jones. "It's about violence," Seagle said. "I'm from the South and all my relatives have like 30 or 40 shotguns sitting around the living room just in case somebody stops by that they didn't want to see. "People are always talking about their rights to bear arms and the Constitution. I just started thinking about how people are ready to blow somebody away, but is that really what they want in society? Do we want the kind of justice we talk about all the time? "In the middle of a modern-day San Francisco, a knight, fighting The Crusades, starts lopping off people's heads and limbs. But they're bad people. Is that a good thing or not? It's about the escalation. If you kill a rapist, is that OK? Or what about the guy who keys your car? Where do you draw the line in the sand? "That's what kind of stuff we're going to delve into in Crusades." Seagle talked about the series' characters. "Our protagonist other than this mysterious knight that's walking around is a radio deejay called Anton Marx, who has a nightly show called Marxism," Seagle said. "He just basically runs off at the mouth. "He's trying to use the knight to his own ends to further his career and get out of San Francisco, which is like the No. 4 market, and he wants to get to L.A. or New York. "His girlfriend is a fact-checker for a Bay Area weekly free paper. She gets involved in the story in an entirely different way. She's trying to investigate the knight on a more emotional level. There's a nice triangle, the three of them, about fact and reality and how it's portrayed, and the manipulation of what's true in order to get something versus learning something. "So it's just a brutally, bloody book with a really sweet romance." Orion Back-up Plans Rob Allstetter Walter Simonson, writer/artist of DC Comics' Orion, said that Earth X artist John Paul Leon will be contributing a back-up story. "It'll probably run in Orion #11," Simonson said. "It's eight pages. It was too good to keep to six." Others contributing to the six-page back-ups include Eric Stephenson and Erik Larsen for Orion #6, Howard Chaykin for Orion #7 and Jeph Loeb and Rob Liefeld for Orion #8. "I would like to see back-up chapters drawn by guys I like who haven't drawn these characters before," Simonson said. "The back-up stories are related to the lead stories - that's the way it worked out, although they are not a chapter two." +++++ From Newsarama; http://www.Fandom.com/comics/ WINNER OF THE 1997 & 1998 INTERNET "SQUIDDY" FOR BEST WEB SITE YOU MUST REMEMBER THIS, A KISS IS JUST A KISS Wildstorm editor John Layman has been put on record over the last couple days on an issue surrounding the Apollo/Midnighter relationship and the Jenny Sparks: The Secret History Of The Authority limited series by Mark Millar and John McCrea... a planned - but ultimately not consummated - full panel kiss between the duo in issue #2. On Warren Ellis' Delphi message board forum, a reader explained that he was shown the original panel by McCrea at the Comics 2000 Festival in Bristol, England earlier this year. But when the issue was published, in its place was a panel depicting the partners "launching into action"_double entendre not intended. Emailing Layman for a response to the change, the reader received the following reply from the editor, which was then posted to the Ellis' board. "Powers beyond me insisted it be omitted," wrote Layman. "Believe me, this was my lowest point as an editor and it still sickens me. And there were more than a few sleepless nights, as I wondered if this job was worth sticking with. "There are powers that be who are not completely comfortable with portraying a gay relationship, particularly since people outside comics still perceive it as a `kid`s medium.` Mark [Millar] certainly wasn`t happy about it, nor was McCrea, nor was I, but the powers seem to be letting us take baby steps, and long as they are not completely shutting us down we will continue to play ball. "Go head, tell the world. The positive response we`ve been getting seems to be finally being heard." Later, Layman entered the discussion himself to expand upon his original response to the reader. "In the interest of covering my own ass, I should clarify my response," he said in a post with traces of dry humor. "I was sickened that I live in a society which is nervous about showing a monogamous homosexual relational as abnormal and something to be afraid of, NOT at the power-that-be`s decision to remove the kiss (which was NOT completely dictated to us, as you will read.) And the irony that we can show popped out eyes and talk about sacrificed children and be nervous about a gay kiss has escaped nobody involved. "While I am always trying to make a book as close to the creator`s vision, part of my job is walking a tightrope between what they want, and what the good folks who publish the book are comfortable with. As I understand, going back as far as Mark Miller`s interview with the London Times, an Ignorance Brigade already went up in arms, sending threatening letters to DC and Time Warner, AND threatening advertisers. Big companies don`t like this sort of stuff, I`m told. "I have been assured we have no plans to shove A&M `back into the closet.’ Based on some nervousness, there was a point where Mark and I discussed the whens and wheres of the relationship, and decided maybe it would be best to tell this tale another day. "Still, someone had once accused me of being the guy slashing wildly with a red pen in the direction of the Authority, and I publicly assured that person I support Mark (as well as Apollo and Midnighter,) and would never exclude a gay kiss. That this would come up the very next month and I would have to eat my words was the real source of my moral quandary. "For anybody suggesting you `vote with your wallets,’ I suggest if you enjoy the Authority related books, you continue to support them. As I said in my brief and probably all-to-hasty response that started this thread, people who may have been nervous are now hearing a positive response to the characters. I daresay you should vote with your wallets the other way, and then maybe Big Scary Corporate America will get the message that two gay character will not destroy the moral fabric of our great nation." SHAMUS TALKS COMICS ESCALATING VALUE While a transcript of Gareb Shamus' interview scheduled to air this week on CNN is not yet available, the Wizard Magazine Chairman and CEO did speak with CNNfn's (CNN Financial) Valerie Moss in an feature currently posted on the cable news network's website. In a story entitled Adventure! Thrills! Cold, hard cash!: Old comic book collections may be worth far more than the paper they`re printed on, Shamus spoke about the potential escalating value of old comic books in today's marketplace. "A lot of the comics that could be in peoples` basements could be very valuable, anywhere from hundreds of dollars to hundreds of thousands of dollars, especially depending on condition," Shamus told CNNfn, "If books are in high grade (condition) there is really a lot of demand for them, especially today." Shamus later pointed as an example how the buzz surrounding the X-Men movie can affect the value of comics. "All of a sudden the Sabretooth character became such a big deal that his (comic) book was selling for under a hundred bucks," he said. "Now, in high-grade, it`s anywhere from $300 to $500." Shamus did not directly advocate the purchase of new comics as investments, but CNNfn's Moss concluded the story with this question_ "It can be a better ride than the stock market. Who knows? Even with comic books costing a couple dollars nowadays, if you hold on to them, in the long run you may be able to cash in a fortune." The full text of the story can be read at the CNN.com website. TO THE SKULLCAVE NOLAN! Adding to his list of newspaper strips, Graham (Detective Comics, Rex Morgan M.D.) Nolan tells Newsarama that he has recently signed on as the regular Sunday artist for Lee Falk`s The Phantom newspaper strip. The deal, according to Nolan, came about when he was pitching his own strip Monster Island to King Features Syndicate, something which ultimately landed him the daily and Sunday Rex Morgan strip. "When they offered me Rex, I said what I`d really like to do was The Phantom, and they told me that it wasn`t available," Nolan says. "But letting them know that I was interested gave them reason to call me when it became available, recently, and they contacted me. Having done Rex for a little while now, I`ve proven to be reliable and competent in their eyes, so they mist have felt good enough about me to offer me the Sunday strip." Just like the Sunday Rex Morgan strip, Nolan will pencil, ink, letter and color the Sunday Phantom strip, purple suit and all. "The Sundays and the dailies are two separate stories, so I don`t have any continuity issues to worry about," Nolan says. "The Phantom in the strip is still the 21st generation Phantom. He doesn`t really age. He`s still the same Phantom your grandparents read about, so there`s still Diana, and Devil, his wolf. If we jumped to another Phantom, you`d have to do away with all that continuity that readers are familiar with, and I don`t think that`s about to happen any time soon. While `dream come true` is such an overused phrase, it really applies in Nolan`s case. As a boy, he grew up reading The Phantom in the funnies section, and, when he wasn`t dreaming of being the Phantom himself, he was dreaming of drawing him just as he appeared in the papers. "I love the history of the character, and it`s a true adventure strip," Nolan says. "So where I`m stylistically limited in what I can do with Rex, with the Phantom, I feel that I can pull out more stops and gravitate towards my own natural style - with more dramatic lighting effects and stuff I couldn`t really get away with in a soap opera strip." Nolan`s run on the Sunday Phantom strip begins this coming Sunday, August 6th. "My contract with King is for 31 weeks, which is the length of the storyline," Nolan says. "At that point, if King Features likes what I`m doing, we`ll go from there. Hopefully, this will be the start of something ongoing." JOHN OSTRANDER: JLA BIOGRAPHER A couple years back, Mark Waid, Brian Augustyn and Barry Kitson recounted the first year of the original JLA's existence in the maxi-series JLA Year One, now writer John Ostrander and artist Val (DC Two Thousand) Semeiks are going to take a more macro approach to the league's history with JLA: Incarnations, an eight-issue mini-series that will touch on each version of the league over the years, from the original first team on up through the current "big guns" roster. "The project started with conversations I had with editor Dan Raspler," explained Ostrander. "He thought I should propose some BIG JLA miniseries and I thought that something connected to its history would be a good idea. There`s been so much change in the DCU in recent years, it might be good to give readers some idea of what was in and what was out continuity-wise. The project evolved along the way - from prestige to regular sized - from 6 to 12 issues - until it wound up where it is now, at 8 books with 38 pp of story each. "Each issue will have a self-contained story which will focus on a different aspect of the League and spotlight a different member. There will be things that connect all eight issues, of course, but I`m really trying more and more to do self contained stories." Though not wanting to go into too much detail, Ostrander revealed that the first three-issues will focus on the first JLA team, but each issue will focus on "mini-incarnations" within each incarnation. "One focuses on the league`s early days (featuring an appearance by the JLA), one on its zenith (bringing readers to the JLA's satellite HQ), and then the third issue goes into what led up to the end of the first Incarnation_why it was disbanded. "The second Incarnation gets an issue but the JLI gets at least two, with one issue including both the Justice League Task Force and Extreme Justice and the events, never shown, that led to the dissolution of that League before the debut of the modern League." "There will be big, epic things happening as one would expect of the JLA but, against that backdrop, I`m also trying to tell personal stories of the people involved. I`m paying attention to history and continuity but I`m rewriting some of it, both to keep with modern continuity and expectations. For instance, I`ll be altering the `why the first league disbanded' story to keep with more modern continuity but covering some of the same ground. "You DON`T have to have read all the back issues of the JLA to read this series but I HOPE that, if you DO know the old stories, these will also have a special reverberation for the reader. As I said, I hope to spotlight personal stories along the way." WORD ON THE STREET More fuel for the Hawkman fire_Early speculation among readers anticipated the return of Hawkman to the DCU next year seem to be focusing on Carter Hall, with some fans assuming the Hawkman that returns in the pages of JSA will be or be closely tied to the Silver Age incarnation of the character. Well, for those speculators – this bit of info_ JSA co-writer Geoff Johns has confirmed a little kerrnel of knowledge given to fans at last week's JSA panel in San Diego – the storyline that returns Hawkman to the DCU takes place on Thanagar. "What that means remains to be seen," said Johns. Hmmmm_. John Ostrander also gave Newsarama a few words on his November Star Wars one-shot, Boba Fett: Agent of Doom set after Episode 6… "We`re going to be going into how the Empire was really a NASTY group," said Ostrander. "They weren`t just an alternate and mildly oppressive government, these were SPACE NAZIS for crying out loud! And they had the equivalent of death camps in the form of huge ships. One has returned with its captain, operating independently, and a survivor hires Fett to bring in this war criminal. So it's Fett alone against a death camp. Who do you want to put YOUR money on? The great Cam Kennedy is drawing it and this should be major cool." According to Top Cow's Matt Hawkins, artist Billy Tan will be guest penciling Tomb Raider #11-12. A representative for Top Cow Comics confirmed in San Diego that discussions are underway with Marvel Comics for a series of four crossovers projects in 2001. Though both sides say no plans have been formalized, including whether to even do the crossovers, some of the pairings currently being discussed are Fathom/Namor, Darkness/Spider-Man, and Witchblade/Wolverine. The Top Cow rep went on to say that Alan Grant has expressed an interest in writing and Dave Finch in illustrating an Aphrodite IX/Lobo crossover with DC, but like with the Marvel x-overs, no plans have been finalized. SPECULATOR BOOM - THE RETURN??? According to Wizardworld online's Buddy Scalera, Wizard Magazine's Chairman and CEO Gareb Shamus will appear on CNN on Tuesday August 1st, during the 8PM (EST) broadcast of The World Today. "CNN will feature an interview with Gareb Shamus for a scheduled segment that addresses comic books, their escalating value and ways collectors can ride the wave," reported Scalera. If you miss Tuesday's episode, the interview is scheduled to also run Saturday, August 5th during the program Your Money which airs at 7:00 am, 4:30 pm and 2:30 am (EST). THOR HEADED FOR THE BOOB TUBE Daily Variety's Michael Fleming and Claude Brodesser In other Marvel other media news, Monday's Hollywood Reporter says Artisan Entertainment is developing a live-action television series based on Thor, as an "outgrowth" of the wide-ranging character licensing pact Artisan struck with Marvel this past May. According to the Reporter, "Artisan is now shopping for a showrunner to take the reins of its first TV project. Thor is being designed as a series for first-run syndication or cable. An Artisan spokesman declined to elaborate Friday on the project. INSIDE.COM: X-MEN WILL TOP OUT AT 150 MIL! With X-Men landing squarely in third place this weekend, bringing in an estimated $11.5 million (falling 51% from last weekend, a normal drop off), its box office tally so far is roughly $121 million in 17 days. The entertainment insider website Inside.com estimates that the film will top off domestically at $140 - $150 million, making a sequel a "sure bet." BUTLER: WITCHBLADE NOT CHEESY Yancy Butler recently spoke with the Sci-Fi Wire and reported that she had signed on to the project before she read the comic by Top Cow. Once she checked out the issues, she panicked, seeing the...less than full coverage and what could be seen as kinky costume elements. Butler reports she`s happy the director chose to go in a slightly different direction. "It had the potential to not be cool," Butler tells Sci-Fi Wire. "And it`s so not cheesy. I`m so happy." Witchblade premieres on the TNT network at 8 p.m. August 27th. Depending on the performance of the telefilm, it may be picked up as a regular series. WOLFF AND BYRD GOES SCANDINAVIAN According to The Hollywood Reporter, Norwegian commercial director Harald Zwart is set to direct Universal Pictures` live-action feature Wolff and Byrd, (formerly known as Supernatural Law), based on Batton Lash`s comic of the same name. The project is targeted for a January start, with Marc Platt Productions and Stampede Entertainment producing. Sources said Zwart was hired by the studio after they watched his upcoming U.S. feature directorial debut, One Night at McCool`s. WHO'S PILOTING IRON MAN NOW? Iron Man editor Bobbie Chase has decided to promote from within following Joe Quesada's upcoming exit from the title with October's issue #35. Writer Frank Tieri, Quesada's co-writer on the current "The Sons of Yinsen" story arc (concluding this week in the Iron Man 2000 Annual) and the next (issue #33-35), will graduate to solo writer for a four-issue story arc beginning with November's issue #36. And while Chase said Tieri "could" take over the title full-time - ala Tieri's upcoming story arc on Wolverine - that decision has not been made yet and all parties involved say they will see how it goes after they get through these next 2 story arcs. "When Joe took on the assignment of writer on Iron Man, we both knew it wouldn`t be forever," Chase told Newsarama. "Joe is definitely one of the busiest men in comics. And I`ve been in the enviable position of being loved by Iron Man fans - and hated by Daredevil fans - for letting him have his way with the Golden Avenger. Fortunately, Frank fills the slot quite easily - he`s not only been Joe`s writing partner on the book, but the next story line they had planned, the one Frank will now write solo, has been mainly his creation. And it`s a doozy. I`m sure that fans of Joe`s writing on Iron Man won`t be disappointed with Frank`s." "I really appreciate the faith Bobbie has put in me by giving me this great opportunity," added Tieri. "Iron Man is one of Marvel`s flagship titles so getting to write it is really special. That said, at the same time, I`m sorry to see Joe go. Joe`s the one who was responsible for bringing me on this book, and I must say I learned a lot by working alongside him. (Is there any way Joe doesn`t have to see this? Who wants to hear him after I said all these nice things about him?) But don`t worry fans, the reason Joe and I worked so well together is that we have many of the same sensibilities about what we like in comics and what`s cool. So I intend to carry most of what people liked about our stuff together over into my run." And while not going into much detail, Tieri said his arc will pit Iron Man against a foe "unlike any he`s ever faced before in a manner unlike anything he`s had to deal with before." "This is the story I first pitched to Joe when he asked me to come on board as co-writer, so this story was largely responsible for me getting the gig. If this helps any, I will be picking up on some threads from Joe`s first story arc (The Mask in the Iron Man), threads Joe and I intended to address all along. And I will tell you this, Tony Stark will never quite be the same after this one`s over." +++++ From Zentertainment; HTTP://WWW.ZENTERTAINMENT.COM To sign a friend up or begin receiving ZEN yourself, e-mail: subscribe@ZENtertainment.com VOTE LEX LUTHOR IN 2000 -- Simply put, there is no candidate who is more qualified to run the United States of America than Lex Luthor. No other person has been so instrumental in the reinvention and saving grace of not one but TWO major American cities, Metropolis and Gotham City. As one of the world's wealthiest men (and savviest businessmen), he holds no ties to special interest groups. He has had interaction and working relationships with some of the universe's greatest heroes beginning with Superman. He is the living embodiment of "Truth, Justice and The American Way," the campaign slogan for The Tomorrow Party. Mr. Luthor will not be debating the other candidates because there is nothing to debate; he is best candidate in every way. Come election day, Americans will have a choice. Selecting a candidate who is mired in the world of politics and whose ideas are built on the antiquated notions of the 20th Century, or a man of true vision -- a man of Tomorrow, for Tomorrow: Lex Luthor! (And by the way, Mr. Luthor has assured me that should I print this in its entirety, my family will be released unharmed). THREE WS TALES IN NEW 'THUNDERBOOK' The WILDSTORM THUNDERBOOK anthology series launches this week, with its three stories featuring Gen13 (by Adam Hughes & Kevin Nowlan), Cybernary (by SPEED RACER's Tommy Yune and David Boller & Mark Irwin), and Jet (by Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning and Dustin Ngyuen & Armando Durruthy). http://www.wildstorm.com http://members.aol.com/tommyyune KISS MAKE VIDEO GAME DEBUT McFARLANE Comics' KISS: PSYCHO CIRCUS series has been adapted into a PC game just released by GATHERING OF DEVELOPERS. The game is a 3D action-shooter in which players take control of the various KISS members through the elementals they are represented by in the series -- Gene Simmons, for instance, presides over a red-themed world of fire as a demon. As players progress, collecting KISS costume pieces and artifacts while listening to a soundtrack full of KISS songs, they build the power of the Elder, for a final battle against the Nightmare Child. PSYCHO CIRCUS will soon be released for the SEGA DREAMCAST. http://www.kisspsychocircus.com 'JLA' GAME FOR PSX2? A report at the WEZANIMATIONS freelance 3D animation company's website reveals they are working on 3D modeling and texturing of the DC Comics superhero The Flash for use in a JLA game being developed for SONY's PLAYSTATION 2 system. +++++ 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. DC WINS 13 EISNER AWARDS The 12th annual Eisner Awards were presented at the Comic-Con International 2000 -- San Diego on Friday, July 21. DC's total of 13 out of 26 awards (and its astounding 54 nominations) made it the most honored publisher of the evening. And the winners were_ Best Anthology: TOMORROW STORIES by Alan Moore, Rick Veitch, Kevin Nowlan, Melinda Gebbie, and Jim Baikie Best Comics-Related Publication: THE SANDMAN: THE DREAM HUNTERS by Neil Gaiman and Yoshitaka Amano Best Coloring: Laura DePuy (THE AUTHORITY; PLANETARY; JLA: EARTH 2) Best Lettering: Todd Klein (AMERICA'S BEST COMICS, THE INVISIBLES) Best Penciller/Inker: Kevin Nowlan ("Jack B. Quick," TOMORROW STORIES) Best Painter/Multimedia Artist: Alex Ross (BATMAN: WAR ON CRIME) Best Writer/Artist-Humor: Kyle Baker (I DIE AT MIDNIGHT, "Letitia Lerner, Superman's Babysitter") Best Cover Artist: Alex Ross (BATMAN: HARLEY QUINN, KURT BUSIEK'S ASTRO CITY, SUPERMAN/FANTASTIC FOUR) Best New Series: TOP TEN by Alan Moore, Gene Ha and Zander Cannon Best Serialized Story: TOM STRONG #4-7 by Alan Moore, Chris Sprouse, Al Gordon, and guest artists Best Single Issue: "How Tom Strong Got Started", TOM STRONG # 1 by Alan Moore, Chris Sprouse and Al Gordon Best Short Story: "Letitia Lerner, Superman's Babysitter" by Elizabeth Glass and Kyle Baker Inducted into the Hall of Fame were DC veterans Sheldon Mayer, Carmine Infantino and Basil Wolverton. DC sends its warmest congratulations and thanks to all winners and nominees for another year of great comics. The following titles by this year's Eisner winners are all available for order from Diamond: THE AUTHORITY: RELENTLESS TP (STAR11085) BATMAN: WAR ON CRIME (STAR10280) I DIE AT MIDNIGHT (STAR10525) PLANETARY: ALL OVER THE WORLD AND OTHER STORIES TP (STAR10841) PROMETHEA BOOK ONE HC (JUN00 0310) THE SANDMAN: THE DREAM HUNTERS HC (STAR10276) THE SANDMAN: THE DREAM HUNTERS SC (MAY00 0193) SUPERMAN: PEACE ON EARTH (STAR08454) TOM STRONG BOOK ONE HC (STAR11443D) TOP 10 BOOK ONE HC (JUL00 0377) WHY I HATE SATURN (STAR08467) YOU ARE HERE (STAR08547) Titles by this year's Hall of Fame inductees available from the STAR System include: THE FLASH ARCHIVES VOL. 1 (STAR01839) and VOL. 2 (STAR10830) MILLENNIUM EDITION: MAD #1 (XXXXX) MILLENNIUM EDITION: PLOP #1 (XXXXXX) ALL STAR COMICS ARCHIVES VOL. 1 (STAR00290), VOL. 2 (STAR00455), VOL. 3 (STAR06739), VOL. 4 (STAR08521), and VOL. 5 (STAR10386) The Eisner-winning Kyle Baker story "Laetitia Lerner, Superman's Babysitter" will be printed in the upcoming BIZARRO COMICS hardcover. Watch future issues of Previews for more details. SCOTT McDANIEL EXTENDS EXCLUSIVE CONTRACT WITH DC DC Comics is pleased to announce that artist Scott McDaniel has extended his exclusive contract for another year. Starting out on Green Goblin for Marvel, McDaniel is best known for his work as penciller on NIGHTWING and his current run on BATMAN. Consistently chosen as a fan favorite, McDaniel wows readers with both his gritty figures and cityscapes and his knack for compressing the time and space of action moves into complex graphic layouts. According to McDaniel: "Artistically, the goal I'd set for myself was to increase the kinetic energy in my art; just a few months into the run on NIGHTWING, working with Chuck Dixon allowed me to experiment take things to the next level. He's a fantastic writer who gives artists room to play. There are no "slow beats" in a Chuck Dixon script; it's concise and allows you as the artist to run with the action and choreograph." Now, McDaniel's been given the opportunity to "move" from Blüdhaven to Gotham City, a transition has proven more thrilling than difficult: "I wanted to be Batman when I was a kid; now, I get to live vicariously through my pencil and contribute something to the history of the character. I want people to look back at my issues and say, 'Wow, the McDaniel issues of BATMAN are really great." McDaniel's work on the rough streets of Blüdhaven in the pages of NIGHTWING, as well as contributing to the post-No Man's Land look of Gotham City, made him an obvious choice as artist on BATMAN. According to BATMAN Editor Bob Schreck: "Scott's one of the premier artists of our time and has both a loyal fan following and an affinity for the character. His collaboration with [upcoming BATMAN writer] Ed Brubaker will prove to be one for the coffers." McDaniel's work can been seen every month in the pages of BATMAN, as well as in the NIGHTWING trade paperbacks NIGHTWING: A KNIGHT IN BLuDHAVEN (STAR08162), NIGHTWING: ROUGH JUSTICE (STAR09856), NIGHTWING: LOVE AND BULLETS TP (STAR10874), as well as in NIGHTWING: Secret Files #1 (STAR09952). ______________________________________________________________________ ----------------------------------------------------------------------- [5] Interview Jeff Hidek & Tim O'Shea tim_jen@mindspring.com Originally posted to: http://www.thecomicreader.com/newsmain.htm Copyright 2000 - The Comic Reader, used with permission Interview with Judd Winick By Tim O'Shea and Jeff Hidek, TCR Online Judd Winick, is known for a lot of things, one thing of course is being a cast member of the infamous San Francisco REAL WORLD on MTV. But more recently in comic circles, he's known for his former daily comic strip, FRUMPY THE CLOWN, or more recently receiving an Eisner nomination for the Talent Deserving of Wider Recognition category, as a result of his Oni Press book, THE ADVENTURES OF BARRY WEEN, BOY GENIUS. If that's enough, of course, Winick is entering the hotbed of scrutiny (Are you Pro-Hal or Pro-Kyle, it sounds like a debate question for Bush and Gore) when he takes over writing Green Lantern in August with issue 129. A more personal project of his is also slated to be released this fall, when Henry Holt and Company publishes Winick's graphic novel, PEDRO AND ME, about his friendship with his Real World roommate, Pedro Zamora (who died of an AIDS-related illness the day after the REAL WORLD's last episode aired [on November 11, 1994]). TCR writers Jeff Hidek and Tim O'Shea were able to track him down through the magic of e-mail to get his thoughts on various things, both serious and funny. TIM: How hard was it to write something as understandably personal and sometimes painful a work such as PEDRO AND ME? Will you address the REAL WORLD period only briefly, as it was seemingly well documented through the show, or are there aspects of the friendship you want to bring up from that time that weren't covered in the show, due to the multi-character dynamics and obvious limits of a 30-minute episodic format? JUDD: PEDRO AND ME is about my friendship with Pedro Zamora. It's about us before we met, before the show, during the experience and then after. It's also about losing him. THE REAL WORLD plays a significant role in the book but it doesn't re-hash a lot of the same issues and doesn't retell some of the old stories. Actually, almost none of the present tense exchanges (times when people are talking to one another) in the book we're aired. TIM: You and your fiancée, Pam Ling, have volunteered a great deal of time toward furthering AIDS awareness (in fact a visit to your website's FAQ reveals that she is currently doing an AIDS research Fellowship). Will part of the proceeds from the graphic novel being going to charity? JUDD: Yes, a portion of the proceeds will go to THE NATIONAL PEDRO ZAMORA. It's a 100% non-profit grant giving foundation. The NPZP awards grants to groups and organizations who promote, develop or create programs for and about young people with HIV and AIDS. All donations will go directly to the project grants. It's run by Mily Zamora (Pedro's sister), Sean Sasser (Pedro's partner), Pam Ling and myself. THE NATIONAL PEDRO ZAMORA 915 Cole Street #289 San Francisco, CA, 94117 TIM: I know that you and GL editor, Bob Schreck, worked together at Oni. But despite this working relationship, did you have to "audition"for the DC powers-that-be in some way before your got the GL writing assignment? JUDD: LOL: you'd have to ask Bob. I'm sure he had to convince more than a few people to give me a shot. The reaction might have been something along the lines of "the BARRY WEEN guy? That kid who curses all time is gonna write GL?"still, people trust Bob. And Bob trusted me. It all worked out. JEFF: Where are you taking GREEN LANTERN? What can fans expect to see in the next few issues? JUDD: Giant boxing gloves. lots of them. Actually, Kyle gets a job, a new assistant, and a major ass-kicking. JEFF: Were a follower of GL before you took this job, or is this relatively new territory for you? JUDD: No, I've been a fan and a reader of GL for ten years I guess. I'm thrilled by the opportunity. JEFF: What is the most interesting character trait of Green Lantern? JUDD: That's easy. The fedora, the green mask, and his martial arts trained side kick Kato. JEFF: Not many people know about THE ADVENTURES OF BARRY WEEN. Could you talk about what it is, how it came to be, etc.? JUDD: BARRY WEEN is a ten-year-old boy with a 350 IQ. He invents stuff and curses a lot. These are HIS most obvious character traits. I began working on Barry when I quit doing my comic strip [FRUMPY THE CLOWN]. Barry was my chance to do something fun and outrageous and not be bothered by censors or whiny newspaper folks. ONI PRESS gave Barry a home. TIM: How much of what you plan to do with GL will be a spin-off of ideas started by Ron Marz (such as relaunching the Corps) vs. starting with a brand new slate of ideas (such as your plans for Kyle getting a cartoonist job at an entertainment magazine)? JUDD: Well, I don't love talking about what's coming up too much. I'd like the readers to come in without any pre-conceived notions. That being said, I'm absolutely picking up threads that Ron had started. Ron created Kyle Raynor; it's all his story lines. TIM: I once read that two of your cartooning influences were B. Kliban and Berke Breathed. What are some of your other influences? JUDD: Garry Trudeau, Bill Waterson, John Byrne, Kyle Baker, Art Spiegelman, Neil Gaiman, Frank Miller, Gary Larson, and about a hundred more. I honestly have to admit when I was 11 and 12, I was HUGE GARFIELD fan... TIM: On a related note, there have been several different writers and artists of Green Lantern over the years, are there any particular runs of Green Lantern that impact how you view the character? JUDD: It's really impossible to say. I really love what Ron has done with GL. But if we're talking classic, I'd say Gil Kane. TIM: Were there certain DC or Marvel books that were your favorites as a kid? JUDD: I loved ANY THING by Byrne. He had me on X-Men, Fantastic Four... TIM: What comics catch your interest today? JUDD: Today it's kind of a grab bag. I love Greg Rucka, Garth Ennis, Mike Allred -- Miller is still hammering out the best damned comics around, Grant Morrison, James Robinson, Phil Jimenez, Ben Raab, John Cassaday, Ellis, Hitch and Neary, Mark Waid, I'm LOVING his take on JLA. And all the ONI PRESS kids. Chynna Magor, Jim Mahfood, Scott Morse.... I could go on... TIM: In socially turbulent times of more than 25 years ago, Denny O'Neil and Neal Adams tackled some important societal and cultural concerns in the pages of Green Lantern/Green Arrow. Would you consider broaching the subject of HIV/AIDS in your GL? Despite the loss of Pedro and countless others to AIDS, unlike years ago when Peter David tackled the issue through the death of Jim Wilson in Marvel's INCREDIBLE HULK, a portrait of a person with AIDS today could be a tale of a person living with AIDS (to a certain extent). JUDD: I will probably be tackling issues within GL. I won't say what or when. And yes, I'm being intentionally tight-lipped. TIM: What kind of supporting cast do you hope to develop, will there be characters from the past returning (such as John Stewart, Alan Scott or Guy Gardner)? After the Ring of Fire event (which has several superhero guest stars) do you plan any other visits, such as Green Arrow (Connor Hawke) or Wally "FLASH"West? JUDD: We will of course have John Stewart, Alan Scott and Guy Gardner as well as Jen (Jade) and a few new ones. John plays huge role in GL, he's an advisor and friend. That's Ron's doing. He's been including John for a spell. TIM: I realize the irony in even asking this question in an Internet-based interview format, but do you think the anticipation, prediction and rumors surrounding your upcoming stint on GL have put you at a disadvantage, or do you think online fan interest will help bolster interest in the book? I assume that you've never encountered this level of fan scrutiny with FRUMPY THE CLOWN or BARRY WEEN. JUDD: Yeah, but I was on THE REAL WORLD. Overexposure isn't something I'm not used to TIM: Are there any other projects or concerns that I may not have asked you about that you'd like to discuss? JUDD: I wrote a HARLEY QUINN/POISON IVY one shot prestige format that Joe Choido is painting. That comes out in a year or so. ONI PRESS is putting out a collection of my FRUMPY THE CLOWN comic strip in January. More BARRY WEEN next year, and hopefully I'll be able to announce two other DC projects pretty soon. And no, I'm telling you anything about them Sources for additional info: The Official Judd Winick Site Emerald Dawn: The Many Faces of Hal Jordan Oni Press Henry Holt & Company Harley Quinn's Heaven ______________________________________________________________________ ----------------------------------------------------------------------- [6] E-DISPATCHES from the GREAT WHITE NORTH! Jonathan A. Gilbert SeajayVentures@netscape.net [Jonathan A. Gilbert is a freelance writer and columnist. His internet work can be found at www.jazmaonline.com, www.madreview.com, in CBEM and other places. His print work can be found in MAD SCIENTIST; THE JOURNAL OF SCIENCE GONE AWRY, THE PEOPLE'S COMIC BOOK NEWSLETTER and later this year in TandT Comics' 'Dark Warriors' comic book series.] Summer is probably the worst time of the year for a writer. There are just too darn many things going on which tempt you to ignore your work. I'm finding it especially difficult this year as this is my first summer living in a resort town with not one but two beaches just minutes away from my studio to draw me to the tempting watery shores. Luckily-or unluckily depending on how you look at it-the siren call of the written word has usually been far stronger enabling me to get some work done over the past month or so. Not enough though apparently as while I was preparing to write this column this morning I noticed a stack of sixteen comics (and one science fiction magazine) that I still haven't read for reviewing for this column and my Makin' Waves column at www.madreview.com. So much for the siren call of the printed word. Anyway, over the next week or so I plan to, no matter what, lock myself up in my studio and sit down and read those comics after which I'll do a special column dealing strictly with those books. Meanwhile, just because I've fallen behind a bit in my reviews doesn't mean you folks should stop sending me new comics to look at. If you have a comic you'd like me to give some exposure you can snail mail it to me at... Jonathan A. Gilbert/2-225 Colborne St./Box 10/Port Stanely, Ontario/N5L 1C2/CANADA. My falling behind on reviews is only a temporary setback. It won't, hopefully, happen again. Besides, summer is almost over and soon it will be too darn cold to hang out at the beach. Now with that out of the way let's get started. I want to begin this installment of E-DISPATCHES by plugging the latest effort of my good buddy Dave Owens. Dave and I have known each other and have worked together for about six years now and I gotta tell ya; I couldn't ask for a better creative partner or a personal friend. Not only is Dave a superb inker-which is why I try to have him work on every comics project I work on-but he's also a great person to bounce ideas off of. He almost always seems to sense the direction I'm taking a certain project even on occasions when I'm not all that certain myself where I'm going. I've never had a complaint with his work and I seriously doubt I ever will. And to be honest with you a greedy part of me-you other comic book writers out there will know what I'm talking about-at times would like to keep Dave a secret from other writers for fear that once the word gets out he won't have as much time to work on my stuff as he will be busy elsewhere. But of course that's not fair to either Dave or the comics industry generally. So if you'd like to get a sense of what Dave is capable of why don't you check out the Artist's Gallery at www.jazmaonline.com. Dave recently had some of his work posted there and it's well worth taking a look at. And after taking a look at Dave's work if you'd like to email him with some paying assignments he can be reached at Nebstudio@netscape.net. But don't go to www.jazmaonline.com quite yet. First take a few minutes to read my overview look at... BUFFALO NICKEL COMICS: Buffalo Nickel Comics has been publishing comics since the fall of 1999 and currently publishes three titles; The Rhanes of Terror, The Accumulator and The Freakers. According to the inside from cover of each issue of Buffalo Nickel's titles that I've seen this far they are presented by something called "Picto Fiction". I have no idea what that is but the logo that announces this looks pretty darn keen. Buffalo Nickel Comics' slogan is "Comics as good as they used to be!". For someone such as myself who grew up with the works of such Greats as Jack Kirby, Steve Ditko, Jim Steranko and Neal Adams back in the 1960s Buffalo Nickel Comics don"t come anywhere near being "as good as they used to be". For the most part though their books are a fair product and with a bit of work could become a popular read among comics fans. Buffalo Nickel's first title, The Rhanes of Terror, is a four issue limited series featuring a group of para-normal crime fighters who battle demons and all sorts of other stuff. Much as I wanted to enjoy this title I couldn't. Not only did I find it artistically cluttered with very poor visual flow I found the writing to be waaay too wordy and the story itself to be fairly unoriginal. Buffalo Nickel Comics though only sent me the first two issues so things could pick up in the remaining two. As it stands though based on what I've read I cannot recommend this title. The Accumulator though is another matter. Issue #1 introduces a man out of time who calls himself The Accumulator who not only is a time jumper but is a vampire of sorts who feeds off information. While the art and scripting has problems the series is original enough and interesting enough that I'd be willing to give it a passing grade. With some tightening of the dialogue and a toning down on the artwork's detail The Accumulator could become a big seller for Buffalo Nickel. The final title of Buffalo Nickel Comics is Freakers which was released this past May. I've only received the Freakers Special Convention Preview of the title which tells me next to nothing about what the series is like so I can't recommend the title based on that. The impression I get from the Convention Preview though is that the comics is somewhat along the lines of Buffy The Vampire Slayer and if that's the case I definitely won't be recommending this comic any time soon. There's only one Buffy, folks. While I can't, with the exception of The Accumulator, give Buffalo Nickel Comics any sort of thumbs up if you're still interested in ordering their comics you can find out how by checking their website at www.buffalonickelcomics.com or you can email their publisher, Emil J. Novak for information at enovak3178@aol.com. That's it for this installment. NOW you can go check Dave's artwork out at www.jazmaonline.com. Jonathan A. Gilbert is a freelance writer and columnist and can be reached at SeajayVentures@netscape.net. ______________________________________________________________________ ----------------------------------------------------------------------- [7] MARTIAN VISION John Jones martianmanhunter2@juno.com [John Jones, the Manhunter from Marathon, IL, no longer dwells in Marathon, IL. When he isn't writing these articles, salivating over the actresses on ROSWELL, or marveling at the sheer astonishing brilliance of some random issue of PROMETHEA, he works in the City Clerk's office of a major Southern metropolis, meticulously correcting the scrivener's errors of other clerks while blithing ignoring his own. Besides PROMETHEA, he currently enjoys all the other ABC books except TOMORROW STORIES, as well as AVENGERS, BLACK PANTHER, HOURMAN, and SUPREME, and he really thinks you should, too.] METAPHYSICS FOR METAHUMANS Chapter 2. Things That Make You Go Zoom Continuing our discussion of just how the internal physics of superhero universes actually works, we move along to Items Of Power: power rings, anti-gravity belts, uru hammers, costumes made out of white dwarf material (!), X-Kryptonite, and a whole avalanche of other wildly unlikely stuff that, alas, I myself have still never managed to find at any thrift shop, flea market, or garage sale. One of the underlying themes of all superhuman fiction/mythology, from Jason and the Argonauts to Aladdin to King Arthur to Green Lantern, is the magic totem. In virtually all these stories, some vastly powerful overbeing gifts a mortal with an object which grants them strange powers, or, at least, access to strange powers... said powers which are either carefully or casually explained by the overbeing at the time of the gift. I hypothesize that these totems are all at base the same thing - items for magnifying and manifesting, directly in objective reality, the subjective will of the user. Green Lantern's power ring, in fact, is defined as exactly that. In this particular case, the Guardians trust their chosen champions enough to tell them "this damn thing can do ANYthing". (They may as well, since they cull the entire universe first searching for beings of complete honesty and total fearlessness, which sounds good initially, until you contemplate the concept of, say, Harlan Ellison with a power ring.) In the case of seven league boots, magic carpets, cloaks of invisibility, or sheathes that prevent you from losing a drop of blood, the godlike entities aren't quite so trusting. They hand these things over to mortals, but when they do, they make darn good and sure to implant firmly in the mortal mind that these items are only good for just this one specific thing. Aladdin's Lamp, perhaps, started out life as merely a miraculous illumination device. However, by the time Aladdin got hold of it, all he knew was that it was a powerful magical artifact that he thought would let him do 'anything he desired'. The genii can be seen as his subconscious given palpable form by the lens of the artifact, and as you might expect with someone's subconscious id running around in gigantic, ugly form, things got quickly out of hand. As I've pointed out in passing with Green Lantern, the magic totem is hardly unknown in superhero comics. Since comics started being published in a culture that for the most part mistrusts mysticism, these magic totems more often take on technical trappings. Even the weirdly mystical Golden Age Hawkman, for example, flew using an 'antigravity' belt, although in point of fact, there is little practical difference between a magic carpet and wings made of Nth metal. (The wings look cooler, granted.) Nonetheless, it seems a viable theory that whatever these devices may be, at base they are simply totems that allow the will of either the wielder or the original creator to be made manifest in reality, in wildly chaotic, or tightly focused, manner. I'll mention at this point that this would certainly explain why so many superbeings have access to scientific inventions that only they can use, for some convenient reason or another, or gain their powers as the result of some freak condition in their own metabolisms that allows them to survive an incident that kills everyone else involved. In these cases, the object of power is something they have created, deliberately or inadvertently, and that is primarily or entirely attuned to them. One of the most astounding plot devices ever created in a fictional universe, and to my mind, one of most far reaching in its implications, is X-Kryptonite. This radioactive element, supposedly whipped up by Superman (I think, or maybe it was Supergirl) while they were trying to create a substance that would cancel the effects of Green Kryptonite, has the demonstrable effect of imparting superhuman powers to normal, non-super powered creatures. This was demonstrated through the creation, in its debut story, of Streaky, the Super-Cat. This story also apparently established that the effects of X-Kryptonite wear off after a time, necessitating a repeated dosage. (Apparently, since Streaky the Super-Cat became a semi permanent addition to the Superman Family and a recurring member of the Legion of Superpets, a somewhat dimwitted Supergirl regularly dosed her feline with X-Kryptonite. Now, I love cats and have owned/been owned by many, and I cannot think of anything, just off the top of my head, more terrifying than the thought of any of them endowed with Kryptonian powers, including enhanced intelligence, while still retaining an undeniable feline self centeredness. Of course, it's okay for Supergirl, SHE'S invulnerable.) Now, as John Byrne has established, DC has vigorously embraced, and I myself have resignedly recapitulated in previous chapters, many superpowers, specifically Kryptonian/Daxamite (and, I suppose, Asgardian) superpowers, are psionic in nature. Since X-Kryptonite imparts these sorts of powers to normal creatures, it seems fairly obvious that it is a psionics-amplifier. However, other forms of Kryptonite (specifically, Red Kryptonite) have been demonstrated as being, in addition to psionics-amplifiers, also energy transformation activators... or so I assume, since Red Kryptonite has been known to turn Kryptonians into giant turtles, two headed dwarves, super powered bunnies in capes, and Mort Weisinger only knows what all else, and if those aren't energy transformations, then Thanos is pro-life. (Okay, I made up the two headed dwarves thing, and I'm not entirely sure about the super powered bunnies in capes, but if it didn't, it certainly could have.) Which means that X-Kryptonite could also certainly be an energy transformation activator, too. Which means, in the end, that X-Kryptonite can basically instill ANY sort of superpowers conceivable, in a normal, non super, creature... with the only stipulation being that without further exposure to X-Kryptonite, the powers imparted eventually wear off. Now, if this doesn't sound like the basis for virtually EVERY SINGLE KNOWN INSTANCE of non-superhumans gaining temporary super powers from some sort of mysterious potion or device, I'm Mayor McCheese. Lois Lane and Lana Lang bathe in a mysterious pool and temporarily gain Superman-type powers? I'll bet it had X-Kryptonite in it. Jimmy Olsen drinks a formula that gives him elastic powers? X-Kryptonite, plus a suggestion by the guy who gave it to him that if Jimmy drank it, he would, indeed, gain elastic powers. Chuck Taine swills down a superplastic fluid instead of a Coke and gains the ability to bounce around like a superball? X-Kryptonite, in combination with a hero worshipping mind that, while consciously expecting nothing more than a quick but painful death from poisoning, subconsciously chose to survive by transmuting Chuck's innate capacity for superhumanity into a power whose final form was strongly influenced by what Chuck knew about the stuff he'd drunk, i.e., it was a superplastic fluid. (Plus, it occurs to me that Chuck also wanted to join the Legion, for which he knew he needed a unique super power. Given that, I think his subconscious regarded the ability to inflate like a Macy's Day Parade balloon and bounce around like a superball to be a safe bet there.) Scientist finds a meteor that, after he carts it back to his lab and fools around with it for a while, gives him the ability to change his mass pretty much at will? Well, it's not white dwarf material, because a chunk of white dwarf material that big would have destroyed our solar system on its way to Earth, and even if it didn't, it's unlikely that Ray Palmer could have picked the damn thing up and put it in the trunk of his car. (It's unlikely, actually, that Kal Friggin El could have picked the damned thing up and put it in the trunk of Ray's car, or anywhere else, for that matter.) Could it be X-Kryptonite? Why this particular chunk of X-Kryptonite imparted to Ray Palmer the peculiar power of altering his own mass is one of those imponderable things. Maybe Ray, as a kid, was an avid Doll Man fan. However, it should be noted in support of this theory that (a) Ray made this particular meteor (somehow) into fabric that he then made into his superhero uniform, and wore constantly (if intangibly, and don't even go there, please), so it's pretty clear that the powers he gained from it would never actually wear off, and (b) when other people got their hands on this particular chunk of transformed X-Kryptonite, it never worked as well for them as it did for Ray, and (c) long exposure to Ray's costume seems to have imparted some limited superhuman powers to various people he came in frequent contact with, like Chronos. (He came in frequent contact with Chronos primarily by bouncing his entire body off of Chronos chin, repeatedly, until Chronos fell over and stopped being a nuisance for a while, which may be one of the more painful methods known to get a superpower, come to think of it.) It all sounds like X-Kryptonite to me. Now, (b), the fact that the Atom's costume, when used by others, worked pretty much the same way as it did for Ray, but not as well, is a bit puzzling. If this were really X-Kryptonite, you'd expect it to impart different super powers to each person exposed to it. However, first, anyone knowingly wearing the Atom's costume is going to expect to gain the Atom's powers, and that subconscious influence, as with Jimmy Olsen and the elastic formula, or Chuck Taine and the superplastic fluid, may have been a primary player in the energy transformation. Second, Ray Palmer obviously imprinted heavily on this particular chunk of X-Kryptonite, in that he did, somehow, manage to make it into a costume in the first place. Given that HE, the primary operator/creator, used it to change size and weight, most likely, that's what it's pretty much going to do from now on. And let's not let semantics get in the way of things, here, since in point of fact, I'm not really saying that X-Kryptonite is, itself, the prime mover behind all the temporary human-superhuman transformations in the DC Universe. What I AM saying is that, in fact, the engine behind ALL transhuman performances and phenomena is superior will... and that sometimes, superior will results in an accident that imparts 'permanent' superpowers, while other times, superior will results in the creation of some sort of artificial substance which then, itself, produces the desired transhuman effect. This 'artificial substance' is nothing more nor less than an extraction of the primary, mutable fabric of the super-universe itself, distilled into one space/time locus and a specific, coherent shape by a godlike effort of sentient focused mental energy. The Oan power battery is made of this basic material, and so are power rings, and so is X-Kryptonite, and Starman's cosmic rod, and Dr. Fate's helmet, and across the dimensional barrier, so is the 'Pym particle', and the Cosmic Cube, and probably, even, on some fundamental molecular level, the composite materials of Tony Stark's armor, which the discerning and scholarly mind will note has never worked well for anyone, in the long term, but Tony Stark himself. All Items Of Power are made out of this fundamental metamaterial. Some, like the Pym particle, primary admantium, the Atom's size/weight controls, and Nth metal, are impressed with one function, or a limited array of functions, at the moment of their creation. Others, like power rings, the Cosmic Cube, X-Kryptonite, Aladdin's Lamp, and most likely, Tony Stark's Iron Man armor, are more or less simply 'lenses' for focusing the will of the wielder through. (Due to the way Tony thinks -- empirically -- he must focus his will thrrough various rituals in the workshop, reattuning and realigning and creating 'new' devices, to alter the function of his armor, although in an emergency, he can hastily 'gimmick' something up in the field if he has to.) There are innumerable examples of this mechanism in action in superheroic fiction, but let's look at one in specific: the "Pym particle". Dr. Hank Pym labors hard on creating 'shrinking gas', and since he is a person of indomitable will and intellectual power... as most of our scientific superbeings seem to be, whether heroic or villainous... he succeeds. He concentrates his indomitable will, spends hours or weeks in focused mental effort, and in the end, the more malleable fabric of the metauniverse he lives in responds to his efforts by condensing within his test tubes a tiny coherent smidgen of metamaterial, attuned permanently, by Pym's focused intent, to the particular function of size change. It first manifests itself in a gaseous form. Through further laborious effort, Pym refines it into powder he can turn into pills, then into a serum. After years taking the stuff and working to refine it further, he is astonished to find that he has apparently, somehow gained a natural control over the "Pym particle", although, in fact, he had it all along, it's just that he can now do it without having to 'psyche' himself into it by various arcane laboratory rituals first. So we have the "Pym particle", which current Marvel lore says is a part of the natural universe that Henry Pym 'discovered'. I say bosh. I say it's a metamaterial artifact, albeit, most likely, a very small one, that Pym invented and has a natural mental affinity for, which affinity allows him to call it into being whenever and wherever he desires to do so. Moving on from the Pym particle, let's look at another 'thing that makes you go zoom'... Thor's uru hammer, Mjolnir. Thor is a complicated case. As an Asgardian, arguably a 'god', he's about the closest thing the Marvel Universe has to a Kryptonian or a Daxamite. (The parallels are closer than one thinks. Asgardians in Asgard don't seem to evince much in the way of superhuman powers, other than immortality and greater access to 'magic'; it's only when they travel to other realms, such as Midgard/Earth, or Trollheim, that they all seem to take on the typical superstrength and immunity to gross physical damage that are also common 'uber' powers in the DC Universe, as well. It's worth wondering, does Asgard have a red sun? Of course, it could just be that in a land where everyone is superhuman, superhumanity is 'normal', but I can't recollect ever seeing a native in Asgard pick up a wagon and throw it over a castle wall. Plus, they all ride horses, something that would be kinda pointless in a land where everyone should be strong enough to leap tall buildings at a single bound.) However super (outside Asgard) he is naturally, Thor also has an Item of Power, his enchanted hammer Mjolnir, that confers on him powers and abilities far beyond those of immortal Asgardians. That the hammer is a focus for his will is inarguable, since he has to concentrate on it, sometimes tapping it on the ground, to summon or dismiss weather phenomena, harness various energy manifestations, and open spatial portals, and before Immortus and his Space Phantoms screwed around with it, the hammer had a limited capacity for time travel. In fact, for a while there in the early 60s, it started to look quite suspiciously like Thor's hammer could do just about any friggin thing Thor felt like having it do... which is the classic definition of an unfocused Item Of Power. Beyond being just a repository for additional powers for a Norse god who already has a whole great big can of whupass, as Kent Orlando likes to put it, another of Mjolnir's primary purposes, which Odin is forever taking out and putting back in again, is to effect an energy transformation on anyone 'worthy' who holds the hammer, turning them, effectively, into an Asgardianized version of themselves, usually wearing some modified form of Thor's costume. Apparently, Odin first programmed this into the hammer to let an amnesia stricken, befuddled, and humanity-encumbered Thor, wandering the Earth in a daze as "Don Blake", get access on occasion to his Thor-powers. After this particular super-feature caused some annoying consequences down on Earth by transforming a couple of goobers into lame Thunder God dopplegangers, Odin took it back out again. Apparently, lately he's put it back so Thor can turn into some ambulance driver once in a while, (which is something I'd really WANT to do if I were six and half feet of godlike charisma and power capable of arm wrestling the Midgard Serpent into writhing submission, but no one asked me) and it all gives me a headache and thankfully, the current Thor series isn't being written by Kurt Busiek, Chris Priest, or Alan Moore, so I don't have to buy it. Nonetheless, my main point here is, occasionally, Mjolnir acts as more than merely a power amplifier for Thor. At various times, it also acts as a straightforward Item Of Power, causing an energy transformation in Mere Mortals that allows them to become for certain periods, superhuman... although maintaining that high-entropy state is clearly dependent on the continual presence of Mjolnir, since the counterfeit Asgardian will turn back into Fred the Doofus if he loses contact with the hammer for longer than 60 seconds. In other words, Mjolnir, like Pym particles and Nth metal, is a metamaterial object which, in this case, was programmed to perform certain specific functions when it was created, from relatively minor ones (return to its wielder's hand when thrown, wreck everything it hits, etc) to major ones (summon, control, and summarily dismiss various meteorological phenomena, channel various forms of energy, create portals through space and/or time, to name a few). However, the interesting factor here is that even after thousands of years of existence, Mjolnir is still programmable, albeit, apparently, only by Odin. After cursing Thor to a mortal existence in hopes of teaching the arrogant godling humility, Odin incorporated into Mjolnir a capacity for shifting its own shape into a gnarled staff, and the shape of any 'worthy' wielder into a super-optimized, Asgardian version of itself. He also had to program in some guidelines so the hammer/stick would be able to decide who was 'worthy' and who wasn't, and why he bothered to do that we may never know, since he clearly intended Thor's mortal form to be the hammer's only user... but gods are whimsical. Interestingly, Immortus also managed to 'deprogram' some of the hammer's functions, although it's worth noting that if, indeed, the hammer was only an amplifier for Thor's godlike will, then Immortus may not have done anything to the hammer itself, he may have simply given Thor a post hypnotic suggestion that the hammer could no longer let him travel through time... which the enormously gullible Scion of Asgard swallowed hook line and sinker, and so, never tried to use the hammer to do so again. In which case, the damned hammer may be nothing more than a mallet shaped power ring, and the inscription about 'worthiness' is merely poetry alluding to the fact that only those with a level of egotism approaching that of an immortal self proclaimed deity would be able to use it. Which would explain why Captain America, Beta Ray Bill, and Thor himself can use it, but leaves me utterly baffled as to how Eric Masterson ever managed anything with it. And which tends to make me think that it would be a very good thing if neither Hank Pym nor his son/psychic twin Ultron ever got their little pitty paws on it. Having gotten this far as a warm up, I now want to directly address probably the most blatant Item of Power in modern superheroic fantasy fiction: the Green Lantern Power Ring. The Guardians of the Universe, little blue social meddlers that they are, embody sort of the opposite end of the philosophical spectrum from, say, Star Trek's Prime Directive. Where Kirk and Picard are strictly enjoined from interfering in the natural development of an isolated sentient culture, the Guardians seem to feel that they and they alone have a handle on The Way Things Ought To Be, and, naturally, with great enlightenment comes great responsibility. Fortunately or otherwise, these tiny little megalomaniacs with white Bozo the Clown hair also have great power, in the form of this big green glowing battery/lantern thingie they keep around in the front yard to scare off Heralds of Galactus with. For reasons never quite explicated - at least, not believably -- the Guardians recruit lots of OTHER folks to go out and do the dirty work of policing the galaxy, maintaining order, and fighting evil. ("Our bodies are not well suited to the rigors of conflict or channeling the power of the battery" is the line they use most consistently, but given that the nature of the entities they choose to be Green Lanterns range from talking chipmunks to, like, bugs, this seems... um... accuracy challenged. It might be more credible to note that the Guardians may well believe that fighting evil is a tedious and hazardous chore; far, far better to recruit some lowlife primitives to do it, who don't mind getting their pretty white gloves all dirty.) Given that their previously chosen reality cops, a group of grubby, shiftless androids called the Manhunters, went nuts on them and decided to set up shop as a secret cabal of intergalactic Illumaniti, the Guardians decided that THIS time around, they'd be a little pickier who they handed a cosmic badge to. And a good thing, too, since this time around, they were passing out power rings, instead of blue bozo face masks and silly little ray-batons. So this time, they combed the universe for sentient individuals who were both completely honest and totally fearless, and handed over to these guys near omnipotence in the form of little green rings that could basically do anything the wearers wanted them to. (The Guardians also programmed into these rings another primary function, namely, to keep their wearers from being harmed at all times... which seems only wise, if you're going to go out and recruit a bunch of mooks who are all totally without fear. Otherwise, you'd tend to run out of fearless idiots fairly quickly, in a universe as hazardous as DC's.) So it was that apparently, a lot of sentient beings -- and G'nort, too -- who otherwise would not have gotten to doo the SuperHuman Twist were invited to the ball anyway, and their inscribed invitation was a little piece of glowing green jewelry that, for 24 hour periods, could basically make the most crazed imaginary constructs of its wearer, real. (And if you don't believe me, check out the first issue of Tom Peyer's excellent 2000 story, on sale now!) In one infamous case, Green Lantern actually used his power ring to whip up a giant green semi-sentient creature (I forget just exactly why) with thought balloons and everything, that promptly set out to eat most of Coast City, until GL remembered where he left it and rather callously dissolved it again. Power rings, apparently, can do ANYTHING. If the phrase 'where do I GET ONE OF THESE' is not now uppermost in your mind, you may take out your Official Fanboy Membership Card and pass it to the clerk at the door as you shamefacedly shuffle your way out of the clubhouse. I, myself, can live without Pym particles. I can get along fine without Nth metal wings. A working 'speed formula' would be just dandy, as would a set of powered armor that employs wildly futuristic and utterly impossible technology just because I want it to. However, I will happily and eagerly junk every last darned one of these in exchange for a working power ring and a battery to recharge it from, and if you don't feel the same, my friend and my brother, then, well, you are not my friend and my brother. There are lots more high tech gizmos and magical doohickies and other such Items of Power I could talk about, but this article has already run too long, and anyway, the power ring trumps them all, so who really cares. A question remains, however, and it's the fundamental question to this issue: WHY do superpowers and other transhuman phenomena, with or without Items of Power, exist in super universes, and not in ours? What is the fundamental difference between those realities, and the one we reluctantly reside in? The answer to that... in Chapter 3. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * John Jones, the Manhunter from Marathon, IL, no longer dwells in Marathon, IL. He is also perfectly aware that he is not a being of great and indomitable will, nor is he perfectly honest, nor totally without fear. For a long time this bothered him, because he thought it meant that he could never have a power ring. However, the recent career of Kyle Rayner has reassured him in regard to all these points, and at this time, he would like to know where he goes to fill out an application for one. Gimme gimme gimme. ______________________________________________________________________ ----------------------------------------------------------------------- [8] 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.} Comic books made CNN Headline news this past week. At first I thought it was great, until I actually saw why they made the news. First of all the comic book segment was in the Finical section and not in the lifestyles section. Can you see were this is heading already????? The segment started out talking about the X-Men movie and how it was affecting the sales of back issues of comics. The whole segment was about how valuable OLD comics CAN be. Notice the words "old" and "can"? They even had interview footage of Gary Shamus from Wizard and they used the prices listed in Wizard for their footage. They also interviewed some comic book dealer, but I didn't see where he was from. Now both the dealer and Gary talked about how valuable those X-Men related comics COULD be. They segment then should a copy of Amazing Spider-Man #1, which they stated could be as much as 6,000$ IF you had bought it for 0.12$ and IF you had stored it properly. Basically the segment ended saying that comics and related merchandise could be valuable, so don't throw out that stack of books that are sitting in your attic. Yeah like any one has stuff sitting in their attic anymore. The majority of people did not save these issues. Only us comic book geeks did. Another thing is that finding a pedigree collection in the attic or basement is becoming rare as the years progress. I don't agree with the inflated values of pedigree books, but that is another whole issue. I think the whole report was way misleading and typical of main stream media. Of course it was a lot more entertaining than watching the Republican Convention. Normally I like CNN, even if they are a bit one sided at times and tend to gloss over important details. First off, the person who but put this together was fairly ignorant about what they were supposedly investigating. What Gary and the dealer said while technically true, is misleading. If you have old issues, they can be worth money. X-Men related stuff (and only X-Men stuff) is in demand because of the movie. The same thing happened with the first Batman movie. I stopped buying Batman back issues for awhile hoping they would come down after the hype over the movie went away. It didn't quite happen like I thought it would, but after a year I could find cheaper back issues in assorted spots. I can see where collectibles related to X-Men would go up. It happened with every movie that ties into something. No matter how popular the movie is, it will increase the value of those Green Lama comics you have. No one, except me and a few others, wants them. The report came across as saying that all old comics are valuable. As I sat there watching this all I could think of was the speculator craze of the early 90's. I had several friends who all got into comics around that time. Several of them thought that they could make money out of comics. They bought all the special editions and variant covers that were put out. They always thought I was weird because I always complained about the jacked up prices that these special editions came with. You have to understand that at the time I had the cash to buy them easily and chose not to if I could avoid it. Out of that whole circle I was the only one who truly loved comics and I am the only one who still buys them today. All my friends felt that they got burned by the market and left comics. They never did get it and eventually I bought some of their stuff dirt-cheap. One thing the segment said was that ebay was a boon for the collectibles industry. If you were looking at it from availability, then I would say yes. From making a profit, then I would say no. Ebay has a tendency to flood the market with product driving down prices. What Gary and the dealer said was true, old comics can be worth a lot of money, but that depends on a lot of factors. The problem is that most people think money and old comics go hand in hand and they don't. After my wedding, my wife was asking why old comics were so much cheaper on ebay then what the price guide indicated. It is a case of simple economics of supply and demand. I have always wanted to own old comics from the 60's and earlier, but I could never afford them. With ebay I can now afford them and I have greater access to them. I have almost put together a complete run of Tales Of Suspense. The average price I pay per issue is about 7.50 and that includes shipping and handling. The average condition of these books range from Good to NM. I almost always buy from people who post pictures of the product, unless I have bought from them before and I trust their grading. A good copy from a dealer usually runs around 15 or 20$. Near Mint can run anywhere from 40$ to 60$. Not only is ebay good for old comics, but also is great for new comics. A run of Avengers Forever runs around 20$, last I looked. Depending on the shipping and handling charges, this could