---------------------------------------------------------------------- Ed Dukeshire and Mike Imboden Present: THE COMIC BOOK NET ELECTRONIC MAGAZINE ISSUE NUMBER 355 2/08/2002 Edited by: David LeBlanc - ComicBkNet@aol.com Nominated as FAVORITE COMIC EMAG in the 2001 EAGLE AWARDS! 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] February Press Releases ............... Diamond Distribution [6] Stream of Babbling .................... Tim O'Shea [7] M.O.E. Reviews ........................ Paul Dale Roberts [8] My View: RAPTORS/WILD STARS ........... David LeBlanc [9] TOP 100 COMICS FOR - FEBRUARY ......... Diamond Comics [10] New Comic Book Releases List .......... Charles LePage [11] HYPE! Section ......................... Various ______________________________________________________________________ World Wide Web Home Page-->> http://members.aol.com/ComicBkNet Mailed by Yahoo!: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ComicBookNetworkEmag AOL text copies in Sci-Fi Library II - Keyword aol://4400:3990 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@yahoogroups.com To UNSUBSCRIBE send a message FROM the account to be dropped to: ComicBookNetworkEmag-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.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 2002 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 Emag, simply Email it to the editor at: ComicBkNet@aol.com You must include your REAL name and a valid Email address in order to be published in this Emag. Sorry, we do not accept anonymous columns. 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 any comic book 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 also includes 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 any comic books 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 of our 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. AOL search/keyword: aol://4400:3990 ______________________________________________________________________ ----------------------------------------------------------------------- [1] On the Net David LeBlanc ComicBkNet@aol.com HOW ABOUT THEM PATRIOTS! 42 Years seems like a long time to wait for a championship - until you realize the Red Sox have been trying for 83 years to get another one! It's February and that means it's Anniversary time soon. Next Friday I will begin my seventh year as editor. Two weeks later marks the start of our eighth year of publication. This time around there will be a week's hiatus between the two while the lovely and gracious Mrs. CBEM and I go as far south as you can get in the continental US for a week. And, there is another anniversary we celebrate every year which this time will coincide with the big Anniversary #7 in just 3 weeks so stay tuned. Those of you who have been with us for all or most of that time know the ups and downs we have been through. In the end, the emag is no better than the contributors. The news and statistics and the hype are always there - that is just compiling information. Those of you who take the time to write down your thoughts, or write some reviews keep things rolling. Just look at the list of contributors I run at the end of each year and you will see how many people give it a shot, if only once. THAT makes the difference. So in advance of all the Anniversary hooplah - you know the champagne and the dancing girls - I once again invite YOU the reader to send in a letter of comment or a full column, if you are so inclined. Don't do it because you want attention or lots of Email. Chances are that won't happen up to your expectations. Do it because you love comics and want to share that feeling with the rest of us. That is how I have made it this long. But more about that next time. This time, the list of comics out this week suggests your attention: COLBURN COMICS Samurai Guard #4, 2.95 CROSSGEN COMICS Mystic #21, 2.95 DC COMICS Doom Patrol #5, 2.50 Farscape War Torn #1 (Of 2) (resolicited), 4.95 Four Women #5 (Of 5), 2.95 <----------------PICK OF THE WEEK! LITTLE ROCKET PUBLICATIONS Wild Stars Vol 3 #4, 2.95 MARVEL COMICS Alias #6, 2.99 Exiles #9, 2.25 Ultimate Spider-Man #18, 2.25 X-Force #124, 2.25 So, Rob Liefeld plans to celebrate the 10th anniversary of YOUNGBLOOD with yet another edition. Sorry, I am at a loss for words. *8^) And, here is a thought, I just saw an ad for the movie Ann Rice's QUEEN OF THE DAMNED. Why can't she get hooked up with a decent comic book company that can actually finish a series?? 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, including those sent to the columnists, 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:Tarkan From:paul@ennisp.freeserve.co.uk To:comicbknet@aol.com I have a trade preview copy of a comic called TARKAN from March 1973. Has anyone ever heard of this title, or was it a one off? [Never heard of it. Readers? - D.L.] +++++ Subj:COLBURN COMICS NEW EVOLUTION PAGES ADDED From:Samurai guard Greetings from KIRK ABRIGO of COLBURN COMICS. Our Website's EVOLUTION page has been updated. That's right! We have put up SEVEN new EVOLUTION pages for you to see from pencil to print. Our EVOLUTION pages has been said to be "One of the coolest things I've ever seen on a comic book website". For those of you who have never seen our EVOLUTION pages here's your chance to get some eye candy. The "Samurai Guard" link on our webpage will take you directly to the pages of Evolution. http://www.colburncomics.com Thank you and all the best. Kirk Abrigo COLBURN COMICS +++++ Subj:Opening Party for Heroes Among Us and more!! Date:2/4/02 7:38:28 AM Eastern Standard Time From:nyccbm@hotmail.com We've updated our website with some great items. Be prepared to check out: "Heroes Among Us" Press Party opening night! Did you see us on the CBS Early Show? If not, you can through our web link on the Press page! Updated "In the Future" "Women in Comics" Featured interview with Joan Hilty! and much more... www.nyccomicbookmuseum.org Enjoy! NYCCBM +++++ Date:2/7/02 6:32:18 PM Eastern Standard Time From:Krissy 80 Hello, Kris here. As you may have noticed, my column has been absent from the e-mag for the past two weeks. I've been busy with various things colliding at once, including work, school, and a scandal at another magazine that I write for. Dealing with all of these issues has left me little time to sit down and write my columns, and I doubt I'd be able to churn out anything substantial at that. I'm good at putting things out quickly and under deadline, however recently I've been lacking for topics. So it was better to go on hiatus rather than continuing to turn out sub-par. There will be no column this week, though I had fully intended to do one. I wrote it and was ready to send it in, unfortunately my computer decided to completely crash at that exact moment, banishing the column to the land of lost works. Never fear, I will be back next week, with lots of juicy, yummy things to discuss. Be seeing you. ~Kris Naudus Writer, "Comic Culture Shrapnel" +++++ Subj:"Mad Science" is dead!... From:JonBeanHastings@cs.com ...but it will live again! AGAIN, I TELL YOU!!! BWA HA HAHA!!!! Oops, sorry about that, got a little carried away. Anyhow, I wanted to write everyone who's expressed interest in my comics with an update on why you haven't seen "Mad Science" #3 yet and also to avoid having to explain the situation again and again at this weekend's Alternative Press Expo (look for us, front and center, as you enter). I'll just get right to the point... It turns out that a Canadian company has trademarked and copyrighted the phrase "Mad Science." Although I think that's like trade marking and copyrighting "Ham Sandwich" or "Stop Sign" I don't wish to get embroiled in some big legal hassle (at least not until I can trademark and copyright the name "Bill Gates" and start charging any poor slob who happens to have that name a gigantic usage fee). Soooo, "Mad Science" is dead as a title and a periodical. But there's good news, too; from it's ashes will rise "Mondo Science," a graphic novel scheduled for release at the end of the year (about the same time the last issue of "Mad Science" would have come out. It will contain the first two issues and the rest of the story, plus a few wacky surprises. In addition to "Mondo Science," I'm pleased as punch to announce that Monkey Fun Toys (a division of Slave Labor Graphics) and I will be producing a "Brain in a Jar" toy (just like the one in the comic!) that should be out sometime just after "Mondo Science." My apologies to any and all who've supported "Mad Science," but now you have a legally rouge comic book that's guaranteed* to shoot up in value! *Guarantee not guaranteed. Bean PS I'd also like to take this opportunity to quickly plug "Spark Generators" (no pun intended). It's a 120-page book that I edited and contributed to, along with 24 other artists, each of us telling stories about the artists who influenced us. It will be hitting stores later this month and proceeds benefit the Cartoon Art Museum in San Francisco. _________________ Jon "Bean" Hastings KiwiStudios@Compuserve.com www.BEANTOONS.com ______________________________________________________________________ ----------------------------------------------------------------------- [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 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: Famous first words of which character? . . . "So it has happened at last! I must be true to my vow." Robert Montgomery got it first, Sue Storm of the Fantastic Four was the right answer. Robert wins Dork: Who's Laughing Now? TP from our sponsor. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++ THIS WEEK'S TRIVIA QUESTION: Who painted the covers for the Innovation series VAMPIRE LESTAT? IMPORTANT RULES NOTICE Email your guess to ComicBkNet@aol.com or just REPLY to the message if you read the Emag in your mail. DO NOT quote the entire message! You MUST allow mail from ComicBkNet@aol.com to be notified if you win. 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. Winners will forfeit their prize if the Email notification is not accepted from ComicBkNet@aol.com LIMIT: ONLY ONE PRIZE every 4 weeks PER PERSON! ______________________________________________________________________ ----------------------------------------------------------------------- [4] Network Buzz News, gossip and rumors from around the industry Comics Publishing Legend Jenette Kahn to Step Away From Duties At DC Comics BURBANK, Calif.--(ENTERTAINMENT WIRE)--Feb. 6, 2002--Jenette Kahn, considered the doyenne of the comic book world and one of the most talented and respected women in the entertainment industry, will be stepping down by the end of the year from running DC Comics and MAD Magazine to focus on new creative pursuits, including the publishing of her first book, it was announced today by Barry M. Meyer, Chairman CEO, Warner Bros. (DC Comics is a division of Warner Bros.) Kahn, who celebrated her 26th year with the premiere comic book publisher on February 2, was the driving creative force behind the growth of a small comic book imprint into the multi-billion dollar home of some of the most recognized iconic characters in the world (Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, to name but a few). She joined DC Comics in 1976 as Publisher and five years later was promoted to President and Editor-in-Chief, a post she has held since that time. "After more than a quarter of a century at DC Comics, we completely understand Jenette's desire for a new venue to focus her boundless energy and visionary leadership," said Meyer. "While we will deeply miss her and her extraordinary contributions, we wish her only the best." "I feel I've accomplished almost all of the things I set out to do at DC Comics," said Kahn. "While I am eager to embark on new creative challenges, I do not leave DC without leaving behind a large part of myself. I love DC with all my heart, the values on which it stands, the medium it has pioneered, reinvented and helped transform into a legitimate art form, and, most of all, the people who are and have been members of the family. Luckily, my departure is lightened by knowing DC Comics will be in the hands of Paul Levitz, the most gifted of colleagues, and the best of allies and friends." "We all owe Jenette an enormous debt of gratitude, not only for her accomplishments at DC Comics, but also for her myriad achievements on behalf of social action," continued Meyer. "Jenette leaves a legacy of riches at Warner Bros. that goes well beyond those that can be counted on a spread sheet." Under Kahn's guidance, DC Comics has grown to become the world's largest English-language publisher of comics. Additionally, some ten blockbuster feature films, numerous live-action and animated television series, multiple direct-to-video titles, untold online entertainment and countless product licenses have been drawn from DC's world-renowned superheroes. Beyond its perennially popular superhero comic book lines, the company has broken new creative ground in recent years with the launch of its adult-oriented Vertigo imprint and the acquisition of WildStorm Productions, a cutting-edge independent comic publisher. The revamped, still-irreverent MAD Magazine is also part of the DC Comics family. Kahn is a noted leader on issues facing women and minorities, and a respected supporter of the arts and the embodiment of the values espoused by the legendary heroes she has lead for nearly three decades. Some of her many altruistic endeavors include having utilized DC Comics superheroes to help kids in third world countries learn how to deal with deadly land mines (for which she received recognition from the Clinton White House, then-Secretary of State Madeline Albright, the United Nations and the Department of Defense), and the creation of a foundation honoring Wonder Woman's 40th anniversary, which during its existence gave grants to more than 50 women who exemplified the inspirational characteristics of Wonder Woman -- taking risks, pursuing equality and truth, striving for peace and helping other women. Further, the Reagan White House honored her for her work on drug awareness and the FBI for her contributions in the area of gun control. In 1997, in an effort to widen the accessibility and visibility of African American art, Kahn initiated and found funding for an exhibition of black film posters at New York's Museum of Modern Art. Kahn serves on the boards of Exit Art and Aaron Davis Hall, Harlem's principal Center for the Performing Arts, and the advisory councils of The W.E.B. DuBois Institute at Harvard and The Women's Research and Education Institute. She is also a founder of The Committee of 200, a nationwide forum of key women in business. An honoree of the World Design Foundation, Kahn has just completed "In Your Space," an illustrated coffee table book about the creative process that will be published by Abbeville Press this spring. Prior to joining DC, Kahn founded a series of three magazines for young people. Her first was Kids, written and illustrated entirely by and for children. Published in the early '70s, Kids was considered a pioneer in the field of children's publishing, covering topics from drug abuse to animal protection to the environment. Her next publication was Dynamite, the best-selling children's magazine in history. Following on the success of Dynamite was Smash, which, while still aimed at the young audience, tackled more serious themes through probing articles. At 25 years of age, Kahn was able to convince design legend Milton Glaser to art direct Smash -- which she considers one of the best creative collaborations of her life. Kahn graduated from Harvard University with honors in art history, specializing in 20th-century art, and later held a fellowship at the Museum of Modern Art in New York before entering the world of publishing. ****** 29-Year-DC Comics Veteran Paul Levitz Named President & Publisher, DC Comics BURBANK, Calif.--(ENTERTAINMENT WIRE)--Feb. 6, 2002-- Twenty-nine-year DC Comics veteran and writer of more than 300 published comic book stories with cumulative sales of more than 10 million copies, Paul Levitz has been named President & Publisher, DC Comics, it was announced today by Barry M. Meyer, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Warner Bros. (DC Comics is a division of Warner Bros.) Levitz, who moves up from his 12-year post as Executive Vice President & Publisher, assumes the responsibilities of DC Comics' longtime and highly respected President & Editor-in-Chief Jenette Kahn (see separate release). Levitz will not replace himself; instead he will add Kahn's responsibilities to his current duties following a transition period. In addition to overseeing all the business and editorial operations of DC Comics and MAD Magazine, Levitz will also be charged with serving as a liaison across all Warner Bros. divisions and outside third-parties to aggressively and effectively extend and exploit DC Comics' iconic characters and brands in all arenas, including feature films, television, home video, consumer products, online and specialty publishing. "Today is a momentous day in the comic book world; the `first lady' is passing the torch to the `dean,'" said Meyer. "Jenette and Paul have been making comic book history for more than a quarter of a century. I know of no one more capable, more talented or more fitting than Paul Levitz to take over the reins from the extraordinary Jenette Kahn." DC Comics, the world's largest English-language publisher of comics, is the home to some of the world's most recognized characters and valuable brands, including Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman and the other members of the Justice League of America. Some ten blockbuster feature films, numerous live-action and animated television series, multiple direct- to-video titles, untold entertainment in every medium from books to online and countless product licenses have been drawn from DC's world- renowned superheroes. DC Comics, which has been in continuous publication for more than 60 years, publishes close to 1000 titles a year for worldwide distribution. In addition to its perennially popular superhero lines, the company has broken new creative ground in recent years with the launch of its mature reader Vertigo imprint and the acquisition of WildStorm Productions, a cutting-edge independent comic publisher. The revamped, still-irreverent MAD Magazine is also part of the DC Comics family. "DC Comics has been an important part of my life since I learned how to read, and even more so during the almost 30 years I've gotten to play with the greatest fantasy characters of all," said Levitz. "I'm honored that Barry Meyer selected me to replace my longtime colleague and friend, Jenette Kahn, and I look forward to building on the wonderful traditions of this very special company." In his nearly three decades with the company, Levitz has written comic book stories featuring the majority of the classic DC characters, including Batman, Wonder Woman, and the Superman newspaper strip. His most popular titles were scripted during his 13 years of writing The Legion of Super-Heroes, including a story entitled "The Great Darkness Saga" selected by the readers of Comic Buyers' Guide as one of The Top 12 Comic Book Stories of the 20th Century. He also supervised the brand management of Batman licensing during a record-breaking decade for DC Comics and was key in the company's acquisition of WildStorm Productions. Levitz rose through the ranks. Prior to being Executive Vice President & Publisher, Levitz served as Executive Vice President, DC Comics from 1984-89. This post was preceded by a two-year stint as Vice President, Operations; two years as Manager, Business Affairs, and four years as Editor and Editorial Coordinator. Levitz joined DC Comics in 1973 as an assistant editor, after spending a year as a freelance writer of text features for the company. Levitz entered the comics industry in 1971 as the editor/publisher of The Comic Reader, the first mass-circulation fanzine devoted to comics news. He published TCR for three years, winning two consecutive annual Comic Art Fan Awards for Best Fanzine. His other fan activities include editing the program books for several of Phil Seuling's legendary New York Comic Art Conventions, and he worked briefly at Sea Gate Distributors (the original distribution company created to serve the early comic shops) during its first year of existence. One of the comic book industry's foremost experts, Levitz served on the editorial board of the first edition of "Who's Who in American Comic Books," the first major effort to document the credits of the often- anonymous creators of early comics. +++++ CBLDFNews CBLDF Executive Director Resigns THE COMIC BOOK LEGAL DEFENSE FUND POST OFFICE BOX 693 • NORTHAMPTON, MA 01060 PHONE: (800) 99-CBLDF • FAX: (413) 582-9046 E-MAIL: info@cbldf.org • WEB: www.cbldf.org FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Northampton MA -- Chris Bleistein has resigned from the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund (CBLDF), a non-profit organization protecting First Amendment rights in the comics industry. He had been an employee of the CBLDF more than four years, serving for the past thirteen months as the organization's Executive Director (ED). "It's been a privilege working for the CBLDF," said Bleistein, "both as Deputy Director and Executive Director. I'm glad to be leaving the Fund on much surer financial footing than when I assumed the duties of director. I believe as strongly as ever in the Fund's mission, but after more than four years, I felt it was time to move on." "Chris has done an exemplary job of stabilizing and improving the CBLDF's bottom line," noted Denis Kitchen, the Fund's President. "He stepped up at a time when the organization's finances were of concern. Chris's frugality and attention to budgetary detail has dramatically helped the Fund's ability to defend retailers, artists and others who are unfairly prosecuted. " Kitchen indicated that the CBLDF board would make an announcement at a later date regarding Bleistein's replacement. BROWNSTEIN NAMED NEW CBLDF DIRECTOR February 8, 2002 ---For Immediate Release Northampton, MA--- The Board of Directors of the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund (CBLDF) has selected Charles Brownstein as its new Executive Director. Brownstein becomes the Fund's fourth full- time director, replacing the recently departed Chris Bleistein. Brownstein has been one of the more prolific comics journalists of the past decade. He entered the field in 1994 as the writer and publisher of the interview magazine Feature. In three years Brownstein self-published fourteen issues of the magazine, capturing the insights of some of the field's brightest talent during the most tumultuous period in the direct market's history. In 1998 Brownstein became Programming Director for Comic-Con International where he was responsible for organizing panels and seminars for CCI: San Diego, Comic Book Expo, Pro/Con, and APE. He returned to journalism in 2000, writing for magazines and web sites including The Comics Journal, Comics Buyer's Guide, Comic Book Resources, and TheComicStore.com. He also served as articles editor for the Expo Anthology, published to benefit the CBLDF. In 2001 Brownstein was the principal reporter for Comicon.com's SPLASH, where he covered the entire convention circuit and broke several of the year's most important news stories. Brownstein also contributed stories to Publisher's Weekly and to the inaugural edition of Wizard Edge. Last year he also served on the Expo's Steering Committee as Programming Director and consulted in both formal and informal capacities for a variety of comics-related causes. "We're excited to have Charles join the Fund," said CBLDF President Denis Kitchen. "I've worked with Charles on an industry committee for the past two years and have been impressed with his fresh ideas, intellect, high energy level and round the clock work ethic. I can't wait to see what this combination does for our organization." "I'm excited by the opportunity to work for the Fund," Brownstein said. "At this stage in comics history and national affairs, a strong CBLDF is more important than ever. We don't yet know what the cost of free speech is in the 21st Century, but we need to ensure that the Fund is there to help preserve it regardless of price." "Because of their relatively low cost of production," Brownstein added, "Comics can provide a diversity of free expression unmatched by other media. As comics attain a higher profile, the Fund must grow as a strong advocate and defender of this powerful and unique art form. With the help of the comics community we hope to achieve this goal by creating dynamic fundraisers and educational publications that will elevate the profile of medium, the knowledge of the community, and the solidity of the Fund's war chest." Brownstein's selection was made without any dissenting board votes. The seven person board currently consists of writer Peter David, distributor John Davis, writer Neil Gaiman, retailer Greg Ketter, publisher/artist/agent Denis Kitchen, retailer Frank Mangiaracina and intellectual property attorney Louise Nemschoff. An eighth member, Susan Alston, the CBLDF's first full-time Executive Director, recently resigned from the board. Gaiman offered a wry endorsement following the board's vote. "On my last hellish signing tour," he noted, "Charles somehow managed to do an interview with me in San Francisco at midnight in a store, after a long day's signing. To this day I have no idea quite why or how it happened. I do know he couldn't have taken 'No,' 'Absolutely no,' or 'Completely out of the question' as answers, because he got his interview, leaving me both slightly resentful (it came out of my sleeping time) and a bit impressed. I'd like those powers of not giving up and going away to be used on behalf of the CBLDF." The Comic Book Legal Defense Fund was founded in 1986 as a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization to protect constitutional rights and to educate the comics community on First Amendment rights. Donations and inquiries should be directed to the CBLDF at P.O. Box 693, Northampton, MA 01061. For more CBLDF news and information, pick up a copy of "Busted!," the Fund's free periodic newsletter, or visit the CBLDF web-site at http://www.cbldf.org. +++++ India's Oscar entry inspires first Bollywood comic BOMBAY, Feb 8 (Reuters) - Bollywood hit "Lagaan," which took India by storm and was nominated as the country's entry at this year's Oscar awards, was launched on Friday as the first film-based comic. The 41-page English comic captures in colourful detail the quirky nineteenth century Indian peasants who took on British colonial oppressors in a cricket match to waive a punitive tax. "As a child I read Superman, Tarzan and other comics. So I was really excited to see myself in a comic. It's a great thrill," Aamir Khan, hero of "Lagaan," told reporters at the launch of the comic. Published by Egmont Imagination India Limited, licensee of Walt Disney and Barbie books, "Lagaan" has stuck to the film story translating some of the dialogues verbatim. "This is the first ever film-based comic book of Bollywood," said Uday Mathur, managing director of Egmont. Though movie-related memorabilia and merchandise is common in Hollywood, Indian movies have seen no such trend -- until "Lagaan." Now kids have a range of "Lagaan" products, made by Egmont, for amusement including a table cricket game, mask book and magic colouring book. +++++ Dr Pepper Spins Its Marketing Web; Launches New Product Promotion to Coincide With Release of New Spider-Man Movie On-Pack Promotion Offers Dr Pepper Drinkers Opportunity to Win Grand Prize Of Trip for Two to Insider Party in New York City PLANO, Texas, Feb. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Dr Pepper is set to spin its 2002 nationwide product marketing and promotions web by delivering to market a new, on-pack consumer promotion, which coincides with the May 3, 2002 release of Columbia Pictures' highly-anticipated, action-adventure film, Spider-Man. Fifty lucky Dr Pepper drinkers will have the opportunity to win the grand prize of a trip for two to an exclusive, insider party in New York. (Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20020205/DATU043 ) Scheduled to be in market by mid-April, and run through July, the promotion will link Dr Pepper with the web-spinning superhero, who has more than 35 years of brand awareness, proven popularity and success among Dr Pepper's 12- to 34-year-old target audience. "Spider-Man is one of the most recognized fictional characters in America, garnering an 85 percent household awareness in the minds of 18- to 24-year- olds, making this promotion a perfect fit to help us drive incremental sales among our key target audiences," said Cindi Clark, Dr Pepper's senior vice president of marketing. "What better way to start off the Summer, than by launching a Dr Pepper promotion that allows us to team with Columbia Pictures, leverage the release of the new Spider-Man movie, and offer our consumers a chance to win the grand prize of attending an insider party in New York City." In addition to the grand prize, the promotion will provide Dr Pepper drinkers an opportunity to instantly win other great incentives including Spider-Man T-shirts and caps, video libraries, and movie tickets, as well as Dr Pepper 12-packs. To support the promotion, Dr Pepper will invest millions of dollars in national television advertising, which is scheduled to run as network 30-second commercials and 10-second promotion tags. In addition, full- page print ads in People Magazine and Marvel Comics, Internet banner ads, as well as a special thematic Web site located within www.drpepper.com will support the promotion. Dr Pepper has also designed several unique, in-store display merchandising and P-O-S (point-of-sale) pieces that highlight the special graphics that are part of the Spider-Man franchise including Spider-Man and the Green Goblin. "Leveraging the Spider-Man theme is an extraordinary on-pack promotion that is sure to create excitement for the Dr Pepper brand," continued Clark. "Throughout 2002, we will be implementing aggressive and strategic Dr Pepper product promotional campaigns, and leveraging all the appropriate marketing tools and resources to support those campaigns," Clark concluded. Released in conjunction with the 40th anniversary of the web-slinger's first appearance in a comic book, Spider-Man centers on student Peter Parker (Tobey Maguire) who, after being bitten by a genetically altered spider, gains superhuman strength and the spider-like ability to cling to any surface. He vows to use his abilities to fight crime, coming to understand the words of his beloved Uncle Ben: "With great power comes great responsibility." Directed by Sam Raimi, the film also stars Willem Dafoe as Spider-Man's nemesis the Green Goblin, Kirsten Dunst, James Franco, Cliff Robertson, Rosemary Harris and J.K. Simmons. Written by David Koepp and based on the Marvel Comic Book by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko, the film is produced by Laura Ziskin and Ian Bryce. Avi Arad and Stan Lee are executive producers. Dr Pepper is the leading brand in Plano, Texas-based Dr Pepper/Seven Up, Inc.'s extensive soft drink portfolio. Dr Pepper/Seven Up is the leading non-cola soft drink enterprise in North America, with about 16 percent of the U.S. market. It is the largest subsidiary of London- based Cadbury Schweppes plc (NYSE: CSG). In addition to Dr Pepper, other leading Dr Pepper/Seven Up brands include 7 UP, A&W Root Beer, Sunkist, Canada Dry, Schweppes, Squirt and Hawaiian Punch, as well as RC Cola. For additional information about Dr Pepper/Seven Up and its brands, visit www.dpsu.com +++++ From the SPLASH PAGE of Comicon.com at: http://www.comicon.com/splash/ ASTERIX 2 OPENS BIG! SECOND LARGEST FRENCH OPENING! February 5: Fresh from a brewing controversy with the McDonalds fast food chain (see story below) Asterix 2 opened boffo in France last week, clocking the second best opening day box office receipts in French history. The film, opening in 900 theaters, sold 629,000 tickets across the country. In Paris alone it sold sold 102,611 seats. BBC is reporting: "Asterix: Mission Cleopatre is the follow-up to the 1999 French movie Asterix and Obelix, which sold 427,000 tickets on its first day. It again stars Christian Clavier as the diminutive Gaul hero Asterix and Gerard Depardieu as his larger than life side-kick Obelix. Monica Bellucci plays Cleopatre." BBC said: "Last year Miramax bought the US distribution rights for the (first Asterix) film - and for the new Asterix vehicle, then in production. A release date for the movie in the US has not been scheduled. FRIENDS OF LULU DEBUTS 'WOMEN AND COMICS' DISCUSSION SERIES! HILTY OPENS AT BLUESTOCKING! Special To The SPLASH By Elayne Riggs On January 8, 2002, DC editor Joan Hilty spoke to a capacity crowd at Bluestockings women's bookstore on the Lower East Side of New York City, outlining an overview of the state of the union between women and comics in the industry's mainstream. Hilty's discussion was the debut of Friends of Lulu-New York's "Women and Comics" series, scheduled to run at Bluestockings the second Tuesday of every month throughout the year. Hilty spoke about what she called "the collective unconscious of the comics business" insofar as how women are regarded at the larger companies. She regaled the audience with observations about the gender makeup at her office, where many "competent women [work] in jobs that do not directly relate to the business of creating comic pages" but are almost exclusively chosen for traditionally female office duties like switchboard relief. Female creative talent is most often relegated to "production jobs" like lettering and coloring, which "are very honorable professions, but they don't have creators' rights [nor] earn royalties." While Hilty acknowledged some women do hold prominent positions in mainstream comics – such as outgoing DC president/EIC Jenette Kahn and Karen Berger, Vice President-Executive Editor of Vertigo – she referred to them as "pockets of air in the aquarium, oases in the desert." Hiring in the industry, she noted, "has only become diverse in pockets. You can put stuff in pockets, but you can't wear 'em by themselves." Hilty cited her current position as an example of how female editors and non-superhero genres are both "ghettoized." In a company where cartoons are a big and profitable business, the DC Kids' Line (which publishes Cartoon Network titles), which has always been edited by a woman, is "one of the least profitable, least expandable editorial lines." The audience was both shocked and amused by Hilty's anecdote regarding her recent acquisition, after six years on the job and the editorship of ten different Cartoon Network properties plus creator- owned ones at Vertigo, of the Gotham Adventures title. A colleague congratulated her with what he considered a compliment: "Now you can get your feet wet." Hilty sees the future success of mainstream comics as hinging not only on diversity in hiring, but in genre expansion. She suggested, "We must learn to network, and to lobby…Women have to build a true 'old-girls network' and everyone has to use some form of affirmative action," of seeking out talented and qualified female storytellers and encouraging more opportunity. She also noted that "any successful form of mass entertainment learns to adapt to popular taste to reach wider audiences; for some reason, [mainstream] comics thinks it's exempt from this. We must revitalize by giving other comics genres a real chance." She observed, "There is absolutely no substitute for getting more women into the business, and a big bonus by-product of that will be getting more genres into the business." Hilty's talk was followed by a question and answer session that lasted almost an hour, as the enthusiastic, predominantly-female audience, many of them new to the world of comics, asked about everything from the difficulty they saw in approaching comic book shops (not a few analogized the feeling of going into these shops as akin to entering pornography retailers) to specific comic recommendations by genre and subject matter. February's "Women and Comics" discussion (on 2/12) will feature writers Abby Denson and Jennifer Moore, and future installments are scheduled with "Six Chix" cartoonist Isabella Bannerman; Jane Fisher (whose comic WJHC was part of the Ms. Foundation's merchandise line for Take Our Daughters to Work Day 2001); Oxygen.com artist Phoebe Gloeckner (debuting her graphic novel "The Diary of a Teenaged Girl"); comics pioneer Hilda Terry, who broke the gender barrier at the National Cartoonists Society in 1947; and science fiction author Rachel Pollack, creator/writer of Time Breakers, who has also written Tomahawk, Doom Patrol and New Gods for DC Comics. Also on tap for discussions later in the year are such comics luminaries as Colleen Doran and Amanda Conner. The "Women in Comics" series is designed to showcase the wide variety of women working in all aspects of comic books and comic strips to interested female readers in a positive, women-focused environment. The discussions are free of charge, although donations to Bluestockings are greatly appreciated. Bluestockings women's bookstore and cafι is located at 172 Allen Street in Manhattan, phone 212-777-6028. (Please note, the store is closed during the day on Tuesdays but opens for the event, which begins at 7 PM.) "Women in Comics" is also supported by the New York Comic Book Museum, which will be conducting interviews with series discussion leaders as part of their year-long examination of Women in Comics. Friends of Lulu is a national nonprofit organization whose purpose is to promote and encourage female readership and participation in the comic book industry. +++++ From the Comics Continuum at http://www.comicscontinuum.com/: Cartoon Network has released its schedule through the end of March, which includes the new episodes "The Brave & The Bold" and "War World." Following is a rundown, with all times ET: Monday, 9:30 p.m.: "The Enemy Below," Part 1. Saturday, 12:30 p.m.: "The Enemy Below," Part 1. Sunday, Feb. 10, 7 p.m.: "The Enemy Below," Part 1. Monday, Feb. 11, 9:30 p.m.: "The Enemy Below," Part 2. Saturday, Feb. 16, 12:30 p.m.: "The Enemy Below," Part 2. Sunday, Feb. 17, 7 p.m.: "The Enemy Below," Part 2. Saturday, Feb. 23, 12:30 p.m.: "Paradise Lost," Part 2. Saturday, Feb. 23, 10 p.m.: "Paradise Lost," Part 2. Sunday, Feb. 24, 7 p.m.: "War World," Part 1. Saturday, March 2, 12:30 p.m.: "War World," Part 1. Saturday, March 2, 10 p.m.: "War World," Part 1. Sunday, March 3, 7 p.m.: "War World," Part 2. Saturday, March 9, 12:30 p.m.: "War World," Part 2. Saturday, March 9, 10 p.m.: "War World," Part 2. Sunday, March 10, 7 p.m.: "The Brave and the Bold," Part 1. Saturday, March 16, 12:30 p.m.: "The Brave and the Bold," Part 1. Saturday, March 16, 7 p.m.: Cartoon Theater, "Secret Origins." Saturday, March 16, 10 p.m.: "The Brave and the Bold," Part 1. Sunday, March 17, 10 a.m.: Cartoon Theater, "Secret Origins." Sunday, March 17, 7 p.m.: "The Brave and the Bold," Part 2. Saturday, March 23, 12:30 p.m.: "The Brave and the Bold," Part 2. Saturday, March 23, 10 p.m.: "The Brave and the Bold," Part 2. Sunday, March 24, 7 p.m.: "Paradise Lost," Part 1. Saturday, March 30, 12:30 p.m.: "Paradise Lost," Part 1. Saturday, March 30, 10 p.m.: "Paradise Lost," Part 1. Sunday, March 31, 7 p.m.: "Paradise Lost," Part 2. THE MAXX IN POPBOT With the first issue of Popbot on sale now, Ashley Wood has announced that the second issue will feature an appearance by Sam Kieth's The Maxx. "I'm really excited that Sam has agreed to let The Maxx appear in my book," Wood said. "The scripting job he did on the first issue was amazing and I wanted the chance to take a stab at a character that influenced the way I approach comic storytelling." Popbot Book Two is written and drawn by Wood, with The Maxx's dialogue being handled by Kieth. Book Two also features a Popbot pin-up by Mike Mignola. Popbot Book Two will be published by IDW in April. It will be 48 duo- tone pages and retail for $7.99. +++++ From Newsarama at http://www.comicon.com/Newsarama/ SEPTEMBER 11th/DARK KNIGHT 2 NEWS DC Comic announced today that less than a month after reaching stores, September 11 Volumes 1 and 2 have gone back to press for a second printing. The new printings have an in-store date of February 13th. "The brisk sales of both volumes is a testament to the power of their editorial content, the public's interest in reading stories that reflect on the tragic events of September 11, and the retailers' efforts to get these books into the hands of their customers," said DC's VP - Sales & Marketing Bob Wayne. "The response these books have received has been phenomenal at every level," added Michael Martens, Dark Horse's Vice President of Marketing. "Creators, publishers, printers, retailers and consumers have all embraced the 9-11 project, resulting in a two of the best- selling graphic novels in recent memory. Thanks to everyone who participated." DC reports that the second printings of September 11 Volume 1 and Volume 2 may be ordered now through DC Direct Sales Reps or Diamond Customer Service Reps. The publisher also noted that previously placed back orders for September 11 Volume 1 will be filled at this time. In other DC news about a recent high-profile release, the publisher announced Diamond UK is reporting that The Dark Knight Strikes Again #2 is temporarily out of stock at its Warrington distribution center. According to the publisher, "To supply more copies to the UK, DC Comics and Diamond Comic Distributors have arranged for the transfer of additional copies of DK2 #2 from STAR/TRU in Memphis. These copies should be available in the UK shortly. In the meantime, UK retailers should continue placing back orders." "To say we're pleased with the velocity of sales on this issue would be an understatement," said Vince Letterio, Manager - Direct Sales. "Naturally, we have every intention of keeping it available as long as demand continues." DC encourages retailers serviced by Diamond's US distribution centers to check their inventory and place reorders as soon as possible while supplies of DK2 #2. WAGNER COVERS LW&C Everything old is new again when it comes to Dark Horse's Lone Wolf and Cub graphic novel series. Matt Wagner, one of the cover artists on the series' first American run, published by First Comics, told Newsarama that he'll be picking up the paintbrush for Itto and Daigoro one more time, supplying the covers for issues #19 - #26. While the series has used some of the original First covers by the likes of Frank Miller, Bill Sienkiewicz, Wagner will be painting all new covers for his eight issues. "Most of the original covers I did were very story specific," Wagner told Newsarama. "Unfortunately, due to the different, chunkier packaging Dark Horse is giving the material, most of the stories I had originally did covers for have already been published. But I certainly can't complain about getting the chance to do some more!" Wagner had a few factors to consider when selecting the cover image for the volumes, as his covers will also be used for a current reprinting of Lone Wolf and Cub in Japan. "There, again, we run into a slight difference in format and page count, so we're trying to come up with covers that are somewhat story specific but also somewhat generic enough to accommodate both editions," Wagner said. "In this case, a snow scene." For Wagner, the opportunity to supply covers to American versions of Lone Wolf and Cub not once but twice, as well as seeing his covers used for Japanese versions of the series is a high honor. "I've been an immense fan of this series since first being exposed to it more than 15 years ago," Wagner said. "I had heard what an influence LW&C had had on Miller's work on Ronin and so I managed to dig up several editions of the original Japanese collections. The dark Horse series of Lone Wolf and Cub ends with #28, the end of the original story by Kazuo Koike and Goseki Kojima. AUSTEN POWER: Uncanny X-Men's New Writer The only thing constant about Marvel's core X-titles is change, and it looks like there's another one just around the corner. Creator Chuck (War Machine) Austen has confirmed for Newsarama that he is slated to take over the regular writing cores of Uncanny X-Men with July's issue #410, taking over for the exiting Joe Casey and joining regular artist Ron Garney. Casey will continue to be very busy in 2002, in fact his schedule will be fuller by the time of his departure. Along with Adventures of Superman, he has three new ongoing series (DHC's KISS and Wildstorm's Wildcats Version 3.0 and Automatic Kafka) scheduled to debut this summer, along with various limited series and one-shots like Superman/KISS, Batman: Tenses, the Vertigo mini-series The Darwin Theory and other projects in development. TOP COW TALKS CREATIVE CHANGES Top Cow today officially announced some changes - some new, some previously revealed - to the creative make-up of their line-up... "Fresh faces, new concepts, and a renewed passion by the core creators have energized Top Cow with a solid start to the new year," said the publisher in a statement. "New creative teams prepare to rock the status quo on both Witchblade and Tomb Raider, Fathom resumes its publishing schedule, the Darkness gets a new look, Inferno continues its heat and many exciting new characters and concepts loom on the horizon." Here is the run-down of the changes, as provided by Top Cow: Witchblade: "Original Witchblade writer and co-creator David Wohl takes over writing Top Cow's premiere heroine with issue #54. One of the most exciting new talent finds of last year, Francis Manipul, will be penciling the book." Tomb Raider: "Hot off his introduction as the writer for Marvel's Captain America, John Ney Reiber writes the ongoing Tomb Raider title starting with issue #21. Former Witchblade and Star Wars penciler Randy Green joins John as they take control of Lara's destiny." Darkness: Marvel's Origin writer Paul Jenkins takes a crack at the Darkness with legendary Hulk and Pitt artist Dale Keown. Having killed Jackie Estacado in the landmark 40th issue of Darkness, this creative team reunites to tell the further tales of the Darkness." Inferno: "Top Cow owner/founder Marc Silvestri continues to pencil Inferno with artist Clarence Lansang doing a planned single fill in with issue four. Held up originally by trademark issues that delayed the first issue's release and prevented Silvestri from commencing the second until just recently, the title is back on track in terms of scheduling with the third issue being resolicited for a May release date." Fathom: "Fully recovered from his ordeal with cancer, Michael Turner is back to the drawing table and Fathom's publishing has re-commenced with issue #13 which is in stores now." New Projects: Battle of the Planets (07/2002) and both Michael Turner (11/2002) and Marc Silvestri (03/2003) have untitled projects that will be announced in the next few weeks. +++++ From Comics2Film at http://www.comics2film.com THE ELTINGVILLE CLUB -------------------- Evan Dorkin, creator of The Eltingville Club told Comics2Film that his animated pilot has been given an air date. "Welcome To Eltingville" will play as part of Cartoon Network's Adult Swim block on Sunday, March 3rd at 11p.m. (ET). The Eltingville Club focuses on four pop-culture-obsessed geeks who openly despise those who cannot grasp the importance of a M.O.C. Oola action figure. The caustic club has appeared regularly in Dorkin's anthology Dork, published by Slave Labor Graphics. Chuck Sheetz directed "Welcome To Eltingville". Sheetz has previously directed episodes of King of the Hill and The Simpsons. BLUEBERRY --------- Vincent Cassel has been cast to play the lead role in the movie version of Moebius' Blueberry. The news comes straight from the actor's official website. FANTASTIC FOUR -------------- The BBC Buffy website reveals that Doug Petrie, a "top writer" on Buffy the Vampire Slayer has signed on to do a draft of the Fantastic Four movie. BIRDS OF PREY ------------- The Hollywood trades reported that the WB network has formally picked up Birds of Prey. The show is based on the DC comic of the same name and has links to the Batman mythos. http://www.hollywoodreporter.com http://www.variety.com MEPHISTO -------- Producer Joe Singer (Dr. Dolittle, Dante's Peak) has partnered with entrepreneur and Hollywood newcomer Janet Jensen to form Singer/Jensen Entertainment. The new shingle has scooped up several properties for development, including Jason Hall and Matt Kindt's Mephisto from Top Shelf. The screenplay for Mephisto is to be written by Michael Browning (Bad Company, Six Days, Seven Nights). The story involves a couple with a troubled marriage who attend a magic show. The woman volunteers for the disappearing act but the magician (Mephisto) dies in the middle of the trick. With the wife missing the husband embarks on a metaphysical journey to bring her back. Bruce Berman is set to produce with Jensen and Singer. Alva Entertainment will executive produce. http://www.variety.com +++++ From Zentertainment; HTTP://WWW.ZENTERTAINMENT.COM To sign a friend up or begin receiving ZEN yourself, e-mail: subscribe@ZENtertainment.com Terry Zwigoff's GHOST WORLD made its DVD and rental VHS debut on Tuesday. Based on Daniel Clowes' underground comic of the same name, this superb coming-of-age satire stars Thora Birch and Scarlett Johansson as two social misfits who learn life gets even weirder after graduating from high school. The DVD offers deleted and alternate scenes, as well as a making-of featurette and cast and crew interviews. http://www.mgmhomevideo.com According to The HOLLYWOOD REPORTER, DIMENSION Films has optioned the rights to the ACCLAIM Entertainment comic and video game SHADOW MAN. In related news, ACCLAIM will release SHADOW MAN: SECOND COMING for the PLAYSTATION 2 at the end of the month. The sequel features an all-new third-person game engine and a storyline involving undead demon-hunter Mike LeRoi battling a sadistic group of demons who've been masquerading as humans for the past 2000 years. http://www.acclaim.com +++++ From the DC Comics Online Newsletter at http://www.dccomics.com BESTSELLING NOVELIST BRAD MELTZER TAPPED AS NEW GREEN ARROW WRITER "Meltzer spins a mean fantasy that'll have you turning pages in a frenzy." Kirkus Reviews New York Times bestselling author Brad Meltzer is slated to take over as the new writer on GREEN ARROW with issue #16. Meltzer's works include the novels The Tenth Justice, Dead Even, The First Council, and The Millionaires (currently #5 on the New York Times bestseller list and #1 on the Barnes & Noble bestseller list). He also has contributed short fiction to USA Weekend, the London Sunday Times, and the anthology The Games We Played. Meltzer joins series penciller Phil Hester and inker Ande Parks on the critically acclaimed, hit series. "I'm sad to be leaving GREEN ARROW," says Kevin Smith, "but I'm secure in the knowledge that Brad's going to take Arrowhead for one helluva ride after I'm gone. I know I'll still be buying the book on a monthly basis after my run's finished. I suggest you all do the same. Brad's not going to let you down." "Brad brings tons of enthusiasm about Ollie Queen, DC, and comics in general to the party," says Group Editor Bob Schreck. "He's a hell of a storyteller. Both The Tenth Justice and The Millionaires had me biting my fingernails and scratching my head trying to figure out what was going to happen next! Having read his initial plot, Brad's already off to a fantastic start on GREEN ARROW, building on the foundation Kevin created for the series. I think he's going to surprise everybody." Meltzer, a lifelong comics reader who names Alan Moore, Neil Gaiman and Warren Ellis as three of his favorite authors, is currently on a national book tour for The Millionaires. "Kevin has injected an amazing level of energy and enthusiasm into a character that was — quite literally — dead, and I just feel lucky that they're passing the quiver on to me," says Meltzer. "It's an honor, and I can't think of a more fun character to write, or a better person to follow on a book. Kevin's a master of two genres. The Stanley and His Monster reference was so good I was literally jealous." "Kevin set a very high standard for us to measure up to," Schreck added, "and I'm telling you — Brad has already set a course GREEN ARROW that I'm certain the fans of the series will really enjoy. I know that me, Phil Hester, Ande Parks, (colorist) James Sinclair and (letterer) Sean M. Konot are definitely up for it." STUCK RUBBER BABY HONORED AT ANGOULEME The French edition of Howard Cruse's graphic novel STUCK RUBBER BABY was named the "Critics Choice" on January 28 at the Alph-Art Awards Ceremony at Angoulκme. The graphic novel is published in France by Vertige Graphic under the name Un Monde de Diffιrence. POWER COMPANY MINISITE UPDATE THE POWER COMPANY minisite at dccomics.com has been updated to include a free e-comic version of the series' preview story from JLA #61 and character bios for the entire team. NEWS FROM THE MAINSTREAM PRESS January 27 edition of the New York Times includes the article "Smallville: Getting to the Heart of a Hero," in which Hal Hinson discusses the development of the hit series with Peter Roth, president of Warner Bros. Television, series creators Alfred Gough and Miles Millar, and DC Comics President & Editor-in-Chief Jenette Kahn. VillageVoice.com has posted the article "Thwack! Batman's Back," in which Miles Marshall Lewis discussed THE DARK KNIGHT STRIKES AGAIN with Frank Miller. The January 12 edition of the Cleveland Plain Dealer includes the article "Batman's Alter Ego Now a Murder Suspect," in which Michael Sangiacomo calls the "Bruce Wayne: Murderer?" storyline "one of the great ones." The February issue of Cinescape includes the article "Knight Shift," in which Arnold T. Blumberg discusses THE DARK KNIGHT STRIKES AGAIN with Frank Miller The January 13 edition of the Syracuse Post-Standard includes the article "Hey Buddy, Can You Spare a Dime?" in which Jeff Kapalka reviews BATMAN: THE 10-CENT ADVENTURE, writing, "Greg Rucka, Rick Burchett and Klaus Janson do a great job of bringing the casual reader up to speed on the current status of Gotham City's guardian_" Kapalka also reviews THE POWER COMPANY: POWERSURGE — STRIKER Z and THE POWER COMPANY: POWERSURGE — JOSIAH POWER, calling them, "basic super hero fun, and there's nothing wrong with that." On DOOM PATROL #4, Kapalka writes, "Writer John Arcudi mixes just enough of the old with the new_Artist Tan Eng Huat is an amazing talent." The website of the Minneapolis-St. Paul Star-Tribune has posted a review of the Watson-Guptill publication Truer Than True Romance, which L.K. Hanson calls, "a terrific idea, carried out with wonderful success." Issue #46 of Your Flesh includes a review of 100 BULLETS: SPLIT SECOND CHANCE, which Jason Cons calls "a comic worth reading from front to back." The December 30 edition of the Dubuque, IA, Telegraph Herald includes the article "Enjoy an Adventure for a Dime," in which Jeff Dyer writes about the release of BATMAN: THE 10-CENT ADVENTURE. The January 13 edition of the Memphis Commercial Appeal includes the article "Dark Knight for a Dime: Not a Bat Deal, I'd Say," in which Andrew Smith names BATMAN: THE 10-CENT ADVENTURE his pick of the month. The January 5 edition of the Ottowa Saturday Sun includes the article "Turning on a Dime," in which Denis Armstrong looks at the release of BATMAN: THE 10-CENT ADVENTURE. The January 7 edition of the Norristown, PA, Times Herald includes the article "10-Cent Comic Book Out to Rekindle Hobby," about local reception of BATMAN: THE 10-CENT ADVENTURE. The January 13 edition of the Tiffin, OH, Advertiser-Tribune includes the article "Random Comments on Current Comics," in which Jefferson Wolfe reviews current DC titles including DOOM PATROL, CATWOMAN, THE DARK KNIGHT STRIKES AGAIN, BATMAN: THE 10-CENT ADVENTURE, and SUPERMAN ADVENTURES. NEWS FROM THE TRADE PRESS The January issue of The Comics Journal includes reviews of the THE SPIRIT ARCHIVES Volumes 3-5 HCS, with Gregory Cwiklik calls, "very handsomely printed books_an excellent job. Also reviewed is the TOR Volume 1 HC, which Cwiklik calls, "interesting as a cultural artifact." The February 8 edition of Comics Buyer's Guide (#1473) includes numerous reviews of DC titles in "Tony's Tips," which looks at SUICIDE SQUAD #1-5, which Tony Isabella calls "welcome surprises." Isabella also reviews GRIP #1, HARLEY QUINN, IMPULSE #80, JUSTICE LEAGUE ADVENTURES #1–2, NIGHTWING #63, PLASTIC MAN ARCHIVES Volume 3, SCOOBY- DOO #54–55, THE SPECTRE #11-12, TRANSMETROPOLITAN #51, and WONDER WOMAN: SPIRIT OF TRUTH. The "Reading Room" reviews TRANSMETROPOLITAN #51, TOM STRONG #15, and POWER COMPANY: POWERSURGE – STRIKER Z #1. A "Series Spotlight" looks at JLA: GATEKEEPER #1-3, with Brent Frankenhoff writing, "[Tim] Truman's art, as always, is excellent." The "News International" section in the February issue of Comics International features an article on SEPTEMBER 11 Volumes 1 and 2. The section also includes an article on BATMAN: NINE LIVES with quotes from Dean Motter and Michael Lark, as well as items on JSA and the DC COMICS POCKET SUPER HEROES. The "Advance Listings" section spotlights KING DAVID and BATMAN: NINE LIVES, while the "Reviews" pages focus on such titles as THE DARK KNIGHT STRIKES AGAIN, which Stephan Hall calls "breathtaking." Also reviewed are PROMETHEA #16-18, with Jae Leitch writing, "The art team seems to rise to every challenge set them by [Alan] Moore." +++++ From Rich Johnston, THE 2000 SQUIDDY JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR, in his ALL THE RAGE Gossip Column at: http://www.SilverBulletComicBooks.com [This column slightly edited for language. - D.L.] RUMOUR BARRIER "I accept that the following material is rumour and gossip, intended to entertain only. "I won't repeat the information inside as fact. I understand if I want the truth, I will go to Silver Bulletins. "I enter freely with my mind open and my blinkers off." Now, onto the rumours. The Long Shadow Of Jack Kirby - UPDATE Fourth Wild I hear that DC is planning to hand over the Fourth World titles, conceived by Jack Kirby, to Wildstorm comics to exploit and that Wildstorm are gathering quite a talent list for the project. One such team might have been Erik Larsen and Art Adams on Kamandi, The Last Boy On Earth, but I hear there was a little falling out between Erik and Wildstorm over whether the gig was offered or not. There was no response received from DC or Wildstorm sources. This Has A Rumour Value Of 5 Out Of 10 After Fourth Wild: UPDATE Over at the Savage Dragon Forum, Erik Larsen replied in response to this column being quoted saying: "In regard to Kamandi... Scott Dunbier called and asked if I was interested in doing any writing for Wildstorm--I said, "no." He asked if I was sure and then proceeded to tell me that Wildstorm had acquired the rights to Kamandi, The Last Boy on Earth. I hesitated and Scott launched into full pitch mode--making it sound as though the book was mine if I wanted it. I asked to think about it. My only reason to do this would be to keep Kamandi from becoming another gun-toting, unshaven, trench-coat wearing chain-smoking asshole like all the OTHER characters at Wildstorm. I did talk a bit about WHY I thought Kamandi worked and HOW it could work in addition to HOW it could get ****ed up. Scott said he'd call after the weekend." "The next time I talked to Scott Dunbier the sense that the book was mine if I'd just agree to do it" was NOT there. It seems that he was looking for me to pitch the series and that Jim Lee was talking to other writers. In any case, I told him if this was a bake-off I wasn't interested. If he offers me the book cold, I'll take it-- but I'm not going to write up a ****ing proposal-- " "**** that!" This Has A Rapidly Rising Rumour Value Of 8 Out Of 10 Sighs Of A Cow I'm sure I've used that headline before. The rumours of a split between JMS and Top Cow are growing, and I understand that JMS intends to leave Top Cow after the last issues of Midnight Nation and Rising Stars are published. Meanwhile, Top Cow are seeing if they can salvage their relationship with JMS by pursuing a project to tie in with the TV series, Jeremiah. Mike Turner's planned new series Dragonfly is not to debut this summer, I understand. Instead he wants to continue with Fathom, especially in light of the upcoming movie. While sales are low, he intends to bump them up with a country-wide signing tour. The announcement of the Kevin Costner movie, Dragonfly can't have helped, either. These Have Rumour Values Of 5 Out Of 10 GI Joes I understand that Dan Jurgens and Larry Hama are working on a GI Joe story for the Devil's Due series. This Has A Rumour Value Of 6 Out Of 10 Diamond Are Forever Rob Liefeld's announcement of new Youngblood work (even if he spelt it wrong on Shaft's shoulderpad) with Mark Millar raised old rumours about whether Diamond would be willing to distribute it after alleged non- payment and regular schedule alterations in the past. I talked to Mark Herr at Diamond Comic Distribution (who used to be my contact back in the day of Twist And Shout Comics) about this. He told me, "While we have not been contacted by Rob at this point, we are as always, open to working with him and soliciting his comics." When I pressed him and asked if there was anything that would stop Diamond from putting Liefeld's self-published books in Previews if he sent in solicitations following the usual guidelines, Herr told me, "None whatsoever." This Has A Rumour Value Of 2 Out Of 10 Letter The Devil You Know After accepting congratulations for the lettering on the Ultimates, Chris Eliopoulos posted on the Savage Dragon message board, "If anyone is interested, not that you would be, I've taken over the Ultimate line. I've also been brought into Marvel to create fonts for them and train their in-house staff of letterers to letter MY way. Eventually, the plan is to have the entire Marvel line go upper and lower case, so keep your hats on." Erik Larsen replied, "Jemas LIKES the lettering to be both upper and lowercase. I think it looks terrible - on THESE comics. Yeah, it's fine on Tin Tin - but I really dislike the look on regular superhero comics. Guess it's just me. NOBODY is telling Jemas they don't like it. The editors at Marvel live in fear of the guy. A LOT of people have been canned up at Marvel and nobody wants to ruffle any feathers - so we'll get a line of comics with goofy lettering because everybody's nodding like an idiot telling Bill Jemas that he's a genius for this fantastic innovation." Oooohhh... This Has A Handbag Value Of 8 Out Of 10 Out Of Sequence The recent announcement of CrossGen compilation trades, with over two hundred pages for under $10 took quite a few people by surprise. I've been told however that this is stage two of a major marketing plan and that it had to be announced first because of Diamond's advance distribution requirements. Stage one will be happening sometime in the next couple of months. Should be big_ This Has A Rumour Value Of 8 Out Of 10 Bryan Power While mooching around Bryan Hitch's website at http://www.theartofcomics.com I came across a bunch of unpublished work. Included amongst Ultimates sketches and The Outsiders illos, was a remarkable looking project teaming The Punisher with Death's Head II. With what looked like initial versions of what Bryan Hitch would term "widescreen style," it's quite a shame that these pieces were never published. This Has A Big Explosion Value Of 9 Out of 10 Up The Gary! A couple of hours after I asked DC Comics for comment on the rumour that Gary Erskine had the Authority #29 gig, they put out the press release. What they didn't mention was the reasons that Art Adams schedule got taken up are down to problems with getting the scripts through and approved and then having to make significant art changes when those scripts were drawn up. But then All the Rage readers will know all about those_ Gary Erskine has been working professionally in comics for about fifteen years his first work seeing print in Marvel UK's Strip magazine. He went on to draw the acclaimed Marvel UK series Knights Of Pendragon (and not it's universally derived sequel) as well as the first three issues of Warheads. He then drew the acclaimed Lords Of Misrule graphic novel. His American work includes Star Wars, Blaze, Terminator, Firearm, The Mask, Zombieworld, Out For Blood, Hypersonic, City Of Silence, Hellblazer, and the first Wolverine/Punisher series. He lives in Glasgow, Scotland and hosts memorable Hogmanay parties. His style is an ugly but crisp one. Reminiscient in parts of Geoff Darrow and Alan Davis, he is an expert at placing bodies in space, giving a real three dimensional feel. He attention to accuracy and detail when it comes to uniforms and weaponry. He is also not a fan of the over-muscled body types his characters seem steeped in possible anatomy. He doesn't "pretty" things up either, his images are harsh, raw and gritty. I've liked his work for a long time and, when possible, I've been pushing him to Wildstorm editorial on and off. A quick email after the rumours about Art Adams leaving a month ago, led to a response telling me they would put him on list. Looks like the last push worked. And if this issue is well received, it won't be the only work he'll be doing for those wacky Californians. Say, I wonder how New Gods would look all Erskined up? This Has A Rumour Value Of 9 Out Of 10 What Have I Done? And so it came to pass that on Thursday, while trying to play pass the parcel at a drinking establishment in central London, I was harangued loudly by two men who look even more like girls than I do. Nick Locking and Tony Rollinson demanded to know that when I was printing the story that Michael Moorcock would be working for Next Comics, that I failed to plug their own Next Comics creation, The Atrocity. I told them to email me if they wanted a plug, thinking they'd be too drunk to remember come the morning. Sadly they weren't. Sorry folks, but I'm told that if I don't print this link, Nick Locking will give me a big kiss. Again. And no one wants that_ now go here. This Has A Big Girly Value Of 8 Out Of 10 And Rising ______________________________________________________________________ ----------------------------------------------------------------------- [5] Press Releases Diamond Comic Distributors NEWS RELEASE Andrew Smith, Marketing Communications Supervisor (410) 560-7100 - sandrew@diamondcomics.com February 1, 2002 Free Comic Book Day Details Revealed Information Available in February Issue of Dialogue Diamond Comic Distributors provides the comics industry with details concerning this spring's much-anticipated Free Comic Book Day (FCBD) promotion in the cover story of the February 2002 issue of Diamond Dialogue. Scheduled on May 4 (one day after the release of Sony's Spider-Man film), the industry wide event helps participating comics specialty retailers introduce potential readers to the four-color medium of comics by passing out free copies to every person who frequents their stores on that day. To do this, retailers can order special FCBD titles and editions, which are priced extremely low so that they can exploit this wonderful opportunity to put comics into the hands of potential new readers. Diamond's Premier Publishers (Dark Horse Comics, DC Comics, Image Comics, and Marvel Comics) are just four of the many suppliers that are supporting the promotion by reprinting best-selling or original titles. Retailers can order other FCBD titles and editions from Cyberosia, Keenspot, and Oni Press, which are producing special comics for the event that can also be ordered at a low cost. Antarctic Press and Tokyopop are also offering excess inventory at a low price to encourage readers to sample their lines. Participating retailers also have the option of using line FEB020025J of the Previews Retailer Order Form to order copies of overstock comics absolutely free from (as of press time): Abstract Studio, Acetylene Comics, Blue Line, Bongo, Cartoon Books, Chaos! Comics, Conspiracy, CPM, El Capitan, Fantagraphics Books, Humanoids, I?Box Publishing, Mighty Gremlin, Moonstone, NBM, Playdigm, Sirius Entertainment, Sleeping Giant Comics, The Norm.com, Top Shelf (a mix of titles from Top Shelf Productions, Eddie Campbell Comics, Abiogenesis Press, and Dee Vee Press), Viz Communications, and Young-Kinnard Productions. To qualify for the promotion, retailers need order just 50 copies of each FCBD title offered by the Premier publishers. Participants will then receive these additional free comics in proportion to those orders. In other words, the free comics will form a "pool" of available titles; the higher a retailer's order on the FCBD editions from the Premier Publishers, the more free comics that retailer will receive from this "pool." Besides the giveaway comics, retailers participating in the promotion will also be given automatic enrollment in a special database on the FCBD website (www.FreeComicBookDay.com), allowing interested parties to find them quickly and easily. (Participating retailers who are also Comic Shop Locator Service participants with an online profile will automatically be shown to visitors of FreeComicBookDay.com.) Participating retailers will also obtain free promotional posters, a free ad slick/bag slick, and a customizable press release to send to local media. (For more information on the benefits of enrolling, see the cover story in the February 2002 Dialogue.) To garner broad interest in this worthwhile event, FCBD will be promoted within the comics industry and beyond via publisher public relations efforts; advertising in many newsstand and direct market comics, magazines, and more; onsite promotion at various trade shows and special events, including MegaCon, WonderCon, Pittsburgh Comicon, the Los Angeles Book Fair, and others; and through the FCBD website, which will be linked to/promoted by hundreds of websites and email campaigns. (For more information on promotions, see the cover story in the February 2002 Dialogue.) Diamond customers interested in participating in the event should turn to page 12 of the February 2002 Previews Retailer Order Form to order their FCBD editions. Comics publishers interested in participating in the event should contact their Diamond Purchasing Brand Manager. Art for selected FCBD titles is available at www.FreeComicBookDay.com. Diamond Includes Readership Survey in February Previews In an effort to better gauge the interests and needs of specialty market consumers, Diamond Comic Distributors will include the Previews 2002 Readership Survey in the February Previews. Divided into sections concerning general information, Previews, Previews Online, buying habits, and more, the multi-question survey can be found on pages 12 and 13 of this month's catalog (directly following the Splash Page section). As a participation incentive, all consumers who complete and return the survey to Diamond by March 5 will be registered in a special drawing, the winner of which will earn $100 in specialty market merchandise for both themselves and their regular comics shop. "We encourage all specialty market consumers to participate in the 2002 Readership Survey,” said Diamond Previews Manager Marty Grosser. "They'll help us make Previews a better catalog, and could possibly net themselves and their retailer $100 in merchandise.” Please refer to the Previews 2002 Readership Survey for complete information and details. February Exclusives: Collectible Treats to Romance Customers! Just in time for Valentine's Day, the February issue of Diamond Comic Distributors' Previews catalog includes a wide selection of exclusive collectibles that are sure to win consumers' hearts, while sweetening retailers' sales! Previews Exclusives These items are available only through the Previews catalog. Earth X: Thor Goddess of Thunder Previews Exclusive Bronze Mega-Bust (FEB022407H): Sculpted by Mike Hill and designed & supervised by award- winning creator Alex Ross, the 7”-tall, bronze version of Earth X: Thor Goddess of Thunder Mega-Bust is a sculpt worthy of the gods themselves! Space Ghost: Space Spectre Previews Exclusive Action Figure (FEB023279I): Based on the classic character from the Hanna-Barbera cartoon series, the approximately 6”-tall figure comes with a light-up fist for ultimate super-heroic action! Scheduled to ship in June, this super-collectible toy is not available in Japan, China, Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong, or Malaysia. Fathom Previews Exclusive Statue (FEB023286H): Sculpted by master artisan Clayborn Moore, the 15”-tall "wet" version of the Fathom Statue is limited to 1,500 pieces. Armored Core 2: Another Age Previews Exclusive Green Action Figure "A" (FEB023367H): Based on the popular game – and imported from Japan – the approximately 7”-tall collectible figure is scheduled to ship in July. Ching Head Previews Exclusive Vinyl Figure (FEB023317H): They say that everybody may be kung-fu fightin', but the "hip crowd" is actually immersed in the import toy phenomenon known as Hong Kong Hip-Hop – which includes collectibles like the Ching Head Previews Exclusive Vinyl Figure. The vinyl figure, which is a creation of noted toy designer Jason Choy, stands approximately 6” tall and is scheduled to ship in July. Dynamic Forces Amazing Spider-Man Movie Storyboard Art Regular and Deluxe Signed Edition Lithograph (FEB022427-8H) and Movie Storyboard: Green Goblin Art Regular and Deluxe Signed Lithograph (FEB022429-30H): Illustrated by comics veteran Berni Wrightson for Sony Pictures' Spider- Man movie, these 18” x 24” lithos are just the thing for True Believers everywhere! The lithographs are also available in deluxe editions signed by the artist. Soul Taker Red Lines Previews Exclusive T-Shirt (FEB023171-3H): Anime fans can now add this very Soul-ful shirt to their wardrobe, which is available in L-XL sizes. Previews Exclusive Crow "Eyes & Logo" (FEB023176-7H), "Montage" (FEB023178-9H), and "Next" (FEB023180-1H) T-Shirts: Each of these attractive shirts depicts a different image from James O'Barr's cult classic series, The Crow. All three come in L-XL sizes Gatekeepers Previews Exclusive "Bubble" (FEB023167-8H) and "Girl" (FEB023169-70H) T-Shirts: The popular anime Gatekeepers is currently garnering legions of fans in the West – all of whom would love to get their hands on the Gatekeepers "Bubble" T-shirt (featuring images of Ruriko, Reiko, and Bancho in dramatic poses) and the Gatekeepers "Girl" T-shirt (showcasing Ruriko in a spell-casting pose). Both styles come in L-XL sizes. Clive Barker's Hellraiser Previews Exclusive Leather Bound Edition (FEB022329F): Limited to 500 copies, this 232-page tome collects the dark tales published by Epic Comics in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s. Transformers Preview Book Previews Exclusive Cover Edition (FEB022391E) and Transformers: Generation One #1 Previews Exclusive Chrome Cover Edition (FEB022390E): The "Robots in Disguise" star in a preview book that sports a Previews Exclusive variant cover, and in a special variant edition (featuring a wraparound holofoil cover by James Raiz) of the first issue of the much-anticipated series from Dreamwave Productions. Demonslayer: Prophecy #1 Prism Foil Cover (FEB022253H): This variant cover of Avatar Press's Demonslayer: Prophecy features a prism foil cover by popular artist Marat Mychaels. Shipping bagged and boarded with a Certificate of Authenticity, the variant issue is limited to 500 copies. Spider-Man Movie Souvenir Magazine Previews Exclusive Collector's Edition (FEB022815H): Face front, True Believers! Featuring exclusive news on the cast and crew of the upcoming Spider-Man movie, the 76-page collector's item is a must for webheads and moviegoers the world over! Spider-Man Official Movie Souvenir Magazine Previews Exclusive Edition (FEB022817H): This 68-page, spectacular Spider-magazine contains exclusive photos, behind-the-scenes reports, interviews, and more from the Spider-Man movie. And if that's not enough to get your customers' spider-senses tingling, it also sports a Previews Exclusive variant cover! Buffy the Vampire Slayer Official Magazine #3 Previews Exclusive Edition (FEB022785H): Featuring a bloody good Previews Exclusive variant cover, this 68-page magazine includes exclusive interviews with the hit show's cast and crew, behind-the-scenes reports, and other Buffy-related news. Official X-Files Magazine #3 Previews Exclusive Edition (FEB022836H): The truth is in here, as X-philes will learn for themselves when they purchase this 68-page magazine featuring behind-the-scenes access, set reports, and exclusive interviews with the series' cast and crew_ as well as a Previews Exclusive variant cover! Diamond Select Toys & Collectibles These items are specially created by Diamond's sister company, which works with toy suppliers to develop, manufacture, and market toy products for both specialty and mass-market retailers. Ultimate Spider-Man Bust (FEB022118H) and Special Edition Bust (FEB022119H): Both the Regular Edition (limited to 10,000 pieces) and the Special Edition (limited to 500 pieces) of this amazing bust stand 6 ½” tall – with the Special Edition offered sans Spidey's webbing on the costume. Sculpted by Sam Greenwell, and designed in cooperation with Ultimate Spider-Man artist Mark Bagley (who has created all-new art for the packaging), the busts come with a Certificate of Authenticity (signed by Greenwell and Bagley on the Special Edition). Both of these collectibles are guaranteed to ship in March. Ultimate Green Goblin Bust (FEB022120H) and Special Edition Bust (FEB022121H): Both the Regular Edition (limited to 10,000 pieces) and the Special Edition (limited to 500 pieces) of this bust stand a fearsome 8” tall – with the Special Edition featuring a "Power Up" version of the formidable Spidey-foe. Sculpted by Gabriel Marquez, and designed in cooperation with Ultimate Spider-Man artist Mark Bagley (who has created all-new art for the packaging), these companion pieces to both versions of the Ultimate Spider-Man Bust come with a Certificate of Authenticity (signed by Greenwell and Bagley on the Special Edition). Both of these collectibles are guaranteed to ship in April. Classic Spider-Man #1 Alex Ross Poster (FEB022122E): Illustrated by the acclaimed painter Alex Ross, this 34” x 22 Ό” rendering of Marvel Comics' Spider-Man #1 is guaranteed to ship in March. Marilyn Monroe Die-Cast Car Series: Bus Stop Assortment (FEB023248H): Adorned with images from the classic Marilyn Monroe film, the luscious replica of the 1956 Lincoln Premiere seen in the classic film is 1:64- scale, and includes real rubber tires, a metal body and chassis, an opening hood, and a detailed engine. "Pink Lightning" chase cars are also randomly inserted in case lots. Dawn Mini Lunch Box (FEB023464H): Featuring rarely seen Dawn artwork by artist-extraordinaire Joseph Michael Linsner, this very collectible lunch box is guaranteed to ship in March. This month's Previews also offers again the Nightmare Before Christmas Jack Skellington Action Figures #1-#6 (FEB023394-99H), the Nightmare Before Christmas PVC Box Set #2 (FEB023402H), the Robotech Super-Deformed Chrome Morpher Previews Exclusive Skull Leader (FEB023411I), the Tomb Raider: Lara Croft Resin Bust (FEB023303I), the Trigun: Wolfwood Previews Exclusive Bust (FEB023414I), the Chastity and Jade Resin Statue (FEB023291H), and the Chastity and Jade Special Edition Resin Statue (FEB023292H), among others – giving retailers another opportunity to bring these best-selling exclusives into their stores, and another chance to sell them to consumers who are looking high and low for them! Art for all of these products is available upon request. Diamond Makes Changes to Publications At the request of retailers, Diamond Comic Distributors is introducing new publication features in February designed to make the Previews Consumer Order Form, the Previews Adult Supplement, and the Star System Order Form more effective marketing tools for retailers. On the Star System Order Form, store owners can look forward to a new Games sub-section devoted to Collectible Miniatures such as WizKids' popular Mage Knight, products that can lead to increased add-on and impulse sales for retailers who stock them. In Previews Adult, each listing now contains the Previews page number on which the item in question can be found. Finally, the cover of the Previews Consumer Order Form now features a space where consumers can write or type their names, making it easier than ever for retailers to keep track of their customers' orders. "We always appreciate receiving feedback from our customers on all our publications,” said Diamond Executive Director of Marketing Communications Shelley Myers, "and do our best to implement the suggestions we receive.” Gem Award Nominees Announced Retailers Decide Top Products, Suppliers of 2001 Retailers can cast their votes for the products and suppliers from the past year that have made the comics specialty market shine the brightest with Diamond Comic Distributors' 12th Annual Diamond Gem Awards. "As in previous years, the 2001 Gem Award nominees showcase the best of what our industry has to offer,” explained Diamond President & CEO Steve Geppi. "While all of Diamond's suppliers and their products are important facets of the comics specialty market overall, the Gems offer our customers the opportunity to honor those that have been especially beneficial in helping their businesses grow during the past year.” Selected by a panel of Diamond product specialists, nominees were chosen on the basis of their overall impact on the industry, while comics and related merchandise were chosen on the merits of their quality, creativity, and sales performance in 2001. Retailers can cast their votes for the Gem Award with ballots issued in their February Previews Order Form or via the Initial Order Entry feature of Diamond Online's Retailer Services Area (https://retailer.diamondcomics.com), which also contains a complete list of nominees. The winners will be announced in April. www.diamondcomics.com DIAMOND COMIC DISTRIBUTORS, INC. – the world's largest distributor of English-language comic books and related merchandise – is based in Timonium, MD, with strategically located Distribution Centers servicing more than 4,000 specialty retailers worldwide. ______________________________________________________________________ ----------------------------------------------------------------------- [6] Stream of Babbling Tim O'Shea tim_jen@mindspring.com [Tim O'Shea is a contributor to Organized Readers of Comics Associated (ORCA [www.orcafresh.net]) His column appears here with permission. THIS column is his last for www.thecomicreader.com] An Easy Hard Column to Write Many was the time that this column was easy to write. Sure, you ask, if it was so darn easy, why didn't you write one every week? Easy and discipline don't always meet at the same time with me, folks. Easy soon falls prey to procrastination in the O'Shea world of priorities. Well when I wrote the first official edition of Stream of Babbling for TCR (http://www.thecomicreader.com/sob/sob1.htm) I dedicated that column to Doug "TCR Webgenius" Smith. At that time I promised to dedicate the next column to managing editor/booster/financial backer Don Lund. It never happened. Sorry Don. So with this (bury the lead, O'Shea), my final SOB for TCR, I dedicate it to Don. This is not an easy column to write, but deadline and nice coincidences have made my writing a little easier. There would be no TCR without Don. I would never have interviewed the multitude of industry veterans and beginners that I have (since mid- 2000) were it not for this website. So I owe Don a whole heck of a lot. Now lest you think there lies controversy in my departure, sorry, there is none. As of February, I am moving on to another web site, for the Organized Readers of Comics Associated (ORCA [www.orcafresh.net]), where I'll do much of the same thing but with less editorial responsibilities. TCR was a blast the whole time, particularly working with the TCR Gang (Christopher Griffen, Robert Clark, Jeff Hidek, Kevin Wilson [Kevin dude, where have you gone!?!], James Schee [James I swear I'm sending the comics soon!], Corey Blake [the interview will run, promise!], Steve Chung [man, where have your letters not been printed!?!], Robert Dawson [you always make my reviews look amateur] D. Thomas [I can't wait until you start making bigtime films, pal] and last but no way least, David Wiltfong [David, you join at the beginning of January, I leave at the end, please don't take it personally!:)]) I want to have more time to share comics (and other books and media) with my son. The fact that he picked up and expressed interest in his first comic book last week was a good sign that I made the right decision. The importance of family and the impact a man can have on his family was nicely brought home to me this week. More on this in a moment. When I first started writing for TCR I was waiting for the flood of e- mails to hit my inbox. I wanted people challenging my opinions, or thanking me for showing them a new book. It doesn't happen often, as I soon found out. A few folks have really responded to my work (Jack Ruttan, you know I'm talking about you, man! [among others]) and for that I am grateful. TCR informs people and helps promote the medium. That's what we aimed to do. I was never out here to scoop Newsarama, or do get into a public debate with some popular creator (and I never did either, thankfully). If a person checks out a comic because they saw an interview or column that one of us did, then I think we made a difference. And if we brought attention to a work that may have otherwise gone unexplored by some, again we succeeded. TCR is a great group of volunteers, and the greatest for me was Doug Smith (sorry everyone else, but Doug was the guy that got our stuff on the site, without fail). Doug is leaving at the end of this month as well, to devote more time to: * his great Nova site (http://members.home.net/nova64/), which is soon to move, but I'll link to it in an upcoming ORCA column (promise Doug!) * his full time job * his fine family TCR had many legendary incarnations before this online one, I hope we have lived up to its name, and wherever it goes from here, I'm sure it will succeed, thanks to the Gang that Doug and I leave behind. But before I end this final TCR column, some actual comic discussion. First off, if you've not seen the most recent 9/11 books from last week, do yourself a favor and check them out at http://www.dccomics.com/features/911/911.html. As described at the site, the two books involve "Volume 1 from Chaos! Comics, Dark Horse Comics, and Image Comics - with assistance from Oni Press, Top Shelf Productions, and others; Volume 2 from DC Comics, including WildStorm Productions, Vertigo, Homage Comics, Cliffhanger, and Milestone Media" Granted, any 9/11 charity or benefit is worthwhile, but for folks who have longed for a new Astro City story by Kurt Busiek, go no further than Volume 2. But please, let me stress, any charity is worthwhile, don't feel like you need to buy this book to help the victims, because, as I'm sure you've heard already (but it bears repeating), every little bit, be it a donation of time or money, helps. Looking at the coverage of the various 9/11 benefit comics got me thinking. It's a shame that it takes such a mammoth tragedy (and a mammoth act of charity in response) for comics to get covered in the mainstream press. Too often, I think, the comic book industry suffers from the fact that people think of comic books as merely superhero genre work. The other day I was reading a story about a comic strip and thought, "Yeesh, if only comic books could get that kind of coverage." As you can see the I fell for the same flawed logic that comics and comic strips are vastly different. They are in fact not. Granted there are some major differences, but anyway, here's what got me thinking about it. An article from the Washington Post last week (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A28598-2002Jan23.html) said the following: "In recent weeks there have been several changes on the comics pages. Three new comic strips have joined the daily and Sunday lineup: Rhymes With Orange, Pearls Before Swine and Out of the Gene Pool. Tank McNamara and Six Chix were dropped and Liberty Meadows was discontinued by its creator. Over the past two days, we have printed a small sampling of the more than 900 calls, letters and e-mails that The Post has received since the changes were announced Dec. 26. It's clear from your feedback that we underestimated the popularity of Tank McNamara and Six Chix. More than 400 want Tank McNamara back and about 200 asked for Six Chix to be returned. And many of you expressed disappointment that Liberty Meadows is gone. Creator Frank Cho decided to stop producing the daily strip and move the story to comic book format. Some readers were upset with the cliffhanger ending, saying it was obviously a ploy to get people to buy the comic book. Others just wanted to know how they could find out what happened to Frank and Brandy. (Contact Cho at www.comicscommunity.com/boards/insight.) Now that we know how you feel about the changes, what are we going to do about it? Well, Liberty Meadows' fate is beyond our control. But persuasive cases have been made, we think, for restoring the other two..." Well, first off, wouldn't it be great if one of a Marvel or DC comic series could be saved so easily (or if the powers that be responded to our complaints with such concern). Granted, often in the comic book fan world we find little to compliment folks for, typically they only hear complaints from us. So from one aspect, maybe we as fans could work on our attitudes, thus fostering a more receptive industry to our complaints. But I'm (as usual) getting off track. The Washington Post failed to tell folks a major factor: Why Cho had quit (granted once you know why, you may understand why as a business the Post would see reasons not to address it). A quick visit to www.libertymeadows.com reveals quite clearly why as told in this late 2001 press release: "This was a difficult choice for me," said Frank Cho. "I've enjoyed and appreciated the response from my newspaper readers while at the same time I was growing more frustrated with the restrictions the syndicated comic form put on me." It was the cartoonist's own choice to remove Liberty Meadows from the papers. Cho is a winner and nominee for many awards both in the newspaper field and in the field of comic books. Industry watchers and fans alike have often speculated on the potential of Cho's exceptional illustration abilities if they were on display in a form that allowed for larger display. They will soon have a tangible result to view. In January 2002, Cho will address many of the issues left hanging from the strip in a comic book special, The Liberty Meadows Wedding Album, a special edition published by Insight Studios Group. Liberty Meadows already enjoys a continuing healthy life as an award wining comic book. For twenty four issues thus far (most of which have had numerous printings), older strips have been collected and then devoured by a whole new audience. Unlike its counterparts, The Liberty Meadows Wedding Album will contain new material picking up where the strip leaves off. For some newspapers, the departure of Liberty Meadows from their pages may unintentionally harken back to a few ill-fated editorial decisions to remove Liberty Meadows. Every time it was tried, including by such notable newspapers as the Washington Post, readers responded with a significant level of agitation until the strip returned. "We're trying to deflect any unwarranted criticism of the papers that carry Liberty Meadows by making it clear that they're not canceling the strip. It's simply moving to comic book form," said Insight Studios Group's Mark Wheatley. "By announcing it as we have, we're creating an opportunity for them to make sure their readers know where to get the continuing adventures of these characters." In a unique move, all through December, Cho will be planting references the toll free Comic Shop Locator Service phone number, (888) COMIC BOOK, in the newspaper version of Liberty Meadows. "After several years of stagnation following a decline in the mid-90s, the comic book market is enjoying a creative and sales renaissance," says Wheatley. "The comic book version of Liberty Meadows has been ahead of the trend for its entire life, gaining readers with each passing issue and repeatedly going back to press for new printings. This new comic book exclusive story is Frank's way of making an even bigger push for comic books." (http://www.libertymeadows.com/chonews.htm) So I must commend Cho for trying to improve his own creative platform, as well as helping comic books overall. Here's hoping he succeeds for the benefit of everyone. Wouldn't it be great if all those Post readers discovered comic books because of Cho's move? Time will tell and I'm keeping my fingers crossed. Last week I discussed amongst my multiple babblings, the death of John Buscema and on a related, but unrelated note, 52 McGs.: The Best Obituaries from Legendary New York Times Writer Robert McG. Thomas Jr. (If I didn't convince you what a great book it was last week, follow this link [http://www.simonsays.com/book/default_book.cfm?isbn=0743215621&areaid= 33] and see for yourself by perusing the diversity evident in the table of contents). Well this week, I got the following e-mail from the late Mr. Thomas' son, Andrew: "I enjoyed reading your column about John Buscema. I was a comic book collector for most of the '70s and still treasure that collection, along with my brother. I came across your column because I am daily searching for new web listings for the book, "52 McGs." You see, Robert McG. Thomas Jr. was my father, and I have been very excited to follow and chart the book's success since Scribner published it last October. Mr. Buscema sounds like the type of fellow that my dad would have enjoyed writing about. I read your piece over the phone to my mother, who in turn called me today to mention that Mr. Buscema's obituary had indeed made it into 'The Paper of Record.' ... I thought it my duty to complete the circle and alert you to this fact... Continued success from a card carrying member of FOOM, Andrew Thomas" My thanks to Andrew and his mother for the link. What an odd coincidence that in my babbling last week I stumbled across a great writer, who happened to have sons that grew up reading Marvel Comics in the 1970s. I don't know if that would count as synchronicity, but at the very least it was a nice moment. Sometimes you find comic book readers where you least expect them, and that is one of the joys of writing this column. Of my year or so of writing SOB (and in fact writing period), I must say that reading Andrew's e-mail was about the best moment (in a huge pile of great moments) I had the pleasure of experiencing. Of course before I go, I must pass on Andrew's kindness and direct you to The Paper of Record's obituary for John Buscema (http://www.nytimes.com/2002/01/28/obituaries/28BUSC.html). My favorite quote from this tribute follows: "Though Mr. Buscema drew many of Marvel's superheroes, he preferred noncostumed characters. 'I really have a hard time relating to characters who fly or crash through buildings,' he told one interviewer. 'I love to read about the lives of famous artists, and I think it would be fantastic to do a comic adaptation of, let's say, Vincent van Gogh's life.'" And I bet a lot of us would have bought it, even without the superheroes. The comic book world is a great place to be in and I thank TCR for the time I got to share my world perspective on it. It's not "goodbye," however, merely "See you over at ORCA!" Thanks again, Don. You're the best. ______________________________________________________________________ ----------------------------------------------------------------------- [7] Multiverse Observer and Explorer Reviews Paul Dale Roberts Silhouet98@cs.com [Paul promotes amateur and professional comic book artwork, scripts, storylines, and unpublished comic books with a newsletter called the Peoples' Comic Book Newsletter. Its website is at Jazma Comic Book Newsletter Productions at http://www.jazmaonline.com/ He is also a prominent letter hack, as anyone who reads comic letter pages would know. He is in production of his own self-published comic book called The Legendary Dark Silhouette and has copyrighted over 600 characters for his Jazma Universe.] WARNING: THE FOLLOWING COLUMN MAY REVEAL SIGNIFICANT PORTIONS OF PLOTS OF COMIC BOOKS, OR THE ENTIRE STORY. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED. Name: Mike Mignola's B.P.R.D. - Hollow Earth Publisher: Dark Horse Comics Written by: Mike Mignola, Christopher Golden & Tom Sniegoski Drawn by: Ryan Sook Price: $2.99 Comments: This is exactly the kind of comic book I crave. The B.P.R.D. (Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense) reminds me of the real life O.S.I.R. (Office of Scientific Investigation and Research) which conducts investigations into the paranormal. The difference is that the BPRD monitors, investigates and contains supernatural events around the world, while the OSIR only investigates and monitors. As this series continues, I would like to know the respectability of this organization. The government must place this organization in high regard since it has been around since 1944. There is plenty of intrigue in this story and I know why, you have three master storytellers telling the story of BPRD, they are the legendary Mike Mignola, Christopher Golden & Tom Sniegoski, how can this comic book go wrong? The action starts at the Ural Mountains, above the Arctic Circle and I was ready for anything to happen! Hellboy and his colleagues need the full respect that they deserve. These men have unusual abilities and they should be treated like people and not like pets. Bad moral should not occur within the ranks of BPRD. The talk of a new king of fear brought some goosebumps on my arms. Johann really blows me away, since he has no body and his soul is kept in a containment suit. It will be interesting to see Johann use his medium powers. BPRD is better than the scientific/psychic team that investigated the Rose Red Mansion in the Stephen King movie series Rose Red! Abe Sapien is another character I am quite curious about. He is afraid to stay with the BPRD and I wonder if he is the weak link to this group? His friends are volatile to have around....hmmm...they shouldn't think this way! Gosh darn it, I love this story already! Name: Universe #5 Publisher: Top Cow Written by: Paul Jenkins Drawn by: Clayton Crain/pencils Jonathan Glapion/inks Price: $2.50 Comments: Who needs to watch Dark Angel or 24 Hours on Fox TV, when all the excitement is right here in Universe #5! New York - 1987 - Black Monday and the stock market crashes and all hell breaks loose as the man dives to his death, after leaving his suicide note. Okie dokie, you caught my attention in a big way! Then we have a bunch of misfits who are the hope for mankind, as they learn about the GIMP, some kind of interdimensional connection to the 5th Dimension. It will be interesting to see how this GIMP works and how anyone will deal with this advanced technology. Then I haven't even talked about the mysterious Mister Black who has gathered all kinds of information about Hell. Information that he shares with no one. Then what did Mister Black know exactly when the doorway to Jerusalem was open and later this incident leads to tragedy? We have Tom on a covert mission and it will be interesting to see what he discovers while on this exciting adventure! Thank you to Paul Jenkins and Clayton Crain for making this comic book top-notch! Not only is the story great, but the artwork practically knocked my socks off! Name: Bone #46 Publisher: Cartoon Books Written and Drawn by: Jeff Smith Price: $2.95 Comments: I love the way Jeff Smith is able to sweep me up in this fantasyland of Bone, as I entered into the central marketplace of Atheia. Anything and everything can happen in this incredible fantasy world created by Jeff Smith. Besides the excitement of the story, I was also able to get some good laughs as Phoney Bone starts yelling that he gets a tingling sensation on his scalp when it has to do with money. He is willing to take some risks and challenges for some pocket change. Phoney Bone is quite the character. I wonder if Spider-Man was ever wrong when he got his own tingly sensation. The Pookie bee love/bee sting scenario had me laughing so hard, I almost fell out of my chair. Can gold really keep these bees away? Hmmm, maybe not. Then seeing Thorn losing her cool over the tea was very humorous too. Like always, there is plenty of good drama, excitement and comedy in every Bone story! Thank you to Jeff Smith for sharing those wonderful vacation pictures. A man of the world. I love traveling overseas and I see Jeff Smith is an international kind of guy, as he likes to travel to such exotic locales as Katmandu in search of research material for the fictional city of Atheia. Talk about doing some seeking information up front and personal! Wow! Name: Tall Tails - Thieve's Quest #5 and The Collected Tall Tails - Thieves' Quest Volume One Publisher: Dream Weaver Press Written by: Jose Calderon Drawn by: Daphne Lage Price: $2.95 for Tall Tails - Thieve's Quest #5 // $14.95 for The Collected Tall Tails Contact Email: jdcone@dreamweaverpress.com Comments: 'Death to all who oppose the Cause!'......rang in my ears long after I finished reading Tall Tails - Thieve's Quest #5! Not only was this story superb, but the artwork by Daphne Lage is amazing! Even though the artwork is in black and white, it was still dazzling and filled with exquisite details. This story is majestic fantasy! I didn't know what to expect next. Great Master Sorcerer v. Barbarian Shaman and I better hold onto my chair, because this is going to be an adventurous ride that will move so fast, it will leave the Orient Express in the dust! I love the persona of General Cromwell Ravenwood - Chief Protector of Lifdell. He's a truee leader and everyone seems to respect him. He knows how to command his soldiers and control his following. I'm glad that Jose Calderon uses animal characters to tell his incredible tale. It makes the story fascinating. You may have a Panda bear v. a cat v. a dog. Enjoyable mix of characterization. Raulph the Destroyer, sorcerer supreme is a comical guy. As the tracking of the trolls take place and a future king is on the horizon, this story will leave the reader salivating for more! Holy Smackaroo! For a mere $14.95 we get this gorgeous digest sized comic book called The Collected Tall Tails - Thieve's Quest - Volume One! A multitude of stories that will leave the reader breathless! Did I ever love the wrap around cover, a dazzling array of colors that dominate the stand off between two warriors! A cover like this practically jumps off the racks! This baby is thick and there is plenty to read! The war against the trolls is ready to commence. The search of the Great Seal of Iberion takes place. Ravenwood, Pandora, Klea, Silvermain, Gabriel, Raulph are ready for action and ready for an adventure! During their quest for the Great Seal of Iberion, they encounter many strange beasts and people! My mind raced a mile a minute wondering whom they will meet next! Some strong implications take place as the Duchess is threatened to be taken to the stables and used as a prostitute. Silvermain is one of the cool characters of this series and his appearance magnifies an interest on my part. Silvermain is one of the characters that commands attention. Those trolls may be ugly and barbaric, but they keep the story rocking and rolling! Ahh...even romance is found in this story as Pandora plants a big kiss on Ravenwood! Do I have to say I love this comic book? Nah, I didn't think so! Name: Crux #10 Publisher: CrossGen Comics Creative Force: Mark Waid, Steve Epting, Rick Magyar, Frank D'Armata Price: $2.95 Comments: Crux #10 was a harbinger of excitement, thrills and on-the- edge drama as the Negation have been fiercely attacking the Atlanteans and our lost tribe of humans from Australia. Everything is centered on the Atlantean twins Galvan and Gammid. It's sort of comical in the way they argue amongst themselves, but then the humor dissolves as the argument becomes very negative. The negativity is the bitter disliking of each other. Brothers shouldn't be like this, but I remember when I was a kid and my brother Andy and I got into it, because I ate the last of the spaghetti and he didn't have any dinner. I disliked my brother for quite sometime as I recall Andy and I fighting over this lost supper. Blood is thicker than water and when it came down to it, Andy was there to support me when the local bully came around looking for me. So even though Galvan and Gammid have some bitterness between them, they are still brothers and when Gammid departs for the group, Galvan falls to his knees in tears. Will he ever see his brother again? Will his brother be safe on a journey to the unknown? This was truly a sad cliffhanger ending. Even with their quarreling, they both agreed that they didn't want to let a 'magnet' be the cause of their deaths. This was truly an enjoyable story and looking forward to seeing how Gammid will fare in his journey. Name: Meridian #20 Publisher: CrossGen Comics Creative Force: Barbara Kesel, Steve McNiven, Tom Simmons, Morry Hollowell Price: $2.95 Comments: I think the whole world knows by now that CrossGen Comics excels for perfection when it comes to the quality artwork in their comics. Each and every CrossGen comic book I come across has superb and majestic drawings. Meridian #20 is breathtaking. It was touching to see how this story started off. Meridian's way of respecting the dead is to allow the ashes of the dead take to the wind and join the stars. In this issue, it was done in such a dramatic way and the drawings really depict this sad tribute of Meridian's fallen. In many comics I read and I don't know if it's just me noticing these things, but many comic book writers seem to be influenced by the events of 9/11. I found them here in Meridian #20, as Sephie yells out 'for Torbel, for Meridian, for freedom!' Then towards the end, Sephie has realized that her world has changed due to this conflict that has taken so many lives. Right now in the minds of every American, we know we have a long fight for freedom and after 9/11, we all came to the stark realization that our lives have changed in a dramatic way. Barbara Kesel's writing touched my nerve with this story. Onto other matters of the story, before I become too emotional. I enjoyed the way Sephie came upon Samandahl Rey and how she was able to absorb through a mere touch, the history of this man. From this one touch, she knew she has an ally. She realized that Sam has a good heart, but while she is passive in battle, she realizes that Sam is well-seasoned and very aggressive in battle. Something that Sephie had a hard time accepting. She knew it was hard to accept, but she knew it was right. From this small moment in her life, in which she met Sam, she was changed by this man from another world. Sam was a big influence upon Sephie. Sam's mind was on Roiya and he knew he had to get back. Sam may not have had ruby slippers on, but he found a doorway and will that doorway lead him back to his reality? As Sam departed, I noticed on the radio Joe Cocker was singing in his gravel voice.....'High Time We Went'! May you have a good journey Sam! MOE Sidenote: New at Comix & Comics are the following comics: Sci Spy #1 of 6 - Vertigo; Battle Girlz #1 by Antarctic Press; Trashed by SLG Publishing; Shogun of Steel by DC Comics; Oh My Goth by Voltaire and the latest CSN #763 with a cover of Savage Dragon and a back cover of Batman #600! Multiverse Observer and Explorer signing off until next time...... ______________________________________________________________________ ----------------------------------------------------------------------- [8] My View David LeBlanc ComicBkNet@aol.com [David LeBlanc is the Editor of the Comic Book Net Electronic Magazine. He is a long time fan of comics and the electronic media - having been the moderator of BBS comics forums on WME, FIDONET and the Comic Book Network. He and his wife are attempting to raise two sons in a suburb of Worcester, Massachusetts. David's favorite motivational phrase is: BEHOLD THE TURTLE, HE ONLY MAKES PROGRESS WHEN HE STICKS HIS NECK OUT!] RAPTORS III 64 pages, full color, 8 1/2 X 11, square bound graphic album/horror/mature content $10.95 by Dufaux & Marini Translation: Joe Johnson Lettering: Ortho NBM Publishing www.nbmpublishing.com This is a story of vampires, Drago and his sister Camilla. They are in a struggle for survival against a powerful and prominent branch of their kin. Their evil opponents are bent on wiping the human race whom they view as livestock for slaughter. But some they will let remain alive in zoos, like animals. A segment that is dwindling is the children, many fell prey to their own parents turned vampire. Many formed an underground city of children to survive. The opponents killed Drago's & Camilla's father and have cysts behind their ears that mark them as traitors. So the pair are on a vendetta. Inspector Lenore and her partner Benito Spiaggi are trying to discover the secrets of this struggle and end it before it it reaches huge proportions. The story opens with violent confrontations. A swat team has the siblings cornered, so they think, in a building and assault it from all sides. Drago slips away to confront Senator Paxton who tries to stop the police with a phone call. They won't listen and, as is usually the case with vampires, they are a lot stronger and faster than their opponents. Meanwhile a man dressed as a priest tracks down the whereabout of Inspector Lenore as she is about to be one of the first humans dispatched to the zoo. With the aid of the children and Lenore's partner he rescues her. But Benito senses a change in her and the reader gets a clue to the same thing. She steal's his gun and hunts down Drago and Camilla only to be caught in their spell and taken to their sanctuary for an erotic evening. There is one more player in the drama, another vampire, Aznar Akeba. He has been following Lenore and she leads him to his real prey, the vampire siblings. He possesses a sword with the same dragon hilt as the dagger used by Drago, the dagger of the Molinas. He attacks them both but is subdued and chained by Drago. He must listen while Drago reveals his connection to them through his mother. Now he must choose which side he is really on. This reads like a very well thought out epic in several parts. This being the third chapter there are some things not clear about the players but it does not spoil the horror of this world. The characters are cold and calculating, each with their own agenda, even the children. There is a dream sequence where Lenore imagines her future as a naked occupant of a commune in a cage, gnawing on raw meat to live - very chilling. The art is splendid with all the things you need to tell the story without words - move the action and fill in what is not being said with pictures. The erotic scenes are just sexy enough and the violence just gory enough. This is a well rounded package worthy of your time. WILD STARS #3 & #4 32 pages, black & white, color covers, $2.95 Created by Michael Tierney Pencils by Dave Simons Covers by Frank Brunner Cover color by Tom Smith Interior Cover Posters by Mary Tierney A quick note on the interior cover posters, they are really nice paintings you should check out. We open the story with Carlton MacKanaly discussing a diving session with a client who want to find a sunken treasure ship. Mr. Phillips was lead to him by a girl in the bar. Unknown to these guys the girl is now a prisoner on a boat speeding toward them, run by men who want Carlton bad. The dive begins before they get there and it seems there is more danger lurking below, from sharks. Phillips surfaces first, wondering if Carlton survived but find a more dangerous animal waiting for him. The people in the boat are part of a team of drug runners who are in partnership with soldiers from another dimension. They seek Carlton as one who can thwart their plans. Others of their kind, the Officers of Artomique are in deep space seeking him their and the native American allies who know the danger the Artomiques present. Issue 4 has good explanation why the Artomiques seek Carlton - they believe he might become a destroyer of worlds. His allies have their hands full trying to wage war against them and an armada of aliens. Then a time traveller appears and things get even worse. The story is involved but each book stands on its own. #3 is pretty much the story of the dive, the drug runners attempt at capturing Carlton and then, when they fail he turns the tables on them. #4 moves the story into space after giving us an overview of the main motivations. It ends with a cliff hanger. There is good storytelling technique and great covers by Frank Brunner. The interiors are decent in the action sequences though it could use more definition on detail. A very nice package for independent work and worth checking out. ______________________________________________________________________ ----------------------------------------------------------------------- [9] TOP 100 COMICS FOR - FEBRUARY Diamond Comics Distributors Rankings are based on orders placed by retailers and reflect total units ordered not dollar values of total ordered. Unit prices are given for reference only. This is NOT a list of comics that sold the most copies to the consumers - it is a list of ORDERS by DEALERS. Marvel, DC Split Market Share Categories Comics, Mag- Comics, Mag- All Products azines, & GNs azines, & GNs Publisher Dollar Share Dollar Share Unit Share DC COMICS 25.03% 30.60% 31.52% MARVEL COMICS 24.42% 32.65% 39.13% IMAGE COMICS 6.19% 7.59% 7.59% DARK HORSE COMICS 5.13% 6.75% 4.39% CROSSGEN COMICS 2.67% 3.59% 3.82% WIZARD ENTERTAINMENT 1.99% 2.53% 1.77% PLAYMATES 1.63% N/A N/A VIZ COMMUNICATIONS 1.50% 1.90% 1.21% DYNAMIC FORCES 1.41% 0.63% 0.10% GEMSTONE PUBLISHING 1.37% N/A N/A BOWEN DESIGNS 1.13% N/A N/A TOY BIZ 1.04% N/A N/A CHAOS! COMICS 0.95% 1.27% 1.26% DIAMOND SELECT TOYS LLC 0.94% N/A N/A KAIYODO 0.92% N/A N/A TOKYOPOP 0.85% 1.03% 0.85% KOTO INC. 0.82% N/A N/A TOY COM, INC. 0.63% N/A N/A MOORE CREATIONS 0.60% N/A N/A GRAPHITTI DESIGNS 0.57% N/A N/A Other Non-Top 20 20.21% 11.46% 8.36% TOP 100 COMICS Qty Ret Rank GUIDE Description Price PUB 1 1 322.74 DARK KNIGHT STRIKES AGAIN #3 (Of 3) $7.95 DC 2 2 201.95 ULTIMATES #2 $2.25 MAR 3 3 198.75 NEW X-MEN #123 $2.25 MAR 4 5 182.64 UNCANNY X-MEN #403 $2.25 MAR 5 6 178.19 ULTIMATE X-MEN #15 $2.25 MAR 6 9 170.36 AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #40 $2.25 MAR 7 12 145.83 ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN #19 $2.25 MAR 8 13 145.79 ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN #18 $2.25 MAR 9 4 140.08 X-TREME X-MEN #10 $2.99 MAR 10 11 137.75 GREEN ARROW #13 $2.50 DC 11 14 131.10 WOLVERINE #173 $2.25 MAR 12 19 114.99 JLA #63 $2.25 DC 13 7 114.09 WOLVERINE HULK #1 $3.50 MAR 14 21 102.31 AVENGERS #51 $2.25 MAR 15 8 100.00 BATMAN #600 (Note Price) $3.95 DC 16 15 96.57 PUNISHER #9 $2.99 MAR 17 26 89.80 PETER PARKER SPIDER-MAN #40 $2.25 MAR 18 16 89.05 DAREDEVIL #30 $2.99 MAR 19 31 87.21 FANTASTIC FOUR #52 $2.25 MAR 20 34 83.54 X-FORCE #125 $2.25 MAR 21 25 82.87 RISING STARS #18 (RES) $2.50 IMA 22 28 80.46 SPAWN #119 $2.50 IMA 23 29 80.24 DETECTIVE COMICS #767 $2.50 DC 24 20 79.60 CAGE #1 (MR) $2.99 MAR 25 30 78.77 FATHOM #14 (RES) $2.50 IMA 26 33 76.84 MUTIES #1 $2.50 MAR 27 22 75.66 ELEKTRA #8 $2.99 MAR 28 18 75.35 PARADISE X O $3.50 MAR 29 35 74.59 JSA #33 $2.50 DC 30 38 73.16 ULTIMATE MARVEL TEAM UP #13 $2.25 MAR 31 39 73.08 INCREDIBLE HULK #37 $2.25 MAR 32 43 71.63 SUPERMAN #179 $2.25 DC 33 44 71.35 NIGHTWING #66 $2.25 DC 34 45 70.67 EXILES #9 $2.25 MAR 35 46 70.63 EXILES #10 $2.25 MAR 36 47 70.60 IRON MAN #51 $2.25 MAR 37 37 68.69 BATMAN GOTHAM KNIGHTS #26 $2.50 DC 38 27 67.40 FURY #6 (MR) $2.99 MAR 39 52 67.29 ORDER #1 $2.25 MAR 40 53 66.22 THOR #46 $2.25 MAR 41 24 65.97 BATGIRL #25 (Note Price) $3.25 DC 42 40 65.20 CATWOMAN #4 $2.50 DC 43 41 65.06 MIDNIGHT NATION #10 (Of 12) (RES) $2.50 IMA 44 32 64.69 ALIAS #6 (MR) $2.99 MAR 45 54 64.63 ACTION COMICS #788 $2.25 DC 46 42 64.48 NIGHTCRAWLER #4 $2.50 MAR 47 56 63.49 ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN #601 $2.25 DC 48 48 63.44 POWER COMPANY #1 $2.50 DC 49 58 61.25 SUPERMAN MAN OF STEEL #123 $2.25 DC 50 59 60.66 GREEN LANTERN #147 $2.25 DC 51 60 60.06 ROBIN #99 $2.25 DC 52 10 59.75 JIST W/JOHN BYRNE CREATING ROBIN $5.95 DC 53 63 56.81 CABLE #102 $2.25 MAR 54 57 56.75 BIRDS OF PREY #40 $2.50 DC 55 65 56.44 BATMAN LEGENDS O/T DARK KNIGHT #152 $2.25 DC 56 66 54.93 THUNDERBOLTS #61 $2.25 MAR 57 69 52.52 WONDER WOMAN #179 $2.25 DC 58 62 52.42 AVENGERS CELESTIAL QUEST #6 (Of 8) $2.50 MAR 59 50 51.98 CAPTAIN AMERICA DEAD MAN RUNNING #2 $2.99 MAR 60 51 51.98 TOMB RAIDER JOURNEYS #2 (Of 12) $2.95 IMA 61 36 51.53 SPIDER-MAN TANGLED WEB #11 (Note Price) $3.50 MAR 62 74 50.61 DEADPOOL FUNERAL FOR A FREAK #3 $2.25 MAR 63 81 49.00 FLASH #183 $2.25 DC 64 55 47.90 HOWARD THE DUCK #2 (MR) $2.99 MAR 65 70 46.73 YOUNG JUSTICE #42 $2.50 DC 66 73 45.59 LEGION #5 $2.50 DC 67 78 44.85 TITANS #38 $2.50 DC 68 89 44.30 HARLEY