Category: Comic Books

Comic Subs or decisions, decisions

Posted on July 14, 2011 by Bruce

Oh my… Yesterday I turned in my sub sheet for comics that will be shipping in September. For a comic geek this is nothing new. Local comic book shops offer a service to regular customers in which they can order comics when they are announced and that way the shop knows how many they need and the customer is guaranteed the books they want. I’ve always loved this benefit and when you’ve been going to the same store for 20 years it really is nice. If I forget something on my sheet I’ll be asked about it. If I forget to turn in my sheet on time those comics still appear. This also makes it so I don’t have to rush (although I try) to the comic shop on Wednesdays (new comic book day). So all in all a nice arrangement. Until DC Comics decided to mess it all up.

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Comic Carnival North in Indianapolis (where I buy my books) does their sub sheets with all the Marvel titles on one side and all the DC titles on the other. For the uninitiated this means Spider-man, Captain America, Iron Man, the Fantastic Four are on one side, Batman, Superman, Green Lantern are on the other. So what’s the problem? Each year the comic publishers come up with some massive summer story that you only need to buy 120 comics to understand. It didn’t used to be each year, but now one of the signs of summer is some massive crisis in the DC universe or some war in Marvel. This summer in Marvel it is “Fear Itself” which I have not read but seems to be a take off on what DC did last year using Thor’s hammer instead of Green Lantern’s ring. DC decided to do “Flashpoint” in which Professor Zoom goes back and tweaks the space time continuum in order to mess with the newly resurrected Flash’s life. A few things that have happened in this world (spoilers) Batman is Thomas Wayne since his wife and son were killed in a mugging, Wonder Woman & Aquaman are at war trying to take over the world & Superman has been raised as a lab experiment when his rocket crashed into Metropolis. Caught in the middle is Barry Allen, police scientist, who wants everything brought back to “normal.” This is not going to end well.

History Lesson: in the 80’s DC published “Crisis on Infinite Earths” which at the end caused a number of their titles to start over. The result were things like Frank Miller’s “Batman: Year One” & John Byrne’s. “Man of Steel” in which the origins of Batman & Superman were retold and tweaked. Not all the comics that DC published changed… Some just kept plodding along. This time it’s different.

I think I’ve mentioned before in September DC comics will be relaunching their entire line up… 52 titles will all be back at issue #1. Each title will have a new creative team and who knows what else. Now here is my dilemma even with “holding the line at $2.99” that’s over $150 if I want to check out all the titles. Not including any additions in the following months and wanting to give each team time to build (let’s say 3 months) I would be spending $500 just on DC comics! I don’t think so. Because as a good comic book reader I also know that given history, within 12 to 18 months it will all be back and this will have been a wonderful experiment that increased Time Warners profits.

So yesterday I turned in my sub sheet… Befuddled over how to fill it out. I have been reading Flash, Teen Titans, Justice Society, Justice League, Batman, and a few others. So instead I went by title for a few & creative team for others. I might be upset over a few choices, it will be interesting to see how it all ends up. Updates after Comic-Con if I learn anything there or at least in September when this ship.

The Rocketeer… nuff said.

Posted on June 26, 2011 by Bruce

Has it really been 20 years? One of my favorite comics (which bounced around publishers) was turned into a movie in 1991. Yes, I’m talking about “The Rocketeer.” Comic book wise Dave Stevens story and art were flawless and the film version was amazingly faithful.  I went to the opening night and ended up with a poster (that still hangs in my office)  It was the film that opened the newly renovated El Capitan theater in Hollywood- where I took my brothers that summer of 1991. I have all the original comics, along with the multiple times it has been reprinted… and yes, though I rarely can say this, I own it on DVD, I used to own it on VHS.  I’m missing a few things, but I still can’t make the leap into buying a helmet though Cecil really, really wants one.  What could make it better?  This-

The Rocketeer 20th anniversary from John Banana on Vimeo.

Yes, a stylized short fan film- a trailer, if PIXAR was doing the film (which would be cool). The only missing piece to it, (as someone else pointed out) the fantastic James Horner score. If you have a chance to escape to the 1930’s world of Cliff Secord (the comic starts off in April 1938, the cover date of Action Comics #1) even if it’s just a few moments I would do it. In fact after I post this I think I might. “Rocketeer to the rescue!”

Recap of C2E2 2011

Posted on March 20, 2011 by Bruce
Cecil prepares for a weekend @ C2E2

So what happens at a “Comic & Entertainment Expo”? I guess it matters who you are. For me I learned a bit more than I intended, spent a lot more than I intended, and embraced my inner geek a bit more than I should have.

 

It all started Friday (Yes, I took a much needed personal business day) and headed up to Chicago with Sue. I was dropped off as Sue ran for the hills – Actually to do some geocaching. I on the other hand heading to registration & the first session of the day. I have mentioned before that when I was young and first started going to these things I tended to go to the dealer room, spend money, and go home. I was kind of a geek mall with a cover charge. Now I actually spend time doing other things (and spend time in the dealer room).

The first (& sadly only) session I went to on Friday was “Reading with Pictures” which dealt with using comics in the classroom. While it was interesting & I did get some ideas, It seemed like it was the same old information. It seems like the idea is if you say “Comics promote reading” enough times people might believe it. Sadly at a comic book convention you are preaching to the choir. The thing that (as of this posting) makes it sad is the organization Reading with Pictures has produced a wonderful anthology, but that’s about it. Their website (which has the potential to be a great resource) has nothing new since before the anthology was published- months ago. SO while I support their work- I’m not impressed with the follow through. Session Ideas- Not so new but still: create a comic club at school devoted to the reading & creation of comics. Really look at the standards as set forth by the State and see which comics (or portions) could be used to enhance the study & understanding for students. I’ve done this, but not in a systematic way, something to focus on over the summer in between cruises on my yacht.

One of the many colorful characters at C2E2... I'm still trying to figure out "Who" he's dressed up as.

Saturday was a lazy day, but I actually spent more time in sessions than in the hall. Attending two DC Comics sessions & one specifically devoted to Webcomics. Again, I tend to shy away from the sessions dealing with upcoming movies, or TV shows. I like hearing from the folks in the comic field and seeing if I can gain a bit of knowledge from what they say. The DC Panels were nice, helping to see what the next big crisis (that isn’t a crisis- since DC has overused that word) is going to be. “Flashpoint” will involve one of my favorite characters “The Flash” who, since he has been brought back from the dead after 20+ years, is dealing with some trouble of time/space continuum shattering proportions (but NOT a crisis). It does look interesting even though I have sworn off any all “events.”

 

The second DC Panel dealt with their “Vertigo” imprint which tends to cover things in a more mature way. One of my favorite titles is “Fables” by Bill Willingham which just finished up issue 100. The basics are all our “Fairy Tale” characters are real and are refugees on our mundane world. I won’t go into details, but recommend to those who can read “mature” stuff that you pick up one of the trades and check it out.

My last panel of the day was the “Webcomics Roundtable” I attended this last year and enjoyed the frank honesty of the panel. This year was no different, the panel was just a bit smaller. It was an open mic where you could ask whatever questions you might have. The questions ranged from “How do I start a webcomic?” Answer: start drawing. All the way to How do I increase and maintain readership?” The funny thing is there seem to be two camps (maybe more) when it comes to Webcomics. This group was much more grounded… which I liked, but also made me feel a bit embarrassed.

That brings us to today- I ran into the hall, bought two lovely handmade notebooks (one for Sue, and one for me) and took two pictures and ran out to head home.

So compared to last year’s C2E2 (the inaugural one), I would have to say still a great convention. I really preferred this location to last year. While still downtown at the McCormick Place it seemed like it was closer to things like food, and the hotel. It seemed a lot more crowded this year than last year, but some areas had shrunk- (the WebComics area for instance). I’d be interested to see some final numbers as for attendance. For me no Neil Gaiman, Jeff Smith or Dr. Who premiere made it not as exciting. I did miss out on Quidditch which was new this year. It seemed that the focus for big name guests was more in Movies & TV. One thing that I am wondering how it worked was the impression of being nickeled & dimed for some things. The special packages so you can get this autograph, etc. I may be wrong, but it seemed like there was a lot more of that this year. Then again it may be that I wasn’t interested in the some of the guests requiring this added fee so every email seemed to be one too many.

As for general programming- in my opinion last year had a lot more sessions on Friday geared to educators & librarians. While there were a number of session they seemed to be clumped. As an elementary teacher I have gotten burned too many times going to sessions in any conference only to find that the speaker brings nothing to the table that I can use. I looked at the session descriptions and most were for middle, high, or college levels- and avoided them spending my time in the Hall.

Cecil collapses on all the stuff from the first day... yes, just the first day of C2E2

After spending time in the Hall I did end up with some nice things… Some original artwork for my classroom, and lots & lots of books for my students. I’ll post pictures throughout the week since this is going to be the story arc for the week. Which will include more details and geek craziness!

 

Tales from the Long Box… “Truth, Justin, and the American Way”

Posted on February 6, 2011 by Bruce

I decided when I started cleaning out a bit that I should go back and reread some of those comics that I decided to keep. So as I go back a reconnect with some of the “good stuff” or at least weird, strange, stuff that I decided I needed regardless of it’s value.  I know I still have a few boxes that I’m cataloging in hopes that they will find a good home.  Ben (when will I get another comic to him to color?) took a full long box of stuff.  For those not in the know a long box is the large cardboard box specifically designed to hold comics (around 200).   My hope is that every once in a while I will go back and review some titles or story arcs.  This week it’ll be…

Issue #1 of Truth, Justing and the American Way

Title: Truth Justin & the American Way

Published: 2006 by Image Comics

Writer: Aaron Williams & Scott Kurtz

Art: Guiseppe Ferrario

Why I picked it up originally: I was reading PVP and was hearing about this comic project… decided to give it a try.

Why I kept reading it: It tugged at my nostalgic side… for the dopey TV of my childhood.

The story (spoilers included, though I’ve tried to keep them to a minimum): Basically it starts off as a take off of “The Greatest American Hero” one of my favorite TV shows growing up.  If you look at the basic storyline guy finds alien suit that gives him great powers if he can figure out how it works… general hilarity ensues.  What the comic does is not only twist that basic story, but also infuse it with enough TV references that it not only brings you back to that time, but also makes you try to hunt through the dialogue and art for easter eggs. I won’t give any away here, but some are as simple as the cover being a homage to a movie from that period.

Character wise they seem to be stereotypes (just like when I was a kid)- Justin is your typical nice guy, loser, klutz just trying to get through life and be happy. The plot moves from mishap to mishap with everything being tied up in a nice little box at the end.  A simple story about simpler times, when good guys were good guys and bad guys were either the government or communists.  If I wanted to be all scholarly I could go through how this follows the basic steps of  Campbell’s “Hero’s Journey”  Justin leaves his life of goofiness and by the end of the story has matured and as we go issue by issue does end up becoming a “hero.”  The format of 80’s sitcom doesn’t always lend itself for this kind of analysis so I’ll leave it there- he grows up (a bit).

This was a five issue series looking at the basics plot points in each issue-

Issue 1- Character introductions, getting the suit and not understanding what is going on.

Issue 2- Bachelor Party, antagonist shows up, gratuitous destruction, flashback & Justin’s confrontation with his fiancée

Issue 3- Destruction, introduction of minor adversary, & cliffhanger ending- calling the wedding off?!?!

Issue 4- Fiancée captured by the government, we learn a few more things about the suit, and the “Justinmobile” is born, ending with rescuing the princess…

Issue 5- The wedding, aliens, destruction, comedic ending with appropriate just desserts served.  Leading to the typical 80’s to be continued…

So why’d I keep it? I really can’t say… there are times (when it’s snowing or raining) and you just want to read a fun story that you can lose yourself in- this is pretty close to that.  Best story ever?  No, but in a classic Mad magazine kind of way it did make me feel like a kid again, and made me want to hunt down some episodes of “The Greatest American Hero.”

I really need to decide on a clever rating system to put here… oh well, maybe another day.

Cleaning Out – Geek Style

Posted on January 23, 2011 by Bruce

Usually I try to do this once a year… it has been at least two (maybe three) so this is something that needed to be done, I speak of cleaning out/organizing my comic book collection. My collection is 11 “long boxes” in the basement and then 5 in my office. The ones in my office aren’t filled. I try to pick a day when Sue isn’t home so she doesn’t have to see (or find out) how large my comic book collection is.

I start off bringing up all the boxes and then emptying them out. This way I can consolidate titles and make sure that everything is in order. This move covers the floor of the house in stacks of comics. I then put the comics back into the boxes. While putting them back I decide if there are are any titles I don’t want and move on from there.  Seems simple… it is & it isn’t.

All I can say is thanks to the way Marvel (Civil War, Secret War, Dark Reign, etc.) & DC (a Universe in constant “Crisis”) have been publishing the past few years I actually felt like I could winnow down my collection a lot.

Why?!? because some of the stories just aren’t good.  I’m tired of “universe altering story lines” that end up with nothing being changed.  I’m going to still read a lot, but I don’t see the reason to keep as much.  I’m dropping completely, Daredevil with the exception of some Frank Miller issues.  I’m dropping Captain America, still reading it, just not collecting it.  JLA-gone, Titans-gone, Ultimate anything- nope, a lot of my old stuff that I just haven’t kept up with.  I was reading the Avengers, but when the Marvel universe came back to being one big happy family, there were just too many to choose from.  Was I reading Secret Avengers, Mighty Avengers, New Avengers, New Mighty Secret Avengers? I don’t remember which one I thought was pretty good and which one either the art or the story was not to my liking.  So many titles that I thought would be good and ended up either bad, or I just forgot to pick them up and fell behind.

What am I still reading… Hmmm… let me check- The Walking Dead (I’m missing 4 issues, but I will find them).  Invincible, JSA, The Flash, Ozma of Oz, Mouse Guard, Teen Titans, I know there are others but it has been a long day.  I figure  I’ll still bounce around with Batman, but while Superman’s “Walking” storyline is interesting it is starting to wear me down- I can only walk so far.  What I am going to do is go back and reread a bunch of my old comics that I rediscovered while cleaning house.  I’m looking forward to getting reacquainted with some old friends.  Hopefully, by the time I’m done the Heroic Age will have passed and the sun will have set on the Brightest Day.

So if you read comics… what’s your favorite?

UP! Fair Lexington, Kentucky

Posted on November 21, 2010 by Bruce

This weekend Cecil & I attended the UP! Fair at the Carnegie Center for Learning & Literacy in Lexington, Kentucky. Originally intended as part of the Indy Webcomics Group’s contingent- I ended up, instead of helping out a lot, just hanging out and going to sessions for the most part. While it may seem strange for those who know me, I’m really more of an introvert when it comes to these situations.  While interested in a lot what was going on, I’ve been cornered by people who have a “fantastic” comic that they have put their heart and soul into that I then feel an obligation to purchase after hearing their story. This isn’t always the case, but it has happened enough times that I tend to be more aloof. If I talk to someone I am interested in what they are doing, and if I buy it I really do want to read it & hopefully share it with others.

The UP! Fair was geared more for small press and those interested in learning more about self-publishing.  It also had a great component geared towards kids and getting them interested the creative side of comics.  Compared to the “typical” Con I have attended this was intimate with small sessions that allowed for (almost demanded) interaction with the presenter.  Similar to some of the Indy Webcomics Group meet ups.  So what did I learn?  a few interesting tricks in Photoshop, a little about some software that might help with the creation end.

A quick finger painting I did in Sketchbook Pro of Hemi

I did have a chance to play around with my iPad and a few of the drawing apps I have on it (Sketchbook Pro & Brushes).  The funny thing was that this was dealing with publishing but almost everyone was doing all of their work completely digitally.  FYI: If you weren’t aware- My Geek Odyssey is done the old-fashioned way on paper and then scanned into the computer for shading and limited color- yes, there is original artwork somewhere for every comic that has appeared.

After attending this I have to ask myself (and you my readership) is there a market for let’s say “My Geek Odyssey: Year One” as a book?  Would you want to buy one?

Comics for Kids- a scary proposition

Posted on November 13, 2010 by Bruce

I was asked on Friday (since I happen to be heading to my local comic shop after school) to see if I might be able to get some door prize donations for the school’s “Literacy Night.”  Teachers – you should try to build a good relationship with your local comic shop if you can.  So today I receive an email from Dan at Comic Carnival asking what he can do to help (thanks Dan).  He has some titles he could donate but wanted to check with me about their appropriateness.  Fortunately I happen to have copies of the comics in question and that leads me to this post and this question- “What is appropriate for elementary kids?”  The comics Dan suggested were Avengers #1, New Avengers #1 or Secret Avengers #1.  Marvel has their own rating system and two of the titles are rated “A” which means “Appropriate for ages 9 and up” one is rated “T+” or “Teenagers.”  The first answer was easy- throw out the T+ comic because I sure hope we don’t have any teenagers at our school.  So what about comics rated “A” what is in them and why the cut off of 9?  I looked at both comics and they actually seemed to be completely different.

Avengers #1 (Bendis & Romita Jr.) seemed pretty straight forward although it starts off with a death there really isn’t much to it that I wouldn’t expect from a comic.  Time travel story, lots of talking, and some fighting. No blood or dismemberment, no nudity, no “bad stuff” or things that kids will huddle around giggling over.

New Avengers #1 (Bendis & Immonen) You’ve got magic and demons and inappropriate language for school.  Now I’m not one to have and issue with magic or demons (it is fantasy), but words can cause problems.  I just remember giggling at George Carlin’s “Seven words you can’t say on television.”  That said- I can understand the need for using certain words, but I don’t know if a 9 year old (that’s end of third grade beginning fourth grade) needs to reading them or hearing them.  Can’t we just keep the world a little more candy coated for a few more years?

So how does a parent (or teacher) get appropriate comics for their kids?  The rating system doesn’t work- It doesn’t work in movies, in video games, or in comics.  We have to be the adults (“gasp!”) we have to read what the kids are reading, or see the movie, or play the video game to make sure it meets with our morals.  That we are comfortable letting it impress a young mind.  Everyone has a different belief as to what is “right.”  There are some great comics out there that I wouldn’t even think about letting a kid in my class read until they are much older and have the experiences and maturity to be able to understand the content.

Comic Shops what can you do?  Keep buying all ages stuff & don’t hide it in the back or behind a bunch a toys & lunch boxes.  Make a prominent display of stuff that is good for young kids in the front of your store.  Parents will appreciate it (most are scared to walk into a comic shop).  Work with your local school and see about getting titles into their library, classrooms, cafeteria, playground.  You are the experts in comics, team with an teacher and have them help you put together your “kid friendly- teacher approved” comic list. I would love to have every kid in the school reading good comics- it is still reading folks!

So is picking comics for  kids a scary proposition? Yes, just like picking a movie, or TV show, any form of media is, or at least should be, if you care about your kids and what kind of person they will grow up to become.

While the Cat’s Away…

Posted on October 17, 2009 by Bruce

So Sue has headed north for a stitching event and left me all by myself so what should I do? Warning… this may contain explicit stuff that you may not really want to know about so those with weak hearts may want to read something else.

Unlike the last time Sue was out (and I was sick) this time around I’m feeling pretty hunky-dory so I did what any red blooded American male would do when their wife’s away… I sorted my comic book collection.

I know, I know, it is wild & crazy- but a man’s got to do what a man’s got to do.

Actually I didn’t go through my entire collection, I just went through those comic that were upstairs in my office. This is usually around a years worth of comics along with anything I may have pulled from the basement. So I thought I would share a little of what I have been reading over the past 12+ months.

Looking at the stacks that now surround me it looks like I am reading a mix of titles from Marvel & DC along with a few independents… although it looks like mostly DC, so let’s start there.

Justice League of America- I don’t remember why I starting picking this up again, it may have been an interesting cover, or a crossover but I can’t say I’m too enthralled with the title… Although Justice League : Cry for Justice has been one I am now looking forward to. Then again I really enjoy James Robinson’s writing especially how he pulls in lesser known characters.

Justice Society of America – I like the idea behind the Justice Society and remember when I started out reading comics reading All-Star which usually dealt with the golden age heroes. This whole bringing in the Kingdom Come heroes is wearing on me though. Although I must say the recent murder storyline has me intrigued.

Batman – this includes a number of Batman titles, but with the “death” of Bruce Wayne (oops! sorry for the spoiler) I started reading Batman & Robin and then Batman just to see how Nightwing would carry on. I’m not as well versed in the recent Batman lore, but I am enjoying both titles.

Flash – OK so we are once again in transition with the Flash… Since this was the first character I recall reading & as a kid I had a red sweatsuit I would run around in (Thank you Super Friends), I guess you could say I’m hoping for a good reboot… only time will tell. The rebirth story is interesting, but is taking a backseat to the latest Mega-Event.

Titans – This also includes related titles. The first comic I really remember buying reading and saving was the Teen Titans.  I don’t know what it was about the title (at that point it was around issue 45) but I liked it and when the New Teen Titans came out.  In the stack on the floor is also the Year One series which is really what I’m hoping for at some time.  It was neat to grow up with these characters… but now what?

Mega-Events- I have really tried to stay away from the various events that the major companies throw together.  I read Identity Crisis because it was a good story, but that lead to this crisis, and that crisis and then to Final Crisis and I still don’t have my head around that so we now have Blackest Night Which the main comic is interesting, but all the connected issues just give me a headache.  Why don’t you just finish an arc and in the next comic whatever changes (because of said Earth shattering event) get incorporated with a little editor’s note: “Wha Huh? Just pick up Mega-Event #24 for all the details.”  As you know I have tried some of the Blackest Night crossovers and was not impressed.  I will continue to read Blackest Night because it is interesting, however there is a part of me that wishes I have just waited for the trade.

Fables – Bill Willingham had me hooked after reading the first arc… OK the second arc in this great series.  I did pick up Jack of Fables but I can’t say how long I’m going to stick with it… except for the “Babe the Blue Ox” pages which are amusing I’m just feeling a little lost.  As for the main title I was a little leery, but am curious how this arc will finally end.

Ex Machina – quick premise the Mayor of New York can talk to machines (and therefore control them) and was once a masked hero.  Great look at politics and the common man trying to do what’s right.  I kind of wish all politicians were more like Mitchell Hundred.  One of my favorite stories dealt with trying to hire the guys to create a comic book about the mayor, very amusing.

Marvel Comics: Gosh when I look at the comics I have I would have been hard pressed to predict Disney’s purchase of Marvel.  I am curious as to how it will play out in the future.

Avengers – I started reading the Avengers when Bendis created the new team and it was interesting.  Unfortunately, with Civil War then Secret War and now Dark Reign I’m really getting turned off to Marvel.  I hate to say it, but when I started Marvel characters had character now I’m just confused and I think if you look at my limited Marvel title you might see that I have almost given up.

Daredevil – I started reading Daredevil when my friend Keith let me read some of his (He was a Marvel Zombie while I read exclusively DC).  So I get introduced to Marvel through Frank Miller’s Daredevil around the time where Bullseye kills Electra.  Not a bad time to be reading.  I also moved on to Claremont & Byrne’s X-Men. I still have many of the issues I had in high school.  back to Daredevil, it has been interesting to see how things are playing out and I am sticking with the title mostly because it has stayed away from all the mega-events which has kept it fairly solid when it comes to the storytelling.

Captain America – The sad part is I decided to stop reading Cap right before issue 25.  The whole Civil War event had just made me tired… so what happens- they kill off Cap.  I had been brought back to Captain America with the Winter Soldier arc so now I’m sitting here following along waiting to see what happens next.  The future is going to be interesting- I just wish they would get on with it.

Other Companies (even if they are affiliated with DC or Marvel):

Invincible – When I picked up the first issue I was entertained and came back for more… then Kirkman started throwing curveballs.  The kind of things I remember making my chin drop when Wolfman & Perez were doing the Teen Titans.  All I can say is this is one of the best superhero comics out there.  If you haven’t at least picked up a trade at the library you are missing out.

The Walking Dead – Yes, it’s another Kirkman written title and when Sean (one of my former students) recommended it all I could think of was “C’mon a zombie comic?”  While not for everyone, it is a great story with great characters.

Irredeemable – Mark Waid has really come up with an interesting story about an all powerful hero who (as far as we can tell) has gone a little funny in the head.  This is one of those titles I look forward to reading even though it can be a little disturbing.

Project Superpowers – I try to keep up with this one, although sometimes I forget (I am getting old) Alex Ross has gone back and is using golden age heroes that have basically been lost from our group memory and has brought them back into a brave new world… If you can find the trade (I think there is a trade available) I would pick up chapter 1.

Do I have other comics lying around my floor right now?  Sure single issues of things that have been recommended to me.  When I stop by a comic shop that I haven’t been to before I always to try to find something to buy.  Usually it’s stuff that I was curious about, but figured I would check it out later.

My regular shop (Comic Carnival North) I have been going to for almost 15 years.I returned to comic books during grad school when I needed something to relieve the stress.  The shop was on the way to class, and once I started filling out a sub sheet I was kind of hooked.

Sue should be back tonight so I better get this stuff moved… maybe she won’t notice.

On to Comics! First Impressions

Posted on October 1, 2009 by Bruce

I have been lax, in going over what I am reading probably because I haven’t had time to actually get to Comic Carnival (my local shop) and pick up my comics. I finally took some time after school to run a few errands including the comic run.  These are my first impressions… I usually will take a few days and reread everything to get the nuances that can be missed by a quick read.

Here’s what I picked up:
Marvel:
Ender’s Shadow Command School # 1 I have really liked the adaptation of Orson Scott Card’s Enders Game & Ender’s Shadow and this issue doesn’t disappoint.  it picks up right where Ender’s Shadow Battle School left off telling the story once again from Beans point of view.
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz- Hardcover I read the individual issues of this and have always enjoyed Skottie Young’s artwork.  I actually bought this for my classroom since it is all-ages and a great story.  Just Dorothy, Toto, and the gang.  I’m looking forward tot the next series and hope that Marvel continues this.  GREAT STORY FOR KIDS OF ALL AGES

DC:
Justice Society # 31 Nothing new or special but not a filler issue, the JSA is trying to track down I’m sure as the arc develops all will become clear.
Vigilante # 10 Having just started to read Vigilante I’m still working on who is who and what is driving each character- unfortunately for me it looks like DC has canceled the series.
Teen Titans #75 So looks like Raven is in trouble and we are trying to figure out what is going to happen next… looks like you got yourself a demon infestation here.  I’ve always liked the titans, but… this new team isn’t one I’m attached to yet.
Justice League of America 80 Page Giant #1 When did Snapper Carr get super powers?  Obviously this happened sometime in one of the mega-events I decided not to follow.  This was an interesting look at the Justice League and breaking them up and putting them into different time periods.  Interesting premise I’ll need to revisit to see which story I liked.  I did like the witty banter between Snapper & Cheetah.
Blackest Night- Titans #1 & 2 I’m starting to agree with those who are calling Blackest Night “DC Zombies”  I decided being a Titans fans from way back that if I was going to read one of the spin offs I at least would know the characters and history in this one.  I just can’t seem to like this series.  Blackest Night while interesting as a series I’m missing enough by not reading everything that is part of the series it is just turning me off.
Wednesday Comics #12 I’m sad to see this concept come to an end.  This was really a cool way to present stories.  the writing and artwork took comics to a new level.
Wildstorm:
Astra- Astro City #1 Finally a winner in my pile!  I have always enjoyed Astro City and this one once again just gives me reason to like it. I’m curious as to what will happen in the next issue… but that’s a good thing.

Image:
Invincible #66 No Invincible in this one but a lot of plot development & back story. With, of course, my favorite character Allen the Alien.

Dark Horse:
The Umbrella Academy #2  Everyone has been talking about this comic, so while in L.A. I picked up the first trade paperback.  It was cool.  Something different.  So the second comes out and I buy it.  Still unique… although I must say I’m glad I’m reading these as trades…

Comic-Con Saturday

Posted on July 25, 2009 by Bruce

Today started off with excitement and joy as I woke up early and headed to the Convention Center with the hope of getting the autographs of the “Mythbusters.” Adam Savage and Jamie Hyneman.  The way autographs work at Comic-Con is a strange and mysterious thing involving lines, bags, tickets & cats.  First you arrive at least an hour before they asked you to so you can wait to see if you are part of the group to get autographs.  This was around 7:45 for me, and I waited with a whole lot of people.  Once the magic hour has arrived you move through the line pulling raffle tickets from a bag.  If your raffle ticket is blank- no autograph, if it has a stamp of a cat on it, you need to return at 10:30 to get in line for the 11:30 autograph session.  Make sense.  So lets say, you were like me and didn’t get a ticket with a cat on it, you have two options, first is to leave muttering under your breath.  The second is to get back in line and try it all again.  That’s what I did… twice.  Finally pulling an elusive cat.  I returned and waited in line (again) to get Adam & Jamie’s autographs.

I was (for some strange reason) really nervous, my mind lost in thought when I finally got up to the front of the line.  I realized that yes, that strange man I had asked to get a photo with Cecil who I thought was Adam Savage, WAS ADAM SAVAGE!  I was right!  He even notice Cecil and commented which threw me off.  It threw me off so much that I didn’t pose for a picture and forgot to ask that they make it out to my class.

I went to a Comic Book Legal Defense Fund session with Jeff Smith- Creator of Bone in which he outlined his process for doing a comic by roughing out a four panel idea and bringing it all the way to the finished product.  Due to time he only finished two panels, but it was really cool.

I then headed off to a session on Using Comic Books in your classroom, which was interesting.  The panel discussed how “Graphic Novels” aka comics have slowly worked their way into the libraries have been successful, and how while many are under the impression that comics are great for reluctant readers when they actually help with readers of all levels.  The thing missing- actual curriculum, in these days of standards.  Hopefully some of these more direct pieces will be addressed in the panels tomorrow.