DC Comic Book Examiner features local vampire reader club

See "Comic Books 101: What comic book Meetups are in the DC area? Part 1," August 9, 2009, by DC Comic Books Examiner Mark Ruffin for details. The group is all-female and just beginning to add comics into their mix. Just for the record, my favorite vampire superhero comic is the run of Captain America by Stern and Byrne where Cap went up against Baron Blood. Paul Grist's current series, Jack Staff from Image, has some good stuff in it too.

Quick Reviews for Comics Due 08-12-09

QUICK REVIEWS FOR COMICS DUE 08-12-09

By John Judy

 

ACTION COMICS #880 by Greg Rucka, James Robinson, Julian Lopez and CAFU.  Nightwing, Flamebird, Supes, Kara, Captain Atom.  That's why they call it ACTION, folks!

 

ADVENTURE COMICS #1 by Geoff Johns, Francis Manapul and Clayton Henry.  Conner Kent's not dead anymore and he wants you to know it!  Plus, Starman, the schizophrenic hero from the future with the great costume and the power to make stuff heavier!  (I have the same power but it only works on myself.)

 

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #602 by Fred Van Lente and Barry Kitson.  MJ's back but so is… the Chameleon!!!  Yeah, you heard me: The Chameleon, master of disguise!  That is totally impressive if you have no super-powers whatsoever and don't you forget it, mister!

 

BLACKEST NIGHT #2 of 8 by Geoff Johns and Ivan Reis.  My, but these Black Lanterns are saucy chaps and lasses, are they not?  Dead clever stuff.  Recommended.

 

DOMINIC FORTUNE #1 of 4 written and drawn by Howard Chaykin.  A depression-era pulp adventure set in old Hollywood.  A must for Chaykin fans!

 

FAHRENHEIT 451 GN by Ray Bradbury and Tim Hamilton.  A graphic adaptation of Bradbury's classic story of firemen who really expand on the traditional definition of the job.  Highly recommended.

 

JSA VS. KOBRA #3 of 6 by Eric Trautmann and Don Kramer.  Much better than a typical mini, this one's exploring some interesting and timely aspects of religious fanaticism.  Well worth a look.

 

MARVEL COMICS 70^th ANNIVERSARY EDITION #1 by Various Creators.  A little something to honor the first appearances of the Human Torch and the Sub-Mariner.  Oh, and Ka-Zar, Lord of the Jungle.  Him too.

 

MARVELS PROJECT #1 of 8 by Ed Brubaker and Steve Epting.  The item of the week, hands down.  Mr. Brubaker explains it all to you, all the hidden connections in the first days of what would become the Marvel Universe.  First up: The race for the super-soldier!  Highly recommended.

 

RED CIRCLE: INFERNO #1 by J. Michael Straczynski and Greg Scott.  It's about a guy who can catch on fire and not die.  Finally!

 

RED HERRING #1 of 6 by David Tischman and Philip Bond.  A little spy story from the guy who brought you BITE CLUB.  And the artist's name is Bond.  Gotta look!

 

SANDMAN BY JOE SIMON AND JACK KIRBY HC by Joe and Jack.  What it sounds like.  Collecting the run from 1942-1946 in which Wes Dodds switched costumes and got a boy sidekick.  Neat stuff with lots of wild, Golden-Age appeal.  Recommended.

 

STARSTRUCK #1 of 13 by Elaine Lee, Mike Kaluta and Charles Vess.  Back in print after 20 years, this one's got it all:  money, anarchy and gorgeous ladies vying for dominance in a space opera universe.  Sweet!

 

SUPERMAN SECRET FILES 2009 #1 by Various Creators.  All the 411 you need to keep track of the players in the latest Supes sagas.  Helpful.

 

ULTIMATE COMICS: AVENGERS #1 by Mark Millar and Carlos Pacheco.  After ULTIMATUM let's face it, anything will be a vast improvement.  Here it is.

 

ULTIMATE COMICS: SPIDER-MAN #1 by Brian Michael Bendis and David LaFuente.  Ultimate Spidey:  Not drowned anymore!  Possibly crushed!  Certainly bruised, but (very likely) decidedly un-drowned!  That warrants a new first issue, wouldn't you agree?

 

UNCANNY X-MEN #514 by Matt Fraction and Terry Dodson.  Okay, since the Dark X-Men are led by Norman Osborn instead of Professor Xavier shouldn't they really be called the "O-Men?"  Or would that be too creepy?

 

UNWRITTEN #4 by Mike Carey and Peter Gross.  Someone's killing horror writers in the house where Mary Shelley created Frankenstein.  Your future self is so mad at you for not having read this already!  Recommended.

 

WALKING DEAD #64 by Robert Kirkman and Charles Adlard.  The scariest words you can hear in a world of zombies:  "A man's gotta eat."  Not for kids.

 

WEDNESDAY COMICS #6 of 12 by Various Creators.  Sunday newspaper comics from some alternate universe Utopia.  Recommended.

 

www.johnjudy.net

Fantom Comics announces new online subscription process

Here's their PR.

Important Announcement!!!!!   Making proverbial lemons out of lemonade, Fantom management has taken time freed up from managing 2 stores (RIP Tenleytown), and is using it to make the comic book shopping experience better for our customers, our most valuable resource! One such improvement is gradually moving our subscription service to Comixology: http://www.comixology.com/. Comixology is an online comic book resource that will allow you to manage your own subscriptions, ensuring that books are never overlooked. Here's the deal: This is a gradual transition. We recommend you follow the instructions below and sign up for Comixology right away. It really is a very fun website. However, Fantom's pull service will not switch to Comixology until Wednesday, September 2. Prior to that date, we will answer questions, email you your current pull list should you like (email us at info@fantomcomics.com for questions or to request your pull list), and ensure everyone is on the new system in time so nobody gets left behind. Until September 2nd, management will pull only your current subscriptions (or updates you give the clerk at the store, or email to us, per usual). Comixology Instructions (more detailed instructions will be available on the Fantom Comics website by week's end): 1) Log on to http://www.comixology.com/ 2) Sign Up 3) Once you've signed up, and are signed in, connect to Fantom Comics so we can pull your books each week. Paste the following link into your browser for Fantom's page on comixology: http://www.comixology.com/retailers/1157/Fantom-Comics-Union-Station 4) Select the "Retailer Connect" button on the left-hand side of the page 5) Sign yourself up! Note that the sign up fields on some computers come up messy. The first field is for your first name, the second field is for your last name and the third field is for your phone number. Fantom Comics requires your full name and phone number for our records. However, it does not change your username and in no way makes your personal information public! 6) Once you've signed up and connected you can set up your Pull List: a. Search for a title you'd like b. When you find it, either click on "Pull" for just that issue, or "Subscribe" for all issues of that series 7) When you're done selecting the books you'd like, go to the Subscriptions tab to review your choices 8) When you opt to subscribe to a comic book series, the default setting is for the monthly issues of that series. If you hit the Edit button in the Subscriptions page, you'll have the option to request: a. Trade Paperbacks of that title as well as the series b. Just the Trade Paperbacks (by clicking that option and un-clicking the comic option) c. 2nd Printings when on offer d. Variants As stated above, by the end of this week Fantom will have posted all of the rules and guidelines on its homepage. In the meantime, spend the month of August getting comfortable with Comixology and all it has to offer. thanks as always, Fantom Management Union Station - 50 Massachusetts Avenue NE | Washington, DC 20002 | 202-216-9478 www.fantomcomics.com

Another logo donated to us today!

MJ, whose cartoons are syndicated through Newsblaze Publications across the United States and is currently an editorial cartoonist for the National Free Press (Canada), kindly sent in his version of David Hagen's logo today, noting "Just got bored drawing editoons, thought I would do something for a blog I read often. Enjoy." He also notes his cartoons are also carried by Newropeans Magazine (Paris,France) and that he also started cartooning in 2009 for The Nashville Free Press. His cartoons also appear at his Tooned In blog for The National Free Press.

Thanks! I really appreciate it.

MJ is a member of the The International Cartoonist Conspiracy which produced Big Funny, the exhibit and newspaper that I still have to run a review for. [corrected 8/10/09]

Zadzooks on Watchmen game

Zadzooks: Watchmen: The End Is Nigh, the Complete Experience review, Joseph Szadkowski, Washington Times August 2, 2009.

Also Greg Bennett's recommendations - I liked the Parker book quite a bit -

Bennett's Best for the week of July 19
Aug. 3, 2009 Zadzooks blog

Bennett's Best for the week of July 26
Aug. 3, 2009 Zadzooks

Wedding bells rang recently at Big Planet Comics

Big Planet Comics Bethesda recently hosted it's first wedding. Joel reported, "On Sunday, August 2, 2009, Alfredo Ignacio & Becky Kim were married at Big Planet Comics, Bethesda, MD." I wrote back to ask if Alfredo and Becky met at the store, and Alfredo replied "No, we didn't meet at Big Planet Comics. When we first met in 1993, one of the first topics of conversation we had was about the X-Men. I had just moved here from NYC and I started working for a Litigation Support company and that's were I first met Becky. The topic of comic books came up while we were hanging out during one of our breaks. Back then I used to live in the Wheaton/Aspen Hill area, but I'd hit Big Planet whenever I was in the area. I became a regular around late 1996 when I moved to Bethesda." Good for them - I had a similar conversation when I started at the Medical Museum although it was probably Miller's The Dark Knight Returns, but Robert Montgomery and I never dated. ;^) We're still friends though.

I'll echo Joel's Congratulations!

(By the way, that's Joel on the far right of the picture)

Arthur Wheelock caricature by Nate Beeler

Today's free Washington Examiner has a cover caricature by Nate Beeler of National Gallery of Art curator Arthur Wheelock. While that's an unlikely event, it does signify that there's a 2-page profile of one of the top art curators in Washington and should be read by anyone interested in European painting. Judith Leyster, a Dutch woman painter, is the subject of his current exhibit at the NGA.

GEM Hosts Captain Action Book, Exhibit

From Scoop - Where the Magic of Collecting Comes Alive!:

Geppi’s Entertainment Museum (GEM) in Baltimore’s historic Camden Yards sports complex will host a signing on Saturday, August 15, 2009, from noon to 3:00 PM, to mark the debut of the brand new edition of the critically acclaimed Captain Action: The Original Super-Hero Action Figure by Michael Eury. In addition to the author, Ed Catto and Joe Ahearn, the owners of Captain Action Enterprises, will be in attendance for the signing.

The event will also kick off a special exhibit covering the history of Captain Action, from the first action figures in the 1960s to the latest merchandise (and everything in between). The exhibit will run from August 15 through October 13, 2009.

Published by TwoMorrows Publishing, Captain Action: The Original Super-Hero Action Figure chronicles the history of this quick-changing champion, including photos of virtually every Captain Action product ever released. With spotlights on Captain Action, his allies Action Boy and the Super Queens, and his arch enemy Dr. Evil, an examination of his comic book appearances, and more, nearly every facet of the character’s existence is put under the microscope. From the earliest concept stages to the multiple (and supposedly final) demises of the toy line, and from thriving collectibles market to the modern resurgence, no stone is left unturned. It is due in stores on or about August 10.

“When the first edition of Michael Eury’s superb book Captain Action: The Original Super-Hero Action Figure was released, it was rightly referred to by some as a virtual ‘how to’ guide to doing a character-centric reference book. It reached longtime serious collectors, turned casual Captain Action fans into die-hard enthusiasts, and brought many new fans to the character,” said Melissa Bowersox, the museum’s Executive Vice-President. “This is the sort of project that GEM and our patrons are happy to support, and we’re also extremely happy to have the assistance of such passionate, creative fan-owners as Joe Ahearn and Ed Catto to help us present the history of this unique character.”

“We’re very happy to see Captain Action and Michael’s wonderful book given such a spectacular stage. Like many other collectors, Ed Catto and I really enjoy telling other enthusiasts about our favorite character, and this takes that enjoyment to the proverbial next level,” said Joe Ahearn, Partner of Captain Action Enterprises.

The original superhero action figure first arrived on the scene in 1966 with the ability to change into a fantastic range of other incredible heroes, including Superman, Batman, Captain America, Spider-Man, the Lone Ranger, Buck Rogers, and the Green Hornet. He took on their costumes and personas and fought the forces of evil in their places. Produced by the Ideal Toy Company and developed by Stan Weston, who had been involved in the genesis of Hasbro’s G.I. Joe just two years before, Captain Action enjoyed a fairly brief shelf life. The last of Ideal’s original production runs ended in 1968.

In that short time, though, the 12-inch action figure had also doubled for Aquaman, Flash Gordon, the Phantom, Steve Canyon, Sgt. Fury, and Tonto. He had a sidekick, Action Boy (who became Superboy, Aqualad and Robin the Boy Wonder) and a blue-skinned, bug-eyed alien arch foe named Dr. Evil (obviously years before Austin Powers fought another Dr. Evil). There were playsets, vehicles, a headquarters, flicker rings, playing cards, a Ben Cooper Halloween costume, and a fondly remembered five-issue series from DC Comics that included contributions from such legends as Wally Wood, Jim Shooter, and Gil Kane.

As the years followed, Captain Action became the purview of the collecting community. A thriving secondary market developed and kept interest in the character alive within its ranks. In 1998, thirty years after the original production run ended, Playing Mantis brought Captain Action back to the world of new toys. Although their tenure with the toy line would also end after two years, it greatly fanned the flames of interest in the character and the original collectibles, and led eventually to the formation of Captain Action Enterprises, the present day owners of the intellectual property.

The exhibit will conclude just after the Diamond Comic Distributors – Alliance Game Distributors Retailer Summit, which will be held at the BaltimoreConvention Center, immediately across the street from GEM, October 11-13, 2009.

Barks' paintings for sale at Geppi's Museum beginning tonight

An exhibit of Barks paintings is on at Geppi's Entertainment Museum now - I'm uncleard if this article means that you can buy some works that are in the show - Sale Details of Barks Paintings Unveiled, Scoop August 7 2009. The sale starts tonight, at midnight August 7th though if you've got an extra $100K hanging around. As Scoop notes, "Limited edition lithographs, mini-lithos and other pieces will be included, so there will be something for just about every price range up to mid-six figures."

Comic Riffs' Zits interview

After teasing it since Sunday night, he's put it up -

The Interview: 'Zits' Co-Creator Jerry Scott
By Michael Cavna
Washington Post Comic Riffs blog August 6, 2009

Comic collector Mark Zaid in his role as lawyer at large

Local comic book collector Mark Zaid is in today's Post in his secret identity - "Police Chief Tells Driver Ticket for Flashing Lights Was Wrong," By Rick Rojas, Washington Post Staff Writer, August 7, 2009. Mark was ticketed for flashing his lights at the site of a speed trap - which I certainly have done - and fought the ticket.

Superheros and Alter Egos talk at Renwick Gallery

Friday, August 7
Noon

Superheros and Alter Egos

Mark Newport, one of the artists whose work is featured in Staged Stories: Renwick Craft Invitational 2009, shares his approach to knitting oversized superhero costumes that mix adolescent male subject matter with craft techniques usually associated with women.

Program held at the museum's Renwick Gallery on Pennsylvania Avenue at 17th Street NW

Post on Obama as Joker latest tempest in teapot

The August doldrums have struck, so a poster of President Obama overlayed with The Dark Knight's Joker's makeup has become 'news. If you're interested, see "Obama as The Joker: Racial Fear's Ugly Face; 'Political' Poster Turns On Violent Symbolism," By Philip Kennicott, Washington Post Staff Writer, Thursday, August 6, 2009 and the online discussion at "Impact of 'Socialist Joker'," Philip Kennicott, Washington Post Cultural Critic, Thursday, August 6, 2009.

Onion on terra-cotta mousketeers find

Today's Onion has an article about a new archeological discovery -
Legion of Terra-cotta Mouseketeers Found Beneath Disney World, Onion (August 6 2009): 1, 6.

National Geographic is opening an exhibit of the Chinese warriors in the fall - perhaps some of the Mouseketeers will sneak in.

Eternal Smile reviewed in Kids Post page

See Mary Quattlebaum's "Colorful Tales for a Hot August," Washington Post Wednesday, August 5, 2009  for a review of THE ETERNAL SMILE By Gene Luen Yang and Derek Kirk Kim.

 

Bamn at Baltimore Comic Con

Troy Allen reports

It's official! The Bamn Crew will be walking into the Baltimore Comic Con on October 10th thru October 11th of 2009! (Okay, okay...we'll be walking out October 10th and walking back in October 11th). The Baltimore Comic Con is THE biggest comic convention on the East Coast, and we will be joining the wave of independent comic artist peddling their books in "Artist Alley."
Here is more from the Baltimore Comic Con website:

 Contact us at BamnCan@hotmail.com 

Comic Riffs reports Iranian cartoon boycott

It's a bit off Michael's usual beat, but here's the story - "Iranian Cartoonists Plan to Boycott Famed Biennial," By Michael Cavna, Washington Post Comic Riffs blog August 4, 2009.

Ben Templesmith Signing

Laughing Ogre Comics will be hosting a signing with Ben Templesmith on August 08, 2009 from 12:00pm - 4:00pm at their Lansdowne, VA store. The Laughing Ogre webpage says 12-8, but Ben Templesmith's sas 12-4, so I'm guessing he's right (plus that's an awful long time for a signing!!!).

Laughing Ogre Comics
Lansdowne Shopping Center
19340 Promenade Drive
Lansdowne,VA 20176

[here's Templesmith's blogpost on it - Mike]

Weldon on the success, or failure, of graphic novels

Weldon, Glen.  2009.
Tension Deficit Disorder: Why Some Comics Work - And Some Don't.
National Public Radio's Monkey See blog (August 5)

Early comic art toy licensee dies

Mrs. Raymond licensed Disney, Superman, Mighty Mouse (according to the NY Times obit), Little Orphan Annie and probably other comic characters for her toy company. See two obituaries for her -

Lynn Pressman Raymond, 97, Executive A Pioneer Of Toy Ads, Packaging
By Lauren Wiseman
Washington Post Staff Writer
Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Grimes, William.  2009.

Lynn Pressman Raymond, Toy Executive, Dies at 97.

New York Times (August 2).

Online at http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/02/business/02pressman.html