Music Camp

Some might say I have not reached my potential, and though I would agree with those people, I must day that I have accomplished some things. And I owe a lot of my modest success to having learned to play a musical instrument. It takes time, patience, and diligence to master a musical instrument and though I am certainly no master (of anything), I can definitely pound the skins with the best of them.

The Philadelphia International chamber music festival is a summer (and winter) music camp for students of all ages. An intense and concentrated learning grounds for serious - and not-so-serious - young musicians, it is an fun extension of their education. As the Arts funding seems to be reduced every year, something like this is precisely where kids who love music, and love playing music, can find an outlet.

I could not recommend learning anything more highly - not drawing, writing, reading - than learning to play music. It is the most basic of communicative skills which transcends all language barriers and makes friends and allies of enemies. Okay, so that's a bit overblown, but you get where I'm going with this.

Seriously, this is an excellent opportunity for young students and a great chance for us adults to hear some decent music. And be proud.

Point One

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Slower Flow

You've probably noticed that I'm not posting as often as I used to, and this is on purpose. It isn't that I lack enthusiasm (enthusiasm) or anything like that, it's that I'm also working on the website more aggressively as well as trying to handle a personal life (of which there isn't too much to speak, mind you).

Anyway, I'm still producing several posts a day, just not as many as I used to, and I expect this to be the new "regular," so if you are used to the maelstrom 10+ posts per day we used to do, that just isn't the way we do things anymore, buddy-boy!

Seriously though, we've grown and we're all mature and shit now.

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

The Fiddler

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Tales from Beyond Science

This December, Image Comics will present an outrageously pulpy collection of science fiction short stories all drawn by Rian Hughes (YESTERDAY'S TOMORROWS) and written by some of Britain’s finest comic writers, including Mark Millar (Kick Ass and WANTED), Alan McKenzie (The Harrison Ford Story), and John Smith (Devin Waugh), all together in one colorful oversized hardcover, specially designed by Rian.

"I worked with some great writers on these stories," said Hughes. "And it's nice to be bringing all these tales together in one beautiful volume, with all-new material, via Image."

TALES FROM BEYOND SCIENCE HC will invite readers to follow Hilary Tremayne on eight surreal journeys into the unknown, where they may discover the truth behind the mysteries of spontaneous human combustion, the Bermuda Triangle, the lost 13^th month, and the real reason men have nipples.

TALES FROM BEYOND SCIENCE HC (OCT110500, ISBN: 978-1-60706-471-8), an 88-page full-color sci-fi mystery and suspense hardcover for $16.99, will be on sale in stores December 21^st, and is available for order in the upcoming October issue of Previews.

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

The End of an Era

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

ROLEPLAYING Games

It doesn't matter if you "disagree" with the following statement, because it's true:

The current trend in tabletop RPG is tabletop video gaming.

Roleplaying games are different from every other type of game, no matter the accoutrement or how they are played, and - despite what you have been told by companies trying to sell books or people who do not know how it is done - there most certainly is a wrong way to play them. This goes much further than the difference between "hack n slash" and "tabletop acting."

Make no mistake about it: I am a "storyteller" and "tabletop actor." It's wrong that these labels now have negative connotations, because they both describe how roleplaying games are supposed to be played. If you weren't meant to tell a story, you wouldn't need umpteen books on setting, plot, and... you know, story. And if you weren't meant to "act," it wouldn't be called roleplaying.

Now, it doesn't matter how well you act. In fact, roleplaying is not acting, per se; you can always portray your character from a distance, as it were, with tags like, "My character says this..." and "My character does that..." However, the very term "roleplay" means that you play a role, which is the most basic definition of "acting." Whether you choose to play in-character - the correct, and most appropriate way to play - or "from a distance," you are taking on the role of a character in a fictitious story told, more or less, in a round-robin fashion.

Tabletop RPG is almost all improvisation, and that is important. If you cannot improvise, you probably shouldn't be playing tabletop RPG. If you are playing, then you should learn to improvise and exercise that ability. Failure to do so means you are not playing correctly and everyone else is right to roll their eyes when your refusal to participate spoils their good time.

Do not dismiss what I say as words from a "purist;" there is a right way and wrong way to play tabletop RPG. Storytelling, improvisation, and acting are important elements of tabletop roleplaying and, without them, you are not playing correctly. Lack of these elements results in wargaming, boardgames, and collectible card games - all of which are great games with their own sets of rules that must be obeyed to be played correctly.

Video games give the players a limited set of options, and many tabletop gamers these days are so used to it that they assume the same of their tabletop games. Tabletop RPG offer almost no limitations on what characters can do or accomplish. There's nothing wrong with limiting starting characters' options to give them direction, but if you are merely dungeoncrawling to find "The Boss" before you level-up and tackle the next dungeon level, you're doing it wrong!

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Weatherman

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Super Dinosaur TPB

Earlier this year, best selling author Robert Kirkman (THE WALKING DEAD, INVINCIBLE, THE INFINITE) and artist Jason Howard (ASTOUNDING WOLF-MAN) created an energetic all ages hit comic starring a boy genius and a genetically modified Tyrannosaurus Rex that was met with multiple sell outs and critical acclaim. Now Image Comics is now collecting the adventures of Derek Dynamo, Super Dinosaur, and their friends into one action-packed book of awesomeness!

SUPER DINOSAUR, VOL. 1 TPB will be on sale in late November, in time for holiday gift shopping. It will include all the single issues through #5, as well as the SUPER DINOSAUR ORIGIN SPECIAL #1, for only $9.99.

"Since becoming a parent, I wanted to create a comic book that parents can read with their kids or that kids can pick up and read on their own," said Kirkman. "We also wanted to create a comic that's appropriate for younger kids but doesn't talk down to them, so it will interest older readers as well!"

In SUPER DINOSAUR, VOL. 1 TP, the fate of the world rests on the shoulders of a ten year-old kid and his best friend, a nine-foot tall Tyrannosaurus Rex who loves to play video games. The Evil Max Maximus wants to get to Inner-Earth! He wants the dinosaurs that live there! He wants the powerful DynOre mineral that originates there! Super Dinosaur and Derek Dynamo are the only ones who can stop him!

SUPER DINOSAUR, VOL. 1 TP (SEP110433, ISBN: 978-1-60706-420-6), a 128-page full-color all ages action adventure trade paperback for $9.99, will be on sale in stores November 23^rd. For more information about the awesomeness that is Super Dinosaur, visit http://superdinosaur.com/.

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Art Adams - Fear Itself #5

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Custom Posters

One of the perks of running this blog is all the great artwork. I know that writers are the stars of comic books these days - as well they should be - but in my day, it was the artists. I still have not outgrown my love for fantastic artwork, and hope I never do. Now, for less than $20.00, I can have custom posters printed from the killer sketches, covers, and other things I receive as part of my everyday correspondence.

You can do the same, but why stop there? With custom poster printing, you can create posters of any picture or image you like! These are great for home decoration, special events, or anything else you can think of. In fact, had I known about this in time, I would have posters made up for my upcoming At-Home Con 2011 event.

Although you could probably figure out a way to do it, poster printing from your own printer would look cheap and obvious. It would also be incredibly expensive. Now get 24 x 36" posters for less than $20.00 and they are only a click away!

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Artemis

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Player Responsibility

This may be due to the players I have, but I don't think so; I think it's due to video games and the increasing tendency for tabletop RPG to mimic them. Players have more responsibility in, and to, a game than just creating characters and waiting for the GM to throw things at them.

Characters should have goals and aspirations, even if you are more a wargamer than a roleplayer. Games like D&D have goals built-in, but characters should have more on their minds than just improving their skills set - doesn't everybody? Finding new spells, learning new skills, even locating magical weapons or something trite like that serve as great in-game goals.

These goals give the GM a direction - an idea of what the players expect and what s/he should be thinking about when designing the game. One of my players mentioned that he likes rolling dice, but not necessarily just for combat - something that I hadn't even been thinking about while working on the game. That lead to me adding more skills checks and designing encounters in which dice rolls were needed, even though there wasn't any combat.

As a GM, I know there are situations outside of combat that require dice rolling, I just wasn't thinking about dice rolling specifically. Once he said that, my mind opened-up to new encounter ideas and directions for upcoming sessions.

Backstories are another important element of fundamental roleplay gaming. While there is nothing wrong with using low levels and initial sessions to create a character, characters should not just "appear" on the adventuring landscape without any sort of history whatsoever.

Also, players are required to maintain their character sheets. This doesn't just mean keeping them updated, but also readable. If you have shit handwriting, you need to have someone else help you or use a computer to write-out your sheet and information. There's absolutely no excuse for an adult with poor penmanship - that's a joke. A tabletop roleplaying gamer with poor penmanship? Honestly, seriously, inexcusable. That's like a radio DJ with a bad voice.

All the players in a troupe have responsibilities, but too many players think their job ends once their character is created.

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Uncanny X-Men #1

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Mouse Problems

I am having serious, serious issues with my mouse. It's an HP optical mouse and I installed drivers for about four different things, but I'm still getting double-clicks and everything else. I even put in a wheeled mouse and tried that without luck. It's almost impossible to copy and paste or do anything else this way and I'm tired of fucking with it!

It is killing my shoulder and my patience. I have spent at least a full day's work troubleshooting this thing (if you add up all the hours). I just installed some new drivers and I think I see an improvement, but I can't tell for certain just yet. I hope I didn't jinx it by discussing it...

I see online that I'm not the only one with this issue, so if anyone has any information on it, whatsoever, I'd sincerely appreciate it!

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Art Adams' Fear Itself #4

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

At-Home Con, Post 4

I know I'm running this into the ground, but I'm so excited about it that I just can't stop jabbering about it!

I finalized the details of At-Home Con 2011 last night (tonight as I'm typing this). I now have the entire menu, gaming schedule, and rules list. The rules list is really more along the lines of "Don't let the cat out" than anything else, but it makes for a nice addition to the whole thing. I finished the programs, printed and folded them, and added them to the registration bags.

The registration goodies bags are pretty fair, if I say so myself. The only thing they're short of is a bunch of advertisements. Don't get me wrong, I'll take sponsors! I just don't have any at the moment (well, I had some Yowie! stickers and those went in there). Each bag is slightly different and contains no fewer than six comic books (mostly Marvel, but also an issue of Eclipse's great Kamui), a gaming book from Otherworld Creations, a deck of Over the Edge playing cards, a pack of Jim Lee's W.I.L.D.kaps, and a mystery novel chosen at random. There's also a pen and pencil.

Yes: We have registration bags, programs, and badges. It's the first theme party I've ever thrown, but since we're just going to get drunk and game all weekend, the only thing different is the theme...

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Saturday Morning Cartoons - Private Snafu: Gas

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

At-Home Con, Post 3

I told you I'd be talking about At-Home Con until it was done. I'll be talking about it after it's over, as well! But eventually, I'll move-on to talking about other things; it's just the most exciting thing in my world right now and the main thing I'm working on (aside from a handful of interviews with some greats in nerd entertainment).

The first thing I did was finalize the menu, and I even got some of the shopping for it done, though it will be the day of the Con when I do the majority of it. It will be a lot of cooking, but only as much as one might normally do with regular company. I'm making three large meals and stocking-up on snacks. I'll have Ro-Tel dip, but most of the other snack foods will be purchased stuff - mini-candybars, popcorn, and the like.

I have since moved-on to the games themselves. The first is an adventure for Dark Conspiracy that used to be online (in a poor form). I found all of the original notes, which were most cleverly contained in a single notebook (something I should do more often). It's a very good adventure actually, and one I may still publish one of these days. It's on my To-Do List anyway. But this is a session game: four hours is all we need to finish it completely and there is only the most general denouement for the end.

Of course, if we enjoy ourselves that much, we may keep playing well into the night, but I chose Dark Conspiracy as the opener because the adventure is so strong. Also because it is perfect for a nighttime game, and none of the attendees are familiar with it. I'm hoping this makes a good opener and gets everyone in the mood for a weekend full of gaming.

After that, I'm getting back to the AD&D game we were playing online until we couldn't get our scheduling to work-out due to everyone going back to school and all. This is a campaign situation and I mean to continue approaching it as such. I have the beginnings of an adventure already worked-out, but not all of the details I need for it. My plan is to finalize this specific adventure but leave plenty of room for further game advancement.

Although the attendees have suggested we continue playing throughout the night, I don't know how that will go. Switching from a sci-fi/fantasy game with a Post-Apocalyptic setting to a straight fantasy game filled with dungeons and dragons is a bit of a stretch, too. My schedule has it set for Saturday afternoon - first game of the Big Gaming day.

After that, we have a bit of a toss-up, as I can't quite make up my mind as to which I want to play. ChiLL is the forerunner (and I have more great news on that front soon), but this could be the only chance I have to play Cyberpunk for the immediate time-being, so I'm wrestling with the whole thing. I also have an entire basement full of tabletop RPG, wargames, boardgames, and more, so we may just grab something with clear rules and a board and kick back with some movies and drinks. I'm not sure yet.

More to come as things develop, but there is a hell of a lot of cleaning left to be done, despite the dents I made the past week.

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Trident

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

The Art of Carbon Grey

This December, the art secrets of Image Comic’s masterpiece will be revealed in THE ART OF CARBON GREY HC. The series' astonishingly talented team of artists, Hoang Nguyen, Khari Evans and Linsun Loh will provide an extensive look at the making of the epic, richly illustrated saga, revealing the concepts, influences and designs that shaped the fantastical yet strangely familiar world of Carbon Grey.

"I'm excited to give readers a behind the scenes look, where we focus on storytelling, character designs, and composition," explained Nguyen. "It's these attention to details that make our book so much fun to work on."

Evans added, "It's a fantastic adventure that I am honored to be a part of!"

THE ART OF CARBON GREY HC will show fans how three talented artists united to create such a uniquely beautiful and kinetic visual style. Readers will get to delve into their working processes and trace the evolution of the characters and worlds that made CARBON GREY one of the most explosive comics of the year. THE ART OF CARBON GREY provides a fascinating insight into the creative process in a series of illustrated essays and tutorials on subjects including “Traditional vs. Digital” and “Recasting Giselle.”

THE ART OF CARBON GREY HC (OCT110448, ISBN: 978-1-60706-474-9), an oversized 128-page full color comic art book for $29.99, will be on sale in stores December 7^th, and will be available for order in the upcoming November issue of Previews. CARBON GREY, VOL. 1: SISTERS AT WAR TP (JUL110459, ISBN: 978-1-60706-448-0), a 96-page trade paperback collecting the first 3 issues of the sold out first story arc and more, is available in stores now for only $9.99.

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Switchfoot

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Studio Center

Studio Center started over 50 years ago and was one of the first of its kind, specializing in broadcast advertising. Now, they have clients in all 50 states and over 20 countries, and their voice over acting talent and production crews fulfill nearly 15,000 orders every year. They have studios across the country, including New York, Los Angeles, and Memphis, TN.

Studio Center is a full production company, offering more than just radio commercial production. They also have their own staff of talent, production crews, and technical assistants. They can handle any job you throw at them - from voice-over spots to video commercials to writing jingles. They have won awards for their work, and helped their clients won awards for their work.

Today, Studio Center is one of the fastest-growing companies of its kind. They can bring your vision to life with a full suite of production services. Let them help you book voice talent, write the music for your spot, produce the audio and music, and create and produce your video - all in one place, from a single company. All you need to do is contact them or visit their website to learn more.

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Bookstore

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

CBLDF Signings

New York, NY -- CBLDF LIBERTY ANNUAL 2011 hits shelves on October 12^th. In celebration, retailers around the world are having signings with several of the creators who contributed to the best LIBERTY ANNUAL yet!


CBLDF is delighted to have the support of retailers and creators not only for CBLDF LIBERTY ANNUAL 2011, but also for UNITED AGAINST CENSORSHIP, a series of in-store signings that will take place the day the book hits store shelves! So far, we’ve lined up the following great events:

Forbidden Planet NYC
October 12, 6:30 p.m.
840 Broadway, New York, NY 10003
(212) 473-1576
with Thomas Chu, Kevin Sacco, Brandon Montclare, Michael Bramley, J. Gonzo, and more


Laughing Ogre Comics
October 12, time TBD
4258 North High Street, Columbus, OH 43214
(614) 267-6473
with Dara Naraghi


Another Dimension
October 12, 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
424 B - 10th Street NW; Calgary, AB T2N 1V9, Canada
(403) 283-7078
with Riley Rossmo

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Unleash the Power That Slumbers...

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

J.M. DeMatteis Interview Coming Soon

I got the chance to speak with author and comics maven, J.M. DeMatteis (Blood, Moonshadow, Abadazad), and will be posting that interview on the site very soon. I hope you al come to read it, as I asked him about comic book piracy, industry practices, and rumors of a new collaboration with Justice League compatriots Keith Giffen and Kevin Maguire. And he answered all of those questions! He also gives aspiring comics creators and writers some great advice on working in all forms and mediums, as well as some other great stuff.

After that, I'll be talking to some other comics luminaries - all to be posted on the site between now and the end of the year. Don't forget 31 Days of Horror Reviews right here, and More Things for the ChiLL RPG over to The Weirding - both coming in October.

It's our busiest time of the year and we always deliver on Halloween, y'all.

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Invade Utopia... Save the World

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Teen Wolf Comes to Comics

Following the immediate success of MTV's newest hit show Teen Wolf, Top Cow Productions and MTV Comics are presenting a three issue comics series based on the show that will hit store shelves and digital platforms soon. When the new comic book series was announced at Comic-Con International in San Diego, the fans of Teen Wolf swarmed Top Cow's booth for the exclusive preview of the comic and stood in line for hours waiting to meet the cast and creators of their newest favorite teen horror drama.

This three issue miniseries will begin shipping in a week and, like the break-out successful MTV Television series, will appeal to the fans of the original films as well as cultural icons such as the Twilight Saga and Vampire Diaries. Written by David Tischman (True Blood, Bite Club) with art by Stephen Mooney (Angel) and covers by Joe Corroney (True Blood: Tainted Love), the series will act as both an introduction to new fans of Teen Wolf and augment the viewing experience of the hit MTV show.

"TEEN WOLF reimagines the worn-out werewolf genre, and turns it into a modern story of horror and hot love," explained writer David Tischman. "The scripts are so smart, and I worked with [showrunner] Jeff Davis to keep the same scary horror we see each week on the show; the personal horror of Scott dealing with being a werewolf, and the predatory horror of the werewolf culture. But I also really wanted to focus on the relationship moments between Scott and Allison. In those scenes, I think everybody remembers what that first love was like -- the scary, gut-wrenching 'Does she like me?' and 'Can I touch that?' moments we all have growing up. The book's been a lot of fun to write, and I can't wait to see what Jeff comes up with for Season 2."

Scott McCall's life is a living nightmare. Sure, he's co-captain of the Beacon Hills High Lacrosse Team and his hot new girlfriend, Allison, adores him, but Scott was bitten by a werewolf. And every time he gets excited, the claws come out. And the hair. And the fangs. That might be okay, except Allison's father leads a specially trained group of Hunters who want him dead. Scott's managed to keep his secret safe, but what happens when he can't reverse the process?

TEEN WOLF: BITE ME #1 (JUL110434), a full color comic will be on sale in stores on September 21^st for $3.99, along with a limited photo variant cover at participating retailers.

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Defeat the Fantastic Four... Save the World

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Busy Days

Hi guys. Sorry for the lax posting as of late, but I don't see it letting-up anytime real soon, as I have some very busy weeks ahead of me. Aside from personal plans, I also have the ChiLL department to roll-out next month, as well as some other business to which I must attend.

I did get a few minutes the other day to read some more Green Arrow & Black Canary issues I missed when they were released. I didn't realize I'd read more of them than I remembered until I was into some of them, but they were worth it. The good thing is that, even though they are a few years old now, they're slowly but surely getting me back into reading comic books just for the joy of reading them. I'm not worried about what happens next, how it fits into the larger scheme of any universe, or how it's all going to change with the next release of whatever major crossover event is scheduled for next month. I needed that.

I love comic books, they are the bread and butter of this blog after all, and I dearly miss enjoying them. Revisiting some old new favorites is just what I needed to recharge my batteries after getting fed-up by all the gimmicks and BS the publishers have been shoving down our throats the last couple of years.

Don't forget that I'm also working on 31 Days of Horror Reviews for next month as well, and that goes down right here, so even though it's slow for the immediate moment, things will definitely pick-up in a week or two. (We always do Halloween big around here.)

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Speakeasy

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

At-Home Con, Post 2

I already posted about "At-Home Con 2011," but the closer it gets, the more I have to do and the more it's on my mind, so here is yet another post on how I'm planning this weekend gaming marathon. The idea to run a convention-themed weekend party was none too original, as the planning and preparation for both are so similar and the major theme is gaming (and drinking) all weekend.

I have everything we need right here, including the space, tables, and requisite comics and games. Like I said before, my basement really is setup like an alley on one side, with rows of comics and shelves of games creating an aisle on one side. Beyond that is a picnic table covered in assorted odds and ends that can easily be cleaned-off for a night of gaming, however there are only going to be a handful of people here, so I decided to do everything upstairs. I could also fill the tub with ice and drinks downstairs, while I can't upstairs (due to a leaky faucet), but that's not really a problem.

I'm honestly even considering making badges, if I can find a template for them somewhere (which I'm pretty sure I can). But I have my hands full just cleaning and organizing the place for company - after all, this isn't a commercial space that's kept clean and clear by a regular crew throughout the year. If only...

I am printing-out character sheets for Dark Conspiracy, and they already have their AD&D characters created. They'll just have to transfer them to character sheets I have on-hand here at the house once they arrive if they haven't already done so. We are also going to playtest the Simple And Free Engine, which used to be on the site and was removed simply because I had no time to further develop it and no way to playtest it. That may be all the gaming we'll have time for, depending on the length of the sessions (which I expect to be greater than four hours).

I am also putting together a movie and TV series list, just like a con suite would have. I'll have food and snacks in serving dishes around the living room, as well as on the bar - again, just like your average con suite. I may even put together attendee packages with free comics, programs, and such.

I know this is silly, but like I said before, I really miss the conventions we went to as kids. They were a lot of fun, free from all the fanfare of celebrities and movie premieres and things - just a bunch of hardcore gaming nerds and comics freaks getting together to do what we love doing. Blue mead that would knock you on your ass from the SCA cats; NOT smoking weed in con-members' suites; prowling through Dealers' Alley just to kill some time and window shop; comparing collections with people you only see once a year; reveling in friends' new purchases and showing-off your own... NOT smoking weed, I said.

So we may not need any steenking badges, but we may get some anyway.

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

The First Man of Steel

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Archaia to Release The Sigh

Award-winning graphic novel publisher Archaia Entertainment has set a November release date for the English-language version of The Sigh, a fable from Marjane Satrapi, acclaimed author behind the international bestseller, Persepolis, it was announced today by Mark Smylie, Chief Creative Officer of Archaia Entertainment.

Following its debut in France and Spain, U.S. fans of Satrapi’s work have waited patiently for The Sigh to arrive in the U.S. The Sigh follows Rose, one of three daughters of a rich merchant who always brings gifts for his girls from the market. One day Rose asks for the seed of a blue bean, but her father fails to find one for her. She lets out a sigh in resignation, and her sigh attracts the Sigh, a mysterious being that brings the seed she desired to the merchant. But every debt has to be paid, and every gift has a price, and the Sigh returns a year later to take the merchant’s daughter to a secret and distant palace.

The Sigh will be presented as a 6” x 8” hardcover, featuring 56 pages of text and beautifully hand-drawn color illustrations. The Sigh will release with a retail price of $10.95.

“The Sigh is a timeless fairytale that promises to capture the imaginations of readers both young and old,” said Smylie. “Marjane is one of those rare writers who has the ability to connect with readers on a global scale and we are proud to bring this story to the U.S.”

Following the publication of Persepolis, a dramatic illustrated account of her experiences in Iran during the Islamic Revolution, Marjane Satrapi has captured the hearts of people throughout the world. Along with The Sigh, her other projects include her second feature film Chicken with Plums. Based on her graphic novel of the same name, Chicken with Plums is currently causing a stir with attendees at the Venice Film Festival.

Drawing upon its past success with publishing foreign graphic novels for English-speaking readers, such as The Killer, Okko, and The Secret History, Archaia is positioning The Sigh as the vanguard of a new wave of foreign titles it will be publishing in the next several months.

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Behold the Mighty

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Fitness Alliance

I have always been somewhat "in-shape." Part of it is that I am naturally (too) skinny, but a lot of it is that I have always been active. While I drive and have had a car many times throughout my life, I have also lived in the city more than in the country and opted to walk most places just to stay in shape. Now that I am so far out though, that simply is not possible.

It is going into winter, and even though I do not care to have a Beach Body, I know I am not going to want to try and hike about in the snow and cold, so I am actually looking to find an exercise program that will keep me moving and going throughout the winter months. With my medical history, it can't be anything too severe, and I am looking to maintain my fitness, so I do not need some Extreme Body Workout just to do that.

I know you can get the P90 X 90 Day Review but I don't think I am personally going to go that far. I have heard nothing but great things about the regimen, except that it really works you out - as in, you are going to be sore for a few weeks there. Again, I'm pretty lucky in that I do not have far to go, but I do smoke and I have not been eating as well as I used to since I moved, so I may have further to go than I am willing to admit.

This is a guest post provided by Fitness Alliance

Saturday Morning Cartoons - Superman: Terror on the Midway

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

The Last Battle

This December, THE LAST BATTLE will arrive in the form of a gritty story of Caesar's war against the barbarian armies of Gaul. Writer Tito Faraci (Diabolik, Spider-Man: The Secret of Glass, Daredevil, and Captain America) and artist Dan Brereton (NOCTURNALS, The Punisher, God-Sized Thor, Red Sonja, Thrillkiller) created this complete and unflinching tale of one of the unsung heroes of Caesar's Legions.

THE LAST BATTLE has been translated in many languages, and found great success in Italy, Germany, Spain, Brazil, and more, but has not yet been available in English. Image Comics is now proud to introduce THE LAST BATTLE to American readers.

"The 'peplum' or 'sword and sandals' genre was very popular in Italy, mostly in the '70s," said Faraci. "As a child my imagination was formed by the gladiators, centurions, slaves, rebels, and charming maidservants of those films. As a student, I studied, learning how the ancient world truly was... and found it fascinating. In THE LAST BATTLE, I tried to transmit the 'peplum' emotions of my youth with a correct, trustworthy, historical approach."

"This project required me to be as well-versed in Roman and Celtic history as I could be to create the visual authenticity required for Tito's script," Brereton explained. "An added layer of truth in Tito's script spurred my research and made the story that much more exciting to illustrate for me, and I believe readers will become as immersed in this ancient world as I was painting it."

THE LAST BATTLE, set in 52 BCE Gaul, begins as Caesar’s forces lay siege to the barbarian stronghold of Alesia in a battle which would forever change history; while the rebel Cammius, who once fought for Rome, leads a second barbarian army to attack the combined Legions of Rome from behind. Caesar dispatches his favorite general, Caius Rodius, to track through the untamed countryside, and bring back the rebel’s head. Who better to hunt Cammius, than the man who taught him the very skills he now uses to defy Rome? Tasked by a power-hungry leader he no longer trusts, to murder the man he raised as a son, Rodius questions whether the Roman “road of stone and blood” is a path he still wants to follow.

THE LAST BATTLE, an 80-page full-color graphic novel of intense historic war fiction for $7.99, will be on sale in stores December 21^st, and will be available for order in the upcoming November issue of Previews.

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Richard Castle's Deadly Storm

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Morning News

I'm big on ritual - and no, this is not some subversive take on religion or anything; I mean that I am big on having a set routine(s) and following it. I vary it from time to time, but what happens most often is that I end up missing my routine or getting away from it a few times in a row and it all falls apart.

My morning routine is one of those which comes and goes, but one that I really enjoy when I can stick with it. I make my coffee and often wash at least a few dishes while it brews, and I have to have a cup with my first cigarette. During this time, I like to listen to the morning news via NPR (National Public Radio). I listen to the Nashville stream, or KCRW (All News collected from several sources, including the BBC). After an hour or so of that, I turn on Hulu's The Morning After and set it to autoplay. After the roughly five-minute show, it usually plays The Colbert Report or Jimmy Fallon and I let it.

I use WinAmp for the radio stations. Inside of it is ShoutCast Radio, where you can find many more stations, both talk and music. There are more links to cool stuff on the Entertainment page.

So, that's my morning routine and I thought I'd share it with you for the links, if nothing else. Working from home is far less structured than it should be most of the time, and that's great because it allows you to be flexible and handle things people in more structured environments would find taxing, but I like routines and I try to keep-up with them.

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Witchdoctor

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

At-Home Con 2011

I love cons. Well, let me back-up here:

I grew-up on conventions; I used to love cons. But I haven't been to a comic book/gaming convention in going on 10 years and that one was a bit of a bust. So I used to love cons; at this point, I'm more in love with the idea of a con than with cons themselves.

However, I desperately wanted to attend at least one convention in 2011. I know the season is just gearing-up, but conventions have waned so much the last 20 years that I think the season may actually be winding down, and I haven't been to a single one. So I decided to throw my own.

It isn't so much a convention as just a get-together of old friends with whom I used to attend conventions, but I plan on running it like one (you know, kinda - in the spirit of one, at least). They should be coming up Friday evening, when we'll all get settled-in, catch-up and reminisce, have a few drinks, eat, and watch movies before crashing-out. Along the way, we'll probably make characters for a game of Dark Conspiracy I plan on running either Saturday night or Sunday morning/afternoon (whichever comes first - con rules), but we aren't likely to start gaming that night.

You never can tell, though.

I definitely plan on napping the entire time - no full sets of sleep (con rules) - and I'll be sleeping on the couch. It's in the living room, so it's kind of like the lounge. I'll leave the TV playing sci-fi and fantasy flicks all night just to stay in the right frame of mind.

If we don't start drinking and gaming Friday night, Saturday's the day. I plan on Kahlua in the coffee and straight into the bag from there. By late afternoon, I should be knee-walking drunk. I expect someone to zip a Crown Royal bag into their pants and dance a jig at some point. I'm not saying who, just that I expect it. I also expect not to remember doing it.

I already have the basement setup like an alley just because that's the way I stacked things when I first moved, so I may try to sell my friends some comic books and old games. They'll wait until Sunday to low-ball me. I'll be disappointed but hungover and won't want to have to restack everything, so I'll likely give them away.

Monday will come too soon and I know I won't be able to see my friends again IRL for some time, so it will be bittersweet, but I'll be glad to return to normalcy. I also have plans that can't be missed, so it'll be right back to the grind - not even a single day to really relish the fun we had and gel the memories before it's right back into the fray of everyday living.

Hopefully we'll make plans to do it again in a few months, or even the next year - just to be sure - and hopefully the funding will be there for when the time rolls around and everyone will be free and eager to repeat the adventure. Either way, At-Home Con 2011 is happening and I couldn't be more excited about it!

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Orion: The Hunter

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

ML Furs

Maybe it is because I am from the South, but despite all my animal rights-edness, I do not have a problem with fur coats. I think they are beautiful and I think women (and men, if you are a hip cat, Daddi-o) have every right to wear them if they so choose. I totally understand that some people have problems with the whole thing and I even agree with them, up to a certain point, but I eat meat, I play fantasy tabletop RPG in which furs are an important part of treasure and what-not, and I just get it on a different level. So I am not here to argue the point - either point - and I'll leave it at that.

ML Furs is one of Denver's most well-known furriers and has been around since 1951. They are well-established and while I have not personally visited their store, if it is half as nice as their website, then shoppers are in for a real treat. Of course they have fur coats for sale but they also carry the full range of stoles and accessories.

At the time of this posting, they are having a clearance with prices up to 40% off. They have shearlings, coats, trims, and fur jackets for sale. They also offer a wide array of services. Even if you are not in the immediate Denver area, ML Furs is a fine furrier offering everything you could ask for. Just check out their website for more details.

Michele Bachmann: Political Power

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Sage Audio

I admit that, as a former musician (I still play, just without much aspiration of going any further than my living room, basement, or garage), I had only the faintest idea as to what CD mastering was. I knew it was sound mixing, but that was about as far as it went. Listening to songs today that were recorded back in the 1990s - just 10-15 years ago, when CD quality mastering was already well in-place and widely practiced - you can really tell a difference, and the mastering process is where that difference is made.

Sage Audio offers cd mastering services, and is so confident that they can make a difference in your sound quality that they offer one song free for your review. The bass will sound deeper and clearer, the tones sharper, and the details will be crisper and easier to hear. Remember to take into account the fact that digital files are compressed, so CD mastered songs will sound even clearer and louder.

CD mastering is usually the final step in the production process, and the most crucial. That so few musicians truly understand the scope of it is a detriment. Even if you record and mix your CD on your own, from your own home studio or recording space, professional mastering services from Sage Audio can make it sound like a commercial product.

December 2011

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Where is Muammar?

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Last of the Greats

In less than a month, Joshua Hale Fialov, the Eisner and Harvey Award-nominated writer of such critically acclaimed titles as DC's New 52 hit I, Vampire, ECHOES, and Tumor, along with artist Brent Peeples (Grimm Fairy Tales), will begin the story of the last of a race of superhumans that protected the Earth... until humankind turned against them, that is. The first issue of THE LAST OF THE GREATS will have no ads, no former story continuity to sort out, and no filler -- just 32 pages of quality storytelling.

Fans of Fialkov's other hit titles and new readers alike will surely be glad to discover this new series. In the tradition of alternate history epics like Irredeemable and Squadron Supreme, THE LAST OF THE GREATS combines adventure and action with dark humor. It's the type of daring storytelling that Image Comics is known for.

"Brent and I have a grand story to tell, and we're thrilled at the response so far, and I want to make sure that every reader out there gets a chance to see what we're up to," said Fialkov. "The last week of September, my first issue of DC's I, Vampire premieres, and we made sure that when readers come back to their shops the next week asking for more of my work, the first issue of THE LAST OF THE GREATS will be there waiting for them."

With the art for the first arc completed, Fialkov explained that he can also guarantee a new issue every month like clockwork: "I've done this long enough to know that retailers, readers, and creators are in this together, and we're going to make damn sure to hold up our end of the bargain."

THE LAST OF THE GREATS (AUG110409), a 32-page full-color sci-fi superhero comic for $3.99, along with a Phil Hester variant cover (AUG110409), will be on sale in stores October 5^th.

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Fear Itself: The Fearless

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Advanced Dungeons & Dragons

I finally got the AD&D content online at The Weirding. There isn't much right now, but it's a handy reference guide for all you old-schoolers who have big collections of old 1^st and 2^nd -Ed. Advanced Dungeons & Dragons material, like I do. It's also a neat resource for younger gamers, and those who have kept-up with the many versions released since then.

There isn't a whole lot on there, but what is there is pretty fun stuff from back in The Day - some of it 20+ years old and still as much fun to go through once in a while as it was to pore through back then. Give it a surf and let me know what you think, if you've got the time to spare.

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Saturday Morning Cartoons - Popeye: Floor Flusher

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Alpha Flight - Betrayed!

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Back to the Buffyverse

It's that time of year.

I'm a seasonal guy; I get horny in the Spring, weary in the Summer, and come alive in the Fall (I mostly just get cold in Winter). And when Fall rolls around - especially Halloween - I get into the scary mode. I want to play ChiLL (or at least work on it so others can play it), I want to watch scary movies (and will bring you reviews of those I do all through October), and I want to watch Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

As regular readers (long-time readers, I should say) know, I've been drawing-out my Buffy viewing for going on three years now. Hey, most every other fan my age drew it out for seven seasons, so give me a break! The truth is that I can only take so much Buffy at one time and I only have a season and a half left - not even that, really, as I've only got about three episodes left in the penultimate season - and even though I had occasion to watch her a handful of times throughout the spring and summer, I'm literally drawn to the show when Halloween rolls around.

So I'm back watching the last few episodes of Buffy the Vampire Slayer before I start Mad Men. I know they're two completely different shows and all, but it's what's in my queue (aside from the shockfests). At this rate, I think I should just about be finishing the TV series when Season Nine is released from Dark Horse in a couple months.

And yes, I am excited for that, as well.

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

X-Men: Regenesis Begins

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Medical Billing Software

Filling out medical forms is a real pain. It can be time-consuming and confusing, and literally become a job in and of itself. Healthcare requires more paperwork than almost any other profession or field, and ub-04 software helps you handle much of the claims forms.

If you are doing your own medical billing, you are probably outsourcing your medical billing forms. While this helps make your practice more efficient, you are still paying to have it handled. Even if you are making more money, as you probably are if you outsource, you are still handling paperwork and paying-out money to have others handle it. Outsourcing it to humans is costly and still requires paperwork handling; outsourcing to a firm that uses electronic form filling is another option.

This software handles the ub-04 claim form and HCFA-1500/CMS 1500 form, and allows you to track every form. This allows you to focus on your practice and the patients you see, and gives them more time to spend with you. Thousands of providers outsource their billing these days, so why not you? Take a moment to visit the site and look at everything offered.

Alpha Flight

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Thought Bubble

Like Image Comics, UK's Thought Bubble festival celebrates sequential art in all its forms and genres. Now the leading creator-owned publisher is joining forces with the non-profit Thought Bubble organization to celebrate the fifth year of the festival with THOUGHT BUBBLE ANTHOLOGY, a collection whose proceeds will go to the charity Banardos.

THOUGHT BUBBLE ANTHOLOGY features short stories written by Andy Diggle, Stuart Gordon, and Antony Johnston, gorgeous art by Charlie Adlard, Duncan Fegredo, and D'Israeli, and a cover by Becky Cloonan, and will also include the six winners of the Northern Sequential Arts Competition.

"Thought Bubble is delighted to be working with one of our favourite publishers, Image Comics, for our first ever anthology," said Lisa Wood, Thought Bubble Festival Director. "We are stunned at the support we have received from everyone who has contributed to the comic and hope it is the first of many more to come!"

The Thought Bubble Festival takes place across Leeds from the 14^th-20^th of November with a massive Comic Con held at the city's largest convention halls on the 19^th and 20^th. It is now the UK's largest festival celebrating comic art in all its wondrous forms.

THOUGHT BUBBLE ANTHOLOGY #1 (SEP110389), an oversized, 24-page full color anthology comic book, will be on sale for $2.99 in stores November 9^th and is available to order now in the September issue of Previews.

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Fearless

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

BET Music

BET.com is throwing its hat into the music video ring with the launch of its beta news and music video department. It features videos, news reels, playlists, and more. It is still in beta, but the layout looks nice, and makes it easy to find everything.

I have not tried the playlists option, but that is one thing other music video sites have been missing. Many of those same sites (not mentioned here) have workarounds for making playlists - including autoplay options - but those workarounds can be exhausting and confusing. A straight playlist option, like BET appears to be offering, is a big boon to a music video site.

Another great feature is the newsreel selection, taken (I assume) straight from BET's channel. The news section is right at the top, laid horizontally where all the other lists are laid vertically, so it is quick and easy to find. Now you can stay on top of your music entertainment news directly from one of the most respected sources. There is also a scroll filled with all the recent photos that are making the rounds on other sites and news sources - again, straight from the real source.

A video section is exactly what sites like BET (including BET) have been missing, Now that broadband is reaching farther and more people have it, expect to see more sites including it. Will it work? My guess is that it will - after all, it gives you the information and music you really want on-demand. Check it out and see what you think.

Spider-Man Season One

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

The Fine Art of Sweets

SWEETS: A NEW ORLEANS CRIME STORY, the acclaimed noir-inspired comic book miniseries written and drawn by Louisiana native Kody Chamberlain, will soon be collected into a complete trade paperback through Image Comics. Chamberlain's gritty and richly illustrated series tells the story of a down-and-out detective trying to bring a killer to justice before his city and evidence are washed away by an impending storm. SWEETS is steeped in effortless local detail, recalling readers to the sights, sounds, and flavors of New Orleans.

While Chamberlain's fans await the release of the new trade paperback collection, his work is being presented for the first time ever in a fine arts gallery setting at The Arcadiana Center for the Arts. The gallery exhibition is now open and available for viewing until October 1^st, 2011. Arcadiana Center for the Arts will also host a release party and book signing for the trade paperback comic with Chamberlain on September 10^th at 6pm.

"Kody Chamberlain's work in this exhibit transcends the genre of comic illustration with a depth of perspective and intensity of vision that can only be described as masterful," said Dr. Gerd Wuestemann, Executive Director, Acadiana Center for the Arts. "The chiseled technical detail of his work combines with solid psychological underpinnings to draw the viewer down the rabbit hole and lets us wander in strange and exciting landscapes."

"This is a highly unique exhibit. I was able to install my entire miniseries, with lettering, in a gallery setting," said Chamberlain. "The 117 pages of sequential story completely fills the space with only a half inch of wall between each page, the end result is a striking visual experience. This comic feels like it's alive in that room."

SWEETS: A NEW ORLEANS CRIME STORY, was the winner of the 2011 Spinetingler Award in the category of Best Mystery/Crime Comic or Graphic Novel.

Gallery details:
Kody Chamberlain - Sweets: A New Orleans Crime Story
The Acadiana Center for the Arts - Mallia Gallery
101 W. Vermilion St., Lafayette, LA 70501
337.233.7060 (phone), 337.233.7062 (fax)
Hours: Tuesday - Friday: 10 AM - 5 PM, Saturday: 10 AM - 5 PM

Admission: Members: Free; General: $5; Students & Seniors: $3;
17 & Younger: $2; 4 & Younger: Free

SWEETS: A NEW ORLEANS CRIME STORY TP (JUN110516, ISBN: 978-1-60706-413-8), a 136-page full color crime noir comic book, will be on sale for $14.99 in stores September 9^the.

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

McFarlane's The Infinite

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

S.A.F.E. - The Simple And Free Engine

I have some exciting news for tabletop roleplaying gamers: The Simple And Free Engine is about to be back - in a BIG way. S.A.F.E. is completely free and under Creative Commons license (except for the Skills Stacking and the RESources systems, which remain under copyright to me) and can be played with a single d6.

This means you can do whatever you want with it: Tear it apart, put it back together differently, add to it, take from it, or whatever. You can print your own PDF adventures, make webpages devoted to it, develop games systems from it - whatever you want - all you have to do is attribute me with the byline and link back to the site.

S.A.F.E. is not live yet, but will be before the end of the month, so get your d6 warm and get ready for an actual decent tabletop RPG system which costs you nothing.

(Not to say that there aren't already several out there - there most certainly are - but there are also a glut of fan-created systems that aren't worth the time it takes to download them on a broadband connection. Always has been. The best of those are basically just rip-offs of better, previously-published, systems with one or two "fixes" the "creator" decided would make them better without ever having truly playtested the changes, which generally go against the engine.)

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Daredevil #4

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

GDW Products 40% Off This Weekend

All GDW products are 40% off this Labor Day Weekend at Drive-Thru RPG. GDW was the publisher of some of the tabletop RPG The Weirding supports, including Dark Conspiracy. I used the Twilight 2000 rules set while designing Metrodome and the rest of the content, so you can purchase that stuff, too.

GDW was a great tabletop RPG company which made a lot of fantastic, now classic, tabletop games in its day. There are several items for under $5.00, as well as several that are available for free - including an introduction to Dark Conspiracy - so check it out!

You need the core book to use the Dark Conspiracy material @ The Weirding.

© C Harris Lynn, 2011