Cover Girls

This January, Image Comics will present a handsome collection of some of the best covers, pin-ups, and sequential artwork from promising young Spanish artist Guillem March. March is the creator and much sought-after illustrator behind the pages of Gotham City Sirens and the artist for the new ongoing Catwoman, but he has only just begun!

COVER GIRLS HC will include more than one hundred full-color images never before seen in the United States, plus much unpublished art as well!

"I am a very busy artist," explained March. "The American fans only get to see a fraction of the work I do, so now I'm glad to share some of my favorites with them."

March has built a varied and extensive portfolio of work in Europe, with stunning illustrations published by Diario de Mallorca, Playboy Spain, Eros Magazine, and more. Now Image Comics is ensuring that American fans can experience March's work beyond his current ongoing series with COVER GIRLS HC!

COVER GIRLS HC (NOV110373, ISBN: 978-1-60706-491-6), an 80-page full-color art book for $16.99, will be on sale in stores and on digital platforms on January 4^th, and is available for order now in the November issue of Previews.

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

New Mutants #35

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Comic Books Aren't Mainstream

I'm going, once again, to say some things most people in the industry would prefer weren't said. The title alone indicates that I'm something of a "purist" - or so I've been told - but I don't think that's completely true; I'm not the only one who has said this, I'm just one of the few who is still saying it - loudly, clearly, and definitely.

But not defiantly; I love comic books and I'm saying these things in defense of the form and medium. I know there are real people in the industry and those people need to make money to survive. I'm not against creators being paid for their work - I'm 100% for it! Hell, that's my dream: To be paid a living wage to write and draw and create. Why would I shit where I'd like to eat?

But I digress...

Comic books were never meant to be mainstream entertainment - at least not the medium itself. Print comic books were always a cheap form of entertainment. That's what they were created to be, and that's what they should be. That's not to say there can't be higher art in the medium, just that the medium itself does not always have to be higher art.

The comics we get these days are what were once called "prestige." If comic books were still newsprint, they would be cheaper, and more kids could afford them. That would bring in more younger readers, which is one of the biggest complaints creators in the industry have these days. I don't have kids, so I don't know from nothing, but I would imagine a weekly allowance is probably around $10-20.00 these days. Kids are going to save that for video games, spend it on things they like online, and so forth. If comics were cheaper, they'd be in that pool.

Kids are attracted to superheroes and comic books, period. They simply can't afford comic books these days. Period.

The comic book companies can't argue that they are making money hand over fist through movies and video games, not to mention licensing deals in other arenas. Comic books do not need to compete with TV and feature films, video games and the Internet; they are their own thing and should go back to being exactly that.

Comic Con physically illustrates everything that has happened to the comic book industry itself, and I don't think I'm a purist - nor the only one - when I say that Comic Con has become too mainstream, too acceptable to the masses. Again, I don't begrudge the organizers, whom I sincerely hope are making good money on the events; I am simply saying that it has morphed into something it never was and was never meant to support.

Not every panel needs to be about The Next BIG THING; not every issue needs to be the FINAL ISSUE or a #1. The way to sell comics is to tell a serialized story about characters readers care for and price it accordingly. Comic books are an alternative to video games and TV and movies; if people want to see the movie or play the video game, they can; comic book readers enjoy the medium.

So drop the gimmicks and drop the price, and for goodness' sake drop the pretense! Make good stories with solid characters and sell them at an affordable price and people will buy them. Stop fighting the Internet and worrying about piracy and put your collective head into your work!

I buy about $50.00 worth of comic books every month, and will continue to do so as long as I can afford to do so, but I'm dropping titles left and right because I'm tired of the bullshit. The stories simply aren't there; the characters simply aren't relatable or believable; and I've got three or four #1 issues of the same titles from the last five years. None of them are worth more than their cover price, nor do I think any of them ever will be. And that isn't just because they go through so many printings, it's because there is no demand.

Gimmicks may move units, but they don't create fans, and if you're worried about reaching-out to women, children, and new readers, then you should give us what we want: Good product. Not just gimmicks.

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Wolverine & The X-Men #3

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Wining

I am no aficionado, but I do like wine. In fact, I plan on buying at least one or two bottles for Christmas. I missed having wine with my Thanksgiving dinner, despite the fact that it is not exactly a tradition in my home (although I hope to make it one someday).

Wine Baskets make great Christmas gifts, actually. They are not only nice to drink, but beautiful to look at, and add a touch of class to any Christmas occasion. Get-togethers are always nicer with a little alcohol. Not to mention easier to take!

Wine makes for a great light, adult drink on any occasion, but especially around the holidays. Plus, you can pair it with whatever you are having, be it ham, turkey, fish, or something else. It also fits well with all of the side dishes. But you don't have to get too fancy.

Enjoy your holidays!

Macy's Day Parade Consistent

According to Nielsen, the Macy's Day Parade has drawn a steady viewership of about 30 million households over the last 20 years. The reason I'm posting this more than anything is because 1991 and '92 were two of the highest-rated years and I specifically remember making a point of watching the parade those years.

I graduated from highschool at that time and many of my friends and I made a point of watching the Macy's Day Parade for whatever reason. Some have said that our generation (Gen-X, I believe) has a crippling problem with nostalgia, and I've often wondered if that is truly the case (note that I watched Thanksgiving episodes of Roseanne and Cheers, as well as several episodes of Mystery Science Theater 3000 as part of my holiday festivities, so I may be a bit blinded on this point), but I think it was a case of nostalgia during those years; I believe we knew we were heading into The Real World and were hungry for some of the childhood comfort the Macy's Day Parade provided.

But there's another reason I'm writing this: The holiday season came and went pretty quickly this year. Halloween was fun and lasted a minute, but Christmas is nearly here already! It's almost as if we skipped Thanksgiving altogether. Sit-coms and TV shows in general don't do as much with the holidays as they used to, and it would be hard to tell if they did since viewership is so fractionated. TV no longer holds us together as a country, and it once ruled the holidays - it anticipated them, it delivered them, and it framed them. The Macy's Day Parade remains part of that tradition and people do still tune-in to watch it.

And all of this goes to prove my continued point: If you make it good, they will come.

You know what I'm saying.

You don't need all the gimmicks and hoopla if you have product people want. You have a generation that craves the connection to one another that we once had through pop-culture, and a younger generation who never really knew that connection and thus feel disconnected from not only one another, but the entire system. Everything is changing - except the corporations and industries that created this mess in the first place.

We have a need for community - at least in the Western world - and it has always been there. It was once fed by newspapers, then television, and now (to a lesser extent) the Web. The only thing along these lines that's really "died" in the last few hundred years was Vaudeville and in a certain way, the Internet has brought it back (through podcasts, blogs, and social networking); newspapers put themselves out of business and other periodicals are looking to do the same.

There is no reason to fight the Internet, and it won't be long before the Macy's Day Parade is drawing another 30 million viewers every year. That time will be when it is broadcast live online.

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Punisher MAX #17

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Happy Holiday Weekend!

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving and is enjoying their holiday weekend. I won't be shopping because crowds make me nervous and I don't need anything that badly, but I will be reading comics. In particular, I'll be finishing the last run of Green Arrow and starting the first two issues of the new one.

I don't know that I'll do Saturday Morning Cartoons this weekend because of everything else that's going on; y'all have plenty to watch and keep up with this holiday weekend. Next week, as I posted previously, is a busy one for me so I don't know what to tell you to expect.

However, happy holidays and I hope everything goes well for you with your shopping and stuff.

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Avengers #20

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Anthrax, Alex Ross, and Thanksgiving

Previews talked to Scott Ian and Alex Ross about the latter's cover art for Anthrax' newest album, on which they are joined by original singer Joey Belladonna. It's an interesting read, but you can safely skip the entire first half (the whole "Six Degrees" bit).

I was going to take today and tomorrow off entirely, but now that I'm up, I'm not sure what I'm going to do. I feel like talking [typing] but I don't feel like doing research or anything. Actually, I was going to spend the time reading - catching-up on comics and stuff as I have been, as well as things online. I simply don't have time to read other blogs the way I used to, and I'd like to spend some time doing so.

Anyway, check out that interview while I decide what I'm going to do with myself. And happy Thanksgiving!

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Jack Kirby Bio

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Archaia and Panelfly Bring Extras to Immortals

Archaia and Panelfly announce the launch of a new cross-platform, multi-media fan experience built around Archaia’s acclaimed prequel anthology, and alongside the theatrical release of Relativity Media’s feature film, IMMORTALS. Immortals: Gods and Heroes HD, a new application available initially on Apple’s iPad and iPhone unlocks access to a variety of exclusive Immortals content.

“We are very excited to launch the Immortals: Gods and Heroes iPad app with Panelfly,” said PJ Bickett, CEO of Archaia Entertainment. “In creating the graphic anthology, we wanted to build something unique to compliment the theatrical release, something that would stand head-and-shoulders above traditional graphic novel tie-ins. Working with Panelfly, we have created something extraordinary and immersive that complements the reading experience while supplementing the film itself. We are excited to expand the reach of our content beyond books and film, to delight fans with this new and immersive entry into the Immortals universe.”

The Immortals: Gods and Heroes Fan Experience Includes:

• Access to the complete Graphic Novel
• Ten Prequel Stories setting the stage for the film
• Exclusive Art from an A-list of celebrated comic creators, includng Ben Templesmith, Scott Hampton, Trevor Hairsine, Jock, Dennis Calero, Kevin Colden, Patrick Scherberger, Phil Hester, Steve Ellis, and Rafael Kayanan, one of the principal conceptual designers on the film itself
• Peel Back Functionality that reveals each stage of art in the creative process
• Contextual Multimedia and video Integration
• Social Integration and News Feeds for live social commentary
• Ongoing feature updates and new content releases
  

“Together with Archaia Entertainment, we’re creating a diverse hub of content to deliver a dynamic, fun and truly interactive experience that includes an unprecedented level of engagement for fans” said Ed Lang, CEO of Panelfly. “This experience will continue to live long after the film and act as a fan’s digital playground for all things IMMORTALS far into the future. Our team has worked closely with Archaia to develop something truly special. Our passion for delivering immersive fan experiences at home, or on the go continues to grow with this launch, and we look forward to building success together.”

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Incredible Hulk #3

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Busy Next Week

I moved the corkboard upstairs after two years of knowing I wasn't going to be able to setup a studio down there and, in so doing, realized just how busy my next week is. I am writing this because I just started getting back into the comics and reviewing them. I am still going to be catching-up as I work, since some of it involves a little travel (not far, or for very long, or anything), but I won't be able to get back to blogging it as soon as usual. I know it hasn't been that soon lately, but you get the gist of what I'm saying.

But it'll all work-out since everyone will be coming down off their Thanksgiving and Black Friday stuff. I'll try to have some content up to gawk at, but I can't promise anything but a few sketchy posts at best and some PR. It's busy for everyone around this time of the year, so bear with me.

Just a heads-up.

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Grave Disappointment

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Arrow Spacemaker

You would not know it to see my living quarters or office area, but I am actually very into organization. When I had the apartment, I kept things in pretty tight order. I could still rarely find things when I needed them, but I think that comes with just being human. Still, things like well-utilized closet space, shelving, and Garage Cabinets can make all the difference in the world.

Even if you are not that well organized, just having things off the floor where you can see what they are and where you are going makes a huge difference. When everything has a place to be you can usually find it, even if it is not always where it is supposed to be. This is especially important in a workshop or garage, where Garage Storage Cabinets can make the biggest impact.

Of course, Steel Storage Cabinets look good in many rooms. Bathrooms, closets, hallways, pantries, and other areas are great places for them and they resist the rigors of dampness and darkness in ways other materials cannot. So, don't live your life in a haze; get more cabinet space and find more living space!

Daredevil #6

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Reviews Daredevil: Reborn

Yes, this is about how far behind I am. My comics come bundled by the week in which they were pulled, so getting an entire series together takes some real work - it usually takes a couple of days to organize and file my comics once they arrive. However, I was also put-out with the whole Shadowland saga and, despite Jock's dynamic covers, wasn't too eager to read Reborn.

But you should definitely read it. The interior art alone is worth the admission price and I'm certain it's already been collected into TPB three or four times by now (it's already been out about a year), so it shouldn't be hard to find. The story is more color-by-numbers, but a solid one nonetheless.

This was Diggle's last story for the character (for now) and I can't fault him much, but Reborn works all the way around. It was a good reintroduction to a character who actually kind of needed one given all that he's been through recently.

I'll be starting the new ongoing Daredevil next, as I work my way through a host of back issues I've only just now gotten organized enough to be able to see.

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Blue Sky Scrubs

Scrubs can be time-consuming and costly, as they need to be fresh everyday. Sometimes, a medical student or practitioner can go through several pair in a single day, or even a single shift. You need to be prepared for emergencies and still have extras on-hand for the rest of the week.

Blue Sky handles all sorts of scrubs, from tops to bottoms, and for both men and women. In fact, you can find their women's scrubs here:http://www.blueskyscrubs.com/categories/Scrubs/Scrubs-for-Women/. The other accessories and clothing is likewise categorized for easy reference and quick access.

Blue Sky also carries uniforms and nursing scrubs in a wide variety of styles so you do not have to wear the very same thing everyday. If you must abide by dress codes, you can buy in bulk and save even more money. Check out the Web's largest supplier of medical scrubs just by following any of the links provided.

Venom #11

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Reviews Moon Knight

Moon Knight has been rebooted yet again and this time, they dispensed with all pretense and just made his alter-egos Captain America, Wolverine, and Spider-Man. It lost points for me with that right there, but I stuck with it to the recent issue and I have to say it turned itself around some once it found its footing.

Moon Knight started out more high-falutin' and Avengers-related than I cared for, but soon found its way into gritty territory, where the character belongs and it took hold of me. He has relocated to L.A. and that has its own "flavor," but the creative team has been bringing a little more Big City Raymond Chandleresque features into the story the last handful of issues and I dig that. I just hope they keep the run going and don't restart it yet again.

I also like how it intertwines the high-profile TV show lifestyle with that of Marc Spector and Moon Knight's for another dimension of that split-personality theme. It also leaves a lot of room for romantic interests, though I really like his current chick.

I have to admit, this is a title I'll be keeping up with more regularly.

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Defenders #1 - Immonen Variant

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Gamehouse

If you are into video games, how does 1300 video games at your streaming fingertips sound? You also get to download games free every month with that plan. Some quick examples include Plants & Zombies, Farm King, and more, and the free game of the day is Sea Journey.

You can try a Fun Pass unlimited play for free. Mac and PC games are separated by tab and categorized by genre so you can find dozens of games you were never aware of. You could spend hours every month just trying games you've never played!

Gamehouse also carries scores of online games you can play with others. There are also a handful of mobile games available with more certain to come. Check out Gamehouse to learn more today.

Saturday Morning Cartoons - Popeye in Goonland

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Daredevil is Now an Avenger

Daredevil was invited to become an honorary member of the Avengers. And he accepted. Granted, he was hesitant, but he accepted.

Now the entire issue in which this happened was handled in a kind of reality show format with each of the current Avengers griping about who should be an Avenger and it was fairly well-handled (with the exception of the fact that, as is all too common these days, I couldn't tell what was happening in the action sequences), but the very idea that Daredevil is now an Avenger kind of flies in the face of everything Daredevil has ever stood for and that's part of my problem with modern comics.

Regardless of what the character did in the comic books, regardless of whatever else, Daredevil is now an Avenger because both titles are hot. That's it; nothing else, no more or less. It's just lazy writing and a bad idea.

I'm not even arguing whether or not DD fits-in with the Avengers or anything along those lines, simply that it's a bad idea because it goes against the grain of the lone justice character Daredevil stands for. And it's simply a means for selling product. And everyone who can see through that ought to be as upset as I am - that is to say, shrug and say something along the lines of, "Figures."

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Whose Death is it Anyway?

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Cover Girls

This January, Image Comics will present a handsome collection of some of the best covers, pin-ups, and sequential artwork from promising young Spanish artist Guillem March. March is the creator and much sought-after illustrator behind the pages of Gotham City Sirens and the artist for the new ongoing Catwoman, but he has only just begun!

COVER GIRLS HC will include more than 100 full-color images never before seen in the United States, plus much unpublished art as well!

"I am a very busy artist," explained March. "The American fans only get to see a fraction of the work I do, so now I'm glad to share some of my favorites with them."

March has built a varied and extensive portfolio of work in Europe, with stunning illustrations published by Diario de Mallorca, Playboy Spain, Eros Magazine, and more. Now Image Comics is ensuring that American fans can experience March's work beyond his current ongoing series with COVER GIRLS HC!

COVER GIRLS HC (NOV110373, ISBN: 978-1-60706-491-6), an 80-page full-color art book for $16.99, will be on sale in stores and on digital platforms on January 4^th, and is available for order now in the November issue of Previews.

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Punisher Max 20

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Reviews American Horror Story

American Horror Story is an alright horror show on FX starring a lot of luminaries and even more ghosts. The problem I have is just that: too many ghosts, too much horrific nonsense. It's as if the creators took a page from every horror book they ever heard of and decided to put a little of it in their show. American Horror Story is not just overwrought, it's over-the-top, and there's barely a moment to catch your breath or get into what's going on before yet another haunting twist is thrown your way.

On the plus side, the characters are interesting and their stories are deep and complex, making the show a fun watch if you put aside all the cheap theatrics. American Horror Story could stand to tone it down about three notches and go for the eerie as opposed to the outright horrific, but all in all, it's worth a watch.

It isn't unreasonable to say that this is what True Blood would look like on basic cable.

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Landing in 2012

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Las Vegas Tee Times

If you plan on being in Las Vegas in the near future and enjoy playing golf, you will probably want to get your reservations in early. Las Vegas Tee Times can handle everything you need. They play the Vegas golf courses, stay in communication with them all day, and they know the lay of the land. They can get you reservations for large group events, for multiple-day tours just for friends, and more.

Las Vegas Tees has over 50 options for golfers wanting to enjoy Las Vegas area golf courses. There is a live person there everyday fielding calls, in case you have any questions or comments you wish to leave. You can call at any time at 866-LVT-TIME.

Even if you only plan to be in the area for a short while, a reservation ensures you a little tee time while you are aware. LV Tee can put this together for you without any problems with over 50 options available to you. They have some 35 years of experience in the area and can get you exactly what you are looking for - all you need to do is call. So call ahead to get more information.

Avengers Origins: Thor

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

South Park to Run Through 20th Season, 2016

South Park will run through 2016, putting it into its 20^th season. The deal was made shortly after one for The Simpsons, which will run at least into its 25^th season. South Park has been on since 1997. There may be more episodes for the venerated show after that, but this deal ensure South Park will see 2016 on-air.

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Paolo Rivera Returns to Daredevil

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Still Catching Up

I pre-order and I don't like to pay shipping. Because I get free shipping on orders over $100 and only get about $35.00 of comic books a month, I don't get my comics for three or four months at a time. Once I get a shipment, I have several issues of everything to which I subscribe to catch-up on and it takes several days.

There are several titles I've basically given-up on but don't want to unsubscribe to, such as Mighty Thor (which I lost when they split it into about four titles and simply haven't latched onto yet, but hope to in the future), and I buy some issues simply for collecting purposes. I don't always care to read these comics; I buy them for their investment or sentimental value or what-have-you and basically just file.

Honestly, I've fallen about a year behind on almost every title to which I subscribe, and I had a crisis of sorts when I realized I didn't miss any of them. All but one or two have ended their runs and restarted or otherwise changed their run in some way, and that pissed me off. For instance, I loved Flash and it only ran about 13 issues; they ended it and restarted it at #1. I knew this was coming for several months before it came and I lost interest in the magazine.

So I've got a lot of catching-up to do and it's going to take me a while. Bear with me, as I'll be discussing different things as I go along. Some things I will review, while others I will merely mention, but either way, follow along with me as I get through the last year or so of comics and we'll get back to regular updates and so forth in a couple of weeks or more.

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

John Lennon Biography from Bluewater

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

The Mandarin Attacks!

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Patrice O'Neal Had a Stroke

Comedian Patrice O'Neal suffered a stroke at the end of October. I sat on this story for a while because fellow comedian, Jim Norton, asked people to respect O'Neal's privacy and it was not widely reported. Norton announced the comedian's stroke on the popular Opie & Anthony radio show, saying he had no word on Patrice O'Neal's condition nor how well they expected him to fare.

We wish Patrice O'Neal the best.

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Morning Glories

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Staying in the Comics Industry

Chris Eliopoulis wrote a brilliant piece on staying in the comics business on his blog that got picked-up by a lot of blogs and people on social networks today. I agree with everything he says and that's why I haven't pursued a job in the business more ardently:

I'm not exactly a newbie. I've met a lot of guys going back to when I was a kid in highschool and had my work reviewed by many of them. I learned a lot of things along the way and one of those things was that Dave Sim was right all along.

No one in the comics industry likes hearing that. At all.

Still, it's true: Cartoonists are a curmudgeonly lot and writers are known for their opinions and willingness to share them. It can be difficult to work with them and the industry itself, but one of the most frustrating aspects of the comic book business is that it's still run like the magazine industry.

Granted, comics are magazines; they are periodicals. The magazine industry is well established and it works (kinda, these days). But I don't believe that comics should be treated like magazines. For example, I don't put magazines in bags with boards, and I don't leave comic books on my coffee table. So, seeing as how comics are treated differently by their very nature, I don't feel the business behind them should be the same as, say, the TV industry, or Hollywood... or the magazine industry.

Professionals don't like to hear that. At all.

And that's where the whole thing comes full-circle:

Whether you are new to the business or you've been around a while, take a look around you. The Internet has changed the world and the way everyone, except the comic book industry, does business and handles customers. People everywhere are sick of being force-fed the old system and are finally rising up against it (and, despite what Frank Miller says, this is a good thing). And if the old hands won't listen to us "young bucks" (I'm not very young), then the industry deserves to go the way of the do-do bird.

People don't want the same thing repackaged; in the entertainment field, people don't know what they want until they get it. We didn't know we wanted a Richard Pryor until we got one. We didn't know we wanted hip-hop or jazz or heavy metal until we heard it. And, until recently, something would come along every few years that set the industry on its head for a little while. Then, predictably and inevitably, everyone would rush to imitate it until it burned-out and something newer came along.

Now, everything is just rehashed horseshit. Remakes, repackaging, and reality TV and the same thing over and over again. And guess what? People don't want it.

And the industry doesn't like to hear that. Not at all.

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Carnage U.S.A. #1

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Goings On

I have one day to catch-up on American Horror Story, which I didn't even know was available on Hulu, so I'm doing that today. It's a bit over-the-top, but it's still a good show and I like it enough that I am willing to forsake a handful of hours today making sure I'm up-to-date on it.

Also in TV news, I caught all the trailing episodes of Louie, which is a great show. I mention this in case you haven't seen it or stopped watching because Hulu wasn't upping your subscription (it did that to me on several shows and I had to go through yesterday and re-add them). Louie gets a lot of critical praise and I have to admit that even though I enjoyed it, I wasn't as "ga-ga" over it as the rest... but the Joan Rivers episode established me securely as a fan. Don't get me wrong: I watched a slew of them back-to-back yesterday and enjoyed them all, the episode "Joan" just caught me a bit off-guard and really cemented my feelings about the show.

The best comic book I've read recently is Aquaman #1. I just got a shipment of comics, so I'm not sure if I have #2 or #3, but the first issue was just self-aware enough to be fun without getting mired down in the whole "meta" thing. Writer Geoff Johns also uses a very clever device for introducing and establishing Aquaman and his entire milieu. I'm really looking forward to wherever this is going!

It doesn't look like I'll be celebrating Thanksgiving with my family this year as everyone has to work either that day or very early in the morning Friday, so no one can do the travel time and no one really wants to deal with the whole thing on top of everything else. I may or may not be posting that day, but I'll definitely be posting all the way around that day, so be sure to stop by and see what I'm up to.

I'm going to try to catch-up on my reading, as well as my TV, so there may be more reviews in the near future. I'm still trying to get to a point where I can bring you reviews regularly, but my plate is so full that it's just not always possible. And once you drop the habit, it's hard to get back into the routine. I sometimes fall as much as two or three months behind in my comics reading - even more on some titles - and this is why I'm not more active across other peoples' blogs: I don't want to stumble across spoilers. It's bad enough having to run PR three and four months in advance of the comics - especially when I haven't read the title in three or four months already...

And that's largely what's going on.

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Saturday Morning Cartoons - Tom & Jerry Pots & Pans

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Things to Come

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Simon & Schuster and Bluewater Tackle Osama Bin Laden

Publishing giant Simon & Schuster has tabbed independent comic book publisher Bluewater Productions to produce a graphic novel version of the events surrounding the hunt and killing of Osama bin Laden.

“Killing Geronimo: The Hunt for Osama bin Laden,” takes its title from the code name given the notorious Al-Qaeda leader during the secret action named Operation Neptune Spear carried out on May 2, 2011. The 96-page original graphic novel documenting the mission is scheduled for spring 2012 release.

“This is an epic story nearly ten years in the making,” said co-author and journalist Jerome Maida, “It's like a true-to-life Jason Bourne novel. And like those Ludlum books, it's a complex labyrinth of intrigue, danger and politics culminating in an action-packed ending.”

Bluewater, who has a successful track record of developing non-fiction comic books and graphic novels, is basing its account on the publicly released details surrounding the mission and the historical lead up to its successful resolution.

“Bin Laden is not a cartoon villain and this book is not a garden variety comic. And the book's heroes don't have super powers, but are courageous and well-trained men of the Navy's SEAL Team Six,” noted the book's co-author and Bluewater president Darren G. Davis. “Just because we chose an illustrated medium to tell this complex story, doesn't mean it is treated lightly or gratuitously.”

“Killing Geronimo: The Hunt for Osama bin Laden,” written by Jerome Maida and Darren G. Davis as well as drawn by James Boulton, was sold to Simon & Schuster subsidiary Gallery Books by Bluewater's literary representation Jarred Weisfeld of Objective Entertainment.

“I'm thrilled to be working with Anthony Ziccardi and the Gallery team to bring this story to life,” Davis said. “This is going to be a cornerstone title for Bluewater.”

To date, Bluewater has produced several dozen comic book-based biographies on historic, political, media and entertainment personalities. They include such notable figures as Presidents Obama, Bush, Clinton and Reagan, Hillary Clinton, Sarah Palin, Nelson Mandela and many others. “Killing Geronimo” is its first foray into documenting an historic event.

Bluewater's biography comic books have been featured on CNN, FOX News, MSNBC, the Today Show and in Time Magazine, People Magazine as well as 1000's of other places.

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Ultimate Comics Hawkeye #4

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Obligatory Post

Actually, my birthday was 10-10-10 last year and I made no big deal of it. In retrospect, I wish I had, but there wasn't much that I could have done; I was stuck around the house, no matter what. Still, it really was a once in a lifetime thing... but then, so was turning 36.

Anyway, I wanted to commemorate this time.

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Infamous: Lindsay Lohan

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

At-Home Con - The Wrap-Up

I said I would tell you more about At-Home Con and so I shall:

The guys got here early Friday night and we started drinking. I think we played something that night, but I don't recall what it was. At some point, we tried playing Dark Conspiracy, but I was simply too messed-up to make heads or tails of it. Add that to not having run a game in nearly 10 years and suffice it to say, it did not go well.

At some point, we made characters for D&D 3.x and played that for a few hours before we got back to drinking. I mean, we drank while we played but not seriously - more as a thing to do while we played. The game was a lot of fun, but not knowing a system and wanting to do things is pretty tough. I kept having to ask questions as to what, exactly, my character was allowed to do - that is, can he Bend Bars/Lift Gates or is that now a Feat, for example. It was still a great game though, all things considered.

We played D&D again, but we were all out of it by that point. We drank the entire weekend away but had the best time doing it!

I went to a gaming convention back in 2003. I had a pretty good time even though I didn't know anyone and it was a small affair. Most of the people I grew-up gaming with have since lost interest and the scene had really changed a lot even then. Now I wouldn't know anything about it. I'm about to learn Savage Worlds, which should bring me up to speed a little bit, but other than that, I simply don't know much about the modern tabletop RPG scene.

At-Home Con was a great way to enjoy gaming with good, old-fashioned partying - the way cons used to be (when they were more gaming/comic book conventions and not separated) - and we had a blast. I don't know that we'll ever get the chance to do it again, but I certainly hope we do. Either way, nothing will beat the memories of the first At-Home Con!

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Defenders #1

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Chill Online

Hey guys, I'm running Chill live online and gearing-up for the start of the game, so I'm really busy with that right now. If you missed it, I released a bunch of new material on the site on Halloween. More Things expands several creatures of the Unknown and lists all of the Art Disciplines. There's much more to come, but I have to time it right with the game so I don't give away anything too important.

We get together about once a month or so and I give out other information through e-mail, IM, and a private group in the meantime. It's kind of a hybrid real-time/PBeM setup that we're working from, but we don't have it all figured out just yet. In fact, we just got started a few weeks ago.

Anyway, I'm really busy with that right now, which means more material on the site but less stuff here than usual - just until I get a handle on the whole thing, of course. And it isn't like we're stopping completely or anything.

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Homework

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

RIP: Bil Keane

Family Circus creator, Bil Keane, has died at 89. He started Family Circus in 1960 and served as President of the National Cartoonists Society from 1981 to 1983. Bil Keane's son Jeff is expected to take over the strip. Family Circus is still in wide circulation.

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

X-Club #1

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

McKeever Goes Mondo

This January, Ted McKeever will be introducing the world to MONDO, his new three issue miniseries from Shadowline and Image Comics, in all its raging glory!

Though McKeever has worked on titles for Marvel and DC, including Spiderman and Doom Patrol, he is best known for his independent, creator-owned works such as TRANSIT, EDDY CURRENT, METROPOL, and the recent META 4. McKeever has been a cult favorite in the comics industry since the 1980's, an uncompromising one man comics team, consistently creating smart and uniquely twisted comics with a gritty, subliminal quality to their black and white inked pages. His work is often executed in mixed media, creating layers as rich and dirty as the stories themselves, and McKeever's new MONDO will be no different.

"Compared to my other work, I think fans will easily be able to tell this is my work," said McKeever. "And I have definitely not held back at all in this one!"

"McKeever kicks it out again with mind-blowing imagery, wild characters and multi-layered concepts," says Shadowline publisher Jim Valentino. "He never disappoints and MONDO will be counted as one of his best yet."

MONDO begins with Catfish's daily grind of "enhancing" poultry, but all that comes to a halt when he is accidentally tripped up by a loose chicken, causing him to fall victim to his own process. What proportions of his that were once human are now beyond anything normal! Add villainous corporate and military big wigs, a roller-skating weapon-toting chick named Kitten Kaboodle, a gang of tattooed babies, an enormous beach monster... and you have Ted McKeever's MONDO!

MONDO #1 (NOV110366), a 32-page Golden Age format black and white comic book for $3.99, will be on sale in stores and digital platforms on January 4^th, and is available for order now in the November issue of Previews.

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

B'Gok!

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

SD Foreclosures

San Diego is not above the sweeping foreclosures this country has seen over the last few years. While it is sad to see someone lose their home or business, there are some who got in over their heads from the start and knew it was only a matter of time. I feel worst for those who are struggling to do all they can, yet still finding little help or hope.

However, not all foreclosures are sob stories and foreclosures in San Diego present a unique opportunity to buyers. Homesalessandiego has just redesigned and relaunched its site to cater to such buyers - some of whom may even be the very people who were foreclosed on elsewhere. A long-standing local site, it has been upgraded to keep buyers abreast of all the foreclosed homes and properties on the market.

A new search engine allows you to search by location, price, amenities, and more. You can also be alerted to new listings and changes in those you are watching via e-mail. While there are victims of foreclosures, many foreclosures are just and fair - if not still sad - and present an opportunity for buyers. Homesalessandiego has everything you need to keep up with foreclosures on the local market.

Avenging Spider-Man #2

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Gladstone's

The most villainous clique of kids in all of comics will be graduating to a trade paperback volume of GLADSTONE'S SCHOOL FOR WORLD CONQUERORS from Image Comics this November. Originally solicited at a lower page count, once the first six issues of this critically acclaimed series were tallied up, the collection clocked in at nearly 200 pages!

Mark Andrew Smith, writer of AMAZING JOY BUZZARDS, the two-time Harvey nominated THE NEW BRIGHTON ARCHEOLOGICAL SOCIETY, and editor for the Eisner-winning POPGUN anthology, has devised a dastardly plot to make wicked children the stars of the show in GLADSTONE'S SCHOOL OF WORLD CONQUERORS. And with the help of Armand Villavert's artistic mastermind, the nefarious youths of this series are deftly brought to the page, larger than life and disarmingly adorable!

"I believe in giving kids a story they can really sink their teeth into and never talking down to them," said Smith. "We also don't believe in skimping on story, so this will be a good solid read for any comics fan, new or old!"

Welcome to Gladstone's School for World Conquerors, a top-secret academy for the children of the world's greatest super villains to learn the trade. Join us as Kid Nefarious, Mummy Girl, Martian Jones, Ghost Girl, and the infamous Skull brothers unearth the School's and their parents' hidden past!

GLADSTONE'S SCHOOL FOR WORLD CONQUERORS, VOL. 1 TP (SEP110407, ISBN: 978-1-60706-115-1), a 192-page full-color all ages supervillain adventure comic book collection for $15.99, will be on sale in stores November 16^th.

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Kitten Kaboodle

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Mike Vosburg on Moriarty

The world of MORIARTY just got a little bigger with the announcement that Mike Vosburg will serve as guest artist for MORIARTY #7. Famed for his work in Marvel, DC and HBO’s Tales from the Crypt TV series, Vosburg joins writer Daniel Corey and artist Anthony Diecidue in creating a special flashback sequence for the third chapter in "The Lazarus Tree" storyline.

When asked about his guest artist duties on MORIARTY, Vosburg stated, "Working on the Moriarty book was a real treat. Not only is the time period one that I'm very fond of, but Dan's stories have an emotional impact and visual sensibility that made my job as an artist an exciting and rewarding experience."

Diecidue adds, “Voz has been like a mentor to me for years now. Coloring his pages is like getting a lesson in storytelling. They're awesome. I just hope I don't screw them up.”

MORIARTY #7 (OCT110560), a 32-page comic for $2.99 published by Image Comics, will be on sale in stores December 7^th and is available to order in the October edition of Previews. MORIARTY #6 (SEP110474) will be on sale in stores November 2^nd.

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Things to Come

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

The Nightly News

Image Comics first introduced the world to Jonathan Hickman's work with his Eisner-nominated THE NIGHTLY NEWS back in 2006. He blew the critics away with his fresh take on the medium, incorporating innovative design elements, but never lacking in good old fashioned storytelling. Now Image Comics is proud to re-present his debut series in an oversized deluxe hardcover edition, containing the complete six-issue story, as well as the never before seen original script, an in-depth look at his process, a complete making of and much more!

"They say you can never go home again," said Hickman. "But what a wonderful visit it was putting this collection together. I had honestly forgotten both how much work and love went into the books production. I think everyone that picks it up is in for a real treat."

Since THE NIGHTLY NEWS, Jonathan Hickman has never slowed down. He's reached immense popularity, not only with his continued creator-owned work like PAX ROMANA, RED MASS FOR MARS, TRANSHUMAN, and his most recent miniseries with Nick Pitarra, THE RED WING, but also with Marvel's massively popular and highly regarded FF and S.H.I.E.L.D. series. He has two new series planned for 2012: SECRET, with A RED MASS FOR MARS artist Ryan Bodenheim and THE MANHATTAN PROJECTS, with THE RED WING artist Nick Pitarra.

THE NIGHTLY NEWS ANNIVERSARY EDITION HC (SEP110423, ISBN: 9978-1-60706-4619), a 272-page full-color hardcover graphic novel for $34.99, will be on sale in stores December 7^th.

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

What We've Been Training For

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Pressure washing

Thanks for the post from Sylvester Campbell

The other day while I was checking the television lineup for the week on http://www.Direct.tv/ I heard a lot of commotion outside of my house. I had forgotten that the homeowners association had scheduled our buildings to be pressure washed that day. They had taped notices to our front doors, but as soon as I read it, I pulled it down and threw it away. I loved that our HOA was on top of things like this because it really kept our buildings looking nice, but it was a little strange to look out onto my back patio and see a random man dressed in a yellow rain slicker hosing off my walls. I felt like I was going through one of those drive through car washes. When I went to leave for work, I walked out my front door and noticed a screen from a window lying in the grass out front. I stepped back and looked up to see where it came from and, sure enough, it had been blasted off one of my upstairs windows. Good to know those machines worked well, but I still asked the man doing the work if he planned to put it back for me. When I returned from work that evening, everything was intact.

Saturday Morning Cartoons - Superman Son of Krypton

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Ratfist

Earlier this year, Earthworm Jim creator, Doug TenNapel, stepped into the world of Webcomics when he began sharing RATFIST, his latest oddball action comic, online for all to see. Now for the first time ever in print, Image Comics will be publishing RATFIST in December.

Originally conceived of as a possible character that might be featured on Cartoon Network, RATFIST became a daily-updated Webcomic instead! With coloring help from Katherine Garner, RATFIST stars a vigilante-in-tights, satirizing comics, politics, philosophy, and even TENNAPEL himself! Those that followed along with the daily online RATFIST schedule and new readers alike will be pleased to find that the printed collection will not only include the entirety of TenNapel's RATFIST story, but also feature a forword written by MST3K/RiffTraxx's Michael J. Nelson, and fantastic pinups by Ryan Ottley (INVINCIBLE), Skottie Young (Wizard of Oz, Spiderman), Christopher Hastings (Dr. McNinja) and Ethan Nicolle (Exa Cop)!

"I'm so thrilled that this can join the line up of books I've brought to Image," said TenNapel. "I hope those that missed it when I was publishing online get to pick it up now in print!"

Other graphic novels by TenNapel that were previously published by Image Comics include FLINK, TOMMYSAURUS REX, CREATURE TECH, GEAR, IRON WEST, EARTHBOY JACOBUS, BLACK CHERRY, MONSTER ZOO, and most recently POWER UP.

RATFIST TP (OCT110463, ISBN: 978-1-60706-478-7), a 176-page full-color humorous super hero graphic novel for $19.99, will be on sale in stores December 14^th, and is available for order now in the October issue of Previews.

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Avengers X-Sanction #1

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

The Darkness Gets New Writer

Top Cow Productions is proud to announce the addition of acclaimed writer David Hine (THE BULLETPROOF COFFIN, Batman) to the stable of talented stewards of the Top Cow Universe. Beginning in March 2012, Hine brings his considerable experience to torturing one of comics’ favorite bad boys, Jackie Estacado. David joins Detective Comics creative partner, Jeremy Haun (ARTIFACTS, PILOT SEASON: THE BEAUTY) as the ongoing team on THE DARKNESS beginning with issue #101.

“From issue # 101, I'll be the regular writer on THE DARKNESS, one of the best and longest-running independent books out there. I'll be teamed with Jeremy Haun, one of the most talented artists I've worked with. And I'm dreading it!” said Hine. “To write a character like Jackie Estacado you have to go into some very dark and ugly places on a daily basis. It's a tough job, but someone has to do it...”

“I couldn’t have been more excited when I found out we were able to get David on THE DARKNESS long term. He is one of those writers that perfectly balances story with character. He understands the inner workings of his characters and really knows how to tap into their darkness, if you’ll forgive the pun,” explained Hine’s collaborator, Jeremy Haun. “I’ve wanted to have an extended run on a series for years now, THE DARKNESS is the perfect place for me to do that. David and I are working hard to build a story that is true to the property, but at the same time, really kicks up the horror elements of the book.”

Hine takes over the writing duties from the long time writer Phil Hester (Green Hornet, Wonder Woman), who has written the series since 2007, when the series relaunched following the events of FIRST BORN and the release of THE DARKNESS video game. Hine has previously written the titular character of Jackie Estacado in 2010’s limited series THE DARKNESS: FOUR HORSEMEN, which garnered rave reviews. With Hester concluding his run on the series with the landmark issue #100 and The Darkness II slated for release in February, the time was perfect for a fresh voice to embrace THE DARKNESS. The team of Hine and Haun will pick up the story of Jackie Estacado after the events of ARTIFACTS #13, which Top Cow promises will alter the status quo of the Top Cow Universe irrevocably. Joining the already announced teams of Tim Seeley (HACK/SLASH) and Diego Bernard (The Man With No Name) on WITCHBLADE and Ron Marz (MAGDALENA, VOODOO) and Stjepan Sejic (WITCHBLADE) on the ARTIFACTS ongoing series, the two will help guide one of Top Cow’s flagship franchises into a new era perfect for longtime, lapsed, and new readers alike.

THE DARKNESS #101, a 32-page full-color comic book for $3.99, will be on sale in stores and digital platforms, including THE DARKNESS app, in March of 2012. THE DARKNESS #94 (APR110499) will be on sale October 26^th for $3.99.

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Kick-Ass 2

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Camelback

There are many reasons for crowd control - almost as many as there are ways for handling it. Comic book and gaming conventions come to mind first, for me anyway, but there are many other reasons for crowd control, including other trade shows, club and restaurant openings, and more. Camelback Displays carries a full line of other accessories as well.

You can use stanchions to keep people in place, or velvet ropes to control their access to booths and events. This does not just mean keeping people at bay, but also guiding lines through a series of rows. And Camelback also has truss, flooring, seating, and other supplies. You can even have the ropes personalized.

Of course, barricades are not enough to completely ensure safety, but they do go a long way toward maintaining order. Camelback includes traffic barricades, cones, pipe and drape walls, and more. So no matter the occasion or reason, Camelback carries all of your display needs. Check them out for all your needs.

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

The Future We Were Promised

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Fearless

Mark Sable, the writer of GROUNDED and the current sell out hit series GRAVEYARD OF EMPIRES, along with co-writer David Roth, and artist PJ Holden were the team that brought us FEARLESS, the story of a literal man without fear. This November, Image Comics will be collecting the entire miniseries into one trade paperback volume for the first time ever.

"Fans who sampled a hit of the single issues have been jonesing for the collected edition of FEARLESS for years," said Sable. "I'm glad they'll finally be able get their fix of the highly addictive tale that David Roth, PJ Holden and I created."

The vigilante superhero at the heart of FEARLESS is a bold, even reckless man known as Fear. He's also a man paralyzed by a crippling anxiety disorder who needs an anti-fear drug to fight his war on crime. Hell, he needs it just to get out of bed every day. So what will happen when his drug supply runs out?

FEARLESS, VOL. 1 TP (SEP110339, ISBN: 978-1-60706-467151499), a 128-page full color superhero action comic for $14.99, will be available at a comic store near you on November 16^th.

© C Harris Lynn, 2011