Happy Birthday Fred Hembeck!

Surviving Snowmageddon: VATICAN ASSASSIN

Remember, about a year ago, when I told you about Mike Luoma's Vatican Assassin? 

Yes, the first four issues are now available as a graphic novel through IndyPlanet and Drive Thru Comics.

Plus, it's a damn good novel anyway.Or as pal Mike puts it:

The Story:  Meet Bernard Campion - 'BC' - visiting Lunar Prime, the neutral city on the Moon, on a mission - assassinate the Governor! If he's successful the reverberations will effect the survival of the entire human race... It's 2109 - BC is trying to take care of “business” during an out of control interplanetary war between The UTZ - Universal Trade Zone - the commercial power of Earth - and the UIN - the Universal Islamic Nation - based on Mars. BC poses as a priest but he's really an assassin for the Pope of the New catholic Church!

So if the harsh winter has you wanting a good read, pick up Vatican Assassin.  You'll thank me later.

Surviving Snowmageddon: Important Announcement

As I'm making my way through a plethora of reading, promo items, and work for the blog (if you've e-mailed me, trust me, I'll be posting shortly), I wanted to bring this important piece of news to my regular readers:

For more information, visit DoomedTheMovie.com...and watch the trailer on the site.

(Due in late spring/early summer. Trust me, I'm working my blogger mojo on this one, folks)

Surviving Snowmageddon: 5 Things I Like About LEVERAGE

Like many people with, well, flexible work schedules, I've become enamoured of networks like Ion Television. Like many local television networks, Ion takes many shows (of recent vintage) and has mini-marathons, providing television junkies with a great opportunity to binge-watch. Thanks to Sunday visits at Mom's, I have now become a great fan of the show Leverage. Why? Well, here are five reasons:

1. It's all about the con - much like the BBC's Hustle, Leverage plays up the fact that bad guys are taking down...well, badder guys. The writing is sharp, depends on hairpin turns, and is a little bit more tech-friendly than Hustle....but is still enjoyable to watch.
2. Greatest. In-Joke. Ever. Episode two of season four contains a great riff on this classic show. And yes, the other episodes carry some nice riffs a-plenty.
3. It follows the rules of the con: If you don't believe me, pick up David Maurer's The Big Con and read it. Each member plays a key role. And it's a fun ride.
4. Plenty of Eye Candy, Regardless of Gender - from great set designs to the acting, great to watch. Won't be complaining any time soon, and....
5. You Can Watch For Free- If you have Ion Television (part of most digital antenna packages), they run all-day marathons Fridays and Sundays.

My latest pop-culture thrill. Now, I'm inspired to work on that con-related pitch that's been in the back of my head....

Your Conspiracy Theory Moment of Zen

The Dark Truth Behind the Most Famous Cartoon Company Ever -- powered by Cracked.com

Is Blogging About Blogging a Sin?

When you're working freelance, especially when it comes to writing (and like near-twin Roger, I consider myself a writer), things can often get you busy. Thankfully, this means not just further appearance of my name online, but better search optimization.

For example, you all know about the work I'm doing on Chicago Now around social good and tech, but I was fortunate enough to get a review posted on I Hear of Sherlock.

In a strange case of unintentional synergy, a recent episode of Zone 4 (focusing on Spider-Man) appeared soon before my review of The Amazing Spider-Man.

(Oh, and if you haven't already, please like us on Facebook. We'll shout you out, and I promise we'll only say nice things about you. Honest)

Finally, probably the coolest, most obscure shout-out I've ever received (please scroll down to December 2nd, 2013. You'll thank me later)

I Know Cool People - Mike Luoma (Update!)

Every once in awhile, I like to give the heads-up on some cool things that my online (and offline) friends are doing. So when fellow Zone 4 colleague Mike Luoma (host of Glow in the Dark Radio) touched base with me recently, I was more than happy to oblige.

Three of his most recent books are now available via the Comixology app, so you can access them via your iPads, Android Tablets, smartphones, and other such devices.

And what books they are! I was fortunate enough to review them in the past (thanks to complimentary review copies - obligatory disclosure), so I can honestly say that these books are definitely worth your time.

First comes Good Samaritan: Unto Dust, an extremely gripping tale of the spiritual and the superheroic, and wouldn't be out of place, say, as part of Image Comics.

Next we have The Adventures of Alibi Jones, featuring Mike's flagship character. It's gripping, smart space opera and quite definitely worth your attention.

Finally, there's Introducing RED HOT!, a really good tale of early superheroics with a great twist.

All three of these books are really good reads....and in my Red Hot review, I dared Mike to actually write a lousy book. This time around, I'm challenging you, dear reader, to drop a book you dislike and pick up one - or all - of these issues.

Now, you have no excuse not to do so.

Happy Birthday Tom Baker

Offered without comment. Or apology.

Upcoming Important Personal Appearance Pulp Announcement

Just a heads-up, I'll be running at panel at this year's Windy City Pulp and Paper convention - details can be found here.

(Here's hoping that it doesn't interfere too much with C2E2 - both are on the same weekend)

And now, preparing for Snomageddon: 2014 - Phase Two. Writing story for publication in the summer. Freelance work. And waiting news on publication (got an early heads-up, but want to wait for details)

Review: COMIC BOOK BABLYON

When Clifford Meth offered me a complimentary review copy of his new book Comic Book Babylon, I leapt at the chance. His work for Aardwolf Publishing - including his Dave Cockrum and Gene Colan tribute books - were thoroughly enjoyable, and I've always thought highly of Mr. Meth. So I approached Comic Book Babylon in the spirit of being a series of portraits and reminisces about writing and publishing.

But it's so much more than that...and has easily  become of my favorite comic-related reads of 2014.

Beginning with his efforts to help his friend gain recognition and royalties from a major comic company, Comic Book Babylon is more than just a great book about the history of comics - it's also a great how-to manual in ethical behavior in the comics industry. This book doesn't just deserve your attention - it demands it.

Bookended by his efforts to aid both Dave Cockrum and Gene Colan during tough times, Comic Book Bablyon contains some really great portraits of comics professionals and other writers.This is mandatory reading for anyone wishing to learn the history of comics, especially portraying the more down-to-earth, grounded mentality of past masters versus the current scene's more showy, exaggerated mindset. (Michael Netzer's illustrations are simply gorgeous) 

But various other writings - from a slightly heartbreaking (in retrospect) interview with Christopher Reeve to a talk with Alan Moore as his works became adapted for movies - provide a wider scope to Meth's writing. There's never a feeling of self-importance or being an "insider", nor does it ever engage in simply watching and writing. Comic Book Babylon is an extremely powerful read, and quite simply, you won't be able to put it down. Writings were culled from a variety of sources, including Silver Bullet Comic Books (now called Comics Bulletin), and his own blog, as well as various other sites with some unpublished pieces. Overall, Comic Book Bablyon balances a very casual tone with great humility and very biting humor. Just a few sample quotes to give you a sense of Meth's writing:

Of course, I believed him right away. Joe can't even spell coup détat, let alone pull one.

---

Speech may be protected by the First Amendment, but that doesn't give you the right to yell Poker game! in the middle of a crowded firehouse.

---

I prefer helping people. It hurts me to look at the 990s of even well-deserving charities and see executives taking $400K salaries plus $80K in 'expenses.' So I help people directly.

---

...I'm wrestling with a metaphysical (conundrum). I'm wondering how anyone in our industry can walk by this situation and not pay it heed. The petitions from fans are nice, the messages on the forums are encouraging, but there's too much rubber necking and not enough action; too many cameras and not enough food. And the blame game just ain't gonna work this time.

---

The women he draws make you want to throw away your family and job and take up the needle again

(The only way I could do Meth's book justice would be to copy and paste it in its entirety into this blog post, but one of Mr. Meth's best friends is Harlan Ellison. Something tells me Mr. Meth nor Mr. Ellison would take too kindly to that action, no matter how well-intentioned...and let me just add that some of my fellow non-profit/social good peers would also do well to read this book)

As I write this post, there's been much talk in Chicago over ethical issues in relating to fandom (pal Michi provides a better, more thorough job in describing it than I ever could). Perhaps now is the time for all good comics fans to consider reading Comic Book Babylon, an outline of how one fan can live a pretty decent, very ethical life.
Seriously - buy and read this book. Now.

SNOWMAGEDDON 2014: Seven Days Later

Remember a week ago, when I posted pictures of my porch buried under snow?

Same porch this morning, seven days later

Hopefully, all we'll have to deal with is cold....and I can deal with that.

Surviving Snowmageddon: Two Big Finish Doctor Who Audios

Thankfully, yesterday proved to be a busy day with the promise of new work, and the thawing of massive amounts of snow. So much so that I was able to accomplish something I did not have time to do - catch up on listening to audio dramas via Big Finish Productions.

(For a guy who had a local station playing old time radio shows, I've been negligent on that point, but here I go)....

My first selection was from Big Finish's Destiny of the Doctor series (which was a monthly series of adventures with the "classic" series Doctors. However, their Ninth Doctor audio, Night of the Whisper, is a truly gripping listen. Combining some classic pulp tropes with a slightly more futuristic tone (think "The Spider running around a future Las Vegas), this is a cracking good story, and Nicholas Briggs does a really good Ninth Doctor. (So much so that I kind of wish that, in future audios, they would "cheat" and have him perform the role without the BBC's permission....but that would be wrong).

To be honest, I was quite prepared to dislike The Butcher of Brisbane - after all, it was a prequel/sequel to The Talons of Weng-Chiang (my favorite classic Who story) written by Marc Platt, who is not one of my favorite writers (why Power of the Daleks was wiped but Ghost Light wasn't I'll never know)....and it appeared to be a recipe for disaster. In short, it's not all that bad - there's a bit of timey-wimey in the plot, and there is a sense of inevitability, but in between....there's some great political machinations, some great character moments, and quite honestly, it's the kind of story that handles time paradoxes better than Steven Moffatt has in the past.

Both stories are available in CD or digital download - and you don't have to wait until the cold of winter to enjoy either of them. 

Surviving Snowmaggedon - Insert Obligatory Johnny Carson Reference Here

Courtesy of Red Eye Chicago, and posted by pal Elliott via Facebook. The answer to the question, "Well just how cold was it in Chicago on Monday?"
Cold enough that bottled water froze in seconds.

To East Coast pals like Roger - keep warm and stay safe.

Surviving Snowmageddon: DOCTOR WHO - PRISONERS OF TIME Hardcover

Thanks to Comic Related/Zone 4 pal Brant, I was able to grab some complimentary copies of IDW's Doctor Who: Prisoners of Time miniseries for review. (You can read it here). Now that Brant was able to provide (thanks to IDW Publishing) a complimentary electronic copy of the collected series (out in hardcover), I was able to sit and read the series in its entirety.

And kudos to Scott Tipton, who managed to write a really strong multi-Doctor story...ironically, by focusing on the companions.

The plot is simple - some force is plucking the Doctor's companions at various points in time, and gradually, the Doctor comes to realize that there is some other force afoot....

...but to say more would be spoiling. Tipton manages to skillfully balance done-in-one tales from each Doctor, reflecting his era, while simultaneously keeping the main plot going. Elements are handled in such a way that even when you anticipate a plot twist...something happens that makes it seem less likely. And there's a great willingness to play within Doctor Who's history, making this the 50th anniversary equivalent of Doctor Who: The Forgotten.

A variety of artists illustrate each tale, and thankfully, each one brings a unique style and perspective (I loved the fact that the artist drawing the Fifth Doctor's issue makes Adric and Nyssa look like kids - something that may not have been apparent during their appearances on the show).  Calling this a "romp" may be something of a misnomer, as this is a really strong series....and deserves to be released as a hardcover.

Both this and Doctor Who: The Forgotten deserve to be on any Who fan's bookshelves. They're that good.

Surviving Snowmageddon: CAPTAIN SATAN - THE MASK OF THE DAMNED Audiobook

(FULL DISCLOSURE: I acquired this audiobook as the result of compension through proofreading work for Radio Archives. Otherwise, my opinions are my own.)

With winter hitting Chicago hard, I have had more time to play "catch up" on writing, blogging, and listening to audiobooks. My growing love of pulp literature has led me to a variety of outlets....and to exploring some of the hidden heroes of pulp. Individuals who not only might not have gotten the attention they deserved, but who never really received anything other than a few appearances.

One such hero is Captain Satan, and listening to The Mask of the Damned - an audiobook released by Radio Archives (available in CD and digital download format....and yes, there is an ebook) - not only am I surprised by how great a character this is....I really wish there were more adventures - even if I had to write them myself.

One of the great things about Captain Satan is that there's much about him that is reminiscent of other pulp and comic characters. Like Doc Savage, he has a team that works with him; like Jimmy Christopher, he engages in a great deal of straightforward action with a slightly political overtone; like the Spider, he has a very distinctive "mark" (a flashlight that shows....well, the devil's silhouette). Despite seeming derivative, there's a nice, noirish quality to the prose, and the audiobook moves along at a pretty good clip.

(It also helps that he robs from criminals....and keeps for himself. That part's pretty cool)

Much of the success of the audiobook must go to Michael C. Gwynne, whose smoky vocal tones provides a great deal of the weight and nuance to the story. Taking on a variety of voices and tones, Gwynne provides a nice swing to the narration - nothing feels out of place, and Gwynne manages to hit the right emotion at the right tone. Given the plot - a small incident eventually leads to greater, more pressing implications for national security - Gwynne's vocal work never makes the story feel over-the-top or out of time. Except for a few references, the story feels very contemporary in spirit....

Captain Satan: The Mask of the Damned is a really great audiobook, and which deserves your full attention. Since it's available as a digital download, if you're stuck inside - or even if you plan for this as a "beach listen" during the summer - this is well worth your attention.

SNOWMAGEDDON: 2014 - The Onslaught

Earlier this morning - around 10:30 am - my landlord came (with assistants) to snovel the snow around my building. (I often do it early in the morning, but with today being Sunday, and a meeting being canceled....I chose to sleep in.

At 12:30 pm, opening my front door, I found myself faced with....well, I'll let these pictures speak for themselves:

With temperatures heading into the Han-Solo-in-carbonite range, I think it's safe for me to announce: Snowmageddon 2014 has officially arrived!

Now, the rest of the today (and presumably most of tomorrow) will be spent catching up on writing, job seeking, and other freelance work. Fueled, in part, by plenty of coffee.

Coming Alive in the Dead of Winter

Never have I experienced such a productive post-New Year's period in my entire life....

Shortly before the holiday, I signed a contract for some part-time marketing work for a startup downstate. (It's short-term, and I'm still seeking work, but it's been a great character builder). Working on a story for publication....copy edited another story....and found out that another story may be released as a single e-book as well as part of an anthology.

Spent New Year's with a friend who I haven't seen in awhile....spent the holidays with Mom....and currently, playing catch-up and building up steam.

It's also meant making some well-needed changes in my life, and on that end...I'm stepping down as organizer of Net2Chi/Net Tuesday at the end of January. As someone who was there very early on, I leave with mixed feelings....and yes, both my cat's my friend's passing had a lot to do with it.

But it's something I'm starting to realize (or even "re-realize", if there is such a word) - life is too short to waste time. When I hear colleagues talk about how people should have reached out to them....I simply shake my head and realize that I should be doing the reaching. Focusing on my own interests - balanced with concern and care for others - isn't just a good idea; it's what allows me to enjoy life thoroughly.

Things aren't easy....but they're easier. I'm feeling much more centered and focused that I have been throughout much of 2013.

Even in the harshest of winters, spring can still emerge, and a person can come alive in the dead of winter.

I'm living proof of that.

Blog THIS, Pal - 2013 In Review

It's become a regular yearly tradition on the blog - I don't know who I "borrowed" this from, but it's a great thing to do. Simply put, I review the blog month-by-month, randomly select a quote, and post it as a way to drive traffic (especially away from that nasty cybersquatter....but more on him later) and have some fun.

(Yes, I admit there was a drought due to personal matters, so I may have a smaller sample to choose from, but I think there's plenty available for your reading pleasure. Enjoy!

January - One of the qualities many great bands have is that talking about them is like sharing a secret

February -  I'm especially proud of the job I've done in interviewing him (and yes, I did take the lead, having thoroughly read the book from cover to cover).

March - Without him, it's safe to say,much contemporary popular culture would have a much different nature and character.

April - Unlike 20 years ago, Andy won't be there (he's living in Vegas, and is more than likely on the road as I write this), and I'll actually be funny.


May - Ok, so all of you long-standing readers have probably been wondering...where the heck hasGordon been

Via Zone 4

June - Doctor Who as pulp fiction?

July - It's all Barry Reese's fault.

August - As a side note - can we all agree to lose the term "nerd blackface"?

September - Somewhere in this story is a great book - a Barbarians At the Gate or The Smartest Guys In the Room - about DC Entertainment. I just refuse to be one of the people who helps write it.

October - Compassion seems to be a dirty word these days. Hopefully, my recent loss can help me change that.

November - ....mostly, it gives a pretty good reason to get out of bed in the morning. Even if it's 3:00 am and spent clicking away at a keyboard.

December -  Mark my words - Capaldi's eyebrows will be Series 8's "Bad Wolf"

And so here's hoping to a healthy and prosperous 2014!