I'll Be Published: ALWAYS PUNCH NAZIS

I'm proud to announce that my Black Bat comic story, One Bullet Too Many, will be appearing in the Pilot Studios anthology Always Punch Nazis.

Proceeds benefit Southern Poverty Law Center; learn more about the Always Punch Nazis Kickstarter by clicking this link.

Happy 100th Birthday, Jack Kirby!

Once, long ago and far away, this used to be a comics blog. And we're returning to our roots, celebrating the 100th birthday of Jack "King" Kirby!

That's pretty much it...other than that, I have nothing.

Lookin' Mighty Keen Online....

One of the disadvantages of taking a break from blogging is that...well, I tend to generate a lot of online content. A lot. So I end up with a huge backlog of links that I normally end up posting here monthly to help improve search...and to also show off what I've done.

(And it wasn't just blogging: I took a seven-day break from Facebook, and wrote about it for Chicago Now. I also took a break from Twitter, although not before participating in a SproutChat session on snark on Twitter).

One of the advantages, however, has been an increase in opportunities to write some great one-off pieces, like this list of the top 5 coolest Wonder Woman action figures for Complete Set. 

It's also flattering that my professional efforts are getting some attention....and that not only is my LinkedIn profile seeing more activity, but one of my past Chicago Now posts was being cited by another blogger. 

On the Doctor Who tip, I recently did a guest stint on the Who 37 podcast discussing a Series 10 episode. Or more accurately, "anything but that Series 10 episode)

Ironically, one of the benefits of taking a respite from this blog is that my work for Chicago Now skyrocketed. One of my posts (about a critical life decision) ended up being cited as one of Chicago Now's Best Posts of the Month. In addition, I've written not one, but two really cool posts and I'm feeling like I'm getting back into the blogging spirit.

And of course, that means more time here as well, hopefully.

A Few Words on Fan Entitlement

Right now, I'm feeling like the stereotypical old man who stands on his porch and yells, "Hey, you kids, get the hell off my lawn!"

In recent weeks, I've encountered several incidents of fans basically acting...well, fannish. Mostly on Facebook. People sharing videos with titles like "Marvel Gives Up Social Justice Storylines" or "Axanar Lawsuit Settlement: Star Trek Belongs To The Fans". In fact, after making a joke about Tom Baker, I was accused of being an "ageist, sexist pipsqueak".

(I apologized, then screen captured and deleted that post...but now I'm getting complaints about why I'm scheduling events when they can't make it).

So right now, I'm very cranky and frustrated because...well, fan entitlement makes it harder for people like me to enjoy popular culture. So in an effort to regain my blogging mojo, here are some thoughts about why fans make it tougher for the rest of us.

First, here's the deal - you don't own the franchise you love. You own your feelings about it, your reactions to it, your love/hate of certain tropes within it, but no franchise belongs to the fans. Legally, any pop culture franchise is the intellectual property of someone else. You don't even "own" public domain characters...because they legally belong to everyone and are open for their use.

(The last sentence was written for the "Sherlock-Holmes-Belongs-In-The-Victorian-Era crowd).

But fair use, Gordon! Fair use allows us to use characters in fan films! Well...yes and no. For more details, check out the Fair Use Project. In short, you really need to know what you're talking about....

But most importantly, remember - you don't own these properties. You own your feelings about them, your passion about them, your enthusiasm about new entries...but you don't get to make creative choices.

Many creators - and I'm one of them - take a very calculated risk. We're taking a risk that the story we tell won't matter to anyone. It won't be entertaining, it won't be worth reading/viewing/hearing, and most importantly, it won't be worth the time, effort and creativity we put into it.

However, as a fan, you share in that risk - you don't automatically get the opportunity to influence our creative choices. (That's what fan fiction is for). You don't get to claim that you receive special privilege because you're a fan. What you do get, however, is the opportunity to share in fandom.

Because fandom is, at best, a shared experience. It means that one person's loathed character is another's beloved character. It is perfectly OK to like something someone else hates.

Wow, that was fun. Looks like I'm regaining my blogging mojo.

Some Educational Videos on the Golden Age of Comics

Provided to help educate you - enjoy!

Some "Alternative Facts" For Your Consideration

AKA "Your Out-of-Context Golden Age Panel Moment of Zen"

Another Golden Age Comics Panel Taken Out of Context....

Even For the Golden Age, This is Trying Too Hard....

Review: CARRIERS: PIRATE BAY/WATCHERS IN THE NIGHT

(Special thanks to Pilot Studios for providing electronic copies for review)

I have to admit, much of my enthusiasm for comics has waned thanks to the ever-prevalent cycle of reboot/revamp/recon of the majors....but sometimes, a comic can serve as a reminder of the power of the medium....and that, despite the material, comics can be imaginative and fun.

Carriers: Pirate Bay # 1  and Carriers: Watchers in the Night from Pilot Studios are imaginative, fun reads...and deserve your attention.

Carriers' premise is simple: a group of anthropomorphic carrier pigeons fight fantastic menaces in New York City. Part of a series of graphic novels, Pirate Bay # 1 is the third of the series (and the first chapter of a multi-part story), and Watchers in the Night is the seventh, but both contain strong, well-written stories and...well, after reading these, you'll be heading to Indy Planet to purchase more copies. Yes, they're that good.

Pirate Bay starts in high gear with a group of seagull pirates engaging in arson...and a threat: release the Croc King or more damage will happen.

You read that correctly - seagull pirates. Part of the joy of JD Arnold's script is how it deftly balances high pulp adventure with a great sense of characterization. As the opening chapter of a series, Carriers: Pirate Bay lays out its scenario well, providing easy entry into this world.

(Plus, both series have a one-page introduction to the world of Carriers)

Although Arnold's script is excellent, I thoroughly enjoyed Luis Rivera's art and inking on Carriers: Pirate Bay. Even though disparate elements are provided (moving from seagull pirates to more high-tech setting to the sewers of New York), Rivera's art provides a nice continuity and never breaks tone or feels inauthentic. Micah Meyers' lettering and Grupo Escomics' colors also provide context and consistency. In short, this is a really good book.

I have to admit that although I also enjoyed Carriers: Watchers In the Night, the book didn't have the same excitement or discovery.

Part of it, I'll admit, is that it comes later on in the overall "series" (meaning that I may have missed some critical pieces). I think part of it also is that there are some blatant nods to the Watchmen movie which feel a bit forced...

Granted, it should be expected with the word "Watchers" in the title, but it does make sense in plot terms.

Jay Huwer's script (from a story written in collaboration with artist Jason Kimble) highlights one of the key themes, as the plot concerns how the Carriers interact with the Parliament, a group of owls protecting the city. As the plot progresses, it becomes clear that the Parliament has their own, more extreme way of protecting the city....

Carriers: Watchers In the Night focuses on a well-told story in comics: how far is too far in protecting the common good? Despite this common theme, the script actually does a great job in laying out the beats, and providing a natural new "rival" for the Carriers.

In fact, it manages to do in twenty-some pages what the Watchmen movie took four hours. And made it much more pleasant.

Jason Kimble's art brings fantasy-oriented, almost contemplative quality to the story. I'm not a fan of that particular style of art, but in this context, it works wonders, giving Carriers: Watchers In the Night a more fable/parable-like quality. Even though it's not quite my favorite, I have to admit that it tells a frequently-told story in very moody, thoughtful terms.

If you're suffering through a slight sense of comic burnout (like I am), you should pick up Carriers: Pirate Bay # 1 and Carriers: Watchers in the Night. You can purchase online via IndyPlanet, or you can ask your local comic shop.

After reading these books, you will rethink your pull list. I guarantee it.

Today's National Comic Book Day

So if you're looking for comics to read today, but don't have a ton of cash - check out the Digital Comic Museum, which possesses a large number of public domain Golden Age Comics available for download.

Also, download Comical to read them - it's an open source CBR reader. It's free (with no toolbars/malware), and will make reading your downloads easier.

Enjoy!

Happy Birthday, Jack Kirby!

Yes, the King himself would have been 99 today.

And if he saw what was going on....I'm not sure he'd approve.

Enjoy these graphics from past posts....and catch all of you later.

About RED HOT # 3 By Mike Luoma/Glow In the Dark Comics

Has there really been three issues of Red Hot, written by Mike Luoma and published by Glow in the Dark Comics?

Google answers - no. I wrote about issue one here, and issue two here.

And on August 24th, Red Hot will hit issue three, concluding its first story arc. And trust me - it's a really cool conclusion.

(Plus, you can easily order through Glow-in-the-Dark's page...and catch up on Mike's other excellent work).

One of the best things about this book (which was written and lettered by Mike - and yes, he and I are on a first-name basis) is the art. Illustrated by Juan Carlos Quattordio (FIERRO, GPS del AMOR), Red Hot # 3 starts with a climax and never lets go. It's a really strong, well-paced book with a twist that I never saw coming...and quite honestly, I don't think I would have. 

But what's also cool is how Red Hot establishes a great new universe. Or, as Mike says: 

"Happy to be releasing Red Hot three – great to be finishing with Juan Carlos what Rhys ap Gwyn and I began," Luoma said. "With his introductory story now complete with this issue, we hope comic book readers will give RED HOT a chance!"

I have to admit, I haven't been doing a lot of comics reading...and I've been missing it. Red Hot # 3 from Glow in the Dark Comics is a great reminder of how much fun reading comics can be.

Red Hot # 3 will be available digitally at comiXology and Drive Thru Comics and in print at Indy Planet.

Your Wednesday Public Domain Inspirational Moment of Zen

Review: DC REBIRTH # 1

You've probably already read many of the spoiler-y articles that came out before last week's release of DC Rebirth # 1. Long time readers of this blog know that I've been....well, more than a little critical of DC's approach, especially since the New 52. So this review may be a bit shocking.

I liked DC Rebirth # 1.

One of the things that I enjoyed about the book was that it never felt like another reboot or retcon....the story really focuses on what has been missing from DC Comics for awhile. (Or, "Yes, Geoff Johns goes meta in this one.") The story also feels like it's "pasting in the cracks" with the New 52 rather than scrapping everything to rethink characters.

I'm going to avoid spoilers, but one of DC Rebirth # 1's strengths - despite it being all set-up - is that the story has a definite agenda. Johns' script actually moves towards a given purpose, that there's a mission behind the story. (And before you cynically sneer "Yeah: to sell comics" - DC Rebirth reads like actual thought and planning was put into the writing). Even though there is a citation for two comics to read for background, DC Rebirth # 1 manages to kick off the story without the "need-to-bring-a-new-reader-on-board" baggage.  

(My only complaint about the story is that it seems to be leaning towards reengaging older DC fans...but that's premature on my part).

Oh, and about that ending....it's not as straightforward as other, more spoiler-centric articles might suggest. The book's epilogue feels more evocative than anything else....and that's one of DC Rebirth's strengths. I'm actually intrigued to read more details.

So DC has, at the very least, kickstarted attention and conversation with DC Rebirth # 1. Please don't let other online reviewers influence your opinion - read the book. Make up your own mind.

You'll find that I'm not too far off base.

Review: THE ADVENTURES OF ALIBI JONES # 2

Full Disclosure: An electronic copy of the comic and promotional materials were provided for review purposes. 

You know, I always enjoy when friends send me copies of their work to review. It serves as a bit of a palate cleanser (because I'm usually reading tons of other things for professional reasons) and break (because being a freelancer isn't easy). So when pal Mike Luoma of Glow In the Dark Radio sent me a copy of The Adventures of Alibi Jones # 2, I was pleased.

Even more pleasing was the fact that this is a pretty solid book. Although the issues consists of two shorter stories, I really appreciate the economy of Mike's writing, and The Adventures of Alibi Jones # 2 would serve as a great springboard for readers to check out other works featuring the character. 

The book's first tale, Vacation, involves Jones, his girlfriend, their feline-styled acquaintance, and a planet called "Paradise". Illustrated by David Siddall, Vacation manages to balance a fast-paced tale with some great characterization. Thanks to Matt Grant's inks and Jerry Lucas' coloring provide a very pleasant effect to the art, making this tale a really great lead for the book.

Illustrated by Meisha (with inks by Bill Nicholls and coloring by Ken Lateer, Alibi Jones & the Wishing Stone is a great character piece. It's a simple premise - Alibi Jones is sent to locate an artifact that grants wishes - but it leads to a much greater revelation about Alibi Jones. (Really can't spoil it). It's the kind of complex character building that's missing from more mainstream publishers....and Mike Luoma manages to do it in only a few pages.

The book also features two pin-ups: one by Ben Ferrari (with colors by Juan Carlos Quattordi); and the other is the cover for Alibi Jones and the Hornet's Nest by Federico Guillen. Both are really great pieces of art.

My exposure to comics both mainstream and indie has been limited the past few months, due to work. But sometimes, the right comic can lead to a greater sense of enjoyment about comics. Glow in the Dark Radio's The Adventures of Alibi Jones # 2 is such a comic, and it's a definite must-read.

Available via Comixology and Drive-Thru Comics, you don't have an excuse. Buy it. You'll thank me later.

RIP Darwyn Cooke

Earlier today, news of Darwyn Cooke's passing was announced, coming only a day after his treatment for "aggressive" cancer was disclosed.

Although like many, I loved his work on The New Frontier graphic novel for DC (and his Before Watchmen: Minutemen mini-series was the only highlight of that effort), my personal tastes lean more towards his adaptations of Richard Stark's Parker novels.

And I love his art. I'm not sure I can say anymore than....he'll be missed.

Obligatory Educational Content For the Blog

Big Hint About Upcoming Personal News.....

Happy Birthday Fred Hembeck!

He's not only one of my favorite artists, but he's also responsible for fostering a love of comics in my youth.

And yes, he did corrupt it. Yes, indeedy!

Happy birthday, Mr. Hembeck!

And here's what I'll be reading tonight....

Today's Comic Marketing Lesson

One of the things many companies don't realize is that, when it comes to advertising, they should know their audience.

Great example, in the 1940s, you would see ads like this in comics everywhere....

Don't believe me - download any of the free CBR files (and here's freeware for reading CBR files) from the Digital Comic Museum.

And that was today's lesson in marketing.