'My Take' On: The 1st Issue Of ZOMBIE RANCH The Comic Book! From Art Of Dawn -------------- Above Photo: Clinton Wolf & Dawn Wolf Holding the Preview Issue of Zombie Ranch At the Long Beach Comic Con Expo Held February of 2010. At the Left: The Front Cover of Zombie Ranch #1!

TODAY'S FEATURE - Blog #3183:

One of the pleasures I get from attending comic cons is to see projects take shape and evolve into full fledged printed comic books.

One of those projects is called 'Zombie Ranch', created and brought to print by Dawn Wolf and her husband Clinton Wolf.

I first came across this project back at the 2009 Long Beach Comic Con (LBCC), and blogged about it and the creators at this archived blog post. To allow YOU to catch up, I'll pause for a few minutes...

Okay?  Well on with the rest of the story.

I saw Clinton and Dawn again, this time at the February 2010 Long Beach Comic Con Expo, an one day con this time that the promoters put on in between the 1st ever LBCC and the upcoming 2nd LBCC during Halloween this upcoming October of 2010.

There, I was updated by both of them as to how the project was coming along.  Their process was to go from web comic to a preview comic, (which I blogged about last time), and to publish a hard copy comic book. Which is what is being featured at the the top left of this current blog post.

Okay...Enough history! That should bring us up to date! 

Having received a copy...What is this 1st issue about? Here's what I found for the promo of this comic book on the publisher's web site and order page:

Zombie Ranch

Story - Clint Wolf & Art- Dawn Wolf
Price: $4.50

"Meet Susannah Zane. She’s a rancher. She raises livestock. Only thing is, her stock isn’t technically “live”. The Great Zombie Plague wiped out a fair portion of civilization, and humans weren’t the only victims of its ravenous hunger. But that was years ago, and where cattle, pigs, and sheep got scarce, practical sorts found a new herd to market: the zombies themselves! Now a crew has come out to film a new reality television series on the subject. To the viewers in the Safe Zones, it might be an eye-opener; but for Suzie and her compadres it’s just another day in the unlife. Welcome to the Zombie Ranch.

Zombie Ranch is a comic about...well...Ranching Zombies.

Issue #1 collects the first 23 pages of the webcomic, representing the entirety of our first story arc, and including a foreword and afterword from Clint. The Special Edition is a signed copy of the same, plus several extra goodies as detailed in the store.

Don’t worry, the past, present, and future comics of Zombie Ranch will continue to be free of charge here on the web, and we highly appreciate every last one of you that drops by to read. But hey, now we’ve also got something to set out at our next convention table, and you guys have your option if you’re the type who really likes something to flip through for the true comic experience. Regardless of your preferences, thanks for your support!"

So what's 'My Take' on this first issue? Considering I've already read and blogged about the earlier Preview Comic? 

Front Cover:  The coloring of this is what would attract my eyes if I were to see it at my LCBS, which it won't be at unfortunately.  The striking use of the reddish and white colors make the main character jump out at you when first seeing it. The casual browser will get immediately that it is a 'ranch', with a cowgirl, and the arm hanging out of the wagon is just a 'touch' of what is in store for the reader!

Inside Front Cover: Now this is HOW to present a new offering to a new audience! A billboard with the concept and the creators and a mini-history as to how this storyline came about. Plus it is good to know that this concept started off as a 'webcomic'...

Splash Page: I said in the above that this concept was first presented as a 'webcomic'.  Which is why there is a lack of a 'true' splash page in this presentation.  Okay, I'll go along with that...

Interior Pages:  After the 'foreword' there are 23 pages of art and story.  The style of the art is one that I like for this genre of story being told.  As frequent readers of this blog know by now...I'm not overly fond of the current flood of zombies, vampires & werewolves stories being foisted on the public.  

However, this concept is tasteful, and with the artwork and coloring is actually a more than just interesting 'read'.

That's because 'Susannah Zane', the main character is 'fleshed out' in this storyline.  (Excuse the pun!).  You see, Susannah is a rancher.  She raises livestock.  Only thing is, as said in the concept pages: "Her stock isn't technically 'live'!".

I'll let you read more on this for yourself, by giving you the links to the web site for the webcomic and also to where to order this publication in a bit.

At the end of the storyline, there is an 'afterword' from Clint, which kind of sums it up for now.  Which is good that it was printed there.

The inside back cover was the usual Ka-Blam advertisement page, which the printer takes as being the POD publisher. A fair enough trade IMO. It's even better though, that Clint & Dawn have the ad page as the inside back cover, instead of the back cover, which most creators opt for.

The back cover had all of the right ingredients to help the casual browser make up their mind to at least thumb through the pages if seeing this at their LCBS. Really good promo piece, with just enough illustration, and copy text.

Well...First of all, I was pleased to see this concept blossom into a hard copy 'floppy' format of comic book.  I had missed the earlier conception of the webcomic, and only found this via the 'preview comic' stage at the 1st LBCC in 2009.  I'm glad that Clint and Dawn have gone through to hard copy full fledged 'floppy' comic book format.

Even though Tina and myself have now bought a 'Droid', and both have 'played' with the iPad, I know that I personally am a 'tactile' reader.  So I'm glad that Clint & Dawn have brought out this 'floppy' hard copy format.  It takes a firm belief in your creation to go to this new level.

Leaving my own somewhat influenced thoughts aside for a moment, after seeing both creators a couple of times in person now, it's time to give this hard copy format of 'Zombie Ranch' #1 a 'comic book grade'. 

I would grade this 1st issue of 'Zombie Ranch' a 'Very Fine / Near Mint' (VF/NM) 9.0 out of the 10.0 Grading Scale. That's pretty darn good for a first issue! 

So in the meantime, where can YOU pick up a copy? Here's what I have been told.  If you see Dawn & Clint in person at the upcoming Long Beach Comic Con in October, they should have additional copies.  If YOU can't wait that long, and really you shouldn't...Then check out their website for the Special Edition package of this comic, or order the regular edition from Indy Planet via this link.

Additionally, since I am a BIG user of Facebook, I want to mention the Zombie Ranch Facebook Fan Page that YOU can 'Like' and be interactive with the creators and other fans.  

My thanks to Clint Wolf for bringing this brand new 1st issue in hard copy comic book format to my attention!

AND My thanks again to all of YOU reading this blog and our archived blog posts, now over the 3,180 total posts in number!

~ Michael D Hamersky @ ComicBookCollectorsBlog.com

Note: Our own online comic book store carries many different genres of comics, magazines and graphic novels at:

http://www.comicbookscircus.com/

 

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"Hammering Out the Web For You Since May 12th, 1998!"       Note: If you are breaking into, or already work in the comic book industry or other pop culture productions, you are welcome to email us press releases, news items, and updates that you feel would be of interest to our blog readers. Including YOUR own works! To mail printed items to us for possible review, send to:     Make It So Marketing Inc. PO Box 130653 Carlsbad, CA 92013

My thanks to those of YOU that have read today's blog post! I do appreciate that! For those of you that didn't know me before today...I first set up as a 'dealer' at the 1972 San Diego West Coast Comic Con (SDCC) at the El Cortez Hotel. So I've been around comic conventions for a little while, LOL!   My wife Tina and I now have an on-line exhibitor (dealer) table at the first "virtual" comic con titled the "Facebook Comic Con" (FBCC)! You can view our dealer table and interact with us there on Facebook by clicking this link, which takes you to our table named: 'Facebook Comic Con | Make It So Marketing'.  So if YOU are a Facebook member, please 'join' our Facebook Comic Con - Make It So Marketing exhibitor table for updates, specials, links to this blog, and other wall comments that we post every day!     Also, if you are a Facebook member and would like to also join my Facebook Network, feel free to send a 'friend request' to 'Michael D Hamersky'. I am reaching the maximum of 5,000 Facebook Friends soon, and I don't want YOU to be left out!         ------------------- Talking about comics: if YOU are a comics creator, (writer, penciler, inker, colorist, letterer, etc.), OR even a Comics / Magazine Publisher, feel free to contact me regarding YOUR works for a possible mention / review! I've made a special blog post about: "How To Best Submit YOUR Publication For Possible Review!" for those creators / publishers that would like to possibly have their publications mentioned or reviewed. Just click on the link provided in this paragraph! ~Michael @ ComicBookCollectorsBlog.com   WEB PAGE NOTE:  This blog post appears differently for different browser platforms. This blog is written first for the IE Browser standards. Chrome, Safarai, Netscape, Firefox and the others serve the page up differently, sorry about that!   The screen display resolution is best seen at the setting of 1024 x 768 on your laptop or desktop computer.   NOTE: All images and characters within this blog post are copyright and trademark their respective owners.

 

'My Take' On: Jeromy Cox's VAMPYRATES Issue #1 From Bloodfire Studios -------------- Above Photo: Jeromy Cox Holding the 1st Issue of Vampyrates - the Regular Cover, at the Recent June 2010 San Diego Quarterly Comic Con. At the Left: The Creator of this Comic Book Series, With the Limited Edition Sketch Cover to the Series!

TODAY'S FEATURE - Blog #3182:

A little late this morning getting this blog posted for all to see...

That's because Tina and I were patriotic yesterday for July 4th, by going out and spending some money to help this economy revive!  We needed a new printer to share between us, and went with a wireless model, as xtra cords in the home office would likely 'trip' us up, (pun intended).

Then we went to Verizon to look at replacing our phones, as Tina needed a better plan & phone for the ever growing Business!  We ended up with two new Droids...And of course it was like 'Christmas In July' this morning, as I got up at an insane hour to download apps and get the photo progams downloaded in both laptops. 

Heck, the San Diego Comic Con is only 16 days away...gotta be ready and know how to use these 'smart' phones by then!

Talking about comic-cons, I recently attended the June 2010 San Diego Quarterly Comic Con, sponsored by Paul Martinez.

Above are two photos of Jeromy Cox, who had a couple of tables at this comic con to feature what he has been doing lately.

I talked with him about what I do, (blog about and sell comic books)and he invited me to take a look at his Vampyrates #1.  I have since read it, and am ready to blog about it today!

So what is this issue about? Here's what I found for the promo of this comic book on the publisher's web site:

Vampyrates

Story & Art- Jeromy Cox
Price: $3.95

Genre - Vampire, Sci Fi

"Doctor Kevin Ring is a man of science and reason. He believes in two things, his books and the love he has for his beautiful wife, Anne Marie. Kevin's father, Johnathan Ring, has depleted the family estate hunting mythical creatures and fairy tales. Henry Page, a ship merchant and good friend to the Ring family offers Kevin relief from his creditors. A

ll young Kevin must do is track down and stop a band of pirates that have plagued Page's ships. As if pirates weren't bad enough, Kevin, against his desires, must venture to uncharted waters to find pirates rumored to be demonic blood thirsty vampyres.

From the mind of 4 time Eisner nominee, Jeromy Cox, colorist of Promethea, Teen Titans and Rex Mundi. Featuring the 14 page full color Kindergoth story, "Cafeteria Havok" written by Lee Kohse and Drawn by Jeff Zugale. For more Vampyrates, be check out our Vampyrates gallery and visit www.vampyrates.com.  Comic book - 48 pages."

So what's 'My Take' on this first issue? 

Front Cover:  The Logo Design by Todd Klein is just right for this comic book. The closeup of the characters, with the red oooze coming down from the 'Vampyrates' title gives the casual browser what is is in store for them.  The character designs with the red eyes, also indicates what should be inside.  The banner at the top of the front cover definitely spells it out:  'Part One: Thicker Than Water'.

Inside Front Cover Page (AND 'Splash Page'): Okay...The storyline start right off, we knew already by the front cover it is a 'time' piece, and the medical discovery on these two pages forming the kick off to the storyline instead of an inside front cover and splash page, sets the stage for where the story goes next.

Not overly shocking for those that watch TV Shows like CSI, and Fringe, but not for the squeamish either!

Interior Pages:  The action continues, the cast is introduced, and what I noticed mostly was the beautiful coloring of the pages!  The characters are illustrated in a style that is enjoyable to view, and even though this genre is not one of my favorites, I found myself drawn to continue reading because of the art, colors, and storyline.

All too soon the story is 'finished', but on the last page of the story is the caption:  'The End?'.  I'm hoping not, as this was a good intro to the characters and setting.

But wait, there's more! 

There is a one page credits page, and a letter in manuscript form for the reader to see, about the background of the feature.

Plus this is one of those 'flip' comics.  By flipping the comic book over, there is another story, titled Kinder Goth- Cafeteria Havoc. Written and colored by Lee Kohse with art by Jeff Zugale.  However, I'm not going to review that here at this time...

So, after all of the above..What is 'My Take' on this comic book issue?

Well...First of all, I was pleased to see have seen the creator of this comic book at this smaller comic-con in San Diego.  It was my first 'real' introduction to Jeromy Cox and his works, even though I probably have read one of the other publications he has had a hand or two in.

I found that even though the genre was one that is not one of my personal favorites to read, Jeromy and the others involved in this publication made it an enjoyable read.  Enough for me to want to see an additional issue.

The storyline was Not over the Top, the dialogue was good for the period piece, the art was in a fun style, the inking by John Tighe and Mike S Miller was in keeping with the tone of the story. 

The coloring was outstanding, and also Not Over the Top, which I appreciated in this vampire / sci-fi genre of story.

The cover was by J.H. Williams III, I'm not for sure why, as I enjoyed the interior art as well.  But it made for a good front cover for someone at a LCBS want to pick up and browse through for a possible purchase.

The fact that there was an additional story added by the publishers of this publication could be considered a plus.  I found it to be cute, but whether or not it belong with the flip side could be asked, as it was a different type of tale with a different team of creators. 

I would grade this 1st issue of 'Vampyrates' with a 'Very Fine / Near Mint' (VF/NM) 9.0 out of the 10.0 Grading Scale. That's pretty darn good coming from me, who sees a LOT of vampires / werewolves / etc. stories coming in for possible review! 

So in the meantime, where can YOU pick up a copy? Here's what I found.  If you see Jeromy Cox in person at a con, he does have a few for sale, including the 'Limited Edition Sketch Cover' variant edition pictured at the top left of this blog.  If not, then check out the publisher's web site at: Bloodfire.com.

Additionally, since I am a BIG user of Facebook, I want to mention the Bloodfire Studios Facebook Fan Page that YOU can 'Like' and be interactive with the publisher and other fans.

AND for extra fun, here's the Vampyrates Facebook Fan Page just for this comic book creation! I have 'Liked' this one after reading the 1st Issue!

My thanks to Jeromy Cox for bringing this 1st issue to my attention!

AND My thanks again to all of YOU reading this blog and our archived blog posts, now over the 3,180 total posts in number!

~ Michael D Hamersky @ ComicBookCollectorsBlog.com

Note: Our online comic book store carries many different genres of comics, magazines and graphic novels at:

http://www.comicbookscircus.com/

 

---

 

"Hammering Out the Web For You Since May 12th, 1998!"       Note: If you are breaking into, or already work in the comic book industry or other pop culture productions, you are welcome to email us press releases, news items, and updates that you feel would be of interest to our blog readers. Including YOUR own works! To mail printed items to us for possible review, send to:     Make It So Marketing Inc. PO Box 130653 Carlsbad, CA 92013

My thanks to those of YOU that have read today's blog post! I do appreciate that! For those of you that didn't know me before today...I first set up as a 'dealer' at the 1972 San Diego West Coast Comic Con (SDCC) at the El Cortez Hotel. So I've been around comic conventions for a little while, LOL!   My wife Tina and I now have an on-line exhibitor (dealer) table at the first "virtual" comic con titled the "Facebook Comic Con" (FBCC)! You can view our dealer table and interact with us there on Facebook by clicking this link, which takes you to our table named: 'Facebook Comic Con | Make It So Marketing'.  So if YOU are a Facebook member, please 'join' our Facebook Comic Con - Make It So Marketing exhibitor table for updates, specials, links to this blog, and other wall comments that we post every day!     Also, if you are a Facebook member and would like to also join my Facebook Network, feel free to send a 'friend request' to 'Michael D Hamersky'. I am reaching the maximum of 5,000 Facebook Friends soon, and I don't want YOU to be left out!         ------------------- Talking about comics: if YOU are a comics creator, (writer, penciler, inker, colorist, letterer, etc.), OR even a Comics / Magazine Publisher, feel free to contact me regarding YOUR works for a possible mention / review! I've made a special blog post about: "How To Best Submit YOUR Publication For Possible Review!" for those creators / publishers that would like to possibly have their publications mentioned or reviewed. Just click on the link provided in this paragraph! ~Michael @ ComicBookCollectorsBlog.com   WEB PAGE NOTE:  This blog post appears differently for different browser platforms. This blog is written first for the IE Browser standards. Chrome, Safarai, Netscape, Firefox and the others serve the page up differently, sorry about that!   The screen display resolution is best seen at the setting of 1024 x 768 on your laptop or desktop computer.   NOTE: All images and characters within this blog post are copyright and trademark their respective owners.

 

Vinnie's Take On: The All New Super Friends Hour Season 1 - Volume 1 On DVD - Part I!       Above: The Front Cover to The All New Super Friends Hour - Season One - Volume One on DVD!  At The Top Left: The Stars of the Super Friends Hour Being Alerted to Trouble! At the Bottom Left: Vinnie - Today's Guest Blogger!

TODAY'S FEATURE - Blog #3181:

Today I'm pleased once again to have as guest blogger, Vinnie, who is writing 'His Take' on the The All New Super Friends Hour Season One - Volume One DVD Collection that we bought to view. Due to the length of the running time on this DVD, Vinnie will be posting a Part II in the future:

[SPOILER ALERT: This whole blog post is a 'Spoiler Alert', but that is because Vinnie goes into some detail in his review blogs. This is more of a review of the collection from a tween's POV.]

My Take On: 

The All New Super Friends Hour - Season One - Volume One on DVD!

This is part 1 of my 2 part Blog post. This is about The All New Super Friends Hour: Season 1 Volume 1. This set contains 7 episodes, each with 4 diferent cartoons in them.

In between those cartoons, they have riddles and fun segments where a Super Friend will have you put together 2 words, and ask you to decode it. A Super Friend will also either show you a magic trick, and how to do it! Along with those 2, they might also show you tips to stay healthy and safe.

Each episode has 4 cartoons: First, a short with a team up of either Superman, Aquaman, Batman and Robin, or Wonder Woman. Next there is a Wonder Twins 'short' where Zan, Jayna and Gleek are the only Super Friends appearing in that cartoon. Then, there is a half hour story with all the Super Friends and the Wonder Twins. Finally, there is a team-up with either Batman and Robin, Superman, Wonder Woman, or Aquaman teamed up with a featured guest star.

My thoughts about this are that it is very entertaining. Between every cartoon there are the mini-toons that throw in a change of pace. Those are usually puzzles and riddles which make the mind think, magic tricks to get the imagination working, and helpful tips to keep you healthy and safe.

My favorite type of the 4 cartoons were the team-ups where the Super Friends, Wonder Twins, and Gleek would solve a problem because you get to see all of them using their special talents. It is a real eye candy seeing Aquaman summon sea creatures as his minions, Wonder Woman with her magical lasso, Superman able t carry or break through everything with ease, along with all those "Super" talents he has like Freeze Breath, X-ray Vision, and many others,  Batman and Robin's Bat Utility Belt which carries everything for those situations, the Wonder Twins with their shape-shifting ability, and Gleek, the buck-toothed, blue colored primate with his Woner Tail and oposable thumbs to carry the bucket Zan is usually carried in when in water form.

The DVD was released quite awhile ago.  It originally hit in DVD format on January 8,  2008. I am writing this Blog in a 2 part Blog post because the total runtime for both discs in this DVD set is 323 minutes- nearly 5 & 1/2 hours. That wouldn't really be a realistic amount of time to cover in one sitting; but just about right if divided into 2 nights.
 
Because I haven't seen the whole DVD set, I will not give it a rating yet.

Stay tuned for Part 2 of the Blog of The All New Super Friends Hour: Season 1 Volume 1.

That will be sometime in the future. Thanks for reading! Now, take it away Michael!.

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That's the end of today's guest blog by Vinnie...My thanks to him for sharing here today what we watched this weekend! We don't have any for sale in our online store but YOU too can enjoy this DVD collection by clicking on the link that follows here:

The All-New Super Friends Hour: Season One, Vol. 1

If YOU liked his review on this DVD, you may enjoy reading his reviews on: The Ultimate Underdog Collection Volume 1, Planet Hulk, Coraline, Ponyo, X-Men Origins: Wolverine, Sonic the Hedgehog TPB Vol 1, Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs, just to name a recent few!   

AND My thanks again to all of YOU reading this blog and our archived blog posts, now over the 3,180 total posts in number!

~ Michael D Hamersky @ ComicBookCollectorsBlog.com

Note: Our online comic book store carries many different genres of comics, magazines, and graphic novels, including Funnybooks, Sci-Fi, and MoNSTer Comics at:

http://www.comicbookscircus.com/

 

---

 

"Hammering Out the Web For You Since May 12th, 1998!"       Note: If you are breaking into, or already work in the comic book industry or other pop culture productions, you are welcome to email us press releases, news items, and updates that you feel would be of interest to our blog readers. Including YOUR own works! To mail printed items to us for possible review, send to:     Make It So Marketing Inc. PO Box 130653 Carlsbad, CA 92013

My thanks to those of YOU that have read today's blog post! I do appreciate that! For those of you that didn't know me before today...I first set up as a 'dealer' at the 1972 San Diego West Coast Comic Con (SDCC) at the El Cortez Hotel. So I've been around comic conventions for a little while, LOL!   My wife Tina and I now have an on-line exhibitor (dealer) table at the first "virtual" comic con titled the "Facebook Comic Con" (FBCC)! You can view our dealer table and interact with us there on Facebook by clicking this link, which takes you to our table named: 'Facebook Comic Con | Make It So Marketing'.  So if YOU are a Facebook member, please 'join' our Facebook Comic Con - Make It So Marketing exhibitor table for updates, specials, links to this blog, and other wall comments that we post every day!     Also, if you are a Facebook member and would like to also join my Facebook Network, feel free to send a 'friend request' to 'Michael D Hamersky'. I am reaching the maximum of 5,000 Facebook Friends soon, and I don't want YOU to be left out!         ------------------- Talking about comics: if YOU are a comics creator, (writer, penciler, inker, colorist, letterer, etc.), OR even a Comics / Magazine Publisher, feel free to contact me regarding YOUR works for a possible mention / review! I've made a special blog post about: "How To Best Submit YOUR Publication For Possible Review!" for those creators / publishers that would like to possibly have their publications mentioned or reviewed. Just click on the link provided in this paragraph! ~Michael @ ComicBookCollectorsBlog.com   WEB PAGE NOTE:  This blog post is written for the IE Browser standards. Chrome, Safarai, Netscape, Firefox and the others serve the page up differently, sorry about that!   The screen display resolution is best seen at the setting of 1024 x 768. NOTE: All images and characters within this blog post are copyright and trademark their respective owners. is blog post is written for the IE Browser standards. Chrome, Safarai, Netscape, Firefox and the others serve the page up differently. The screen display resolution is best seen at the setting of 1024 x 768. NOTE: All images and characters within this blog post are copyright and trademark their respective owners.

 

Coming To San Diego For the Comic-Con? Then Read This Book Before You Get Here! For One of the Two Best Burger Chains In The Area! -------------- Above Photo: The Front Cover to In-N-Out Burger by Stacy Perman. At the Left: Issue #1 (and Only!) Hot Rod King published by Ziff-Davis from Fall of 1952!

TODAY'S FEATURE - Blog #3180:

Yeah, believe it or not...I do read other printed matter than just 'floppy' comic books and graphic novels, LOL!

I just finished reading the above book and thought about those of YOU that are coming to the Comic-Con International San Diego for either the first time, or a repeat visit, and have never had an In-N-Out Burger experience!

I keep getting asked each year about good places to eat during the Comic-Con. Well, Tina and I don't really go out to eat during the comic-con days, as we are there from the wee hours of the morning (standing in line for Hall H a couple of days at least), and staying till late at night usually.  I can't handle the all nighters any more, but then again, I started attending back in 1972 as a dealer when I was much younger!

So when I'm asked about good food, the question is counter-questioned by 'fast food' or 'sit-down restaurant with friends'?  If it's 'fast food' I usually think either 'Mexican Food' due to us being so close to the Mexican border, or burgers!

You see, of the burger chains that are in our area of Metro San Diego, there are only two that I frequent.  In-N-Out Burger and also the original Tommy's Burgers - home of the World's Best Chiliburgers!  (And Yeah, I lived in LA Metro Area for a few years, where both of these burger chains started!)

Well, Tommy's is a tale for another blog post, because I haven't found a book on that chain yet...

But I have to tell YOU about this book and the chain, and the relationship to comic books!

"Comic Books?" You say...?

Yeah comic books. But first a quick mention of the book pictured above.

This book was first published April of 2009.  Written by Stacy Perman, it just jumped out at me.  Why?  Because unlinke most other burger chains, this one fought off all kinds of efforts to go national via franchising.

Stacy presents a well written and well researched story in her book.  I was fascinated by it, quite honestly!

The family that started this burger business did not want publicity for years, and only recently has the general public been privvy to some of what was going on there.  The family wanted the product to speak for them, and did not have any spokesperson or character doing publicity for them.

The only real publicity in the early years was their endorsement of one of the sons' racing hobby, which turned out to be more than a hobby. 

That racing endorsement goes on to this day, (as of January 2010 at least), and that is why I chose to blog about this today.

You see there is a small genre of 'hot rods' and 'car racing' comic books.  The Hot Rod King #1 pictured at the top left of this post is from the Fall of 1952.  So yeah, hot rods and comics do go back a ways!

I've always stopped to read the hot rod racing comic books as they come in with collections that we buy from other dealers or those individuals that contact us to sell their collection. 

I don't go out of my way to buy them, but if I see that Jack Keller, who was my favorite artist on the Kid Colt, Outlaw comic book series drew it, then I stop to read them.

Anyways, back to the book itself.

Stacy does NOT do a tell-all 'yellow journalism' piece here. It is presented IMO without prejudice and without sensationalism of what has happened since the family first started in Baldwin Park, (Los Angeles Metro Area), of California.

The book starts with husband-wife team, (Harry & Esther), that started the first location, and then on to the the two brothers, (Guy & Rich). It ends with the grand-daughter, (Lynsi), who has taken over the business. 

Sharp story telling, AND it actually has eight pages of photos!

For those of YOU that are BIG Fans of this burger chain, (AND that includes my wife, Tina LoSasso!) this is a MUST Read for you!

For those of YOU that are just coming into San Diego for the San Diego Comic Con International (a.k.a. Comic-Con International: San Diego), then I suggest at least stopping in and checking out this burger chain.  PLUS check this book out if your are driving / flying into our area.

Here's the link to the locations finder for In-N-Out Burger. There are six locations within 8 miles of the San Diego Convention Center!  Just keypunch in 'San Diego CA' 92101 in the search bar.

Here's the link to their 'Secret Menu' as discussed in the book.

Oh, and Tina always orders a Double-Double with grilled onions, fries, and a soft drink, which is Not on the 'Secret Menu', but is actually pictured near the top of this blog post, just 3 photos above this paragraph!

I believe I've covered everything that I wanted to, and why this topic is related to comic books!

My thanks to Stacy Perman for writing this book!  Great Read! If it was a Comic Book or Graphic Novel, I'd give it a Near Mint (NM) 9.4 out of a 10.0 grading scale!

UPDATE...As of 09-07-10 I just found that there is a paperback format of this book coming to print soon! 

We won't have any for sale in our own online store as it doesn't fit our usual sales niche, but here's a link to where we suggest YOU get a copy if you are wanting to purchase one after reading this blog!  In Paperback format found here:

In-N-Out Burger: A Behind-the-Counter Look at the Fast-Food Chain That Breaks All the Rules!

AND My thanks again to all of YOU reading this blog and our archived blog posts, now over the 3,175 total posts in number!

~ Michael D Hamersky @ ComicBookCollectorsBlog.com

Note: Our online comic book store carries many different genres of comics, magazines, graphic novels, and comic con promotional items at:

http://www.comicbookscircus.com/

 

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"Hammering Out the Web For You Since May 12th, 1998!"       Note: If you are breaking into, or already work in the comic book industry or other pop culture productions, you are welcome to email us press releases, news items, and updates that you feel would be of interest to our blog readers. Including YOUR own works! To mail printed items to us for possible review, send to:     Make It So Marketing Inc. PO Box 130653 Carlsbad, CA 92013

My thanks to those of YOU that have read today's blog post! I do appreciate that! For those of you that didn't know me before today...I first set up as a 'dealer' at the 1972 San Diego West Coast Comic Con (SDCC) at the El Cortez Hotel. So I've been around comic conventions for a little while, LOL!   My wife Tina and I now have an on-line exhibitor (dealer) table at the first "virtual" comic con titled the "Facebook Comic Con" (FBCC)! You can view our dealer table and interact with us there on Facebook by clicking this link, which takes you to our table named: 'Facebook Comic Con | Make It So Marketing'.  So if YOU are a Facebook member, please 'join' our Facebook Comic Con - Make It So Marketing exhibitor table for updates, specials, links to this blog, and other wall comments that we post every day!     Also, if you are a Facebook member and would like to also join my Facebook Network, feel free to send a 'friend request' to 'Michael D Hamersky'. I am reaching the maximum of 5,000 Facebook Friends soon, and I don't want YOU to be left out!         ------------------- Talking about comics: if YOU are a comics creator, (writer, penciler, inker, colorist, letterer, etc.), OR even a Comics / Magazine Publisher, feel free to contact me regarding YOUR works for a possible mention / review! I've made a special blog post about: "How To Best Submit YOUR Publication For Possible Review!" for those creators / publishers that would like to possibly have their publications mentioned or reviewed. Just click on the link provided in this paragraph! ~Michael @ ComicBookCollectorsBlog.com   WEB PAGE NOTE:  This blog post appears differently for different browser platforms. This blog is written first for the IE Browser standards. Chrome, Safarai, Netscape, Firefox and the others serve the page up differently, sorry about that!   The screen display resolution is best seen at the setting of 1024 x 768 on your laptop or desktop computer.   NOTE: All images and characters within this blog post are copyright and trademark their respective owners.

 

'My Take' On: Yi Soon Shin Warrior And Defender #2 From Onrie Kompan Productions -------------- Above Photo: The Front Cover to Yi Soon Shin #2. At the Left: The Creator of this Comic Book Series, Onrie Kompan!

TODAY'S FEATURE - Blog #3179:

As mentioned in yesterday's blog, Tina and I have been revamping the 'home office' to allow both of us to work from the same location. Thus it's taken me a little bit of time to get back on a 'review' blog schedule.  I don't want to neglect this review  aspect of my Blog, so am back to presenting another one today...

Today's post is a review on the second issue of a comic book series that I have already blogged about before, (click here for that review blog.) At that time I had a few questions about the limited series.  Those questions were being answered by this 2nd issue as well as a letter from the publisher.

So what is this issue about? Well..first, I suggest you read my in-depth review of issue #1 via the link above, so you don't feel like you came in late.  Then here is what issue #2 is about per Onrie Kompan:

"Without giving too much away, Issue #2 picks up where Issue #1 left off.  In the aftermath of the Korean Navy's victory at the Battle of Okpo, the Japanese invaders are now determined to assassinate Admiral Yi. One man claims he can get the job done. His name is Baron Seo."

Onrie also tells me that:

"...We will resume production on Issues #3 and #4 starting in August.  The same team will be working on the book.  The first trade will be released in Summer 2011."

So what's 'My Take' on this second issue? 

Front Cover:  Beautiful artwork, colors and copy text.

Inside Front Cover Page: A LOT of copy text, but this is very helpful for someone who is just picking up this series for the first time. PLUS it is a refresher to those that read the earlier issue a while ago.

Splash Page:  Not a splash page per se...It starts right in on the action.

Interior Pages:  The action continues, the cast is rounded out and fleshed out.  The continuation of the storyline was well thought out, and the really nice artwork continued from the first issue.  I really believe that it is the coloring that is setting this series apart from many others though. Even though there is blood because of the battle scenes, it is not over the top in coloring.  Great job here by Adriana De Los Santos!

The Inside Back Cover:  Shows the cover to the upcoming issue #3.  Good preview cover page!

Back Cover: Basically a promo page for what this 'Limited Series' is about. Plus a link to the comic book's web site.  Good promo piece.

So, after all of the above...what is 'My Take' on all of this?

Well...First of all, I was pleased to see this issue come in for possible review.  As stated in the review blog on the 1st issue, I hadn't known about the Imjin War between Korea and Japan during this time period of 1592 - 1598.

I found that the even though the action took place on the battlefields, that the blood 'n guts of war didn't spill over into the pages of this comic book series too much.  I believe as I said above, that the excellent coloring kept this bloodletting from getting out of hand on the printed pages.

The storyline and spoken words by the characters seemed to fit the scenes and the actions being taken.  I was kept busy in reading the story by Onrie Kompan.

The artwork by Givoanni Timpano really fits this genre of story as I stated before.

The lettering by Joel Saavedra was set a little smaller in font size than what I am used to, but it didn't detract from the artwork. Plus it actually 'drew' me more into seeing the artwork in this font size.

Again, as stated in the earlier blog post of mine, this storyline is written in the viewpoint of the Korean side of the conflict, and I am not a historian of that part of the world. However, the presentation of the storyline and the contributions by the artist, colorist, and letterer makes for good reading.

I look forward to seeing the continuation of this storyline. I am not for sure of the total number issues in this limited series. However, there is supposed to be a trade paperback in 2011 for those that prefer to read TPBs. 

I would grade this 2nd issue of the Limited Comic Book Series with a 'Near Mint' (NM) 9.4 out of the 10.0 Grading Scale. That's because I don't give anything above that grade when selling 'comic books' like this one in our own online comic book shop! 

It is that good IMO.  My only question would be the time between now and #3 some time in August.  However, if the next issue is of the same quality that this one is...then it would be worth waiting for! Especially since it is only $2.99 cover priced!

So in the meantime, where can YOU pick up a copy? Here's what the self-publisher tells me:

"Your blog readers can go to Yisooshin.com/purchase. The book is now available in stores in NYC.  (Midtown Comics, Jim Hanley's Universe, Roger's Time Machine, and Forbidden Planet)."

Talking about Onrie, here is a brief bio about him:

"Onrie Kompan received his B.A. in Fiction Writing from Columbia College Chicago and is the recipient of multiple grants from the Weisman scholarship. YI SOON SHIN: WARRIOR AND DEFENDER is Onrie’s first professional entry into the world of comics.  He spent the last three years doing research on the subject and has journeyed all the way to South Korea in order to bring admiral Yi Soon Shin’s story to life.  During his travels, Onrie befriended historians and military advisors from the Republic of Korea Army and Navy."

The above is pretty much what I have to say about this '2nd issue in this Limited Comic Book Series.  Now YOU can have your say AND be interactive with Onrie Kompan at the Facebook Fan Page for this series. I have 'liked' this Fage Page already, of which I am suggesting YOU to click and 'like' also. 

My thanks to Onrie Kompan for bringing this 2nd issue of thee series to my attention!

AND My thanks again to all of YOU reading this blog and our archived blog posts, now over the 3,175 total posts in number!

~ Michael D Hamersky @ ComicBookCollectorsBlog.com

Note: Our online comic book store carries many different genres of comics, magazines and graphic novels at:

http://www.comicbookscircus.com/

 

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"Hammering Out the Web For You Since May 12th, 1998!"       Note: If you are breaking into, or already work in the comic book industry or other pop culture productions, you are welcome to email us press releases, news items, and updates that you feel would be of interest to our blog readers. Including YOUR own works! To mail printed items to us for possible review, send to:     Make It So Marketing Inc. PO Box 130653 Carlsbad, CA 92013

My thanks to those of YOU that have read today's blog post! I do appreciate that! For those of you that didn't know me before today...I first set up as a 'dealer' at the 1972 San Diego West Coast Comic Con (SDCC) at the El Cortez Hotel. So I've been around comic conventions for a little while, LOL!   My wife Tina and I now have an on-line exhibitor (dealer) table at the first "virtual" comic con titled the "Facebook Comic Con" (FBCC)! You can view our dealer table and interact with us there on Facebook by clicking this link, which takes you to our table named: 'Facebook Comic Con | Make It So Marketing'.  So if YOU are a Facebook member, please 'join' our Facebook Comic Con - Make It So Marketing exhibitor table for updates, specials, links to this blog, and other wall comments that we post every day!     Also, if you are a Facebook member and would like to also join my Facebook Network, feel free to send a 'friend request' to 'Michael D Hamersky'. I am reaching the maximum of 5,000 Facebook Friends soon, and I don't want YOU to be left out!         ------------------- Talking about comics: if YOU are a comics creator, (writer, penciler, inker, colorist, letterer, etc.), OR even a Comics / Magazine Publisher, feel free to contact me regarding YOUR works for a possible mention / review! I've made a special blog post about: "How To Best Submit YOUR Publication For Possible Review!" for those creators / publishers that would like to possibly have their publications mentioned or reviewed. Just click on the link provided in this paragraph! ~Michael @ ComicBookCollectorsBlog.com   WEB PAGE NOTE:  This blog post appears differently for different browser platforms. This blog is written first for the IE Browser standards. Chrome, Safarai, Netscape, Firefox and the others serve the page up differently, sorry about that!   The screen display resolution is best seen at the setting of 1024 x 768 on your laptop or desktop computer.   NOTE: All images and characters within this blog post are copyright and trademark their respective owners.