Michael D Hamersky On Comics Reflects On: Memorial Day and Comic Books! In Particular for This Memorial Day 2011 Post:  Captain America & Bucky! Top Photo: Sgt. Fury & His Howling Commandos #13 (December 1964) Top Middle Photo: Allen Bellman Returns to Timely/Marvel in 2010 Top Right Photo: Blogger Michael D Hamersky During FCBD 2010 with  Captain America Comics #1 (March 1941) & Marvel Comics #1 (October 1939) Bottom Right Photo:  The Black Friday Comics 2010 Grand Prize Illustrated by Allen Bellman for the Winner!     - -

TODAY'S FEATURE - Blog #3423:

Last year at this time, (in Blog #3151), I blogged about Memorial Day And Comic Books... In particular Sgt. Fury & His Howling Commandos!

In that post I mentioned how 'Memorial Day' came to be, and that it goes back to the day then called 'Decoration Day', which was first celebrated after the American Civil War.  For more info on the history, please read the earlier blog post.

This year I decided to 'honor' Captain America & Bucky, for three reasons.

Reason Number One:  When I was growing up, (yeah, way back when...Cover Dated November of 1963!), Captain America had been 'dead' for many years.  As well as his 'sidekick', Bucky, who had died at the end of WWII. A 'try-out' of returning Captain America, (only), was done in Strange Tales #114.  (Thanks again to Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, Dick Ayers, and Stan Goldberg!) 

Being a 'fan' of the Fantastic Four, (which started in - November of 1961 cover dated), I of course was following the solo feature of the Human Torch in Strange Tales.  I believe this was my first 'intro' to Captain America, as Fantasy Masterpieces which started reprinting 'old' Timely Captain America stories didn't start doing so until issue #3 - cover dated June of 1966.

Of course, Captain America 'returned from the dead' in Avengers #4 - cover dated March of 1964.  As I was a 'Marvelmaniac' during those years, I also read that comic.

As well as followed 'Cap' in his 'try out' in Tales of Suspense #58 cover dated October of 1964, which was the 'lead in' to his taking half of the 'split book' in issue #59 - cover dated November of 1964.

I have also mentioned in this Blog before, that I also purchased several coverless comics from the Timely / Atlas periods at a used bookstore in Downtown San Diego, on Broadway.  It was Lanning's Bookstore, (run by Mrs. Peggy Lanning), and I stumbled across it when I was walking downtown at the far East end, and came across a shopping cart full of coverless comics that was place in front of the store window!  It was there that I was introduced to the pre-Marvel days, and found Captain America comics there, as well as the Atlas 'HoRRoR' comics.  Great times... And yeah, I'm sure that many others in San Diego found Peggy Lanning's used book store too, as I keep running across those people at the SDCC!

So yeah, I've been a 'Cap' fan for a while...LOL!  But no, I'm no longer reading the current Marvel titles of Cap, for reasons I've mentioned before here in my blog...

Reason Number Two: I became 'Facebook Friends' with Allen Bellman in February of 2010, who is a well known Captain America artist.  This after meeting him briefly at the Comic-Con International: San Diego (a.k.a. SDCC) back in July of 2007.

Since then, Allen has corresponded with me several times about his convention schedules, as well as calling(!), and I've updated this Blog with those dates and info, as well as mention him at my Facebook Group Page:  Facebook Comic Con | Make It So Marketing, and my newer Facebook Fan Page: Michael D Hamersky On Comics.

In return, Allen volunteered to support my 2010 'Black Friday Comics' event, which kicked off my then brand new Facebook Fan Page, by offering to illustrate for the lucky winner of the Grand Prize... An illustration of Captain America 'punching' anyone of the winner's choice!  That lucky person was Mark Poe who chose Cap punching out the Red Skull, as seen near the top right of this blog post!   Thanks again, Allen!

(BTW... Allen's web site can be found at AllenBellman.com, and there is a lot of info there, including his upcoming appearances schedule, plus a page on how YOU can commission an illustration similar to the one that I have shown above!)

Reason Number Three:  The Captain America: The First Avenger film is coming our way in July, during the Comic-Con International: San Diego week of July 21st - 24th.  The Opening Day is on Friday, July 22nd.

Now THAT is the Summer Blockbuster Film that I want to see!  Yeah, Thor was pretty darn good, (see my review in Blog #3407), but it is the 'Cap' film that is #1 on 'My Must See at the Big Screen' film for the Summer of 2011!

I for one am pleased that the setting of this film is in World War II.  The trailers from the film have made this upcoming film move up from an... 'Oh, they are making a Cap movie'... To 'Wow! They are making a real Cap movie!  And with Bucky Barnes too!'. Reading further I've found that the 'Howling Commandos' will be in the film also... I can hardly wait!  And yeah, Tina & I will be checking for any special screenings for Comic-Con attendees when we get there!  Usually we stay all night at the Comic-Con, unless we have a special invite to 'After-Con Parties', but the Cap film is special! 

So this is the reason I've chosen Captain America & Bucky today to honor 'Memorial Day with Comics'!   Yeah, I know... Captain America died and was brought back... How many times now?   And yeah, so has Bucky Barnes...!

Hey, that's comics for ya!  But still, to me, besides the Sgt. Fury & His Howling Commandos comic... Captain America & Bucky in the 1940's is what comes to mind for me for the latest installment in this Annual Blog Series!

Again, we should stop for a while, and think about the non-fictional persons who have made the Ultimate Sacrifce... Their Lives... for all of us.

Because after all Memorial Day now "...commemorates men and women who died while in military service to the United States. First enacted to honor Union and Confederate soldiers following the American Civil War, it was extended after World War I to honor Americans who have died in all wars".

This blog series is also in honor of all of them...

~Michael

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My thanks again to all of YOU reading this blog and our archived blog posts, now at 3,423 total posts in number!  I do appreciate your continued reading and support of this Blog!

BTW, You can 'follow' this Blog by clicking the 'Follow' Button at this NetworkedBlogs app!  We currently have over 2,444 'Followers'!  Thanks to ALL of YOU that have already clicked that button! 

And for those of YOU that haven't yet... I would appreciate it if YOU would!!!

~ Michael D Hamersky

If I have it... You can find it 'Under The Big Top Of Comics' at:  

http://www.ComicBooksCircus.com/ 

Web Page Note:  This blog post is written for the IE Browser standards.  Chrome, Safari, Netscape, Firefox and the other browsers 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.

Comics Creators: If you are breaking into, or already work in the comic book industry or other pop culture productions, you are welcome to email or mail 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

 Also, if you are a Facebook member, I would have liked you to send me a 'Friend Request'. However, I have reached the maximum limit of 5,000 Facebook Friends and Fan pages already, so I've added a New 'Facebook Fan Page' so that even more of YOU can 'Like' what I am doing, and be interactive with me and others there.  Here is the link to that 'Facebook Fan Page': Michael D Hamersky On Comics! Please click the 'Like' button on that page! 

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Michael D Hamersky On Comics Reviews: Nart... Again A Mini-Comic from Jim Siergey!     - Above: The Front Cover To Nart...Again!

TODAY'S FEATURE - Blog #3421:

I blogged a while back about the 1st Annual Mini-Comics Day that was held world-wide on April 9th of 2011, (blog #3390).

At that time I also invited those that were involved either in that Day's activities, or self-publish mini-comics to send in a sample for a possible review blog and / or mention at my Facebook Fan Page, (Michael D Hamersky On Comics).

Jim Siergey actually has sent in two of his mini-comics.

I'm reviewing just the one here today, as he sent in a little background history on his 'Nart' series as well.  Which is printed here:

"If you are not familiar with 'nart' - the first two issues are reprinted in Fantagraphics 'Newave' book.

Nart appears every decade, whether needed or not. The history of nart -

Jim Siergey's Little Book of Nart - 1979

Nart 2, Brute

Narties (A micro)

What's Nart 4?

Long Day's Journey Into Nart - 24 pg, with 16 artists' interpretation of Nart

The 6th of Nart - Digest Size

My Sharona - a psuedo - nart book

'Nart... Again' is available from me @

Jim Siergey, 4135 N. Hermitage, Chicago, IL 60613 for $1 & a stamp."

So that's a little history out of the way...!

What's 'My Take' on this mini-comic?!

First, mini-comics come in all sizes and shapes and page counts...

This issue is two pieces of paper folded in half, comprising eight total pages.

Don't let the small amount of pages fool you, however.

The front cover sets the 'tone' for what you see inside.

The inside front cover is the 'intro page', along with the indicia at the bottom.  Plus you are given the 'story' behind the title:

"if it's art, it's art - if it's nart, it's nart..."

The following pages are individual cartoon full sized pics, with individual themes. They show Jim's sense of humor, which I found to be amusing.  I especially enjoyed the cartoon of 'Bridget Jones's Guadalcanal Diary'.

This mini-comic is a good representation of what mini-comics are about. A sampling of what the creator(s) wanted to publish to introduce their work. As I had not read or viewed Jim's works before, this was a nice intro to his world.

Plus, for a buck & a stamp, you can't go wrong!

My review rating for this mini-comic is a VERY FINE PLUS (VF+) 8.5 out of a 10.0 possible comic book grading scale.

Here are the links that you should check out for more of Jim's works:

JimSiergey.com

TeeMee on Cafe Press

Cultural Jet Lag

Jim Siergey in Grand Comics Database

Oh... and I did mention that Jim had sent in two sample copies.  The other one was 'Stuff That Dreams Are Made Of', which is available online at WeirdMuse.ecrater.com for a buck.  I'm not reviewing that one here at this time, but suggest you take a look at it also! 

~Michael

BTW, You can 'follow' this Blog by clicking the 'Follow' Button at this NetworkedBlogs app!  We currently have over 2,436 'Followers'!  Thanks to ALL of YOU that have already clicked that button! 

And for those of YOU that haven't yet... I would appreciate it if YOU would!!!

~ Michael D Hamersky

If I have it... You can find it 'Under The Big Top Of Comics' at:  

http://www.ComicBooksCircus.com/ 

Web Page Note:  This blog post is written for the IE Browser standards.  Chrome, Safari, Netscape, Firefox and the other browsers 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.

Comics Creators: If you are breaking into, or already work in the comic book industry or other pop culture productions, you are welcome to email or mail 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

 Also, if you are a Facebook member, I would have liked you to send me a 'Friend Request'. However, I have reached the maximum limit of 5,000 Facebook Friends and Fan pages already, so I've added a New 'Facebook Fan Page' so that even more of YOU can 'Like' what I am doing, and be interactive with me and others there.  Here is the link to that 'Facebook Fan Page': Michael D Hamersky On Comics! Please click the 'Like' button on that page! 

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Michael D Hamersky On Comics Reviews: LUCID  Volume One   Michael McMillian & Anna Wieszczyk From Archaia Entertainment!     -

TODAY'S FEATURE - Blog #3420:

The hardcover book being reviewed today is a compilation of the comic books published by Archaia Entertainment in a series that I have not yet reviewed here in this Blog.

That is because I found it hard to pick up the series in mid-stream when I received issue #3 for possible review first.

This is a mini-series that is best to up as a hard copy compilation, especially since there are additional pages in this Black Label format by Archaia Enterainment.

Before I start writing 'My Take' on this compilation... Here's the publisher's promo blurb at Amazon:

Lucid is an action-packed, pop-fantasy series that draws inspiration from the spy genre, Arthurian legend, and 21st-century folklore! Dark forces are conspiring to prevent humankind from reaching its true potential. Thankfully, as newly appointed "Protector of the Realm," Agent Matthew Dee uses his skills as a covert spy and Combat Mage to ensure America's freedom from the grip of evil.

Here's the publisher's promo blurb that was mailed to me along with the book:

Welcome to the world of LUCID, the action-packed pop-fantasy that draws inspireationf rom the spy genre, Arthurian Legend, and 21st-century folklore!  Dark forces areconspiring to prevent humankind from reaching its true potential. Thankfully, as newly appointed "Protector of the Realm", Agent Matthew Dee uses his skills as a covert spy and Combat Mage to ensure America's freedom from the grip of evol.  Written by "True Blood" actor Michael McMillian and illustrated by newcomer Anna Wieszczyk, LUCID is Archaia's first title pulbished in association with Zachary Quinto ("heroes" , "Star Trek") and his company, Before the Door.

So... When I received the hard cover to this series, I wondered if it would be easier going for me to read when starting at the beginning...

It was, but the story is still somewhat complicated, in that there are 'magic sigils' that are used throughout the pages.  I didn't realized until reaching the end of the HC compilation that the 'magic sigils' were explained at the back of the book, within the extra pages printed...

The storyline was one that could draw you into the realm the series presented, but I found it was the art that held my attention more.

The series was written and created by Michael McMillian, whom you probably recognize as an actor first, (True Blood).  Anna Wieszczyk was the illustrator. Shawn DePasquale was the letterer.  

In addition to the 'magic sigils' presented at the back of the book, there was the 'Sketchbook' - illustrations by Anna, with notes by Michael.  Nice two page presentation of how the two main characters evolved to final publication.

I'm not for sure who the colorist was for this series, but the colors are noteworthy in adding to the art and storyline. Indeed, it was the colors that tied everything together for me in the reading of this hard cover.

The foreword by Alan Ball was a from a guy who himself says... "Now I know next to nothing boaut comics. I come from a theater background... Michael has taught me that comics, like TV are a collaborative effort.  Michael and his illustrator Anna Wieszczyk have used their words and images to build a world with its own rules, its own magic, and its own life".

Which I found to be true.  The world presented in this total package of the four comic books being published together in one hard cover format is one that could bring in those looking for a 'new world' to become immersed in. Which is why the 'ending' in this volume is left open to new adventures...

I have an interest in 'Camelot', so the usage of this theme in the series was one that caught my attention.  Yet the four comic book issues seemed to tie up pretty quick at the end, maybe a little too quickly...

My review rating for this Hardcover Book is a VERY FINE  / VERY FINE PLUS (VF/VF+) 8.25 out of a possible 10.0 comic book grading scale. 

This hardcover book goes on sale:  THIS Wednesday, May 25th at your LCBS - and June 7th wherever books are sold. 

Retail Price $19.95 - Page count: 112 pages

Format: hardcover book with dust jacket, 6.625" x 10.25", full color.

T+13 Readers (contains material suitable for teen readers ages 13 and above).

If you don't buy at your LCBS... Here is a link so that YOU can purchase the Hardcover Book online:      Lucid - Purchase Online.

Here is the Facebook Fan Page for Archaia Entertainment, which I suggest YOU 'like' also to keep up with what this publisher is presenting next.

BTW, You can 'follow' this Blog by clicking the 'Follow' Button at this NetworkedBlogs app!  We currently have over 2,436 'Followers'!  Thanks to ALL of YOU that have already clicked that button! 

And for those of YOU that haven't yet... I would appreciate it if YOU would!!!

~ Michael D Hamersky

If I have it... You can find it 'Under The Big Top Of Comics' at:  

http://www.ComicBooksCircus.com/ 

Web Page Note:  This blog post is written for the IE Browser standards.  Chrome, Safari, Netscape, Firefox and the other browsers 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.

Comics Creators: If you are breaking into, or already work in the comic book industry or other pop culture productions, you are welcome to email or mail 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

 Also, if you are a Facebook member, I would have liked you to send me a 'Friend Request'. However, I have reached the maximum limit of 5,000 Facebook Friends and Fan pages already, so I've added a New 'Facebook Fan Page' so that even more of YOU can 'Like' what I am doing, and be interactive with me and others there.  Here is the link to that 'Facebook Fan Page': Michael D Hamersky On Comics! Please click the 'Like' button on that page! 

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Michael D Hamersky On Comics Is Virtually Attending: The Spring 2011 Gala of the... Facebook Comic Con! Are You?!      - - - Below is the Welcoming video from the 1st Ever Facebook Comic Con Gala - The Premiere from March 12th - 15th of 2009: -

TODAY'S FEATURE - Blog #3419:

Back in 2009, Michael Netzer, Founder of Facebook Comic Con, presented the Opening Welcome Speech for the Spring 2009 Gala Premiere, (as seen in the video above).

Today is the start of the 2011 Spring Gala, and although a little more subdued this time, (due to Facebook revising the group pages format just before the start of this Gala), this online only 'virtual comic con' goes on!

I've already posted the banners to the 'Gateway', 'Guests and Honors', and the 'Exhbitors' webpages at the above right which you can click on to directly take you to those convention halls.

Here is the link to the list of current events for the 2011 Spring Gala.

Here is the link to the list of past events so that you can see what you missed.

Here is the link to the main web page of Facebook Comic Con.

There are many links within the links provided above for you to check out.

Be sure to check out the guests tables also.

And don't forget to visit the exhibitors tables, of which we have one.

Our own exhibitor table is at Facebook Comic Con | Make It So Marketing, which I invite you to stop in at, (join), and comment on any wall posts there.

Thanks to organizing the 2011 Spring Gala goes to Ken Johnson, Lead Gala Coordinator, who lives in the United Kingdom.

Thanks also to Michael Netzer, who came up with this virtual comic con back in 2009, and currently resides in Israel.

Enjoy the 2011 Spring Gala of the Facebook Comic Con! 

~Michael D Hamersky

(Please Note:  Other than having a 'virtual table' at this 'virtual comic con', Tina and I are neither Facebook Comic Con  (FBCC) Officers, nor Staff or Coordinators. During earlier FBCC Galas I was invited to be a 'Guest Judge', which I happily did.  You see... I just mention the FBCC in my Blog and at my own Facebook Profile Page, Fan Page, and Group Page, because the Group Page 'Facebook Comic Con | Make It So Marketing' is under the 'Facebook Comic Con' umbrella.  Any questions regarding the running of FBCC need to be addressed at any of the FBCC page links that I have provided above.)

BTW, You can 'follow' this Blog by clicking the 'Follow' Button at this NetworkedBlogs app!  We currently have over 2,436 'Followers'!  Thanks to ALL of YOU that have already clicked that button!  And for those of YOU that haven't yet... I would appreciate it if YOU would!!!

~ Michael D Hamersky 

If I have it... You can find it 'Under The Big Top Of Comics' at:   ComicBooksCircus.com 

Web Page Note:  This blog post is written for the IE Browser standards.  Chrome, Safarai, Netscape, Firefox and the other browsers 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.

Comics Creators: If you are breaking into, or already work in the comic book industry or other pop culture productions, you are welcome to email or mail us press releases, news items, and updates that you feel would be of interest to our blog readers. Including YOUR own works!!  (Note:  I don't list my email address here, due to 'spambots' gathering it and 'spamming' me. 

To mail printed items to us for possible review, send to:

Make It So Marketing Inc., PO Box 130653, Carlsbad, CA 92013, USA

 Also, if you are a Facebook member, I would have liked you to have sent me a 'Friend Request'. However, I have reached the maximum limit of 5,000 Facebook Friends and Fan pages in my network already, so I've added a New 'Facebook Fan Page' for myself so that even more of YOU can 'Like' what I am doing, and be interactive with me and others there.   Here is the link to that 'Facebook Fan Page': Michael D Hamersky On Comics! Please click the 'Like' button on that page! 

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