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My Take On: A Game of Thrones - The Graphic Novel - Volume One

Thu, 31 May 2012 06:17:35 -0800

Michael D Hamersky On Comics Presents His Take On...

A Game of Thrones
The Graphic Novel Volume One!

TODAY'S FEATURE IS BLOG #3657 - This graphic novel was read after meeting George R R Martin at the 50th Anniversary of Comics Fandom special party at the Comic-Con International: San Diego of 2011.

So what is the publisher's promo blurb for this trade paperback compilation (graphic novel)? Here it is:

"You’ve read the books. You’ve watched the hit series on HBO. Now acclaimed novelist Daniel Abraham and illustrator Tommy Patterson bring George R. R. Martin’s epic fantasy masterwork A Game of Thrones to majestic new life in the pages of this full-color graphic novel. Comprised of the initial six issues of the graphic series, this is the first volume in what is sure to be one of the most coveted collaborations of the year.

Winter is coming. Such is the stern motto of House Stark, the northernmost of the fiefdoms that owe allegiance to King Robert Baratheon in far-off King’s Landing. There Eddard Stark of Winterfell rules in Robert’s name. There his family dwells in peace and comfort: his proud wife, Catelyn; his sons Robb, Brandon, and Rickon; his daughters Sansa and Arya; and his bastard son, Jon Snow. Far to the north, behind the towering Wall, lie savage Wildings and worse—unnatural things relegated to myth during the centuries-long summer, but proving all too real and all too deadly in the turning of the season."

Okay... Here's My Take on this issue:

First of all, as stated above... I met George at the party, but had not read the books he had written, nor seen the HBO series on TV.

So this book was my first introduction to 'A Game of Thrones'.

The storyline was pretty well written, except that it was a little 'choppy' in the comic book version of the books. Too many characters for this format, and it took me a while to settle in to read the whole book.

The artwork was pretty good, and carried my interest in the series until I was up to speed on the series. There was some confusion on my part as to who was whom, but I'm not for sure if that was the artist's doing or my own fault.

The lettering and coloring was done well, and the whole production was very fine.

Not a bad start for this series of books, of which the 2nd volume is scheduled for December of 2012 release!

My comic book grade for this first issue is a Very Fine / Very Fine Plus (VF/VF+) 8.25 out of a possible 10.0 comic book grading scale.

You can buy this book at: A Game of Thrones: The Graphic Novel: Volume One and see for yourself!

Here's the publishing info:

Hardcover: 240 pages
Publisher: Bantam (March 27, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 044042321X
ISBN-13: 978-0440423218
Product Dimensions: 6.9 x 0.8 x 10.6 inches
Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds

To see the comic books that this graphic novel originated at... see this link!

~ Michael D Hamersky!

NOTE FROM Michael D Hamersky On Comics: My thanks again to all of YOU reading this blog and our archived blog posts, now at 3,657 total posts in number! I do appreciate your continued reading and support of this Blog!

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Note: My online 'Loca8' Comic Book Shop (LCBS), carries many different genres of comics, magazines, graphic novels, and comic con promotional items. Possibly even copies of the item(s) that was mentioned here today...! If I have it, you'll find under the BIG TOP of Comics, at Comic Books Circus.com, including the book 'Gotham City 14 Miles' that I am shown holding to the left. I'm 1 of 14 essayists in that book! !

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My Take On: Cowboys & Aliens - The Graphic Novel

Wed, 30 May 2012 07:25:57 -0800

Michael D Hamersky On Comics Presents His Take On...

Cowboys & Aliens
The Graphic Novel!

TODAY'S FEATURE IS BLOG #3656 - This graphic novel was read after Tina and I viewed the film on the Big Screen, as seen at this review blog on the film, blog #3474 from August 1st of 2011.

So what is the publisher's promo blurb for this trade paperback compilation (graphic novel)? Here it is:

"1873. Arizona. An era when all a man could count on was his horse and his six-gun, and Indians fought a losing battle with European settlers.

Until somebody else entered the fight - an invader who saw all humans as slaves, and was determined to conquer our world."

Okay... Here's My Take on this issue:

First of all, as stated above... I first saw the film last year, and review blogged it, along with Vinnie & Tina.

I had not read the comic books that the film was loosely based on, nor the trade compilation, grahic novel.

So imagine my surprise on how different this 'graphic novel' was from the film itself!

No Daniel Craig based character, and no Harrison Ford character!

Instead, this storyline didn't follow the film at all, at least as far as I was able to make it out...

Still the storyline was okay... just okay in my book.

The artwork was fine, and the lettering and coloring were okay also.

Just didn't follow the film at all, which left me kind of disappointed... To tell you the truth.

If I hadn't seen the film already, then I wouldn't have had a preset notion of what this graphic novel should have been... Alas, I had already seen the film!

My comic book grade for this first issue is a Very Fine (VF) 8.0 out of a possible 10.0 comic book grading scale.

Please note: My comic book grade for the film itself was a Very Fine / Near Mint (VF/NM) 9.0 out of a possible 10.0 comic book grade.

You can buy this comic book direct from the publisher at: Cowboys and Aliens and see for yourself!

~ Michael D Hamersky!

NOTE FROM Michael D Hamersky On Comics: My thanks again to all of YOU reading this blog and our archived blog posts, now at 3,656 total posts in number! I do appreciate your continued reading and support of this Blog!

NOTE: All images and characters within this blog post are copyright and trademark their respective owners.

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Our Take On: Men In Black III - The 2012 Film

Mon, 28 May 2012 14:52:41 -0800

Michael D Hamersky On Comics Presents Our Take On:

Men In Black (MIB) III!

TODAY'S FEATURE IS BLOG #3655 - We are back from Regal Cinemas located in San Marcos, California, where we took in a showing of MIB III. Here is a link to the Wikipedia entry for the film, but beware it gives a lot of the film away!

Here's Our Take on the comic book film:

Tina: Review: MIB3 Will Smith goes back to the future in Men In Black 3.

Advance reviews have not been kind to MIB3. Calling it harmless fun, most serious critics question why the movie was made. As my husband tells me: don't they know how many movies you need for a trilogy?!

So you can see why I was downright amazed to catch a late morning showing on Memorial Day - with a full house of movie goers, and unfortunately one rather smelly guy beside me who reminded me of the crowd at the Watchmen movie panel at San Diego Comic Con, except he wasn't wearing a raincoat.

Even more amazing? I still managed to enjoy the movie. Just think how much fun YOU will have watching it.

For me, the most fun moments in MIB3 were:

-- seeing Harvey the Pug (unfortunately there were no 'Who let the dogs out' treats this time around
-- Josh Brolin as the (much) younger Agent K - Tommy Lee Jones minus the winkles
-- Andy Warhol, The Factory... and the truth about fashion models!
-- Agent J's time jump
-- any of crazy alien Griffin's possible futures

There are plenty of jokes and sight gags to go around. While not great - and not up to the fun and surprise of the original - MIB3 takes you for a fun summertime ride and wraps the trilogy up with a sentimental twist.

Rating: Very Fine Minus (VF-) 7.5 out of a possible 10.0 comic book grading scale.

Michael: I want to mention that I have already seen MIB both I & II before. MIB II was seen with Tina on the big screen which was now ten (10) years ago! Sheesh!

We finished up our chores early this three day weekend, and I wanted to take in a movie, which is our usual 'thing' to do on a holiday weekend. With MIB III being based on a comic book from Malibu Comics, this was the perfect one to check out!

So we are back from the theater... Here's 'My Take' on the film...

The film played, and I was a little surprised at how full the stadium seating room was! It was the regular version of the film that was playing, not the 3D version. Yet almost every seat was taken!

Still, as the film went on, there was something missing... At least to me. Well the film was finely directed, and it it seem like old friends were on the big screen in front of me... There wasn't that 'extra' touch to it to make the film outstanding.

Sure, I enjoyed the present 'J' & 'K', and the 1969 version of 'K' & 'O'. But there was just something missing to me in MIB III. Maybe the ten years that had gone by since MIB II were to blame.

Yet it was a good film to see, and worth the money to see it.

Just wish I could give it a better comic book grade...

MIB III gets a Very Fine Plus (VF+) 8.5 out of a 10.0 possible comic book grade from me.

So as you can see from both Tina and my own take... MIB III is a film that could be seen on the Big Screen near you!

NOTE FROM Michael D Hamersky On Comics: My thanks again to all of YOU reading this blog and our archived blog posts, now at 3,655 total posts in number! I do appreciate your continued reading and support of this Blog!

NOTE: All images and characters within this blog post are copyright and trademark their respective owners.

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Celebrating Memorial Day Weekend of 2012 With Comic Books!

Sat, 26 May 2012 08:28:24 -0800

Michael D Hamersky On Comics Presents

Celebrating Memorial Day Weekend of 2012 With Comic Books!

TODAY'S FEATURE IS BLOG #3654 - In memory of the many soldiers who have served our country with bravery and honor... This blog post is shown today.

So what is 'Memorial Day' all about?

Here is the link to the Wikipedia entry, as to when and where the 'Memorial Day' started..

Here is the link to Comics.org, where you can find other comic books that have related covers. There aren't any true 'Memorial Day' comic books with that title, however.

So here is a link to Batman #30 from August / September of 1945 with the 7th War Loan front cover.

This is the link to Superman #12 from September / October of 1941 with Superman posing with a sailor and an army man.

Plus, a link to World's Finest #5 from Spring of 1942 with Batman, Robin & Superman.

There are several more front covers with this theme... Have some fun checking them out at the Comics.org web site!

And yes, before I forget to mention it, the comic book pictured at the top right of this blog is New Heroic Comics #69 from November of 1951 from the publisher, Eastern Color.

Take some time during this three day weekend to remember what Memorial Day is truly about!

~ Michael D Hamersky!

NOTE FROM Michael D Hamersky On Comics: My thanks again to all of YOU reading this blog and our archived blog posts, now at 3,654 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 link! We currently have over 2,745 '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!!!

NOTE: All images and characters within this blog post are copyright and trademark their respective owners.

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My Take On: Alter Ego Vol 2 #5! Alter Ego Fights Crime!

Thu, 24 May 2012 07:32:36 -0800

Michael D Hamersky On Comics Presents His Take On...

Alter Ego
Vol 2 #5
By Roy Thomas & Ron Harris!
From Heroic Publishing!

TODAY'S FEATURE IS BLOG #3653 - This comic book was shown to me by the Publisher of Heroic Publishing, Dennis Mallonee, who is shown above at his table at the recent Long Beach Comic Con Expo, (see blog #3647 for my review on the LBCC Expo).

So what is the publisher's promo blurb for this issue number 5? Here it is:

"For the first time in 25 years, enjoy an all-new adventure of ALTER EGO, by his original creative team of Roy Thomas and Ron Harris. In this 25th anniversary special, the world of classic CRIME COMICS opens for Rob Lindsay when he dons the mystic mask of ALTER EGO to do battle with BROTHER CRIME!"

Okay... Here's My Take on this issue:

First of all, I have had a copy of the first four issues of this comic book series in the past, but never all of them at one time, so truth be told, I haven't read the series! So this issue #5, printed 25 years later is actually my first time reading the series!

Front Cover - Nice Front Cover! I didn't see the 'Heroic Publishing' name on the door being smashed in when I first looked at the page, but I do now. Good standard front cover!

Inside Front Cover - Which is "A 25th Anniversary Introduction by Roy Thomas'! Great intro piece by Roy!

Splash Page - Now that's a Splash Page!

Interior Pages - A total of 21 additional interior pages, with only an inhouse ad page following the story. Which is NOT a 'to be continued story'!

Following the inhouse ad page is a 2 page feature by Ron Harris, titled: "In Loving Memory, Mister Crime". A good feature, which shows that the artist had an additional interest in the feature.

Then an ad from The Hero Initative, the only charitable fund dedicated to helping yesterday's comic creators in need, and then...

The Inside Back Cover - Which featured a one inhouse ad for the graphic novel: Alter Ego by Roy and Ron 'Alter Ego: the Graphic Novel', which reprinted the first four issues of this series.

Back Cover - The Ka-Blam Girl's ad, from the printer.

So, here's what I think of this issue:

As noted above, I have not read the first four issues of this series, either in comic book format, nor in 'graphic novel' format that was recently reprinted.

However, I do enjoy Roy Thomas stories, and I found this issue to be one that I also enjoyed for the storyline!

Plus it was a 'Done In One' story! Which right now is hard to beat!

The artwork by Ron Harris was also fine in detail, and the two comics creators did a good job in updating this series to where 'Alter Ego Fights Crime!'.

The price of the comic book is just a little high, at $4.99 per copy, which is the only drawback that I could find in this issue.

I enjoyed the intro by Roy and the 2 page feature by Ron after the main story. A really good comic book to read, IMO!

My comic book grade for this first issue is a Very Fine / Near Mint (VF/NM) 9.0 out of a possible 10.0 comic book grading scale.

You can buy this comic book direct from the publisher at: Heroic Publishing.

Or if you are on a Kindle format for reading... You can purchase it here: Alter Ego #5

Thanks to Dennis Mallonee for bringing this comic book to my attention at the Long Beach Comic Con Expo!

~ Michael D Hamersky!

NOTE FROM Michael D Hamersky On Comics: My thanks again to all of YOU reading this blog and our archived blog posts, now at 3,653 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 link! We currently have over 2,743 '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!!!

NOTE: All images and characters within this blog post are copyright and trademark their respective owners.

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My Take On: Lucid World #1 From G2 Comics!

Tue, 22 May 2012 05:37:15 -0800

Michael D Hamersky On Comics Presents His Take On...

Lucid World #2
From G2 Comics!

TODAY'S FEATURE IS BLOG #3652 - This comic book was mailed to me by the writer / creator of the series, James Pinard. (See previous blog posts on James, here.)

I've had a running conversation with James for a few years now, and looked forward to seeing this comic book from him, and the other comics creators involved in the book.

So what is the book about? Here's the publisher's POV of what the comic is about:

"Lucid World Issue #1 promises to be the first in a series of comics that promises to offer a new perspective on the zombie comic genre which features Zombies (a.k.a. “The Dead Army”), who look human and eat live flesh to retain their appearance and hide amongst the living. And also features a race of Super-Humans known as the “Lucid Killers,” who will be created to stop them from taking over our world one city at a time.

The story begins when Lynch, the leader of the Dead Army and also part of the initial experiment, and his followers, take over the small town of Spring Falls. They will spread their disease by turning every one of its inhabitants into the Dead Army, craving live human flesh which they need to survive.

Dr Cyrus, the inventor of the drug Lucid, and Max will join the Lucid Killers. They have taken a perfected form of the drug Lucid which allows them to see the Dead even as they hide amongst the living. Now the Lucid Killers must use their newfound abilities including increased intelligence and focus, quick healing of their own wounds and incredible strength and speed to stop them."

Okay... Here is my take on the comic book:

Front Cover - The illustrations on the front cover show that there will be some action promised in the interior pages of the comic book.

Inside front cover - The story starts here, with the first page!

Splash page - Not used as a splash page, but instead is the 2nd page of the regular story...

Interior pages - No ad pages, and contains 24 additional pages of storyline.

Inside back cover - The credits page for this issue #1, along with the link to G2Comics.com.

Outside back cover - The Ka-Blam Digital Printing girl ad for the printing company.

So what did I think of this comic book, after reading through it?

I found that the storyline was fine, although starting the story on the inside front cover threw me off just a bit!

The pencils by Miguel Guerra and the inks by Michael Brewer meshed well together.

The coloring by Sanju Nivangune was just a little heavy on the red for the blood that spewed throughout the storyline, for my tastes.

There was no credit for the lettering, which was done pretty well.

The story's premise was okay, and did set up the continuation story for the next issue. However, I'm not for sure on how many issues this series will be...

My comic book grade for this first issue is a Very Fine / Very Fine Plus (VF/VF+) 8.25 out of a possible 10.0 comic book grading scale.

Here is where you can purchase the comic book, straight from the publisher, for the $5.00 cost, including shipping.

Here is the link to the Facebook Fan Page for G2Comics! Check it out and give it a 'Like'!

Here is a more up-to-date background on James: "JAMES PINARD is the creator and writer for "LUCID WORLD," which has been published by G2 Comics in 2012 and Blue Collar Vigilante Studios. He is a partner in Blue Collar Vigilante Studios. His background is in writing short stories and screenplays before he moved into the world of comics. He has written numerous screenplays, including "DARK TRINITY," and has had short stories published in the Pulp Empire Collection. The short stories "CREED" and "DEARBORN" can be found in Pulp Empire Volumes 1 and 2. He has also created and worked on multiple comic book series’ besides "LUCID WORLD," including the comic series versions of "DARK TRINITY", "DIVINE DEATH" and "CREED" which is also based on the short story of the same name. He has recently begun work as a writer on a new comic series project titled "BLOOD BAT," and is the creator and writer for another tentatively titled "THROUGH THE PAST DARKLY."

My thanks to James Pinard for bringing this issue to my attention!

~ Michael D Hamersky!

NOTE FROM Michael D Hamersky On Comics: My thanks again to all of YOU reading this blog and our archived blog posts, now at 3,652 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 link! We currently have over 2,740 '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!!!

NOTE: All images and characters within this blog post are copyright and trademark their respective owners.

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My Take On: Cosmic Force #4 From Carter Comics!

Mon, 21 May 2012 06:06:22 -0800

Michael D Hamersky On Comics Presents His Take On...

Cosmic Force #4
From Carter Comics!

TODAY'S FEATURE IS BLOG #3651 - This comic book was presented to me at the recent Long Beach Comic Con Expo, that I review blogged here.

Allen Carter, pictured at the top right of this blog, brought me up to date on what he was doing, and mentioned that I probably had not seen the comic book he is shown holding, as it is brand new as of April of 2012.

So what is the book about? Here's the publisher's POV of what the comic is about:

"This is it: the first showdown between the future Cosmic Force, and the government officials now equipped with advanced wrist weaponry. Unfortunatley for both of them, this battle does not happen in private, as the rest of the city later discovers what's going on. Who wins the battle? How does the public react? And do our fivesome get closer to finding out what may have happened to them in the two years that they can't seem to remember? One word: Read!

While watching a meteor shower, five strangers are struck down and seemingly killed by five stray meteors. They later resurface with superhuman abilities, but also with a loss of two years since the celestial event. Having been declared legally deceased by the rest of the world, the fivesome try to come to terms with their new existence, all while avoiding government agents who are mistaking them for invading aliens."

Okay... Here is my take on the comic book:

Front Cover - The tag line, 'The End of How It All Begins...' hits me that this must be the end of the first story arc.

Inside front cover - List of credits & brief background info.

Splash page - Not used as a splash page, but instead is a part of the regular story...

Interior pages - No ad pages, and contains 42 pages of storyline.

Inside back cover - The in-house ad for another of Allen's comics, 'Damn Tourists'..

Outside back cover - The GarvinArtMedia.com house ad, from Allen Garvin Carter.

So what did I think of this comic book, after reading through it?

I found that the storyline was fine, although a 'splash page' probably should have been utilized as the first page in the comic book...

The artwork by Allen was fine, with a good mix of panels for the pages.

There was a lot of small text for the lettering, which probably could have used a larger sized font to be more readable.

The story's premise was fine, and I liked how the story arc ended.

The interior pages are in color, which helped in getting the storyline across to the reader.

My comic book grade for this fourth issue in an ongoing series is a Very Fine / Very Fine Plus (VF/VF+) 8.25 out of a possible 10.0 comic book grading scale.

Here is where you can purchase the comic book, straight from the publisher, for the $5.99 cost.

Here is the link to the Facebook Fan Page for Carter Comics! Check it out and give it a 'Like'!

My thanks to Allen Carter for bringing this issue to my attention at the 2012 Long Beach Comic Con Expo that took place on May 12th!

~ Michael D Hamersky!

NOTE FROM Michael D Hamersky On Comics: My thanks again to all of YOU reading this blog and our archived blog posts, now at 3,651 total posts in number! I do appreciate your continued reading and support of this Blog!

NOTE: All images and characters within this blog post are copyright and trademark their respective owners.

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My Take On: HeroTown - Talking Man Part 1 of 3 Comic Book Limited Series

Fri, 18 May 2012 05:16:59 -0800

Michael D Hamersky On Comics Presents His Take On...

HeroTown #1 of 3
Talking Man
From Integrity Comics!

TODAY'S FEATURE IS BLOG #3650 - This comic book was presented to me at the recent 2012 WonderCon in Anaheim, that I review blogged here.

I have already blogged about 'H-Town' by Chris Perguidi and Allan Angel that I picked up at the 2010 Comic-Con International: San Diego as seen in this review blog.

Chris, pictured at the top right of this blog, brought me up to date on what he was doing, and mentioned that I probably had not seen the comic book he is shown holding.

Here is my take on the comic book:

Front Cover - Three of the most important figures of World War II overlook the mass of heroes and villains that are part of this comic book.

Inside front cover - List of credits & ordering page info.

Splash page - Not used as a splash page, but instead is a part of the regular story...

Interior pages - No ad pages, and contains 20 pages of storyline.

Inside back cover - The 21st page of the storyline, with a 'To Be Continued' tag in the bottom right hand panel.

Outside back cover - The Ka-Blam Digital Printing house ad.

So what did I think of this comic book?

I found that the storyline was fine, although a 'splash page' probably should have been utilized...

The artwork by Allan Angel was fine, although most of the pages were standard nine panel sized pages.

There was a lot of copy (text) on the pages... Which for a first part of three issues, might have been a little 'heavy' in scope for a first issue of three planned.

The story's premise was fine, and I have interest in seeing where Chris and Allan take this in issue #2.

The interior pages are in color, which helped in getting the storyline across to the reader.

My comic book grade for this first issue of three planned is a Very Fine / Very Fine Plus (VF/VF+) 8.25 out of a possible 10.0 comic book grading scale.

Here is where you can purchase this comic book, straight from the publisher, for the $5 cost including shipping.

My thanks to Chris Perguidi for bringing this issue to my attention at WonderCon!.

~ Michael D Hamersky!

NOTE FROM Michael D Hamersky On Comics: My thanks again to all of YOU reading this blog and our archived blog posts, now at 3,650 total posts in number! I do appreciate your continued reading and support of this Blog!

NOTE: All images and characters within this blog post are copyright and trademark their respective owners.

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My Take On: The 2012 WonderCon Souvenir Program Book

Thu, 17 May 2012 05:35:36 -0800

Michael D Hamersky On Comics Presents His Take On...

The WonderCon Souvenir Program Book
From March of 2012!

TODAY'S FEATURE IS BLOG #3649 - This First, I want to say that this blog isn't a typo. I became ill during the 2012 WonderCon and had to go in for emergency surgery right afterwards.

So no, this blog isn't a typo, it is just that I forgot to blog about the program book that was given away free to each of the attendees of the 2012 WonderCon that was held out of the Northern California area for the first time. The WonderCon in 2012 was held at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California.

First, I want to say that although the front cover is pretty sharp looking, due to artist Ryan Sook, featuring the new versions of DC Comics New 52 heroes... I'm thinking that the cover probably should have been the 50th Anniversary of one of the Marvel Comics characters that started in 1962, say like the Amazing Spider-Man!

That aside, the inside front cover is a DC Digital Comics full page ad, and then the splash page is the 'welcome page' to WonderCon 2012.

Pages 2 & 3 are the table of contents, and the info you would need to know when attending the WonderCon that took place back on March 16th - 18th.

Page 4 started off the listing of the 'Special Guests' and that feature ran until page 13, along with a few ad pages.

Page 14 was the 'cover story' on Ryan Sook, which gave me what I wanted to know about him.

Around the Booths: Exhibitor Listings started on page 18 and ended on page 38, along with some ad pages.

The full color feature section titled: WonderCon 2012 Quick Guide was next, and was very helpful tucked in the middle of the program book!

Page 59 had WonderCon 2012 Games & Tournament Schedule. The next two pages had other gatherings during the weekend listed.

Page 62 started the Programming Schedule for Friday, and went through Saturday, ending with Sunday... Ending on page 80.

Page 82 had the Anime Schedule, which ended on page 85.

The 7th Annual Los Angeles International Children's Film Festival listings were shown from page 86 - 88.

The WonderCon / Robert A Heinlein Blood Drive page was on page 90.

Pages 92 & 93 had 'Welcome To Anaheim' with a map of the area.

The final pages were ad pages.

So what did I think of this program book?

Well.... It wasn't as big as the Comic-Con International: San Diego's annual program book for starters. But then again this was only a three day con, and not a 4 day + preview night con. Plus the program fulfilled all the major requirements that a program book should.

Maybe I was looking forward to full feature length articles like the San Diego con has each year...

But, considering that the program book was a 'freebie' given away to all attending guests... It did the job prefectly well!

So I'm giving it a Very Fine / Near Mint (VF/NM) 9.0 comic book grade, out of a possible 10.0 grading scale.

Check your usual sources for copies of this program book if you lost yours, or want one for yourself even though you didn't attend

BTW, for a more comprehensive review of the WonderCon, check out Tina LoSasso's review blog here, and / or my own blog on it as seen in this link.

~ Michael D Hamersky!

NOTE FROM Michael D Hamersky On Comics: My thanks again to all of YOU reading this blog and our archived blog posts, now at 3,649 total posts in number! I do appreciate your continued reading and support of this Blog!

NOTE: All images and characters within this blog post are copyright and trademark their respective owners.

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My Take On: Art In Time - Unknown Comic Book Adventures, 1940 - 1980 by Dan Nadel

Tue, 15 May 2012 05:05:17 -0800

Michael D Hamersky On Comics Presents His Take On...

Art In Time
Unknown Comic Book Adventures, 1940 - 1980, by Dan Nadel!

TODAY'S FEATURE IS BLOG #3648 - This book was one that I picked up recently. What's the book about? Here's the publisher's promo on it:

"Art In Time is a companion to Dan Nadel’s previous book, Art Out of Time. In this engaging and smart volume, Nadel focuses on the lesser-known comic works by celebrated icons of the industry, like H.G. Peter (the artist behind Wonder Woman), John Stanley (the writer and artist for Little Lulu), Harry Lucey (one of the artists behind Archie), Jesse Marsh (the artist for Tarzan), and Bill Everett (best know for his characters Sub Mariner and Dr. Strange)."

"Art In Time reprints a wonderful selection of complete comic book stories that represent some of the best, but obscure adventure stories from the 1940s through the 1980s. Each comic highlights the fully developed style unique to each artist and celebrate these little known comic gems. Art In Time is designed as a reading book, allowing fans to catch up on some of best, but forgotten, work in comics’ history."

So what did I think about this book...?

The front cover made me pick it up to browse further. As you can see from the above top right photo, it is intriguing.

The back cover stated: "Featuring the Unheralded Work of... Pat Boyette, Bill Everett, Matt Fox, Sam J. Glanzman, Harry Lucey, Pete Morisi, John Stanley, John Thompson and others. Which made me check out the interior pages of the book.

The interior front pages were covers from the stories that were reprinted within the book. Not bad. Checking the back inside cover pages, I noticed that there were more comic book covers.

The Contents Page listed an Introduction: Their Worlds, Demand and Supply, and the list of the artists included in the book. Along with a Sources section and an Acknowledgements section.

After reading the Introduction, I found out why Dan Nadel of PictureBox, Inc. wrote this book. Interesting background as to why.

The 'Demand and Supply' page continued the background, and then came the first of several chapters, this one on Harry Lucey (1913-79/80). There was a page on Harry and then two stories from Harry.

This was similar to the rest of the chapters.

I found that there were several stories I had never read before, and liked the fact that each comic book page was copied from a copy of the originally printed comic book. Almost like reading the comic book!

Some of the chapters I found more interesting than others, like the chapters on Matt Fox, and Pat Boyette, but all in all, this was a pretty good / organized book.

I would give this a Very Fine Plus (VF+) 8.5 out of a possible 10.0 comic book grading scale..

Here is more about the author and info you would need to order the book:

Dan Nadel is the author of Abrams' Art Out of Time and the director of the award winning visual culture studio and publishing house PictureBox, which produces The Ganzfeld, an annual book of pictures and prose.

Art in Time
Unknown Comic Book Adventures, 1940-1980

Authors: by Dan Nadel
Imprint: Abrams ComicArts
ISBN: 0-8109-8824-0
EAN: 9780810988248
Availability: In Stock
Publishing Date: 5/1/2010
Trim Size: 8 x 11
Page Count: 304
Cover: Hardcover with jacket
Illustrations: 300 full-color illustrations

Here is where you can purchase it direct from the publisher.

~ Michael D Hamersky!

NOTE FROM Michael D Hamersky On Comics: My thanks again to all of YOU reading this blog and our archived blog posts, now at 3,648 total posts in number! I do appreciate your continued reading and support of this Blog!

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