I just became Facebook Friends this weekend with Dan Merritt, the co-owner of the Green Brain Local Comic Book Store (LCBS) in Dearborn, Michigan...  

When I asked if he had any upcoming events that would be of interest to my Blog readers, (like I ask of all my newest Facebook Friends), he replied with the following press release.  I am basically running it verbatim, since it is happening Wednesday of this week, for a good cause, and because of who the special guest at the LCBS will be:

VETERAN COMIC WRITER APPEARS FOR HEROIC CAUSE
WILLIAM MESSNER-LOEBS COMES TO DEARBORN TO SIGN BENEFIT COMIC BOOK.

On Wednesday, August 12th Green Brain Comics welcomes veteran comic writer William Messner-Loebs for a book signing to celebrate the release of Hero Comics: A Hero Initiative Benefit Book.

William Messner-Loebs or Bill to his pals, is a Michigander and a veteran comic writer and artist with an impressive resume of past projects. Perhaps best known for his run as writer on Wonder Woman, his work also includes a long stint on Flash for DC Comics and a short run on Thor for Marvel Comics. Mr Loebs has worked with artist Sam Keith on The Maxx for Image and a critically acclaimed graphic novel entitled Epicurus the Sage. He is also known for his work as an artist on his creator owned series Journey: The Adventures of Wolverine MacAlistaire.

BTW, unless we are on site all day and night during a three day or longer comic con... we normally blog daily on comic book creators, comic book reviews,  comic book conventions, and pop culture news and events!    Plus for purchases of items that our blog posts are based on; please check out our listings of comics, graphic novels, Comic Con exclusives and more pop culture items for sale in our own online store! 

I have reviewed multiple publications since this Blog first started...  

As stated before, I find hard copies are usually eaiser to read, as .pdfs have to be read on a laptop.  Since I 'work' on a laptop, reading for 'fun' and possible review is a lot easier when holding an actual printed copy for me.

That being said, I found the above pictured 2009 Annual so chock full of great articles, that it was actually slow going for me to read!  I savored each and every article that was presented, and realized that such a great magazine could only be printed quarterly at the most! 

It is NOT lightweight fan fare, nor is it something to peruse lightly while watching a TV show or some other activity.  This magazine is meant to be read when you can give it your full attention, it is THAT Good!

(Talking about 'Good', Don't miss Tina's review of the Tripwire Panel as seen at the San Diego Comic Con International 2009, by clicking here!)

Getting past the front cover, which is a great one, formatted 'after Shepard Fairey', there are multiple articles on multiple genres.

Here are just a few that stood out to me, a long time reader and collector of comic books and a pop culture junkie:

'It's a Marvelous Life' - Celebrate Marvel Comics' 70th Anniversary by reading this entertaining and informative interview with Stan Lee!  Definitely NOT the standard Stan Lee interview!

'The Dark Knight's Birthday' - Batman Celebrates by blowing out 70 candles!

'New Blood' - fan fave Guillermo Del Toro on 'The Strain'. Not my usual reading fare, but worth a look!

'30 Years of Alien' - Gotta admit, while not an overly enthuisastic fan of this series, or with the pairing up of the Predator series, this was a great back story of the series!

'Bongo Keep Drumming' - Bill Morrison on Bongo Comics - Yeah, I read those too!

'The Mark of Kane' - Robert E Howard's Solomon Kane, which is getting the film treatment as we read this article.  The new film, of which I had a sneak peek of at Comic Con, is going to open up the eyes of mainstream America.  Whether or not it is a hit, is up to the producers promoting it right, which they did NOT do at the SDCC,  IMHO...

'Crime Does Pay' - Vertigo Comics' Crime series.  While getting a few copies at the DC Comics booth at the SDCCI, I haven't yet read it.  However after reading Tripwire's article on this series, the comic book has moved up toward the top of my reading list!

I could go on listing more of the articles in this magazine, but I think you get the drift by now... THIS is an informative BUT yet Fun magazine to read.  Too bad it is out only yearly now.   There was a distribution problem this year via the major distributor outlet in the States.  So it might be a little hard to obtain a copy of this UK magazine over here now. The USA cover cost of the magazine is $15.95 USD.    

If you are interested in obtaining a copy of this magazine, please see either your usual sources of obtaining magazines or books, such as eBay or brick n' mortar stores, or try the publisher's Facebook Group Page at:

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=58723471295&ref=ts#/group.php?gid=82121421646&ref=ts 

BTW, unless we are on site all day and night during a three day or longer comic con... we normally blog daily on comic book creators, comic book reviews,  comic book conventions, and pop culture news and events!   Plus for purchases of items that our blog posts are based on; please check out our listings of comics, graphic novels, Comic Con exclusives and more pop culture items for sale in our own online eBay Featured Store! 

Special note to those reading our eBay blog version:  The eBay format of our Blog does Not publish all of our posts.  Only the topics that are more 'mainstream' related and meet eBay's policies for publishing blog posts... And Yes You are reading right at the top left of this blog post. This Blog has received over 1.25 Million Page Views alone in its' eBay format per eBay's own counter.  However, our main Blog is posted daily elsewhere, so to answer those that have emailed or messaged us... Yes we are still publishing daily, but just in that format if you want to read from us daily....  

I am really enjoying seeing projects that have been brought to my attention early on in the creative process come into fruition!  

Jess Jinkies brought Jon Ascher's graphic novel concept to my attention several months ago when Jon was first painting 'NeIL'.

When I asked what 'NeIL' was, I was told that "Neil is a modern urban fable about existential crisis and redemption".

When I asked further after seeing the first pages of this concept I was sent the additional blurb:

"For Neil, finding the meaning of life just might cost the ultimate price!

Meet Neil, an ordinary punk, who hit a few bumps in the road...

Drugs can do some funny things, and some funny things do happen. But as Neil feels increasingly taunted by the weird twists of his life and everything around him, is he going mad? or is someone, or some thing, out to get him? As his world starts to unravel, the joke stops being funny... !"

OK, that wasn't a subject matter that would normally jump right out at me at first glance... it is too realistic, too 'real life' for me to usually want to pick up this subject matter to read more.  I read for 'escapism', for 'fun', not to read about 'real life' problems.  Same thing when I go to the theater.  I don't want to see real life problems on the Big Screen. I want Big Screen action... adventure... out of this world stories that make the steep price of admission worthwhile for Tina and I to attend the showing! 

But it was the painted pages that were so different, so stylistic that made me want to view more of this project.  Which I did in the months to follow via Jon's Facebook Member Page, and then later his Facebook Fan Page for this graphic novel idea.

Jon Ascher is a Graphic artist, illustrator, designer, whose work is best seen when holding the sample copy in your own hands, and flipping the pages. 

Yes, the sample pages seen in his Facebook accounts give You the viewer a 'feel' for the project.  But it's not like holding the sample trial run copy in your own hands!  The printed pages in this graphic novel, especially near the end are 'mind blowing', 'far out' and otherwise 'trippy' to use words that came to mind for me when reading them in print!

This graphic novel, (GN), NEEDS a publisher, one that is willing to put this graphic novel into the hands of the public that would benefit and even enjoy the experience of reading this all the way through!

The closest experience to reading something like this was when I read and reviewed the graphic novel 'Voodoo Child' - The Illustrated Legend of Jimi Hendrix.  That was created and produced by Martin I Green, and illustrated by Bill Sienkiewicz!   That story was a familar one since Jimi was so well known in life and afterwards.

I said that this graphic novel was composed of painted pages... right?  Well, when your fingers walk through this GN, you will feel like you are at an art show!  Those that think that sequential art like comic books have nothing to offer will be proven wrong when reading this GN.  

Jon's dynamic paint strokes increase with intensity as the storyline is moved along.  At times the art shown on the 2page spreads are minimal. But that is to convey the raw emotion that Neil is experiencing.  I found those multiple 2page spreads to be one of the best features of this GN.

I was referencing the GN on 'Jimi' earlier... well, NeIL can also be a well known story... this graphic novel just needs a publisher! 

The story itself should probably rated a PG-13 or stronger, as the pages are punctuated by some coarse language, and the underlying theme is not for the youngest readers.  Other than that qualifier, this is a finished project and ready for 'prime time' and ready for a major publishing house. 

Are You one?   Or do You work at one?  Now is the time to check this work out!

If you are interested in either seeing the 30 sample pages online or in obtaining a sample copy of this trial run print of the full 110 page GN, (there would be a cost for that plus shipping of approx $25 to USA addresses), please see Jon Ascher's Facebook web site at:  http://www.facebook.com/neilgraphicnovel  

Jon is also working on providing a .pdf file to send by email, but the multiple 2page spreads which are the 'highlight' to the graphic novel (IMHO), would be split up by default, unless viewed with some kind of horizontally scrolling comics viewer.

And No, You don't have to be a Facebook member to see the Fan Page.  That is one of the best features of a Facebook Fan Page, in that the general public can view the pages.  Just that you have to be a Facebook member in order to post your comments on the page.

My thanks to Jess Jinkies for first bringing this project to my attention, and to Jon Ascher for actually going through the long process of painting these pages after coming up with the storyline itself!

BTW, unless we are on site all day and night during a three day or longer comic con... we normally blog daily on comic book creators, comic book reviews,  comic book conventions, and pop culture news and events!   Plus for purchases of items that our blog posts are based on; please check out our listings of comics, graphic novels, Comic Con exclusives and more pop culture items for sale in our online store! 

Thanks again to all of YOU reading our current and archived blog posts!!  

I enjoyed being a Guest Judge at the First Costume Contest that was held during the Facebook Comic Con Spring Gala 2009!  

So much so that I agreed to be a Guest Judge again at one of the Costume Contests mentioned below!  PLUS being a Guest Reviewer this go round at a different contest!

The following memo is from Stacey Aragon, and covers most of what is happening next week at the Summer Gala.  There's more being added folks!

So check out the below events, and join the Facebook Comic Con for some Summer Fun at this virtual world comic book convention!

FBCC SUMMER GALA NEXT WEEK (8/13 - 8/16)! 

NEW PANELS & CONTESTS ADDED :)

To members of Facebook Comic Con
Stacey Aragon
Today at 12:49am

*******************************

FBCC SUMMER GALA WEEKEND

http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=62519548702 

Confirmed for Thursday, August 13th through Sunday, August 16th!

*******************************

EVENT REMINDERS!

* WRITE BROTHERS, INC. FBCC COMIC SCRIPTWRITING COMPETITION

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=88069269486&ref=mf

Write Brothers, Inc.: Innovators of Award Winning Writing Software Since 1982. GUEST JUDGES: Vito Delsante, Glenn Herdling, Elaine Lee, & Benny Powell. PRIZES: Movie Magic Screenwriter 6, Writer's Dream Kit. NOW - AUGUST 12.

* COSTUME COMPETITIONS

http://www.facebook.com/pages/FBCC-Costume-Competitions/63245482692?v=wall&viewas=23707921

Costume Competition events at Facebook Comic Con. PRIZES: VARIES BY CONTEST. ** 'FBCC 2009' may now be digitally or otherwise added to pre-existing photo entries due to popular demand! NOW - AUGUST 12.

* PINOY KOMIKS ART SHOWCASE

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=101024056149

GUEST COMMENTATORS: Ian Cang, Elbert Or, & Joseph Torres.

PRIZES: Sketch Commissions by Ian Cang, Issues of Mangaholix. **SHOWCASE SUMBISSION DEADLINE EXTENDED TO AUGUST 16 DUE TO POPULAR DEMAND!

****************************************************************

NEW EVENTS!

* Exclamation Comics Create-a-Superhero-or-Supervillain Art Competition

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=126852703627&ref=mf

Win An Autographed Copy of The "Super Human Resources" Miniseries Signed by Author, Ken Marcus. NOW - AUGUST 16.

* Haven Contest

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=118053475068&ref=mf

Win Autographed "Haven" Art Signed by Artist, Davy Fisher. NOW - AUGUST 16.

* WIN "Wonder Girl" Art by, Anthony D. Lee

http://www.facebook.com/inbox/readmessage.php?t=1176254162862&mbox_pos=0#/topic.php?uid=48365333090&topic=8586

NOW - AUGUST 31. WINNER TO BE ANNOUNCED 9-1.

** Please Visit Anthony at His Virtual Table

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=48365333090

* Ken Johnson "Velica" Panel

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=110611494597&ref=mf

An Informational Meeting and Q&A Session w/ Comic Creator, Ken Johnson re: "Velica." Guest Panelists TBA. AUGUST 13 -16.

* Current Trends in Comics Panel

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=111108829439&ref=mf

An Open Forum Discussion Lead by, Ken Johnson. Guest Panelists TBA! AUGUST 13- 16.

* Comics in Academia Panel

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=137479548078

Comic Book Academics Discussion Lead by, Dr. Arnold T. Blumberg and Brian Miller. AUGUST 13 - 16.

* Comics Podcast Panel

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=130914463693&ref=mf

Comic Book Podcasting Discussion Lead by, Bob Bretall. Guest Panelists: Matt Dursin, Mike Campbell, Robin Fisher, & MORE TBA! AUGUST 13 - 16.

*****************************************************************

FBCC SUMMER GALA SPOTLIGHT & HILIGHTS

* William Katt (of "The Greatest American Hero") Video Q&A Session

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=111108829439&ref=mf#/event.php?eid=119720526219

Ask Questions or Leave Comments for William in The "Questions for Katt" Topic at His Virtual Table NOW - 8/16

http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=70989044761&topic=11032#/group.php?gid=70989044761

** Video Answers Will Be Posted In Response To Your Questions and Comments. VIDEO ANSWER SESSION DATE TBA.

* Night of The Living Dead: Reanimated Panel

http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=95647949762&topic=8536

Roundtable Discussion and Q&A Session with Mike Schneider + NOTLD:R Artists. NOW - August 16.

** Please Visit Mike et al at The --NOTLD: R-- Virtual Table

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=95647949762&ref=ts

** An exclusive piece of art will be added for every 100 people to join this group.

* J. Torres Talkback on "Batman: The Brave & The Bold #7"

http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=46921909755&topic=11209

Tell J. what you think the recent issue. NOW - August 16.

** Please Visit J. at His Virtual Table

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=46921909755

* Jason Hanley 'Comic Book Lettering' Q&A Session

http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=65646188997&topic=10458

Discuss Text Production, Story Lettering, and Special Captioning with Jason. NOW - August 16.

** Please Visit Jason at His Virtual Table

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=65646188997&ref=search

* SDCC 2009 Recap by, Michael D. Hamersky

https://makeitsomarketing.tripod.com/popularcultureblog/index.blog?from=20090720

https://makeitsomarketing.tripod.com/popularcultureblog/index.blog?from=20090721

https://makeitsomarketing.tripod.com/popularcultureblog/index.blog?from=20090727

** Please Visit Michael at The --Make It So Marketing-- Virtual Table

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=58723471295&ref=ts

* VOTE FOR KOMIKON AWARDS 2009 WINNERS

http://komikon.deviantart.com/journal/26264559/

Voting period will be from August 10 to September 20, 2009. Winners will be announced at the 5th Philippine Annual Komiks Convention (KOMIKON) this October 2009!

** Please visit --Komikon-- on Facebook at

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=89009073692&ref=search

*****************************************************************

FREE SWAG (While Supplies Last)

* FREE "Samurai Elf" Graphic Novel by, Miguel Guerra & Suzy Dias (While Supplies Last)

http://taoofguerra.blogspot.com/

Subscribe to The Tao of Guerra Blog and Receive A Free Copy of "Samurai Elf" (While Supplies Last)

**FREE SHIPPING TO USA ONLY!

** Message Miguel To Let Him Know That You've Subscribed To The Blog at His Virtual Table

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=52508449653&ref=search

* FREE Sketch Requests by, Jay Piscopo

http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=60673104814&topic=6943

NOW - August 16.

** Please Visit Jay at His Virtual Table

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=60673104814

* FREE Sketch Requests by, Alan Quah

http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=50444528026&topic=7147

NOW - August 16.

** Please Visit Alan at His Virtual Table

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=50444528026

* FREE Sketch Requests by, Steve LeCouilliard

http://www.facebook.com/inbox/?ref=mb#/topic.php?uid=68990549831&topic=8615

NOW - August 16.

** Please Visit Steve at His Virtual Table

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=68990549831

* FREE Sketch Requests by, Tiina Raisanen

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=54193631751&ref=ts

** Please Visit Tiina at Her Virtual Table

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=54193631751

*****************************************************************

* UPDATED POWWOW HALL EVENTS LIST

http://www.facebook.com/pages/FBCC-Powwow-Hall/62114283156?ref=ts

Panel discussions and interviews wing of Facebook Comic Con.

Jack Chiu - Coordinator

* UPDATED ART & SCRIPT REVIEWS EVENT LIST

http://www.facebook.com/pages/FBCC-Portfolio-Script-Reviews/142052150646?ref=ts

Portfolio review area @ Facebook Comic Con. Guest professional artists and writers are on hand to advise and critique submissions. The reviews work group is open to all members of Facebook Comic Con.

Stacey Aragon - Coordinator

* UPDATED COSTUME COMPETITION EVENTS LIST

http://www.facebook.com/pages/FBCC-Costume-Competitions/63245482692?v=app_2347471856&viewas=23707921#/pages/FBCC-Costume-Competitions/63245482692?v=wall&viewas=23707921

Costume Competition events at Facebook Comic Con.

PRIZES: VARIES BY CONTEST

Lisa Hager-Duncan - Coordinator

* UPDATED KNOWLEDGE SYMPOSIUM DISCUSSION TOPICS LIST

http://www.facebook.com/pages/FBCC-Knowledge/182056700499?ref=ts

The Knowledge symposium at Facebook Comic Con. A venue for the comics community to advance exploration of collective knowledge in science, politics, social evolution, economic trends, philosophy & faith, or other areas.

* UPDATED MUSEUM & EXHIBIT CENTER EVENTS LIST

http://www.facebook.com/pages/FBCC-Online-Art-Museum-Exhibit-Center/58647687338?ref=ts

Online Art Museum & Exhibit Center, where we bring you the finest exhibits from the world of Comic Book art and related media. Our mission is to preserve and elevate comics and related art in our culture and to encourage young aspiring artists by showing the rewards and prominence inherent in their achievements.
 

----------------------------

Whew!  Like I said above before posting the memo from Stacey; that's a Lot of events that YOU can attend at this virtual comic con during this time period!  AND without even leaving your chair at home or wherever you wanna be!

Plus, You can always attend the creator tables, dealer tables and other tables 24/7/365 at any time before, during, and after the Summer Gala! 

BTW, unless we are on site all day and night during a three day or longer 'real life' comic con... we normally blog daily on comic book creators, comic book reviews,  comic book conventions, and pop culture news and events!  

Plus for purchases of items that our blog posts are based on; please check out our listings of comics, graphic novels, Comic Con exclusives and more pop culture items for sale in our online store! 

Thanks again to all of YOU reading our current and archived blog posts!!