TODAY'S "MAIN FEATURE":

This blog has been updated today, (May 3rd, 2010), due to the fact that I continually use this archived blog post to refer comics / graphic novel creators to for them to send in their work(s)... For possible mention or review in my Blog... 

I refer to this because I keep getting asked questions if a creator can send their  published work to me, because the publisher of their work doesn't send out 'comp copies' to bloggers or 'other media people'.

So instead of repeating myself over and over, I put together this blog post back on December 11th of 2009 to show what I am asking for to help me read and possibly mention or review YOUR work in my Blog. 

Please Note the use of a 'key word' in the above title of this blog.  That 'key word' is "Best".

You see, I am sent several publications to review every month. And No, I'm Not complaining!  I enjoy reading what comes in, no matter what the genre the publication is in.  It keeps me involved in what's being published out there inbetween attending comic book and pop culture conventions, where I am also handed hard copies of publications to possibly review in my Blog.

So again... Why This blog post?

It's because after reading the received publication and finding that I either want to blog about it in the Blog's "Main Feature" section, that is when I run into 'time management trouble'.

That's due to several problems.  Which if they are 'problems' to me, they must be a 'problem' to other reviewers, but possibly in different 'difficulty' levels.  I'll explain further below.

What I 'Need' from You to be able to post a "Main Feature" section in my Blog is the following:

1)  NOTIFICATION: A notification that the publication is being sent to me for possible review. That should be simple enough.  But it isn't always.  If the publication is being sent via a physical mailing, then a brief letter with the sender's name, email address, physical address, and phone number would be sufficient. 

Also, please make sure the envelope is sturdy enough for the contents inside. I have seen the periodicals sent in to me go from being 'sandwiched' between two pieces of cardboard inserts for protection and carefully enclosed, to just being literally 'thrown' in the envelope, with the flap barely closed and sent media mail.

If the publisher or creator thinks that 'little' of their publication being sent in... what should I think of receiving a package in such a manner?  First impressions do count! 

(UPDATED Note: As of May 3rd, 2010 -  I am no longer accepting .pdf copies for possible mention or review in my Blog.  I have a 'backlog' of these, as I just don't find myself reading .pdf files for 'pleasure' reading.  Sorry, but I find myself to still be a tactile reader . If I have NOT mentioned or blogged about your previously submitted .pdf copy, that may be the reason, sorry!)  

2)  HOW TO PURCHASE: A note as to where the publication can be purchased by readers of my Blog. An url address link to an online site would be sufficient.  If I don't know where You want me to send my blog readers to, I'll have to 'guess' if I can't contact you. 

If it is self-published, and only sold via mail order, then please state so!  If it is sold via LCBS using Diamond then let me know that.  If it will be found shortly on Indy Planet, or other indy sites, that is fine also.  Just communicate that to me.  Plus if you've been reading this Blog for a while, you'll notice that I blog more about indy publications than I do 'mainstream' publications.  That's basically because those get more 'publicity' anyways from other reviewers.  I'm open to publications in genres that don't get all the attention!

3)  PUBLICATION PHOTO: A .jpeg or .gif for the periodical  that has been sent in for possible review. It does NOT need to be a 'print' quality photo, as I am reducing the 'size' of the photos anyways, usually no larger than 400 pixels wide to 555+ pixels in height.  Usually I'll Photoshop the picture to move the 'k' size down to less than '75 k' in size for quicker page loading.

4)  CREATOR PHOTO:  A .jpeg or .gif of the main creator(s) of the publication.  You would NOT believe how hard it is to find a photo online of many creators.  Yes, I'm sure that a lot of creators would like to think that their works speak for themselves, but even Steve Ditko has a few photos online from 1950's that a reviewer could draw from!

Note to Creators: 'Branding' is very important in marketing your publication.  I read other genres that I normally wouldn't because the creator(s) have 'branded' themselves as being good in another genre or media, thus leading me to 'try out' their endeavors in a different field!

5)   PRESS RELEASE: A 'press release' or a promo piece about what your publication is about.  Not a 'review' from another reviewer, but what the creator(s) think is what they had published. It would best if this is already online somewhere to send me a 'link' to that page.  Thus I could just 'copy and paste' that press release.  

6)  CREATOR BIO: At times a short 'bio' about the creator would be appreciated, especially if the publication is basically written / illustrated / inked / lettered / etc. by that one creator.  That would give that creator a little more 'exposure' or 'branding' as to who they are, what background they have, and why they are involved in this project.  I have on occasion also blogged a special series called "Spotlight On..." persons that may or not be directly involved in comics or cartooning, but are in other pop culture fields.  

Note: If You are on a Social Network, such as Facebook, please let me know that. Also if you have a 'Facebook Fan Page' or 'Facebook Group Page' that I could refer my blog readers to as well.  Quite often my blogs or wall posts will go 'viral' which could lead to your Fan or Group Page obtaining more 'fans' or 'members'!

The above half-dozen requests would save myself time, as well as for so many other reviewers that could be interested in Your publication!  It is still a wonder to me that so many creators don't 'market' themselves to bloggers or other reviewers with the basic information that is needed to present the publication and the creators in the best possible light.  

Again, presentation is important when sending the publication(s) out.  The first thing the reviewer see is the package the contents arrive in.  Giving the reviewer the necessary background as to the project's origins is helpful.  Also any 'press' or 'promotional' pieces is always appreciated.  And of course, if You already have a web site with the photos of the publication(s) AND yourself, you are so much easier to blog about and refer blog readers to! 

I still have a few publications that were presented to me that haven't been blogged about yet, even though they made the 'cut' to either be mentioned in my Blog's "Main Feature" section at the top of the Blog, or in the Blog's "Featurette" section at the bottom right of the Blog.  Quite often periodicals that don't have the six necessary components listed above don't make the "Main Feature" section because it is too hard to obtain that info/photos to publish a well drafted blog.  Thus the publication could end up in the "Featurette" section or not being blogged about at all... (UPDATE May 3rd, 2010 - I have 'discontinued the 'Featurette Section', at least for a while, as I was ending up writing two blogs in one.) 

So there You have it!  What I as a reviewer need to be able to blog about Your periodical here.  I hope it helps!  I definitely don't want to 'scare' anyone off, but it has taken some time to retrieve the necessary six components to properly blog a review here on several publications that were sent in or given to me. 

I listed what I need from you, so here is the necessary info you need from me to be able to submit your publication(s):

email address:   makeitsomktg@aol.com

mailing address: 
Michael D Hamersky
c/o Make It So Marketing Inc.
PO Box 130653
Carlsbad CA 92013

LAST NOTES IN THIS UPDATE As of May 3rd of 2010:

One:  Several of my reviews are being reprinted in my New Column at Comic Fan! magazine published by Main Enterprises. So there is a possibility of even more exposure of your work via that channel.  Not all reviews submitted to that magazine get published, but some do...

Two:  Because EACH one of my blogs takes at LEAST an HOUR to produce, minimum, I only blog on works that I personally like, or that I find unique enough to stand out from the others that would be on the shelves at a LCBS. 

Three: Continually  emailing me or messaging myself as to why I haven't mentioned or blogged about your work yet, like is currently being done this week by a party who will remained unnamed here, does NOT get your work mentioned any faster, and if continued will be taken off the possible mention or review candidates list. 

Sorry about the above  last paragraph, this is the first time this has happened, after 3,120+ blogs that I have posted to date....

To end on a Postive Note...My thanks to All of those that have taken the time to either send a printed copy in via mail or given me a copy of their publication at a comic / pop culture convention this Year.  I look forward to receiving more publications from those reading this blog post, that are motivated enough to send in their publications for possible review!  

The above pictured comic book series was sent to me for a possible review here in this Blog... 

It currently is a two issue series, although at the end of Issue #2 there is a 'to be continued' note. 

So the two covers look kinda cool... What's the series about?"

Here is the press info for issue #1: 

"At long last comes the first comic book format publication from Main Enterprises, featuring the space born hero that began within the pages of Jim Main's legendary fanzine *PPFSZT!...COSMIC MAN! The first issue features a brand new tale, written by Steve Keeter, with art by Tony Lorenz and lettered by Jim Pack,with an inside back cover by guest artist Jack Bertram. Join Cosmic Man, his friends Dr. Kelsey and his daughter Mary, as well as his "cousin" The Phoenix, as they take on government agents while an even bigger threat, not of this world, looms above! All this excitement is topped off with an eye-popping, dynamic full color cover illustration by Scott McClung. $2.25 plus 1.30 S&H in the U.S. Payment by check only."

Here's the press info on issue #2:

"Another stupendous issue by writer Steve Keeter and artist Tony Loenz featuring the mis-understood super hero is here at last. And what an issue it is, as other heroes are called upon once again to help with the alien invasion begun last issues. Fans of the 70's fanzines will thrill to the return of characters such as Nightman, The Spy, The Raven, Sunwing, The Titan, The Acrobat, The Simian, all answering a call to assist in the defeat of the menace, alongside K'bar (The Phoenix) and The Cosmic Man. Additional art by Jack Bertram and a dazzling full color front cover by the amazing Scott McClung. $2.95, plus 1.50 S&H-$4.45, personal check only, made out to Jim Main." 

So what did I think of this series?

Well, the two covers were really striking, and would stand out on the shelves at a LCBS that you would go to if they were distributed to your Local Comic Book Shop.  Although the covers are in color, the interior pages are in black and white format. Continuing with discussing the artwork, the illustrations are drawn in a 'fanzine' style or early independent comics style.  Not saying anything bad about the style, but it is totally different from the front covers.  The breakdown into chapters is good, and goes with this art style.

The writing is similar to that of a 1950's Sci-Fi film dialogue.  Again, nothing wrong with that, it does flow with the storyline.  I enjoyed issue #1 enough to delve into issue #2 right away. Issue #2's artwork looks more 'finished' to me, maybe because the panels seem to have background details in the finishing inks.

The lettering in issue #1 appears different than in #2.  I noticed that right away, and that style complemented the more 'finished' artwork used in issue #2.

This series so far kept my interest, and I'm wondering when issue #3 will be published...???  Possibly the publisher is waiting for You to buy out the first two issues?!

You can buy this series, (as well as other Main Enterprises publications), at:

http://mainenterprises.ecrater.com .

A while back I blogged about issues #0 & #1 of this series...  

As seen at this archived blog post.  Today I am blogging about the newest issue #2 which features the feature story "Jessica's Landing", as well as an additional story. Also 'Identities' is a 'sketchbook' style issue of pinups collected.

Actually, here is the 'press info' on what these two issue contain:

This Holiday Season is really moving along for me...  

On Sunday night Tina asked me if I wanted to watch SYFY's 'Alice' mini-series, which was an updated 'Alice In Wonderland' film.

Which reminded me that I had read a recent treatment of an updated 'Dorothy in Kansas' story that I had picked up at the 2009 Long Beach Comic Con, but had not yet reviewed here...

I had picked it up at Karl Alstaetter's table and had read it, meaning to at least mention it in this Blog's "Featurette" section.  However I hadn't mentioned it as of Sunday night.

So first, here is a little info on Karl Alstaetter, whose name is probably familar to you:

"Karl Alstaetter began working in comics in the 1990s. He started as an art assistant on Marvel's 'X-Men', and then went on to provide art for Marvel, DC and Image Comics. He had his breakthrough with his run on 'Q:UNIT'. He took a break from comics and went to work as a designer for video games, films theme parks for a while. In 1997, he began his own line of comics through Hyperwerks Entertainment, which includes titles like 'Deity', 'Catseye', 'Saint Angel' and 'Weasel Guy'. Alstaetter was the artist and writer on the company's first comic, 'Deity', himself. He also had a take on the classic German sci-fi hero 'Perry Rhodan'".

So that is probably why his name is familar to you.

I met Thomas Doherty, Editor In Chief of Committed Comics, at the recent Long Beach Comic Con (LBCC)... 

He shared with me a few titles from the publishing company.  I've already shared one title via an earlier blog post, Threads #1 - With a Shadow Rider Cover By Dick Ayers.

Today, I'm going to blog about a different title, 'Java!', of which I only received part 1 of the 3 part mini-series, so my thoughts are based only on the first issue.

However this storyline is almost like combining the film 'Mad Max' with a Starbucks in the future storyline.  Yeah, it is that strange!

Just like the other title I blogged about before, 'Threads', the Committed Comics company published this mini-series of three issues before going on hiatus back in 2005. When I was at the Committed Comics table at the LBCC, I wasn't aware that before their hiatus, Committed Comics had published a total of nine issues of three different titles: three issues each of Java!, Threads, and Neo Dawn.

My understanding after researching this title's history is that Java! is the creative property of Kensuke Okabayashi. Kensuke is the writer and penciler of this title.

His storyline includes the characters: Java and her partner La-Te.  Right, that's pronounced 'latte' the way I figure it.  Oh, and the two are part of the B.E.A.N. Force!

Okay...!!  Interesting concept...so far... here's what the press release says of the storyline:  "The world has a shortage of coffee beans and coffee has become one of the earth's most valuable commodities. Follow the adventures of Java and her crew as she tries to stop the illegal trafficking of 'tainted' coffee beans".

The first pages show Java and La-Te breaking up a bunch of smugglers, so go figure out what they are smuggling!

Later on 'hoverboards' are shown, which I can't figure out is a homage to 'Back To The Future Part II' or what.

The dialogue seems to be including some sort of coffee-house slang.  This is a strange series so far, but the art keeps me reading.  Plus the colors used in this issue are very vivid and keep me interested as well.

Just like a James Bond, this series has to have gadgets.  I've already mentioned the 'hoverboard'.  How about using a 'decaffeinator grenade'?  Yep, there's one of those in this first issue too!

There's more action in this issue, which is set in 'Neo-Seattle' in the Year 2073.  Which helps keep me reading this story.  It is kind of 'far out' after all...

Yeah, 'far out', because the 'bad guy' is tracked down to be 'Dr. Grind', who's company 'Sunrise Coffee' trucks were smuggling the beans.

Oh, and Java and La-Te aren't the only ones in B.E.A.N. Force.  Take a look at the top right panel from this issue for the others in the Force.

You know, this whole story would seem kind of hokey, except that the art by Kensuke with inks by Peter Palmiotti and colors by Lee Stacy make the pages really stand out to me!