WoW! It's even better than what I thought it would be holding it in hard copy format!

Part 1 of this review blog series has already been posted (click here for Part 1), using a .pdf copy emailed to me.

This perfect squarebound magazine is really beautiful and great to hold for a 'tactile' reader like myself!  Plus there should be a longer 'shelf-life' in this squarebound format for LCBS that would want to carry this magazine.

(Please Note: As of Comic Fan #6, (this issue), several of my review blog posts are being re-printed in the 'Spinner Rack' review section of this magazine.  Thus I am considered a 'contributor' to this publication.).

Okay... Time to calm down and continue with Part 2 of this reveiw of Comic Fan! #6.

I left off at the article: Blast From The Past! - An Interview with John Byrne, conducted and transcribed by Rick Limacher. This was truly from the past, as it was from 1976!

The next feature was 'The Spinner Rack' - a series of review columns by several persons, including myself for the first time here.

'Suspended Animation' Reviews by Mark Allen - 8 reviews.

'Barry's Comic Bin' - Reviews by Barry Southworth - 7 reviews.

'News From Home' - Matt Levin with 17 reviews and 5 'short takes'.

'Dennis Kinnigers's Komic Korner - by Dennis Kinninger - with 7 comics reviews and 3 manga reviews.

'Make It So Marketing' - by Michael D Hamersky - with 5 reviews.

'Funnybook City' - Reviews by Robert J Sodaro - 3 reviews.

'Midnight Fiction' - by Richard Krauss - with 20 reviews.

Whew!  What a selection of publications to choose from! I haven't seen this many reviews in one publication for quite a while! And I don't mean a tiny little paragraph for each review either!

'The Spinner Rack' feature ran from page 46 to page 69! Several titles there I've heard of before and / or read. Others were tottally 'foreign' to me!  I only mentioned the numbers of reviews to give YOU an idea on how prolific these reviewers are in reading AND reviewing!

The next feature was 'Comic Memories' - that ran from page 72 - 74, by Larry Tisch.  'Art that evokes memories of comics past'. This seemed more of a mental exercise / puzzle to me, as each one of the illustrations brought to mind memories of reading each of the comics illustrated by Larry.  Take a look to see what I mean by that! It was fun for me!

'Sez Me!' by Sam Gafford - Interesting article by Sam, who's "a 60's fandom guy trying to find my way in Comic Book Fandom of 2010!".

'Captain George Henderson' - by Richard Krauss. A Tribute article.  I didn't know of George's achievements or publications that he was involved in. With this well put together article, I do now...

'Golden Age Grotto' - by Lance 'Doc' Boucher.  I haven't read these Wonder Man stories that are mentioned in this feature, but I did know of the history.  Brief article, but to the point!

'My Top Five Favorite Alan Moore Comic Book Moments' - by Marc Haines was next.  Interesting choices found here.  I haven't read enough of Alan Moore's works to know all of these.  Of cousrse I've read 'Watchmen', 'V For Vendetta', and 'League of Extraordinary Gentlemen', but not these that were chosen.  Good article for those that enjoy Alan Moore's works, and wanting to know more of them.

'Original Comic Art Gallery' - courtesy of Mike Burkey a.k.a. 'Romitaman.com'.  Interesting choices of original art shown here.

The inside back cover was done by Doc Bucher & Jeff Austin. Interesting one page spread featuring a comics legend that I've met several times before his passing...

Back cover by Miguel Guerra - good illustration of Captain Marvel / Shazam!

I'll say it again... I knew this was a quality publication when I first read it as a .pdf format.  Yet to hold it in my hands made me appreciate this publication even more. It kind of reminded me of the feeling I got when reading the first series of 'Comic Book Marketplace' by Gary Carter...AND I loved those early issues!

There was a LOT of effort put into this issue.  It is a well put together publication, and I for one am pleased to recommend Comic Fan! #6 to Comic Fans out there!

The price on each format and how to obtain it can be found in these links:

Click here to view and order the Print Copy to be mailed to YOU!

Click here to view and order the PDF version to be e-mailed!

My thanks to to Publisher, Jim Main, for sending me both the .pdf format file as a preview copy for my earlier review. Plus sending me the hard copy just received last night, which is why I moved this review blog up in blogging about, as it was Part 2 in this mini-series.  Plus my thanks to Jim for including my review column starting with this issue!

~ Michael D Hamersky @ ComicBookCollectorsBlog.com

Note: Besides blogging here, we also have comics, graphic novels, and fanzines similar to the ones mentioned above for sale at our own online store:

http://www.comicbookscircus.com/

 

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

Check Out More Of Our Own Endeavors:   Yeah, that's me in the photo shown to the left, taken at the 1973 San Diego Comic Con! I first set up as a 'dealer' at the 1972 SDCC at the El Cortez Hotel. So I've been around comic conventions for a little while, LOL! Tina and I now have an on-line exhibitor table at the first "virtual" comic con titled the "Facebook Comic Con" (FBCC)! You can view our table and interact with us there on Facebook by clicking this link.  So if YOU are a Facebook member, please 'join' our Facebook Comic Con - Make It So Marketing exhibitor table for updates, specials, links to this blog, and other wall comments that we post every day!    Also, if you are a Facebook member and would like to join my Facebook Network, feel free to send a 'friend request' to 'Michael D Hamersky'.         ------------------- Talking about comics: if YOU are a comics creator, (writer, penciler, inker, colorist, letterer, etc.), OR even a Comics / Magazine Publisher, feel free to contact me regarding YOUR works for a possible mention / review! I've made a special blog post about: "How To Best Submit YOUR Publication For Possible Review!" for those creators / publishers that would like to possibly have their publications mentioned or reviewed. Just click on the link provided in this paragraph! ~Michael @ ComicBookCollectorsBlog.com   WEB PAGE NOTE:  This blog post is written for the IE Browser standards. Chrome, Safarai, Netscape, Firefox and the others serve the page up differently. The screen display resolution is best seen at the setting of 1024 x 768. NOTE; All images and characters within this blog post are copyright and trademark their respective owners.

 

One that caught my eyes was 'Distortions Unlimited #1' sent in by the writer / penciler / colorist - Daniel Crosier.

This three issue mini-series should be available on the shelves of YOUR LCBS, but I was not aware of it until this first issue was sent to me.

So what's it about?  Here's the Press Release:

Bluewater Productions presents a unique horror comic that revolves around existing full-scale monster and alien animatronics in the new series titled “Distortions Unlimited.”

The first issue of the series delves into the horror unleashed on the earth with the collapse of a mine. The plot was crafted with multiple, intertwining layers that combine fantasy and true-life events ripped from today’s headlines.  Local Denver celebrities, Uncle Nasty and Matt Need from Clear Channel's KBPI and Allana Rizzo from Rocky Mountain Fox Sports Net have lent their likeness to the project.

Crosier will bring a unique look to the books by illustrating with his watershed technique. All covers and interior pages of the series will be created with graphite on wood poplar panels. Crosier’s influence for the series is Dark Horse’s “B.P.R.D. 1946”. The books will have a high contrast, distressed, organic look.

The creative team will also include veteran inker Peter Palmiotti. Palmiotti has worked for a variety of comic publishers including Marvel Comics, DC Comics, and Image.
 

Here are my thoughts on this first issue of a the series:

First of all, the front cover 'grabbed' me, (pun intended). If I had found this on the shelves of the LCBS and I was just casually browsing what was 'New This Week', this would have gotten my attention.

Plus the fact that it was from Bluewater Productions' Comics line, of which I have enjoyed the vast majority of titles and their individual issues thus far.  That would have been an additional incentive to open up to at least the splash page.

However, I'm the kind of reader that likes to look at the credits.  So besides Daniel Crosier and Peter Palmiotti, I also see that Jaymes Reed is the letterer for this isue. So that is a plus also for me.

The 'Splash Page' really isn't a 'splash page' in this first issue.  There are several pages right off that use only horizontal panels to start telling the story.  Interesting concept, but does it grab my attention? The sequential art better be darn good with immediate story telling to keep my attention...

It does, and I read further.

The layout and story line continues, drawing me in to the story.  All too soon the issue is finished.  To be continued...Okay, I want more.

There is a one page pinup, tagged to be a 'Bluewater Bonus Pin-up Page by Daniel Crosier.  Okay, I'll go along with that.

Then there are two ad pages for 'Distortions Unlimited'.  Until now, I wasn't aware of the history of this.  Does it give away some of what is going to happen next issue?  Probably, but I don't know yet in what way...

"Denver, Colorado based artist Daniel Crosier has exploded onto the comic book scene in the last few years.  Illustrating and writing multiple comic book projects with a variety of well-established publishers, Crosier’s distinctive approach, incomparable perspective and vibrant personality has the industry taking note.

After a near death experience due to a lifetime bout with chronic asthma and allergies in his early 20's, Crosier launched into his art career with unyielding vigor and tenacity as only someone offered a second chance could. Crosier secured a degree in fine art from Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design in Denver, CO with an emphasis in drawing and sculpture.  This background in fine art has encouraged him develop a watershed wood burning technique for illustrating his latest comic book project,  “Bartholomew of the Scissors” from Bluewater Productions.   Crosier has illustrated and burned the entire four-part comic book series on 88 wood panels.

Crosier explains what encouraged him to start illustrating and burning on wood. "I have a background in fine art, and have always opted for alternative mediums. I really liked the idea of incorporating wood grain into my drawings. When I began getting published in the comic industry, it seemed like a natural transitions to do some covers and pin ups on wood. It stuck. People really seemed to like the organic feel of the work."

“Bartholomew of the Scissors” features gothic horror elements with innovative twists.  Similar to the new  “Vince Prince Presents”  and “Distortions Unlimited” series which Crosier will also be involved with as a writer and illustrator from Bluewater Productions, the primary focus is on innovative storytelling technique and exceptional art opposed to gratuitous gore."

You can also interact with the creators of this comic book series. If YOU are a Facebook Member feel free to 'Like' / 'Fan' them at their Facebook Fan Page by clicking here!

My thanks to Daniel Crosier for submitting the 1st issue of this comic book title!

AND My thanks again to all of YOU reading this blog and our archived blog posts, now over the 3,100 total posts in number!

~ Michael D Hamersky @ ComicBookCollectorsBlog.com

Note: Our online comic book store carries many different genres of comics and graphic novels, including HoRRoR and MoNSTer titles at:

http://www.comicbookscircus.com/

 

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

Check Out More Of Our Own Endeavors:   Yeah, that's me in the photo shown to the left, taken at the 1973 San Diego Comic Con! I first set up as a 'dealer' at the 1972 SDCC at the El Cortez Hotel. So I've been around comic conventions for a little while, LOL!   Tina and I now have an on-line exhibitor table at the first "virtual" comic con titled the "Facebook Comic Con" (FBCC)! You can view our table and interact with us there on Facebook by clicking this link.  So if YOU are a Facebook member, please 'join' our Facebook Comic Con - Make It So Marketing exhibitor table for updates, specials, links to this blog, and other wall comments that we post every day!    Also, if you are a Facebook member and would like to join my Facebook Network, feel free to send a 'friend request' to 'Michael D Hamersky'.         ------------------- Talking about comics: if YOU are a comics creator, (writer, penciler, inker, colorist, letterer, etc.), OR even a Comics / Magazine Publisher, feel free to contact me regarding YOUR works for a possible mention / review! I've made a special blog post about: "How To Best Submit YOUR Publication For Possible Review!" for those creators / publishers that would like to possibly have their publications mentioned or reviewed. Just click on the link provided in this paragraph! ~Michael @ ComicBookCollectorsBlog.com   WEB PAGE NOTE:  This blog post is written for the IE Browser standards. Chrome, Safarai, Netscape, Firefox and the others serve the page up differently. The screen display resolution is best seen at the setting of 1024 x 768. NOTE; All images and characters within this blog post are copyright and trademark their respective owners.