Michael D Hamersky On Comics Reviews: TOOF! A Rafael Navarro Sketch Book (And More...)      - Above Photo: The Front Cover to TOOF! A Rafael Navarro Sketchbook Which Was First Printed for the 2010 SDCC. Top Left Photo:  Rafael Navarro with Michael D Hamersky at the 2010 San Gabriel Valley Comic Book Festival.

TODAY'S FEATURE - Blog #3354:

Last year in my blog #3240 I blogged about Rafael Navarro's TPB titled 'Sonambulo In: Sleep of the Just'.  I followed up with blog #3252, where I review blogged his 'Sonambulo In: Mexican Stand-Off'.  I suggest you click those two links just shown as to what Rafael's creation, 'Sonambulo', is all about and then come back...

Okay... Are you back now?!

Good!  Because today I want to mention Rafael's sketchbook that he first premiered at the 2010 Comic-Con International: San Diego, a.k.a. San Diego Comic Con, (SDCC).

As you read in my earlier blog about Rafael, I missed seeing his booth there at the SDCC. Which is why he hailed me at the 2010 San Gabriel Valley Comic Book Festival, (a.k.a. SGV), so I didn't do that again!  As the SGV was a lot smaller than the SDCC, (and almost every con in North America is!), I made time to stop in at his table, (as well as every other table at the SGV).

I'm glad I did!  As mentioned in the earlier blogs, I truly enjoyed his 'Sonambulo' series of comic books he has published.  Although I've only reviewed blogged two of the series, I found the works compelling and actually moved up the first TPB reprinting the first series of Sonambulo for reviewing.

Here's where today's blog post comes in... Which is actually pretty 'timely' as the comic convention season for 2011 has already started... but hits 'full swing' in another couple of months!

In the stack of publications that Rafael gave me for possible review, was this 'TOOF! - A Rafael navarro Sketch Book. 

The sketch book is 8" x 10 1/2" in size.  Inside it are 52 full color pages of Rafael's artwork.  Of course quite a few pages are on his own character, Sonambulo.  But also included are:

A 'Tomb of Dracula' homage (shown at the left), a 'prelim sketch' of Batman & Robin, the Phantom from King Features, the Enchantress from Marvel Comics, Spider-Woman, Supergirl, Wonder Woman, Captain America & the Red Skull, the Destroyer, Captain America (by himself), Zorro, the Falcon, Indiana Jones, the Spirit, and many more, including several animated series characters that I am not familiar with.

Of course the obligatory 'good girl' art is included, as you gotta please them 'fanboys'!  But you get the picture now...

This publication by Rafael Navarro shows that he is far more than just a comics creator that has created one great character and nothing more!  This publication is representative of what every artist should have at his or her table at every comic con that they appear at!  More on that in a moment...

By showing other publishers characters in this sketchbook of his, Rafael shows that he is also a storyboard artist, a 'fine artist', penciller, illustrator, and painter.   This sketchbook shows his versatility.

I already mentioned the size of this publication and the number of pages... For those of you just starting out, the cost of this publication is probably a little too much to print too many copies for distribution.  I've seen other artists actually use Ka-Blam to print out comic book sized & comic book looking sketchbooks.

In the 'title' to this blog I added (and more!):  My point is this:  I missed seeing Rafael at his booth at the over-sized SDCC in 2010.  If you've never been to the SDCC, let me tell you... Last year was the first time since 1991 when SDCC moved to the SD Convention Center that I didn't walk every aisle of the exhibit hall.  It's too massive now.  An artist should carry with them a comic-book sized promo sketchbook, so that if they run into a 'reviewer' like myself, or others that are at different levels in the comics industry, that they could give a copy to them for possible mention, review, or even referral for additional work!

Please note:  I would suggest a color front cover, black & white interior pages, a background history on the 'splash page', and most important of all, a link to YOUR web site for possible follow-up and even purchases!   If you already have a self-published comic book, then 'put it out there' in your sketchbook with a the domain name address and e-mail address!  Consider this to be an over-sized business card.  Seriously... It doesn't cost that much when given to those in the industry that could possibly get you more fans who will buy your publications! 

And yeah, you should charge at least what it cost you to print them, when selling them at comic cons.  You want to create a 'buzz' about your work, and 'stand out' from the crowd of other comics creators, several of whom are just busy with their head down, busy sketching for fans... so busy they don't even look up when another potential fan stops at their table!  I've seen that way too often at comic cons... Sheesh!  

And here's another 'business card' idea... If YOU had a Facebook Fan Page, which doesn't cost anything to start... Except for your time to build it and maintain it, you would have a 24/7 biz card online. 

Yeah I know, you don't have the time to promote the page.  That's where it is going to cost you... But you have to have a 'product' to sell to monetize the Fan Page.  Because with the little time you have... You are going to have to  use a 'pro' in marketing the Facebook Fan Page, and keep yourself doing the best thing you can be doing... Which is creating more comics!  (Unabashed plug for Tina's and my services on promoting Facebook Fan Pages and other web services that we do, LOL!).

Anyways, I want to thank Rafael Navarro for presenting me with such fine series of 'Sonambulo', AND for this sketchbook!  It shows your versatility, and with today's economic environment, versatility is what we all need!

My Review Rating for this 'sketch book' is NEAR MINT MINUS (NM-) 9.2 out of a possible 10.0 Comic Book Grading scale. 

The link to Rafael's web site for 'Sonambulo' can be found here.  I've elected to link to the 'store' link of his web site, so you can see what he has available for sale.

Also, Rafael has not started a Facebook Fan Page for 'Sonambulo'.  However Facebook has placed a 'community page' for it, which you can see by clicking here.  Which gives you a little more 'background' on the character. 

Again, my thanks to Rafael for bringing his Sonambulo series AND this Sketchbook of his to my attention.  I have enjoyed several hours reading all of these... And will be blogging about another of the series in the future.  (Gotta give other deserving creators out there equal time here in this blog, you know!)     

~Michael D Hamersky

BTW, You can 'follow' this Blog by clicking the 'Follow' Button at this NetworkedBlogs app!  We currently have over 2,250 '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, 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!!  (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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Michael D Hamersky On Comics Reviews: Walking Man Comics Presents Special #74 By Matt Levin     - Above Photo: The Front Cover to Walking Man Comics Presents Special #74 Top Left Photo:  Matt Levin, Creator.

TODAY'S FEATURE - Blog #3353:

Earlier this week I received issue #75 of this series from creator, Matt Levin... Which reminded me that I had not yet mentioned issue #74 of the same series.

Matt has been pretty busy uploading several of his earlier issues of this series to his personal Facebook profile page, of which I will post the link to at the bottom of this review.

I first blogged about Matt and his mini-comics in my March 1st of 2010 blog, as seen in this link. As I mentioned there, even though Matt had been producing these for a decade, I had not seen a copy.  Small Press comics can be exactly that... Comics that have a 'small distribution'.  In this case, with Matt being based in Connecticut, I had not heard of his line of mini-comics till he introduced himself to me via Facebook.

As to Issue #74, this is what Matt wrote on a sidenote that was enclosed with the issue to those that were on his subscription list:

"Welllll, it took me a long time, but I'm willing to call it quits on WMCP74, completed, if not done.  I'm planning to post "Pere et Fils" 1-4 on my Facebook page; on issue issue weekly in Jan.; hope to show the kid growing up between issues.

It's very nice to be scheduled according to pleasure, but worrisome--shouldn't I be doing more?  Mostly, I've been doing short pieces for "Oh, Comics!", "Banzai" and the Trees & Hill anthologies.  But it's getting to hard to be inventive, for too small a return to be enjoyable.  The frog--the frog is fun and writes itself and I have the actual characters--so it's likely the frog Super Hero Frog will return.

Hope your life and work are working out, if not as expected, than at least with good health and some fun."

The above pretty much states what I felt when I was publishing my family genealogical newsletter titled 'Hamersky & Allied Familes Newsletter'. It was published from 1980 to 1995 for the benefit of descendants of all Hamerski / Hamersky / Hammersky families. The newsletter was available in English, Portuguese and German. As Matt stated above... I too felt that "...it's getting too hard to be inventive, for too small a return to be enjoyable'. A few years after my divorce... I just ceased publishing.

I'm glad that Matt is posting these issues of his online at his Facebook personal page.  The 'privacy settings' to his page are open to those that want to take a look at this issue and the other three in this 'Pere et Fils' story arc.

This issue #74 is the final issue in that very same story arc.  With only 12 page, (including covers), to this mini-comic, Matt presents a good story and one that he felt needed 'telling'.

What is unique with Matt's mini-comic is that the art is shown via 'rubber stamp' art... Yes, I said 'rubber stamp art'.  A list of credits of the rubber stamp makers are shown as 'Where to GO-!' to purchase the rubber stamps used in the story, with the rubber stamp makers names (personal / business), and a mailing address.

In this 'Pere et Fils', (Father and Son), story arc, Matt has been producing four comics of 'questionable advice' to his son.  I found this last issue of that story arc the one to touch my own heart... Enough to want to blog about it here today. 

If you aren't reading Matt's comics, either hard copy or on his Facebook personal page, you should... Period.

My Review Rating for this series is VERY FINE / NEAR MINT (VF/NM) 9.0 out of a possible 10.0 Comic Book Grading scale. 

The link to Matt's Facebook 'photo album' so that you can see this four issue story arc can be found by clicking here.  I'm not for sure how much else is open for you to see on the WMC series or his other mini-comics. The 'privacy settings' are Matt's choice, not mine.

Again, my thanks to Matt for sending me hard copies of his mini-comics to me for possible review!     

~Michael D Hamersky

BTW, You can 'follow' this Blog by clicking the 'Follow' Button at this NetworkedBlogs app!  We currently have over 2,247 '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, 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!!  (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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Michael D Hamersky On Comics Reviews: Velica Volume 2 #1-4 From Z Studioz     - Above Photo: The Front Cover to Velica Volume 2 #1. Top Left Photo:  Front Cover to Velica Volume 2 #2.

TODAY'S FEATURE - Blog #3352:

First, I want to apologize to the creator / publisher of this series, Kenneth Johnson.  I had received this mini-series last year for possible review, and after reading it, I loaned it to another party as an example of what is being published in the comics industry.  This was just returned to me, and upon checking my indexes, I realized that I had not yet review blogged it. 

Checking on the publisher's website, I found that YOU can read this series of four comics now on 'Myebook', and that the property is getting a lot of traction this year, thus although it was printed last year, it is still rather 'timely' for presentation here in my Blog.  I will post all the links to what Z Studioz and 'Velica' are up to as of this date.

First, here's what the publisher has for the promotional info:

"Velica tells the story of a woman on the quest for justice for all. Her father was gunned down by a trusted family friend and while the justice system failed her, she will not. Velica tears through the hides of anyone who protects her fathers killer and stops at nothing to help others from being affected by a similar fate. In the beginning, it was about Velica avenging her father. She soon realized that this fight goes beyond a simple vendetta. This is about justice. She is searching for truth in a world filled with lies and shady people who only seek to capitalize on others misfortune."

After re-reading the series to refresh my memory, I found that although the interior pages are printed in black & white, that the vivid color front covers of Velica stayed with me as I read each of the four issues that have been printed so far.

I mentioned that the comic book issues printed so far can be found on 'MyEbook'.  However, due to the 'action / violence' in this series, you would have to confirm that you are at least 18 years of age to read this series.  Thus I'm placing the 'mature' label on this series in this blog post.

The storyline isn't dragged out over the four issues published thus far. I haven't read the fifth issue, but the 'pencils preview' is available online.  It is an 8-page preview that was added August of 2010, with no additional update so far as of today.  So although I'm a little late in blogging about this series, it hasn't yet come out with a complete fifth issue.  BTW, the earlier four issues I'm referring to in this blog have each been read via 'Myebook' by over 75,000 readers.  That is quite an accomplishment!

The artwork is pretty visual / in-your-face even in this black & white version.  If and when a 'TPB' is compiled, it might be considered to print it in color for that target audience.  The color front covers I believe were colored by Kirsty Swan.

I could go on with a 'review' of each comic, but with them being shown on the web at this time, I'm just going to give this series my rating, and then follow up with the links I suggest you take a look at...

My Review Rating for this series is VERY FINE / NEAR MINT (VF/NM) 9.0 out of a possible 10.0 Comic Book Grading scale. 

The web site for Z Studioz can be found here.

The 'Myebook' portal page for all 5 issues thus far can be found here.

I suggest that you 'Like' the Z Studioz Entertainment Facebook Fan Page here.

There is also a Facebook Fan Page just for  'Velica - The Next Powerfrul Woman In Comics'.

Kenneth Johnson is also the (virtual comic con) Facebook Comic Con (FBCC) Gala Lead Coordinator, of which I am a member of, and a proud owner of a (virtual) comic con table, Facebook Comic Con | Make It So Marketing.

As a last link, here is the Twitter feed for Velica.

Again, my thanks to Ken for sending me hard copies of his Velica series to me for possible review.  Your current marketing of this Velica property via Myebook should lead to an even bigger audience, I'm sure.     

~Michael D Hamersky

BTW, You can 'follow' this Blog by clicking the 'Follow' Button at this NetworkedBlogs app!  We currently have over 2,245 '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, 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!!  (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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Michael D Hamersky On Comics: Inanna's Tears Collected Edition Hardcover     - Above Photo: The Front Cover to Inanna's Tears - Collected Edition Hardcover- From Archaia Entertainment

TODAY'S FEATURE - Blog #3351:

I haven't seen this comic book series before, so when the Collected Edition (Hardcover) came in the mail, I took a quick look at it.  I was wondering if this would be one that my wife, Tina LoSasso, would want to read and possibly review blog.

However, her schedule kept her from getting to it right away, so I looked at it a bit more, and realized that the topic was one that interested me, as I enjoy reading comics / graphic novels / TPBs that have historical background.

Here's what the publisher uses for the 'promo blurb':

"In Sumer, before the rise of the kingship, the prosperous city of Birith is known throughout the land for its devotion to the goddess Inanna.  But after a thousand years of plenty, the city is in danger of being overrun by the nomadic refugees that swell in number outside of its walls.  Even as her high priest makes plans to preside over his final ritual to Inanna and name a successor, powerful interests outside of the city begin to question the wisdom of continuing to submit to the Temple's authority. Collects and completes the Inanna's Tears series."

So what's my take on this 'collected edition'?

I found that with my love of history, that I was caught up in this storyline, even though it goes so far back, that I wasn't aware of the historical basis of the series.

When the young woman named Entika is chosen as 'consort' to the goddess Inanna, I feel for her being thrust into the role by her mentor, who knows his time on earth is about over.  She doesn't feel ready, especially since her knowledge of the outside world beyond the Temple's walls is not current.

Indeed she must overcome not only her own peoples prejudices against her, but also the might of what is truly a cunning enemy outside those walls.  A wolf among sheep if you would, as those outside the walls have grown mighty, unbeknown to the Temple's old consort.

I've seen where this is considered a 'proto-historical romantic tragedy'. I've got to agree with that selection of genre for this collected edition.

I must say, that this series was 'collected' very well in this book format. Quite honestly, if I had seen the individual 'floppy' comic book issues at my LCBS, I would have been a little 'put off' by the beginning of the 1st issue.  The first three pages are in an 'old style font', which made it hard for me to read.  If I was browsing at my LCBS, and 'judged' the rest of the 1st issue by those three pages, I may not have read further. (The font style does change on page four.) 

It was the unique art style that made me push on reading the first chapter (issue) in this collected edition.  But it was the storyline that made me finish it in two readings, it was so well thought out and engaged me mentally as well as visually.  A good blend of sequential storytelling.

I won't go into more of the storyline, but it made me realize that times may change, and years go on into decades which turn into centuries, but man still has this wanting to do better for themselves.  Although their passion for life may be usurped by others.  Egypt today is one of those settings that this book made me think of...

This collected edition is not your typical graphic novel.  The individual comic book issues have been formatted into a 'graphic novel' presentation, and should be considered more for a 'mainstream' reading audience, although the recommended age group for reading this is a bit older, (Mature Readers).  This book should do well in 'bookstores', with those that have a well stocked 'graphic novel' section.

My Review Rating for this publication is VERY FINE / NEAR MINT  (VF/NM) 9.0 out of a possible 10.0 Comic Book Grading scale. 

Inanna's Tears Collected Edition Hardover - went on sale: February 9th in comic book shops, February 15th wherever books are sold... Check it out TODAY before it's gone!

Retail Price $19.95   Page count: 136 pages

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

Mature Readers (series contains Nudity, and Adult Content) 

BTW, You can 'follow' this Blog by clicking the 'Follow' Button at this NetworkedBlogs app!  We currently have over 2,240 '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, 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!!  (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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Michael D Hamersky On Comics Presents Vinnie's Take On:  Kleeman and Mike #1     - Above Photo: The Front Cover of Kleeman and Mike #1 from Randall Christopher. Top Left Photo: We found this comic  book at the 2010 Comic Con International: San Diego at the Bear and Fox Booth!

(Vinnie) Today, I will be reviewing Kleeman and Mike issue #1. While going through my dad's stack of comics and graphic novels for possible review, I found this comic book titled Kleeman and Mike. It appeared to be something that was age appropriate for me, plus a possible fun read.

 

(From Michael:) Here is the link to the Bear and Fox web site that also has the Kleeman and Mike comics and additional info, so that YOU can purchase direct from the creators. 

BTW, You can 'follow' this Blog by clicking the 'Follow' Button at this NetworkedBlogs app!  We currently have over 2,230 '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.

If it isn't available in my online 'Local Comic Book Shop, (LCBS), then you may be able find it in my Amazon affiliate link, as seen here:  Comics & Graphic Novels at Amazon!

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!!  (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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