Thursday, December 10, 2009

Make Way For.... Cosmic Man!
Mood:

caffeinated
Topic: Comic Books - New

Make Way For...

Cosmic Man!

The Comic Book Series

By Steve Keeter, Tony Lorenz & Jim Pack. From Main Enterprises!

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 .
My thanks to Jim Main at Main Enterprises for sending in the publications for a possible review here in my Blog today!
AND... Thanks again to all of YOU reading our current and archived blog posts! We do blog usually on a daily basis on comic book creators, comic book reviews, comic cons, and other pop culture news and events including some TV shows and theatrical films as they are shown.
PLUS... Welcome to ALL of You that were reading the eBay Version of our Blog prior to eBay closing 'their eBay blogs platform' on October 31st, 2009. That version of our Blog had 1.37 MILLION page views before the closure... However, This Blog version is the same Blog that has been published at the same time the eBay version was being published. I've been publishing this version since September 2007, so it has the same 'Fun Stuff' you are used to reading on the eBay version!
Speaking of eBay... Be sure to check out our own new listings of comics, graphic novels, Comic Con exclusives and more pop culture items for sale in Our online eBay Featured Store that our blogs are based on! It's due to sales at this online store that keep us going with the ability to post blogs like the one you have read here today!
~ Michael @ ComicBookCollectorsBlog.com

"Hammering Out the Web For You Since May 12th, 1998!"

Note: If you 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
PO Box 130653
Carlsbad, CA 92013

We also have an on-line exhibitor table at the virtual Facebook Comic Con. You can view the table by clicking this link.
If you are a Facebook member, please join our Facebook Comic Con | Make It So Marketing exhibitor table for updates, specials, and other wall posts!



NEW GRAPHIC NOVELS FEATURETTE:   I have already blogged about one of the two graphic novels that Shawn Granger sent in for possible review. (Click here for my review on 'Family Bones'.)
The second graphic novel was titled 'Innocent', with the front cover as seen below.

Here's the promo info on this graphic novel:
"King Tractor Press
Two Versions/Covers:
Art by Tony De Zuniga, Nei Ruffino, Jennifer Aponte, Nando, Daniel Zeta, Mannie Abeleda, and Daniel Vera
Innocent is about an angel and a psychopath who become best friends. They spend their days discussing human existence, sipping lattes, and fighting demons. These evil foes are born in hell, but sometimes are the earth-grown kind.
Innocent is a story that mixes "Blade" with "Pulp Fiction". It's a smart, action-packed story that sprinkles in a few laughs. Two complete opposites who find that they've got more in common than they could know. Innocent struggles to keep David in check, fearing that one day he'll go too far. David knows that he could become Innocent's target if he let's himself free to pursue his desires. He doesn't know that sometimes Innocent feels himself falling, letting anger get the best of him. David doesn't know how close Innocent has been to becoming what he hates.
Innocent collects the "Innocent" web-comic from 2006-2007 plus more than 57 pages of new story that hasn't been previously available on-line. It's written by Shawn Granger, the writer of the successful horror, true crime series "Family Bones"."
My thoughts on this 'graphic novel': This was a compilation of pages created by the one writer using several different artists. While the idea of publishing this webcomic into printed form was probably due to readers' demands for it, I found it hard to read in this published format of 'graphic novel'.
That's probably because of the different styles of the artists that were involved in this project. There was enough of a difference from each artist, that when compiled into what is basically an anthology TPB, that it just didn't totally flow for me as a reader in this 'graphic novel' format.
However, if read as a continued story, and seen in a series of 'floppy' comic books format, with individual chapters for each artist's work; it probably would have worked better for me as a reader. For instance, Chapter Five's artwork by Daniel Zeta was a well done illustrated story. Good enough to be a stand alone issue. I think it was the different artstyles presented in this compilation 'graphic novel' format that kept me from enjoying it more.
(Note: There were one page separators that identified when a new chapter was starting. There were five chapters in all, plus a 'Sketches' section afterwards.)
The interior pages are black & white, and also black/gray/white.
You can find out more about this graphic novel and other publications that have been published by King Tractor Press by checking this link:
http://www.kingtractorpress.com/.
My thanks to Shawn Granger @ King Tractor Press for sending in this publication for possible review.
~Michael

WEB PAGE NOTE: This blog post is written for the IE Browser standards. Netscape, Firefox and the others serve the page up differently. The screen display resolution is best seen at the setting of 1024 x 768.
All images and characters within this blog post are copyright and trademark their respective owners.
If you are a Facebook member and want to join my Facebook Network, feel free to send a 'friend request' to 'Michael D Hamersky'.

Posted by makeitsomarketing at 6:05 AM PST

Updated: Saturday, December 12, 2009 8:36 AM PST

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Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Lander - Jessica's Landing & Identities
Mood:

caffeinated
Topic: Comic Books - New

LANDER

#2 - Jessica's Landing &

Special 'Identities' Issues

From Haley's Comics!

Above: The Logo for Haley's Comics.

Above Top Right: The front cover to the 'Identities' issue!

To The Right: Issue #2 in the Lander series with feature story Jessica's Landing!

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:
"Lander: Identities"
"Identities" is a pinup collection featuring the works of various artists depicting Haley in many different times and places throughout her journey through the temporal afterlife.
$4.50, 28 pgs, Reed, Various Artists
And for issue #2:
In "Jessica's Landing", Haley Lands as a maid, in 1925 Chicago, who must save a little girl who has been kidnapped by "The Outfit" in retaliation for her father's enormous gambling debts! Cameo By Al Capone! Then in "Dying Love", Haley Possesses a nurse in 1989 whose patient has already died... but this patient has looked forward to seeing her for a very long time!
$4.99, 32 pgs, Reed, Heufemann, Nixon, Siqueria, Silva, Nibbelink, Peron
I enjoyed the first two issues of this series, as I mentioned in my earlier blog post referred to above.
The 'Identities' issue is exactly what the press promo info says it is. This issue would be for hardcore fans of this series in my opinion. That doesn't mean I didn't like it, just that at $4.50 cover price, it doesn't continue the story arc further. It does contain artwork by recognized artists and is a good issue to add to this collection, should you have enjoyed the series thus far and would like to see other artist's renditions of the character and scenes.
The issue #2 main feature was well written and the artstyle interesting to view. It continued my respect for this series.   The second story 'Dying Love' was a strange one... but an interesting read. This issue would be a good one to read AFTER reading the earlier two issues so you as a new reader would have a better understanding to the series, as there is no 'real' introduction for the new reader to this series with issue #2.
For details on how to purchase the earlier issues and these two just reviewed, please see the following link:
http://www.digital-caps.com/Lander.htm !
My thanks to Jaymes for sending in these and the previous issues in for possible review. I am looking forward to issue #3 when it is published!
AND... Thanks again to all of YOU reading our current and archived blog posts! We do blog usually on a daily basis on comic book creators, comic book reviews, comic cons, and other pop culture news and events including some TV shows and theatrical films as they are shown.
PLUS... Welcome to ALL of You that were reading the eBay Version of our Blog prior to eBay closing 'their eBay blogs platform' on October 31st, 2009. That version of our Blog had 1.37 MILLION page views before the closure... However, This Blog version is the same Blog that has been published at the same time the eBay version was being published. I've been publishing this version since September 2007, so it has the same 'Fun Stuff' you are used to reading on the eBay version!
Speaking of eBay... Be sure to check out our own new listings of comics, graphic novels, Comic Con exclusives and more pop culture items for sale in Our online eBay Featured Store that our blogs are based on! It's due to sales at this online store that keep us going with the ability to post blogs like the one you have read here today!
~ Michael @ ComicBookCollectorsBlog.com

"Hammering Out the Web For You Since May 12th, 1998!"

Note: If you 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

We also have an on-line exhibitor table at the virtual Facebook Comic Con. You can view the table by clicking this link.
If you are a Facebook member, please join our Facebook Comic Con | Make It So Marketing exhibitor table for updates, specials, and other wall posts!



GRAPHIC NOVEL ONLINE FEATURETTE:   As the Holiday Season is getting closer, I find that I still have several publications that have come in for possible review in my Blog...
One that I have not seen in its' entirety is the 2nd graphic novel in the 'Strangeways' series. That's because it is still being written and shown online as it is not completed!   I was sent a preview mini-comic that collected several of the published pages in a press release style format.
Below is a promo ad for this graphic novel:

Here is the Press Release for the pages that have since been published online:
"What is STRANGEWAYS? Easy, it's the horror/western (aka "Weird West") graphic novel series written by myself, Matt Maxwell (esq, inc, ad nauseum), and illustrated by a tireless army of artists and craftsmen. Taking place in the late 1860s, STRANGEWAYS follows the story and travels of ex-Union Officer Seth Collins as he travels across the frontier, encountering strange creatures and happenings that haunt the closing frontier. As much horror as it is western, STRANGEWAYS delivers the thrills and chills, but doesn't forget what makes the west an intriguing place all its own.
This is the second STRANGEWAYS book (aka "Cowboys and Vampires"), serialized in its entirety. Updated M-W-F. In addition, you can win a copy of MURDER MOON, one given away every Wednesday, just read that Wednesday's serial page to find out how. The serial is up to chapter three currently, and will be running into autumn of this year."
The graphic novel is being written by Matt Maxwell, with art by the Argentine artist team of Gervasio and Jok.
You can view the ongoing work in progress at:
http://robot6.comicbookresources.com/strangeways/.
I have enjoyed what I've seen so far, even though I have NOT read the first graphic novel. There seems to be several supernatural westerns out there in the past few years, and I for one am enjoying them!
So if supernatural westerns are one of Your reading niches, I would suggest taking a look at this series in progress and continue to check it out as pages are posted online...
~Michael

WEB PAGE NOTE: This blog post is written for the IE Browser standards. Netscape, Firefox and the others serve the page up differently. The screen display resolution is best seen at the setting of 1024 x 768.
All images and characters within this blog post are copyright and trademark their respective owners.
If you are a Facebook member and want to join my Facebook Network, feel free to send a 'friend request' to 'Michael D Hamersky'.

Posted by makeitsomarketing at 11:25 AM PST

Updated: Wednesday, December 9, 2009 11:59 AM PST

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Tuesday, December 8, 2009

e.c.b ???
Mood:

caffeinated
Topic: Comic Books - New

e.c.b.?

It's The Acronym For...

Emerald City Blues!

Above: The latest info on ordering Issue #1, (both covers) of e.c.b. #1 - which is SOLD OUT!

To The Left: Karl Altstaetter at his table in Artists Alley during the 2009 Long Beach Comic Con (LBCC)!

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.
So what is this e.c.b. series about? Here's what I found in the press info:
Convention Debut LBC Comic Con! 10/2 - We are not in Kansas anymore! Emerald City is a place of dark dreams and perverted fantasies. Dorothy wakes up in Emerald City with no memories and a band of homicidal monkeys hot on her trail. She must now trust the violent and mysterious Cyber warrior TIN if she hope to survive and find her lost memories.
Emerald City Blues is a post modern take on The Wizard of Oz by Writer/Artist Karl Altstaetter (Q-Unit, Deity, Bloodstrike)
Two covers! Three versions.
Main "Filmstrip" Cover 28 pgs-$5.50 + $2.50 S.H.
Alternate Glinda/
28pgs with a card stock cover $10.50 + $2.50 S.H.
The Deluxe Alternate Glinda/cover with a custom sketch on the back $25.00 + $2.50 S.H.
As can be seen at the top right of this blog post... The two cover printings have been sold out! So why am I blogging about this series? Well, it's because there is an issue #2 forthcoming, and I wanted to bring this series to Your attention.
The issue I received was the filmstrip cover issue. The interior pages were black and white with the sound effects in color! Plus some shading was in color. Interesting way of presenting this story...
I found the artwork in this issue to be impressive. It would appear that Rob Liefeld did also, as he wrote his thoughts on this issue that was printed at the back of the story. (Note: Karl had worked on 'Bloodstrike' for Rob for over two years.)
Although I found the artwork to be impressive, I was just a little 'confused' at the beginning of the issue as to where the storyline was going. Yeah, I know the OZ story, heck I've read All of the series of Baum's books early in my life. I was a little 'confused' because this comic is an alternate tale of the original Wizard Of Oz story set in the modern day. Dorothy along with her living stuffed doll Toto has already come to the Metropolis called the 'Emerald City'. Once there, she is attacked by large mutant monkeys, but is saved in time by 'Tin', who is the sword-swinging master at arms for the city. So no wonder I was a little 'confused'.
Also, this was an action packed intro issue, with the intro of the characters taking place very quickly, and then before I knew it... It was the end of Chapter One! I did a little research on this comic book, and found it was originally a '24 Hour Comic' project, and then later presented as an ongoing webcomic.
This probably would have been a good story arc to put into a 'Graphic Novel' format. Now I'm wondering if waiting for a TPB format to come out would be smart for those just coming in to the story. Especially if the 1st issue is already SOLD OUT! Which is great for Karl, and I salute him for a 'SOLD OUT' status on this issue already since October 2nd! Congrats!
So, I thank Karl for the preview copy, and wish him well on this series. I'll take a look later at the succeeding issues, and possibly report back here...in the meantime You can check out his work at: http://komickarl.deviantart.com/ .
AND... Thanks again to all of YOU reading our current and archived blog posts! We do blog usually on a daily basis on comic book creators, comic book reviews, comic cons, and other pop culture news and events including some TV shows and theatrical films as they are shown.
PLUS... Welcome to ALL of You that were reading the eBay Version of our Blog prior to eBay closing 'their eBay blogs platform' on October 31st, 2009. That version of our Blog had 1.37 MILLION page views before the closure... However, This Blog version is the same Blog that has been published at the same time the eBay version was being published. I've been publishing this version since September 2007, so it has the same 'Fun Stuff' you are used to reading on the eBay version!
Speaking of eBay... Be sure to check out our own new listings of comics, graphic novels, Comic Con exclusives and more pop culture items for sale in Our online eBay Featured Store that our blogs are based on! It's due to sales at this online store that keep us going with the ability to post blogs like the one you have read here today!
~ Michael @ ComicBookCollectorsBlog.com

"Hammering Out the Web For You Since May 12th, 1998!"

Note: If you 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

We also have an on-line exhibitor table at the virtual Facebook Comic Con. You can view the table by clicking this link.
If you are a Facebook member, please join our Facebook Comic Con | Make It So Marketing exhibitor table for updates, specials, and other wall posts!



NEW MAGAZINES FEATURETTE:   As stated in the above 'Main Feature' of this Blog... This Holiday Season is moving right along for me... too fast really! I still have several publications that have come in for possible review in my Blog.
One publisher that sent me several publications, including comics, magazines, and mini-comics was Jim Main of Main Enterprises. I have already blogged about a few that caught my eyes earlier.
Below is the front cover to issue #9 of his magazine 'Satyr'.

Here is the Press Release for that issue:
Fans of the bizarre rejoice! SATYR #9 has finally arrived and it's already been called our best issue yet! Stellar comics and illustrations by Jeff Gaither, Bebop, Brad Foster, Rick Limacher, Alan Limacher, Jack Bertram, Barry Southworth, Ashe Armstrong, Jennifer Walker, Richard Krauss, Erik W. Hendrix, Roger A. Wilbanks and Larry Tisch. 38 interior B&W pages plus two eye-popping color covers! 3.95 plus 1.75 shipping...$5.70 postpaid in the USA. Payment by Personal checks only, made out to Jim Main.
What I found with this magazine issue that is published in an anthology format, is what I find quite often in 'anthology' magazines or comics.
That is, I am usually pleased with a few stories, okay with several, and then usually there is one that I wonder why it is in the publication?
My first thought on the front cover, is that it should appeal to those that enjoyed the old 'PLOP' comic books published by DC Comics. It totally reminded me of that series' front covers. Which is Good!
However this magazine has black and white pages, unlike that old comic book series. Which actually is just fine for this magazine format to me!
I enjoyed most of the stories in this issue. These are ALL illustrated stories. The one page inside front cover story on 'Doug the Smug Slug' was a good one to start the issue. 'What Is It?' is weird, but enjoyable.
I enjoyed this issue, and wanted to mention it here in my Blog's Featurette Section. It does contain 'adult content', and is a good combination of stories published in an anthology format.
Jim must be doing something right in this series, as it is already on issue #9. The price of $5.70 postpaid is not a bad price for this magazine either!
So if anthologies are Your reading preference, then this magazine issue, and probably the earlier issues should be checked out by You.
To help You, here's the main link to the Main Enterprises publications for sale:
http://www.mainenterprises.ecrater.com/
~Michael

WEB PAGE NOTE: This blog post is written for the IE Browser standards. Netscape, Firefox and the others serve the page up differently. The screen display resolution is best seen at the setting of 1024 x 768.
All images and characters within this blog post are copyright and trademark their respective owners.
If you are a Facebook member and want to join my Facebook Network, feel free to send a 'friend request' to 'Michael D Hamersky'.

Posted by makeitsomarketing at 12:01 AM PST

Updated: Wednesday, December 9, 2009 12:38 PM PST

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Saturday, December 5, 2009

It's Time For.... Java!
Mood:

caffeinated
Topic: Comic Books - New

It's Time For...Java!

Above: Front Cover to Issue #1.

To The Top Right: Committed Comics Logo and titles.

Bottom Right: The B.E.A.N. Force team members.

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!
It's kind of a fun read, as long as you don't get too caught up in the strange storyline.
Again, I haven't read issues 2 & 3 yet, so I don't know how the mini-series ended.
Also, it's a little old, (circa 2005), but Committed Comics does have it in their online store for sale at: http://www.committedcomics.com/comics/java.htm
Also, here is the Facebook Member Page for Committed Comics if you are a Facebook member so you can interact with your thoughts on this mini-series:
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1280104238&ref=ts.My thanks to Thomas Doherty for giving me the publications for a possible review here in my Blog today!

AND... Thanks again to all of YOU reading our current and archived blog posts! We do blog usually on a daily basis on comic book creators, comic book reviews, comic cons, and other pop culture news and events including some TV shows and theatrical films as they are shown.
PLUS... Welcome to ALL of You that were reading the eBay Version of our Blog prior to eBay closing 'their eBay blogs platform' on October 31st, 2009. That version of our Blog had 1.37 MILLION page views before the closure... However, This Blog version is the same Blog that has been published at the same time the eBay version was being published. I've been publishing this version since September 2007, so it has the same 'Fun Stuff' you are used to reading on the eBay version!
Speaking of eBay... Be sure to check out our own new listings of comics, graphic novels, Comic Con exclusives and more pop culture items for sale in Our online eBay Featured Store that our blogs are based on! It's due to sales at this online store that keep us going with the ability to post blogs like the one you have read here today!
~ Michael @ ComicBookCollectorsBlog.com

"Hammering Out the Web For You Since May 12th, 1998!"

Note: If you 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
PO Box 130653
Carlsbad, CA 92013

We also have an on-line exhibitor table at the virtual Facebook Comic Con. You can view the table by clicking this link.
If you are a Facebook member, please join our Facebook Comic Con | Make It So Marketing exhibitor table for updates, specials, and other wall posts!



COMIC CONS FEATURETTE:   I have mentioned before that comic cons are a good place to find out about new comics, before they are introduced to the general public. Quite often they have promo copies that are distributed along with a special panel or program.
The below comic book issue #0 - Cover A was distributed at the 2009 Comic Con International: San Diego, (a.k.a. SDCC).

I was interested in picking this issue up only because it was headlined as: "Milo Ventimiglia Presents: Berserker".
It didn't look like my usual preference in reading material.  However, knowing that Milo was a star on the TV Show 'Heroes', it made me pick up an issue to read and a couple of issues to sell in our online store for those that weren't able to obtain a copy.
So what was this zero issue about? Here's the press release info:
Berserker #0
(W) Rick Loverd   (A) Jeremy Haun    (Cov) Dale Keown
Jump on board the new comic series produced by "Heroes" star Milo Ventimiglia and his DiVide Pictures partner, Russ Cundiff. Created by screenwriter Rick Loverd, Berserker combines elements of superheroes with Norse mythology and weaves in the very human themes of self-worth, courage and determination. Throw in some bone-crushing violence and punch-in-the-mouth action and you've got a recipe for a great Top Cow book.
Okay... so I read it. I do like Norse mythology, but the bloodiness of this zero issue turned me off. It's only an 8 page promo story, but only 2 pages don't have blood. It's from Top Cow, so it's in color, not b&w.
For a promo comic it does have xtra pages telling about the then upcoming series.
Even though it's not my choice in personal reading matter, for those that go for this genre, it does have very realistic art in the interior pages, and yeah, the cover by Dale Keown is very representative of what's inside for the reader.
If YOU missed out on this promo comic issue #0 Cover A, we do have copies in our online store for only $1.95 plus shipping, just click here to see our store aisle for it!
~Michael

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Posted by makeitsomarketing at 5:22 AM PST

Updated: Saturday, December 5, 2009 7:11 AM PST

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Friday, December 4, 2009

Harijan - The Comic Book Mini-Series by Nicholas P Myers
Mood:

caffeinated
Topic: Comic Books - New

Harijan

by Nicholas P Myers

The Comic Book Mini-Series

Above: Front Cover to Issue #3 of Harijan.

To The Top Right: Front Cover of Issue #1 of Harijan.

Bottom Right: Photo of Creator: Nicholas P Myers.

Click here to see our SCI-FI Comics and Magazines for sale!

The above pictured comic book mini-series was sent to me for a possible review here in this Blog...
It currently is a three issue mini-series, although Nicholas is looking at possibly running another story arc.
First, a little about Nicholas... He is a Founder of A.N.A. Comics, from where I obtained some bio info on him.
Favorite comics: Past: Spider-Man, Maxx, Savage Dragon, Spawn, Cerebus.   Now: Bone, Atomic Robo Web: PvP Online, Penny-Arcade, XKCD, Perry Bible Fellowship, Freakangels
Creative Influences: Erik Larsen, Sam Keith, Neil Gaeman, Warren Ellis, Todd McFarlane, Dave Sim, Jeff Smith, Scott Kurtz and the list keeps growing as I meet more artists and writers in the industry
Favorite moment in comics: I truly can't nail it down to one event, but I had to describe it in one sentance, it would be when I discovered life outside of Marvel, DC and Image. The world of independants is so full of texture and life. And that feeling extends into webcomics as well.
Role at A.N.A.: My official title is Vice President of Independent Properties, but I write and illustrate The Precarious Adventures of Newton Von Brisby plus various other projects on the back burner. I'm also the official hand wringer and nail biter of the 3 of us.
Current Project/s: The Precarious Adventures of Newton Von Brisby, I'm also working on a continuation of the Harijan Mini-series and will be bringing my graphic novel, Oasis to the web in 2010.
Okay, so you've been 'introduced' to Nicholas. What about the mini-series?
Here's what the press info says the series is about:
Issue #1 - Harijan follows the exploits of a group of cast-offs that are trying to survive in a world that has moved on without them.
Issue #2 - Virgil, David and Apollo are forced to deal the golem that followed the mysterious girl they brought back to their headquarters. Meanwhile, we also witness some of the aftermath of their confrontation with the monster dog, Prince.
Issue #3 - This issues closes up the mini-series following Virgil, David and the mysterious, bar-coded girl. Family matters creep back into Virgil's life and affect everyone else.
The whole mini-series is: Written and Illustrated by Nicholas P. Myers
Standard Comic
Black & White
Page Count: 28
POD
Harijan: TM and © Nicholas P. Myers and Floating Island Press. All rights reserved.
So what did I think of this series?
Well... I purposely posted the covers to issues #1 & #3 above for a reason. The first issue is very strange and caught my eyes. It would have caught my attention at a LCBS also. The front cover to issue #2 is a close-up of one of the main characters, and wouldn't have caught my attention, (and isn't posted above either). Then the third issue's cover evolved to a family scene and the words 'Family Matters'. If I hadn't seen the transistion from cover #1 to #2 then #3 all at once, I wouldn't realized that it was the same series at the LCBS, and would have probably missed picking up the subsequent issues...
Okay, so I've 'covered' the covers. What about the interior pages?
Whenever a creator elects to do the writing and illustration of a sequential art publication, they are responsible for the entire contents. After all, it is 'Their Vision' that they are writing and drawing.
First, the title of the series is 'Harijan'. Issue #1 presented the following definition of Harijan: “belongs to the lowest social and ritual class in India, untouchable, castaway, outcast, pariah, Ishmael- a person who is rejected (from society or home).  'Harijan' is translated as “son of god”. However it was given as a 'label' to the lower class of the Indian caste system by Ghandi in an effort to create acceptance from the rest of that country. It is now considered as a patronizing term.
The above was written on the splash page of the first issue. So I was prepared to turn the page and start reading... The storyline was just a little confusing at first, but I picked up on it.
Even though the title was explained in detail as to the word's background, the actual story was of a science-fiction genre. This three part series tells the story of a group of misfits who banded together in the nether regions of the city-state of Oasis to survive.
The artwork was a little 'different', but the black and white aspect of the printed format was right for the artwork. The use of blacks in the black and white format fit well, and emphasized the creatures very well. The illustrations of the characters were a little 'loose' in the facial features, but that is Nicholas' style throughout the three issues. The backgrounds of the panels with the characters could have had more detail... but the landscapes and the 'camera angles' of the panels were done very well. Again, I figure that this is Nicholas' style in illustrating character panels versus landscape panels.
The second issue picked up on the action and moved the storyline along. The illustrations were right for this part of the 3 part series, but I'm still questioning the use of the illustration on the cover of this issue.
The third issue brought the series to a satisfying end for me as a reader. Plus the interior art meshed with the storyline. However the use of the illustration on the the cover of this issue would not have made me inclined to pick it up at the LCBS, (Local Comic Book Shop), if I hadn't read the first two issues. Something about the three covers not meshing for me is what I see as a possible reason for someone not picking up the entire series at the LCBS. While issue #3's cover is a good one by itself and entices me to pick it up; if issue #1 was directly behind it on the shelf at the LCBS, I would wonder what the heck kind of storyline is this??
All in all, I found the storyline to be an interesting one, the interior artwork to mesh well as the story unfolded. The dialogue helped define the main characters for me as a reader. However... If this was to be compiled into a TPB or graphic novel, I would definitely suggest a different cover than the three printed floppy issues' covers.
You can buy this series, (as well as other A.N.A. publications), at:
http://anacomics.blogspot.com/2009/11/you-can-buy-our-comics.html,
or if you have an account at Indy Planet, then click the following for the link directly to these three issues: Click here.
My thanks to Nicholas P Myers for sending in the publications for a possible review here in my Blog today!
AND... Thanks again to all of YOU reading our current and archived blog posts! We do blog usually on a daily basis on comic book creators, comic book reviews, comic cons, and other pop culture news and events including some TV shows and theatrical films as they are shown. This current week since last week's 'Black Friday' to 'Cyber Monday' to this Friday morning has been kind of overwhelming, but I am Thankful (Thanksgiving Day wise) to be busy!
PLUS... Welcome to ALL of You that were reading the eBay Version of our Blog prior to eBay closing 'their eBay blogs platform' on October 31st, 2009. That version of our Blog had 1.37 MILLION page views before the closure... However, This Blog version is the same Blog that has been published at the same time the eBay version was being published. I've been publishing this version since September 2007, so it has the same 'Fun Stuff' you are used to reading on the eBay version!
Speaking of eBay... Be sure to check out our own new listings of comics, graphic novels, Comic Con exclusives and more pop culture items for sale in Our online eBay Featured Store that our blogs are based on! It's due to sales at this online store that keep us going with the ability to post blogs like the one you have read here today!
~ Michael @ ComicBookCollectorsBlog.com

"Hammering Out the Web For You Since May 12th, 1998!"

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COMIC CONS FEATURETTE:   I have already started mentioning graphic novels that I thought were possibilities as gifts for those friends of yours that are not into reading comics or graphic novels. (See previous Featurette section here.)
Well...at the recent 2009 Long Beach Comic Con, (LBCC), I ran into Vince Musacchia at the 'Silver Comics' booth, as seen below.

I was very pleased to see the Silver Comics series that Vince Musacchia has contributed to and that I have blogged about before, (for latest blog post click here).
Well I was a little surprised to see that Vince was involved in  a series from the late 1980's that I only find single issues here and there at comic cons or in peoples collections that are offered to us to buy. I had several of them before, but not all of them...
That series would be 'The Honeymooners' comic book series from Triad Publications!
There had been two earlier incarnations of the famous TV Show in a comic book format.
DC Comics had a 12 issue series titled "Jackie Gleason and the Honeymooners". That series started in 1956.
Lodestone had 1 issue in October 1986.
Then Triad Publications had a 12 issue series that started September 1987 and ran through July/August 1989. The 1st issue's cover from Triad looks similar to Lodestone's but I currently do not know the connection.
Updated - December 5th: Vince contacted me with this info: "My role on both the Lodestone one-shot and all twelve Triad issues was Creative Director. I also penciled some issues, and inked all thirteen, as well as colored all story pages. The covers that were hand-tinted were done so under my direction. And all illustrated covers were completely by me , except the Lou Albano cover which was done over breakdowns by Win Mortimer. And on the Christmas issue I was aided by my dear friend Ted Camut. Ted did the airbrush effects and rendered the '55 Chevy".
Vince had several of the back issues of this comic book series available with him at the LBCC, as seen in the photo above.
So if you or you know someone who is a fan of this TV series and or Jackie Gleason or the other actors in the series, you might want to check this lead out further!
Here is the link to contact Vince: vjmusacchia@earthlink.net for details on how to purchase those back issues directly from him.
Plus Vince has an interesting blog as seen at:
http://vincemusacchia.blogspot.com/ !
~Michael

WEB PAGE NOTE: This blog post is written for the IE Browser standards. Netscape, Firefox and the others serve the page up differently. The screen display resolution is best seen at the setting of 1024 x 768.
All images and characters within this blog post are copyright and trademark their respective owners.
If you are a Facebook member and want to join my Facebook Network, feel free to send a 'friend request' to 'Michael D Hamersky'.

Posted by makeitsomarketing at 6:55 AM PST

Updated: Saturday, December 5, 2009 7:33 AM PST

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