Just A Fanboy

Catching Up

2007-02-15T08:33:00.000-07:00

It's been a while, so I thought I'd play catch up.

What I'm Buying (my current pull list):

Marvel
Astonishing X-Men - total fanboy bliss
Thunderbolts - gritty
Uncanny X-Men - best writing on this book in over 10 years
Wolverine - total crap, but I keep buying it
X-Men - keeping the run intact

Marvel Mini Series
Civil War - the last issue is out next week, thank god
Civil War Front Line - best part of the "civil war"
Ultimate Wolverine vs. Hulk - the third issue will never come out
Ultimates 2 – been waiting on the last issue for about 8,745,298 years

DC/Vertigo
52 – this series is kicking ass
100 Bullets – the best, as always
All Star Superman – the wait between issues is painful, but worth it
DMZ – super good
Jonah Hex – done with the "one and done" format, but still great
Justice – three more issues to go, then I'll read it
Spirit – fun, pretty.......pretty fun

Other
Battlestar Galactica (current) - nice job working within the 'new universe'
Conan - over three years of great art and consistent writing
Deadworld – who knows when the next one will arrive, but the first six were great
Fear Agent – the move to Darkhorse is holding this one up....to bad
Fell – the TPB is coming, jump on board
Red Sonja – it's the best seller for Dynamite for a reason
Walking Dead – if you're not reading this you're retarded

I've completed some collecting goals and taken some steps to close in on some others

I finaly picked up a nice Walking Dead #2. #1 is easy to find, #2 is not so easy.

Picked up 100 Bullets #20-29, now I only need #1-19 to complet my set.

Got a big pile of Marvel Comics presents, numbered after the Smith run I picked up last year. Fun reading at bargain prices.

Classic Marvel Figurines kick ass. Your LCS can order these through Diamond. Needless to say, I'm picking up all of the X-Men and realited villans.

I picked up this CGC SS Fear Agent #1 RRP. Super cool.

That's all that I can think of at this point. I'll post more as/if it comes to mind.

Uncanny Dave Cockrum...A Tribute

2007-01-26T13:22:00.000-07:00

Read about it.

Drool.

Buy it.

I picked up the $125 version. The $165 version was sold out or I would have bought it. These are very limited so you better jump on board now.

The Most Valuable Comic Books In the World

2007-01-26T10:54:00.000-07:00

Rob has written a fun article. Go read it.

Thanks for taking the time to write that Rob.

Marvel Zombies vs. Armt Of Darkness Preview

2007-01-25T09:21:00.000-07:00

Looks like fun!

The Way It Is

2007-01-18T11:10:00.000-07:00

It's been a while, but I'm back.

Over the last month or so my pull list has changed quite a lot. I'm officially no longer a "Marvel Zombie". I do however enjoy several Zombie comics. Here's my pull list as it stands this week, with comments:

Marvel

Astonishing X-Men - Still a lot of fun. Thanks Joss.
Spider-Man Reign - I have no idea why I'm buying this book.
Ultimate Wolverine vs. Hulk - At this rate it'll take four years for all six issues to be published.
Ultimates 2 - The final issue could be out next month.......
Uncanny X-Men - Thanks for the best story in ten years Mr. Brubaker
Wolverine - It's ok.
X-Men - I have no excuse.

DC/Vertigo –

52 - The best book where nothing ever happens.
100 Bullets - If I could only read one book a month this would be it.
All Star Superman - I was never a fan of Superman........until now.
Boys - One sick book.......and I love it.
DMZ - It started slow, but is now one of the best books I read every month.
Jonah Hex - The best western I've ever read.
Justice - Great covrs, but I'm waiting to read it in one sitting.
Other Side, The - Outstanding five issue mini that no one reads.
Spirit - Two words. Darwin Cook

"Other" Publishers

Battlestar Galactica - If you dig the TV series then you have to read this.
Conan - Month to month one of the prettiest books to look at.
Deadworld - Great story, ok art, shitty publishing schedule.
Fear Agent - A fucking riot.
Red Sonja - I think I'll be dropping it soon.
Walking Dead - If you don't read this book then you're retarded.

CGC Gets A Face Lift

2007-01-18T11:03:00.000-07:00

Unfortunately it also comes with ads.

No Time

2006-12-28T16:42:00.000-07:00

I've had no time these past couple of weeks. Between being sick, Christmas and New Years, I've managed to neglect plenty of things, this blog included. Look for me to get active here again in the New Year.

Here's hoping yours is happy and safe.

ComicSpace

2006-12-12T12:37:00.000-07:00

Brian on ComicSpace.com

Go add yourself.

Comic Collector Live

2006-12-08T14:39:00.000-07:00

From the website:

"It's here! A comic book software MADE FOR EVERYONE who loves comic books! Easily manage your collection! Sort, catalogue, organize, and track all your issues! Plus, get all the information you need from one easy to use desktop software program... including real-time valuation of your entire collection!"

Could be interesting.

Updates On The Way

2006-12-07T11:00:00.000-07:00

Both the Silver Age X-Men Crossovers and Bronze Age X-Men Crossovers pages should both be updated in the next few days with more scans. Stay tuned.

Tell Marvel What You Want

2006-12-04T08:15:00.000-07:00

It's time for the 5th Annual Masterworks Survey. I've filled this out for the last four years and Marvel actually uses the info collected in these surveys. It's one of the few things that Marvel seems to be interested in listening to regarding what readers want.

What A Great Issue

2006-12-04T08:13:00.000-07:00

Uncanny X-Men #107 Review

Even The Filler Issue Was Well Done

2006-11-28T07:54:00.000-07:00

Uncanny X-Men #106 Review

A Really Nice Article On Dave Cockrum

2006-11-27T15:59:00.000-07:00

Daves friend Clifford Meth shares his thoughts on Dave and his passing.

The Last Days of Dave Cockrum

Thanks For Some More Great Art Dave

2006-11-27T11:09:00.000-07:00

Uncanny X-Men #105 Review

Dave Cockrum Passed Away Last Night

2006-11-26T11:53:00.000-07:00

Dave's work on Uncanny X-Men has always been under appreciated in my opinion. My love of the X-Men is based on his work on the early issues. I'm saddened by his passing. Condolences to his family and friends.

Details

As a tribute, over the next few days, I'll post reviews of Uncanny X-Men 104-107 that I wrote a few years ago.

Uncanny X-Men #104 Review

It Took ALmost Six Year

2006-11-26T11:03:00.000-07:00

I've hit 300 positive feedback on eBay.

Happy Thanksgiving

2006-11-23T10:46:00.000-07:00

This is a good day to reflect on my life and remind myself what's important, family and friends, and what's not, everything else.

John Byrne on Civility

2006-11-15T15:58:00.000-07:00

John cracks me up. "Be nice or I'll be.......even more of a dick then I already am." Or something....

It's Been About A Week.....

2006-11-14T13:33:00.000-07:00

....since my last post and I have to say I don't miss posting to this blog one bit. A while back I thought it would be fun to add some content so I invited several people to contribute (that list of names over there --------------->). Needless to say, the added content never materialized.

Last week (and weekend) I put my time into building a new computer. It's been a couple of years since I built my last computer and it was getting dated. I also decided that I'd like to make it pretty quiet because in my new house it sits in the living room. So water cooling seemed like the way to go.

These are the specs:

Intel E6600 Conroe 2.4GHz @ 3.6GHz
GigabyteI GA-965P-DS3 mobo
Enermax Whisper II 535W PSU
Corsair XMS2 2GB (2 x 1GB)
XFX GeForce 7900GT 256MB
WD Raptor 74GB 10,000 RPM

By water cooling the CPU the system noise is almost imperceptible once you’re about 5 feet from the machine. Not to mention it's the fastest PC I've ever touched (workstation class). I'm able to overclock the new Intel chip by 1.2GHz and it's rock solid stable. Building that machine was fun. Posting here is not.

I may get back into it in a week or so, or maybe not. Maybe some of the other guys around here will start posting. Maybe someone that reads this blog would like to contribute? Who knows, time will tell.

X-Men

2006-11-08T15:58:00.000-07:00

Carla Hewitt has an interesting take on the X-Men, then and now.

I Used To Know Him.......

2006-11-03T14:59:00.000-07:00

It's been a long time since OS Price Guide advisor David Matteini posted on the CGC message boards, so it's good to know he's still alive and enjoying the hobby by visiting Geppi's Entertainment Museum. Drop by the boards sometime and say "hi" David.

Atomic Comics Destroyed

2006-11-02T12:16:00.000-07:00

This sucks.

The Pull List

2006-11-01T12:49:00.000-07:00

Not much action this week.

Uncanny X-Men #480 - Only one marvel book this week, and this one is just so I continue my complete run.....stupid
52 #26 - Still very strong.
Jonah Hex #13 - Part 1 of a 3 part story. So much for the "done in one" format...

Zombie Fest

2006-11-01T08:09:00.000-07:00

Ok ok, I've been bitten by the Zombie bug. It all started in the summer of '05 with Frank Cho's Zombie King #0 (link is to the entire issues free on-line). ZK was just about the sickest zombie story I'd ever read and I loved it! I couldn't wait for ZK #1 to come out. I waited, and waited, and waited, and........then in the summer of '06 Frank broke the news that there wouldn't be a ZK #1. What?! But wait......instead he was going make a ZK movie! Cool, if it ever gets made. We'll see.

Now you need to keep in mind that I've been a Marvel zombie most of my collecting carrier so the only reason I even read ZK was because my LCS guy recommended it and told me I could have my money back if I didn't like it. Needless to say, having Marvel tunnel vision was keeping me from the best zombie comic ever made.....but we'll get to that.....

So a little time passes and Mark Millar writes "Crossover" for Marvel's Ultimate Fantastic Four #21-23. In this story the FF travel to another universe inhabited by zombie versions of Marvel super heroes. It was a fun read and was also the lead in to the mini-series Marvel Zombies written by Robert Kirkman. The mini was a great read and lead into the final chapter "Frightful" in Ultimate Fantastic Four #30-32. I recomend all of the above if you can find them at a resonable price.

Having enjoyed the Kirkman MZ mini, and having been hooked on his book Invincible for a couple years (another LCS guy recommendation) I thought it was time to look into this Kirkman dude and see what else he'd written. Needless to say, it didn't take more then a google search and about thirty seconds to learn that he'd been writing the best Zombie comic ever, The Walking Dead, for the last three years.

Well the timing was perfect. Image Comics had just published a nice hardcover collection of The Walking Dead #1-12 for $30. I bought the book and planned on reading it over the next week or so. I read the entire volume the first night I cracked the cover open.

Total.

Comic.

Crack.

I've had fun over the last few months putting together a run of the original TWD comics (#1-31) and now only need the first and second issue to have a complete set. I also picked up the Walking Dead omnibus that collects issues #1-24. The thing is massive and the art is great to see at over 1.5x it's originally published size. These go for about $100 on eBay. If you consider the cost of putting together a run of the original books from #1-24, a $100 is a good buy. Even at cover price the originals were $72. The omnibus includes all of the color covers as well as some original material.

I've also found myself getting into Escape of the Living Dead and George A. Romero's Night of the Living Dead published by Avatar Press.

Kirkman is currently working on a one-issue prequel to Marvel Zombies called Marvel Zombies: Dead Days and that book will tie into Marvel Zombies Vs. The Army of Darkness, a five-issue crossover limited series co-published by Dynamite Entertainment and Marvel Comics. I'm really looking forward to this. Kirkman has also said that there will be a sequel to Marvel Zombies, Marvel Zombies 2. Nice!

Another future project of interest is a comic book adaptation of 28 Days Later: The Aftermath. It'll be published by Fox Atomic and Jimmy Palmiotti will edit it.

I wont even get into all of the great Zombie movies that have come out in the last few years or any of thee films currently in production, that's a story for another time.... If you haven't been bitten by the zombie bug yet..............what the hell are you waiting for?!

If You Don't Like The Stamps.......

2006-10-31T15:26:00.000-07:00

....you may like this.

Mark Evanier sounds off on the stamps.....

Whatever.

Stamps

2006-10-26T16:12:00.000-06:00

USPS Link

The Pull List

2006-10-26T14:15:00.000-06:00

Ultimate Spider-Man #101 - Once this story arc is over I'm done.
X-Men #192 - I buy this because I'm an idiot.
Zombie #2 of four - It's pretty good!
52 #25 - I really like this book, every week.
Boys #4 - The best thing Garth has written since Preacher.
Loveless #12 - Something needs to happen quickly or I'm dropping it. Great art won't keep me happy if the story never shapes up.

Trust Me

2006-10-25T09:31:00.000-06:00

Do yourself a favor and start reading Fell by Warren Ellis and Ben Templesmith. I picked up 1-6 last week and thoroughly enjoyed them. Check out the entire first issue for free right here. It weighs in at just 16 pages, but it'll only cost you $1.99 so it's the same price per page as a 22 page comic for $2.99 (or close to it).

Steranko - Appreciated

2006-10-24T13:38:00.000-06:00

Kevin Melrose of Blog@NA has written a nice piece spotlighting Jim Steranko and his work on Nick Fury, Agent of SHIELD. Good stuff, go read it.

Drunks In Comics

2006-10-24T10:44:00.000-06:00

Rick Remender (he writes Fear Agent) gives us his take on real world vices in the funny books.

"I say let ‘em drink, screw, smoke and gamble. Let ‘em eat partially hydrogenated oils and scarf down a cheesy-crust pizza before bed. Let the characters have real vices like the rest of us, just show their bloated, drunken, syphilitic, cancer riddled bodies when they’re done."

The full Monty.

I've Been Sick

2006-10-23T11:35:00.000-06:00

Today is the first day (in the last 5) that I feel a little better. I think I'll be good to go tomorrow so you should start seeing postings from me then.

The Genius

2006-10-18T22:04:00.000-06:00

I've been absent. Too much damn work. I wonder why I'm not listed on this site. I should at least be on there for Cubs trivia, or something.

Funny

2006-10-18T16:09:00.000-06:00

Polite Dissent has posted a tool that may help you with learning your letters.

"Learn Your Alphabet with the X-Men"

Tamora Pierce Has Never Met My Ex-wife

2006-10-17T16:32:00.000-06:00

It seems Tamora (writer of Marvel's upcoming "White Tiger" series) has her panties in a twist over Mark Miller's handling of the Invisible Woman in Civil War #4.

"does he believe this is what really goes on inside a woman's--inside a mother's--head?"

Yup, she for sure hasn't met my ex-wife.

Guess I'm Not The Only One......

2006-10-17T16:19:00.000-06:00

.....that digs the new Lone Ranger book from Dynamite.....

The Pull List

2006-10-17T12:10:00.000-06:00

CONAN #33 - Still one of the best books on the shelves.
100 BULLETS #77 - If I could only read one comic book this would be it.
52 WEEK #24 - I can't get over how consitantly good this is.
CIVIL WAR X-MEN #4 (OF 4) - Because I'm a retarded X-Men junkie.
WOLVERINE #47 - Because I'm a retarded Wolverinen junkie.
LONE RANGER #2 - #1 was very good.
RED SONJA #15 - I enjoy the main title, but the minies are shit.

New Home For The Green River Pedigree Database

2006-10-12T12:17:00.000-06:00

Brad has found a new home for the GRPD. This is the definitive information source for the Green River pedigree. Two years later and it's still being updated. Nice job Brad.

I Couldn't Help Myself

2006-10-12T09:01:00.000-06:00

I poped the BIN a Walking Dead Vol.1 Retailer Variant HC. $41 with shipping seems pretty good to me. There are a half dozen of these listed with BINs ranging from $49 to $89. This one just ended at $37 with shipping.

I first heard about this book in Robert Kirkman's section of the Image comics forum. Then last night I got to see a copy in person at my LCS. It's a very nice, leather-bound book limited to 1,500 copies. Kirkman gave them to retailers as a "thank you" for supporting his Walking Dead series. Pretty nice of him.

Tom Brevoort's Blog

2006-10-10T13:04:00.000-06:00

Some interesting stuff from Marvel's Executive Editor.

The Pull List

2006-10-10T09:19:00.000-06:00

Civil War Front Line – #7
Uncanny X-Men – #479
52 – #23
DMZ – #12
Battlestar Galactica – #2
Invincible Vol. 7

Win Some Original Art

2006-10-09T11:26:00.000-06:00

Running until October 18, 2006, DYNAMITE is giving one lucky winner the chance to add an original page of Red Sonja art to their collection!

The Pull List

2006-10-05T09:30:00.000-06:00

52 #22 - I know nothing about the DC universe proper, but I really like this series.
Boys #3 - Killing super heroes, Preacher style!
Jonah Hex #12 - One and done story telling. More comic book writers/publishers should try it.
Criminal #1 - I've heard god things about this book, we'll see.
Fear Agent #8 - In my "top 5" list. I love this book.

Wow, four DC, one "other" and ZERO Marvels. It's official, I am no longer a "Marvel Zombie". Oh, and this would also be the third sign of the Apocalypse. Pack your bags and put on clean underwear, Jesus is coming. You heard it here first.

300

2006-10-05T09:18:00.000-06:00

The offical trailer is up at Apple.com. This is looking like it could be a kick-ass movie. Have any of you read the comics? Are the any good?

As Bob Sees It

2006-10-03T13:31:00.000-06:00

Today is the first time I've read this letter from Bob Kane.

I'll only make one comment. Bo says "there are two sides to every story". I'd make the challenge that there are in fact three sides to every story. His, hers (or his in this case), and the truth.

Have You Seen This Comic?

2006-09-30T10:30:00.000-06:00

Zipper posted this picture of his stolen FF #1 on his blog. If you've seen it then drop him a line.

Fun Reading

2006-09-29T15:40:00.000-06:00

There's an entertaining thread over at Gutter Zombie for creators to post their rejection letters from various comic book publishers.

Marvel Can't Count

2006-09-28T09:53:00.000-06:00

From the October 2006 Diamond Previews catalog:

Marvel Previews p. 10 - Ultimate Spider-Man #103:

"The record is broken for the longest continual run by a creative team in Marvel history!"

What about the 120 issue run on Groo the Wanderer by Sergio Aragones and Mark Evanier? The series was even published by Marvel so how can they not know?

Nice

2006-09-26T16:44:00.000-06:00

Just a couple more days and I'll be posting my review of Dracula - Illistrated by Jay Lee

In the mean time you can keep yourself busy by thrill bidding on this signed first edition Dracula with some pretty cool history behind it.

High Praise

2006-09-26T15:33:00.001-06:00

Mark Millar says the Joss Whedon/John Cassiday run on Astonishing X-Men is his "favourite run on X-Men ever".

Wow. I can agree with it being the best in over 10 years, but ever?

Fear

2006-09-26T10:38:00.000-06:00

I hope the move of Fear Agent from Image to Dark Horse isn't a bad sign. This series is in my top three favorite modern titles (see post bellow for one of my other top three). I'd sure hate to see it go away.

Walking Dead

2006-09-26T08:29:00.000-06:00

I just satiated my hunger by hitting the BIN on this bad boy. I've not seen one of these go for less then $100 so I figured why bid against others and either not bid enough or end up paying more.

I got hooked on this series after reading the latest hard cover edition that reprints #1-12. Now I get to read 13-24!

Is Patty Cockrum Wack?

2006-09-20T16:43:00.000-06:00

Man, I like a good John Byrne bash as much as anyone, but Patty seems to hate just about everyone, especially John Byrne.

There are endless hours of 'fun' on that forum.

Add Ellison to the "Asshole" List....

2006-09-19T15:58:00.000-06:00

with John Byrne.

Ellison Sues Fantagraphics, Groth, Reynolds

Asshole.

Go Bid on This Auction

2006-09-19T15:45:00.000-06:00

It's for a great cause.

BID!

Rob Larson

2006-09-19T10:40:00.000-06:00

Friend Rob has redesigned his web page. Check it out.

Unfinished Tolkien Work to be Published

2006-09-19T08:31:00.000-06:00

"An unfinished tale by J.R.R. Tolkien has been edited by his son into a completed work and will be released next spring, the U.S. and British publishers announced Monday."

Full story at CNN.com.

15 Minutes

2006-09-18T16:31:00.000-06:00

CGC forums very own nikos61 got a nod on Blog@Newsarama.com for his "John Byrne insensitive comments auction" on Ebay.

That should generate some action.

Cool On-line Comic

2006-09-17T16:55:00.000-06:00

Fun on-line comic. Well written. Decent art. Shooting War. Read it.

I'm Not The Only One

2006-09-15T13:13:00.000-06:00

Next month will mark the first month, in 22 years of collecting new comics, that I'll be buying more DC books then Marvel. For that matter, I'll almost be buying as many indy books as Marvel. Crazy.

Apperantly I'm not alone.

Live Action Avengers Movie

2006-09-15T13:11:00.000-06:00

Read all about it.

Thanks James

2006-09-15T08:36:00.000-06:00

The Collector's Mentality is closing its doors today. I enjoyed James' take on collecting and will miss his insightful perspective.

Good luck on your future endeavors James.

John 'The Asshole' Byrne on.....well.....Assholes

2006-09-12T12:20:00.000-06:00

John Byrne weighs in on the death of Steve Irwin with:

"Okay, time for me to rain on this parade. I didn't know he had kids. YOUNG kids. This alters the mix considerably. This makes him an ASSHOLE. Cops and firemen, to name but two, place their lives on the line every day to protect others. There was nothing Steve Irwin was doing that he could not have done -- as did, say, David Attenborough -- without putting his life at risk.

This takes this from tragedy to stupidity, and, worse, irresponsibility."

Just for the record, Steve Irwin was more likely to die while driving to work then while swimming with a stingray.

It would seem that because John is washed up in his chosen profession, he's decided to move into a new field.......being a dick. I hear that's a field in high demand right now, especially on the internet.

2006 Harvey Winners

2006-09-11T15:19:00.000-06:00

BEST WRITER
Ed Brubaker / CAPTAIN AMERICA / Marvel Comics

BEST ARTIST
J.H. Williams III / PROMETHEA / ABC/WildStorm/DC Comics

BEST CARTOONIST
Chris Ware / ACME NOVELTY LIBRARY # 16 / ACME Novelty Library

BEST LETTERER
Chris Ware / ACME NOVELTY LIBRARY # 16 / ACME Novelty Library

BEST INKER
Charles Burns / BLACK HOLE # 12 / Fantagraphics Books

BEST COLORIST
Laura Martin / ASTONISHING X-MEN / Marvel Comics

BEST COVER ARTIST
James Jean / FABLES / DC/Vertigo

BEST NEW TALENT - TIE
R. Kikuo Johnson / NIGHT FISHER / Fantagraphics Books
Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa / MARVEL KNIGHTS FOUR / Marvel Comics

BEST NEW SERIES
YOUNG AVENGERS / Marvel Comics

BEST CONTINUING OR LIMITED SERIES
RUNAWAYS / Marvel Comics

BEST SYNDICATED STRIP OR PANEL
MAAKIES / Tony Millionaire
Self-syndicated

BEST ANTHOLOGY
SOLO / DC Comics

BEST GRAPHIC ALBUM - ORIGINAL
TRICKED / Top Shelf

BEST GRAPHIC ALBUM - PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED
BLACK HOLE / Pantheon Books

BEST SINGLE ISSUE OR STORY
LOVE AND ROCKETS, VOLUME 2, # 15 / Fantagraphics Books

BEST DOMESTIC REPRINT PROJECT
LITTLE NEMO IN SLUMBERLAND: SO MANY SPLENDID SUNDAYS / Sunday Press Books

BEST AMERICAN EDITION OF FOREIGN MATERIAL
BUDDHA / Vertical Books

BEST ONLINE COMICS WORK
AMERICAN ELF / James Kochalka / www.americanelf.com

SPECIAL AWARD FOR HUMOR IN COMICS
Kyle Baker / PLASTIC MAN / DC Comics

SPECIAL AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN PRESENTATION
LITTLE NEMO IN SLUMBERLAND: SO MANY SPLENDID SUNDAYS / Sunday Press Books

BEST BIOGRAPHICAL, HISTORICAL OR JOURNALISTIC PRESENTATION
COMICS JOURNAL / Fantagraphics Books

Well its my 15 year wedding anniversary

2006-09-08T23:34:00.000-06:00

It has been awhile since I have posted anything here, I'm still working on a article that I really need time to finish. But it wont be this weekend as My wife (Kellie) and I are going to Indy to celebrate 15 years of marriage. Why am I posting this here? Because one of the places we will be going to is a out of the place flea market and two years ago when I went there I found some really great comic books. That is where I found the last golden age Captain America Comics # 73 to complete my cap run. Which I no longer own. :(

But this is the type of woman I have married, all she wanted to do for our 15th was get away and not have to worry about responsibilities (kids) and do some of the stuff we like to do for ourselves which we hardly get to do. So she will shop at a few malls and outlets and I will hunt for more treasure. I will report back on Monday what my outcome was on the comic hunt..Not on any of the hotel stuff. ;P

From My Inbox

2006-09-07T16:13:00.000-06:00

Hi Brian,

Thank you for your interest in reviewing The Illustrated Dracula with illustrations by Jae Lee. A review copy will be sent from our warehouse shortly. Attached are the book jacket image and links to online retailers should you decide to use them in your review. Please send me a link or tearsheet when your review is available, and let me know if you need any additional information.

Best regards,

Kevin Che

Jae Lee + Dracula = yummy. I'm looking forward to reading it. I'll read it and post a review just as soon as I get the book.

Going to Baltimore Con

2006-09-02T11:47:00.000-06:00

Im going to the Baltimore Con this upcoming weekend and I can say that I am very pumped about it! First off, Anna and Aidan and I are going to leave Thursday night and drive up to Washington and stay with Anna's best friend.
Then on Friday we are going to go do the tourist thing in Washington.
Then the fun really starts! Saturday morning I'm leaving out and driving down to Baltimore. Im getting in early and helping out at the Toon Tumblers booth. If you haven't seen the Toon Tumblers, SHAME ON YOU! You really need to pick up a couple of these as they are great glasses. Just perfect for holding a 12oz beer!
While I am there I plan on meeting up with several buddies off of the CGC boards, do some trading, get a few books on-site graded (Avengers 19 and Thor 127).
After that, its on to the Forum Dinner. Drinks, food, funny books. Only thing that could make the thing better would be strippers. But 3 outta 4 aint bad.
I'll post my report when I get back.

Out

2006-09-01T16:38:00.000-06:00

Have a good three day weekend (if you're in the US). I'm out.

Pride of Baghdad

2006-08-31T10:57:00.000-06:00

I'm really looking forward to this book. Read what BKV has to say about it two weeks before the release.

The Grail I Can't Afford

2006-08-30T11:42:00.000-06:00

This is probably the closest I could ever come to owning, in my opinion, the greatest comic book cover there is. I just can't afford it right now.

Big Job

2006-08-30T10:20:00.000-06:00

The writers of this blog intend to read and review the first 102 issues and 8 Annuals of the Fantastic Four. Well, I guess someone has to do it, I guess...

Identity Crisis

2006-08-30T08:59:00.000-06:00

My pull list for 8/30/06:

Marvel
X-Men – 190
Ultimate X-Men Annual – 2

DC
52 – 17
Boys – 2
Justice – 7 of twelve

Ok, so if I'm buying more DC books then Marvel, then I'm no longer a "Marvel Zombie". If I'm not a Marvel Zombie then what am I? A "DC loser"?

Feeling Better

2006-08-28T17:12:00.000-06:00

All went well and I'm feeling pretty good. I should get back to regular posting by Tuesday or Wed.

Marvel Masterworks

2006-08-26T09:56:00.000-06:00

Even though ive been collecting for the better part of 3 years, until recently ive never been much of a reader. A lot of that comes from collecting vf or better books and not wanting to fug up the condition.
I recently bought some Marvel Masterworks and I must say that I have really enjoyed them. The stories, the art, the color (unlike those cheap ass Essentials) have got me hooked.
Ive read ASM v1-4 Avengers v1 and 3 Silver Surfer v1, shit could John Romita draw or what!, and a few others.
Im planning on taking some of them to my room at school and seeing if some of my kids would enjoy reading them as well.

Things that suck

2006-08-24T21:09:00.000-06:00

I used to own this page. I sold it about 25 years ago. For a lot less money than its selling for now.

Well Armed Spider-Man

2006-08-24T13:21:00.000-06:00

Bad Taste has a short interview with Baxter Humby, the one armed kick boxing champion, about his roll in Spider-Man 3. Pretty incredible guy.

From My Inbox

2006-08-23T15:00:00.000-06:00

Brian,

This is worth a mention at your blog:
Anthology

Thanks.

Clifford Meth

Just passing it on.....

9/11 Graphic Adaptation Part II

2006-08-23T08:20:00.000-06:00

It seems, that after getting mentioned on this blog, the novel has scyrocketed to number seven on the Amazon.com sales chart for books (that was last night, this morning it's at #8), not comics, but actual books. Ok........maybe it had more to do with the fact that Jacobsen and Colon were on The Today Show yesterday, whatever......

USA Today On 9/11 Graphic Adaptation

2006-08-22T09:10:00.000-06:00

It pictures scenes aboard the doomed planes and towers. But, Jacobson says, "it's not a dramatization," unlike the movies World Trade Center and United 93. "It's the story of an investigation. ... It's graphic journalism."

Full Story

I've already pre-ordered my copy, have you ordered yours?

I'll Be Out

2006-08-21T11:50:00.000-06:00

I'm going in for minor surgery on Friday the 25th. I should be back to work by the following Monday, but as my Dr. said "Results may very." I don’t imagine I'll be posting here during that time, but that being said, I'll keep you posted.

Maybe some of the other "just a fanboy" contributors will step up and fill the void while I'm down and out. You never know, it could happen.

Frazetta Goodness

2006-08-18T16:26:00.000-06:00

Starting bid of only $26,000 ($31,000 with BP). Go bid!

Free Hake’s Summer Catalog

2006-08-18T16:18:00.000-06:00

You can obtain a free copy of the catalog by e-mailing Sally at wsally@hakes.com. Make sure you include your mailing address. You can also call Sally at 1-866-404-9800 ext 443. Be sure that all the mailing info is included in your message.

Wonder Woman Fan Movies

2006-08-18T09:54:00.000-06:00

'Battle of Justice', a six minute short, led to a forty minute sequel called 'Wonder Woman: Balance of Power'. Both are enjoyable fan films. If you're waiting for Joss' verson to hit the big screen and have some spare time, take a look at these. They're woth it in my opinion.

Wow

2006-08-17T22:55:00.000-06:00

Oh. My. God. There's something you don't see everyday.

Have You Read Watchmen?

2006-08-16T12:25:00.000-06:00

If you have then you'll appreciate just how fucking cool Tales of the Black Freighter: Marooned (The Reconstruction) is. If you haven't read Watchmen then shame on you.

Good Lord.....

2006-08-16T12:14:00.000-06:00

This quote from Einstein comes to mind:

"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the the universe."

Cho Art

2006-08-16T11:58:00.000-06:00

Frank Cho is auctioning off his original art cover from this year’s Baltimore Comicon program to raise cash for the Harvey Awards that are making their debut at the Con this year.

Wizard Magazine

2006-08-14T16:22:00.000-06:00

Hilarious commentary regarding the journalistic joke that is Wizard Magazine.

A Collectors Collector

2006-08-13T10:14:00.000-06:00

If you don't already, you really should read chromium's blog. It's updated about once a week with facinating commentary from a collector who has one of the most impressive personal comic book collections I know of.

Books, supplies, and indecision

2006-08-10T15:03:00.000-06:00

Ya know, there comes a time when you make a little change. Well, for me and my collection, that seems to be about every other week.
Just a little background. Im 29, married for 7 years to Anna, have a 3 year old named Aidan, and have been collecting comics for just over 3 years. In that time I have managed to go from:
a-working on complete runs in vf
b-buying slabs
c-not buying slabs and not doing runs
d-not working on complete runs
e-selling off my "lower grade" vfish copies and buying high grade books, both slabbed and unslabbed.
E is where I am currently. One of my buddies on the CGC boards chides me constantly about having a revolving door collection. Now that I think of it, about 4 or 5 friends tell me that.

Anyway, in my need to constantly be indecisive, I have used several types of comic supplies. I think I have found a winner, but wait about a month, it will probably change.

I started out using just plain old Poly bags and boards. Um, nope. Didnt like em, especially when I saw how nice Mylars are.
I then switched to Mylite2s and half backs. Better. However I bought a book and it had a Fullback in it. Love at first feel. So, I go and buy Fullbacks and Mylite2's. I have to cut the board down to fit the Mylites I bought. No biggie. Ive got a paper cutter at school (I teach) that would take a 2 year olds arm off. Ive tried on 13 year olds but its not heavy enough.
Well, I got some books in Archives. You know, the mylars with the open top. Well, of course I decide I really like them. So I buy several bags of those. Really like them, a lot.

So, at least for a little bit, I've made up my mind on how I want to do things. But check back after while, as like my wife, I am liable to change my mind.

Come On In, The Water Is Fine

2006-08-10T13:17:00.000-06:00

If you were one of those that didn't want to make the $130 investment (one issue every week for 52 weeks at $2.50 a pop) in order to read DC's "52", your stinginess has paid off. You can now read the first five issues on-line.

The Sam Loeb College Scholarship Fund

2006-08-08T16:36:00.000-06:00

Wow. $72,050 is quite impressive. Comic geeks really are good people.

Darwyn Cooke

2006-08-08T12:58:00.000-06:00

I met Darwyn in Las Vegas a few years ago and got to see his originals for DC's New Frontier before it was released. Needless to say, they caught my eye. He's now doing a Spirit series for DC and Bob Andelman has posted an interview as well as a preview of some of the art on his Blog.

I can't wait for this series to come out. I don't even remember the last time I was this excited about a new comic.

A taste:

Jew Gangster

2006-08-07T10:24:00.000-06:00

Joe Kubert has always been one of my favorite artists and is also an underrated writer in my opinion. This is a nice piece from the North Jersey Record from over the weekend.

Wizard World Chicago Nuggets

2006-08-07T09:46:00.000-06:00

- Azzarello said that the plan is still to end 100 Bullets at issue #100, and when others joked about just changing the title to 120 Bullets, the writer answered that there’s no reason there couldn’t be a series called The Minutemen after 100 Bullets concludes.

Dear God,

Please let this happen.

Regards,
Brian

- In regards to how the current Ultimates series will end, Brian Hitch said "a 36-page #12 and a 22-page #13."

- Daredevil: Father #6 is currently set for an October release.

The mini series that would never end, and probably never should have started....

Got Ditko?

2006-08-04T15:58:00.000-06:00

A complete 20 page original art ASM story by Ditko is being auctioned on Mastro. I'm not a big Ditko fan and I like Spider-Man even less, but this is still a pretty cool auction.

Help A Brother Out

2006-08-03T11:48:00.000-06:00

The list of books I need to complete my SA X-Men and BA X-Men Crossovers pages is getting pretty short so I thought I'd post it here. If you have any of these books and are willing to part with them just e-mail me a list with issue number, grade and price. Unless otherwise specified, I'm looking for books in NM- or better condition.

Silver Age:

-Amazing Spider-Man Annual #1 (looking for a solid copy around VG)
-Avengers #3 (looking for solid copy around VG)
-Strange Tales #156 (looking for mid grade around Fine)

Bronze Age:

-Dazzler #'s 17, 24, 27
-Iron Man Annual #4
-Marvel Team-Up #'s 38, 90, 124
-Spider-Woman #39
-X-Men At The State Fair #one shot
-X-Men Companion #1

Site Updates

2006-08-03T08:28:00.000-06:00

I've updated both Silver Age X-Men Crossovers and Bronze Age X-Men Crossovers with some new scans. I also added a new section at the bottom of the BA Crossovers page for Fanzines.

X-Men Collector's DVD To Include Comic

2006-08-01T10:39:00.000-06:00

Blatantly ripped off from USAtoday.com.

The summer blockbuster X-Men: The Last Stand is mutating into a many-faceted $30 DVD. Fox Home Entertainment will also release a $40 collector's edition (both Oct. 3) that includes an exclusive 100-page book with a story by Stan Lee, who created the comic in 1963 with artist Jack Kirby. The story, The Unlikely Saga of Magneto, Xavier and Stan, is "the most offbeat, wildest, wackiest plot I could think of, using myself as the fall guy," Lee says. Both versions have commentaries by director Brett Ratner and producer Avi Arad. Other extras: three alternate endings, deleted and extended scenes.

Mmmmmmmm, sounds tasty.

The First Sign of the Apocalypse

2006-07-28T15:51:00.000-06:00

I recently decided that I'm not going to buy any new mini series from any publisher in the pamphlet format. I will finish the limited series I'm currently reading, but no new ones will be added to my pull list.

I have to tell you, I already feel like I got a small monkey off my back. It's such a good feeling, that I can't stop there. I'm now dropping all "Ultimate" titles from my pull list as their current story arcs come to an end. Guess what I'm going to do after that..........I'm selling my entire "Ultimate" collection. I have all but four (4) of the "Ultimate" books ever published. That's a lot of books.

Here's the thing, the core "Ultimate" titles suck. Ultimate Spider-Man hasn't been any good for the last 50 issue. Ultimate X-Men was never very good to beguine with and Ultimate FF was only decent through the first twenty (20) issues or so. Let's not even get into the Ultimate mini series, man, those have all sucked. The only Ultimate book that's still any good is Ultimates, and it's only got one issue left.

So what's my point? This is my point:

When I drop the Ultimate titles, this is what my monthly pull list will look like:

Marvel –
Astonishing X-Men
Uncanny X-Men
Wolverine
Wolverine Origins
X-Men

DC/Vertigo –
52
100 Bullets
All Star Superman
DMZ
Jonah Hex
Loveless

Other –
Conan
Red Sonja
Fear Agent

Now I know you're saying: "Who cares? So what? Nice pull list, but what's your point?"

For the first time in human history.....are you ready for this?.....Sitting down?.....Ok, here it is:

I WILL BY BUYING MORE DC TITLES THEN MARVEL TITLES!! Holy shit! I've been a Marvel Zombie from conception, it's in my genes, Marvel is cool and DC sucks, etc..etc..(Not to mention the fact that if you add "other" publishers into the mix I'll be out buying Marvel by almost 2 to 1.)

This can only mean one thing; the end of the world is upon us. Get right with God, tell your family how much you love them, quit your job, max out your credit cards, have sex on a plane, leave your wife and move in with your girlfriend. It's all over I tell ya, OVER!