Wednesday, November 24, 2004

XBOX Somebody's Ears!

Speaking of donations, and we were you know, why not donate to me! You think the storyline currently running in RWTPv2 (www.rwtpv2.com) is just fun and games? This is like Law & Order... ripped from the headlines cutting edge drama!

Yes, some bastard really broke into my house and stole my X-BOX. Sifted through my 8 games and only took Silent Hill 3 and Halo (I guess that tells you about the quality of the games I have) and stole the pocket watch I got from my dad just two weeks ago at my wedding! This last really pisses me off as the rest is replaceable. They left everything else in the house.

And since we live out in the country and an alarm system going off would only tell the burglar they have about 15-20 minutes left to go before the cops arrive, we are pricing out large intimidating dogs! Man, I thought I moved out of the city to get away from crap like this!

So donate money or XBOX systems or games to me and read the strip for updates on whether or not I ever find and kill them. If the strip says, coming to you live from the Missouri State Penitentiary, you can bet your ass I found the punk bastards and ripped them several new ones! Happy Thanksgiving tomorrow!

MVC-ing Debt!

I feel terrible for Val Staples and the guys at MVCreations. I can say that because I have ordered and paid for every book they've ever produced. I'm not even a huge He-Man fan, but I found the book to be one of the more entertaining of the '80s revival books. And now, according to the latest word from Mr. Staples, the company is in debt up to their ears and committed to paying off their creators (read: artists). Now, Mr. Staples has shown himself to be a class guy throughout, and here he is again doing the same. You can read all about it here:

http://newsarama.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=22089

And while you're there, maybe shoot them a donation or better yet, hook up to their website and buy something (let's face it, that's the best way to make them money--show the product some love too!). He also cites a very very insightful article he has written on the truth and perils behind self-publishing and going this route. As many comic fans are also aspiring creators this article is a MUST-read. It told me what I wanted to know, though I'm not sure if the result is what he was looking for. I'm giving up on making it in comics... for now.

Obviously, the better route for me is to finish this novel and try and make it as a novelist first. It's just too damned hard to make a living doing comics, and I don't have enough free time around the real job to do substantial comics on an ongoing basis. Not sure if he was wanting to discourage people about the industry and the pitfalls, but I am appreciative that I now know it is a nearly impossible battle and that you'd better have a lot of money to sink into it and even then you'll probably never make it big unless you launch the next Bone or something (and even then it can take years). Be realistic, I say. Short on capital but big on dreams. Give up on comics.

The big publishers don't want to talk to you. Image is just as expensive and risky. We are the most new creator unfriendly industry in existence, so write a screenplay or a book. Then if you make it in that field you can dip your toes into comics because then maybe this inbred and failing industry will notice you. If you're not famous somewhere else or know someone they know or are related to someone they know you don't have a shot in hell of getting their attention.

So for Thanksgiving, I want to thank Val Staples for pulling the wool off of the industry. I'm not sure if Image or Diamond will be thrilled with the article as I read it, but I think it was a great service he did for the rest of us. I wish him the best of luck in avoiding bankruptcy and salvaging his dream. He's one of the good ones (and these are few and far between) and deserves your love... and support!

I know, it's not funny. Sue me.

Monday, November 22, 2004

Hues Prevues - Shipping 11/24/04

You kids ready to get this party started?

MAY045361 MARVEL HEROCLIX MUTANT MAYHEM BOOSTER PACK $7.99 WIZKIDS LLC
AUG042917 2000 AD PROG #1413 $3.75 DIAMOND COMIC DIST--ENGLAND

SEP042843 2000 AD #1414 $3.75 DIAMOND COMIC DIST--ENGLAND
SEP042759 30 DAYS OF BLOODSUCKERS TALES #2 (MR) $3.99 IDEA & DESIGN WORKS LLC
I hate to say it, but this has kind of lost its appeal. What started as a novel and really clever concept for a vampire story has just turned into a vampire saga. Not bad, per se, but really nothing special or spectacular about it anymore. Though the continuing focus on Barrow itself always brings intrigue. It's when it moves beyond that that it seems to lose its cleverness.
SEP042761 30 DAYS OF NIGHT RETURN TO BARROW HC (MR) $39.99 IDEA & DESIGN WORKS LLC
SEP040309 ADAM STRANGE #3 (Of 8) $2.95 DC COMICS
SEP042881 AI LOVE YOU VOL 6 GN $9.99 TOKYOPOP
OCT042447 ALAN MOORES HYPOTHETICAL LIZARD PREVIEW CON CVR $5.99 AVATAR PRESS
OCT042476 ALAN MOORES NIGHTJAR WRAP TEST PRINT FOIL ED #1 (Of 4) $15.99 AVATAR PRESS

I really wonder how many people buy up all these Avatar variant editions. There must be sixteen variant covers and versions of every Avatar book. I know they've indicated (I know because Warren Ellis said so in his Bad Signal and I'm stealing knowledge from him) that it is essential to their business model, but man is it annoying trying to keep track of what is new and what is just another cover slapped on some old inventory book.
JUL041810 ALEX ROSS BATTLE OF THE PLANETS ARTBOOK ONE SHOT $4.99 IMAGE COMICS
So not only do you have to like Alex Ross but you have to like him on Battle of the Planets and you have to like him on Battle of the Planets enough to spend five bucks just to see his art on Battle of the Planets without even the hint of a Battle of the Planets story surrounding his art. Pass.
APR043976 ALIAS SYDNEY BRISTOW ROCKER GIRL MINI BUST $45.00 MERCHANDISE
I would pay forty-five dollars for a bust of Jennifer Garner in some Alias costume. Wouldn't you? Ba-a-a-a-a-a-a-a!
AUG044482 ALIVE DIRECTORS CUT 2 DISC DVD (MR) VIDEOS
Is this the one where they're eating each other? Was there demand for this? You people are sick!
AUG043123 ALL NEW TENCHI MUYO VOL 5 TP POINT AND SHOOT $8.95 VIZ LLC
SEP041767 AMAZING FANTASY #6 $2.99 MARVEL COMICS
SEP041765 AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #514 $2.25 MARVEL COMICS
SEP043107 AMAZING STORIES #607 $5.99 CURTIS CIRCULATION

Look, it's Amazing Stories. Man did I love that show. The one I remember most is the one where Knight Rider busted through this old man's wall and all the '80s tv shows were taking over his life. That and something about cartoon plane landing gear. Man, is that out on DVD? That was some good stuff. Wonder if the resurrection of the magazine is good?
JUL043492 AMAZONA ART OF CHRIS ACHILLEOS TP $19.95 DIAMOND COMIC DIST--ENGLAND
OCT044266 AQUARIAN AGE VOL 3 DESTINY DVD (MR) VIDEOS
SEP042389 ARCHIE & FRIENDS #87 $2.19 ARCHIE COMIC PUBLICATIONS

And you thought all the X-Men books were bad. Look at this Archie kid!
JUL042807 ARMY OF DARKNESS ASHES 2 ASHES #3 (MR) $2.99 DYNAMIC FORCES
OCT043338 ART OF GENNADIY KOUFAY TP (A) $14.95 SQPINC

Are you freaking kidding me?! Gennadiy Koufay?! Holey crapola this is HUGE, people! HUGE! Who's Gennadiy Koufay?
JUL043494 ART OF HALO TP $21.95 RANDOM HOUSE
This game has really taken on a life of its own. I mean it's got a bestselling strategy guide and now an art book. Of course I'm considering Halo and Halo 2 collectively. Really it's kinda creepy, and if you drop twenty-two bucks for this then you're kinda creepy and I don't want you standing so close to me. Seriously, dude. You're mouthbreathing all over me. Step off!
SEP042812 ATTITUDE VOL 2 NEW SUBVERSIVE SOCIAL COMMENTARY (O/A) (MR) $13.95 NBM
SEP044300 AUQUA TEEN HUNGER FORCE VOL 3 DVD VIDEOS

Okay, a friend made me watch this and this is pretty twisted stuff. It's laugh in spite of yourself and then feel kind of dirty. Kind of early Ren & Stimpy mixed with South Park. PS: That's a good thing.
SEP040369 AUTHORITY REVOLUTION #2 (Of 12) (MR) $2.95 DC COMICS
Not so revolutionary so far.
SEP043044 BACK ISSUE #7 $5.95 TWOMORROWS PUBLISHING
TwoMorrows is too obsessed with the history of this industry. They do some great articles and have some good magazines but it'd be nice from them to pretend that something of value has happened in the last few years.
SEP042866 BANZAI GIRL LTD ED SKETCHBOOK (O/A) $7.95 SIRIUS ENTERTAINMENT
BANZAI! An excuse to scream stereotypical and insulting psuedo-Japanese.
SEP042700 BARBARIENNE #10 (A) $3.95 EROS COMIX
SEP044213 BASTOF SYNDROME VOL 6 ENDGAME DVD VIDEOS

Doesn't that sound like how a little kid who was afraid to cuss would insult you. "Oh yeah, well SCROUNG YOU YOU BASTOF!" Or it's the southern way to say 'Best Of'. "Walkumm bek to thuh Bast uhv Hee-Haw!"
SEP040298 BATGIRL #58 $2.50 DC COMICS
SEP040288 BATMAN #634 $2.25 DC COMICS

What is Batman without his Batgirl? Why did they never do a Batboy? Did they try and get a Cease & Desist from Major League Baseball. Were they afraid that everyone would just assume that Batboy's job was just to get the Bat Shark Repellant and run it to Batman when he was needed. Maybe his position was made redundant by the Bat Utility Belt. Damn technology! I bet you could outsource Batboy to a third world country and get him to retrieve the Bat Tire Iron for mere nickels a day! It's the American way after all. How much more patriotic could Batman be than to have a little Batchico running around at his beck and call?
JUL043979 BATMAN 1-43 BATMOBILE 1990 $8.99 MERCHANDISE
JUL043980 BATMAN 1-43 BATMOBILE 2000 VER 2 $8.99 MERCHANDISE
AUG043999 BATMAN 4 PIECE GLASS ORNAMENT SET WITH TIN $17.99 KURT S ADLER
SEP043537 BATMAN GLITTER TRANSFER LOGO T/S LG $16.95 MERCHANDISE
SEP043538 BATMAN GLITTER TRANSFER LOGO T/S XL $16.95 MERCHANDISE

Glitter? Glitter?! Must be for Batman's more flamboyant fans. Wait a minute. We're talking about a guy who runs around in spandex wearing his underwear on the outside and hanging out with little boys. You know, DC could sue the Michael Jackson case for copyright infringement. Marvel would do it.
OCT043130 BATTLE OF THE PLANETS VOL 1 KEY COMICS TP (O/A) $19.95 DYNAMIC FORCES
JUN042141 BEAR FUZZY BABYDOLL T/S LG MERCHANDISE
JUN042140 BEAR FUZZY BABYDOLL T/S MED MERCHANDISE
JUN042139 BEAR FUZZY BABYDOLL T/S SM MERCHANDISE
JUN042142 BEAR FUZZY BABYDOLL T/S XL MERCHANDISE
JUN042136 BEAR T/S #6 FUZZY LG MERCHANDISE
JUN042135 BEAR T/S #6 FUZZY MED MERCHANDISE
JUN042134 BEAR T/S #6 FUZZY SM MERCHANDISE
JUN042137 BEAR T/S #6 FUZZY XL MERCHANDISE
JUN042138 BEAR T/S #6 FUZZY XXL MERCHANDISE

Bear totally rawks! I'm sorry if you goth folks think it's just not depressing enough, I think it is the most twisted and yet mainstream thing in comics. Not so goth-twisted that you don't know what the hell is going on unless you slept with your face taped to a bong, but dark and funny and actually makes sense, in its own twisted way!
SEP043256 BEATSVILLE TP $26.95 LAST GASP INC
OCT042533 BELLADONNA CONVENTION SP SEAN SHAW CVR SGN $24.99 COMIC CAVALCADE

OMIGOD! ONLY TWENTY-FIVE BUCKS FOR THE SEAN SHAW SIGNED CONVENTION COVER?! ARE THEY MAD! HAVE THEY LOST THEIR MINDS COMPLETELY?!
SEP042969 BEST OF THE LEGION OUTPOST $17.95 TWOMORROWS PUBLISHING
Now I love the Legion as much as the next guy... okay probably more because I aspired to own every appearance and actually love them but... but this is beyond even me. I mean seriously guys! The Legion Outpost?! Wasn't that the Letters page? Or is this some more fanzine crap?
SEP042394 BETTY & VERONICA DOUBLE DIGEST #129 $3.59 ARCHIE COMIC PUBLICATIONS
If you go with the initials of Double Digest you get Betty & Veronica DD, and you know, that's not a bad thing. Archie Andrews is one lucky dog, my friends with two DD friends like these!
SEP044216 BIG O II COMPLETE DVD COLLECTION VIDEOS
I'm sorry. I have no idea what this is about and I know it's anime, but how can you bring something to America and call it 'The Big O' and expect anyone to think of anything other than the 'Big O.' Don't get me wrong, it's great, and she especially enjoys it, but is that really appropriate. And this is apparently the second, and multiple 'Big O's are especially gratifying, so bully for them!
SEP041787 BLACK WIDOW #3 (Of 6) $2.99 MARVEL COMICS
If she were an African-American woman who lost her husband and then went out for revenge, I would be offended. Thank goodness she's not.
SEP041811 BLADE BLACK & WHITE TP $15.99 MARVEL COMICS
Oh sure, it starts innocently enough and then Blade has the black vampires sitting in the back of the bus. Wait a second, Blade is black. This doesn't make any sense.
SEP040060 BLADE OF THE IMMORTAL #95 (MR) $2.99 DARK HORSE COMICS
Why can't they just rerelease these in the manga-friendly size as trade collections at a good price point so I can buy them from the beginning. Beatiful stuff but I am too cheap to pay for the singles and in fact too cheap to pay for the full-sized collections. I'm pretty cheap, it turns out. Damn you Blade of the Immortal for bringing this to my attention!
AUG042766 BLOWJOB #11 (A) $3.95 EROS COMIX
Uh... Subtle.
SEP042757 BLUE EYES TP (RES) (A) $19.95 ICARUS PUBLISHING
I'm glad this was resolicited. I don't know HOW I missed it the first time around.
JUL043815 BLUE SILK W SKY DRAGON GO BAG $24.99 MERCHANDISE
SEP042813 BONEYARD #16 $2.95 NBM

I love this book. It doesn't get much acclaim or attention because NBM publishes it and for some reason NBM is like the ugly stepsister of the indie set. I'm not sure why this is as they have some good stuff but they get like zero press and nobody ever talks about anything they do. How Loathsome almost got some press, but sakes alive people. Diversify and try... or die!
AUG043498 BOWMAN 2004 05 SIGNATURE EDITION NBA T/C BOX (Net) (C: 3 & 4 $155.25 TOPPS COMPANY
OCT042534 BRIAN PULIDOS BELLADONNA GOLD FOIL CVR #1 (Of 5) $5.99 COMIC CAVALCADE
OCT042471 BRIAN PULIDOS BELLADONNA LIONESS ED #1 (Of 5) $5.99 AVATAR PRESS
SEP048026 BRIAN PULIDOS LADY DEATH DEAD RISING COMMEMORATIVE ED $2.50 AVATAR PRESS
OCT042532 BRIAN PULIDOS LADY DEATH DEAD RISING GOLD FOIL CVR $5.99 COMIC CAVALCADE

This is what I'm talking about. Both of these books have already been released and these are only more variant covers on them. It's ridiculous really.
OCT044268 BUBBLEGUM CRISIS 2040 VOL 1 ANIME ESSENTIALS DVD (NET) $11.99 VIDEOS
I had a bubblegum crisis once. It got stuck in my hair and my mom had to cut it and then it was a terrible hack job and I had to go to the barber to fix it and then I was Private Ryan only with shorter hair.
SEP044326 BUCK RODGERS COMPLETE EPIC SERIES DVD VIDEOS
JUN043562 BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER PALZ SER 1 ASST MERCHANDISE
JUL043667 BUG BUG CG OCT 2004 (A) $14.99 TOHAN CORPORATION
SEP041525 BURGLAR BILL #1 (Of 6) $2.95 IMAGE COMICS
AUG044169 G CALL OF CTHULHU CCG UNSPEAKABLE TALES BSTR DIS FANTASY FLIGHT PUBLISHING INC

I think I'm going to take this to Sunday School and see if the Nuns would like to break out their decks and play a game.
SEP042885 CANDIDATE FOR GODDESS VOL 5 GN $9.99 TOKYOPOP
How do you run for Goddess anyway? I didn't think God and Goddess were positions one could be elected to. I'd like to throw my hat in the ring. If I am elected God (or Goddess--who can be picky with omnipotence on the line) I promise to fix all the stuff you want me to and adhere strictly to your beliefs.
JUL044124 CARDBOY 8 PC SET $55.92 MERCHANDISE
SEP040352 CARTOON NETWORK BLOCK PARTY #3 $2.95 DC COMICS

I've read these and these aren't block parties. Block parties involve fine mamas in tight shorts and short tops and fire hydrants spraying everything down to keep it cool.
SEP044221 CASE CLOSED SEASON 4 VOL 3 LIKE OLD TIMES UNCUT DVD VIDEOS
AUG043859 CASPER GHOSTLY TRIO MAQUETTE $110.00 MERCHANDISE
SEP043111 CASTLE OF FRANKENSTEIN PRESENTS TOME #11 $7.00 DENNIS DRUKTENIS PUBLISHING

SEP043194 CGI ART OF THE 3D COMPUTER GENERATED IMAGE HC $35.00 ABRAMS
Another art book I just really don't get. I mean wouldn't this be more effective as a CD-ROM since it's meant to be seen in a live visual media. Maybe it's me. Hell, it probably is.
AUG044046 CHEECH & CHONG ID CASE & LIGHTER SET $16.99 NECA
AUG044047 CHEECH & CHONG SHOOTER SET $9.99 NECA

I don't think Cheech & Chong would approve of shooting other people, so I'm surprised they've lent their names to this set.
JAN042669 CHICKS & MONSTERS VOL 1 (MR) $9.95 SQPINC
I mean really, what more do you need?

SEP041527 CHOLLY & FLYTRAP #1 (Of 3) $4.95 IMAGE COMICS
OCT044368 CHRONICLES OF RIDDICK UNRATED DIRECTORS CUT WS DVD (Net) (MR $21.99 VIDEOS

OCT042301 CHRONO CRUSADE VOL 3 (OF 6) MANGA TP $9.99 A. D. VISION
SEP042474 CITY OF HEROES #7 $2.95 BLUE KING STUDIOS

Considering what a hit the game is, this comic sells for crap! I wonder why that is? Is it because the appeal of the game is in creating your own characters and the comic is about characters that were already created, thus making it standard superhero fare, or is it because nobody knows it exists. Maybe some in-game marketing is in order here. Professional sports know how to whore every aspect of it. They could have "Welcome to the Cisco Systems Character Generator, brought to you by the Home Depot." Cha-ching--Jackpot!!
SEP042923 CLAMP SCHOOL PARANORMAL INVESTIGATORS NOVEL VOL 2 $7.99 TOKYOPOP
JUL042752 CLASSIC ILLUSTRATED STORY OF JESUS HC $19.95 JACK LAKE PRODUCTIONS INC
JUL042751 CLASSIC ILLUSTRATED TEN COMMANDMENTS HC $19.95 JACK LAKE PRODUCTIONS INC
JUL042511 COLLECTED SEQUENTIAL HC (MR) $25.00 ADHOUSE BOOKS
JUL043662 COMIC AUN OCT 2004 (A) $10.99 TOHAN CORPORATION
JUL043663 COMIC POTPOURRI CLUB OCT 2004 (A) $6.99 TOHAN CORPORATION
SEP043048 COMIC SHOP NEWS 100CT BUNDLE #910 COMIC SHOP NEWS INC
SEP043052 COMIC SHOP NEWS 50CT BUNDLE #910 COMIC SHOP NEWS INC

See, your shop buys this in bundles and then gives it away. But some smaller shops don't even have 50 customers. I don't. Damn...
APR043073 COMICS FOCUS #1 $5.95 DIAMOND COMIC DIST--ENGLAND
OCT042709 COMICS JOURNAL #264 $9.95 FANTAGRAPHICS BOOKS
SEP042887 CRESCENT MOON VOL 4 GN $9.99 TOKYOPOP
SEP042888 CULDCEPT VOL 3 GN $9.99 TOKYOPOP
AUG043246 CULT TIMES #110 $7.99 DIAMOND COMIC DIST--ENGLAND
SEP042758 CVO COVERT VAMPIRIC OPERATIONS ROGUE STATE #1 (MR) $3.99 IDEA & DESIGN WORKS LLC
SEP043457 CYCLOPS BEAM T/S LG $17.95 MERCHANDISE
SEP043456 CYCLOPS BEAM T/S MED $17.95 MERCHANDISE
SEP043455 CYCLOPS BEAM T/S SM $17.95 MERCHANDISE
SEP043458 CYCLOPS BEAM T/S XL $17.95 MERCHANDISE
SEP043459 CYCLOPS BEAM T/S XXL $20.95 MERCHANDISE
SEP044165 D&D COMPLETE ARCANE HC $29.95 WIZARDS OF THE COAST
SEP044164 D&D EBERRON SHARN CITY OF TOWERS HC $29.95 WIZARDS OF THE COAST
JUL042605 DAN MORTONS SPACE 1958 ONE SHOT $2.95 AMRYL ENTERTAINMENT

I must be getting bored with this list. I can't find anything to say about any of this. Except for this. Has space really changed that much since 1958? I mean, I wasn't around back then but I bet it was still pretty much a vacuum with stars and celestial bodies in it. So why is 1958 so important. Will I pay three bucks to find out...
SEP041784 DAREDEVIL #67 $2.99 MARVEL COMICS
SEP042585 DARKSTALKERS CVR A #1 $2.95 DEVILS DUE PUBLISHING
SEP042586 DARKSTALKERS CVR B #1 $2.95 DEVILS DUE PUBLISHING
JUN042523 DECADENCE 300 YEARS OF JAPANESE FETISH ART HC (RES) (MR) $24.95 FANTAGRAPHICS BOOKS

Uh, yeah. That's the ticket right there, baby!
JUL043631 DENGEKI GS MAG OCT 2004 $12.99 TOHAN CORPORATION
OCT043401 DESPAIR THE SCREENPLAY TP $15.95 BLACK COAT PRESS

Whatever happened to 'Despair: The Movie' ??
AUG042731 DF FLASH SGN #209 $29.99 DYNAMIC FORCES
AUG042723 DF GREEN LANTERN REBIRTH VAN SCIVER SGN #1 $19.95 DYNAMIC FORCES
MAY042654 DF SUPERMAN BATMAN SGN #12 $29.99 DYNAMIC FORCES
OCT042688 DF ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN SGN #61 (O/A) $19.99 DYNAMIC FORCES
OCT042689 DF ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN SGN #62 (O/A) $19.99 DYNAMIC FORCES
JUN042459 DF WOLVERINE DAYS OF FUTURE PAST DIORAMA STATUE $195.00 MERCHANDISE
OCT042690 DFE FATHOM CANNON HAWKE TURNER ALT CVR (O/A) $6.99 DYNAMIC FORCES
AUG042703 DFE WITCHBLADE FOIL CVR SGN #80 $19.99 DYNAMIC FORCES

Does anybody get all of these? I swear it's like the 90s all over again with Dynamic Forces. Don't get me wrong, they reprinted Dreadstar and that's all good, but come on! Hey, they built a business on it, so who am I to judge.
AUG042670 DIGITAL WEBBING PRESENTS #19 (MR) (Note Price) $3.50 DIGITAL WEBBING
You know, I think I'd rather NOT note the price. I see it went up. I wouldn't want to note that. In fact, I don't really want to note the price of any comic books because in every/all cases it just depresses me. This is an expensive hobby.
SEP042889 DNANGEL VOL 5 GN $9.99 TOKYOPOP
OCT042629 DOG AND WATER GN (MR) $9.95 DRAWN & QUARTERLY

In the tradition of Chicks & Monsters, which makes you think of action and sex appeal and kinky retro fun, we have Dog and Water. Which makes you think of a dog drinking water... ... yeah.
SEP040313 DOOM PATROL #6 $2.50 DC COMICS
AUG043389 DOONESBURY TALK TO THE HAND TP $16.95 ANDREWS AND MCMEEL

Dude, you just got dissed! You got dissed by a book! Da-a-ay-um!
OCT043344 DORIAN 3 TRINITY TP (MR) $24.95 SQPINC
Trinity means 3. 3 is in a Trinity. This is redundant. C-
JUN042445 DORK TOWER #29 $2.99 DORK STORM PRESS
OCT044348 DR STRANGELOVE 40TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL ED DVD SET VIDEOS
AUG043249 DR WHO MAGAZINE SPECIAL EDITION #9 $9.99 DIAMOND COMIC DIST--ENGLAND
SEP044160 DRAGONLANCE DRAGONS IN THE ARCHIVES MMPB $7.99 WIZARDS OF THE COAST
SEP044161 DRAGONLANCE KINSLAYER WARS MMPB $6.99 WIZARDS OF THE COAST
SEP044162 DRAGONLANCE RETURN OF THE SORCERESS MMPB $5.99 WIZARDS OF THE COAST
SEP044163 DRAGONLANCE TEST OF THE TWINS HC $24.95 WIZARDS OF THE COAST

It must be DragonLance book week at Wizards of the Coast/TSR. Does anyone even use TSR anymore? Is it gone now and only a relic of lore. Would young gamers know what I mean when I say TSR? Am I that old?
AUG043250 DREAMWATCH #123 $5.99 DIAMOND COMIC DIST--ENGLAND
I didn't know you could watch other people's dreams. Damn! I'm so embarrassed.
MAY042604 DUEL MASTERS #8 $2.95 DREAMWAVE
OCT044349 EASY RIDER 35TH ANNIVERSARY DLX ED DVD VIDEOS
SEP041785 ELEKTRA THE HAND #4 (Of 5) $2.99 MARVEL COMICS
SEP042352 ELLIUM HYBRID VOLUME 2 GN (MR) $9.95 GENOME STUDIOS
AUG042764 ERIKA TELEKINETIKA #2 (A) $3.95 EROS COMIX

Say that five times fast.
SEP041746 EXCALIBUR #7 $2.99 MARVEL COMICS
OCT043937 EXCEL SAGA GRILLIN MENCHI WITH TABLETOP BBQ $19.99 A. D. VISION

What? What the hell is this. Tabletop BBQ? Like for real?
AUG042544 FADE FROM GRACE #3 $1.99 BECKETT ENTERTAINMENT
Good comics for under two bucks and still no one orders them. Marvel even priced some books at $1.75 and no one ordered them. Retailers don't care about price. Actually, methinks they don't care about the effort it takes to notice price really. Retailers are, by and large, a surprisingly lazy bunch of entrepeneurs. God bless 'em or the industry wouldn't exist, but that must be so difficult and frustrating to try and reach out to a constituency too damned lazy to pay any attention to you. Though they then turn around and bitch that no one makes affordable comics.
JUL044076 FINAL FANTASY TRADING ARTS FIG ASST KOTOBUKIYA
OCT043361 FINAL SOLUTION HC $16.95 HARPER COLLINS PUBLISHERS

Didn't Hitler have one of these. I would think this would be pretty controversial, but I haven't heard anything about it. I just hope that the Final Solution doesn't include wiping out all long-haired, pasty, extremely well endowed comics fans. :)
JUN043923 G FIREBORN RPG GAME MASTERS HB HC $29.95 FANTASY FLIGHT PUBLISHING INC
OCT042317 FIRST KING ADVENTURE MANGA VOL 1 (OF 6) TP $9.99 A. D. VISION
SEP040318 FLASH #216 $2.25 DC COMICS
SEP043350 FLCL HARUKO T/S LG $17.99 MERCHANDISE
SEP043351 FLCL HARUKO T/S XL $17.99 MERCHANDISE
SEP043352 FLCL NAOTA T/S LG $17.99 MERCHANDISE
SEP043353 FLCL NAOTA T/S XL $17.99 MERCHANDISE
OCT043484 FLEER 2004 SWEET SIGS NFL T/C BOX
FLEER ENTERTAINMENT GROUP INC
These signatures are SWEE-E-E-E-E-EET!
OCT044356 FLESH & BLOOD HAMMER HERITAGE OF HORROR DVD VIDEOS
SEP044166 FORGOTTEN REALMS BLACK WIZARDS MMPB $6.99 WIZARDS OF THE COAST
SEP044168 FORGOTTEN REALMS RUBY GUARDIANS MMPB $6.99 WIZARDS OF THE COAST

To go with your 4 DragonLance books, here's some Forgotten Realms books. Six real books. Who has time for that crap... do you see how many comics are on here. I mean we have Dog and Water, folks!
MAY042460 FRANK MILLER BAND-AID LG T/S (O/A) $20.00 MERCHANDISE
MAY042461 FRANK MILLER BAND-AID XL T/S (O/A) $20.00 MERCHANDISE
AUG043203 FROM THE TOMB #14 $5.95 DIAMOND COMIC DIST--ENGLAND
SEP043760 FUTARI H TRADING FIG ASST (MR) KOTO INC.
OCT044056 GAME TRADE MAGAZINE #58 $1.99 DIAMOND PUBLICATIONS
SEP042510 GARDENS OF THE DEAD TOMBSTONE TSHIRT LG $15.00 MERCHANDISE
SEP042511 GARDENS OF THE DEAD TOMBSTONE TSHIRT XL $15.00 MERCHANDISE
OCT042762 GI JOE VS TRANSFORMERS #2 MILLER SKETCH CVR $9.99 GRAHAM CRACKERS COMICS
JUL042527 GIRL GENIUS VOL 2 HC $32.95 STUDIO FOGLIO
OCT044335 GODZILLA ANIMATED SERIES MONSTER WARS TRILOGY DVD VIDEOS

GODZIRRA!!!!!!!!!!! AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!
JUL043821 GOLD DIGGER COURIER BAG $29.99 MERCHANDISE
SEP043652 GOOD CHARLOTTE ACTION FIGURES MERCHANDISE

Uh... Good Charlotte is like a band. No, I mean not like legendary like the Beatles or Elvis or Jim Hendrix but like a relatively new band. No they've had a couple hits, but seriously dudes, was there really demand for action figures of this band?
SEP042851 GRAVEDIGGER THE SCAVENGERS #1 (MR) $3.50 RORSCHACH ENTERTAINMENT
SEP042900 GRAVITATION VOL 9 GN $9.99 TOKYOPOP
JUN043944 GREAT WARS OF HISTORY DEVILS HORSEMEN $70.00 ALLIANCE GAMES DISTRIBUTORS
SEP043467 GREEN GOBLIN WANTED T/S LG $17.95 MERCHANDISE
SEP043466 GREEN GOBLIN WANTED T/S MED $17.95 MERCHANDISE
SEP043465 GREEN GOBLIN WANTED T/S SM $17.95 MERCHANDISE
SEP043468 GREEN GOBLIN WANTED T/S XL $17.95 MERCHANDISE
SEP043469 GREEN GOBLIN WANTED T/S XXL $20.95 MERCHANDISE
SEP040317 GREEN LANTERN REBIRTH #2 (Of 6) $2.95 DC COMICS

H.E.A.T. is vindicated and Kyle fans cringe a little more this week as the return of Hal continues. It's like 2001 all over again. You can't destroy HAL. HAL will destroy you. Uh-oh. "What are you doing, Dave?"
AUG042811 GRUMPY OLD MONSTERS TP (MR) $13.99 IDEA & DESIGN WORKS LLC
Cute book, well priced, aimed at younger readers. No one will buy it.
SEP044296 GUNHED LIVE ACTION DVD (Net) $11.99 VIDEOS
OCT043346 HAAPANIEMI MONSTERS TP (MR) $17.95 GINGKO PRESS
SEP042901 HAPPY MANIA VOL 11 GN (MR) $9.99 TOKYOPOP
SEP043396 HARRY POTTER PRISONER OF AZKABAN UPDATE ED T/C TIN ARTBOX ENTERTAINMENT
JUL042707 HEAVY METAL LIVE VOL 4 PHOTO OF JULIE STRAIN NUDE ED SC (MR) $8.95 AMRYL ENTERTAINMENT
AUG042539 HEAVY METAL LIVE VOL 4 PHOTO OF JULIE STRAIN NUDE TOUR ED SC $8.95 AMRYL ENTERTAINMENT
JUL042706 HEAVY METAL LIVE VOL 4 PHOTO OF JULIE STRAIN SC (MR) $8.95 AMRYL ENTERTAINMENT
AUG042538 HEAVY METAL LIVE VOL 4 PHOTO OF JULIE STRAIN TOUR ED SC (MR) $8.95 AMRYL ENTERTAINMENT

What's the difference between the photo and the 'Tour' Edition of the photo? And it says SC as in Softcover so is it a Photo or a book? And how old is she now anyway. Don't get me wrong, she's hot, but man... she's been around and getting nekkid forever! Not available in Texas.
SEP040386 HELLBLAZER #202 (MR) $2.75 DC COMICS
AUG043610 HELLO KITTY SNAP ON CHARM BACKELET WATCH SET $12.95 MERCHANDISE

AUG043611 HELLO KITTY TEENY TIMERS FRUIT ANALOG WATCH SET $12.95 MERCHANDISE

I think we should have a crossover here. HelloBlazer! I've got nothing more.
AUG044059 HOMIES BIG LOCO ANTENNA TOPPER $2.99 NECA
AUG044062 HOMIES ID CASE & LIGHTER SET $16.99 NECA
AUG044063 HOMIES LUNCHBOX #2 $19.99 NECA
AUG044064 HOMIES SHOOTER SET #3 $9.99 NECA

Okay, I can put up with the antenna topper and the lunchbox but this is just stereotyping now. Just because they're homies doesn't mean they're capping asses left and right! Still, ten bucks is pretty good for a set of shooters.
AUG043136 HOT GIMMICK VOL 7 TP $9.99 VIZ LLC
AUG044089 INSANE CLOWN POSSE ID CASE & LIGHTER SET $16.99 NECA

Do people still care about ICP? I'm just askin'.
JUL043822 INU YASHA SHIPPO MULTICOLORED COURIER BAG $29.99 MERCHANDISE
JUL043823 INU YASHA SITTING MULTICOLORED COURIER BAG $29.99 MERCHANDISE
JUL044002 INUYASHA SER 2 AF ASST MERCHANDISE
JUL041760 INVINCIBLE #17 $2.95 IMAGE COMICS
AUG044099 IRON MAIDEN SHOOTER SET $9.99 NECA

I do not think that word means what you think it means.
OCT043402 IRON TRIANGLE SCREENPLAY TP $15.95 BLACK COAT PRESS
SEP042265 ITS ONLY A GAME TP $14.95 ABOUT COMICS

This is the collection of Charles M. Schulz' other comic, this one about sports and in the one-panel format. Do I need to tell you his other comic? Please say no.
JUL043963 JENNA JAMESON HALLOWEEN AF ASST (A) MERCHANDISE
Speaking of hot and nekkid. You just know these are some naughty action figures. The question is do they have the likeness quality of McFarlane Toys? If so, it might be worth the money to a lot of lonely young men out there! I have my order in for the whole set in triplicate!
SEP042904 JING KING OF BANDITS TWILIGHT TALES VOL 2 GN $9.99 TOKYOPOP
SEP040022 JINGLE BELLE #1 (Of 4) $2.99 DARK HORSE COMICS
SEP040332 JLA VOL 15 THE TENTH CIRCLE TP $12.95 DC COMICS
OCT044291 KALEIDO STAR VOL 6 REACH FOR THE BRASS RING DVD VIDEOS
SEP042817 KATY SEXY MAGIC VOL 1 (O/A) (A) $9.95 NBM
SEP044249 KIKAIDER PERFECT COLLECTION DVD VIDEOS
SEP042905 KINDAICHI CASE FILES VOL 10 KINDAICHI KILLER PART 1 GN $9.99 TOKYOPOP

One of the most entertaining and well conceived manga series in existence. Good fun mysteries that are accessible to most ages and readable by anyone. Good clean art, not too much of the manga sensibilities that freak out some western readers. Excellent stuff!
JUN043142 KRAMERS ERGOT FIVE TP (RES) $34.95 GINGKO PRESS
SEP044297 KUNOICHI DEADLY MIRAGE DVD (MR) VIDEOS
JUL044580 L5R CAPSULE CRAB CLAN $8.95 ALLIANCE GAMES DISTRIBUTORS
JUL044581 L5R CAPSULE CRANE CLAN $8.95 ALLIANCE GAMES DISTRIBUTORS
JUL044582 L5R CAPSULE DRAGON CLAN $8.95 ALLIANCE GAMES DISTRIBUTORS
JUL044583 L5R CAPSULE LION CLAN $8.95 ALLIANCE GAMES DISTRIBUTORS
JUL044584 L5R CAPSULE MANTIS CLAN $8.95 ALLIANCE GAMES DISTRIBUTORS
JUL044585 L5R CAPSULE PHOENIX CLAN $8.95 ALLIANCE GAMES DISTRIBUTORS
JUL044586 L5R CAPSULE RATLING CLAN $8.95 ALLIANCE GAMES DISTRIBUTORS
JUL044587 L5R CAPSULE SCORPION CLAN $8.95 ALLIANCE GAMES DISTRIBUTORS
JUL044588 L5R CAPSULE SHADOWLANDS CLAN $8.95 ALLIANCE GAMES DISTRIBUTORS
JUL044589 L5R CAPSULE UNICORN CLAN $8.95 ALLIANCE GAMES DISTRIBUTORS
AUG042878 LADY AND THE VAMPIRE GN (NEW PRINTING) (A) $10.95 NBM
SEP043368 LEAF 2004 ROOKIES AND STARS NFL T/C BOX PLAYOFF CORP.

I know it's autumn and all, but can you really pick out specific leaves that are stars... and wouldn't they all qualify as rookies as they all grew last spring? This whole trading card set is ridiculous. I demand documentation!
JUL043664 LEMON CLUB OCT 2004 (A) $7.99 TOHAN CORPORATION
SEP042818 LIL SANTA HC $14.95 NBM
FEB040322 X LOIS LANE MAQUETTE FLEISCHER STUDIOS STYLE $89.95 DC COMICS
SEP040393 LOSERS #18 (MR) $2.95 DC COMICS

If it were called 'The Winners,' do you think it would sell better. I mean you have to applaud the effort to connect with the comics audience. This is actually a really good book and I just love Jock's artwork, but most of you won't read it so it'll probably get canceled soon, unless it's moving trades like mad!
JUL043824 LOVE KANJI MULTICOLORED COURIER BAG $29.99 MERCHANDISE
SEP042907 LOVE OR MONEY GN VOL 1 $9.99 TOKYOPOP

Wasn't this a really bad reality show? I mean, actually isn't this a pretty bad thing to ever bring up. On the show, money won. I think in most cases money wins. We're a shallow people.
SEP042765 LURKERS #2 $3.99 IDEA & DESIGN WORKS LLC
I applaud IDW's efforts to shine a light on these people who prowl around our message boards and internet destinations but never register and just watch and watch and watch. Man, it's like they work for the government.
SEP042908 MAHOROMATIC AUTOMATIC MAIDEN VOL 4 GN $9.99 TOKYOPOP
SEP044356 MAN FROM DEEP RIVER DVD (MR) VIDEOS
OCT043353 MANGA 60 YEARS OF JAPANESE COMICS TP (O/A) $24.95 HARPER COLLINS PUBLISHERS

Put this together with the 50 years of Japanese fetish art and you have a College Elective course!
AUG042426 MANGAZINE #59 $9.99 ANTARCTIC PRESS
SEP044253 MARTIAN SUCCESSOR NADESICO VOL 2 ESSENTIAL ANIME DVD VIDEOS
SEP041732 MARVEL HOLIDAY SPECIAL 2004 $3.99 MARVEL COMICS
SEP048098 MARVEL MUST HAVES AVENGERS #500-502 $3.99 MARVEL COMICS

Oh, I must have it. It says so right there!
OCT040002 MARVEL PREVIEWS #16 DECEMBER 2004 EXTRAS MARVEL COMICS (BUY - SELL)
Does anyone order extras of these? Are there people who only want the Marvel catalogue?
SEP041738 MARVEL TEAM-UP #2 $2.25 MARVEL COMICS
JUN041364 MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE VOL 3 #7 $2.95 IMAGE COMICS

Oh yeah, there's a Masters of the Universe comic! Oh, this is the last issue. Wonder how that happened?
MAR045101 MCFARLANES SPORTS NHL W GRETZKY KINGS 12 IN AF MERCHANDISE
MAR045100 MCFARLANES SPORTS NHL W GRETZKY OILERS 12 IN AF MERCHANDISE
SEP042770 METAL GEAR SOLID #3 (MR) $3.99 IDEA & DESIGN WORKS LLC
AUG040014 MICHAEL CHABON PRESENTS ADVENTURES O/T ESCAPIST VOL 2 TP (C: $17.95 DARK HORSE COMICS
JUN042192 MIKE HOFFMANS BEST OF LOST WORLDS TP $9.95 AMRYL ENTERTAINMENT
SEP042584 MISPLACED #4 (RES) $2.95 DEVILS DUE PUBLISHING

Do you know why it was so late and then had to be resolicited? Because... they MISPLACED IT!!!! HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!! GET IT!!!!! They MISPLACED it! ... uh... shut up!
JUN042120 MITCH BYRDS CONVENTION SKETCH BOOK 3 VOL SET $35.00 BLUE LINE PRODUCTION
SEP044256 MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM DVD MOVIE COLLECTION VIDEOS
SEP044258 MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM F-91 SPECIAL EDITION DVD $20.99 VIDEOS
OCT042313 MORE STARLIGHT TO YOUR HEART MANGA VOL 1 (OF 3) TP $9.99 A. D. VISION

Is that what your heart is made of? I had no idea.
SEP042909 MOURYOU KIDEN LEGEND OF THE NYMPHS VOL 1 GN $9.99 TOKYOPOP
OCT044233 MTG CCG 2004 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP DECK DIS $135.48 WIZARDS OF THE COAST
SEP044167 MTG CCG UNHINGED BOOSTER DIS $132.84 WIZARDS OF THE COAST
SEP042594 MU CVR A #1 $2.95 DEVILS DUE PUBLISHING
SEP042595 MU CVR B #1 $2.95 DEVILS DUE PUBLISHING

If cows published books. It's a shame really. Not only is their vocabulary limited to one word, but they can't even spell it right.
APR045236 MUNSTERS SER 2 AF ASST MERCHANDISE
JUN043596 MUPPETS SERIES NINE FIGURE ASST MERCHANDISE
OCT044388 MUTANT X SEASON 2 VOL 5 DVD VIDEOS

Season 2 Volume 5? Come on already. Just put out the Complete Season like everyone else. You're not fooling anyone!
OCT042314 MYSTICAL PRINCE YOSHIDA KUN MANGA VOL 1 TP $9.99 A. D. VISION
SEP041752 MYSTIQUE #21 $2.99 MARVEL COMICS

This series has been cancelled and I think it's a shame. First Vaughan and now McKeever have created a really coll anti-heroine spy adventuere book. Truly someithing original and unique on the stands among the superhero fare. Oh... I see now. I just read the preceding sentence and now I see why it didn't make it.
OCT042304 NAJICA BLITZ TACTICS MANGA VOL 3(OF 3) TP (MR) $9.99 A. D. VISION
AUG048088 NEON GENESIS EVANGELION VOL 9 TP $9.99 VIZ LLC
JUN045099 NEW GENERATION OF MANGA ARTISTS VOL 6 $14.99 GRAPHIC-SHA PUBLISHING CO. LTD

Man, there must be a lot of 'em. I guess that's because they have a way to break into the industry. I can count the newcomers into American comics (not counting self-publishers who forge their own destiny) in the past five years I think on one hand. That's part of our problem, I'd wager. Comic is too inbred. You either need to know somebody (Brandon Thomas knows Mark Millar and got a kudos from him and Mark Millar knew Grant Morrison). Fiona Avery knows J. Michael Straczynski. Hell, Alan Moore's kid can get a comic published but nobody on the outside can get on the inside. They won't even read your pitches or give you a chance. It's all invitation only. Very hush-huh.
SEP041728 NEW THUNDERBOLTS #2 $2.99 MARVEL COMICS
SEP043103 NEWTYPE ENGLISH VERSION DECEMBER 2004 $12.98 A. D. VISION(NEWTYPE MAGAZINE)
JUL043633 NEWTYPE OCT 2004 $10.99 TOHAN CORPORATION
JUL043959 NGE NERV LOGO Y BAG (O/A) $39.99 MERCHANDISE
SEP042366 NHS PKT MANGA VOL 4 TP $9.99 ANTARCTIC PRESS
AUG042676 NODWICK #26 (RES) $2.99 DORK STORM PRESS
OCT043938 NOIR PLAYING CARDS $4.99 A. D. VISION

Uh...
SEP043077 NON SPORT UPDATE VOLUME 15 #6 $4.50 NON-SPORT UPDATE
Is it just me or is it strange that you define what type of product you are by indicating what type of product your not. That's like the grocery store being divided into Meat and Non-Meat.
SEP043095 OFFICIAL XBOX MAGAZINE HOLIDAY SPECIAL $9.99 IMAGINE PUBLISHING INC
AUG042896 OJO #3 (Of 5) (MR) $2.99 ONI PRESS INC.
SEP042730 OVERSTREETS COMIC PRICE REVIEW #15 MONOLITH CVR $6.25 GEMSTONE PUBLISHING-MARYLAND

SEP042729 OVERSTREETS COMIC PRICE REVIEW #15 SPIDER-MAN CVR $6.25 GEMSTONE PUBLISHING-MARYLAND

APR043389 OZZY 2005 WALL CALENDAR $12.99 ANDREWS AND MCMEEL
JUL043665 PA PI PO OCT 2004 (A) $8.99 TOHAN CORPORATION
SEP042912 PEACH GIRL VOL 2 NEW PTG GN $9.99 TOKYOPOP
OCT043354 PEANUTS A GOLDEN CELEBRATION TP $19.95 HARPER COLLINS PUBLISHERS
OCT044385 PEE WEES PLAYHOUSE VOL 1 DVD SET (Net) $29.99 VIDEOS
OCT044386 PEE WEES PLAYHOUSE VOL 2 DVD SET (Net) $29.99 VIDEOS

I don't know why, but my wife is like all geeked out about these. She LOVED this show and wants them both. I'm not saying it was a bad show, but she's borderline creepy about it. Maybe I need to get an undersized gray suit and a red bowtie...
JUL043666 PENGUIN CLUB SANZOKU OCT 2004 (A) $6.99 TOHAN CORPORATION
MAY044257 PLANET BUSTERS $29.95 TROLL LORD GAMES
SEP043131 L PLAYBOY PRESENTS JAN FEB 2005 (A) $7.99 WARNER PUBLISHER SERVICES
SEP043132 L PLAYBOY PRIVATE #46 (A) $7.99 WARNER PUBLISHER SERVICES
AUG043142 PLEASE SAVE MY EARTH VOL 7 TP $9.99 VIZ LLC
SEP044263 PLEASE TWINS VOL 1 THREES COMPANY DVD (MR) VIDEOS
AUG042931 POISON ELVES HYENA #2 (MR) $2.95 SIRIUS ENTERTAINMENT
SEP041741 POWERLESS #6 (Of 6) $2.99 MARVEL COMICS
SEP041796 POWERS #6 (MR) $2.95 MARVEL COMICS

Not that it means anything but there's kind of a synchronicity to the sixth issue of both of these books hitting at the same time. I mean a sixth look at people without powers coinciding with a sixth look at people with powers. Maybe it means the world is coming to an end.
OCT043350 PRATCHETT THE ART OF DISCWORLD HC $29.95 HARPER COLLINS PUBLISHERS
OCT040005 PREVIEWS ADULT VOL XIV #12 DIAMOND PUBLICATIONS
OCT040006 PREVIEWS CATALOG PACK EXTRAS VOL XIV #12 DIAMOND PUBLICATIONS
OCT040001 PREVIEWS VOL XIV #12 DIAMOND PUBLICATIONS
OCT040003 PREVIEWS VOL XIV CONSUMER ORDER FORM #12 DIAMOND PUBLICATIONS
OCT040004 PREVIEWS VOL XIV CONSUMER ORDER FORM EXTRAS #12 DIAMOND PUBLICATIONS
OCT040008 PREVIEWS VOL XIV RETAILER ORDER FORM EXTRAS #12 DIAMOND PUBLICATIONS
JUL043644 QUANTO MAG OCT 2004 $9.99 TOHAN CORPORATION
SEP043412 QUOTABLE JAMES BOND T/C BOX RITTENHOUSE ARCHIVES
SEP043413 QUOTABLE JAMES BOND T/C COLLECTORS ALBUM MERCHANDISE

You know, this Non-Sports card market must be getting really hard up for ideas. But I'd buy a 'Quotable George W. Bush trading card series. The guy's almost as good as Yogi Berra.
SEP042482 RADIOACTIVE MAN #197 $2.50 BONGO COMICS
AUG043146 RANMA 1/2 VOL 14 (SECOND ED) TP $9.95 VIZ LLC
SEP042922 RAVE MASTER VOL 2 CINEMANGA GN $7.99 TOKYOPOP
SEP040373 RAZORS EDGE WARBLADE #2 (MR) $2.95 DC COMICS
SEP042915 REBIRTH VOL 11 GN $9.99 TOKYOPOP

I don't think I'd buy an Afterbirth series...
SEP042916 REBOUND VOL 11 GN $9.99 TOKYOPOP
SEP043060 RED EYE #3 $6.00 DIAMOND COMIC DIST--ENGLAND
SEP043253 REEL VIEWS TP $21.99 NATIONAL BOOK NETWORK
AUG048226 RELIX D/J05 $4.99 CURTIS CIRC.(RACK PROGRAM)
JUN043618 REN & STIMPY COMMANDER HOEK MINI BUST $24.99 MERCHANDISE

'Space Madness' is one of the greatest cartoon shorts ever!
OCT044362 RENEGADE DVD (Net) (MR) $18.99 VIDEOS
SEP040344 RICHARD DRAGON #7 $2.50 DC COMICS
OCT042439 ROBOCOP KILLING MACHINE SPECIAL #1 NO ESCAPE (MR) $5.99 AVATAR PRESS
OCT043395 ROBOT SANTA FURTHER ADVENTURES OF SANTAS TWIN HC $19.99 HARPER COLLINS PUBLISHERS
JUN043707 ROD READ OR DIE TV MICHELLE PVC STATUE $24.99 MERCHANDISE
JUL044578 ROOK STEEL BLACK TRANSPORT CONVOY VESSEL CASE $29.95 ALLIANCE GAMES DISTRIBUTORS
SEP044269 S CRY ED COMPLETE COLLECTION DVD VIDEOS
OCT042501 SADISTIC MISSION GN (A) $19.95 BON-VUE ENTERTAINMENT
OCT043396 SANTAS TWIN TP $12.95 HARPER COLLINS PUBLISHERS

So that's how he does it.
AUG042922 SATYR TP VOLUME 1 TP $9.99 SATYR PLAY PRODUCTIONS
JUL044130 SCARYGIRL MINI FIG SET B $39.99 MERCHANDISE
SEP043098 SCRYE #79 JANUARY 2005 $5.99 KRAUSE PUBLICATIONS
SEP042334 SEAMONSTERS & SUPERHEROES #7 $2.95 SLAVE LABOR GRAPHICS

Somebody explain to me why Super Hero Happy Hour had to change its name while this book does not? Is Superhero copyrighted or not?

SEP044375 SEINFELD SEASONS 1 & 2 DVD 4 DISC COLLECTION VIDEOS
SEP042504 SEX SQUAD #2 (A) $3.75 OPUS GRAPHICS

See, now if they offered this at the local Y, I bet a lot more peopel would get involved.
AUG043261 SFX #124 $8.25 DIAMOND COMIC DIST--ENGLAND
SEP040395 SGT. ROCK BETWEEN HELL AND A HARD PLACE SC (MR) $17.95 DC COMICS

This was a very nice little hardcover book, so I fully expect it to be a nice little softback.
OCT044310 SHINOBI VOL 1 LAW OF SHINOBI DVD (MR) VIDEOS
AUG044187 SIDEWINDER RECOILED RPG $34.95 ALLIANCE GAMES DISTRIBUTORS
SEP042762 SILENT HILL AMONG THE DAMNED (MR) $7.49 IDEA & DESIGN WORKS LLC

This game is seriously messed up. The comic is probably pretty weird too, but these are creepy games... :) That said, I've not yet tried Doom 3.
OCT044341 SIMPSONS CHRISTMAS 2 DVD VIDEOS
SEP042475 SIMPSONS COMICS #100 (Note Price) $6.99 BONGO COMICS
SEP042822 SIZZLE #24 (A) $4.95 NBM
SEP042924 SLAYERS NOVEL VOL 2 $7.99 TOKYOPOP
SEP040372 SLEEPER SEASON TWO #6 (Of 12) (MR) $2.95 DC COMICS
SEP041545 SMALL GODS #5 $2.95 IMAGE COMICS
SEP043138 SMALLVILLE PREVIEWS EXCLUSIVE MAGAZINE #3 $5.99 TITAN
SEP044378 SMALLVILLE SEASON 3 DVD SET VIDEOS

Do you think if Superman were branded with the S symbol that he would be as nice and boy scouttish as he is?
SEP044279 SORCERER HUNTERS VOL 1 ESSENTIAL ANIME DVD (MR) VIDEOS
SEP044316 SPACE GHOST COAST TO COAST VOL 2 DVD VIDEOS

There's all kinds of good DVD sets coming out today. Screw comics, TV takes less effort.
SEP041546 SPAWN #140 (RES) $2.50 IMAGE COMICS
AUG044007 SPIDER-MAN 6 PIECE PLASTIC ORNAMENT SET $21.49 KURT S ADLER
SEP043472 SPIDER-MAN VII T/S LG (O/A) $17.95 MERCHANDISE
SEP043061 SPOOKY A WARREN FANZINE VOLUME 2 $4.95 DIAMOND COMIC DIST--ENGLAND
SEP043080 SPORTS COLLECTORS DIGEST #1259 $4.50 KRAUSE PUBLICATIONS
OCT044345 STAR WARS EWOK ADVENTURES DVD LIVE ACTION VIDEOS

AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
SEP044171 STAR WARS MINIATURES UM REBEL STORM $29.99 WIZARDS OF THE COAST
Did it really say 'um' up there. Can a shipping list stammer?
SEP040117 STAR WARS OBSESSION #1 (Of 5) $2.99 DARK HORSE COMICS
Oh finally, a comic about all these Star Wars losers who just need to get over it and have a life. You. Have. A. Problem. Your mom sees it. Your friend sees it. If you had a girlfriend... well she would've left you by now but let's just say for the sake of argument that she's not altogether 'there,' if you know what I mean and she hasn't left you. Well then, she would see it. You need help. Take off the Darth Vader voice changing mask, throw away your Millennium Falcon sheets. You can do it! We're right behind you. Upwind.
AUG043267 STARBURST #317 $7.99 DIAMOND COMIC DIST--ENGLAND
AUG043268 STARBURST SPECIAL #66 $9.99 DIAMOND COMIC DIST--ENGLAND
OCT042438 STARGATE SG1 2004 CON SPEC CREATION CON ED $5.99 AVATAR PRESS
OCT042435 STARGATE SG1 ARIS BOCH RUBIRA PAINTED CVR #1 $5.99 AVATAR PRESS
OCT042436 STARGATE SG1 FALL OF ROME PREQUEL CONSTANT THREAT $5.99 AVATAR PRESS

Oh Avatar. How do we love thee. Let me count the variants.
OCT042306 STEEL ANGEL VOL 9 KURUMI MANGA TP (MR) $9.99 A. D. VISION
SEP042918 STONE VOL 2 GN (MR) $9.99 TOKYOPOP
SEP042269 STRANGERS IN PARADISE VOLUME 15 TOMORROW NOW TP $14.95 ABSTRACT STUDIOS
JUL042822 STREET FIGHTER CVR A #11 $2.95 DEVILS DUE PUBLISHING
JUL042823 STREET FIGHTER CVR B #11 $2.95 DEVILS DUE PUBLISHING
AUG043395 SUDDENLY SILVER 25 YEARS OF FOR BETTER OR WORSE TP $16.95 ANDREWS AND MCMEEL

This is a great comic strip. One of the few newspaper strips that deserves to have its entirety collected and available forever.
SEP040301 SUPERMAN #211 $2.50 DC COMICS
SEP043545 SUPERMAN LOGO NAVY T/S LG $17.95 MERCHANDISE
SEP043546 SUPERMAN LOGO NAVY T/S XL $17.95 MERCHANDISE
SEP043547 SUPERMAN PISTONS T/S LG $16.95 MERCHANDISE
MAY040390 X SUPERMAN STATUE $195.00 DC COMICS

Is that a typo? Did I put that there? I don't think I did. What does it mean? It means DC has learned how to get your attention. :)
AUG041849 SUPREME POWER #13 (MR) $2.99 MARVEL COMICS
SEP042793 TALES OF TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES #6 $2.95 MIRAGE STUDIOS
SEP042487 TAROT WITCH OF THE BLACK ROSE #29 (MR) $2.95 BROADSWORD COMICS

Soft porn. Balent is very talented (hey that rhymes) in his own '90s stylistic way, and this is pretty successful. Has gotten more risque with every issue.
SEP040364 TECHNOPRIESTS VOL 2 TP (MR) $14.95 DC COMICS
SEP040348 TEEN TITANS GO #13 $2.95 DC COMICS
SEP044323 TERRY MOORE PARADISE FOUND DVD VIDEOS

Could we pay for it to stay lost.
MAR042732 THE DROWNERS #4 (Of 4) (MR) $2.95 DIAMOND COMIC DIST--ENGLAND
SEP041534 THE GIFT VOL 1 CHOICES TP $14.95 IMAGE COMICS
OCT040062 TIM BURTON STARING GIRL BABYDOLL BLUE T/S LG $17.99 MERCHANDISE
OCT040061 TIM BURTON STARING GIRL BABYDOLL BLUE T/S MED $17.99 MERCHANDISE
OCT040060 TIM BURTON STARING GIRL BABYDOLL BLUE T/S SM $17.99 MERCHANDISE
OCT040063 TIM BURTON STARING GIRL BABYDOLL BLUE T/S XL $17.99 MERCHANDISE
OCT040058 TIM BURTON TOXIC BOY BABYDOLL WHITE STRIPED T/S LG $24.99 MERCHANDISE
OCT040057 TIM BURTON TOXIC BOY BABYDOLL WHITE STRIPED T/S MED $24.99 MERCHANDISE
OCT040056 TIM BURTON TOXIC BOY BABYDOLL WHITE STRIPED T/S SM $24.99 MERCHANDISE
OCT040059 TIM BURTON TOXIC BOY BABYDOLL WHITE STRIPED T/S XL $24.99 MERCHANDISE
SEP040380 TOM STRONGS TERRIFIC TALES #12 $2.95 DC COMICS

Now that Alan Moore has pretty much handed ABC over to others, it's lost a lot of its terrific-nes. Kind of a shame really. It was great stuff. Hand and foot above most of what else was there.
AUG042338 TOO MUCH COFFEE MAN MAGAZINE #21 $4.95 ADHESIVE COMICS
SEP043375 TOPPS 2004 PRISTINE NFL T/C BOX TOPPS COMPANY
JUN045104 TOPPS 2004 PRISTINE NFL T/C BOX TOPPS COMPANY
JUL046158 TOPPS 2005 SERIES 1 MLB HTA 1ST ED T/C BOX TOPPS COMPANY
AUG043996 TOY STORY & BEYOND KEYCHAIN ASST BASIC FUN INC
SEP042879 TRANSFORMERS MAXIMUM FORCE GN $19.95 DIAMOND COMIC DIST--ENGLAND
JUN043645 TRANSFORMERS SOUNDWAVE MINI STATUE $64.99 MERCHANDISE
AUG043272 TV ZONE SPECIAL #60 $9.99 DIAMOND COMIC DIST--ENGLAND
OCT043515 UDA NBA JERSEY NO COLL MICHAEL JORDAN MERCHANDISE

Hey, I remember this guy. He was that actor in that Looney Tunes movie. Did he play basketball?
SEP041764 ULTIMATE ELEKTRA #4 (Of 5) $2.25 MARVEL COMICS
SEP041759 ULTIMATE FANTASTIC FOUR #13 $2.25 MARVEL COMICS
SEP048338 ULTIMATE FANTASTIC FOUR #13 SKETCH VARIANT $2.25 MARVEL COMICS

Oooooooh. An unfinished cover.
SEP042727 UNCLE SCROOGE #336 $6.95 GEMSTONE PUBLISHING-MARYLAND
JUL044355 UNIVERSAL BLASTO TABLETOP PINBALL $47.99 SCHYLLING ASSOCIATES INC
JUN043297 UPPER DECK 2004 USA BASEBALL T/C SET (NET) $37.00 THE UPPER DECK COMPANY
SEP040031 USAGI YOJIMBO #80 $2.99 DARK HORSE COMICS
JUL042581 VAMPI VS XIN #1 LAU CVR $2.99 HARRIS COMICS
JUL042582 VAMPI VS XIN #1 LTD CVR $9.95 HARRIS COMICS
OCT044322 VANILLA SERIES CLASSROOM OF ATONEMENT DVD (A) VIDEOS
SEP041813 VENOM VOL 3 TWIST TP $13.99 MARVEL COMICS
AUG041586 WALKING DEAD VOL 2 MILES BEHIND US TP (MR) $12.95 IMAGE COMICS

If you are not reading this series then you need to be. Vol 1 was only ten bucks and this isn't much more. The first ongoing exploration of life in a George Romero zombie movie. Great idea and I'm pissed his got picked up before mine. At least it's good, though. If it sucked, I'd be even more pissed.
SEP042723 WALT DISNEYS CHRISTMAS PARADE #2 $8.95 GEMSTONE PUBLISHING-MARYLAND
SEP042728 WALT DISNEYS COMICS AND STORIES #651 $6.95 GEMSTONE PUBLISHING-MARYLAND
SEP048070 WANTED DEATH ROW ED #4 (MR) $2.99 IMAGE COMICS
OCT043403 WAR FOR THE OAKS SCREENPLAY TP $15.95 BLACK COAT PRESS

Screenplay. What happened to the 'War for the Oaks' movie?
SEP044109 WARLORD MINIATURES KRUNG BEAST $14.99 REAPER MINIATURES
SEP044110 WARLORD MINIATURES SKELETAL BREAKERS $13.49 REAPER MINIATURES
AUG044308 WARLORD MINIATURES SNORRI OATHBREAKER $4.49 REAPER MINIATURES
SEP044111 WARLORD MINIATURES THORVALD CLAWHELM $12.99 REAPER MINIATURES
SEP042424 WARREN ELLIS FRANK IRONWINE #1 (MR) $3.50 AVATAR PRESS
SEP042425 WARREN ELLIS FRANK IRONWINE #1 INCENTIVE COVER AVATAR PRESS

Okay, I just don't buy Warren's excuse about this project. What was supposed to be a one-week even of four one-shots has turned into four one-shots that come out whenever they come out. The reason he is full of shite in saying that that's just the way it is is that they didn't HAVE to put this out. Comic companies sit on books all the time. They could've held it until the other three were done and then still shipped them in one week. And if he was waiting for the fifth week thing, don't we have one like every three months. It's not like Avatar is never late (*cough*Robocop*cough*) with any of their books anyway. Stupid, I say. And if he's so hard up for money that that's why it had to be put out now (or if Avatar is so hard up for money) than one or the other needs to better organize their finances.
JUL041786 WATERLOO SUNSET #2 (Of 4) $6.95 IMAGE COMICS
JUL040669 WILL EISNER COMPANION HC $19.95 DC COMICS

I tried to be Will Eisner's companion. Now I can't get within 500 yards of him.
AUG041622 WITCHBLADE SGN #80 $19.99 IMAGE COMICS
SEP040396 WITCHING #6 (MR) $2.95 DC COMICS
OCT042252 WIZARD COMICS MAGAZINE ASTONISHING X-MEN CVR #159 $4.99 WIZARD ENTERTAINMENT
OCT042253 WIZARD COMICS MAGAZINE ELEKTRA PHOTO CVR #159 $4.99 WIZARD ENTERTAINMENT
OCT042251 WIZARD COMICS MAGAZINE IDENTITY CRISIS CVR #159 $4.99 WIZARD ENTERTAINMENT
AUG048090 WOLFS RAIN VOL 1 GN (PU #641) $9.99 VIZ LLC
JUN043145 WRITERS ON COMIC SCRIPTWRITING VOL 2 TP $16.95 DIAMOND COMIC DIST--ENGLAND
OCT043358 YUKO KONDO TOO FAT CANT FLY AND OTHER STORIES $17.95 GINGKO PRESS

I can't improve on what you just read above this line. That's just awesome!


Friday, November 19, 2004

Shanna She-Better-Not.

Somebody should explain to Marvel that the FCC can't fine comic books. No one can call the FCC after being offended by a comic book. It just doesn't work that way. Why else would they be censoring an adults-only book?

Apparently, as a last-minute decision before publication, Marvel has decided to censor the MAX book Shanna the She-Devil and bring it down to the level of their Marvel Knights books. Why? Isn't the point of the MAX line so that creators can tell uncensored work? And now the fanboys who were prepping their tissue boxes by their beds to read the first issue have to find out that they covered up all the bare breasts (for our protection, I'm sure). Or maybe to protect the brand name. Remember, it's all about money. Maybe some suit in Hollywood said "Hey, I remember a comic from when I was a kid. Shanna the She-Monkey or something" to Avi Arad and he called back to Marvel Publishing and said "We're deep in negotiations to make a Shanna movie so you better cover up those nipples or they'll back down on the deal!"

Now apparently, there will be a 'Director's Cut' uncensored collection after the mini-series runs. But won't that counter the now in development movie even more so? After all the trade collections have deeper penetration into the mainstream markets. And we wouldn't want Hollywood or the general public to think that comic books have a pubescent male fascination with female breasts. After all, most of our heroines look like half-naked DD cup bimbos so clealry we are about respecting the fairer gender.

I feel sorry for the cash-strapped fanboys who will have to shell out twice for this series. Once for the 'gotta have it now' and then again for the 'Shanna Show-n-Tell' edition later. Still, when one gets too sticky to turn the pages, they'll always have the other. That, my friends, is what they call a silver lining.

Desparate Cries For Attention.

It's been four days now and there's no sign of anyone shutting up about it. Apparently, the FCC has logged 50,000 calls about the Monday Night Football brouh-haha where Nicollette Sheridan threw herself on Philadelphia Eagle Terrell Owens, dropping a towel before doing so. You see, when the towel fell you could see that Sheridan had a bare back. A woman with a back? First we learn that they have breasts (thank you Janet) and now backs. If the FCC doesn't do something about this soon we might learn that women are fully people, too! Save us from ourselves before it's too late.

Personally, I think the reason they're getting so many calls is because so much attention is being brought to it so now losers can say "Yeah, I called in and complained about that filth on television," in greater attempts to be accepted and seen as someone with convictions. After all, there's been worse on television in the past and we didn't have 50,000 people complaining. Jackson's breast did more than we think. It not only made television and radio afraid to air anything (as the FCC likes it) and is driving the likes of Howard Stern off the airs to satellite radio where he is without restrictions (which I'm sure the FCC hates), but it will drive quality television and ratings further from the networks and deeper into cable.

My question is, where was the FCC 12 years ago when an innocent young college man, flipping through the channels saw that a new television show that he'd heard good things about was coming on and before he could pierce his eyes with the plastic fork he was eating his TV dinner with, he was subjected to Dennis Franz' ass? Huh? Where was the FCC to protect my innocent eyes from the Cracks of Doom?

Thursday, November 18, 2004

AFI? A! F-U!!

Remember when the American Film Institute (AFI to those in the know, goin' with the flow wit' tickets to da show) first came out with their 100 Greatest Films list. Everyone got all excited about it because let's face it we love lists. Then it was Comedies, and then Horror films, and Action and Drama and now they've officially run out of ideas. "AFI's 100 Years... 100 Movie Quotes" will air on CBS in June. What they ran out of CSI spinoffs. How did this get approved?

How long is this gonna take? I mean, it's not like we have entire movies to explore, these are quotes. Say it with me. "Hasta la vista, baby!" How long did that take? Multiply that by 100. The thing could be done during a commercial break. What's next... "AFI's 100 Years... 100 Nude Scenes."

Oh wait, that'd be huge. But they'd have to air it on FOX. CBS is scared of the FCC since the world learned that women have breasts via Janet Jackson's sun-dial pierced display.

Two Cows Get Hard.

It was announced that Top Cow is going to produce nice hardcover editions of both Mark Millar's Wanted and J. Michael Straczynski's Rising Stars. While the former is a six-issue series that with extras included will only push the total page count to 200 or so, the latter is a 24-issue magnum opus, creating a massive hardcover with heft and weight. In both cases, it can be assumed that the nice and sturdy final product will appropriate be used to beat the creators to within an inch of their lives for making the products so damned late... dear god we waited almost two years between issues of Rising Stars.

And yes, I know there were legal issues and personal problems between the Cow and the JMS but somebody's gotta take the fall for it and I guess it's gonne be JMS. After all, I don't think the fanboys are gonna recognize Top Cow's legal team at the next convention, but they can find that pony-tailed Marvel sell-out. And while they're at it, maybe they can ask him why Supreme Power is essentially the same story with someone else's character, but it reads much better. And when's our next Babylon 5 project... that's what we're really all waiting for. And ask him why if they've given Peter Parker the natural ability to generate webs, it's still coming right out of his wrists where his artificial webshooters were? Was it so he would still look cool swinging through the city? Seems too much of a coincidence to me. Shouldn't it be coming out his butt? And yes, I know he didn't write it but still. He should've. Spider-Man swinging through the city shooting webs out of his ass. Now THAT's a comic book.

Note to fanboys. If the Rising Stars hardcover collection premieres at a convention, please bring a wagon because it's going to get heavy. And no, it's not gonna help you score with that chic in the costume over at the ADV booth. She's here for the paycheck and isn't impressed with your man-boobs or your homemade Namor costume. Nice try, though.

Wednesday, November 17, 2004

Just modified the settings so you people too lazy to register can still post comments about how brilliant I am. I figure, why punish myself for your laziness. You may continue with your normal lives now.

Black Panther History Month.

To celebrate Black History Month, Marvel is reminding everyone that here in the comics industry we have to identify our African American heroes by putting the word "Black" in front of their name. Thus, "Black Panther" is returning. Now these "Black" books are notoriously hard to seel, see DC's "Black Lighting" attempts.

Though we've gotten better about naming our black superheroes, these identifiers are usually still enough to convince the mostly white twenty/thirty-something basement leaving virginal male readership of comics that they want to avoid them. "Black Panther" was most recently seen in a smart and brilliant series written by (Christopher) Priest. Of course, it never could muster up too much in sales because it was smart and Marvel had a typo on the cover, leaving out the "X" in front of the title.

So now they're bringing him back so that African Americans can think of the black panthers for Black History Month. Why this extremist group of activists, most prominent decades ago warrants their own series is beyond me. And why the House Party guy can-- what?

Oh, not THOSE Black Panthers. Gotcha. But who follows up a smart insightful take on a storied and respected character and hand it to the director of 'House Party'? But wait.. he also produces and directs 'The Bernie Mac Show'. Okay, well this is a good show but is this the direction this property needs to go to. Will this tell the African American reading public that our "Black" superhero (See we labeled him just for you) is treated with dignity and respect. Does this guy even have writing credentials (I didn't see them)? Maybe it'll be great.

Maybe T'Challa will have a three foot 'box' on top of his head a la Kid... or was that Play?

Who Are You And Who Are You With?

Did you miss me? I missed me. What?! You don't know who the hell I am? Well that's your loss, isn't it. Not my problem.

It is?

Well, fine then. This is j.hues, returning to what made him famous... infamous? A long time ago in a galaxy all around you (duh!) there was a little weekly column called 'Rolling With The Punches.' You can find the archives at http://www.silverbulletcomicbooks.com/punches/, though note that the displaying column is by a guest columnist (more on that in a bit). This column ran for almost a year, gaining much acclaim from industry professionals, journalists and fans alike. At it's height I was one of the top destinations at the Silver Bullet site.

This lead to my selection to replace outgoing Alan Donald on SBC's signature column 'All The Rage.' In a fan-participation romp, Alan and I switched columsn for "one week," this is why you see a column by Alan Donald when you go to my Archives--natch!, and then that one week became permanent.

What's that? You don't remember me writing ATR? Well, it didn't last long and no I wasn't fired thenkyewverymuch. Due to my work as News Editor and Columnist, I garnered the attention of Bob Layton down at Future Comics and faster than the Flash can doff the scarlet and lightning I had to resign from ATR (handing it over to that drunken lout Markisan Naso--who stood me and up-and-coming superstar Brandon Thomas up at WW Chicago so he could be drunk!) and take the position of Public Relations and Marketing Manager for Future Comics.

That was a great ride and I got to meet and greet with a lot of industry legends and great professionals at conventions and got to see the publishing side of our fine industry (which was great!). As most of you know, Future Comics closed its doors earlier this year, and you ATR readers learned a bit more about the behind the scenes machinations of that through Bob Layton's open letter in ATR this past weekend.

This left me without an outlet at all! Unacceptable. So I started 'RWTPv2: Rolling With The Punches.' Volume 2, rather than being the zany fun-loving column you all know, is a daily webstrip that updates 5 days a week (M-F). It premiered in April 2004 at Silver Bullet Comics before moving later in the year to its own home in the wide world of cyberspace at www.rwtpv2.com (a URL so nice no one in their right minds will ever remember it--remember all of my success has come based on my ravishing good looks) and promptly losing more than half of its readership, many of whom probably figured I'd just stopped doing the strip rather than finding me at my new home. But they're finding me now, ever so slowly. RWTPv2 is set in a comics shop, where I spent five very formative years managing. The cast is based on me and various people I've met, worked with and known over the years. It's good stuff people.

But then suddenly that wasn't enough. Suddenly, I was just another web cartoonist in an obscure corner of the Internet (albeit a damned good-looking and funny and insightful and intelligent and entertaining corner, but a corner nonetheless) and so now you see 'Rolling With The Punches: Version 3.0.'

The difference this time is that I'm not folding Volume 2 so that I can bring you Version 3.0. I'm gonna do both. Why? Because I love you. Okay, actually it's because I love me and I love the sound of my own font and you just have to deal with it (don't leave!).

So what's this blog gonna be about? Is anybody still reading this far into it? No? I like to touch myself in dark places someti-- hello? Is somebody there? This isn't funny! You better not tell anyone what I s-- no, of course it's not true. I knew you were there the whole time.

*ahem*

RWTPv3.0 is a return to the idea behind the original 'Punches,' in which I take a tidbit of news and add my own perverse twist to it. Would you like an example culled form those archives at SBC? Okay...

(bastards are gonna make me work for it!)

hmmm....

From March 26, 2003
(http://www.silverbulletcomicbooks.com/punches/104873197190044.htm)


-----BEGIN TRANSMISSION----

The power is moving to the Sigil! The hot success of the eighties has prompted MV Creations to move from Image to CGE. Why? Well, I was going to ask MV Creations President Val Staples about it but then a rerun of What’s Happening came on television and the next thing you know it was Sanford & Son, Gimme A Break, Diff’rent Strokes and Taxi and there just wasn’t enough time to track him down. As such, I have concocted an interview, with myself filling in for the esteemed Mr. Staples.

j.hues:So, CrossGen, eh? Image piss you off?

(not) Val Staples: Oh not at all. We have a very cordial relationship with Image. Okay, truth be told they pissed me off. They said we were going to have to have a Masters of the Universe / Witchblade crossover within the first year of the series. It just seemed really stupid. I mean how different can two properties be?

jh: And so you picked up camp and now you’re going to be dealing with CGE. Why CGE? Why not just go solo?

(n)VS: Because we’re too cheap to go solo. And Mr. Alessi dumped a pile of cash in my lap.

jh: Really?

(n)VS: No, not really. But since Ian Feller is listening in on this interview to approve everything I say and make sure I’m following the company line, I thought I’d make his boss out to be a great guy.

jh: uh…

(n)VS: Let’s just say I didn’t read the entire contract. They had this one part that was microscopic, but Ian told me their electron microscope was at the shop that day and that it was really no big deal. So I signed. And now…

jh: … okay … ?

(n)VS: They took her! They took her god damn them, and now I’ll never see her again until—

At this point the phone disconnected. Not sure what any of that means, but I sure hope it doesn’t delay the premiere of Dragon’s Lair. I must’ve blown $10,000.00 in quarters on that bad boy down at the arcade!

-----END TRANSMISSION-----


So, basically it's probably gonna be crap like that. Only, I'm much funnier now than I was in 2003. Man I was a lameazoid! And did you see how timely it was to spit up an article about CrossGen now that Disney has announced that they've acquired the Intellectual Property and now Michael Eisner can piss out another boring film (think Meridian) in which the heroine loses her father, they sing a song, face a danger, make a new friend, the animals and dishes start singing, everyone dances, the villain almost wins and then gets defeated in the end--HUG!!

Now just to sit back and see if I ever bother to update this thing again!