Comic Books
This Supergirl Fan Film Is Worth a Look
It’s become somewhat of a tradition around here. That is to say I like to bring interesting videos I find out there on the Interwebs to your attention. Frequently. Well, as frequently as I can now that I’m also Mr. Mom (more on that in a separate post).
I bring things to your attention, mostly, because I care. I care about you and I care about people doing interesting and cool things. So, if I can bring those elements together, I think the ten minutes or so I spend doing it is time well spent.
This time around the video in question is called Girl of Steel. It’s a Supergirl fan film with a great deal of promise. It’s good, in other words.
Watch it and enjoy.
[youtube www.youtube.com/watch
Video Friday: 'The Daly Show: The Daly Superheroes' with Guests Nathan Fillion and Michael Rosenbaum
With all the content being produced these days it’s pretty much impossible to see it all. In fact, I’m lucky if I get to spend an hour or so a day looking for new things to watch let alone watching the programming I have to in order to write about it or review it for The Flickcast.
Fortunately, that’s one of the many things friends are for. This time around, my pal Rick Marshall pointed me to this particular episode of The Daly Show (not to be confused with The Daily Show with John Stewart) and I have to say, it’s pretty damn funny.
In case you’re not familiar, the show features the exploits of actor Tim Daly and his son Sam. Plus, they have special guests on each show. This episode’s guests? Nathan Fillion and Michael Rosenbaum.
Awesome? Yes.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tzNMtGx_cZc?rel=0&w=500&h=281]
Couple Things
Happy Friday. I hope you have some great plans for the weekend. I don’t really but that’s okay, I’m going to Vegas next week for several days so that should be relaxing enough.
We will be staying at a hotel I’ve never stayed at before (I mostly stay at THE hotel at Mandalay Bay) called The Palazzo. From what I’ve heard from a few friends and seen online, it seems nice and should be a fine choice. I’ll let you know how it goes.
I’ve got a couple things to tell you before I let you go off for the weekend. First, I saw Steven Soderbergh’s new movie Haywire earlier this week and enjoyed it. I’ve got a full review of the film up over at The Flickcast.
Second, we’ve got the Kickstarter campaign going full swing for our first comic Believer. If you’ve been reading me here, you probably already know that.
What you probably don’t know is that Rich Johnson over at Bleeding Cool gave us a nice mention today and I just want to thank him for that. So, thanks Rich. You are a man among men.
That’s pretty much it for me today. I will be taking it easy this weekend and trying to save my energy for Vegas next week. I know it’s tough, but somebody has got to do it.
The Importance of Doing Nothing
Unless you use a different calendar than I do (which is possible, I guess) you know today is Sunday. This day is also known as my favorite day of the week. You know this if you read my earlier post on that very subject.
Seeing as this is my favorite day of the week, what am I going to do with it you may wonder? The short answer, for this week at least, is nothing.
I’m a big fan of doing nothing, at least once in awhile. With all that goes on during the days and weeks and months of work, deadlines and life in general, when you have a chance to just sit, watch mindless TV, read a book or comic or write blog posts, I say take it.
I don’t have all that much to do right at the moment, especially today. I have work that needs to be done and deadlines coming up, but right at this moment, today, they are not urgent. I also don’t have any pressing social engagements, things I have to do for Heather or any children to worry about (at least not yet) so none of that is vying for my time today either.
These times don’t come along all that often, but when they do, it’s wrong to just ignore them. Plus, doing nothing has a lot of benefits.
It helps you recharge and get ready for the days and weeks of work ahead. It also helps you unplug from the computer, social media and all that that entails.
And, it helps you discover and explore new things like books you haven’t gotten to, comics you needed to read, all those neglected episodes of Firefly on Netflix or The Wire on HBO Go or any number of other pursuits that seem to always get relegated to “someday soon” due to life’s relentless pressure to do something else.
So, with that in mind, I choose to seize this opportunity and do nothing. It won’t last long, but it doesn’t have to. The trick is just to enjoy it while you can.
Doing nothing is kinda like life that way.
Two notes for those of you who’ve read this far down.
• Believer, my comic book project at Kickstarter, is doing pretty well after only a couple days. Check it out if you have a minute.
• I will not be going to CES this year for many reasons, but mostly because I just don’t really want to. I’m pretty sure if you asked most of the people at CES they would say they don’t want to be there either. Trust me, it’s not as fun as it seems.
I Believe In 'Believer'
I “borrowed” the title of this post from my friend Joe Dilworth but that’s okay, we’re working on the project (and others) together. What is that project you may ask? Well, I’m pleased to announce we’re launching a brand new comic book publishing initiative and a Kickstarter Campaign to, well, kick things off.
Our first project was written by myself and Joe and is called Believer. It’s a hard-boiled detective thriller with a supernatural twist and combines many of my favorite elements into one fun and exciting story. Plus, in addition to the writing, we’ve got some great art to go with it from Kris Carter.
He really does a terrific job and I look forward to seeing the rest of the pages as they are done. It’s an exciting time to be alive and doing creative things. My sincere wish is to see this as the first of many projects and the start of a larger publishing enterprise.
I feel pretty good about it.
For all the important details on the comic, the Kickstarter campaign and more, head on over to the official Kickstarter page for Believer. Also, and after many years in show business and elsewhere raising funding for projects I still feel funny about saying this, if you do feel like supporting us by making pledge of at any level, I would appreciate it.
Plus, you do get some pretty cool rewards for your support, if I do say so myself. Really, I shouldn’t feel weird about mentioning we’re looking to raise money. After all, if you don’t believe in something you’re doing and are enthusiastic about it, how can expect anyone else to be, right? Right.
Things are going to start happening to me now.
Video Friday - Sunday Edition: X-Men Origins: Wolverine
Here is is, one of the most anticipated movies of the summer. The origin of one of the comic book world’s most loved characters: the mighty Wolverine. I can’t wait to see this movie and now, you don’t have to. Enjoy.
<div style="text-align:left;font-size:x-small;margin-top:0;width:384px;">
Megan Fox - 'Star Wars' Nerd
So, it appears my blog has turned into one run by a fifteen-year old boy who likes to look at pretty girls. Ah well, who can blame me really? Especially when the girl in question is Megan Fox and she’s sporting a rather cool t-shirt from one of my favorite movies of all time. I mean, come on?
Also, as if Megan wasn't enough, <em>I'm</em> also doing some things as well. Although, I won't look nearly as good as Megan does while I do them. But yes, its Comic-Con time again in San Diego and I'll be there representing with the crew from <a href="http://www.comicmix.com/">ComicMix</a>. We even have a booth this year so if you happen to be at the show, be sure to come by booth #2308 and bring me cookies. Or, just say hello. But did I mention I like cookies? Okay, just wanted to make sure. Chocolate chip, btw. In case you were wondering. Okay, that's it for the cookies. Thanks.
And, to talk about how great I am just a bit more, I've got a couple new interviews up. Last week the first part of my interview with writer, actor and Internet giant <a href="http://www.wilwheaton.net">Wil Wheaton</a> hit <a href="http://www.comicmix.com/news/2008/07/14/interview-wil-wheaton-on-writing-movies-and-comics-part-1/">at ComicMix</a>. Part two drops on Monday (I believe) and part three (Yes, I spoke with Wil a long time and he was nice enough to do it) will hit the following week.
I've also got an interview with <em>Buffy</em>, <em>Angel</em> and <em>Battlestar</em> writer/producer <a href="http://www.janeespenson.com">Jane Espenson</a> coming out this week as well. She was super-cool and a pleasure to interview. Plus, I'm sure there will be one or two things from me as Comic-Con gets into full swing later this week. In fact, I know there will because I know who and what I'll be doing already.
Not that I'll be "doing" anyone at Comic-Con. Although, I do have a thing for girls in "Slave Leia" costumes. And Wonder-Woman too. Also Emma Frost and Poison Ivy. But that's a story for another time.
Anyway, be sure to check ComicMix early and often for all the latest from me and the rest of the gang of very talented and extremely cool people who work there. And now, here's Megan (Yes, in addition to the <em>Star Wars</em> t-shirt that appears to be an iPhone in her hand. What a girl.):
<img src="http://cullrich.files.wordpress.com/2008/07/meganfoxstarwars1.jpg" alt="meganfoxstarwars.jpg" border="0" width="475" height="712">
Chicago is a Great Town
Or at least I think it is. Sadly, I’ve been here since Thursday afternoon (late) and I’ve only seen the hotel I’m staying at and the convention center I’m across the street from. Sure, that might not seem like a bad thing to some people, but I kinda like checking out places and seeing what’s what. Especially places I’ve never been, like Chicago.
I've heard that later we'll all go see exciting stuff in Chicago. Until then, I've got to tough it out in Rosemont at a hotel almost perfectly positioned for the convention yet still, annoyingly far away.
Not that Rosemont is a bad place. Far from it. At least I think so. It's just that if I decide to visit somewhere it would great if I got to see the "actual" city I'm supposed to be visiting. I know that's going to happen no matter what because I made an effort to actually stay a bit longer.
Anyway, I've also discovered on this trip that I can drink a ton of booze and eat way too much. I kinda thought I was over all of that. Sadly, it seems I am not. I'm sure my liver and my increasing weight will both be very unpleasant later on.
However, all is not negative at Wizard World in Rosemont (aka Chicago). I did manage to meet a few cool people, spend time at some interesting gatherings and generally have a bit of fun. It's just too bad that I wasn't able to do more work. I kinda felt like I didn't talk to enough people at the show and turn out enough content.
If anything, this show was a good primer for San Diego and really highlights how difficult it is to cover a convention like Wizard World with what is, essentially, two people. Especially when one of those people needs to be in the hotel editing and publishing posts instead of working the floor.
We did manage to get some interesting stuff and some of it is already posted at ComicMix. So, be sure to head on over and check it out. Here's some links:
<a href="http://www.comicmix.com/news/2008/06/29/wwc-interview-world-war-z-writer-max-brooks/">My interview</a> with <em>World War Z</em> and <em>Reported Attacks</em> graphic novel author Max Brooks.
ComixMix's Rick Marshall's reports on <a href="http://www.comicmix.com/news/2008/06/28/wizard-world-chicago-2008-day-one-report/">day one</a> and <a href="http://www.comicmix.com/news/2008/06/29/wizard-world-chicago-2008-day-two-report/">two</a> of the show.
Some <a href="http://www.comicmix.com/news/2008/06/28/wizard-world-chicago-2008-photo-gallery-part-1/">photo galleries</a> of the <a href="http://www.comicmix.com/news/2008/06/28/wizard-world-chicago-2008-photo-gallery-pt-2-costumes/">costumes</a> and "flavor" of the Wizard World Chicago show.
Finally, here's some great art from some of the books coming out from publisher Avatar Press. This stuff just looks cool and I can't wait to see it in its final form. Check them out.
<img src="http://cullrich.files.wordpress.com/2008/06/annamercury2-1jpg.jpg" alt="annamercury2-1jpg.jpg" border="0" width="400" height="610">
<img src="http://cullrich.files.wordpress.com/2008/06/bstrade1.jpg" alt="bstrade1.jpg" border="0" width="400" height="303">
<img src="http://cullrich.files.wordpress.com/2008/06/zombis2.jpg" alt="zombis2.jpg" border="0" width="200" height="311">
Excuses are like. . . And new photos too.
Obviously, I have some sort of issue with deadlines. For whatever reason I don’t seem capable of making them. For example, here it is Wednesday and I didn’t post anything for “Photo Tuesday” yesterday. How can I expect people to faithfully read this blog if I can’t even remember to post something regularly?
That's a good question and one that deserves an answer. Sadly, I don't really have one for you. Perhaps someone smarter than myself can offer one? That would be great.
Meantime, let's start with a few links. First off, here's a couple to direct you to my latest articles from around the internets.
I go out on a limb and pick six of <a href="http://www.comicmix.com/news/2008/05/21/comicmix-six-the-best-movies-adapted-from-comic-books/"><em>The Best Movies Adapted from Comic Books</em></a>.
The<a href="http://www.comicmix.com/news/2008/05/20/battlestar-galactica-interview-mark-verheiden-on-the-final-five-and-music/"> latest installment</a> of my ongoing <em>BSG Weekly</em> articles.
Rick Marshall on <a href="http://www.mindpollution.org/2008/05/21/why-my-life-is-occasionally-like-rocky-4/">why his life is like <em>Rocky IV</em></a>.
An interesting, and disturbing, story about <a href="http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/dannywestneat/2004422114_danny18.html">a van driven onto the runway</a> in Seattle and nobody notices or seems to care.
Napster <a href="http://www.tuaw.com/2008/05/21/napster-mp3-store-to-rival-itunes-store-with-6-million-drm-free/">offers DRM-free mp3</a> music.
LAist<a href="http://laist.com/2008/05/21/oh_ikea_i_love.php"> loves Ikea's salty balls</a>.
<a href="http://www.iphonesavior.com/2008/05/gizmodo-scoops.html">This is funny</a>. TUAW-bashing is always good for a laugh.
And, as I still do<em> try</em> to meet deadlines, even if circumstances get in the way, here's a couple photos to commemorate "Photo Wednesday." These were taken by my friend <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/supercollider/">Anthony Dalesandro</a> who, besides being a great director, is also a pretty good photographer too. Enjoy.
<img src="http://cullrich.files.wordpress.com/2008/05/avalontopofhead.jpg" alt="avalontopofhead.jpg" border="0" width="400" height="267">
<img src="http://cullrich.files.wordpress.com/2008/05/sarawall.jpg" alt="sarawall.jpg" border="0" width="400" height="267">
<img src="http://cullrich.files.wordpress.com/2008/05/powerlines.jpg" alt="powerlines.jpg" border="0" width="400" height="266">
I realize I missed this week’s ‘Photo Tuesday’ but I have a good excuse for it. Unfortunately, I can’t say what it was because its a secret – at least for now. Let’s just say I spent some time on Tuesday doing something very cool and I will be revealing just what that thing was shortly.
Until then, let's take a look at some interesting links for the week, shall we?
My interview with <em>Hack/Slash</em> creator Tim Seeley at <a href="http://www.comicmix.com/news/2008/05/15/interview-tim-seeley-on-hack-slash-and-suicide-girls-crossovers/">ComicMix</a>
My latest BSG Weekly at <a href="http://www.comicmix.com/news/2008/05/12/battlestar-galactica-interview-mark-verheiden-on-athena-anders-and-the-hybrid/">ComicMix</a>
My interview with innovative filmmaker James Liu at <a href="http://www.tuaw.com/2008/05/15/tuaw-interview-filmmaker-dennis-liu/">TUAW</a>
I thought I had <a href="http://www.tuaw.com/2008/05/15/11-600-horizontal-pixels-of-heaven/">a lot of computers</a>.
If you happen to be in LA on June 1st and want to take a stand against abuse of photographers taking pictures in public places, check out <a href="http://www.boingboing.net/2008/05/15/photographers-stand.html">this post</a>.
And just so we have some artwork to accompany this post, here's a couple of my favorites from Tim Seeley. One from<em> Hack/Slash</em>. Which, by the way, is a great comic you should be reading. And one from his other work on <em>Forgotten Realms: Halfling's Gem</em>. Enjoy
<img src="http://cullrich.files.wordpress.com/2008/05/hackslashsg.jpg" alt="hackslashSG.jpg" border="0" width="400" height="607">
<img src="http://cullrich.files.wordpress.com/2008/05/halflinggem.jpg" alt="halflinggem.jpg" border="0" width="400" height="454">
Writing Stuff
I don’t know about you, but many times when I’m writing a story, a script or something else that calls for a particular character to have a name (which happens frequently – characters need names after all), I sometimes get stuck on what name to use. Fortunately, through the miracle of modern technology, this problem is now a thing of the past.
Behold, the <a href="http://www.unled.net/">random name generator</a>. Refresh a few times to get the name you want and then use it for all its worth. While we're on the subject of writing, here's a few other cool writing-related sites (and sites maintained by writers I like) that I sometimes use for inspiration, knowledge and/or to steal ideas from (No, not actual story ideas. More 'how' rather than 'what').
In fact, I actually 'borrowed' some of these links from fellow writer and all-around-nice-guy (aka 'non-dick') Wil Wheaton. Turns out we have similar tastes in writing resources. Who knew?
<a href="http://www.janeespenson.com/">Jane Espenson</a>
<a href="http://verheiden.blogspot.com/">Mark Verheiden</a>
<a href="http://www.millarworld.tv/index.html">Mark Millar</a>
<a href="http://garthennis.net/">Garth Ennis</a>
<a href="http://www.warrenellis.com/">Warren Ellis</a>
<a href="http://www.mentalfloss.com/blogs/archives/14734">4 Must-Read Books for Aspiring Writers</a>
<a href="http://www.mentalfloss.com/blogs/archives/14723">Some Very Helpful Grammar Lessons</a>
And, seeing as we happen to still be on the subject of writing, one of my comic books is inching dangerously close to actually getting art to go along with its wonderfully realized prose -- which also means its inching closer to publication too. For now, that's all I can say. Still, this is very good time for me and may lead to an even better time soon. But as they say in the news biz "More on that story as it develops."
In other words, I'll let you know as soon as I know.
Quick Links for the Day and Tuesday Photos
Yes, I’ve been busy contributing and making the Internets a better place with my work. You want examples you say? Well, come close and take a look at these: My latest BSG Weekly article and also my article about the Six Worst Movies Adapted from Comic Books.
And of course, it being Tuesday and all, how about some photos? Sure, what the heck. Here's a couple taken by me on my recent trip to New York.
<img src="http://cullrich.files.wordpress.com/2008/05/buildingcloser.jpg" alt="buildingcloser.jpg" border="0" width="400" height="272">
<img src="http://cullrich.files.wordpress.com/2008/05/central-park2.jpg" alt="central park2.jpg" border="0" width="400" height="300">
<img src="http://cullrich.files.wordpress.com/2008/05/cpwalk2.jpg" alt="cpwalk2.jpg" border="0" width="400" height="290">
Photo Tuesday with Princess Leia, Selma Blair, Milo Ventimiglia and More!
Here’s some photos for ‘Photo Tuesday’ from the recent New York Comic Con. These were taken by my pal Tony Mark at the show and feature some people you may know and characters you may recognize. Enjoy.
<img src="http://cullrich.files.wordpress.com/2008/04/milo.jpg" alt="milo.jpg" border="0" width="350" height="523">
Milo Ventimiglia from <em>Heroes</em>
<img src="http://cullrich.files.wordpress.com/2008/04/reika.jpg" alt="reika.jpg" border="0" width="350" height="311">
Rehka Sharma from <em>Battlestar Galactica</em>
<img src="http://cullrich.files.wordpress.com/2008/04/selma.jpg" alt="selma.jpg" border="0" width="350" height="523">
Selma Blair
<img src="http://cullrich.files.wordpress.com/2008/04/lieas.jpg" alt="lieas.jpg" border="0" width="350" height="270">
Some Slave Leias
<img src="http://cullrich.files.wordpress.com/2008/04/michaelhogan.jpg" alt="michaelhogan.jpg" border="0" width="350" height="403">
Colonial Tigh himself, Michael Hogan
<img src="http://cullrich.files.wordpress.com/2008/04/ronp.jpg" alt="ronp.jpg" border="0" width="350" height="523">
<em>Hellboy's</em> Ron Perlman
New York Comic Con Final Thoughts
You know, maybe I won't bother to do a brain dump post about the NYCC after all. Sure, I could hit you with all the things I liked about the Con from the not overly-crowded show floor to the weather in NYC to the well-run and often interesting panels.
Or, I could complain about the few things I didn't like about the Con such as the sometimes lateness of the panels which caused us a bit of trouble, the overpriced food and the extra-super-crappy wireless internet which they should not charge for and give money back to anyone dumb enough to get it. But really, what do I have to complain about?
Life is pretty good. I got to spend several days "working" with some of the most talented, interesting, gracious and fun people around. Yes, I'm talking about the ComicMix team. In short, I had a great time and one that I hope to repeat come San Diego Comic-Con in July. Which, hopefully, I will be attending again under the gracious auspices of ComicMix/Crowd Fusion and its super-talented and benevolent rockstar Brian Alvey.
Who knows, perhaps I will even be able to do a bit of work for some as-yet unrealized movie and TV related sites? Anything is possible and I will not speculate further because I think certain people may read this blog and I don't want them to get angry at me for giving away too much or saying things I'm not supposed to say. Whew, that was a close one.
Sure, the week in NYC was not without its few glitches. But come on, I got paid to go to a comic book convention and meet writers, artists, film directors, actors and hang out with the best team working in journalism today. I don't know about you or what you happen to do to make ends meet, but I can tell you, my life is pretty sweet -- at least where my "work" is concerned. I also managed to take care of some "personal" business while in NYC as well, which was the other reason I was in New York. Lucky for me, I was able to do both while there.
As for my my personal life? Well, don't get me started on that as its a long and winding road to be sure. Its been an interesting six months to be sure. By way of explanation, did I happen to mention how much fun I had in New York at the Comic Con? Did I tell you how great it was to be working shoulder to shoulder with people like Mike Gold, Rick Marshall, Glenn Hauman, Michael Davis, Kai Connolly, Mike Raup, Matt Raub!, Martha Thomases, Karl Cramer, Alan Kistler and the rest of the team, friends and support system.
And yes, even if Glenn <em>did</em> forget to bring me my "official" ComicMix business cards, I still think he's a great, funny and intelligent guy who really knows his way around comics. Glenn, I'm sorry again that everyone gave you such a hard time about forgetting my cards. I didn't put them up to it, I promise. Still, it <em>was</em> kinda funny, at least to me. And Matt Raub!
See what I did there? A little sleight-o-hand to make you forget to ask me about my personal life. We're talking about all good things right now so I won't muck it up with anything not good. Suffice to say that life is good but sometimes you gotta make sure you tell yourself that a lot to help get you through the times when life isn't like that.
New York Comic Con Stalling
I'm still gathering my thoughts (such as they are) about the New York Comic Con. Rest assured I will eventually do a brain dump of whatever is left in there to dump. I know, without reservation, it will be well worth the wait. Of course, I've also been known to drink a bit now and then, so who knows?
Meantime, feel free to take a look at what my learned colleagues at ComicMix have to say on the subject. Here's <a href="http://www.comicmix.com/news/2008/04/22/nycc-a-post-game-analysis/">Mike Gold's perspective</a> and <a href="http://www.comicmix.com/news/2008/04/23/new-york-comic-con-the-brain-dump-roundup/">here's Rick Marshall's</a>. Both of them are smart and have a lot of experience at these types of events so you will find what they have to say very interesting, no doubt about it.
I've also managed to post a few photos from my trip over at my <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chrisu/">Flickr pages.</a> So those can also serve to give you something to look at and help pass the time between now and when my no doubt brilliant insight into the Con will arrive.
Well, now that I've way over-sold the whole thing I guess I should probably put my head down and write it. Ok, I will. Check back later.
New York Comic Con Fun
I’ve been in New York the past week for the Comic Con and all I can say at the moment is that I’m tired. When I can put more that a few sentences together I will thrill you with my thoughts and feeling about the people in attendance, the panels, the con in general and more.
Until then, let me leave you with this picture of a happy but somewhat worse for wear Brendan Frasier that we took during the Con. Enjoy.
<img src="http://cullrich.files.wordpress.com/2008/04/brendanfrasiernyccc.jpg" alt="brendanfrasiernyccc.jpg" border="0" width="400" height="598">
The potential real cost of Marvel's "Secret Invasion"
Not that Marvel <em>really</em> needs any more hype about this but I was thinking about doing a review of my own about the new <em>Secret Invasion</em> story that started yesterday. However, I decided not to offer much in the way of a review because in several ways, my review would be very similar to what others around the Internets are saying.
Basically, I'm a big fan of Brian Bendis and glad he's writing <em>Secret Invasion</em>. I liked the first issue of it so far, have a couple of concerns, but hope it will get even better as subsequent issues hit the stands. However, even though I mostly enjoyed Issue #1, regardless of its problems, the whole <em>Secret Invasion</em> story does have to contend with an even bigger problem I'm having with Marvel and DC of late: big "event" stories both publishers seem determined to do.
I know, you gotta do something to keep people reading and sell comics, but I sometimes wish that they wouldn't make such a big deal about it. Every one of these "Universe Shattering" events like <em>World War Hulk</em>, <em>Messiah Complex</em>, <em>House of M</em>, <em>Final Crisis</em> and <em>Civil War</em> has a dramatic effect on the Marvel and DC Universes <em>and</em> a dramatic effect on how much the reader is willing to put up with.
Really, how many times can the Marvel and DC U survive all these events? It seems that the pieces are barely being put back together and then another major "event" comes along and takes it all down. Plus, how much can the reader be expected to follow this story when its spread across so many different comic titles and characters? And, with comics getting more and more expensive, how many times can you ask the reader to keep buying all these tie-in issues so you can tell a big "event" story like <em>Secret Invasion</em>?
I counted and so far, according to the list in <em>Secret invasion</em> #1, there are going to be 33 comics that tie-in or tell some part of the <em>Secret Invasion</em> story. And that only gets us through July! If each one has a cover price of $3.99 like <em>Secret Invasion</em> #1 does, that's $131.67 to get you through July and <em>Secret Invasion</em> #4, <em>X-Factor</em> #33, <em>She-Hulk</em> #31 and the rest of the tie-in and one-shot issues.
To me, that seems like a rather large commitment that Marvel expects the reader to make. Although, I probably spend that much on comics in a month already, so I suppose its relative. Maybe that isn't much money to you. However, I don't think its just a cost in terms of dollars and sense, I think its potentially a cost in terms of readership.
At some point, and I've already heard some of the grumbling at recent conventions and elsewhere, readers are going to get weary of these kind of "events" and just want their favorite characters to have their own stories again so they can enjoy them. At a recent Con, for example, one fan even asked this directly during a Marvel panel, saying: "Can't you just leave them alone for a bit?"
As someone who still prefers the feeling of printed paper in his hands and reads his comics that way, instead of online (and I'm even a <a href="http://www.marvel.com/digitalcomics/">Marvel Digital Comics</a> subscriber and write for <a href="http://www.comicmix.com/comics">ComicMix</a>, a site that publishes digital comics) I don't want printed comics to go away any time soon. I also want Marvel and DC to be as successful as they can be so they can keep printing comics and bringing readers more and more great stories.
I feel for Marvel and DC (and all publishers who print comics), I really do. In a world where consumers are turning more and more to the Internets for entertainment, reading far fewer printed publications and where a comic book that sells 60 or 70 thousand copies is considered a major hit, they have to be a bit nervous.
I just hope this nervousness and desire to boost sales by pushing more "event" stories doesn't drive readers away more than it brings them in. That would truly be a shame.
For actual reviews of <em>Secret Invasion</em> #1, check out the ones at <a href="http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=user_review&id=44">Comic Book Resources</a> and <a href="http://www.comicmix.com/news/2008/04/03/review-secret-invasion-1/">ComicMix</a>.
I write stuff
When sitting down to write a blog post, sometimes its kinda difficult to think of something to write about. As most of my writing these days is about things I really like, that leaves fewer of those things to talk about here at my own blog.
So, rather than bore you with a lot of nonsense and try to fill, vamp or otherwise make stuff up, I'm just going to plug some of the articles I've done recently at other sites to which I contrbute. So, without further to do, here goes:
Dark Horse Comics Editor Scott Allie <a href="http://www.comicmix.com/news/2008/03/24/interview-scott-allie-on-serenity-buffy-and-the-joss-whedon-universe/">talks about</a> <em>Serenity</em>, <em>Buffy</em>, Joss Whedon, Mike Mignola and potential new <em>Serenity</em> comics (pitched by yours truly).
Writer Brandon Jerwa <a href="http://www.comicmix.com/news/2008/03/26/interview-brandon-jerwa-on-battlestar-galactica-season-zero/">talks about his comic book:</a> <em>Battlestar Galactica: Season Zero</em>
Also, here's a couple photo galleries from the recent Wizard World show in Los Angeles:
<a href="http://www.comicmix.com/news/2008/03/19/comicmix-at-wwla-photo-gallery-people-places-and-events/">People, Places, Events</a>
<a href="http://www.comicmix.com/news/2008/03/19/comicmix-at-wwla-photo-gallery-costumes/">Costumes</a>
Speaking of conventions, I'll be heading to New York mid-April for the <a href="http://www.nycomiccon.com/App/homepage.cfm?moduleid=2577&appname=100453">New York Comic Con</a>, which takes place April 18-20 at the Jacob Javits Center in NYC. If you happen to be attending, be sure to say hello if you see me. And, if you happen to be a comics pro looking to plug any of your upcoming projects, feel free to contact me as I am in the process of scheduling interviews during the show.
Last, but not least, the search for an artist to collaborate on my two comic book projects is almost over. I've narrowed it down to the final ten and will be doing some interviews next week in LA and perhaps one or two in NYC following.
Then, I'll make the selection and that lucky person will be able to get to work helping me create some very cool comics. More on that as it develops. Meantime, have fun watching these New York Comic Con videos.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXRpPja3AMA&hl=en]
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[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wgQBVVdL2Nw&hl=en]
Cool Art and Wizard World stuff
Sometimes in my travels I come across cool things and want to share them. Here’s an example of that:
<img src="http://cullrich.files.wordpress.com/2008/03/thorages001006-07large.jpg" alt="THORAGES001006-07large.jpg" border="0" width="450" height="373"><img src="http://cullrich.files.wordpress.com/2008/03/thorages001004-05large.jpg" alt="THORAGES001004-05large.jpg" border="0" width="450" height="373"><img src="http://cullrich.files.wordpress.com/2008/03/thorages001002-03large.jpg" alt="THORAGES001002-03large.jpg" border="0" width="450" height="373">
These panels were part of the 'Mondo Marvel' presentation at Wizard World LA this weekend -- which even though it was pretty small was still a great time. I attended the panel for ComicMix and was pretty impressed with this <em>Thor</em> artwork by Patrick Zircher. This guy rocks and I think will have along career in comics.
I also got a chance to interview a bunch of other cool people at WWLA including another artist whose work I like very much: Jacen Burrows. That interview is <a href="http://www.comicmix.com/news/2008/03/17/interview-jacen-burrows-on-garth-ennis-warren-ellis-and-crossed/">already up</a> over at ComicMix. Here's a couple of things from him including a page from 303, which he did with Garth Ennis, and a Blackgas cover, a book he did with Warren Ellis:
<img src="http://cullrich.files.wordpress.com/2008/03/jacen303large.jpg" alt="jacen303large.jpg" border="0" width="350" height="499">
<img src="http://cullrich.files.wordpress.com/2008/03/jacenbg2large.jpg" alt="jacenbg2large.jpg" border="0" width="350" height="545">
I also had a chance to talk with <em>X-Force</em> and <em>Dark Tower</em> writer Peter David, <em>Battlestar Galactica</em> Co-Executive Producer Mark Verheiden and superstar screenwriter Zak Penn. Look for those articles soon.
You know, its pretty cool to work in the business I work in. This writing thing is pretty darn fun.
Wizard World LA and Other Stuff
I’ll be at Wizard World LA this weekend checking thing out, doing interviews with some cool people and generally getting into trouble. So, if you happen to be going yourself, feel free to say “hello” if you see me. Or, look for me on Twitter @chrisu.
I’ll be hitting the show floor and visiting a few panels in particular. Among the panels I’m most interested in are the Marvel Ultimates panel, Mondo Marvel, DC Nation, X-Men, anything Indiana Jones and Star Wars related, the Screenwriters panel on Saturday and anything else that seems interesting, unusual or worth a look.
Also, during the show I’ll be interviewing some cool writers, artists and other creatives, mostly for Comicmix, so stay tuned for those to show up during and after the show. Its gonna be pretty fun.
In other news, I recently went back home to Encinitas for a few days to help Mom look through some stuff. Mostly boxes that were stored in the various places my father used to keep things that I asked him to hold onto for me.
While going through some of this stuff, I was thrilled to discover some of my old comics that I thought were gone long ago. It was great to see them again and think back to a simpler time when I was a kid and first started reading the adventures of Captain America, Green Lantern, Superman and Spider-Man.
Finding these comics was also great because some of them featured the work of one of my favorite artists of all time: Jack “King” Kirby. The ones I liked the most were for Kirby’s Captain America “Mad Bomb” story, starting with issue #193 and leading up to Caps' 200th issue.
I’ve since brought all those recovered gems back with me to LA and they are currently enjoying a place of honor, complete with new bags and boards, in my current collection. Seeing the old and new comics together really shows how far comics have come in terms of print quality and presentation.
However, that doesn’t take away anything from my older “classic” comics at all. In spite of their age and less-advanced printing and presentation, they’re still a great read and the art still packs as much of a punch as it ever did.
Why says newer is always better?