News
Getting Rid of Stuff and More Updates for 2022
Hi. It’s me again. I hope you all had a merry holidays and a festive new year. We didn’t do much to celebrate or put up decorations or whatever you’re supposed to do.
In fact, we hardly decorated at all. We did put up a tree, which was nice. But we didn’t do much to the outside of the house.
I’m not that disappointed about it. Nobody else was either. It was just something we didn’t do this time.
The kid was happy anyway. Santa still dropped by and he got a lot of stuff he desperately needed (sarcasm, in case you can’t tell) and his mom got a couple things too. So did his grandparents. I got one or two things as well.
But really, I didn’t need much of anything. Sure, I made an Amazon wishlist or whatever, but that was just because H insisted. I didn’t really want anything for Christmas.
I’ve got more “stuff” than I really need.
One of my “problems” is this: If I’m interested in something, a hobby or something work-related, I’ll go deep into it and get the required tools or whatever, to perform the task or function I need to perform. Basically, I want the right tool for the job.
This tends to mean I end up with a lot of stuff. Sure, I use most of it (some of it every day) but it also means other stuff just sits there unused, or is only used sporadically.
Or, let’s face it, not at all after the first day, week, month, etc. That happens too. I burn out on hobbies sometimes, but the stuff is still there. And I’ve been doing this for years. So yeah, I end up with a lot of stuff.
I should really get rid of some of it.
I’m sure to some of you this “problem' doesn’t sound too bad. And I know I’m very fortunate to have this problem at all and to afford to enjoy hobbies and acquire tools as I need/want them. I get that.
But that’s not really the point of this exercise. The point is I have too much stuff and will need to take appropriate steps one of these days before there’s no room left for the rest of us.
I’m joking, mostly. It won’t get that bad. I’m not a hoarder. You’re a hoarder. Anyway . . .
There’s other business.
• The Flickcast podcast is going great. We’ve got over 400 episodes so far! How about that? If you don’t know, I co-host and produce a podcast called The Flickcast.
It’s all about stuff nerds love. It’s fun and you should definitely check it out.
We’re also working on new guests and some changes for the podcast, which I’m excited about. 2022 should be a great year for the show. Fingers crossed.
• I’m still on Twitch Sunday nights playing D&D with the Whiskey & Waffles gang. It’s also fun and you should check it out too. Although, I won’t be on this weekend due to, well, keep reading.
• I’ve also updated my business website and have been offering prints of my photography for sale. A couple people have even purchased prints. I greatly appreciate that.
• And now, to bury the lead (my High School journalism teacher would not be happy with me). Our kid went back to school in-person a little over a week ago and, of course, that means I got something. Not sure if it’s COVID or a cold or what it is, but it’s definately something.
Good luck finding a COVID testing center appointment anywhere in the next few weeks, though. I sometimes forget Austin is in Texas where the GOP and our “governor” are real pieces of shit and seemingly do whatever they can to make this pandemic worse for people. I just want a test. Why are many of the testing centers closed now?
COVID isn’t over, FFS. Maybe we should let testing centers stay open and allow for virtual school options? Probably a good idea.
I did order home test kits. Let’s see if they arrive . . . ever. Maybe I should just wait for the Biden Admin to send out test kits? I’m sure that’s going to happen real soon now. I won’t hold my breath.
How many years has this pandemic been going on and we still don’t have home tests or adequate supplies of masks, etc.? Greatest country in the world? Maybe. But right now, I gotta say, I’m not impressed.
Fortunately, my symptoms of whatever this is are relatively mild. So if it is COVID, it seems my triple dose of Pfizer vaccine is doing its job. Hopefully this trend continues. I think it will.
Everyone in my house is vaccinated to the fullest extent, too. So whatever I have hopefully won’t be a problem for them. Meantime, I’m mostly staying in my office and sleeping in the guest room until I feel better.
And, if I do need to venture outdoors I’m masking with my dwindling supply of N95s and keeping my distance, just like I have been for the last 20 months plus. I do try to minimize my exposure to others as much as I can. But really, I did that before the pandemic too so . . . yeah.
If you’re worried about me, first off, I appreciate it. Thanks very much. I’m sure I’ll be fine. I have the benefit of modern science on my side. Which is nice.
If only everyone (or enough of you) thought so too. This all might have been over sooner. Alas . . .
Okay. Rant over. Thanks for reading. See you on the other side.
Further Updates for 2021
So far, I’m enjoying 2021 much more than 2020. Sure, this new year isn’t without its share of issues. But things are still looking up and still moving in the right direction . . . in my humble opinion at least.
Which brings me to the update promised in the title of this post. Here goes: we’ve started posting new content at The Flickcast. Not just podcasts, mind you, other content too. Fun!
Starting to post content again serves several purposes, not the least of which is getting me into the habit of writing every day. That’s a good thing.
Plus, who knows, maybe some people will go to the site and it will generate a few bucks of income? It could happen. It’s happened before. We have pretty small overhead so almost anything would be good.
That said, if you feel so inclined, head over and read some articles and maybe click on one of the ads? I’d appreciate it.
Speaking of websites, there’s another one you should check out for sure: Hapa Grey. I’m probably biased (I am) but it’s one of my favorites. If you love bargains and deals and knowing about the latest trends, Hapa Grey is the site for you. Check it out.
Other than that, I’m playing a fuckton of D&D (in private and on Twitch), we’re not frozen anymore, don’t have to boil our water, my son hates doing school online, it’s basically been a year since we started quarantine and I almost got my first dose of the COVID vaccine.
Maybe I’ll get it tomorrow? Maybe. Hope you get yours soon too.
Until then, stay safe, wear your mask, social distance and try not to be a dick.
Image: Adobe Stock
This Is The End
Well, it’s the end of 2020 at least. Almost anyway. None too soon, if you ask me. And since this is my site, if you don’t ask me, I’ll just go ahead and ask myself.
That’s just how this works, see?
What a pain 2020 has been, right? I don’t need to go into it here because you know what I’m talking about. Still, seriously, fuck this year.
And while I’m at it, fuck people who don’t believe in science, compassion or simple human decency. And fuck people who try to take advantage of the poor or the weak or try to oppress or persecute people based on their race, religion, gender identity, or for any other reason. It’s not right. None of it. Stop fucking doing it.
That was a lot of “fucks” and I apologize. I’m just kinda angry about a lot of stuff right now. More than usual. I’m also very tired. You can probably relate.
In fact, if I had to sum up this year in one word, I’d say “tired.” As in, I’m fucking tired. 2020 is the year that never seemed to end and continuously threw one horrible thing after another at all of us. I don’t know about you, but . . . I. Am. Tired.
I’m tired of have trouble getting to sleep or sleeping through the night. I’m tired of worrying about what our country is turning into, or what it was all along and we just didn’t notice. I’m tired of worrying about the thousands of people dying every day while thousands more call a pandemic a “hoax” and refuse to take basic precautions like wearing a mask. I’m tired of the indifference, incompetence and seemingly wanton acts of cowardice and malice from our elected officials.
I’m tired of it. All of it. I’ll bet you are too.
And speaking of “anti mask” dickheads, fuck those selfish assholes too.
Perhaps it’s a character flaw but I have a lot of trouble comprehending people who just don’t give a shit about anyone but themselves, especially during something like COVID. Like I get you’re a selfish prick but maybe, just this once, can you do something for someone other than yourself and wear this thing over your fucking pie hole to protect others from your stupidity and anti-science bullshit? Once COVID is gone, feel free to return to your previous behavior. I guess. Thanks?
Now don’t get me wrong, I have a healthy ego. Ask anyone.
But my ego doesn’t replace common decency and regard for my fellow humans. As in, I do care if you live or die so I’m going to do my part to help stop the spread of COVID by wearing a mask, washing my hands, keeping my distance and staying at home most of the time.
I do it because I give a shit, not just about myself, but about all of you. Even you fuckers who don’t deserve it and wouldn’t do the same for me. It’s called being a good citizen and good human. Look it up.
I think being a good citizen and a good human is a good thing. You may not agree. If you don’t, well, I guess fuck you too.
I realize this all may seem pretty negative, and some of it is, frankly. But don’t despair. All is not lost. We have some hope, as I mentioned in my last post.
Compassionate, intelligent adults seem to be in charge again. Thank the gods. Will it help? Probably. Do we still have a long way to go? You bet your ass we do. Do we have a chance? Yep. I think we have a good chance.
Let’s really try not to fuck it up.
Hope 2.0
Well, well. As much as I was thinking and hoping positive change was coming, I still had some doubts. 2020 has been a bit too rough to go quietly.
Fortunately, it seems, this year can still surprise me and it looks like the adults are back in charge of the country again. Compassionate, decent, thoughtful, science-loving, education-loving, kind and sincere adults.
About fucking time.
Sure, we’re not out of the woods yet. He who shall not be named is still squatting in the People’s House and looks to be staying, at least for the short term. But I’m not going to let that get me down. Not me. Not this time. He’ll be out soon enough. One way or another. If I get a vote I choose “dragged away in cuffs”, but I don’t think it will get that far. Too bad.
The important thing is my vote mattered. Your vote mattered. All votes mattered. And all votes counted. The will of the people has been heard. You love to see it.
But we’ve still got a lot of work to do. Millions of our fellow citizens voted for the other guy and now we have the unenviable task of trying to work with them to move our country forward. As our new President-Elect, Joe Biden, said, he wants to be the President for all of us, not just the ones who voted for him.
That seems like an almost impossible task. I sincerely wish him luck. Still, he needs to govern and he needs to move the country forward and eradicate COVID and get us back on the right track. No matter what.
If detractors from his own side, and those who didn’t vote for him, want to come along in the spirit of unity and improving the country, great. Glad to have you aboard.
If Democrats don’t want to help, or those who didn’t vote for him want cling to their old ideas of hate, divisiveness, bigotry, baseless accusation and fear mongering, then fuck ‘em. We don’t need ‘em. Some people are too afraid, too stubborn or, dare I say it, too ignorant to change. I feel bad for them but some people just don’t want help and don’t want to change. You can’t please everyone.
Whatever happens going forward, I’m happy to live in a county that elected Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. Great job, guys. We did it. Optimism is back in style and the future looks a little brighter.
And to my new President and Vice President I say good luck. We’re with you.
Don’t fuck it up.
Photo Credit: OLIVIER DOULIERY/AFP via Getty Images / Getty Images
Go East Young(ish) Man
You know the old saying “Be careful what you wish for?” Well, I’m experiencing a bit of that now.
Fortunately, what I wished for in this case is pretty cool, so the fact it’s going to come true isn’t really a bad thing. Actually, it’s a really good thing.
I could go on like this for a bit longer, being all cryptic and such, but many of you will start to wonder “What the hell is he talking about?” or even begin to wander off and look for shiny objects. So, I won’t keep you in suspense any longer: I am leaving the Los Angeles/Orange County Metroplex and moving to Austin.
Yes, that’s right, the one in Texas. H got a great work opportunity, and I can do what I do from almost anywhere with an Internet connection, so we’re packing up our crap in a giant truck and heading East. Well, in truth, movers will be packing our crap in a giant truck.
I don’t rent a U-Haul and move myself anymore. Those days are in the past, along with my healthy back.
And what about Max, you may wonder? How does he feel about the pending change of address? Well, he doesn’t really get a vote. But if he did, I’m sure he’d agree this is a great opportunity for the family and be all for it.
But like I said, he doesn’t get a vote. He’s just a baby, after all. That would be silly.
As for me, I’m excited about this new adventure and the possibilities it brings. I’m also excited about potentialy having a bit more space. Don’t get me wrong, I like our current house. It’s just a bit close to the neighbors for my taste.
So, we will be looking for a new place in Austin with a bit more land around it. Who knows, we may even end up in the country? Could happen. But don’t tell H, I’m not sure she would go for it.
Being born and raised in California, I will miss a lot of things about “The Golden State.” But the truth is, there’s also a lot of things I won’t miss. I also know Austin and Texas aren’t perfect either and will likley have their fair share of annoyances.
But that’s okay. I like a challenge and I’m ready for it. And no, I won’t be buying cowboy boots or a ten gallon hat.
Well, maybe a hat.
Testing . . . Again
Okay, let’s try this again. Let us test this out and make sure the move to new servers has worked.
David Lee Roth Interviews Eddie and Alex Van Halen
I can’t remember the first time I heard a Van Halen song or what song it was. It may have been something from Van Halen II like “Bottom’s Up” or “Beautiful Girls” or it could have been from Women and Children First and been a song like “Romeo Delight” or “Everybody Wants Some.”
Whatever song or album it was, it was certainly a log time ago. A simpler time to be sure. A lot has changed since that time. I’ve aged and gotten a bit slower but I think, in some ways, a bit smarter.
Over the years I’ve also tried to stay current with Van Halen and their music. That wasn’t made easy by the fact that their last album, Van Halen III, came out in 1998 and, to be fair, wasn’t really all that great.
It seems things are looking up a bit now with the band’s new album A Different Kind of Truth. It’s out today, I’ve listened to it and so far, I like what I hear. Also, it’s nice to see David Lee Roth back where he belongs.
Speaking of that, I came across this video of Roth interviewing Eddie and Alex Van Halen. It’s pretty interesting and contains info I didn’t know about the band and it’s history.
Also, it makes me worry a bit that Eddie isn’t long for this earth. The years (and the other stuff) have not been kind to him.
Enjoy.
[vimeo 36240409 w=500 h=319]
I Am Still Alive and Other Developments
Sad I have to write that headline, but sometimes when you’ve kept a blog for a few years and updated pretty regularly and then stop, people often wonder if something bad has happened to you. Fortunately, that’s not the case. No bad things.
Actually, some good thing have happened, especially where my latest project is concerned. Yes, that's right, <em><a href="http://www.theflickcast.com" target="_blank">The Flickcast</a></em> has really taken off and as such, demands a great deal of my time. Not only to I run the site, for the most part, I also have to write for it each and every day. That takes its toll.
Because <em>The Flickcast</em> is such a demanding site and the vast majority of my energy is devoted to it at the moment, that leaves very little left for this site. Once I've pretty much said my peace on various issues via the site or the podcast, I've pretty much got nothing left to write about here.
When I started this site several years ago my intention was to have a reason and a motivation to write every day (or almost every day, let's be honest). Now that I've got <em>The Flickcast</em> going, I have no choice but to write every day so the impetus to keep a personal blog is not nearly as strong.
I'm not exactly sure what to do about this site. I like having it and I may, on occasion, put something here. But for now, it won't be a regular thing at all, my other project needs to be the priority -- especially if I want it to continue the growth its seen so far.
So, if you're looking for me and my contributions, head on over to <em><a href="http://www.theflickcast.com" target="_blank">The Flickcast</a></em> and you can find me there. Also, if you're looking for any of my other work, there's some good links at <a href="http://chrisullrich.net" target="_blank">my other website</a>. And, feel free to follow me on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/chrisu" target="_blank">Twitter</a> and friend me at <a href="http://www.facebook.com/chris.ullrich" target="_blank">Facebook</a>. I promise I won't bite.
The New 'The Flickcast' Site is Alive!
I’m pretty darn excited about my latest venture The Flickcast. I’ve been working on it for a couple months now doing a weekly podcast about movies, tv, comics and other geek stuff and its been great fun and pretty successful so far.
In addition to the podcast, I've also started a news site as a companion to the weekly show that's also been doing pretty well. One thing that had always bothered me about the site, though, was that it looked too much like a blog and not enough like a professional news site should look.
Fortunately, that's no longer the case because my new favorite web designer, <a href="http://www.rp-network.com">Robert Palmer</a>, has done a kick-ass job and totally redesigned the site to make it look awesome <em>and</em> professional.
This site and podcast are just the start of what I hope will someday be a giant media empire. Meanwhile, if you get a minute, head on over to <a href="http://www.theflickcast.com"><em>The Flickcast</em></a> and check out the new look, read a review or two and listen to some great podcasts.
I feel very privileged to be able to start this new venture and it wouldn't be possible without some other great people like my podcast co-hosts Matt Raub and Christina Warren, my "web guy" Robert Palmer, site contributors like David Press, John Carle, all the Mahoneys (Sean, Tom, Adele and Heath), some great tools like Wordpress and last, but not least, the inspiration, encouragement and help I've received from various friends, colleagues and mentors.
Thank you all. I sincerely appreciate it.
Also, if you've got any feedback, feel free to drop it in the comments here or at <em><a href="http://www.theflickcast.com">The Flickcast</a></em> site.
Video Friday (Saturday Edition) - The New 'Harry Potter' Trailer
I’ve been busy getting the new venture, The Flickcast, on its digital feet. So that mean that this blog might suffer a bit. However, I have not forgotten it completely because here’s the latest trailer for Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.
I'm not as big a fan of the <em>Potter</em> movies and books as other people are. I enjoy them but they haven't become "part" of me like the books and movies I experienced when I was younger.
That said, this new trailer looks great and makes me even more interested in the movie when it comes out. In the end, that's what a trailer is supposed to do. Enjoy.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4BDVbxop-eo&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0]
Moving on Up
I’ve moved this blog from hosted Wordpress to my own server also using Wordpress. Yes, I’m that cool and know how to do stuff.
However, due to the migration, things still look a bit wonky and will for a few days until I get time to fix them. So, please bare with me while I finish up the migration.
In the meantime, to thank you for your patience, take a look at this picture featuring a few of my favorite things. Enjoy.
<img src="http://chrisword.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/thingsilike12.jpg" border="0" alt="thingsilike12.jpg" width="400" height="562">
Working on Something New
If you’ve followed this blog for any length of time you know I tend to do a lot of different things and have done a lot of different things over the years. Film, TV, writing, photography, consulting and working with a non-profit are just some of the ways I like to spend my time and make a living.
Lately, I've been thinking of starting a new venture. It occurred to me that as I've worked for various organizations and written about and interviewed various people in the worlds of entertainment, technology and comics, I've met a lot of great people who do amazing and interesting things.
I also have come to realize that working for other people isn't always the best way to go about it. Certainly, I've worked with and for some great people over the years but if I've learned one thing working in "the business" its that ownership, in the end, is where its at.
If you create something and own it you stand a much better chance of realizing the full benefit from it both creatively and financially. If you're just a hired hand you'll never care about it as much as you will if it's your "baby."
I'm a professional and I work very hard to do the best job possible -- but at the end of the day its just a job. I don't have the personal stake in the work so consequently I'm not going to care as much as someone who conceived the idea in the first place.
So, that brings me to the latest project I've been working on. A project that I created and will have an ownership stake in. Its called <em>The Flickcast</em> and it covers the things I know and love: movies, TV, comic books, tech and all-things geek. It's a weekly podcast featuring myself and my co-hosts <a href="http://www.mattraub.com">Matt Raub</a> and <a href="http://www.christinawarren.com">Christina Warren</a>.
We will also feature guests and other people dropping by periodically to talk about various projects, movies, tv shows or other geek things that they feel passionate about. I'm really looking forward to doing this and it looks to be a lot of fun. Plus, you'll get to hear my terrific voice on a weekly basis which I know many of you have been clamoring for.
Be sure to check out <em><a href="http://www.theflickcast.com">The Flickcast</a></em> website and follow us on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/theflickcast">Twitter</a> for the latest updates. We'll also have a Facebook page soon as well so you can friend us there too. Also, feel free to throw out comments, suggestions, questions or words of encouragement as we fine tune the show over the weeks.
Greatness often takes time so we hope you'll give us a listen and follow along as we strive to achieve it.
The Start of Something Good
Today is a great day for America. A new President, a new chance to show the world we are a country worthy of the title “world leader” and the start of something good.
Here's to Barack Obama, the 44th President of the United States. Good luck Mr. President. With the state of the country after the Bush years, I think you'll need it.
<img src="http://cullrich.files.wordpress.com/2009/01/0120-barack-obama-inauguration-00.jpg" border="0" alt="0120_barack_obama_inauguration_00.JPG" width="450" height="613">
Video Friday - RIP Bettie Page
In case you don’t know who I’m talking about, here’s some video that points out the true phenomenon that was Bettie Page – who, sadly, passed away yesterday at the age of 85. Time Magazine also has some great photos and a tribute over here, so take a look. Enjoy.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j0Ynlp7sxZs&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0]
Vote
I’m not going to tell you who to vote for, (Barack Obama) but no matter what (Barack Obama) you should get out and vote today (Barack Obama). Its a historic day of change for this country and hopefully, after the dust settles (Barack Obama), we’ll be on a new path that will bring this country back to where it belongs (Barack Obama).
No matter the outcome of the election, (Barack Obama) I'm just proud to live in a country that has free elections and be part of this great Democracy. So, go out and vote your conscience (Barack Obama) and be glad you can be part of this historic time in our country's history. Is this a great country or what?
<img src="http://cullrich.files.wordpress.com/2008/11/obamaflag1.jpg" border="0" alt="obamaflag.jpg" width="472" height="312">
As always, we remember
I’m very lucky to live in a country where I’ve had the opportunity to pursue pretty much whatever dream I saw fit. To those who can no longer follow their dreams, we will not forget you.
<img src="http://cullrich.files.wordpress.com/2008/09/national-park-service-9-11-statue-of-liberty-and-wtc-fire.jpg" alt="National_Park_Service_9-11_Statue_of_Liberty_and_WTC_fire.jpg" border="0" width="350" height="265">
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">
So Long Bozo
Even though I didn’t always like clowns as a kid, Bozo was still funny and made my laugh. That’s all you really need to say about a clown, isn’t it?
Rest in piece Bozo.
<img src="http://cullrich.files.wordpress.com/2008/07/bozo.jpg" alt="bozo.jpg" border="0" width="229" height="298">
Me, Me, Me
Yes, its all about me. But seriously folks, this has been a very interesting week. I’ve met a lot of great people, been told my work both sucks and is brilliant and found a great artist I’m going to work with. So, as I said, a very interesting week indeed.
I also went to Book Expo America last weekend here in LA and I just have to say, I was a bit disappointed. Maybe I didn't look around enough or spend enough time there, but it seemed like it wasn't really the show for me. If I was a guy who owned a book store and was looking to buy books to fill it up, then it would have been a great show for me.
As I was just a lowly writer looking to meet some people (particularly in comics and graphic novel publishing) I was sorta out of luck. The few places that were there had booths staffed by people I already knew or featured companies where I already knew someone higher up the chain than the guy in the booth. So, from a practical "networking" standpoint, not much incentive to chat them up.
I did talk to a few people and they were cool. Still, I got the sense from some of them that even they were not exactly sure why they were there. Really, I think most people in comics and graphic novel publishing are just looking ahead to San Diego Comic-Con anyway. I know I am. That's going to be a blast as usual.
In other Con news, I will most-likely be in Chicago for Wizard World later this month with ComicMix Managing Editor Rick Marshall, Editor-In-Chief Mike Gold and some of the other gang. That should be fun, especially as I've never been to Chicago before (I know) and am going to stay a few extra days to check out the city, eat the food and generally get into some trouble.
I'm really looking forward to that trip. If you happen to be in Chicago during that time, be sure to say "hello."
Oh, before I forget, what would a post about me be without some links to my recent work? Here you go:
The latest <em>BSG Weekly</em> at <a href="http://www.comicmix.com/news/2008/06/03/battlestar-galactica-interview-mark-verheiden-on-adamas-motives-and-cylon-babies/">ComicMix</a>
My latest interview with Dark Horse Comics Editor/Writer Scott Allie at <a href="http://www.comicmix.com/news/2008/06/03/interview-scott-allie-on-pitching-comics-myspace-and-the-digital-medium/">ComicMix</a>
And, here's a photo I took last year that I still really like -- which isn't always the case. Happy weekend.
<img src="http://cullrich.files.wordpress.com/2008/06/raindrops.jpg" alt="raindrops.jpg" border="0" width="425" height="256">
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>.