________________________________________________________________________ Visit Our Web Page! http://www.cris.com/~Xenozoid/ComicBkNet.html ------------------------------------------------------------------------ / THE \ \C O M I C/ Issue #25 This publication is brought to you \B O O K/ by the active participants of \N E T/ the international center for \ / comic book discussion, the Comic *E-Mag* Book Net. !!! Editors: Ryan Brewster Network Administration: Mike Imboden Mike Imboden Ed Dukeshire David Leblanc Bobb Waller Special thanks to our many contributors! Walter Tietjen ________________________________________________________________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------------ T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S ------------------------------------------------------------------------ [1] The Bullpen ........................... Ryan Brewster [2] CSNsider #430.......................... W. Batty & C. Biggers (Contributed by alert CBN participant David LeBlanc!) [3] Comicunications 2.6.................... Ryan Brewster [4] The 25th Hour ......................... Mike Imboden [5] Small Press Spotlight ................. Ryan Brewster [6] Top Comics - July '95 ................. David LeBlanc [7] New Comics Shipping 9/5/95 ............ Bobb Waller [8] Late Comics Report 8/25/95 ............ Andrew S. Troth (Cross-posted with permission) [9] Splash Page ........................... Various [10] Comics History Course! ................ David LeBlanc [11] CBN Growth Chart ...................... Jacob Greenberg [12] Letters to the Net .................... Various [13] Join in the Fun! [14] BBSes Linked into CBN [15] E-Mag Info ________________________________________________________________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------------ [1] The Bullpen by Ryan Brewster First of all, apologies for the lateness (by one measly day!!) of this issue... I had to make some changes I hadn't anticipated making. But excuses are pathetic, right? :) Our biggest change is our submissions policy... We no longer accept submissions from outside the Comic Book Net, unless a member of the net feels a piece is relevant enough to cross-post to the net. In other words, a piece isn't eligible unless it's been posted in one of the message bases of the Comic Book Net. :S Another change is the debut of our Small Press Spotlight. This week, we spotlight Explorer Press... upcoming spotlights include SpareTime Studios and Astro Comics. If you want your self-publishing venture spotlighted, send us some info! Either e-mail it to me at Xenozoid@cris.com, or snail-mail an info packet to Ryan Brewster, 84 Bunker Hill St., Lancaster NH, 03584. And now for something completely different... :) Conference Host (and sysop of The Daily Planet) Mike Imboden's starting to pump up some action over in our Animation conference, which hasn't been experiencing much traffic recently. Mike has also introduced, exclusively to participants in the Comic Book Net, a new Small Press mail-order service! Check out his catalog, posted each month in the Small Press conference. You can pick up all the upcoming Small Press comics for the MAXIMUM 40% off!! Mike's not making a dime with this. Long-time Comic Book Net member and conference host (of Small Press) Chris Oarr has returned after a long absence from the net! His computer was (almost literally) fried by a bolt of lightning, which left him AWOL indefinitely... Well, that's what you get when you say "Shazam!" inside the house! ("If I've told you once, I've told you a thousand times...") :) Welcome back, Chris! Ed Dukeshire, sysop of the ArKHaM AsYLuM and who recently landed a pencilling gig at Wonder Comix, got his first taste of stardom this week when he brought some of his work to a friend's variety store. Some other folks began to notice and before he knew it, he had drawn quite a crowd! Ed is illustrating a story to appear in Wonder Comix' FEVER (of which #1 has already been released) #2. The book will ship in December. Well, it has been a year since the young networks of 4ColorNet and The Comic Book Net merged to become the ComicBook Net of today, and re- elections for members of the Net Administration Team (5 members) are being talked about. The current team has done an amazing job bringing the network into its own, and I would personally like to applaud their efforts! In an independently produced television show (which is broadcast, I believe, around Baltimore, Maryland. Correct me if I'm wrong...) called Comics News, I hear that our E-Mag got plugged! I guess we're starting to establish a presence for ourselves! :) Mike Imboden's 25th Hour column makes its return this week, with a piece on Jeff Nicholson's new comic Father and Son. The latest issue of Father and Son is available at maximum discount (that's 40%) from our Small Press Catalog.... The hot thread in the Small Press conference is about Kabuki! Caliber Press' Kabuki is really starting to gain a following... grab up some back issues before they get too expensive!! The hot thread in the Movies/TV conference concerns the Nowhere Man premiere. It would seem the United Paramount Network's recent television drama is a hit, at least among the members of the Comic Book Net... Things are going slowly but surely for the clean-up effort at Laughing Coyote Press... if you missed the story last week, there was a fire at publisher Melody White's house on the 24th of August. Nobody was hurt, but some damage was sustained, and the company will be halting production for a short while, so things can get cleaned up. The copier was lost in the blaze, but their stock of minis and comics were not harmed as they had just moved them to a storage building a few months ago! (whew!) Best, --Ry Editor The Comic Book Net E-Mag Xenozoid@cris.com ________________________________________________________________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------------ [2] CSNsider #430 by W. Batty & C. Biggers This is the CSNsider from CSN #430, which will be in shops on 9/14/95. It is reproduced in its entirety with the expressed permission of COMIC SHOP NEWS! The title for the upcoming Dan Jurgens Spider-Man book is Sensational Spider-Man; it's scheduled to replace Spectacular Spider-Man on the monthly line-up once the current Scarlet Spider title change runs its course... There are two villains and four star names being bandied about in conjunction with the next Batman film; both Mr. Freeze (linked to Patrick Stewart) and Poison Ivy (linked to Demi Moore, Julia Roberts, and Sandra Bulloch) are being discussed, although we should point out that there are no scripts as yet and no contracts for any of these stars to be involved in such a film... Shi alert: Bill Tucci reportedly has other Shi/Image crossovers in the works, including a Shi/Grifter one-shot hardcover slated for late '95 release... Malibu has announced plans for a Terminator 2 series for late '95; the story will pick up shortly after the end of the T2 film, and will feature the characters from that hit film (fans with good memories will recall that Dark Horse originally published several Terminator comics years ago, until Marvel secured the rights; this is the first new Terminator series since that time)... Frank Miller supplies the art for the alternate cover for the second issue of Prophet, slated for late September release... Marvel expands into the games-inspired comics field with The Comix Zone, a four-issue miniseries based on the Sega videogame; look for it in November... Internationally acclaimed comics writer/artist Hugo Pratt died in mid-August... The Ron Marz-Darryl Banks-Terry Austin Green Lantern/Silver Surfer crossover book, pitting the two heroes against the Cyborg (from Superman) and Terrax, is slated for late November release -- and shortly after the debut of that book, a major intercompany crossover is in the works... And speaking of intercompany crossovers, the release of the Spider-Man/Batman book has been delayed for two to three weeks; look for it in late September... CSN #430 features The Last Avengers Story from Marvel Comics on the cover as well as more news and reviews. The only way to get Comic Shop News is to visit a shop that carries CSN. The publication costs the shops just a dime each and is generally free to customers. If your shop doesn't carry CSN, nag 'em until they do. After all, isn't your business and satisfaction worth a dime a week? Visit our WWW site! http://www.actwin.com/csn Ward Batty wardo@netdepot.com Cliff Biggers cliffbig@netdepot.com (c)1995 CSN, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Transmitted by . . . ...---====*David LeBlanc> ComicBkNet@AOL.COM david.leblanc@mailtrain.com RIME->5179 FIDO 1:322/518 ________________________________________________________________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------------ [3] Comicunications, by Ryan Brewster ____The Comic Book Net's Weekly News Journal____ "News & Views From The World's Greatest Industry" --------- Volume 2, Issue #6 ----- Sunday, September 3, 1995 ----------- COMIContents: 1. Industry News: * Broadway Comics Exclusive with Diamond * Canadian Super-Heroes Featured On Stamps * Spidey-Serv! * Caliber Plans Some Cool Stuff * British Cartoonist Dies * Indy Magazine Joins the Web * Milestone Ends Titles * Leonard Nimoy Appears on MSN * Vado Presents Scarlet Thunder * Superman Toy Line Featured In DC Comic * Extreme-ly Bodacious * Top Cow Launches Anthology * Fantastic Four Travels to the Future * Spider-Man Begins New Adventures * The Phoenix Arises....in the Ultraverse * Marvel Reprints Malibu Crossovers * Rust Returns 2. Editorial: * Miscellaney 3. Reviews: * Primitives * Captain America * The Batman Adventures * Wizard #50 4. Comicunications' Top 5 Rated Comics! 1. Industry News --------------------------------------------------------- Broadway Comics Exclusive With Diamond 9/5/95 - CBN Sysop (FIAWOL) Bobb Waller announced in his most recent New Comics posting that Jim Shooter's Broadway Comics has signed to be distributed exclusively through Diamond Comics Distributors. A report on Broadway Comics appeared in Comicunicatins volume 2, issue 3. Canadian Superheroes Featured On Stamps: 8/31/95 - The Canadian government announced that they will be issuing federal stamps with the images of Canadian-created superheroes on them. The flagship of the five stamp set is a Superman stamp [Editorial Comment: "Truth, Justice, and the Canadian Way!"??]. The government considers Superman applicable because Joe Shuster, the super-heroe's co-creator, was a Canadian. Spidey-Serv!: 8/31/95 - Spider-Man now has his own mailing list on the Internet. To subscribe to the list, send a message to majordomo@listserv.intellinet.com, leave the subject blank and write "subscribe spider-man your@e-mail.addrs", (without the quotes, of course) in the body of the message. Caliber Plans Some Cool Stuff: 8/31/95 - Caliber Comics has lined up a number of high-profile projects for the near future. Moebius Comics will feature material from Moebius and guest artists which will be edited by Joe Pruett. James Hudnall's ESPers (some of the original issues) will be reprinted in a full-color trade paperback collection. James Hudnall will be bringing the team back in his upcoming self-publishing venture. Wayne Van Sant will compile his entire Days of Darkness saga, first published in serialized form by Apple comics, into a trade paperback collection in October. Baker Street is slated for a return to Caliber in '96. British Cartoonist Dies: 8/30/95 - The British cartoonist Giles died very recently. The artist was famous for his Giles Family cartoons. Indy Magazine Joins the Web: 9/1/95 - Indy Magazine, the bi-monthly national print magazine that covers alternative comic books, has portions of its contents online on the World Wide Web as an E-Mag. Indy's Web site can be found at http://grove.ufl.edu/~jrm/indy.html. Milestone Ends Titles: 8/28/95 - Blood Syndicate #35 will be the final issue of the superhero team comic book, and Xombi #21 will be the final issue of that comic as well. Milestone is an imprint of DC Comics. Malibu Adapts Sega Video Game: 9/1/95 - Sega's Comix Zone video game will become a four-issue miniseries based on the popular video game. The miniseries will include hidden tips and tricks to help readers conquer the video game. Joyce Chin will be illustrating Dan Shaheen's story. Leonard Nimoy Appears On MSN: 9/1/95 - Leonard Nimoy answered questions for one hour today from 6-7pm on MicroSoft's new online service. Vado Presents Scarlet Thunder: 9/2/95 - Scarlet Thunder #1, a 16-page comic to be published in November by Amaze Ink, will feature two super-speedsters in the 1940's who begin a rivalry that will last thirty years. Red Bolt and Blue Streak's adventures will be written by Dan Vado, former scribe of DC Comics' Extreme Justice. Superman Toy Line Featured In DC Comic: 9/2/95 - A one-shot entitled Superman/Toyman #1 will be released in November from DC Comics, and will feature the first line of Superman action figures. Karl Kessel writes and Stuart Immonen illustrates. Extreme-ly Bodacious: 9/1/95 - An enemy of Extreme Comics' Glory, Diabolique casts a spell that turns all the male superheroes in the Extreme universe into women. Eric Stephenson stresses that the crossover, entitled "Extreme Babewatch", is NOT a parody. At least one major character will remain a woman forever. Top Cow Launches Anthology: 9/2/95 - Top Cow will begin a new anthology of comics entitled Ballistic Imagery. Like WildStorm's anthology, appropriately entitle WildStorms, the comic will collect short stories. Some strips included will be Heavy Space, Hell Cop and True Tales of CyberForce. Fantastic Four Travels To The Future: 9/2/95 - November sees the debut of Fantastic Four 2099. The ongoing series will be written by Karl Kesel and drawn by Rick Leonardi. Spider-Man Begins New Adventures: 9/2/95 - Beginning with November's Spider-Man Adventures #14, the comic will cease printing adaptations and instead will publish new adventures about FOX's version of Spider-Man. Very similar to Batman Adventures. The Phoenix Arises... In the Ultraverse: 9/2/95 - All Ultraverse titles shipping in November will be flip books, containing a chapter in the company's latest crossover event. Various female ultras will be encountering the latest incarnation of Marvel's Phoenix along the course of the month. Marvel Reprints Malibu Crossovers: 9/2/95 - Marvel reprints Hulk/Prime, Wolverine/Night Man and X-Men/Exiles in an 80-page giant entitled First Encounters. The three crossover titles were formerly only available for $15 a pop from American Entertainment/Entertainment This Month. Rust Returns: 8/31/95 - Rust, the series featuring the man made of liquid metal, will return to comics in 1996. Caliber Press and the creator of Rust, Steve Miller, have worked out some of the prelimenary details. Rust will appear in a one-shot in the first quarter of next year, to be written by Miller, drawn by Phillip Hester, and inked by Ande Parks. Rust has been previously published by Malibu and Now. 2. Editorial ----------------------------------------------------------- Yet another Miscellaney * BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!! Didja all catch that bit about Marvel reprinting the Ultraverse crossover books!!!??? Shall we blame Marvel, Malibu or American Entertainment/ETM for this farce? >:) If I had blown $45 to get three piddly comics, I'd demand my money back. * Exciting to see a small company like Caliber lining up such high- profile projects! Probably only a matter of time, of course, until they sign an exclusive deal with one of the distributors.... * Broadway Comics is coming in a bit late aren't they??? The glut was way back in '93.... >:) Of course, Shooter had his hands full then with a company called Defiant. I thought that was a _great_ name for a comic company... but their material was just, I guess, too _alternative_ for the time. * Many would readily offer the explaination that the glut of '93 was caused by Superman's death and subsequent resurrection... I would tend to think Image's success really had more to do with it than that. Superman's death certainly attracted a lot of attention, but Image and their dozens of wannabes (remember "Dagger"? I'm still kinda frustrated that Len Strazewski's Drone series never got off the ground...) are what kept the speculators around. And you can't blame the publishers... well, some you can. Marvel over- expanded waaaaay too much. And Malibu just came out of the gate way too fast with too many Ultraverse titles. I miss Dinosaurs for Hire. But the overeager speculators who bought thousands of copies of one title were the ones who placed the orders... and what are the companies supposed to do? Say "No, no, we can't print that many or the book won't be collectible!"?? Of _course_ not! Marvel doesn't make ANY money when the local dealer sells Generation X #1 for ten bucks! They made money when the guy bought the book from _them_ for _three_ bucks!! Well, I guess what it comes down to, is that the glut was somewhat exciting... but it's also _over_. So NOW, you can go through those old '93 Previews and Advance Comics mags and look for some projects that look interesting, and then go and pick 'em up at a flea market (or a comic book store, or a yard sale, or in a comics buy/sell bulletin board/Internet conference, or...) for a quarter each!! * We the fans of the comic book industry are now in possibly the most powerful position that we could be in! That's right... even during this "recession" in the industry, we have the _power_! We can dictate which comics we want to see print... if you sense garbage, DON'T BUY IT!! The publisher will eventually cancel it, if it's _that_ bad! Like they say, "ignore it and it'll go away...". If you see a comic you _like_, tell your friends! Since we're in such a decline, one exhuberant fan could actually make a big difference! The _problem_ with a decline such as we are in right now, is that there is a lot of great stuff that _isn't_ being supported... and there's a lot of garbage that _is_. Don't let your purchases be dictated by marketing hype! Talk to your friends, see what _they_ like. Chances are, you might too. Try a few different comics out! If you are into superheroes, try an alternative, small press comic... Into Vertigo and other "alternative" comics? Try out a good, fun superhero! You could like it! Take some chances, and don't be afraid to cut off some of the "drivel". You'll probably be able to pick up the "drivel" later for pennies on the dollar! * You know what's really starting to tick me off now? Those blasted "card inserts"!! I mean, _sure_, they're better than _polybags_... but they take it to the completely opposite extreme! They inevitably create small, annoying creases in the binding of the comic, decreasing its collectibility in the process. Why do publishers feel that they must include free cards anyway? I paid for the _comic_, not some damned promotional card insert... * It is true that Marvel has some of the best comics characters in the industry (the majority created by the late, great (emphasis on "great") Jack "King of Comics" Kirby). And it is a shame that the characters have been treated so poorly... but I do believe that in some cases, the changes are for the best. And I do believe that the overall quality in the House of Idea (oops that should be pluralized, shouldn't it? Er... _shouldn't_ it?) has come a long way since the glut. I also believe that Marvel's got a ways to go... * Well that wraps up yet another exciting miscellaney. See ya next week! Best, --Ry Editor & Sole Reporter Comicunications Newsletter 3. Reviews --------------(SPOILER WARNING)------------------------------ All Comics mailed to Comicunications for the purpose of being reviewed WILL be reviewed. Reviews are the sole opinion of Ryan Brewster and, in fact, DO reflect the opinion of this newsletter!! >;) Comics for review: Ryan Brewster c/o Comicunications 84 Bunker Hill St. Lancaster, NH 03584 --- Primitives by Steve Campbell and Larry Merrill SpareTime Studios, PO Box 2347, Poquoson, VA, 23663 Issues Reviewed: 1 & 2 32 B&W pgs. OVERALL AVERAGE: 89% (Very Good) OVERALL STORY: 90/100 pts. (Very Good/Excellent) Plot: 36/40 pts. Dialogue: 17/20 pts. Characterization: 18/20 pts. Pacing: 9/10 pts. Direction: 5/05 pts. Subplots: 5/05 pts. OVERALL ART: 88/100 pts. (Very Good) Individuality: 33/40 pts. Backgrounds: 18/20 pts. Panel Layout: 9/10 pts. Expression: 8/10 pts. Inking: 10/10 pts. Coloring: 10/10 pts. (Shading, if in B&W) The premise of Primitives is extremely intriguing, and one that is well-suited to the comics medium. There are certain parallels one can draw between Primitives and Tekno-Comix's PriMortals.... but these are purely on the surface. Let me say here and now, for all of Tekno-Comix' flash and pizazz... Primitives from SpareTime Studios is a better comic for your money. And it's 55 cents more expensive. The synopsis reads: "20,000 years ago, they were taken from Earth and transformed into the ultimate warriors to fight for a world not their own. After the war, they try to return to the world they belonged to. They find present-day Earth... a world that has been despoiled and abused by its modern inhabitants. They do not like what has happened to their home. They are going to do something about it. Join them." The synopsis doesn't do the book justice! Certainly it's not a work of literary genious, and chances are, when the "best story on the planet earth" award comes up, Primitives will not be among the first few comics mentioned... But it's a damn fine read. Primitives manages to maintain a small-press, "alternative" feel about the book without losing the mainstream audience. As such, the title could be a great way to introduce a superhero nut to other venues of entertainment (ie-small press...). Additionally, the book manages to tell a story about a group of superheroes (though I hesitate to call them that) fighting for the environment without "feeling" like Captain Planet and the Planeteers on steroids, and without sounding "preachy". (thank God. ) The artwork is quite appropriate. Again, it gives us the best of both worlds, staying relatively mainstream without losing its own independence. And the computer-shading is gorgeous. Suffice it to say that this book is certainly one worth looking into. It is published quarterly, incidentally... --- Captain America by Mark Waid and Ron Garney Marvel Comics, 387 Park Avenue South, New York, NY, 10016 Issue Reviewed: #444 OVERALL AVERAGE: 91.5% (Excellent) OVERALL STORY: 95/100 pts. (Wow!) Plot: 36/40 pts. Dialogue: 19/20 pts. Characterization: 20/20 pts. Pacing: 10/10 pts. Direction: 5/05 pts. Subplots: 5/05 pts. OVERALL ART: 88/100 pts. (Very Good) Individuality: 34/40 pts. Backgrounds: 15/20 pts. Panel Layout: 10/10 pts. Expression: 9/10 pts. Inking: 10/10 pts. Coloring: 10/10 pts. (Shading, if in B&W) Mark Waid never ceases to amaze me. With the heart-rending announcement of a 12-issue storyline that would see the downfall of one of my favorite _characters_ (Cap'n America has never been one of my favorite _books_, but I've always loved the concept... His cameo in Skrull Kill Krew, incidentally, was another example of the character's pure greatness), I sadly removed the book from my pull list. Of course, I picked up the "last" issue (which was not half bad, incidentally. But I'm not reviewing that one.), in order to "lead in" to this one. And if I had any doubts, they were no longer in my mind after reading _this_ puppy. Mark Waid brings the red-white-and-blue Avenger into greatness... and with classic Mark Waid finnesse, he manages to do this without even introducing the character until the last page. More characterization was made in this issue, in the character's _absence_, than in all the previous Captain America comics I had read (heh. A good dozen or so before I dropped it for aforementioned reasons.) combined. And the plot, though this was just one issue, is already taking interesting twists and turns, in the inimitable Mark Waid style. Garney is a competent artist. I would have looked for a little less cross-hatching and rendering, perhaps going for a bit more of a bold style. But his work is quite good and, though nothing particularly exciting, doesn't always stick to the status quo. I've enjoyed seeing Malibu's computer coloring capabilities (say that three times fast...) being taken advantage of by Marvel. I would recommend this comic to any superhero comic fan. Antihero and Grim & Gritty fans (are there any of these left?) would probably not find it entirely interesting. Nor would Chris Oarr. >;) --- The Batman Adventures by Ty Templeton, Mike Parobeck and Rick Burchett DC Comics, 1700 Broadway, New York, NY, 10019 Issue Reviewed: #36 32 Full Color pgs OVERALL AVERAGE: 95% (Excellent) OVERALL STORY: 96/100 pts. (Wow!!!) Plot: 38/40 pts. Dialogue: 19/20 pts. Characterization: 20/20 pts. Pacing: 10/10 pts. Direction: 5/05 pts. Subplots: 4/05 pts. OVERALL ART: 94/100 pts. (Excellent) Individuality: 39/40 pts. Backgrounds: 16/20 pts. Panel Layout: 10/10 pts. Expression: 9/10 pts. Inking: 10/10 pts. Coloring: 10/10 pts. (Shading, if in B&W) This book is unquestionably the best of the Batman comics. The other Bat Books are picking up, of course, but I'm not reviewing them, now am I? Using a bit of Krypto-Revision, (er... see Mark Evanier's Point of View column a few months back...?) I have decided that, for me anyhow, this is the "real" Batman. The Batman in the movies is neat. The Batman in the "regular" comics is pretty dark. The Batman in the cartoon is awesome. The Batman in this comic has the awesome-ness of the cartoon with the ultimate kewl-ness of being presented in the comics medium. Therefore, he is the "best", thus, he is "my" Batman. The plots are complex enough to be intriguing, but very easy to follow. The book is dark enough to be, y'know, _Batman_, but it's light reading, which is part of what makes this book so great. The art is gorgeous. Parobeck has been a fave of mine since his and Len Strazewski's ill-fated Justice Society of America series (don't get me started...). His is a distinct style that is easy to spot, and is highly suited to this particular book. This book is recommended to fans of the FOX TV series (which is no longer making new episodes, I believe, so fans can continue to follow "their" Batman with this comic), the superhero crowd, and perhaps even some of the lighter alternative interests out there. It has a wide appeal. --- Wizard #50 by Various Wizard Press, 151 Wells Ave., Congers, NY, 10920, WizardTGTC@aol.com Issue Reviewed: Uh, #50... About a zillion Full Collor, flashy, glossy pages. We will forego the traditional grading system for this puppy, seeing as how it isn't even really a comic book. What I _will_ say is that this is the best issue of Wizard yet. Not only does it cover its own history quite nicely (although it does blow its own horn quite a bit..), it also covers a sketchy but very interesting recap of the past couple of years in the comics industry. Wow, this industry, it is a-CHANGIN'!!! Wizard gives us a very good look at what the comics industry could be. To some, this is a good thing. To others, bad. But Wizard deserves a good solid pat on the back for promoting the industry as it does. Wizard manages to present the often unorganized, uncivilized business of comic books in an exciting, jazzy format. While so many news magazines and newsletters are targeted towards the _serious_, down'n'dirty comic collector/retailer, Wizard aims at the browsing magazine shopper, who's looking for eye candy. And it gives you that, wholesale! And it aims at the comic _fan_. The one who's in it for the _fun_ of it. Which is what comics are all about! But they've also tried something interesting by putting some _content_ in there... They have improved their price guide (although the prices may be somewhat bloated), and have enhanced the overall format of their publication for this fiftieth issue. Their articles are informative and well-presented. Despite their 1/2 issue shams and their "free" offers, Wizard fills its niche quite nicely, and I recommend that anyone who is looking for a fun read, and a lot of hype-eractive entertainment, give Wizard a try. 4. Comicunications' Top 5 Rated Comics --------------------------------- [This will eventually become a top-10 list, but I have not yet reviewed enough titles for a top-10 list to be very practical. Rankings are determined by scores I gave the comics when I reviewed them in recent issues of Comicunications. Comics become ineligible after 2 months from the review date] Rank Title/Issues Score Formerly ------------------------------------------------------------------------ #1 Collected Sam & Max: Surfin' the Highway 98 1 #2. Static #'s 23-26 (Milestone Comics) 96.5 2 #3. Bone #'s 18-20 (Cartoon Books) 95.5 3 #4. The Batman Adventures #36 95 - #5. Norm Breyfogle's Metaphysique #'s 1-3 (Bravura) 93.5 4 ________________________________________________________________________ Comicunications is TM and Copyright (c) 1995 Ryan Brewster. Distribute only in entirety. ________________________________________________________________________ Comicunications is TM and Copyright (c) 1995 Ryan Brewster. Distribute only in entirety. ________________________________________________________________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------------ [4] The 25th Hour by Mike Imboden Ahhhhhhhhh, FINALLY! Finally a new Jeff Nicholson comic! If you didn't order this after I hyped it up a few months ago, shame on you. You missed a pretty funny book. The book itself contains a few short "episodes" of Father and Son, who are Richard and Christopher Schultz respectively. (that means Father is Richard and Son is Christopher for those of you keeping score at home). Father is a workaholic product of the 80's Reagan years while Son is your stereotypical 90's, Generation X slacker. (Don't let that "X" confuse you - there are NO mutants in this title. Not really). This first issue has five, "The Seventies", "Great Jobs", "False", "A Day in the life of..." and "Richard Schultz's Complaint of the Month". "The Seventies" has Father and Son debating the merits of the 70s. Dick hates them while Chris drools at the thought of living back then. I especially liked the references to 'Scooby Doo' - Son pegs Shaggy as the first slacker; "Remember Shaggy on Scooby Doo?""He had a goatee and slacker gear even then." and there's more. It's short, but it's funny. "Great Jobs" has Father telling Son that unless he (Son) has a job by that evening he'll find his "...butt out on the front lawn!". So find a job Son does. Much to Father's dismay. The story moves along like an old Warner cartoon with Father getting more and more frustrated at what keeps happening (which I won't spoil here). Needless to say Son comes out on top in this one. "False" has Father bemoaning the state of cinematography when he sees Son watching a music video and winds up giving Son a new name for his band. "A Day in the Life of..." parallels a typical day in the life of both characters. This is quite funny and it's done with about 6 words in one word balloon. The "Complaint of the Month" is hilarious and had me laughing out loud. Nicholson is right on the money with Dick Schultz's dialogue in this one. Over the course of six panels Jeff via Father Dick examines "...how [here] in the 90's all products and concepts have to be taken to maximum saturation." If you've ever been befuddled by the various off-shoots of by ONE product you'll find yourself agreeing with ol' Dick Schultz. If you missed it you still might be able to find a copy on the racks. But in my experience Jeff's work is always under-ordered so finding a copy might be hard. Father and Son is done 100% by Jeff Nicholson except for the publishing part which is done by Kitchen Sink Press. It carries a cover price of $2.75 which is a great deal considering the fun-value per dollar you're getting. If you can't find it locally you might try; Jeff Nicholson, PO BOX 552, Carmichael, CA 95609 >>>OR<<<< call 1-800-365-SINK(7465) which is Kitchen Sink's number to get a catalog. Hell, I guess you could WRITE KSP if you wanted to; Kitchen Sink Press, 320 Riverside Drive, Northampton, MA 01060. I might even have some copies left as I bought a few extra "just in case". E-mail me as a last resort as my quantities are limited. BUT BUY IT AND READ IT. YOU WILL LAUGH AND WILL NEVER DOUBT MY WORD AGAIN. OF THIS I ASSURE YOU. M!ke (mike.imboden@f748.n109.z1.fidonet.org) ________________________________________________________________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------------ [5] Small Press Spotlight Spotlight On... EXPLORER PRESS!! Company Name:Explorer Press Address: P.O. Box 1907 Mount Airy NC 27030 Phone Number:(910)-789-3099 FAX Number:(910)-789-6005 Brief History of Our Company: Explorer Press published its first book in June, 1995 and has been quietly picking up critical acclaim and a devoted fan following ever since. Keeping its goals defined (and its expectations modest), Explorer Press believes in presenting well-written and well-drawn stories for readers of all ages and sexes who want to enjoy comics. Operated by a core group of professionals with years of experience in newspapers, advertising and yes, comic book freelancing, Explorer Press hopes to reintroduce a sense of fun to comics. Current Title: Explorers, a bi-monthly adventure series featuring the exploits of the world's foremost privately funded scientific investigation team, Xenology, Inc. Upcoming Projects: For the moment, Explorers will finish up 1995, but future plans include two other titles: Avatarr, the adventures of a former astronaut who serves as a interplanetary policeman with no memory of his past...until now; and Thacker's Revenge, a one-shot special collecting the best of the infamous exploits of Thacker Kirk, a 17-year-old boy genius trapped in a most bizarre southern town. Other Products besides comics your company is involved in: In addition to comics for the direct market, Explorer Press also publishes non- fiction books for mass market bookstore chains such as Waldenbooks and B. Dalton. The Andy Griffith Story: An Illustrated Biography was released in the summer of 1995 to a wide and receptive audience. Upcoming non-fiction books are planned and will focus on pop culture collectibles and television. Hot Writers and Illustrators working on current projects: Terry Collins and Bill Neville, but only if your definition of hot includes creators with credits such as Doc Savage, Elfquest: New Blood, The Ren and Stimpy Show, Lost In Space, Quantum Leap, The Tick: Karma Tornado, H.P. Lovecraft's Cthulhu, Anne Rice's The Witching Hour, Elfquest: Blood Of Ten Chiefs, Tiny Toon Adventures, The Man From U.N.C.L.E. and numerous others. ________________________________________________________________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------------ [6] Top 50 Comics - July '95 This list was reported by Comic Shop News based on figures from Diamond, and Capital and a cross section of comic shops. It is a combination of retailers orders and actual sales to the public. Volume Rank $ Rank 1 X-Men 44 4 2 Uncanny X-Men #324 5 3 Wolverine 92 7 4 Wolverine/Gambit: Victims #1 1 5 Spawn 33 10 6 Sovereign 7 #3 11 7 X-Force 45 12 8 Generation X 7 14 9 X-Man 6 15 10 Cable 23 18 11 Spawn:Blood Fued 2 9 12 Superman vs Aliens 3 2 13 X-Factor 114 21 14 Gen 13 #3 6 15 Spider-Man: Maximum Coinage Omega 3 16 Excalibur 89 25 17 Amazing Spider-Man 405 - 18 Superman 104 29 19 Adventures of Superman 527 31 20 Spectacular Spider-Man 227 - 21 Action Comics 713 33 22 Superman: The Man of Steel 48 34 23 X-Man 7 39 24 Nightwing 1 22 25 Wonder Woman 101 42 26 Untold Tales of Spider-Man - 27 Batman 522 45 28 Spider-man 62 47 29 Detective Comics 689 48 30 Web of Spider-Man 128 - 31 X-Files 7 17 32 WildC.A.T.s 21 27 33 Dawn 1 19 34 Incredible Hulk 433 50 35 Batman: Shadow of the Bat 42 - 36 Green lantern 66 - 37 Batman Annual 19 16 38 Lady Death:Between Heaven and Hell 4 30 39 Robin 20 - 40 Spider-Man:The lost years 2 28 41 X-men 2099 AD 24 - 42 Avengers:The Crossing 8 43 Violator/Badrock 2 37 44 Team 1:WildC.A.T.s 1 38 45 Cyberforce 15 40 46 Azreal 8 - 47 Team 7 Objective Hell 3 43 48 Venom Super Size Special 1 24 49 Spider-Man Unlimited 10 26 50 Batman:Legends of the Dark Knight 74 - Sandman Midnight Theater 13 Ruins 23 Adventures of Superman Annual 7 32 Venom: Sinner Take All 1 35 Batman/Judge Dredd: Ultimate Riddle 36 Double Edge Alpha 41 Big Guy and Rusty the Robot Boy 1 44 Star Wars:X-Wing Fighter Rogue Squadron 1 46 Team 1: Stormwatch 1 49 úúúúÄÄÄÄÍÍÍÍ*David LeBlanc> ComicBkNet@AOL.COM david.leblanc@mailtrain.com RIME->5179 FIDO 1:322/743.1 ________________________________________________________________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------------ [7] New Comics Shipping 9/5/95 Well Broadway Comics have gone exclusive with Diamond, Who's Broadway comics? (Jim Shooters' New Company.) Here is the list for books scheduled to ship the week of 9/5/95. Remember you reading mileage may vary. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Acclaim Comics: Bar Sinister #4 Convocations- Magic the Gathering Gallery Eternal Warrior #46 Ice Age- Magic the Gathering TP #1 Starslayer: The Directors Cut #8 Turok Dinosaur Hunter #37 Archie Comics: Betty #31 Hanna Barbera Presents #1 Jughead Jones Digest #98 Bantam/Doubleday/Dell Books: Blade Runner 2: The Edge of Human. . . Chaos! Comics: Lady Death in Lingerie #1 Lady Death The Reckoning TP Comic Shop News: CSN #429 Cosmic Comics: Death Race 2020 #5 Dark Horse Comics: Agents of Law #6 Ghost in the Shell #7 Predator Race War TP Star Wars: Dark Empire II TP X #18 DC Comics: Action Comics #715 Aquaman #14 Azrael #10 Babylon 5 #10 Books of Magic #18 Catwoman #26 Damage #18 Deathstroke #53 Green Arrow #102 Guy Gardner Warrior #36 Hardware #33 Invisibles #14 Lobo #21 Manhunter #12-Final Issue Millennium Fever #2 Robin #22 Sandman #72- 3 More to Go! Showcase '95 #10 Superboy Annual #2 Tank girl: The Odyssey #4 Underworld Unleashed #1 Fantagraphics Books: Little Orphan Annie 1935 Gemstone Publishin/Russ Cochran: Crime Suspenstories #13 Frontline Combat #2 Haunt of Fear #13 Hamilton Comics: Mighty Morphin Power Rangers 2nd Series #2 Uncle Scrooge Adventures #35 Walt Disney Giant #2 Harris Comics: Vengeance of Vampirella #18 Image Comics: Backlash #11 Berzerkers #1 Blood Pool #1 Bone Sourcebook #1 Deathblow #19 Glory #5 Grifter #4 Groo #10 Operation Knightstrike #3 Prophet Annual #1 Regulators #3 Spartan Warrior Spirit #2 Supreme #29 Krause Publications: Sports Cards November 1995 Marvel Comics: Spider-Man 2099 A.D. #37 Daredevil #346 Captain America #445 Force Works #17 Fantastic Four Unplugged #2 Web of Scarlet Spider #1 Spider-Man/Batman Spider-Man Adventures TPB #1 Cable #25 Uncanny X-Men #326 Generation X '95 Wolverine/Gambit: Victims #3 Ren & Stimpy #36 Conan #4 Saban's Mighty Morphin Power Rangers #1 Bizarre #2 Doctor Who #230 Hammer Horror #8 Maximum Comics: Avengelyne Swimsuit Book Battlestar Galactica #2 Law & Order #1 Motion Comics: Walt the Wildcat Slave Labor Graphics: Camping with Bigfoot #1 Slacker Comics #5 SQ Productions: Crimson Embrace-Regular Sumitek Comics: Taoland #3 Viz Communications: Maison Ikkoku Part IV #9 Manga Vizion Vol. 1 #7 Nausicaa of the Valley og the Wind Part. . . Ranma 1/2 Vol5 GN ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||Whew||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| Are you as tired reading all that as I was after typing that in???? Shoul I go back to lumping the small companies together under "Miscellaneous Comic Companies" to save the bandwidth? And is it just me or does Marvel have no idea what shipped already? See ya in 7. . . On the Spinners! bbwaller@iadfw.net is Bobb Waller Sysop of FIAWOL-BBS Dedicated to both Fandom and empowering the disABLED ________________________________________________________________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------------ [8] The Late Comics Report by Andrew S. Troth This is the Late Comics Report for the week of August 31, 1995. The three latest items on the list are enclosed in asterisks (*): three for the latest, two for the runner-up, one for third place. Ties apply the same rank to all tied items. New additions to the list are enclosed in these: < >. See below for items that have been removed since last week's list, other cancellations, and the top three late publishers. These comics are LATE: Academy Comics: Altered Realities (Jul) Acclaim Comics: Bar Sinister #4 (May) Starslayer: The Director's Cut #8 (May) Turok, Dinosaur Hunter/Shaman's Tears #1 (Apr) Turok, Dinosaur Hunter/Shaman's Tears #2 (May) Turok, Dinosaur Hunter/Shaman's Tears #3 (Jun) Alaffinity: **Greymatter #9 (Dec '94)** Antarctic Press: Aria Press: Caliber Press: Comico: Elementals: Ghost of a Chance GN (Jul) Cosmic Comics: Crusade Comics: Dancing Elephant Press: Kane #10 (Jul) Dark Horse Comics: Agents of Law #6 (Aug 8) Edgar Rice Burroughs' Tarzan vs. Predator #1 (Jul 4) Edgar Rice Burroughs' Tarzan vs. Predator #2 (Aug 15) Star Wars: River of Chaos #3 (Aug 1) DC Comics: Star Trek: The Next Generation Special #3 (Aug 22) Tank Girl: The Odyssey #4 (Jul 18) Double Diamond Press: Dramenon Studios: Drawn & Quarterly: Event Comics: Exhibit A Press: Fantagraphics Books: Big Mouth #5 (Jun) Crap #8 (Jul) Human Diastrophism UK Edition (Jan) Little Nemo Volume 2 SC (Apr) Little Orphan Annie 1935 (Jul) Most Important Thing and Other Stories (May) Savage Love #2 (Mar) Wit and Wisdom of Mr. Natural TPB (Jun) Genesis West Publications: Last of the Viking Heroes: Nidhogger Lives HC (Jun) Gladstone/Disney: Donald Duck Adventures #34 (Jul) Harris Comics: Horse Press: Buzz Buzz Comics Magazine #1 (Jun) Image Comics: Badrock! #3 (May) Brigade #22 (Jul) Glory #5 (Jul) Glory TPB (Jul) Knightmare #5 (Jun) Knightmare #6 (Jul) Operation Knightstrike #3 (Jul) Pitt #10 (Jun) Prophet Annual #1 (Jul) Supreme #29 (Jun) Supreme #30 (Jul) Team Youngblood #20 (Jul) King Hell Press: Lady Luck Ltd.: Malibu Comics: ***Edge #4 (Nov '94)*** Mortal Kombat Kollection TPB (Jul) Marvel Comics: Aladdin #12 (Jul 25) Bizarre #1 (Aug 1) ClanDestine #13 (Aug 22) Doctor Who Poster Magazine #2 (Jan 31) Doctor Who Poster Magazine #3 (Mar 28) Doctor Who Poster Magazine #4 (May 30) Doctor Who Special (Aug 1) Greatest Villains of the Fantastic Four TPB (Apr 25) Little Mermaid #13 (Jul 18) Playback #1 (Jul 4) Playback #2 (Jul 25) Ren & Stimpy Special #6 (Aug 22) Ruins #2 (Jul 18) *Spider-Man Magazine #12 (Jan 17)* Spider-Man: The Lost Years #3 (Aug 22) Tales of the Marvels: Wonder Years #1 (Aug 15) Thunderstrike #24 (Jul 25) Venom-Deathrap: The Vault (May 9) Web of Spider-Man Super-Size Special #1 (Aug 15) X-Men Archives: Captain Britain #4 (Aug 22) X-Men: Magneto Returns TPB (Aug 22) Maximum Comics Press: Warchild #0 (Jul) Nightwolf Graphics: Pen & Ink Comics: RetroGrafix: Slave Labor Graphics: Spiderbaby Grafix: Stephen R. Bissette's Tyrant #4 (Apr) Stephen R. Bissette's Tyrant #5 (Jun) WaRP Graphics: Watermark: Solstice #2 (Jun) Solstice #3 (Jul) REMOVED since the last list: Alaffinity: Greymatter #10 (Jun; cancelled; to be resolicited) Black Eye Productions: Atomic City Special #1 (Jul; came out Aug 29) Caliber Press: Gabriel #1 (Jul; came out Aug 29) Kabuki: Circle of Blood #4 (Jul; came out Aug 22) Negative Burn #25 (Jul; came out Aug 22) Oz #10 (Jul; came out Aug 29) Raven Chronicles #1 (Jul; came out Aug 29) Slaughterhouse #1 (May; cancelled; will be released in a TPB) Slaughterhouse #2 (Jun; cancelled; will be released in a TPB) Slaughterhouse #3 (Jul; cancelled; will be released in a TPB) Unleashed #1 (Jun; cancelled; will be released in a TPB) DC Comics: Batman: Knightgallery (Aug 8; came out Aug 29) Egypt #3 (Aug 22; came out Aug 29) Judge Dredd: Legends of the Law #11 (Aug 22; came out Aug 29) Stuck Rubber Baby HC (Aug 22; came out Aug 29) Horse Press: THB #6 (Feb; resolicited for Nov) Image Comics: Art of Erik Larsen (Feb; cancelled) Badrock! #2 (Apr; resolicited for Nov) Bloodstrike: Assassin #2 (Jul; came out Aug 29) Brigade #21 (Jun; came out Aug 29) CyberForce/Codename StrykeForce: Opposing Forces #1 (Jul; came out Aug 29) Cyblade/Shi Special (Jul; came out Aug 29) Gen13 #4 (Jul; came out Aug 29) Newmen #16 (Jul; came out Aug 29) Savage Dragon #21 (Jul; came out Aug 29) Shaman's Tears #11 (Jul; came out Aug 29) Stormwatch #26 (Jul; came out Aug 29) Violator/Badrock #3 (Jul; came out Aug 29) Voodoo/Zealot: Skin Trade (Jul; came out Aug 29) Weapon Zero #T-2 (Jul; came out Aug 29) WildCATs #22 (Jul; came out Aug 29) Marvel Comics: Akira #34 (Aug 15; came out Aug 29) Dr. Dre: Man With a Cold, Cold Heart (Feb 28; cancelled) Green Goblin #1 (Aug 22; came out Aug 29) Hammer Horror #6 (Jul 11; came out I know not when) Hammer Horror #7 (Aug 8; came out Aug 29) Mighty Morphin Power Rangers Magazine (Jul 4; came out I know not when) Snoop Doggy Dogg: Unleashed (Feb 28; cancelled) Spider-Man #63 (Aug 22; came out Aug 29) Maximum Comics Press: Black Flag #5 (May; cancelled) Slave Labor Graphics: Destroy All Comics #3 (Jul; came out Aug 29) Dork #3 (Jul; came out Aug 29) Taliesin Press: Starchild #13 (Apr 4; cancelled and resolicited under a new title for Nov) Starchild #14 (Apr 18; ditto) Topps Comics: X-Files #8 (Aug 22; came out Aug 29) CANCELLED but never appeared on the list before: Acclaim Comics: City Knights #1 (Jun; to be resolicited) City Knights #2 (Jul) City Knights #1 (Aug) Ninjak #27 (Aug; to be resolicited) Ninjak #28 (Aug) Alaffinity: Greymatter #11 (Aug) Caliber Press: Slaughterhouse #4 (Aug; will be released in a TPB) Unleashed #2 (Aug; will be released in a TPB) Harris Comics: Hyde-25 #1 (Aug) Image Comics: Others #4 (Aug) TOP THREE late publishers, by number of late items: 1. Image Comics: 42 items 2. Marvel Comics: 30 3. Fantagraphics Books: 15 PUBLISHERS covered at present: Aardvark-Vanaheim, Abiogenesis Press, Abstract Studio, Academy Comics Ltd., Acclaim Comics, Alaffinity, Amaze Ink, Animus, Antarctic Press (not including Venus Comics), Argo Press, Aria Press, Astro Comics, Black Eye Productions, Bongo Comics, Caliber Press, Cartoon Books, Claypool Comics, Comico, Coppervale Press (formerly Taliesin Press), Cosmic Comics, CPM Comics, Crusade Comics, Dancing Elephant Press, Dark Horse Comics, DC Comics, Double Diamond Press, Dramenon Studios, Drawn & Quarterly, Dreamwalker, Eddie Campbell Comics, El Capitan, Event Comics, Exhibit A Press, Fantagraphics Books (not including Eros Comix), Fiasco Comics, Fireman Press, Genesis West Publications, Gladstone/Disney, Hanthercraft, Harris Publications, Horse Press, I Box, Image Comics, King Hell Press, Lady Luck Ltd., Malibu Comics, Mark's Giant Economy Size Comics, Marvel Comics, Maximum Comics Press, Meet Danny Ocean, Milestone Media, New England Comics Press, Nightwolf Graphics, Palliard Press, Patchwork Press, Pen & Ink Comics, Planet Lucy Press, Promethean Studios, Retro Graphix, Slave Labor Graphics, Spiderbaby Grafix, Tekno-Comix, Thinkblots Publications, Topps Comics, Viz Communications, WaRP Graphics, and Watermark. DISCLAIMERS: This is a list of comic books that have *not* arrived in stores as of the date above. When they *will* come out is anyone's guess. Only comics, hardcover and softcover graphic novels, hardcover reprint collections, and trade paperbacks are covered. I will include an additional list of newly cancelled or resolicited items when possible. If you have any information regarding any item on the list, or if you think an item on the list has come out, please contact me. Not all distributors deliver items at the same time. Depending on your retailer and your retailer's distributor, actual on-sale dates may vary. ________________________________________________________________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------------ [9] Splash Page! ----- ------ |- -||- -| | | | | | ---- | | ---- | I K E E B A | | | |------| -| |- | ------ | |----| | | |-| O M I C S | | | | --- | -----| | Advance Order Comic Service |---------| * Competitive discounts on all new comics as well as related merchandise like posters, videos, t-shirts and so forth. * No hidden costs or fees. * Weekly, bi-weekly and monthly shipping available. * Everyone gets something nifty FREE each month. * Conveniant text (ASCII) order form. * Free PREVIEWS and MEGA MARVEL. Log on to The Daily Planet BBS (301-831-8057) for more information M!ke (mike.imboden@f748.n109.z1.fidonet.org) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The Collected Sam & Max -- Surfin' the Highway "Holy S#!+!!! ... a MUST read." -Comic Book Net "I don't get it." -Johanna The Collected Sam & Max--Surfin' the Highway is replete with the wry humor, witty repartee, unabashedly antisocial behavior, and first class graphics that have earned this quirky pair of furry flatfoots a rabidly devoted following. From the pair's undercover stint as "terrifying hairy bikers" who visit a tattoo parlor to experience the timeless "ritual of primitive disfigurement," to their trigger-happy and danger-riddled quest to rid the Moon of giant cockroaches, this is a hilariously twisted, distinctively rendered, and action packed adventure with America's favorite Freelance Police. -The first time *all* the Sam & Max material has been collected into one volume. Yep we got them *all* -- all the Fishwrap, Critters, First, Comico, Epic and LucasArts stories. -One page strips for short attention spans and a cover gallery for those who can't read at all! -162 pages of Sam & Max stories and artwork--more than you can shake a delusional, psychotic white rabbit at! Includes a 32-page gallery of hypnotically dazzling color artwork! -Plus pinheaded games and activity pages to keep you busy and off the streets. The Collected Sam & Max--Surfin' the Highway, truly the only book you'll ever need. Coming this September, from your pals at Marlowe & Company. Trade Paperback - $12.95 Cloth Hardbound - $22.50 Signed, Limited Edition - $50.00 Lawrence Deneault Managing Editor, Marlowe & Company/Thunder's Mouth Press Sith Dragon =(UDIC)= ________________________________________________________________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------------ [10] Comics History Course! I thought this might be of interest so i asked for more details. Got a quick response on Email; Subj Re: Comic Book Art History at NYC's SVA Date 95-08-26 01:14:41 EDT From ASchumer To ComicBknet Here's my course description as it appears in the current SVA catalogue: 20th CENTURY COMIC BOOK ART M1348A Fri., Sept. 22-Dec.15 Class hours: 6:30pm to 9:10pm 12 sessions--2 credits--$320.00 An idiosyncratic history of comic book art will be presented in the SVA Amphitheater as a series of slide lectures that will display the art form like never before. By utilizing multiple projectors, not only will the history of the medium be conveyed, but also the sequential design of comic book art as well. Each session will be divided into two separate slide shows that relate to each other, beginning with "The Golden Age of the Superhero: Superman and Batman," and then examining the development of mainstream comic book art through the 90's. In-depth career retrospectives include: Will Eisner, Wally Wood, Harvey Kurtzman, Carmine Infantino, Joe Kubert, Jack Kirby, Steve Ditko, Jim Steranko, Neal Adams and Robert Crumb. There will be guest artist and speakers and intermittent video clips. Call (212)592-2050 for registration and further information. ARLEN SCHUMER, graphic designer; illustrator; partner, THE DYNAMIC DUO, INC. B.F.A., Rhode Island School of Design. The Dynamic Duo, creators of comic art for the advertising and editorial markets, with clients which include: Burger King, Coca-Cola, Entertainment Weekly, IBM< Kellogg's, MTV, Nickelodeon, People Magazine, Showtime, Yamaha. --------------------------------------------- Well, that's it, David...you can also refer people to that COMICS JOURNAL article as well, along with my e-mail address--and feel free to call me if you'd like @(203) 454-4518, or fax me @(203)454-3376...and thanks again for all your help! úúúúÄÄÄÄÍÍÍÍ*David LeBlanc> ComicBkNet@AOL.COM david.leblanc@mailtrain.com RIME->5179 FIDO 1:322/518 ________________________________________________________________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------------ [11] CBN Growth Chart, by Jacob Greenberg E-Mag # Date of E-Mag # of Nodes /~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~\ | 001 February 28 47 | | 002 March 14 47 | | 003 March 30 50 | | 004 April 9 50 | | 005 April 16 55 | | 006 April 25 60 | | 007 April 30 62 | | 008 May 8 61 | | 009 May 14 63 | | 010 May 22 65 | | 011 May 28 69 | | 012 June 4 74 | | 013 June 11 73 | | 014 June 18 73 | | 015 June 25 73 | | 016 July 2 73 | | 017 July 8 74 | | 018 July 18 77 | | 019 July 24 77 | | 020 July 30 76 | | 021 August 7 77 | | 022 August 13 77 | | 023 August 22 79 | \ 024 August 28 79 / ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ That's it! Go home! Jacob ________________________________________________________________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------------ [12] Letters To the Net From: e.dukeshire@genie.geis.com To: xenozoid@cris.com Hi Ryan! I gotta say, I'm really impressed with what you're accomplishing with the e-mag. It's really neat to sit there and read it when it comes in. ;) Keep up the good work! -- ed ---------- Wow, thanks, Ed! That means a lot coming from you! :) For those of you who don't know, Ed was the editor of this e-mag who got it off the ground and, really, did all the hard work. :) Best, --Ry From: 72267.3332@compuserve.com To: ComicBkNet@aol.com I've spoken or communicated electronically with most of the UV founders, and they feel the same way you do -- as do I. We're heartbroken about what happened to the Ultraverse, its characters, and, of course, its editorial and creative personnel. Most of us have gone on to other things, though. James Hudnall is about to launch a self-publishing venture. Len Strazewski is continuing his career in business journalism. Mike Barr will be writing for Dark Horse. James Robinson is about as hot as a writer can get these days. Me, I'm working on the OPPOSING FORCES crossover for Top Cow, a CYBERNARY miniseries for Wildstorm, and writing PITT for Dale Keown. I can't speak for the others, but I'm happier doing these books than I ever was working on SLUDGE or EXILES. (I'd rather not go into all of the reasons for that, but it is true.) If the Ultraverse is gone, or nearly so, feel free to mourn it. It could have been a great deal more than it became. But may I humby suggest that it might be more enjoyable to follow the new work by the people who created the UV than to grieve over a good idea gone sour. --Steve Gerber --------------- Thanks for the letter, Steve. Personally, I have two hearts about the matter. First, I feel loyal to the creators, because it was their work that got me so pumped up! But, then, I feel loyal to the Ultraverse because it was those _characters_ that got me so pumped up! :S And it would appear that some of the more basic foundations of the Ultraverse (i.e.- Ultras, Aladdin, the main characters) have gone un- changed. So I'll continue to read & maybe even enjoy the Ultraverse comics... but I will also follow the various original Founding Fathers to their new ventures. For those of you who missed it, Steve Gerber (a founding father of the Ultraverse) is replying to a "rant" I wrote in my newsletter Comicunications, called "Promises, Promises". The Ultraverse was the superhero universe that really dragged me into the world of comics. Thanks again for the letter, Steve. Best, --Ry ________________________________________________________________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------------ [13] Join in the fun! You too can enjoy the intelligent conversations and informative threads that occupy the conferences of the Comic Book Net every day! However, many people who read this e-mag aren't familiar with the Local BBS echo-mail system.... Bulletin Board Systems are scattered everywhere across the USofA, and many of them are free! Chances are, if you have a modem you have the accompanying communications software. Using the Terminal Emulation software that came with your modem, you can dial up one of the many systems linked into CBN (see the listings down a few paragraphs). Most of the boards offer all the message echoes in the Comic Book Network... there are message bases devoted to all the bigger comics publishers, as well as big Small Press and Independent message bases, not to mention sections for general (doesn't even have to be about comics!) conversation. If you are worried about long distance charges, worry no longer! Most if not all the BBS's offer a mail service from which you can download a .QWK packet of recent e-mail to read offline with a program called an offline mail reader. You can read & write messages at your leisure, and then upload your own messages & replies the next time you call your local BBS. There are many .QWK packet readers out there, for every type of computer system. They all give you a better explaination in their documentation than I can. These programs are available all over the Internet and are downloadable from most BBS's. These "mail runs" (dialing up, downloading the mail packet and uploading replies) generally take less than 5 minutes to accomplish, and at the average after-5pm/weekends/holidays long distance phone rates, that is LESS THAN 75›! See? Even less expensive than many of the commercial information services available! :) So what else can you find on free BBS systems? Theres plenty of files for specific types of computers. Some systems also offer other types of message networks ranging from general topics to specific themes like sci-fi, role playing, games, music, etc. And, let's not forget online games. Join into the many different multiplayer games, each system sports different challenges. There's nothing like becoming the most powerful being in a online adventure! And when you _do_ log on, leave a message in The Bullpen conference to ALL, and introduce yourself to us! You're guaranteed to get plenty of replies and all the help you need to join in the fun! Best, --Ry, the editor, with assists from Ed Dukeshire. ________________________________________________________________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------------ [14] BBSes Linked into CBN BBSes Linked into CBN * Last posted 25-Aug-95 16:31:48 * Posted with permission - Thanks Wayne! +----------------------------+ | The ComicBook Network !! | A message network devoted to Comic +----------------------------+ Fans, Collectors, and Professionals! ---- ---------- ------------- - Over 20 message echoes for your reading enjoyment! - Marvel Comics - DC Comics - Image Comics - Acclaim Comics - Dark Horse Comics - Small Press - Independents - Manga Comics - Comic Issues - Writers/Artists - Toys and Collectables - Cards - Back Issue Bin - Video Games - Bullpen - Fanboy - Animation - TV/Movies - Role Playing Games - Splash Page - SciFi - News, info, reviews, and general conversation with other comic book fans and professionals. - Log onto the systems, check it out and participate. We'd love to have you aboard! - Here's a quick rundown of free access BBSes already linked in! Most offer a QWK/Bluewave door to pack mail and read offline. * = New systems linked in. City St BBS Number City St BBS Number ------------- -- ------------ ------------- -- ------------ Russelville AR 501-968-3910 * Hector AR 501-284-5503 Lakeside CA 619-561-2961 Victorville CA 619-955-6445 Destin FL 904-654-9385 Ft. Walton FL 904-244-7434 Eustis FL 904-357-0355 Jacksonville FL 904-363-6347 Melbourne FL 407-253-0782 Melbourne FL 407-253-8754 Tavares FL 904-343-7272 Davenport IA 319-359-4449 Davenport IA 319-381-2906 Palatine IL 708-776-2395 Indianapolis IN 317-856-9020 La Porte IN 219-325-3655 Acushnet MA 508-995-0085 Agawam MA 413-789-6533 Freetown MA 508-763-2027 Haverhill MA 508-372-2258 New Bedford MA 508-984-1212 New Bedford MA 508-984-5321 New Bedford MA 508-994-4687 Rochester MA 508-763-5579 Shrewsbury MA 508-753-3767 S. Dartmouth MA 508-979-8930 Worcester MA 508-791-1281 Worcester MA 508-798-5647 Bishopville MD 410-352-5754 Frederick MD 301-831-8057 Frederick MD 301-698-5194 Gaithersburg MD 301-601-9731 Gaithersburg MD 301-977-0791 Mount Rainier MD 301-779-9381 * Walkersville MD 301-898-4088 Dearborn Hgts MI 313-565-8464 Kalamazoo MI 616-349-9438 Durham NC 919-286-4542 Durham NC 919-286-7738 Raliegh NC 919-833-3412 Raliegh NC 919-790-3599 * Newton NH 603-382-0338 * Hillsdale NJ 201-722-1495 * Park Ridge NJ 201-307-9225 * Saddle Brook NJ 201-368-1866 Astoria NY 718-204-0159 Poughkeepsie NY 914-485-5463 Saugerties NY 914-247-9601 Spring Valley NY 914-426-3029 West Islip NY 516-422-4225 Collinsville OK 918-371-0980 Oklahoma City OK 405-672-0615 Oklahoma City OK 405-728-7960 Cottage Grove OR 503-942-4561 Brookhaven PA 610-872-0916 * Eddystone PA 610-872-2830 Philadelphia PA 215-535-3055 * Old San Juan PR 809-721-6512 Union City TN 901-885-9647 Dallas TX 214-680-2755 Garland TX 214-494-3702 Grand Prairie TX 214-641-1136 Houston TX 713-568-0825 Irving TX 214-790-6472 Killeen TX 817-699-2254 * Missouri City TX 713-835-0965 Odessa TX 915-530-2712 Waxahachie TX 214-938-7115 Arlington VA 703-415-0134 Burlington VT 802-860-2948 Burlington VT 802-863-1591 Williston VT 802-864-7021 Longview WA 206-577-7358 Gananoque ONT 613-382-1788 * Niagara Fall ONT 905-371-0736 St.Catharine ONT 905-938-1670 * St.Catharine ONT 905-988-9698 Tecumseh ONT 519-979-4251 * Mexico City MEX 52-5-264-2994 - If you have access to internet mail, you can receive a complete listing of bbs systems linked in. Address your message to ComicBkNet@AOL.COM - Weekly "Comic Book Electronic Magazine" available on all above systems. Also available on AOL - GOTO: SCIENCE FICTION and select Science Fiction Libraries from the main menu. The files are in: ANIME, COMICS, OTHER. If you don't have an account on AOL, check the CompuServe and GEnie libraries, they're uploaded there as well. - Sysops: FREQ the latest information packet using the Magic Filename COMICS from these Fidonet systems; 1:19/37 in AR, 1:324/134 in MA, 1:109/748 in MD, 1:2201/66 in MI ________________________________________________________________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------------ [15] E-Mag Info The Comic Book Net E-Mag is published weekly by the many participants of The Comic Book Network. This is a compilation of articles and columns which were originally posted in the network's conferences or written specifically for this electronic magazine. All text contained within are copyrighted to the originating author(s). Freely distributable for noncommerical purposes only. THE CBN WEB PAGE ---------------- If you have access to the World Wide Web, please stop by and visit our web page! On our web page, you can find the latest issue of our E-Mag, as well as an annotated index of back issues. You'll also find important information on how to join the conversation in the Comic Book Net, an archive of Comic Book Net fanfic, and other neat features! The URL address is: http://www.cris.com/~Xenozoid/ComicBkNet.html LOCATING THE ISSUES ------------------- The latest issue is always available from all the systems linked into The Comic Book Network. Issues may be obtained through several online pay services as well (ie; AOL, CompuServe, GEnie). All back issues should be available at the above sites, as well as our World Wide Web page. SUBMISSIONS ----------- To submit an article, review, column, etc to our e-mag, simply post it in any Comic Book Net conference and leave me a message in the CBN: E-Mag conference giving me permission to use the article. If you cannot access the Comic Book Net, submit your news articles (no reviews accepted at this time...) to the editor: Xenozoid@cris.com. SUBSCRIPTIONS ------------- If you wish to receive these issues automatically through your internet account, please address a message to Xenozoid@cris.com to be placed on the subscription list. ________________________________________________________________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------------ - End of Issue #.. see ya next week!