Saturday, May 31, 2008

Pics from the Road

Here are some shots from the film adaptation of Cormac McCarthy's The Road. It's Stars Viggo Mortensen, Charlize Theron, and Kodi Smit-McPhee as the boy. It will be released this November.








I think Viggo is a good choice for the the father and the images look appropriately grim enough. The Road is about love, and it's about survival, but don't call it post-apocalyptic sci-fi because the masses would never enjoy anything like that.


-Swinebread

Friday, May 30, 2008

My New Comics


This week’s best cover is The Astounding Wolf-Man #6.


Shadowpact #25, DC Comics. The last issue.

Northlanders #6, DC Comics/Vertigo.

Star Trek: Year Four: The Enterprise Experiment #2, IDW.

1985 #1, Marvel Comics. I remember reading comics in 1985, that’s why I picked this up.

Army of Darkness/Xena #3, Dynamite Entertainment.

Salem: Queen of Thorns #1, Boom Studios.

The Astounding Wolf-Man #6, Image.

She-Hulk #29, Marvel Comics.


Trade Paperbacks
Heartburst King in Hell. Rick Veitch’s Sci-Fi graphic novel.

The Savage Sword of Conan Volume #3, Dark Horse Comics.


-Swinebread

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Favorite Martians

Last Sunday, I watched coverage of the Phoenix land on Mars. I’m happy that it landed safely and that the mission has been such a success so far. It was fun to see the crew get so excited by the whole process. The Phoenix also made me think that if we’re going to waste billions of tax dollars, it should be “wasted” on exploring our solar system not on a stupid war like the Iraq debacle.

All this info about the new Mars mission also got me thinking about my favorite Martians from fiction, comics, and film. Too bad Mars is a dead planet.


Marvin the Martian

This soft-spoken alien packs a big disintegrating punch. He’s the first Martian I remember and he’s one of the funniest Looney Tunes ever IMO. What’s even more fantabulous is that he’s on the official mission patch for the Mars Rovers.
This is Marvin's best appearance in the famous cartoon Duck Doddgers in the 24th and ½ Century:


And just because Marvin is so cool here’s his first appearance in Haredevil Hare from 1948:



War of the Worlds Martians

H.G. Wells created something both exciting and shocking with his WotW Martians. Every alien invasion and sci-fi horror story ever written owes so much to these grotesque blobs that pilot tripod death machines. Regardless of whether they’re plausible or not they’re still very scary and have shown up and been reinvented numerous times. You just gotta’ love ‘em.

The High Overlord and Skar

In 1973, Marvel Comics published a post-apocalyptic series in the pages Amazing Adventures. In this title, the Martians from H.G. Wells’ War of the Worlds came rushing back to earth and conquered our planet in the year 2001 and this time they inoculated themselves against the our planet's microbes. Almost two decades later, the earth is much transformed by the invaders into an almost Barsoom-like place and a hero, Killraven, rises to battle these Martian conquers. His most fearsome reoccurring enemies were Skar, a cyborg assassin, and the High Overlord, a Martian that had his alien body modified to fit inside bipedal suit of armor. They’re wild and wacky, but these two sci-fi evildoers are great pulpy villains none-the-less.

Mars Attacks Martians

I’m much too young to remember the Trading Cards but the movie was a real hoot. These gross looking Martians almost conquered the world using every trick known to the atomic horror genre. These little nasties are a great antidote to “serious” invasion monsters from films like Independence Day. It was almost a relief when they blew up the federal government. Too bad they couldn’t withstand Slim Whitman.



Dejah Thoris

This Red Martian hottie hails from Edgar Rice Burroughs’ Barsoom and makes the grade because of her wild adventures with John Carter, her regal rule of the city state of Helium, and her lack of clothes. Sword and Planet has never seen anything better.


Martian Manhunter

I’d never been particularly interested in J’onn J’onzz until I read The New Frontier and watched Justice League: The New Frontier animated movie. I’m finding his desire to understand humanity and his alien nature fascinating. He’s kinda’ like half Spock and half Klaatu with superpowers.
J’onn J’onzz with the Kents at Xmas:



Martian Chronicles Martians


The introspective and telepathic aliens of Ray Bradbury’s Martians Chronicles are eerie and haunting. They turn the invasion scenario on its head by being the victims of Human colonization (in a metaphor of western frontier migration). They are not particularly malevolent like other Martians and are unable to deal with the threat the Human setters represent. Ultimately, they pass away except for a few ghosts and their cities are the ruins that the humans build a new Mars based culture upon.

Here's a scene from the 1979 TV adatption of The Martian Chronicles. (The TV show was OK but it is dated)



-Swinebread

Tuesday, May 27, 2008



I just finished the season 2 finale of the Tudors. I hope it's not a surprise if I say Ann lost her head. Great scripts, great actors, great sets, great costumes, great show. What more could you want?

Monday, May 26, 2008

Memorial Day



There actually was a comic book story about the 1983 Beirut barracks bombing in Lebanon. It was told in issue #7 of Semper Fi'. I liked this particular comic series because it didn't sugarcoat the Marines wartime experiences and because Semper Fi' told a story about an event that happened in my living memory.

There were so many lessons that were learned from this act of terrorism, but sadly they were all forgotten in the current climate.

When it comes down it, you have to remember that no matter the war or military action, there are families that didn't have a son or daughter, husband or wife, or mother or father come home. That's a powerful thought. Everyday should be Memorial Day.


-Swinebread

Sunday, May 25, 2008

Chimps in Space & Terminators in the Future



Well this was totally off my radar. I might be too busy in July to see Space Chimps but dam, I do loves me some monkeys. I think I see a few nods to the POTA movies in those costumes... and ah... to Evel Knievel as well.

trailer:


________________________________________________



Terminator Salvation: The Future Begins is now in production with a release set for May 22, 2009. The official site has it's first blog post up:
We’ve officially started principal photography on Terminator Salvation: The Future Begins. Like you guys, I’ve been a long-time fan of the series and I understand your passion for the Terminator movies -- and it’s my full intention to deliver a film that lives up to the previous three installments. I’ve spent time with James Cameron, spoken to Arnold Schwarzenegger, gone over the story with Jonah Nolan, and enlisted Stan Winston.

Everything we’re shooting is designed to be tactile and real, you’ll be seeing a whole set of inspired designs you’ve never seen before, and best of all you’ll finally get to see some of the post-judgment day future that was only hinted at in the previous movies.

John Connor will be pushed to the brink. And for me, Christian Bale embodies Connor’s strength and tenacity perfectly. And after visiting Sam Worthington on the set of Avatar, I know he’s perfect for his role.

As you know, Anton Yelchin is playing Kyle Reese, and his prep has been unbelievable. The guy's been watching all three Terminators incessantly and he’s definitely going to capture the essence of the character Michael Biehn created in Cameron’s first film.

We started principal photography with a sequence at Griffith Observatory. I've already seen a cut of it -- Anton and Sam are excellent. I’ll have more on that soon, and can’t wait to share some of what we’re doing with you all. Stay tuned for more.

McG


With this new film and the TV show, the terminator franchise is on a role.


-Swinebread

Saturday, May 24, 2008

Indy Furthers His Adventures



I don't think I'm going to be able to see Indy 4 this weekend. Maybe I can get to it on Monday. Dean Wormer has a nice review here


I picked up a few issues of the Further Adventures of Indiana Jones comics way back in early '80s. This is the first issue I bought #7. The Marvel Jones comics don't get much respect but they're fun in a pulpy kinda way. I regret not picking up more, but back then I was all about the superheroes and a kid's budget only goes so far. I'm hearing good things about the new Dark Horse Indy Comics though.


-Swinebread

Thursday, May 22, 2008

My New Comics


This week’s best cover is Amazing Spiderman #560.


War is Hell: First Flight of the Phantom Eagle #3, Marvel Comics.

Brothers In Arms #1, Dynamite Entertainment. WWII Action.

Star Trek: Assignment Earth #1, IDW. Gary 7 is back.

The End League #3, Dark Horse Comics.

Amazing Spiderman #560, Marvel Comics. I got this for one reason, the cover.

Fall of Cthulhu #12, Boom Studios. Boy, is this late.

Magazine
Alter Ego #76, TwoMorrows Publishing. This issue has been out for awhile but it has a nice interview with Joe Simon.


-Swinebread

Cap's Gonna Fight the Nazis



Captain America’s movie will be set during WWII. This is a good first sign the character will be handled correctly. The wartime experience is so central to who Steve Rogers is that it’s just gotta be there. Obviously Cappy will need to be frozen at the end of they story so he can link up with his new buddies in the Avengers film that’s coming down the pike. (see here)

I like Cap a lot and I was pretty pissed when Marvel killed him off even though I wasn’t reading any current storylines. People like to say he’s simply a “boy scout” and not relevant anymore but I got a sneaky suspicion that folks will be pretty surprised how engaging Cap can be when his movie arrives. IMO, Captain America is a symbol of possibly and an avatar how a moral person really acts when faced with tough situations. I think we all could use a strong dose of the constructive/responsible patriotism that Steve Rogers represents… as long as it’s exciting and interesting of course. Plus, he’s cool because he was punching Hitler in the face way before the US got into WWII. He’s not behind the times, Cap’s ahead of the curve.

So we’ll get Iron Man 2, Thor, and Captain America, and then an Avengers movie. If the Hulk reboot is successful I’m sure they’ll throw him into the mix. Antman’s been kind of put on the back burner so maybe they just introduce him in the Avenger film.

On a side note, I've always thought Captain America would be the best lover for Wonder Woman if she were in a "straight" relationship. Too bad they're in separate universes.


-Swinebread

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

So I’ve narrowed the choices down to these 5 for the best made up dialog:

"Hi, we're from the Hillary Clinton campaign squad..." - Moody

"Woo-HOO! I'm the first to the ovum! I'm gonna fertilize the...Oh, [expletive]! It's Contraceptive Man!" - Moody

"We took a left at Albuquerque, didn't we..." - Eaglewing

"Damn! This is the computer and brain-surgery choking fantasy room. Where the heck is the gay sex room?" - Overdroid

"Don't worry! The ambiguously gay trio will save you!" - Overdroid




-Swinebread

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

The Oregonian's New Supervillain Team



I was reading an editorial about Bush's very clumsy use of the Nazis in a speech (Don't know much about history) when I came across these paragraphs:

"Some seem to believe we should negotiate with terrorists and radicals, as if some ingenious argument will persuade them they have been wrong all along," the president declared. "We have heard this foolish delusion before. As Nazi tanks crossed into Poland in 1939, an American senator declared: 'Lord, if only I could have talked to Hitler, all of this might have been avoided.' We have an obligation to call this what it is -- the false comfort of appeasement." [Bush]

Perhaps the president and his speechwriters thought Israelis would welcome the analogy to the terrible era that led directly to the founding of the Jewish state. But more likely, he wanted to talk tough at the expense of some domestic critics.

Sadly, his misguided comments have bolstered the impression that he has little understanding of the differences among Adolf Hitler, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Attila the Hun, Professor Moriarty and the Joker.


Gathered together from remote corners of history and fiction... THE OREGONIAN SUPERVILLAIN LEAGUE!


-Swinebread

Sunday, May 18, 2008

Random Comic Panel



Final splash page from Planet Comics #2 by the illustrious Blackthorne Publishing.

In case you can't read the word balloon of the blond beefcake, he says: "Guys... I don't think we're in Kanas anymore."

Ahh... 80's indys

Hey, how about posting new dialog for the Beefcake's word balloon? Best comment wins… ah... I’ll have to come up with something.

Making me laugh is a plus...


-Swinebread

Quickie News Story on Stan "The Man" Lee

Stan on Iron Man and Pow Entertainment:


-Swinebread

Friday, May 16, 2008

My New Comics


This week’s best cover is Cthulhu Tales #2.


The Twelve #5, Marvel Comics. .Witness protection.

The Un-Men #10, DC Comics. Freaks is Freaks..

Army of Darkness: Home Sweet Home #9, Dynamite Entertainment. Back to the shack.

Zorro #3, Dynamite Entertainment. The origin continues.

Dead of Night #4, Marvel Comics. Memories.

Cthulhu Tales #2, Boom Studios. Steve Niles pens a story..

North Wind #5, Boom Studios. The conclusion. I almost picked this issue as best cover. More please.

All-New Iron Man Manual #1, Marvel Comics. Tony sure has a crapload of different suits

Doctor Who: Classics #6, IDW. Werewolf Doctor.

Serenity #3, Dark Horse Comics.

The Last Defenders #3, Marvel Comics. .Man, this had a sucky cover.

Project Superpowers #3, Dynamite Entertainment.

Bat Lash #6, DC Comics. The Gun fighting conclusion!

The Walking Dead #49, Image. A child shall lead?.

Red Sonja #33, Dynamite Entertainment.

Iron Man: Legacy of Doom #2, Marvel Comics. Mogan Le Fey!.


Trade Paperbacks:
Life Sucks, First Second.


-Swinebread

Randomness



An interesting and slightly clueless (did this guy read any comics made before the 1990s?) article titled "how superhero movies made comic books cooler if not better on io9 caught my attention. Most of these changes I don't consider making comics any better but yes maybe cooler for a little while at least.

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engaging Watchmen costume design video



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Chaosium is running a new pole on their webpage's sidebar called: Which Genre would you most like to see as a Chaosium BRP setting? (See here) The choices are Fantasy, Historical Horror, Post Apocalypse, Pulp, & Science Fiction. Of course I chose Post Apocalypse. head over and make your vote count.


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Black Cat on Spectacular Spiderman this Saturday (may 17th) at 10AM on The CW. I've always liked her, so I'm glad she's getting her TV due. Black Cat takes me back to a time when I first read comics and reminds me of what I used to enjoy about the Spiderman stories. Oh and the Black costume symbiote shows up as well. What, No Secret Wars?


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Ron Perlman talks Hellboy

In all of Guillermo’s movies, the monsters are the ones who are the most human and the humans are the ones who are the most monstrous. He’s been playing in that world ever since he made his first film and that’s a theme that fascinates him for all the right reasons. And even if you don’t see it necessarily on the surface of the entertainment he is giving you, it’s there and this is why you are so stirred when watching his films for reasons that you can’t even really articulate. There’s so much there that he’s grappling with.
See full article here


-Swinebread

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Emerald City Comic Con part three


I could do some very bad things with this picture in Photoshop.



Zenescope was there representin with some of their gals. I bought the zero issue of 1001 Arabian Nights: The Adventures of Sinbad.



Here's Arthur Suydam. He's the guy that's done all those wonderful zombie covers. His line was way too long so I didn't wait around for his signature.



Another guy that had a honking huge line was Ed Brubaker. It was OK for me because I didn't have anything for this Cap-killer to sign.



I would have picked up Arcana Comics' Dead Men Tell No Tales trade but I had already ordered it through previews. They had an early release for ECCC. I forgot to get this fine fellow's name (if you know it leave a comment please) but I encouraged him to check out the Stumptown Comics Fest because Arcana Comics is a Pacific Northwest Company (based outta' Vancouver BC). I hope they show up in Portland next year!



Good Bye ECCC. I had a wonderful time and I loved the new space for the show.



We caught a rainbow on the way back to Portland. Very colorful just like the comics I enjoy so much.


-Swinebread

Emerald City Comic Con part two


A mistake on my part was not attending more panels. I paid my 20 bucks to get into ECCC and I didn’t really take advantage of it. I guess I was a little too focused on getting creators signatures. The only panel I attended was DC Nation. I really wanted to hear what Dan Didio, Executive Editor of DC Comics, sounded like. He’s supposed to be the guy that’s ruining their whole line of characters right? ☺

It was actually quite a weird experience for me if the truth were told. I’d never attended anything like this. Being in a large room where the minutia of a fictional universe is being discussed was just odd. I realized I had no idea what was going on for the most part with the DC Universe. Not a surprise as I’m not reading most of their stuff. Maybe I was also taken aback at being out geeked by most of the folks there.

As for Dan Didio, I have to say he’s a pretty charismatic guy. He’s certainly knows how smooze a crowd and he has impeccable comic timing. His timing is so good I actually think he’d make a good standup comedian or actor. So maybe I was somewhat lost during the DC Nation Panel and haven’t agreed with many of his editorial decisions but he sure made the hour spent in the room quite fun.

CBR has an excellent rundown of the event here.

If you notice this section:

Didio’s next threw out a question to the audience: “How many people picked up €DC Universe’ #0.” While 90% of the room held their hands high, Didio playfully shot back with, “Why isn’t every hand raised?”

When a fan jokingly said that he didn’t purchase the issue because it didn’t have Ambush Bug in it, Didio pointed out that Stephane Roux just completed the latest “anti-inspirational” ad which will feature the character. He said it’s an image of Ambush Bug with the word “Unvictorious” underneath it, which seemed to please the audience.


That fan was me. That’s right. I’m a huge Ambush Bug groupie, so why not get this panel discussion off and rolling with the bug. I always assumed that the DC folks, including Dan, hated the character, so why not have a little playful sniping. What was funny was that Ambush Bug got mentioned several times throughout the event. So much so, that Dan stipulated that the last question could not be about Ambush Bug. I even got up at one point and asked couple of questions just so I could mention Ambush Bug again. The first question was just something so I could sound normal but the second question was “any chance of a Jonah Hex / Ambush bug crossover?” Dan seemed to get frustrated and cried “who would want to see that?!” Kurt Busick said maybe it could be Ambush Bug’s ancestor Bush-wacked. Heh, heh.heh It would be funny though as some sort of Joke I suppose. Hey Keith Giffen You listening?


Dan went into he audience several time to coach questioners to great humorous affect. This is the gal that asked about titles for new readers because most of DC's titles are too continuity heavy and confusing.

Heidi and James Meeley

I met up with Heidi and James Meeley from Comics Fairplay at the space goat booth. We had a great conversation about many aspects of comics and blogging. Our chat was one of the most fun things I did that whole day. Now that I know they like a good microbrew, I can’t wait for an enjoyable pub conversation between us. They said they were going to try to make it to Portland for the next Free Comic Book Day. Maybe they can take a trip sooner, but either way it will be fun to have them visit the city of roses and talk comics. They also introduced me to Laura “Teagan” Gjovaag of Bloggity-Blog-Blog-Blog. She was really nice and inquired if I was an Aquaman fan since she was. I didn’t have the heart to tell her I’m more of a Sub-Mariner kinda guy. Being really angry and kicking Nazi butt is more of my thing. Oh and the pointy ears too. Gotta’ love them pointer ears.

Michael Alan Nelson

I swung by the Boom Studios booth and said hi to Michael Alan Nelson. He’s the guy that’s been writing most of the Cthulhu Comics. I told him how much a mythos horror title was needed and that Fall of Cthulhu and Cthulhu Tales fit the bill perfectly. As you can see he’s got a Mohawk now. Michael was such a straight looking guy before; the knowledge of the outer void must be affecting his mind.

Jeffery Brown

Here’s Jeffery Brown. He’s signing my copy of Big Head. Jeffrey is most known for his autobiographical comics but Big Head was a nice departure. It’s a title that’s made deceptively simplistic looking. I think it’s great because it captures the magic and imagination of childhood while at the same time expressing the angst of adulthood. Plus, it’s really funny too. I recommend it to readers whose habits cross back and forth between mainstream and indy comics.

-Swinebread

Book Meme

Rob! has tagged me. It’s the Book meme. I have to grab the nearest book, turn to page 123, locate the fifth sentence, and then post the next three sentences on my blog, and then tag five other people.

The nearest book: The Road, by Cormac McCarthy

Sentences: The Water was so clear. He held it to the light. A single bit of sediment coiling in the jar on some slow hydraulic axis.

Food and water are very important in The Road.

Was there more to this meme at some point?

Now I have to "tag" five other people whose blogs:

(if you already done this sorry)

ladybug

sanbulus

Dean Wormer

Heidi Meeley

Eaglewing


-Swinebread

Monday, May 12, 2008

Emerald City Comic Con part one




Well, I learned my lesson last time and so I’m going to post this in parts. I think my wrists will thank me for it.

Lady Bug and I drove up to Seattle in a one-day mad rush for the Emerald City Comic Con. The show has really grown by leaps and bounds and so this year’s con was in a larger venue, the Seattle convention center.

I had brought a ton of books and comics to sign but I did tell myself that maybe some of the lines might be too long and sure enough there were a few folks I didn’t have the patience queue for but there was so much going on it didn’t matter.


Here the entrance into the main showroom… kinda looks like the Superman movie’s fortress of solitude.

Bill Willingham

I lucked out when I had Bill Willingham sign my comics. For some reason there wasn’t a big line but while I standing there, with only a few folks in front of me, a huge gaggle developed. Bill’s gaggle was merging with the line for Ed Brubaker, which was creating a big mess. I took charge and said “hey, why don’t we shift this around the other way.” Bill thanked me for adjusting things and then proceeded to sign several issues of Shadowpact for me.

I asked Bill about the connection between the Villains and Vigilantes modules (Death Dual with the Destroyers and the Island of Dr. Apocalypse) and the Elementals. Basically, while he was trying to break into comics, Bill was doing art for Fantasy Games Unlimited and worked on a couple of modules. Around that time, He had created a portfolio containing generic superheroes that he sent to Comico. They liked what the saw and Bill had a new job. When he showed up at Comico’s offices, Bill asked what he was going to be working on and their response was something like “what? You’re going to work on the proposal you submitted to us.” Bill was like “oh, yeah, of course” so he took the generic superheroes and fleshed them out into the Elementals. Needing a storyline quickly, he grabbed the outline from Death Dual with the Destroyers and the Island of Dr. Apocalypse as he owed the rights to all the characters and the rest is history. Sadly, Bill says the Elementals will never be reprinted, as the guy that owns the rights to the stories is a complete jerk. Back when Image was flush with money in the ‘90s, they tried to offer the jerk a large sum for the rights, but he always kept asking for more. The Jerk has disappeared and Bill has heard he’s homeless now. Maybe he should have taken the deal.

Brandon Jerwa

Here’s the multitalented Brandon Jerwa, along with his band mate Jessica Blackshear from SD6. He’s been writing several of the BSG titles for Dynamite Entertainment. Brandon told me that they’ve had such success with the BSG season zero comic that they might extend the series. He wasn’t sure they would do a Capria comic book based on the upcoming BSG related show, but he did say that there is going to be a BSG comic with a different group of survivors. Basically, you’ll have you’ll the same cylon models but a story that’s centered on a completely different group of humans. Kinda reminds me of a Star Trek: New Frontier approach.

Brandon signed my copy of BSG Season Zero #1, which had a great photo cover of Jamie Bamber.

Since Jamie Bamber was at ECCC, I decided why not have him sign my comic as well. His line was small at one point, so I just walked up and marveled at how short and how handsome he was. I shook his hand and he had a genuine smile on his face. It was funny because I guess Jamie hadn’t seen any BSG comics before because he was very intrigued with the issue I plopped in front of him. He opened it up and looked at pages. He then said with disbelief “is that supposed to be Colonel Tigh?” pointing to a scratchily rendered image. He flipped another page and again with disbelief said, “is that supposed to be Eddy?” Remember, he’s asking these questions in a gentle British accent. He looked right at me pleading for an explanation. I just raised my hands in an “I don’t know” shrug. With that, Jamie said, shaking his head, “I love comic books” and signed the cover with his image on it.

I realized at that moment that Dynamite Entertainment had really blown it by not getting an artist for the BSG comics that could draw realistic representations of the actors. I think Jamie was actually offended that the characters and actors he’s so familiar with didn’t look as they should. In this situation, the negative stereotype of comics was reinforced because the folks at Dynamite couldn’t be bothered I guess. The stories are quite good, but most non-comics types will look at the art and dismiss the titles completely just as Jamie did.

Moving on, I asked Jamie a few more questions. He told me he has nothing lined up after BSG. He’d slightly prefer to do films to more TV but if a TV show had the same level of camaraderie as BSG came along, he’d jump at the chance. I asked what was the best part of being on BSG for him personally and he said it was working with and learning from such a great group of people. Finally, I thanked him for coming to Seattle and (because of some theater experience in my background) I told him the one thing you are supposed to say to compliment an actor. He really seemed truly touched by my expression of gratitude and I walked away feeling like I needed to talk to some women to shake off our man moment. (Oh and I’m not going to tell what I said, this is the Internet of gosh sakes, so do your own research). .

Phil Noto & Gerry Duggan

I was really eager to meet Phil Noto as I greatly enjoyed his work on Jonah Hex and his current work on The Infinite Horizon. Phil, come to find out, is a very quiet guy actually so I ended up talking to Gerry Duggan the writer for The Infinite Horizon. We discussed the apocalypse-light world of IH a little and also adapting the odyssey into a near future tale. Gerry mentioned his post-apocalyptic x-mas story The Last Christmas and I bought it from him on the spot. Santa fighting cannibals in bombed out cities? I had to have it. Lastly, I encouraged him to check out the Stumptown Comics fest in Portland. He seemed very interested in the comic creator centered event. Hopefully he’ll make the trek to Portland someday.

Rick Remender

Rick Remender and his wife Danni had just had joked about something that’s why they look kinda snarky in the photo. Maybe it’s was something about my geekiness? Heh heh. Regardless I let him know how much I was enjoying The End League and that I saw a huge improvement from issue one to issue two. I think we’re at the beginning of a very cool series. I also decided to give Rick’s XXXombies a chance too and picked up the first issue of that. Kieron Dwyer drew it so how could I not try it out?

Matt Maxwell

I came across Matt Maxwell by chance and found the cover art to his book Strangeways: Murder Moon very compelling. Matt was happy to tell me about it, basically it’s a cowboys and werewolves horror story. I threw out the term Weird West, and Matt joked that his book is listed on wikipedia under Weird West. He also, mentioned that he’s working on a new horror western and it will include vampires but it won’t be all Goth like Vampire the Masquerade. I mentioned that that’s a good idea because I’m really tired of the artsy bloodsuckers and that I prefer the monstrous type. He joked that Vampire the Masquerade was a lifestyle and not merely a game. I laughed and agreed. Needless to say, I bought his book.

Eric Powell

Here’s Eric Powell, creator of The Goon, and next him is one the Nashville Roller Derby gals that Eric has designed promotions for… That's pretty f***ing cool. I had Eric sign an issue of the goon, and the Devil Dinosaur one-shot for me.

Esteban Maroto

The fantastico Esteban Maroto, had a bunch of amazing art, including original pages from Conan the Barbarian and Savage Sword of Conan. I really wanted one, but I was afraid to ask how much they were because I would embarrass myself if I couldn’t afford any of them. I had Esteban sign my copy of The Adventures of Red Sonja trade, which reprints a story he drew. I thanked him in Spanish.

J. Michael Straczynski

The lines were too long to meet J. Michael Straczynski, except at one point but then he had to rush off to a panel discussion, so I missed out. I wanted to tell him how much I enjoyed Babylon 5 and his current comic series the Twelve. I did learn that that he’s a very tall guy though. He’s friggin' huge.

Gail Simone

I had Gail Simone sign an issue of Villains United. I’m not reading her titles so I felt bad that I had nothing to ask her. Maybe I should have found out what Marvel character Gail would like to write if she had the chance, She-Hulk maybe?

-Swinebread

Sunday, May 11, 2008

Friday, May 9, 2008

Off To Emerald City ComiCon



I'm leaving early in the morning so I'm posting my message now.

So much to see. So much to do. Plus, I gotta' drive 3 hours to get there and 3 hours back.

Regardless, I'm sure excited. ECCC here I come.


-Swinebread

My New Comics


This week’s best cover is Jonah Hex #31.


The Man with No Name #1, Dynamite Entertainment. The MGM western character now has his own comic.

The Dark Tower: The Long Road Home #3, Marvel Comics. Roland fights beyond Mid-Word.

Avengers/Invaders #1, Marvel Comics. Time Travel Hijack.

Jonah Hex #31, DC Comics. I think I like Jonah with sideburns.

Savage Tales #7, Dynamite Entertainment. Alan Quatermain in this issue.

The War that Time Forgot #1, DC Comics. Warriors from various wars, like Enemy Ace and Fire Hair, battle dinosaurs in a time lost world.

Tor #1, DC Comics. Joe Kubert’s long-lived Prehistoric hero returns.

Adolescent Radioactive Black Belt Hamsters #3, Dynamite Entertainment. More kung fu gunslinger action with funny animals.


-Swinebread