In a better world, Marvel's staff and talent would be walking on their contracts en masse to remind their white collar masters whose work is really bringing in the money for all parties concerned. And readers everywhere would be spending their own hard earned money on the products of other companies. Here are some suggestions of finer things for comic book fans to be checking out.
My friend Von Allan is re-releasing his two-part graphic novel series Stargazer for digital download via graphic.ly. Book 1 (which I reviewed here) is FREE. Book 2 (which I reviewed here) is 99 cents. As original as this story is, you have no earthly excuse for missing out on such a great deal. While I hate most things in general, I love small press, especially when it's friends doing the small pressing.
Chris Harden, better known as the indomitable Fro, has a new video out for his soon to be classic hit, "Air Guitar Song". I reviewed the Fro graphic novel here. Basically, it's about using good vibes to right bad wrongs. If you like the tune, like how Chris brings the Fro to reality, you really should hunt down his book to see where it all began.
Thomas Hall and Daniel Bradford, the components behind Blacklist Studio, are finally collecting their Robot 13 mini into a trade. Robot 13 really is one of the better indie books of recent years, just a very fun premise. However, they are doing the collection through kickstarter, which I have strong feelings against. Let's be honest about what kickstarter is- nothing less than begging for funds. In light of the times I suppose it's an understandable setup, though I have objections to such a good read having to resort to such methods. So as team Blacklist ready their second Robot 13 mini-series, feel free to scope out and pitch in towards the pending trade package.
And Ian Shires and the gang at the Self-Publishers Association have some good news to share. They've revamped and relaunched their main website, though I wish they'd further consolidate their many activities. They are also responsible for Dimestore Productions and the Small Press Idol, as well as SP! Nexus, the short lived e-zine for which I contributed to heavily before. If the editor had not completely and royally screwed over a number of people, I would still be there, happily reviewing and interviewing. Regardless, Shires and company look to have things back on track again, and the new site even offers a wiki for self-publishers and small press outfits which I do look forward to personally fleshing out in time to come. If anything, this is the closest thing to a legitimate union for small press comic book creators I have ever encountered, and I invite all to check out their resources and network.
19 February 2012
17 February 2012
John Severin
A raise of the snifter to the memory of John Severin.
Rest in peace, sir.
December 26, 1921 – February 12, 2012
13 February 2012
more thoughts on Marvel
After this revelation, I believe that anyone who accepts payment from Marvel is essentially collecting blood money. Don't hate the player, hate the game? Neither the game or the company would exist if not for the utter stupidity of their respective enablers. Marvel executives are looting from producers such as Gary Friedrich.
But since Gary is being made an example of, by Marvel and I'm sure parent company Disney, I applaud Steve Niles for this attempt at last minute aid. I think it would be royally phenomenal if along with this, Marvel talent and staff were to walk on their respective gigs in solidarity. Now don't get me wrong- I grew up on these characters, and I like the work of too many of Marvel's creative persons past and present. But business is business and business is getting nastier and nastier. And there is just no reason to believe that this litigation is not a preamble. Of course, for every paying position in mainstream comics there are easily thousands of dreamers hoping to get their foot in the door. Would a massive strike really have any tangible effect? Maybe, if Marvel's roster were to actually show some balls (and some heart) then we might find out.
But here's another suggestion-
One of his last projects, Friedrich wrote the nice Bombast solo story for the Kirbyverse from Topps Comics back in the 90's. The one that cameoed Erik Larsen's Dragon character (and thereby incidentally laid the groundwork for the later Martian crossover between Topps and Image). It really was a fun story. Now, seeing as how Dynamite is bringing back and uniting a number of Kirby-creations (including the Secret City books from the Kirbyverse), why not throw Friedrich a bone and let him script some more Kirby? He could use the money, Dynamite Powers That Be, and I'm certain many readers would be drawn to his work in this.
But Marvel? Shame, shame, shame you rotten bastards.
But since Gary is being made an example of, by Marvel and I'm sure parent company Disney, I applaud Steve Niles for this attempt at last minute aid. I think it would be royally phenomenal if along with this, Marvel talent and staff were to walk on their respective gigs in solidarity. Now don't get me wrong- I grew up on these characters, and I like the work of too many of Marvel's creative persons past and present. But business is business and business is getting nastier and nastier. And there is just no reason to believe that this litigation is not a preamble. Of course, for every paying position in mainstream comics there are easily thousands of dreamers hoping to get their foot in the door. Would a massive strike really have any tangible effect? Maybe, if Marvel's roster were to actually show some balls (and some heart) then we might find out.
But here's another suggestion-
One of his last projects, Friedrich wrote the nice Bombast solo story for the Kirbyverse from Topps Comics back in the 90's. The one that cameoed Erik Larsen's Dragon character (and thereby incidentally laid the groundwork for the later Martian crossover between Topps and Image). It really was a fun story. Now, seeing as how Dynamite is bringing back and uniting a number of Kirby-creations (including the Secret City books from the Kirbyverse), why not throw Friedrich a bone and let him script some more Kirby? He could use the money, Dynamite Powers That Be, and I'm certain many readers would be drawn to his work in this.
But Marvel? Shame, shame, shame you rotten bastards.
07 February 2012
Boycott Marvel Boycott Marvel Boycott Marvel
I just came across this petition, and I strongly urge any and all readers of this blog to take the 23 seconds necessary to sign. Why?
Because Jack the king Kirby, the legendary artist and writer and editor and creator of dozens of Marvel's largest and most recognizable properties, is still getting the shaft from the House of Ideas. Though paid but a pittance per page throughout the many decades of hard work and innovation, he nor his family never saw their fair share of the estimated billions generated from his ideas.
This is an industry, sure. But it is a creative industry.
As such, if the finest of the lot can be so abused and neglected, what hope do the little guys trying to break into the biz ever have of not being dumped on by talentless corporate masters? I say, in full agreement with the author of this petition, that Marvel Entertainment should be openly boycotted in every conceivable manner until respect is paid by them and their mouse-eared whip-crackers. No more funny books. No more movies. Nothing. Your money is going to those who make zillions more than you ever will and who evidently do not (have not and will not) share your sympathies- the same sort of persons whom Dylan Ratigan wrote about in his excellent book, 'Greedy Bastards'. The very same execs who not too long ago publicly admitted to raising cover prices not for cost, but because they knew their readership would be dumb enough to cough up the extra change regardless.
(and you really should be spending that money on small press anyway, ya know...)
Because Jack the king Kirby, the legendary artist and writer and editor and creator of dozens of Marvel's largest and most recognizable properties, is still getting the shaft from the House of Ideas. Though paid but a pittance per page throughout the many decades of hard work and innovation, he nor his family never saw their fair share of the estimated billions generated from his ideas.
This is an industry, sure. But it is a creative industry.
As such, if the finest of the lot can be so abused and neglected, what hope do the little guys trying to break into the biz ever have of not being dumped on by talentless corporate masters? I say, in full agreement with the author of this petition, that Marvel Entertainment should be openly boycotted in every conceivable manner until respect is paid by them and their mouse-eared whip-crackers. No more funny books. No more movies. Nothing. Your money is going to those who make zillions more than you ever will and who evidently do not (have not and will not) share your sympathies- the same sort of persons whom Dylan Ratigan wrote about in his excellent book, 'Greedy Bastards'. The very same execs who not too long ago publicly admitted to raising cover prices not for cost, but because they knew their readership would be dumb enough to cough up the extra change regardless.
(and you really should be spending that money on small press anyway, ya know...)
04 February 2012
defensive positions!
After being computer-less since May of 2010, I now have a new laptop. The fact that I have at least maintained this blog should provide some testament to my industriousness. Which is well and good, as finding any kind of real work has been an ongoing nightmare. But I am one who is always looking for work, regardless of circumstances. So maybe now I can again be sniffing about for paying writing gigs. Presuming the work itself has some value about it. Please send suggestions hereabouts.
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