Chaos Campus 7

Chaos Campus #7
Created, Written & Lettered by B. Alex Thompson
Illustrated by Daniel Fitz
Coloured by Omi Remalante Jr. & Schimerys Baal
Post-Scripting & Polish by John Ward
Published by Approbation Comics

Another Quinton Bedwell cover and issue seven of Chaos Campus: Sorority Girls Vs. Zombies opens with Brittney on the run from a pack of the undead guys. Having had a chance to at last catch their breath after the free for all of the last issue, the trio of coed vixens are en route to an apparent safehouse.

B. Alex Thompson seems hellbent on pushing this premise as far as humanly possible, with the voluptuous red-haired nympho Brittney, the level-headed (and possible budding mystic) brunette Paige, and the pink-haired little estrogen fury Jaime all surviving not only the increasing zombie outbreak, but homages to any and all horror stories that have come before. In this case, Thompson waxes some Clive Barker as the girls are used by an army unit who in turn get slaughtered all gory-like. And that certain badass slasher from the previous story line is not at all done with these young ladies, not yet. "Bites Of Sin" part one ends with something worse than just another possession. I smell some good old-fashioned sado-masochism.

The art from Fitz is alright I guess. A bit sparse in backgrounds, and while running the gamut from very expressive faces and gestures to storytelling that just comes off as a bit confused at times. Interesting POV's though, on some pages. The violence later on really could have been conducted a bit clearer, but then, I am a bastard. The total package presented itself to me as being not so much less inspired than previous issues, but mayhaps in need of some more organization, more attention to detail (like drawing only a portion of a character in a frame?). Honestly, some of these pages looked like little more than layouts, and it was kinda distracting from the awesome dialogue and groovy coloring. I know that Chaos Campus sometimes flirts with (among other things) cartoony subject matter, but visual inconsistencies is a bum deal. Not the strongest issue, but not at all a total waste either.
The overdrive of a story is still keeping everything building towards some arcane crescendo, no doubt. And the Federal Government finally becoming involved in the ugly scene does broaden the scale of what to expect.

And since I am having such a gas with my scary comic book reviews hereabouts, expect some more Hallowe'en treats this weekend (time willing!). BYOsharpened hooks on chains though.

www.chaoscampus.com

Chaos Campus 6

Chaos Campus #6
Created, Written & Lettered by B. Alex Thompson
Illustrated by Kewber Baal
Coloured by Schimerys Baal
Post-Scripting & Polish by John Ward
Published by Approbation Comics

Under the best Quinton Bedwell cover yet, issue six of Chaos Campus: Sorority Girls Vs. Zombies presents us with the second half of "Haunted Hell House". After reuniting with another group of coed survivors of the initial zombie attack on campus, the group find themselves locked inside of a house that seems both alive and more than a bit hungry. To make matters worse, Paige and Brittany have both been possessed by demons, the violent slasher Kurtis Kasey is prowling around outside (along with a rapidly growing zombie plague), and the boys in the crowd are understandably getting turned on bad by the scantily clad heroine trio.

Continuing his homage to the cult classic horror flicks we all know and generally love, B. Alex Thompson spices this iss up with references to at least five different and monolithic scary movies, and does so with tongue in cheek. This is the end of a long, long night for Jaime and the rest that began with the first issue, and it is now especially a true race to sunrise for them and their friends. And of course, in spite of a few laugh out loud funny one-liners, not everybody makes it out alive.

Baal's art is rocking here, enough to see why the name has since popped up in other Approbation books. Great page design and panel arrangements, solid inks, and a clear love for the Lovecraft ethos. Thompson expresses in his liner notes at the back of the book how important it is to write for his artists, and Baal's sweet pics here are proof positive that there must be great fun involved in the creative process behind Chaos Campus. His take on the Phantom Avri-created Kasey murderer going to town with his already bloodied chainsaw on a tentacled thing bigger than a house is alone a showdown that even some of the movies honored in the comic failed to match in explosive energy and outright fun. These are just some big, crazy scenes for any rookie artist to take a bite out of, and Baal pulls it off well.

So, the first major story arc concludes with this issue and there is now a solid enough foundation in place, but there is still a town full of zombies and god knows what else for the "Boob Crew" to survive. My Hallowe'en week reviews will continue accordingly, because this is exactly the right kind of series for the season, and exactly the kind of small press comic book that more scrutinizing readers should know about. Something for almost everyone.
And it occurred to me that fans of the also worth reading Hack/Slash comic from DDP would dig this as well. Both books being a cheesecake metafictional stab at the better horror properties of American cinema, beit theater or B-movie vids. Both books being fueled by some truly intense imaginations. Read 'em.

www.chaoscampus.com

Chaos Campus 5

Chaos Campus #5
Created, Written & Lettered by B. Alex Thompson
Illustrated by Eduardo Bazan
Coloured by Schimerys Baal
Post-Scripting & Polish by John Ward
Published by Approbation Comics

Another great cover by Quinton Bedwell, and issue five of Chaos Campus: Sorority Girls Vs. Zombies (or, part one of the two-part "Haunted Hell House") opens with the girls (Jaime, Brittany and Paige) on the run in the aftermath of the suicide of their friend JK in the previous issue. And as expected, a pack of bloodthirsty zombies are maybe three steps behind them.

Breaking into a seemingly random house desperately seeking shelter from both the undead and the gathering storm, the collegiate femme fatales shockingly run into a group of fellow survivors from the initial zombie uprising at the partnered sorority volleyball tournament from the start of this eternally epic night (or iss one, for those who've been following along). A comical debate on race relations is interrupted by the brutish Kurtis Kasey (created by the mysterious artist known only as "Phantom Avri") and his even more brutish chainsaw. Yes, this zombie story has been hijacked by a slasher badass. But before the doom and gloom looming threat of the growing legion of zombies outside can make a return appearance, an entirely new evil is thrown into the lives of the poor, exhausted, scantily clad trio of non-superpowered heroines.
And as is becoming expected with the narrative of B. Alex Thompson's Chaos Campus series the movie homages and pop culture references are peppered in like a cajun free for all. I am starting to think that Thompson is a much stronger scripter than plotter, as the stories just surge forward like a runaway train. This is not a bad thing mind you- in fact it works well for a high energy action-heavy horror tale like this. The true character, however, shows itself in the dialogue of the story's players. The witticisms can be very sharp, very dry, and very very naughty.

Bazan's crisp art continues the feel of a house style for the series, though his own claiming of the issue seems to progress as gradually as the story itself progresses, dealing adequately enough with the problems of defining acceptable layouts for the many characters in this issue's story (though I will admit the Evil Dead parody/spoof looked damn nice). I do think that if this complaint might easily apply to any of the issues I've reviewed thus far, it is still only a small one to consider. On a better note, the end effect here reminds me of the works of some of the old Cranial Implant Studios guys, artists such as Chuck Wojtkiewicz and Chris Wozniak.

This issue finishes on a harsher note than any previous of the Chaos Campus series, with multiple threats and fewer and fewer places to run and hide left. The way things are looking, readers should probably start placing bets as to who will die next in the book, panty shots or no panty shots. My own reviews for Hallow's eve week will continue regardless.

www.chaoscampus.com

North Brother Island

I want to live here.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Brother_Island

http://www.opacity.us/site100_riverside_hospital_north_brother_island.htm

Chaos Campus 4

Chaos Campus #4
Created, Written & Lettered by B. Alex Thompson
Story Assists by S. Michelle Cox
Illustrated by Michele Buscalferri
Coloured by Robert Reichert & Blake Wilkie
Post-Scripting & Polish by John Ward
Published by Approbation Comics

Under a sharp cover by Quinton Bedwell, issue four of Chaos Campus: Sorority Girls Vs. Zombies shows off a ton of characterization. The three lady-heroes of Jaime, Brittany and Paige, having survived the convenience store zombie attack and seeming self-sacrifice of new friends Em-Jay and Dre-Bob last issue, now embark on a raid of the student dorms in search of weapons and, well, survival.

With meat-hungry undeads at their backs, the girls break into the dorms, and the one-liners begin. While Jaime plays guard dog, Paige and Brittany do something with a lady zombie that I believe has never been done before, in any medium. Cod bless. B. Alex Thompson keeps the nonstop banter light and frisky as the growing weight of the overall predicament for the girls and their college community at last starts to settle on in. Retreating to their friend JK's apartment for some tech guru assistance, The girls turn on each other as yet another life is lost. And possibly one of the world's worst pick-up lines I have ever heard of. The most solid chapter yet, by far.

Buscalferri's full line art is very animated (but not "cartoony"), the forms of her characters extremely self-assured. Confident line work, and with the series staple of almost excessive "T and A" levels fully present and accounted for, this is a well-drawn comic. Even though there is a changing of the artistic guard with each new issue, there is still a loose manner of house look for the title, which if anything, makes it much easier as a reader to be pulled in to the Evil Inside. Expressive, without really going too far over the top.

This is still a fun premise, and I am still continuing my daily reviews in pseudo-celebration of the upcoming Hallow's weekend. If you want some scary comic book reading materials, then by all means- throw on something sexy and come along for the ride.

www.chaoscampus.com

Chaos Campus 3

Chaos Campus #3
Created, Written & Lettered by B. Alex Thompson
Illustrated by Leandro Tonelli, Emerson Lopes & Cary Lee Baker
Coloured by Schimerys Baal
Post-Scripting & Polish by John Ward
Published by Approbation Comics

I read the first couple of issues of Chaos Campus: Sorority Girls Vs. Zombies awhile back, and I know this is the big title from the nice folks at Approbation, but I am beginning this review block (of 5!) with iss three because I feel that this is where oh so many things really click for the already in progress book. Not to downplay the setup from the earlier story however, as zombies invading a partnered sorority volleyball tourney is clearly no laughing matter.

The sophomore slump, if you will, is dead and buried.

Mastermind B. Alex Thompson packages one mean comic and keeps the storytelling pace fast as our triad of young, lithe and lissome heroines- Jaime, Paige and Brittany- seek shelter in a convenience store. Hoping to just rest and reload before the zombie mob closes in hard, the ladies meet spoofs of not one but two pop culture pairs, every single moment of which is absolutely well-handled. Lots of comedy, lots of sexy food for thought, and of course a ton of violence. Kevin Smith and George Romero would both get a kick out of this, maybe even Camille Paglia. With all zombie fare there is quite a bit of death here as "The Friendly Neighborhood Grab-E-Mart" soon becomes a temporary blockade, but the overall mood of the book is witty enough so that morbidity is kept at a limb's length.

The art is very stylized, with Tonelli and Lopes handling the first half dozen or so pages (and Tonelli on cover duties for the iss as well) with Baker capably finishing the book. The transition is almost flawless, the two takes being close enough (and the many breasts large enough) so that I had to flip back to the credits listing as to remind myself where exactly the change even occurred. Though there is a lot of humor in Chaos Campus, this is still a horror comic and the art does not shy away from the gore necessary for such. The "T and A" is generous also, but the increasingly claustrophobic atmosphere native to all of the very best in zombie fiction is what's presented here in copious amounts. Things are looking rather grim and grimmer for the sorority girls, but the story continues on. While Thompson keeps a changing roster of talented artists busy, the consistency is refreshing. And appreciated.

This is just an all-round fun series without a doubt, and I recommend it to such a degree that yes, I will be reviewing an issue a day all this working week- to prepare us for the Hallow's Eve creeping it's scary, scary, scary way up in front of us all. You have been warned! Thusly even!

www.chaoscampus.com

Wonder Woman Day IV...

is today, October 25th, 2009!

Folks in Portland, OR and Farmington, NJ will be gathering to meet comic book professionals, score autographs, and of course, bid on some original art- with ALL proceeds going to local women's shelters and crisis lines. As in, all volunteers, from artistic contributors to the comic book stores sponsoring the event to the gals and guys behind the scene like me give their time and means for free- and because we care!

WWD4, for those who have not been regular readers of my jalopy, is all about selling artistic renditions of the empowering Wonder Woman character and raising funds (and awareness) for Domestic Violence-related support centers and networks through an annual charity auction. Anyone can be a victim of Domestic Violence. Anyone and everyone. But the cycles of abuse can be stopped, the chains broken. Education is key, and unfortunately, money is also sometimes needed even for benevolent aims such as this.

The fourth year of Wonder Woman Day, the cause is growing strong, and I am ever grateful to the grassroots nonprofit effort's founder Andy Mangels for allowing me to assist with online PR and the like. A truly great cause. Comic books and helping those who need help.

For more information:
http://www.wonderwomanmuseum.com/WWDay4/WWDay4.html

deviantART

So, I killed my account at deviantART yesterday, which is no big deal, as I only began it a week before. I had even uploaded over half a dozen old illos of mine, and in that week had garnered almost 150 page views. But honestly, I fail to see the point in the site.
In part I nixed it over my continuing need for compartmentalization, and in truth it was only an experiment anyhow, just playing out some curiosity on my part.
I am seeing in myself, a growing distaste for marketing and promotions in general, which was the killing blow, and may well have other ramifications that have yet to properly define themselves.

What is painfully self-evident about sites like deviantART (along with comicspace, digitalwebbing, etc.) is the fact that everyone there is trying to metaphorically sell their used car to everyone there. Nobody seems wise to the fact that all participants are in the same damn boat.
In the industry of funny books, there are so many daydreamers, so many creative-types who are eager and hungry to make a name for themselves in the business. I have a theory that the nature of fame is not necessarily to raise one's own status though, but to mimic the success of certain ones who have come before. Up and coming artists do not want to be like John Byrne, they want to be John Byrne drawing Days Of Future Past. I know artists working currently for the big boys who agree with this, that what they really want is to vicariously live out in vocation the epic stories they remember and love, the stories that prompted their creative leanings to begin with. I imagine this translates into other mediums as well. Musicians do not want to be the next Beatles, they want to be the Beatles, even if only subconsciously.
A big fat problem with all of this, is that far more persons wish to break into the biz than said biz has room for. The ones who successfully make a career for themselves make room for themselves. True, deep collaborative partnerships are not to be found on random chatrooms and message boards. Dialogues must be forged. Time thusly invested. People need to learn who you are and what you can do, and this must be done without sales pitches. Very very few persons get this. Large numbers of artists end their dreams on a bitter note.
DeviantART is full of folks trying desperately to sell themselves, but they are dropping the sales lines to others who are equally selling their own selves (hand in hand with the mutual and codependent-like stroking of egos). There is a huge contradiction hereabouts, a major conflict of interest. Granted, creative rookies nowadays (the ones who actually call upon the goddess named ingenuity) are made to feel as though they must market themselves. Writers must double as producers, assembling their creative teams, packaging the works, all so that publishers will even begin to look at what they have to offer. And this is a large undertaking.

But even still, too many of these creators and their right intentions are getting completely lost in the marketing itself. This becomes as vulgar as deniable fact itself when witnessing Zuda contestants in action, with the indie Dimestore Idol contestants, cbr's Comic Book Idol contestants, etc. It (read: annoying inundation) is such a thing as to increasingly offend me.

It is not at all about money, people. Stop trying to figure out how to make money off of everyone around you (especially the ones who are in the same starving artiste boat as you) and start making comic books. Study your craft, practice your craft. Like Scott McCloud said in his Understanding Comics, discern whether or not you really even have something to say at all, anything worth sharing.
This is not crass advice, not at all. It is easy to reign down on Marvel and DC, on Diamond and Wizard, on Newsarama and ComicBookResources, for their practices in freely purporting the money side of things and quest thereof. It is a business, yes. But not for everyone. It is a system, but not the system.
I wish more folks were capable of stopping to ask themselves- Why am I doing this? What do I really want of this? Where will this take me, as a person, as an artist?
Do you really want to buy into the openly biased and crooked system? Do your part in enabling these good old boy institutions? You will never be George Perez drawing Crisis, because George Perez already drew Crisis. Just as Alan Moore has already written Watchmen.

Screw marketing.
Screw the standards of the inane, of the status quo.
If you want to make comics, then make them already, only make the sort of materials that you yourself want. The means, the resources necessary, they all do exist, for those willing and able to research and literally do the work. Self-publish. Self-publish. Self-publish. At least you are telling your story, without begging or waiting for others to allow you to do such a thing. Because here in reality, there is no such damned thing as a marketing expert. No short-cuts. No success secrets. It really is all about hard work. And would you really rather work hard for the agendas and whims of others? If there is a market for what you do then trust that it will find you, instead of embarrassing yourself.

and your used car.

Youth In Asia

Youth In Asia #'s 2 & 3

Created, Written & Illustrated by John Chihak
Published by Anti-Hero Brand Press

In these issues of the continuing series from Chihak, we learn much more about the wrestler/vigilante Nash and his circle of friends.

With iss two Nash and teddy bear sidekick Agnew are on the trail of a gang of thugs who have been kidnapping children from all across Apex city. Enough of Nash's own past is inferred as to help explain the brutalities that ensue. And it is brutal. Nash spent much of his childhood alone in a mental hospital, many lives ago, so he understands well the plight of the innocent kids with the police force clueless insofar as doing anything about it. Obviously, Nash does not endear himself to the authorities, but then who has time for the niceties of red tape when lives are at stake? Needless to say, the badguys (and their car) get clobbered, the children returned to their families, and the story continues.

Iss three is a bit longer, showing Kyle (Nash's girlfriend) and her boss Grrry (who owns the comic book store as well as fronting her own punk band, and who could likely give Courtney Love a hell of a fight) and their crew in a Kevin Smith-homage, with the entire story set in a mall. One-liners and subversive background signs abound, and the mix of comics, rock, wrestling, and freebirds everywhere all present for a distinct atmosphere of anti-establishment dogmatics. Namely, putting your friends first, or at least before the sheep-inducing trends of popular culture. Grrry's little talk with Kyle's ex-boyfriend in the alley out back was the kicker for me. A tough broad with a heart of gold (and a centerfold body), what's not to love?

The art improves with each issue, the best pages being the ones with more indepth backgrounds. Chihak is a strong inker, and the more brushwork he lays down, the better the dynamism. His influences shine through especially in the expressive faces and gestures of his characters. This is a guy who studies people, studies the way they move, maybe even studies how to bring them down.

While the premise of Youth In Asia is very action-oriented, it is in fact the calmer moments where Chihak's characterization gleams strongest. Great stuff. Very independent.

http://www.antiherobrand.com

spooks

FVZA: Federal Vampire And Zombie Agency #1

Developed by Beau Flynn & Tripp Vinson
Written by David Hine
Illustrated by Roy Allan Martinez
Painted by Kinson Loh & Jerry Choo
Lettered by Richard Starkings & Jimmy Betancourt
Edited by Luis Reyes
Published by Radical

The Federal Vampire And Zombie Agency is a premise that actually began with the pseudo-legendary website, http://www.fvza.org/, created originally by Richard Dargan. The agency apparently existing since the 1800's and serving no other reason than to protect the states from vampire conquests and zombie outbreaks. Fast forward to the 1960's and the now-federal group has at last created a cure for the dual plagues, resulting in the FVZA's retirement in the mid-1970's. Keeping the chain of information alive and running is an old gentleman named Hugo Pecos, himself a longtime agent. Pecos knows the threats well enough to believe they will in fact oneday return.
The comic book picks up after the fact, incorporating Pecos and fleshing him into a three dimensional character who lays the true foundation for the series in the raising of his two grandchildren, Landra and her slightly younger brother Vidal. The children's parents having been some of the latter victims of their day, Hugo cares for the two while training them obsessively for the darker days to come.
Writer Hine is given much of a setup for his tale, but does a commendable effort in breathing originality into the nearly exhausted genres. Most notably in removing the overplayed romantic elements from the vampires of FVZA's world, thankfully returning the creatures to the confines of monstrous horror. He really seems to have put quite a bit of forethought into the very science behind both his zombies and vampires, resulting in a real world take and applied with a scope for what may well be a longer series of series. His heroine Landra Pecos is strong and focused, with much of the backstory told through her eyes.
The art, like with any other book from Radical, is beautifully rendered and digitally painted with its own variety of lushness. I was reminded of the rare times Mark Texeira paints interiors. Solid storytelling, pretty ladies to look at, and portraits of fictional evils given sharp and refined interpretations all make for a shadowy story where humanity is so easily lost that it is all the more treasured by its survivors.
This is a well-thought out comic, whose aim and scope look to me of the sort that is striving well to offer not just something a shade newer than the glut of other vampire/zombie tales out there, it offers an entertaining read, too.
The jumbo-sized first issue (with covers from both the incomparable John Bolton and Radical mainstay Clint Langley) will hit the stands next week.

http://www.radicalcomics.com/

profanity

Joe Rosen

My friend Nuno informs me that veteran comic book typographer Joe Rosen passed on a week ago. Joe had been at Marvel since before they were reborn via the superheroes of the 60's, and had a fast work ethic and a wonderfully simple style that was easy (and comforting) to recognize.
Still working steady though he was almost 90 years old, the man set a standard in ace lettering which many of today's digital letterers fail miserably to follow.

Check out some of the titles he helped bring to life over the years:

http://www.comics.org/credit/name/Joe%20Rosen/sort/chrono/?style=default&page=1

Joe Rosen
December 25, 1920 - October 12, 2009

George Tuska

George Tuska, a longtime comics vet admired by many, passed away yesterday.

Some of the first comics I remember reading (not THE first, but definitely mixed in among the Steve Ditko Captain Universe and 1960's Classics Illustrated comics) exhibited his renderings of Superman, and of Captain Marvel. When I heard the news earlier, I felt compelled to pull out some of my longboxes, looking at some books for the first time in ages. While I still believe his Superman is matched only by the works of Curt Swan, Tuska was often compared to Gene Colan in terms of iconic effect and empowerment, and rightly so.
While he is best known for his superhero illustrations, at one time or another he handled virtually every genre ever told in comic book form.
His sixty-plus year career influenced a great number of readers, and he will most certainly be missed.

Very sad day in the realm of funny books.

George Tuska
April 26, 1916 – October 15, 2009

shock-pop-terror

A great artist friend of mine has a web-strip up in the current competition at Zuda.com, and while I am not crazy about the politics of the site, I love this guy's work.
JM Ringuet, who I have interviewed before, has unleashed ShockPopTerror!

Zuda is a big deal for an increasingly large number of folks, and I do accept that. I just worry that it breeds an "all eggs in one basket" mentality. Many former participants regularly make public embarrassments of themselves throughout the online communities, begging for votes, and then disappearing completely. Like they are selling Mormonism, and once they realize you are offended at the door knocking (much less buy into the whole fairy tale bullshite) they exit stage left, as to sell their used cars elsewhen. I understand the desperation many feel with regards to breaking into the business, but a little more cordial taste of humanity and common decency really goes a long way.

My personal rant aside, JM is a cool guy. None of my take applies to him whatsoever. Multi-talented is far too simple a phrase to sum up what he has done, what he can do, what he damn well will do. He does solid, vivid work, and this comic strip is certainly a fine example. I have known and liked certain of the past contestants (hell, I know a few of the other current ones too- like the fantastic Dave Flora), but JM is falling behind in votes. Any friend of my site is invited to check out his work thereabouts at Zuda. Make up your own mind who you vote for, certainly- but read the comic and see for yourself why even a bastard like me would be sold on the premise.

As usual, the winner reportedly gets a contract with DC Entertainment [nee Comics]!

This could mean a lot to a truly good soul.

proclamation

This is a just-released Mayoral Proclamation concerning Wonder Woman Day. The third year in a row for such a document, but Mangels informs me this is a new mayor, so a continuing tradition seems in effect. Viva los progress!

wwdIV

Wonder Woman Day IV – October 25, 2009
All-Ages Events Spotlight World's Most Famous Super-Heroine and Benefit Domestic Violence Prevention-Intervention Agencies in Portland, OR and Flemington, NJ.

Portland, Oregon, October 14, 2009 — Debuting in American comic books during World War II, super-heroic star Wonder Woman is one of the most recognizable female icons in the world, thanks to almost seventy years of published adventures and a popular television series in the 1970s that became an international phenomenon. Now, for the fourth year in a row, the fictional heroine brandishes her Amazon bracelets and golden lasso as a star-spangled symbol of a charity benefit for three of Portland’s outstanding domestic violence prevention intervention agencies – Raphael House of Portland, Bradley Angle and PWCL. In recognition of Wonder Woman’s legacy and the life-saving work done by these local non-profits, Excalibur Comics in SE Portland will host Wonder Woman Day on Sunday, October 25th from noon to 6pm. The free all-ages event will include local and national artists signing comics and special edition prints, as well as a silent auction of original art contributed by more than 150 of the world's top artists. There will be costumed super-heroes on-site, raffles and prizes, rare memorabilia, and more.
Additionally, a second Wonder Woman Day benefit will take place on Sunday, October 25th, in Flemington, NJ, at Comic Fusion, as part of their “Super-Hero Weekend.” This East Coast event will benefit Safe in Hunterdon, a domestic violence shelter in New Jersey.

Some key points:
Portland's Mayor, Sam Adams, has officially declared October 25th to be "Wonder Woman Day" in the City of Roses.
Previous Wonder Woman Day events have raised a grant total of more than $69,000 to benefit survivors of domestic violence and their children.
The first Wonder Woman Day event was filmed for a half-hour documentary series, FANatical, shown on Canadian and Australian national television.
October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
Producing the event for the fourth year is best-selling author and DVD documentary director Andy Mangels, who is also the curator of the online Wonder Woman Museum, and one of the world's top experts on the famed super-heroine.
"For over sixty years, Wonder Woman has been an iconic female symbol of peace, strength, equality, and honesty,” Mangels says. “Her story has been told in the pages of comic books and books, and on television shows, and her visuals and ideals are known worldwide. For the Wonder Woman Day events, fans and the general public have an opportunity to celebrate the character and the people who create her adventures, and they have the opportunity to be heroic themselves! Incredible original artwork created by generous and talented comic book and animation artists all over the world will spotlight the 'Amazing Amazon,' all while raising money for four incredibly important charitable organizations."
Amy Williams, Director of Development for Raphael House of Portland, is thrilled to be involved in an event that appeals to such a diverse audience. "One of the most amazing things about Wonder Woman is the way that her appeal and message cross the traditional lines of generation, gender, race and class. Our vision at Raphael House is to engage this entire community in non-violent living, and being part of this event is an annual step toward realizing that vision. Wonder Woman Day is a phenomenal culmination to National Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Portland.”
Ron Bannister, the Development Director at Bradley Angle, says, “Through the creativity and philanthropic efforts of Andy Mangels, Wonder Woman Day has turned into an International Event raising more than $69,000 for nonprofit charities who help women and children fleeing domestic violence, and we can’t thank him enough for his overwhelming support and dedication.”
Stacy Korn, co-owner of Comic Fusion, in Flemington, New Jersey, is co-producing the East Coast version of the event. She says that, "We at Comic Fusion are excited about this year's Wonder Woman Day. We are so grateful to the ‘Wonderful’ artists for their generousity in their donations. There are so many awesome sketches to choose from that it is hard to figure out where to start! And if you are in the area, there are plenty of great raffle items and costumed heroes to pose for pictures with!”

Full Event Details:
Wonder Woman Day IV (Portland)
Sunday, October 25, 2009 – noon-6pm, FREE
Excalibur Comics, 2444 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland, Oregon
An ALL AGES celebration and benefit for domestic violence prevention-intervention agencies! Proceeds of the event will benefit Raphael House of Portland, Bradley Angle and Portland Women's Crisis Line.
Wonder Woman Day IV (New Jersey)
Sunday, October 25, 2009 – noon-5pm, FREE
Comic Fusion, 42 Main St., Flemington, New Jersey
Proceeds of the event will benefit Safe In Hunterdon of Hunterdon County, New Jersey.

PORTLAND SPECIAL GUESTS SIGNING:
Guests will have special prints to sign, given away free!
Gilbert Hernandez (noon-6pm, Love & Rockets, Luba, Palomar)!
Jaime Hernandez (noon-6pm, Love & Rockets, Penny Century, Locas)!
Paul Gulacy (noon-3pm, Batman, Catwoman, 007, Master of Kung Fu)
Anne Timmons (noon-3pm, Go Girl!, Graphic Classics, Star Trek)!
Steve Dorris (noon-3pm, live caricatures of attendees as superheroes)!
Gail Simone (3-6pm, Wonder Woman, Birds of Prey, Welcome To Tranquility)!
Aaron Lopresti (3-6pm, Wonder Woman, Spider-Man, Excalibur)!
Ron Randall (3-6pm, Wonder Woman, Supergirl, Star Wars, Trekker)!
NEW JERSEY SPECIAL GUESTS SIGNING:
Appearing at various times on Saturday and Sunday!
Joe Sinnott, Chris Muller, Ken Haeser, Rob Kramer, and Buz Hasson

SILENT ART AUCTION:
Over 180 artists from the comic book, newspaper comic strip, animation, and fine art worlds have donated original art depicting Wonder Woman for this event. All original art will be on display at the Wonder Woman Museum website until the event. The Silent Auction will take place the day of the event. Bidders need not be present to win; however, their bid must be on the bid sheet. Details about PROXY bidding, to allow for off-site bids, will be on the website from October 17-24th.
The Portland event also includes “AMAZING AMAZON - A Wonder Woman Art Event,” a special month-long Art Gallery showing from October 1st to October 24th at Lara Sydney Framing Gallery, 1230 NW Hoyt Street.
http://www.wonderwomanmuseum.com/WWDay4/WWDay4.html
In addition to the on-site guests, other artists contributing include such award-winning graphic art luminaries as Alex Ross (Kingdom Come), Phil Jimenez (Astonishing XMen), Adam Hughes (Wonder Woman), Gary Frank (Superman), Nicola Scott (Secret Six), Ramona Fradon (Super Friends), Jamal Igle (Supergirl), Al Milgrom (Secret Wars), and many others. A complete list is on the website.
Additional art contributions showcase the incredible talents of artists from America, Canada, South America, Japan, and Europe, including:
Aaron Felizmenio, Aaron McConnell, Al Rio, Alexandre Tso, Allison Sohn, Amy Pronovost, Andy Perez, Anthony Hochrein, Anthony Lee, Anthony Rizzo, Arie Monroe, Ariel Guzman, Arthur Reis, Beck Kramer, Ben Dunn, Bennett Pisek, Billy Tan, Bob Prodor, Braulio Gregorio, Britton Walters, Buz Hasson, Carrie Cartwright, Cat Staggs, Celina Hernandez, Charles Barnett III, Chris Giarrusso, Chris Jennison, Christian, Christian N. St. Pierre, Christopher Chamberlain, Claudio Pozas, Colleen Coover, Dan Schoening, Dan Thompson, Dane Ault, Daniel HDR, David Burton, David Davies, David Newbold, Denise Vasquez, Dennis Hart, Diane Carroll, DJ Jackson, Don Perlin, Duanne Barbour, Dylan Williams, Ed Bickford, Ed Hannigan, Elvis Moura, Emi Lenox, Erik Burnham, Ernest Jocson, Francisco Paronzini, Franco Aureliani, Fred Hembeck, Gilbert YoungRoland, Greg Moutafis, Guy Davis, Henrique Bittencourt, Heubert Khan Michael, Howard Bender, Ian Walker, Ibrahim Moustafa, J.A. Fludd, Jack Harris, James Fiorentino, James Rodriguez, Janet Hetherington, Jay Leisten, Jennie "Eve" Todd, Jeremy Alva, Jeremy Treece, Jesse Hamm, Jessica Hickman, Jon Riggle, Jonathan Lau, Jonathan Racimo, Jose Weingartner Jr, Josh Heusinkveld, Juan Fontanez Jr, Judith Hunt, Jukka Issakainen, Karen Krajenbrink, Karl Waller, Karlton Hahn, Katie Cook, Keith Perkins, Keith Tucker, Kelly Everaert, Ken Haeser, Kevenn T Smith, Kevin Karstens, Khoi Pham, Knate Carter, Kristen McCabe, Lance Sawyer, Laura Martin, Linda Chartier, Lynne Anderson, Marc Lewis, Marco Turini, Mark Bloodworth, Mark J. Tannacore, Mary Bellamy, Matt C. Ryan, Matt Grigsby, Maureen Gubia, Mauricio Dias, Max Bretschneider, Melissa Lee, Michael Dolce, Michael Duron, Michael T. Gilbert, Michael Troy, Mike Collins, Mike Murphy, Mike Pascale, Natalie Nourigat, Nathan Ohlendorf, Neil Vokes, Nick Mockoviak, Nicole Falk, Norman Katz, Orlando Pagan, Paige Braddock, Paul Gould, Paul Taylor, Peter Steigerwald, Phil Nibbelink, Ray Caspio, Ricardo Venancio, Rich Ellis, Rich Molinelli, Richard Howell, Rick Stasi, Rob Jones, Rob Kramer, Rock Barcellos, Rodney Buchemi, Rogerio DeSouza, Ron Chan, Ryan Bodenheim, Ryan Kelly, Ryan Odagawa, Sarah Wilkinson, Scott Barnett, Scott Christian Sava, Scott Koblish, Scott Morse, Sean Chen, Sina Grace, Stef Green, Stefano, Steve Howard, Ted Dastick, Terry Blas, Tim Fish, TL Collins, Todd Moniz of Thunder Road Laser Graphics, Tom Hodges, Tram Ngo, Tyler Richlen, Wattana, Wayne Moraghan, Yuko Salvadori, and Yuko Shimizu.

Door Prizes and raffles include Autographed materials, Merchandise and
Promotional items from Diamond Distributing, Tonner Dolls, Creations By Pooh,
Hallmark Cards, and more.
ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES:
-Take photos with super-heroines and super-heroes!
-See an exhibit of rare Wonder Woman collectibles!
-Kid-friendly!
Art images, Hi-Rez Poster and Mayoral Proclamation also viewable at www.wonderwomanmuseum.com
For additional information, text for the Mayoral Proclamation, or print-ready images from the Art Auction, contact:
Andy Mangels AmangelsSW@aol.com
For additional information about the New Jersey event, contact:
Stacy Korn stacy@comicfusion.com

Note: "WONDER WOMAN" and all related names, characters, and elements are TM and copyright 1942-2009 by DC Comics. Wonder Woman Day is not endorsed or sponsored by DC Comics, Warner Bros., or any parent or affiliate company. The community-based event, from which 100% of proceeds go to registered 501(c)3 charities is meant as a celebration of the character and the heroic values shown throughout her history, and of upholding those same values within the greater community.

About Raphael House of Portland - www.raphaelhouse.com
Raphael House of Portland is a multi-faceted domestic violence prevention and intervention agency dedicated to fighting the causes and effects of intimate partner violence in a variety of ways. We offer emergency shelter in a confidential location, safety planning and advocacy on a 24-hour in-house crisis line, non-residential advocacy in cooperation with the Portland Police Bureau, and housing assistance, and advocacy through our Transitional Housing Program. The vision of Raphael House is to engage our entire community in non-violent living, and we work toward this goal through our survivor-centered direct advocacy programs and through educational outreach with teens and adults.
About Bradley Angle - www.bradleyangle.org
Founded in 1975 as the first domestic violence shelter on the West Coast, Bradley-Angle continues to develop innovative programs for women and children of all backgrounds experiencing domestic violence. Besides bilingual Spanish and English Emergency and Transition Services, Bradley-Angle offers culturally specific support services for women battered by women.
About Portland Women's Crisis Line - www.pwcl.org
Founded in 1972, the Portland Women's Crisis Line provides services to survivors (both female and male) of domestic violence and sexual assault, including rape, incest, and sexual harassment. The Portland Women's Crisis Line was the first crisis line of its kind in the state of Oregon, and one of the first five crisis lines of its kind in the United States. The Crisis Line provides services via the toll free statewide hotline number.
About Andy Mangels - www.andymangels.com
Andy Mangels is the USA Today best-selling author and co-author of over 20 fiction and non-fiction books — including Star Trek, Roswell, and Star Wars tomes — and is a comic book writer. He has produced Special Features and directed documentaries for over major 40 DVD sets. Andy is a national award-winning activist in the Gay community, and has raised thousands of dollars for charities over the years. He curates the online Wonder Woman Museum.
About Excalibur Comics -
Founded in 1976 by Peter Fagnant and Kathy Putnam, Excalibur Books & Comics is the oldest comic book store in the State of Oregon. Currently managed by Debbie Fagnant — a Wonder Woman fan — Excalibur has an extensive line of comic books and graphic novels. Excalibur regularly donates books to schools and libraries, and welcomes fans of
all ages for this spectacular event.
About Wonder Woman - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wonder_Woman
Debuting in All-Star Comics #8 (December 1941-January 1942) as the creation of psychologist and lie-detector inventor William Moulton Marston, Wonder Woman soon graduated into two series of her own: Wonder Woman and Sensation Comics. In the 66 years since, over a thousand Wonder Woman comics have been published by DC Comics. Wonder Woman has appeared in animated cartoons such as Justice League Unlimited and Super Friends, but most famously was portrayed by statuesque actress Lynda Cater in the live-action series from 1975-1979.

cessation of the rains

The windmill is quickening.

Trying like mad to catch up on certain writing endeavors, just as irresistible new offers spring up faster than a drunkard's esteem. Spending some time with my writer friend Len Wallace, the two of us bouncing ideas off of each other.
Looks like I will be doing short stories for two separate comic book anthologies in coming months. One tentatively to be drawn by the insanely talented and lovely Melike Acar (hopefully the first of many joint ventures!), and the other will have me collaborating with the always stoic Peter Palmiotti (with whom I have also agreed as of today to co-write a new webcomic for!).
Tomorrow is more interesting than yesterday, which is precisely how life should be led.


And last night in a dream, I heard these words-

"She cried herself to death..."

imagine

Happy 69th birthday, John.

Ditkomaniacal

Rob Imes is the editor of a fanzine that I have fallen in love with over the last year, Ditkomania. Dedicated to the art, history and works of Steve Ditko (one of my personal holy idols).
Steve Ditko of course, is the legendary and introverted artist responsible for the creation and/or co-creation of such wonderfully iconic characters as Doctor Strange, Spider-Man, Hawk & Dove, the Creeper, the Question, Mr. A, Squirrel Girl and my favourite- Speedball the masked marvel. Having worked in the comic book industry for decades, Steve is still going strong, with his work increasingly aimed at expressing his Objectivist philosophies. While such ideals have rubbed many the wrong way (primarily those persons less adamant in constitution), and his clandestine and camera-shy ways only further complicating his public image, he yet remains one of the greatest talents the medium has ever known.
Ditkomania the fanzine is published quarterly to bi-monthly and filled with articles, commentary and reviews, along with reproductions of Ditko's art along with new art from a strong list of talents whom have been influenced, inspired and intrigued by Ditko over the years.
Eventually, I am certain that I myself will attempt a few submissions to the zine, because of my deep respect for the subject matter, although I admit I am lightyears away from being any level of proper expert on the man. Imes however, is, as well as being a modest gent who puts together a notably great read that is both entertaining and informative and that all parties should eagerly check out.
Here he was just interviewed by one of Ditkomania's growing list of contributors, Michael Aushenker:

http://cartoonflophouse.blogspot.com/2009/10/hump-day-q-ditkomania-editor-rob-imes.html

And if that readily raised your interest, order the surprisingly cheap subscription for the mag itself right here:

http://www.ditko-fever.com/dmreturns.html

objectivistic crowbar

“The question isn’t who is going to let me; it’s who is going to stop me.”

-Ayn Rand

beanbag

This was just forwarded my way by Jay Leisten, and reads like a tremendously valid effort.

My name is Stephan Lapin.
I had my second heart transplant at the Children's Hospital in Boston two years ago. Their hard work and care inspired me to give back to them. And I am doing so in the best way I know how. I've organized a charity comic, titled The Beanbag which, with the help of professionals like Neal Adams, Dave Sim and Dave Gibbons has taken major steps towards completion. Unfortunately we are still not at the end yet.
I am asking you to find it in your heart to help us complete this book so that I can give help give back to the Hospital that gave so much to me. When times were tough for me, it was the world of comics that kept my spirits high. Lets work together to give to a group of people who's best interest are keeping the will and lives of kids in need, in the best condition possible.
If you could forward this same message to anyone else that might want to join or even yourself. It will be well appreciated

Right now, we have only a blog to promote our undertaking, but regardless it chronicles the progress we have made and outlines the contributions that we are looking for. If you could please help us by contributing a page to this story it would be much appreciated. I understand if this is not something you can do but I thank you for taking the time to hear me out. Our blog is: http://beanbagcomic.blogspot.com

If you have any questions or would like to sign up, please don't hesitate to email me. I look forward to hearing from you.
My email is: pootcargo@yahoo.com
If you have any questions regarding the validity of this charity please contact: Ann.Rounseville@childrens.harvard.edu
Thank you,

Stephan Lapin

Optimum Wound'd

The postman brought a mother of a pick me up today, courtesy of Jason Thibault of Optimum Wound Publishing. A copy of the OpWound Volume One anthology, signed by Jason, Richard Serrao, Fiona Ho and Sean Fidler, with my quote on the back of the book!

They even listed me in the "special thanks" section on the credits page.

And the book looks great! Part comic book anthology, part magazine, part gallery- this volume contains the entire graphic novels of Memento Mori, written and illustrated by Serrao, and Battles Without Living Witnesses, written and illustrated by Thibault (each of which originally appeared serialized via webcomics nation), plus a massive acid trip down memory lane with the nigh-legendary Hart Fisher, pages of Jimmy Whatsisfuck from Fidler and Ho, shots and words from Louisville(!) artist and musician Ryan Patterson, and images from Branko Djukic. One. Solid. Work.

Order your own damn copy now, while supplies last!

integrity

I am not a fucking salesman.

of revenants Incarnated

Incarnate #2
Created & Written by Nick Simmons
Illustrated by Simmons & Matt Dalton
Assisted by Nan Kim, Ben Harvey & Shi Hua Wong
Lettering by Rob Steen
Colouring by Dami Digital
Editing by Tim Beedle
Published by Radical

I'm gonna be honest here- I really did not want to like this comic. Far more often than not, celebrity creators are generally hype, and in the absolute worst possible sense. Moreso, I have been very vocal in the past about never being particularly fond of Manga (or Anime for that matter). To my surprise here though, Simmons turns in a very commendable tale of strong characterizations and moody contexts.
In this second of three issues (with likely additional series in the works) the story picks up immediately where the previous left off, with vampy Revenants Mot and Connor having been taken captive by the ominous forces of Sanctum. They are offered a choice, with one going along and the other being standoffish about it. The young and nubile Sibyl- daughter of Sanctum head honcho Father Vane- needs bodyguards and wants pets, and Sibyl gets what she wants (as do most young and nubile things). Meanwhile, the other Revenants lurk in the shadows after their recent defeat, and plot and argue over how to handle the apparent traitorous actions of Mot and Connor. Agendas are revealed, and demonic fights then break out all over the place.
A side note- something I like was how the Revenants were handled in terms of being "embraced". Obviously they are a manner of vampires, but contrary to most versions of the exhausted genre there is no psuedo-romantic shared neck nibbles involved in the process. Rather, Revenants are chosen by a forever unknown and powerful entity, a thing who appears with a different face to all who see it. The devil, or something else entirely? We do not yet learn that and quite possibly never will, but the attempt at intrigue is certainly welcome.
The art I did not think so highly of, though this results more from my own personal taste than from any inherent technical flaws. I just don't care much for Far Eastern pop comics styling, though the demons were each a unique thing to see, and every one of the characters was greatly expressive. Lots of imagination- I will certainly give them that, although I wonder how much artwork Simmons himself was responsible for with so many other names in the credits. In the end it doesn't matter I suppose, as the final product of sketchy linework (which I do generally like to see, especially in tales of a horror nature) and energetic action sequences and colourful (but not overcoloured, as is the trend today in entirely too many books) hues aplenty all showcase well, making the overall style pleasantly self-assured.
This is a complete package, clearly an early chapter in a much greater saga, and I look forward to seeing what this dark world that Simmons is forging will unveil. There is a great new voice at work here, and I applaud its efforts.

http://www.radicalcomics.com/

Americans UK go troika-crazy

Americans UK #3
Written by Jef UK
Illustrated by Paul Ciaravino
Lettered by Ben!
Production by Jeff Powell & Darin Murano
Self-published

In this, the third issue of the almost legendary Americans UK series, things get a wee bit more serious. Still rocktronic though, as the chapter's title says outright.
Frontman Jef UK and drummer dood JTR3 (who was apparently an android all the while)- the only surviving members of the band- crash land in the future. The same future where the merciless Stang keeps the citizenry of America docile and complacent via the sounds of his imagination-murderizing music and the only chance at liberty is the underground movement of robots who know how powerful real rock truly is. Or was. Robots cannot be brainwashed of course, just reprogrammed, like Beta tape players. Hooking up with allies in the form of the gogo boot-wearing androidess Sh3l3 and the six-legged multi-instrumentalist bot Cloyd, Jef is given little enough time to adapt to the newness before the fuzz starts hounding down the collective good guys.
The story and art both are evolving incredibly with each iss of this irregularly published series, like the quickening of a merry go round ride whilst blasted on booze and blow. In a good way. The craziness of it all becomes more focused, and Paul's renderings especially are catching fire, his confidence with graytones and detailed backgrounds completing the package of his growing skills at telling a story with pictures of punk rock robots and hungover rebellion. Very fun spirit on every damn page.
As the scope and action intensify with each chapter, it is hard to predict exactly where and when this rocking trip of a ride might end, but I for one sure as hellfire hope it's no time soon. If you want a fungasmic and unpredictable little read, you can download this for free (as usual) over at http://literatemachine.com.
And you can check out the comic book's own soundtrack (also for free!) at the homepage of the real-life Americans UK band here:
www.americans-uk.com

When you hear people say "support small press" this is what they are talking about. So do it already and enjoy some originality.

The Last Heroes Left

Black Salt: The Last Heroes Left
Written by Chad Boudreau
Illustrated by J. C. Grande
Letters by Ed Brisson
Colouring by Santosh Kumar Rath
Published by Blackline Comics

Taken from the screenplay for the in production film written by Owen Ratliff and Aries Carmona, this debut issue of Black Salt packs a wallop.
Opening in early 1980's China we are introduced to a Shaolin temple and the murderous powerplays at hand which will only complicate the future. Flash forward to the modern day east coast of the USA and we are introduced to a team of highly trained CIA operatives as they attempt to stop the theft of a nanovirus contagion by ninjas with helicopters, all in a rooftop firefight.
And you know, ninjas with helicopters are just never a good thing.
At the center of all of this is the nefarious Kali Zhang- a rogue monk turned despot, and Sam Tharpe- the American agent whose mission to protect the innocent and serve the public trust has just turned very very personal.
The story is fast paced, though the plot is a bit on the thin side. Most of this first issue is a fight sequence, which I gather will be the opening chapter for the film. Still, a grand enough scope is given, grander even than many action-heavy stories (beit comics or film) that I imagine additional character development will undoubtedly arrive in due course as the violent tale of world conquest and redemption continues to unfold.
The art, from up and comer JC Grande is nice. Grande's name has been popping up in a number of credit boxes from a number of different publishers in the past year, and all the dutiful hard work seems to be paying off. Showing a strong influence of the stylish Jimmy Cheung here, his layouts are dynamic and will likely call to mind some of the better Image comics from the mid-90's. Though some of his fight choreography comes off awkward in my mind, his ability to move a story as fast as this one along is obvious.
While there were no literal flaws to the lettering or colouring, I felt neither effort shared the dynamism of the line art. I hope the longer this creative team stays together, presuming such is the plan, the sooner all components will gel all the more. Don't get me wrong though- this is a damn fine first issue.
Black Salt: The Last Heroes Left is part of an evolving business plan from Blackline and its parent Ratti Entertainment, with an apparel line already in place, a cartoon and video game also in the works, and the ultimate aim of a whole trilogy of films all expanding on this multi-cultural premise of Shaolin and globetrotting action-adventure drama.
Most definitely worth keeping an eye on.

www.blacklinecomics.com