SUPER REAL NOTES: Wizard World Philly UPDATED

Now updated with pics!

I'm still recovering from another long, travel, con weekend, so sorry for the lack of updates...

On top of that, I'm really behind on production of the book, so I'll keep things brief... (oops, that didn't happen)

This was my first time out to the Wizard World Philadelphia convention, and I was impressed all around.
From the size and attendance of the show, to the wealth of stellar artist alley talent, the crazy cool neighbors, and the general location of the convention hall.

One of the main problems with most big cons are that the convention centers are located away from any kind of necessary amenities required by travelers, like affordable restaurants and shopping. Not the case at the Pennsylvania Convention Center as it is adjacent to a large market that's home to dozens of produce and fresh food sellers, as well as restaurants of all variety. I did find out however, the only drawback here was that the market closed at 6pm (same time the con closed) and on Sundays.
You can't win them all.
Otherwise, most hotels and downtown attractions were all concentrated directly around the hall. Wow, that's nice.

I flew in on the Thursday night/Friday AM red eye direct from PDX to Philadelphia, at just around 5 hours, catching some pretty good sleep en route. I arrived at Philly just before 7AM EST, which is 4AM PST, my time... so ya know jet lag is not gonna be avoided when doing that kind of time warp... any way, since it was relatively early, I had no problem catching a shuttle once I figured out how to.
TIP: Here's something I've learned recently, you can take a moderately priced shuttle bus from just about any airport to downtown area attractions for a fraction of the cost of a cab, or rental of course. Usually only having to pay 8 to 10 dinero plus tip.
So got that done and went straight to the convention hall by 8AM (in LA I made the mistake of going to my hotel first, expecting it to be accross the street, to only find out it was several blocks away). Now I thought the hall opened to exhibitors at 9AM and I'd have to wait, but I turns out it was 8 and I went straight in and was able to get set up by the time the show opened at 10 no problem. Even making a trip out for a real sit down breakfast at the aforementioned market across the street!

As for the show, and the rest of the trip, it was a blur...

I had some great neighbors, a local t-shirt designer/aspiring inker/indy publisher/comic shop employee, JD on one side, and Michigan pin-up artist TC Cor on the other. Both stand up guys with cool and friendly friends and significant o's... for JD's crew, that's good, cuz I only had a 4' artist alley space, and therefore split the other 4' of a table with him.
He had these really cool "Don't make me choke a bitch" Darth Vader shirts, and "Zod Posse" among others. He needs to update his website some more, but it is PunchThroat.com
There you should find mini comics, indy anthologies and cool silk screened shirts shortly!
He even inked up a sketch of mine on the spot (see sidebar)! His inking portfolio looked top notch to me, so I'd be surprised if he's not working in the industry post haste!!
As for the previously mentioned wealth of artist alley talent to be found, watch for some CON SWAG updates coming soon highlighting some of those...
I also had the good fortune of being interviewed for SilverBulletComics.com live on Friday AM, so you should see a review for issues 1 and 2 of the book and the interview in Stephanie Mangold's HEY SUPERGIRL column up on there soon as well.

I got to meet many folks in person for the first time, or others in genral... such as Jamar Nicholas, creator of the Detective Boogaloo, Hip-Hop Cop webcomic, the crew from Fenickx, some friends from MySpace, my print rep from Regent Publishing, former Marvel Comics editor and kickin creator C.B. Cebulski, BrokenFrontier.com creative director and Super Real advertiser Frederik Hautain (all the way from Belgium I might add!), Super Real reviewer and PaperBackReader.com columnist Dan Head, the crew from IndyComicReview.com (who also review and enjoy Super Real), and many more!

Other than that it was the usual bevy of awesome folks checking out the book, getting sketchbooks or sketches, and stopping by to say hey and get their books signed... speaking of, this con was by far the worst occurrence of mistaken identity for me yet, I had several folks looking for me throughout the weekend expecting to get their Jason Martin "the inker" comics signed... Yes, I'm a Jason, we are legion, but Jason Martin's are rather frequent too, and well, I'm not that Jason Martin. Wish I'd inked Joe Mad, Adam Warren and others, but alas, I haven't.
When I plotted my course into self-publishing, I was hoping this wouldn't be a problem, but more and more it is. It's not fun dissapointing folks all weekend long when they realize they've got the wrong dude... I mean, I know it's not for them, cause it's generally written all over their face, like it's my fault.
I might have to do something crazy like adopt my email name or throw in an exclamation point, or as someone else has taken to doing, calling myself "the" Jason Martin. Let me know what you think about that!

So, let me finish by saying it was a great show, not as good sales wise as LA for whatever reason, but still good in that regard, but overall, the con, the people, the city, the coordination, was great. A huge thanks to everyone I met and picked up stuff from me over the weekend!!
THANKS!!

I went straight from sketching past the show close of 5PM to the shuttle and 8:30 flight to PDX and the drive home by 12:30AM Tuesday PST. Monday, I was a bit zombie-ish till noon and then was back on track. Another marathon completed successfully!!

Now stay tuned for those CON SWAG updates, hopefully soon...
jason

DeviantArt update - Issue 3 page 8

For all those out there anxiously awaiting the third issue of Super Real (like me!), I've neglected to link to the pages of artwork as I've uploaded them to DeviantArt.com lately.

So this week, I'll add a page a day...

Today we have page 8!

This is Mike's first enhancement sequence!

I leave out the text and script, so as not to spoil the book!
You can view the page at full size on DA HERE

STAY TUNED,
jason

DeviantArt update - Issue 3 page 6 & 7

For all those out there anxiously awaiting the third issue of Super Real (like me!), I've neglected to link to the pages of artwork as I've uploaded them to DeviantArt.com lately.

So this week, I'll add a page a day...

This is page 6 and 7, a 2 page spread.

It's our first look at the Action Arena, where our participants show off their genetic enhancements for the show!

I leave out the text and script, so as not to spoil the book!
You can view the page at full size on DA HERE

STAY TUNED,
jason

HEY DJ! - May playlist vol.2

It was a huge month for new music, so I'm back for one more round of the playlist...

NEW DISCS
SHE WANTS REVENGE - At first listen this was underwhelming, but it's growing on me considerably... (not a new release)
RECOMMENDED

GNARLS BARKLEY - ST. ELSEWHERE - A bit manic, and surely nothing nearly as impressive as the popular track CRAZY to be found on the album, but still solid.
MILDLY RECOMMENDED

RACONTEURS - BROKEN BOY SOLDIERS - Perhaps the most balanced Jack White (White Stripes) album yet.
RECOMMENDED


RED HOT CHILLI PEPPERS - STADIUM ARCADIUM - This one seems to suffer from vanilla production, but is surprisingly solid for a 28 track double disc.
MILDLY RECOMMENDED

OLD STUFF
GOLDFRAPP - Black Cherry
RADIOHEAD - OK Computer
LONG BEACH DUB ALLSTARS - Right Back
GORILLAZ - G Sides
GORILLAZ - Spacemonkeyz versus Gorillaz
GREEN VELVET
GUS GUS - Gus Gus vs T-World
GUS GUS - Attention
NINE INCH NAILS - Every Day Is Exactly the Same EP
THE DEAD 60'S
THE WHITE STRIPES - Get Behind Me Satan
BECK - Guero

DeviantArt update - Issue 3 page 5

For all those out there anxiously awaiting the third issue of Super Real (like me!), I've neglected to link to the pages of artwork as I've uploaded them to DeviantArt.com lately.

So this week, I'll add a page a day...

This is the reworked page 5.

It's our first enhancement sequence, with Holly (aka participant number 1).

I leave out the text and script, so as not to spoil the book!
You can view the page at full size on DA HERE

STAY TUNED,
jason

MEANWHILE AT THE MOVIES... Ratner VS Howard

Memorial Day weekend in Porltand Oregon = RAIN!!!
So what's to do = MOVIES!!

We did a double feature Saturday at the local megaplex, our first movie at the theater since King Kong I think...
First we took in X-Men: The Last Stand - my pick
Then we saw The Da Vinci Code - my wife's pick

They were both good, but I naturally enjoyed X-Men more.

I thought overall, X3 may have been the best of the series, from an excitement standpoint, but it was lacking in the emotion and care of the previous Singer outings. However, as a third in the series, I think dropping the character driven elements is fine.

As with most comic book movies I'm conflicted though. As much as I enjoyed the movie, and thought a lot of it worked, there were many elements that dissapointed a bit...
SPOILER WARNING
Mainly, as much as the Phoenix storyline was fun to see, I'd rather it was more focused or true to the source in some regard. Not so much specific plot points, but the overall arc of the character from the comics would've been nice to see.
Also, like many others, I thought showing the Sentinels as a Danger Room sequence, with only a severed robo-head visible, while also fun, was really cheap. Not having the Danger Room in the previous films was a terrible mis-step, but to compound the sequence with a Days of Future Past scenario, and Sentinels, was a huge waste.
As with The Dark Phoenix saga, these were elements that desrve more than the brief lip service they're given...

So, if we were really only going to ever get this one last X-Men film, okay, they gave us everything, and a fun watch at that, but if there will be more movies... and based on the record box office, who doesn't think there will?... they wasted a ton of source material.

As for Da Vinci, it was good (I haven't read the book), but not something you need to see on the big screen.

The winner?
X-Men: The Last Stand

It's a lot of fun, just keep your comics knowledge on check and enjoy it for what it is!

MEANWHILE AT THE MOVIES... it's coming!

Not sure if it will be good or bad, but I'll be checkin it out.
I've heard it's a departure from the Singer films (natch, since it's helmed by new director Ratner), but as much as I like the quiet, character driven first two films, I always thought they needed some more pizzaz.
X2 for instance was unanimously helmed as far superior to 1, but I found it the other way around.
I also didn't like how both films relied on hokey overpowered set driven Hollywood-style finales (which is unfortunately par for the course on super hero flicks). The previews of X3 make it seem as if we're due for more of the same in that department (and more bad hair for Halle Berry and crew), but I'm down for a different take on the franchise.

We'll see!

SUPER REAL NOTES - Indy-Pendant Review

Just found another recent review for the book, this time issue 2 is reviewed over on Brant Fowler's ComicAvalanche.com column, Indy-Pendant.
Actually, you should check out the column if you dig on smaller press books, because Brant does a good job of reviewing things that are either back catalog from Diamond, or better yet, from the wide selection of stuff not distributed by them, week in and week out. It's good stuff!

For the Super Real issue 2 review, and to check out the column, go HERE

MEANWHILE AT THE MOVIES... El Muerto?

My good buddy, and comic creator, Javier Hernandez recently took that long strange trip from comic book to movie, when his book EL MUERTO was turned into an independent feature film starring Wilmer Valderrama (That 70's Show, Yo Momma).

After making it's public debut with an advanced trailer at last year's SDCC, the finished film is being shown at Cannes, and the teaser trailer is now up online HERE

Check it out, the next big comic book movie from me to you! (That is until the eventual SUPER REAL motion picture of course! :)

SUPER REAL NOTES - First print review!

The long running trade magazine (formerly newspaper), COMIC BUYERS GUIDE, has featured Super Real number 1 in their Tour of the Indies review section in the recent August issue number 1619!

Each issue features tons of comic book reviews, and Super Real's first issue was reviewed in the Indie section, on page 75 of the current issue!

The review was positive, and the book received 2 and 1/2 stars!

This is the first time (to my knowledge) that the book has been reviewed in print!
Click the pic for the review!

SUPER REAL NOTES - Attack of the Cons!

Yep, after a bit of a lull, con season picks up again for me now...

This weekend, Sunday May 21st, I'll be a guest at the 3rd annual Eugene Comic Book Show in Eugene Oregon.
It's a smaller show, but the attendence sales go to charity, and I had fun the first year (didn't make it last year). Comic Book Trivia - Eugene is actually home to comic book superstar artist/creator (and personal fave) Mike Allred!

Only two weeks from today is Wizard World Philadelphia!!
That's right, I haven't talked much about it, but I recently signed up for my first ever East Coast show!!! I'll be making the red eye overnight trek to the land of the Liberty Bell arriving the AM of June 2nd, to throw down some Super Real, Philly-style! Not only will I have issues 1 and 2, and be doing sketches in the artist alley, I'll also debut the all new Super Real 2006 sketchbook volume 2!
All but 2 of the 50 copy first volume have sold, so I needed another book for the rest of con season, so I did up a mostly new volume (also with some of the best from volume 1 and 2005)!!
It of course will be available from the website too, and you can even preorder now if you like, the books will be 25 oversized b&w pages of pencil artwork for $15 ($20 with priority shipping), and also include some guest art from the recent pin up contest and even an unused Jim Mahfood cover art!! Woo hoo!
I think this is the best sketchbook yet!

For you creator types out there, the sketchbooks are printed up by the fine folks at Blue Line Pro Graphix, and I highly recommened their printing services, as they've always been top notch all around! Check out their printing info HERE

And of course the big one, the best event of the comic book year, San Diego Comic Con is only 2 months away!!

STAY TUNED,
jason

I SAW IT ON TV: 50 million people can't be wrong!

Last night was big for TV, it's the end of the season for most everything, and some of my favorite reality shows are finishing up.

Sunday was the fun finale to Survivor, with Terry the dominator getting screwed out of his million by the flip flopping Danielle (though, to be honest, she had the unenviable position of being the decider on who got to be in the final two, and the fact that she did indeed renig her word on Terry, who would've won handily, has to be some heavy guilt trip since she lost handily to Aras anyway)...

Any way, last night we had 3 primo shows competing all in the same 9-10 o'clock block

First was the Amazing Race finale, the show I chose to watch, since it ran 2 hours and everything else 1.
Those lovable hippies won... TTOW indeed!!
Loved that it came down to brains, where so much of the emphasis of the show is on strength and luck, it was nice to see a competition that gave a team an actual edge.
Gotta say, I really enjoyed my first watch of this show, it was really entertaining!

The second show was Lost, and since we have our new DVR, we decided to record this one, even though the last couple weeks have been really great... What's up with Michael? And you gotta love Mr Echo and the new hatch...

The final show of course was AI, American Idol.
It was a results show, and we never watch those (mainly cuz they're always on the same time as LOST or something else). Turns out over 50 million voted and the numbers were a virtual dead heat, the end result however, was still what everyone expected, Elliot Yamin got the hook. He was, I thought, the best singer, but no surprise as he didn't have much else goin for him.

Now it's down to Taylor and Katharine, the goof vs the girl. Perhaps the producers can have a surprise twist ending and make them compete challenge-style to keep things really interesting. I suspect though, there'll just be lots of singing... with Katharine belting out her odd rendition of Somewhere Over the Rainbow in victory, while Taylor makes that trademark heavy-browed stern/confused look of his.

Yes that's right folks, TSL is predicting McPhee-vor will grip the nation!!

IN CASE U MISSED IT: Free Pilgrim!

Since I did an appearance at my local shop for Free Comic Book Day, I was fortunate enough to snag a copy of the Oni Press Scott Pilgrim FCBD offering. However, being that the shop I was at, Things From Another World, is one of the top 100 Diamond accounts, and they only had a couple copies when the shop opened, I imagine this one was a bit hard to come by.

Problem solved, now Oni and NEWSARAMA have made the whole thing free online HERE

I haven't read it yet myself, so now I feel like a complete goombah for snagging one away from a potential newb, but I loves me some Scott Pilgrim!
You should too (so we can be SP buds)!!
If you haven't checked this book out yet, now's your chance! No excuses mister (or misses)!!

IN CASE U MISSED IT: E Pun on E3

Over on comic book bud, and video game maestro Edward Pun's blog, he's got a nice little sketch diary from last weeks big E3 video game convention.

Check it out HERE

IN CASE U MISSED IT: Rip up your comics!

Here's one I missed... Over on Marc Mason's blog, TheComicsWaitingRoom, he posts about a recent offer from Devils Due Publishing, where they offer free DDP comics for anyone who rips up their recent Marvel or DC books. No joke!

Check it out HERE

Basically, if you're fed up with the glut-o-crossovers and watered down tripe from the big 2, simply rip off that cover and send it to DDP for one of their books, for free.
Now, free is gonna cost you postage for the cover, but you know, what's a postage stamp anyways (no seriously, what is a postage stamp now, .39?)

A funny little offer.

I SAW IT ON TV: Idol no more

Actually didn't see this on TV, as we were out, but heard about it... (but we have Lost on tape, as our new DVR HD digital cable box isn't installed for a couple more hours..)

On MSN TV, they cover the latest AMERICAN IDOL voting results that have shocked the nation HERE
Chris apparently, is gone... velvet tear...
He was my wife's favorite, and now "I have no reason to ever watch Idol again." she proclaimed upon learning the results! Apparently many more are just as upset...

Lucky for me, he was my least favorite of the group...
Go Yaminians!!

IN CASE U MISSED IT: Danger Will Robinson

Over on Permanent Damage, CBR.cc columnist Steven Grant spills about his take on Markosia and comics publishing warning signs HERE (just scroll down a tiny bit after the link g)

HEY DJ! - May playlist

We're off to the Goldfrapp concert tomorrow night at 9pm... It's at the Crystal Ballroom, an old ballroom dancing auditorium (with a ball bearing floor) downtown Portland that was reopened by the big McMenamins brew chain about 10 years ago... a great venue, but we haven't been there in years!
Should be cool.
Now onto...

NEW DISCS
WOLFMOTHER
At times you swear it’s Black Sabbath, or Zepplin, then there’s a lick from the Doors, or perhaps early Styx… even some straight up Jack Black/White Stripes songs that’ll having you checking the credits, but mostly, Wolfmother is a smorgasbord of 60’s rock influences and sounds. All fuzz guitar, assaulting honey dripped siren calls, rumbling and pounding… a true rock album that borrows heavily from the best, but sounds fresh and new!
Play at full volume, drop the bass, and blow out the windows!!
RECOMMENDATION: FUCK YEAH!!!

EAGLES OF DEATH METAL – DEATH BY SEXY
EODM’s name might be a bit misleading, as it’s straight up rock, not metal. It’s charging, and loud, sure, but it’s all about fun guitar licks, and bubblegum-raunch lyrics (just like Josh Homme's other band QUEENS OF THE STONEAGE). Whereas Wolfmother is heavy 60's rock, EODM is loud 70's rock. So, if you like QOTSA, and think a more 70’s rock tinged version of them sounds cool, Death By Sexy is for you!
Cherry Cola is a perfect sonic blast, and I Like To Move In The Night is a pure recycled Stones rocker (just like the cover art)… the disc generally kicks raucous ass!!
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

TOOL – 10,000 DAYS
Haven't had a chance to dig into this one yet, but the first couple passes sound like they're in good form... Great landscapes of sound and all that. I mean come on man, it's Tool... Do you really need me to tell you it's worth buying?!

OLD STUFF
YEAH YEAH YEAHS - Show Your Bones
GOLDFRAPP - Supernature
NINE INCH NAILS - With Teeth
311 - 311
WEEZER - Make Believe
FOO FIGHTERS - In Your Honor (disc 1)
DANDY WARHOLS - Odditorium or Warlords of Mars
MOGWAI - Mr. Beast

IN CASE U MISSED IT: Battlestar VS Simpsons

From Heidi MacDonald's top notch blog, THE BEAT over on ThePulse.com, there's a link to artist Dylan Meconis' LiveJournal, where she depicts the cast of the new Battlestar Galactica (must see TV for anyone!) ala The Simpsons!!!
It's great! (Just click the pic to link to see the whole cast!)

TSL APRIL highlights

Here we are already a full week into May, but I'd been meaning to add a new montly review feature, with quick links to the main posts from the previous month, kind of like a month in review for the TSL blog.

So, here are the highlights from APRIL 2006:

ANIME REVIEWS:
Karas - Check this one out, I was fortunate enough to get a review copy of this recent anime release, and it's really amazing!

DVD REVIEWS

OEL MANGA REVIEWS:
MBQ
The Abandoned
East Coast Rising
A Midnight Opera

TV REVIEWS:
4/19
4/07


COMIC BOOK REVIEWS:
Supermarket #2
Rash #1 and 2

MUSIC

FAN ART:
The Boo Super Real page
Shana fan art

Also, last month I started a virtual tour of my workspace, look for me to continue that soon!
Look for more cool stuff all May too:
new music, FFVII: Advent Children, more Tokyopop OEL manga...
STAY TUNED!

SUPER REAL NOTES - FCBD

Yesterday was Free Comic Book Day, and the fine folks at the Beaverton Thing From Another World (my local comic shop chain) invited me down for the event. Instead of creating a new book to give away, I just had issue one available for free while I was in the shop, and things were hopping.

I must admit, it was my first time at a shop on FCBD (what is this year 4 or 5 of the event?), and I was pleasantly surprised to see many kids, and people who don't normally make it into a comic store. All of my perceptions of the event were that it kind of had deviated from it's initial intent as an outreach to NEW customers into an event that EXISTING customers took advantage of, like a customer appreciation day. So, there's some hope that it is serving the original intent more than I thought...

Anyway, I gave away a ton of books (but not to the kids, as Super Real is not for them) in the 3 hours I was there, and met a lot of cool people. It was a good time, and I'm glad I did it!

Thanks to everyone who took a copy of the book and gave it a chance!
And thanks to James and the crew down at Things From Another World!!
If you're in the Portland area, stop into any one of their great shops, they are a top notch comics retailer (and are online too).

SUPER REAL Free Comic Book Week - Issue 3 preview -DAY FIVE!

In the spirit of FREE COMIC BOOK DAY, this Saturday May 6th (today), and because I'm excited to be back on track turning out pages for issue 3 of Super Real, I thought I'd go ahead and feature the first five full pages of our upcoming, exciting new issue, one page each day, all week!

Today we have page 5, artwork with the full script, available for the first time anywhere, only here on TSL (just click the pic)!

Super Real issue 3 Diamond Order Code is MAR06 3379

This concludes the free preview!

SUPER REAL Free Comic Book Week - Issue 3 preview -DAY FOUR!

In the spirit of FREE COMIC BOOK DAY, this Saturday May 6th, and because I'm excited to be back on track turning out pages for issue 3 of Super Real, I thought I'd go ahead and feature the first five full pages of our upcoming, exciting new issue, one page each day, all week!

Today we have page 4, artwork with the full script, available for the first time anywhere, only here on TSL (just click the pic)!

Super Real issue 3 Diamond Order Code is MAR06 3379

STAY TUNED!

SUPER REAL Free Comic Book Week - Issue 3 preview -DAY THREE!

In the spirit of FREE COMIC BOOK DAY, this Saturday May 6th, and because I'm excited to be back on track turning out pages for issue 3 of Super Real, I thought I'd go ahead and feature the first five full pages of our upcoming, exciting new issue, one page each day, all week!

Today we have page 3, artwork with the full script, available for the first time anywhere, only here on TSL (just click the pic)!

Super Real issue 3 Diamond Order Code is MAR06 3379

STAY TUNED!

SUPER REAL Free Comic Book Week - Issue 3 preview -DAY TWO!

In the spirit of FREE COMIC BOOK DAY, this Saturday May 6th, and because I'm excited to be back on track turning out pages for issue 3 of Super Real, I thought I'd go ahead and feature the first five full pages of our upcoming, exciting new issue, one page each day, all week!

Today we have page 2, artwork with the full script, available for the first time anywhere, only here on TSL (just click the pic)!

Super Real issue 3 Diamond Order Code is MAR06 3379

STAY TUNED!

SUPER REAL Free Comic Book Week - Issue 3 preview!

In the spirit of FREE COMIC BOOK DAY, this Saturday May 6th, and because I'm excited to be back on track turning out pages for issue 3 of Super Real, I thought I'd go ahead and feature the first five full pages of our upcoming, exciting new issue, one page each day, all week!

Tune in each day for the first five complete pages from next month's Super Real issue number 3, starting out today with page number one, the artwork with the full script, available for the first time anywhere, only here on TSL (just click the pic)!

Super Real issue 3 Diamond Order Code is MAR06 3379

STAY TUNED!

IN CASE U MISSED IT: Industry enlightenment

First up is this weeks Comics You Should Be Reading column from PaperbackReader.com, the columnist Dan Head's home was flooded, so he ran an article from his webmagazine on comic book marketing.

The article examines marketing theroy applied to our industry, specifically the Four P’s: Product, Positioning, Place, and Price.

Interesting stuff HERE


Meanwhile...
Earlier in the week Steven Grant's CBR.cc column, PERMANENT DAMAGE waxes on his thoughts about publishing start-ups, and the current tone of industry press releases... as usual, good stuff HERE

BLACK HARVEST number 5 pin-up!

Just out in comic shops today!!!!!!

The latest issue of Josh Howard's UFO girl gone wild... Black Harvest, (issue five) features a pin-up from yours truly.
Check out the book if you haven't, it's good stuff!!!

You can link up to the book from Josh's page HERE

IN CASE U MISSED IT: A call to arms!

Newsarama.com links to an article over on Wired.com, where they pose the question, where are digital comic books from the big publishers?

From the article, in reference to the big two's response of "No comment" in regards to queries regarding any potential digital comics plans:

Here's why that's so strange: In 2004, Marvel had net sales of $513 million. Of that, only 16 percent came from comics. The rest was from licensing characters for movies, TV, and toys. In other words, comic books - the actual printed artifacts - have become little more than marketing materials. Scary as that might be for fans, the publishers must have realized it. But it begs the question of why those publishers aren't embracing digital distribution when it could be free and easy evangelizing for the next summer blockbuster.

Even better, it could save their business. The comics industry has for years been worried about acquiring new readers from a demographic that's more likely to download their entertainment than beg Mom for a lift to the store on a Wednesday night. Ignore the Net and you're ignoring these potential customers.

Check it out HERE

Not only does this bring to light the need for more effort to bring comics to digital (yes, webcomics are here already, but we're referring to the current US comic book industry, the printed industry), but it also shows plain-and-simple, how much the big companies are just corporations devoted to maintaining licenses.

The time for revolution is indeed now, but in more ways than one.

SUPER REAL NOTES - ISSUE 3 - Unannounced variant

Production of issue 3 is moving along as we close in on the targeted release of this June. This is the issue where our cast finally get their genetic enhancements, and nano-skin-jump-suits! The big one!!

Not only do we have the first Pin-Up-and-Coming Contest to select a full page pin-up from an unpublished artist to be featured in the issue (see the winner HERE)!
I've also just completed an ad to support the issue:
And as you can see, I've now added a third variant cover for issue 3. Though it was originally solicited with just two covers, a regular cover (by me) and a 1 in 4 variant by Hector Sevilla (Alias Comics' LULLABY), I've had such good fortune at acquiring guest covers from exciting established artists, I've simply got too many to fit in, so I've added a kick ass cover from Felipe Smith, creator of Tokyopop's MBQ (see my review HERE). The only dilemma though, is that issue 3 was already solicited with two covers (a regular and the Sevilla variant), so I've decided to make the Felipe Smith cover a third 1 in 4 variant. Now, there'll be a regular cover along with two 1 in 4 variants.
While I don't really desire having that many covers for any single issue, I think the Felipe cover ties in nicely with the first enhancements (and the Hector cover was already announced for issue 3, so I can't push it back).
Plus, it's a nice way to celebrate our third issue, with three covers!
So, I'm excited to spread the word about the change, once we get closer to release, and hopefully it can drum up some extra attention for this exciting issue (which is also a great jumping on point)! (Hmmm, perhaps I should work that into the add as well?)

So, tell your friends and retailers to get those pre-orders in on issue 3, it's going to be a hot one!
Diamond Order Code MAR06 3379

SUPER REAL NOTES - A couple more issue 1 and 2 reviews

The first is HERE on PaperBackreader.com, featured on the Comics You Should Be Reading column! Just scroll down a bit, or first read their thoughts on American Idol (it's a reality tv theme).
The reviewer doesn't like the pacing/start with issue 1, but does recommend issue 2 and 3. Also, they theorize that my pacing/writing style is a send up, or influence of Brian Bendis, it's not. I dig on some Bendis, love Ultimate Spider-Man, and New Avengers is hit and miss, but I don't ape his style, that's just how I write, I like witty dialogue. Tarantino comes to mind more than Bendis in that regard...
Also, they take the book as straight up parody, as do many, for the record, it's not. I can sure see where that opinion comes from, but I personally see the book as having fun with these themes (reality tv, comic book fiction, etc), and the likenesses I use are born from "casting" and not intentional parody (I didn't write this story with the intent of spoofing the administration, they just fit the story, for example). Though, admittedly, having cast likenesses the way I did, I do indulge in some parody... so take that for what it's worth. I just mean to say, this is not Mad Magazine folks. The purpose of the story isn't parody. It's it's own thing.

Next is a lukewarm review over on TheJohnnyBacardiShow blog, HERE
He only gives it a C+ (a grade I'd be happy with in anything but art!), but he does say this: "Martin shows some promise... I do believe this is worth your time, if the premise sounds interesting to you."
Among other things.
Again, just scroll down a bit after the link.

TALES FROM NETFLIX - April 06

I haven't visited my regular Tales From Netflix feature in quite some time. I'm thinking perhaps instead of rating the rentals on a regular basis, I'll give monthly highlights from DVD home viewing. So, I'll go ahead and feature some of the best that I've seen, and perhaps focus on those movies you might not have heard of otherwise...

2001 MANIACS
I'm not sure when this came out, but it is a 2006 release, and aside from starring Robert Englund (Freddy from The Nightmare on Elm Street films), or rather featuring him, there's not much to catch your attention on this horror flick. I've never even seen a preview for it, and I don't think it made the theaters. However, it does sport Eli Roth, the noted director of the recent buzz slasher flick HOSTEL, as a producer. Roth also makes a cameo, either similar to, or perhaps even the same character he cameod in his first film CABIN FEVER. It's also apparently a remake of 2000 Maniacs, so, it's got some horror/slasher pedigree behind it.

The story starts out as many horror/slasher films, a group of wild college kids, in this case making their way to Florida for spring break. Along the way though, the teens, and some other young travelers get routed through a detour in the deep south. It's at this point that the storyline begins to unwind into something unique and entertaining, with our cast of characters pitted against a sinister and completely insane town populace. 2001 Maniacs is a darkly comedic romp, where all of the trappings of gore flicks are amped up, in every regard. A style the creators refer to a splat-stick.

As you may guess, Maniacs is not for everyone. It is however a great slasher romp, for anyone who can enjoy movies that are deviant to their core. The cast is great, the sets perfect, and the storyline truly inspired for such a saturated genre. If you like gore with your comedy, or vice versa, you'll love 2001 Maniacs.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Other recent offbeat Netflix:
ICE HARVEST - Cusack is perfect in this charming caper/mobster dark comedy gem, taking place one frozen Christmas Eve in Witchita.

JUST FRIENDS - Get this one if you like Ryan Reynolds or offbeat comedies.

WAITING - Speaking of Ryan Reynolds, Waiting is a great restaurant worker comedy with some truly original laughs...
Watch out for the "batwing"!!

LOLLILOVE - Is a fun and funny documentary spoof that plays like a really good dark comedy improv.

HOWL'S MOVING CASTLE - Miyazaki becomes more and more popular with each release, but with Howl, I was worried the subject matter would leave me wanting, since the film focuses on an elderly woman... I should know better. Castle is as charming and impressive as any other Miyazaki film, and perhaps with more heart.

SEQUESTRO EXPRESS - A foreign, or perhaps independent film (or both), about an upper class Venezuelan couple who are kidnapped for randsom, and their plight to escape. A great journey into another world, and it's underbelly, with social commentary to boot.

Recommended mainstream stuff:
JARHEAD
A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE
THE WEATHER MAN

MAKE MINE MANGA: MBQ VOL1 - review

This week I'm taking a look at Tokyopop's OEL manga, as there are a lot of creator's projects in the line that I'm anxious to check out!
I was fortunate enough to have my special order of MBQ volume 2 come in yesterday, so I can include my review of that much anticipated work as well, but first, I had to revisit volume 1!
So here's my revisited review of that:

Title: MBQ
Volume: 1
Creator: Felipe Smith
Publisher: TokyoPop

STORY: MBQ is a look at the lives of a diverse group of young Angelino's, centered on Omario, an aspiring comic creator/manga-ka. Volume one first introduces us briefly to the cast, then spends a chapter or so on each character. Along the way were treated to Felipe Smith's brand of raw, in your face, real world characterization blended with hyper-exaggerated (at times) visuals to make everything come across electrically. There's more than one clever set up to be had, and the book is a hilarious romp of cussing, sex, and of course, violence!

ART: Felipe is perhaps the greatest new talent working in comics today. He blends a firm grasp on manga craft and technique with a mix of cartooning, all tempered with a rock solid understanding of illustration and art. Characters come to life, scenes play out like real life, and action is emphasized perfectly. There's no confusion over the large cast, the settings, or what's being shown on the page, ever. He's a stud. MBQ is a visual drug that often times explodes off the page, but it's also coherent enough to never lose touch with reality. The perfect compliment to the explosive true to life story!

OVERALL: Although the book may be extreme, anyone can relate to it's core character Omario, and his struggles to make it. That he's a struggling artist, or comic creator, just makes things that much more appealing to the target audience. One of the things that's perhaps so engaging about MBQ is that Omario is essentially Felipe, and his views and personality is what's being put to page. It's that something true and pure that makes this type of story worth following, you never feel as if things are stretched too far, because they're likely all extrapolations from the creators experiences, or at least, just wild extentions of ideas born from his surroundings. Meanwhile, there's also an actual story to be had, and a solid one at that, leaving us in crisis, right as we close this volume. I can't wait to pick up volume 2 and see where Omario and the cast of MBQ, and more importantly, Felipe Smith, go from here!

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

You can also check out my previous TPop OEL reviews, A MIDNIGHT OPERA, EAST COAST RISING, or THE ABANDONED

MAKE MINE MANGA: The Abandoned VOL1 - review

This week I'm taking a look at Tokyopop's OEL manga, as there are a lot of creator's projects in the line that I'm anxious to check out!
Here's today's book:

Title: The Abandoned
Volume: 1
Creator: Ross Campbell
Publisher: TokyoPop

STORY:It's a zombie book. You know, a core cast, confronted by a suddenly undead world closing in on them? I love zombie stories, most any of them, and while just playing with all the toys of the genre is incredibly fun in-and-of-itself, another zombie-based comic book gets a lot of praise, yet starts off with a plot straight out of 28 Days Later, The Abandoned however, feels like a fresh take on the mythos. Instead of a setup merely yanked from a zombie film, we're treated to some slight twists that make things more fun, like the fact that our central character Rylie is a zombie movie fanatic, or that the infection itself is age specific. All the while Campbell grounds the story in a believable southern setting, with a cast of young, attractive, yet real-world characters. He really brings this world to life.

ART: Campbell and/or Tokyopop have treated this manga to a unique red pallette, to both accent the carnage that always looms, and also work wonders with the artists water colored washes. It's truly a treat for the eyes, with scenes coming to life, full of mood and tone, helping to propel and enrich the story, and Campbell's linework is unique, expressive, and a lot of fun. Also, his storytelling is incredible, with body language and expressions putting you there with the cast!

OVERALL: I'm in love. This is a great work on so many levels. It has heart, emotion, and amazing zombie action. With film, zombie carnage can be a chore to pull off, with artwork, or Campbell's abilities, it's powerfull, in your face, and utterly convincing. While this book is not for everyone, those who can't handle the gore for example, it is for an audience outside of zombie fandom, as the tale is always told with style and plenty of feeling.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

You can also check out my two previous TPop OEL reviews, A MIDNIGHT OPERA, or EAST COAST RISING

I hope to be able to do a review for Felipe Smith's MBQ Volume 2 here in the next couple days too. I've been dying to get my hands on this book, as I absolutely loved volume one's crazy characters and situations rendered in some of the sharpest art currently being laid to a page! I'm just waiting on my Borders special order to come in (as my LCS didn't hook up my preorder!!! urgh!!)...

I SAW IT ON TV: Reality Roundup 4/19

AMERICAN IDOL
Even though Pickler is quite possibly brain dead, and woefully murdered her song, she didn't even make the bottom three!?
But I'm cool with Ace leaving, and billy-bob rocker-dude making an appearance in the bottom cut...

AMAZING RACE
I'm really digging this show, after finally watching a season.
It's just really cool globe-trotting, and always interesting, especially now that the competition's thinning out...

SURVIVOR
Tomorrow looks to have someone leave due to a medical emergency... uh oh!

SURREAL LIFE
One of the better seasons so far, as the cast is great and have interesting chemistry.

REAL WORLD
Caught the last few weeks in reruns, and it's not a bad season, with a good cast, interesting drama, and location. Russian princess Svetlanna continues to hog the camera as the cast deals with her spoiled ways.

And now a couple of non-reality notes...

WONDER SHOWZEN
Wonder Showzen is back on MTV2 for a second season, but so far I've just caught bits of episodes. It looks to be on target for the same off color brew of child programming hijinks though...

SO NOTORIOUS
Who would've thought there'd ever be a show centered around Tori Spelling, or more to the point, that it'd be so damn good!
Okay, so the show isn't exactly great television, but it is a raunchy, witty, fast paced mix of Seinfeld, Sex and the City, and Entourage. The day to day stories of a Hollywood-type and her click.
Give this one a try if you haven't, you might be surprised!

MAKE MINE MANGA: East Coast Rising VOL1 - review

This week I'm taking a look at Tokyopop's OEL manga, as there are a lot of creators projects in that line I'm anxious to check out!
Here's today's book:

Title: East Coast Rising
Volume: 1
Creator: Becky Cloonan
Publisher: TokyoPop

Story: A young boy is caught in the middle of conflicting pirates, searching for buried treasure, in a waterlogged future version of the North Eastern United States. East Coast Rising features an expansive cast of young hipsters set with a sailing ship backdrop.

Art: Becky Cloonan wowed fans and critics with her deft handling of the 12 part Demo series last year, and her talent is on full display here. My only problem is, as with other US creators working in the manga paperback book size format, the artwork and action can get a bit confusing at the smaller size. Having seen samples of the art online, and considering it's expansive nature, I think East Coast Rising could've been a stunning success in a larger format.
Overall: I wasn't too taken with the characters or the story here. I think East Coast Rising is likely to find more success with US manga's core audience, the bookstore chains female driven readership. Cloonan is however a great artistic talent, and the book is overall an entertaining read.

MILDLY RECOMMENDED

Tune in tomorrow for my review of the eagerly anticipated Ross Campbell zombie OEL, THE ABANDONED!
Or you can check out yesterday's review of A MIDNIGHT OPERA, if you missed that, HERE

Another day, another issue one/two review!

This time resident MoviePoopShoot.com comics reviewer Marc Mason weighs in on the debut issues of Super Real HERE

From the review:

I’ve had the good fortune to see SUPER REAL develop over time, from the “preview edition” to the original number one to now, and it’s been a joy and privilege to watch the process, even when it doesn’t necessarily bowl me over. Can’t wait to see where it goes next.

The good thing folks, is that while not everyone may be blown away by the book from the get go, damn near all of them want to see more (and recommend it)! That's all you can ask.

SUPER REAL Pin-Up-and-Coming CONTEST WINNERS

In case you haven't been following along, I held a pin-up contest with one selected piece receiving a full page in the upcoming third issue of Super Real. The contest ran for just over a month, and we received 21 entries.

In the end it was a lot of fun, but more than a little difficult to pick just one. However the contest ended last Friday, with the winners being announced this weekend:

ENTRY NUMBER 16

Lines: Russ Platt
website: russellplatt-art.com

Colors: Jukka Issakainen
website: JukkArt.net

So watch for this piece in the pages of Super Real, and stop by the submissions blog to check out all the great entrants HERE

MAKE MINE MANGA: A Midnight Opera VOL1 - review

This week I'm going to be taking a look at one of what I think is the more exciting things going on in the world of US comics, OEL (original English language) manga.

OEL has it's detractors, namely people who claim US creators shouldn't, or can't do manga. To me OEL manga is just another term for comic books, and can encompass anything from bad to good. However, a lot of the exciting upcoming talent I've seen in the industry, are being given an opportunity to show their stuff by manga and book publishers (as opposed to the insular traditional US comics market, where contemporary style and forward thinking is in direct conflict with the corporate business plans), and I'm truly anxious to see what they do with their creations, and where it takes them and comics in the US.

Title: A Midnight Opera
Volume: 1
Creator: Hans Steinbach
Publisher: TokyoPop

Story: An undead goth musician, fighting both his brother and Roman Church "Soldiers of the Order" from the 16th century France to today. A Midnight Opera is an interesting read that seems an equal balance of testosterone, with werewolf carnage and battle sequences, as well as pretty long haired goth men, music, and a touch of romance for the ladies.

Art: Steinbach's style reminds me very much of a cross between Rob G (Teenagers From Mars) and early Dale Keown. His figures and lines are all long, thin, and exaggerated. He's also got a great design sense, capturing expressive action and movement on the page, along with great costumes and backdrops. Very impressive, I really like it.

Overall: While some OEL manga feels hampered by the size of the format, A Midnight Opera uses that format to it's strength. A great read, and I believe volume 2 is just released.

RECOMMENDED!

Super Real review

Another good review is up on the book, this time it's in the debut of PopCultureShock.com's new review column, Pull List Propaganda from Senior Comics Editor Guy LeCharles Gonzalez.

From the review:

It’s raunchy, not the least bit subtle, and definitely not something I’d read on the subway, but it’s unexpectedly entertaining and, while I’m not sure yet where it’s going, I will be sticking with it to see where it goes.

The full review can be found HERE