Big big week in new release comics this week, so we have much to go over. Consider...
Batman #681- Finally, the conclusion of Batman R.I.P. For those of you who have been following this storyline, and for those who picked up Bats: The Black Glove on my recommendation, this highly anticipated issue wraps up Grant Morrison's recent and amazing run on the title culminating in what's sure to be one of the year's most talked aboust floppy comics. What's the deal with the Black Glove? Just how much more trouble can the Joker cause? And will Batman live or die? This is gonna be epic.
Buffy #19- Finally, a new issue of Buffy! New installments of this Joss Whedon-written series bring a ton of you, mostly FP-curious customers into the store. Welcome here, folks! I know it's been a while since #18, but you may remember that our titular hero has joined forces with Fray, Slayer from the future, in the storyline "Time of Your Life." #18 was released so long ago I just thought you might need reminding. Next ish is written by Jeph Loeb and is slated to come out in a few short weeks on December 10th, so keep your eyes peeled and your fingers crossed!
Umbrella Academy: Dallas #1- Finally, Gerard Way and Gabriel Ba's terrifically sublime and bizarre Midwich Cuckoo-y super-team return in a brand new series. You might remember Gerard from such bands as My Chemical Romance, and Gabriel as the penciller behind Matt Fraction's delightfully surreal scifi spy capers in Image Comics' Casanova.
This week's sleeper backlist GN pick:
The Surrogates- by Robert Vendetti & Brett Weldele. The year is 2054, and life has been reduced to a data feed. The fusing of virtual reality and cybernetics has ushered in the era of the personal surrogate, android substitutes that let users interact with the world without ever leaving their homes. It's a perfect world, and it's up to Detectives Harvey Greer and Pete Ford of the Metro Police Department to keep it that way. But to do so they'll need to stop a techno-terrorist bent on returning society to a time when people lived their lives instead of merely experiencing them. I love this book, and with the film adaptation starring Bruce Willis slated to release next year you'll want to be the cool kid on your block who'll be able to say you knew this comic back in the day.
Burn Your Candle at Both Ends,
Jeffy
Friday, November 14, 2008
Unkiedev's Amazing Stuff
Like a swarm of slug oozing up your leg, here comes the freakin' holidays. I guess I'll get Dad a subscription to the Bucket of the Month Club, which comes with a free subscription to "Bucket Weekly," (America's oldest periodical on buckets and bucket related material since 1756). Mom needs a new ocelot, so I've got that covered. I know what my sister wants because she always asks for the same thing every year: a hand picked sea-pearl carved by diamond to be an exact 1/3,000 scale model of Gavin McCloud from "The Love Boat" to be sent back in time so it can be incased in Amber and then set, by Finnish Dwarves, in a tiara of finest white gold and lapis lazuli.
*Sigh*, if only the rest of my family was so easy to shop for.
MAKE MINE MERRY
I like to get my relatives comic books...especially my nieces and nephews. When the kids are wee nippers, just a rolling on the floor when their not in their cages, Marvel comics digests of Spider-Man Adventures or Archie Comics flagship digest: Archie Comics make sure fire stocking stuffers and gifts. Disney still reprints the classic Carl Barks Uncle Scrooge comics, which are ideal for young readers.
"But Unkiedev, " you say. "You are one brain-dead spaz, you know that?! My nieces, nephews, younger siblings and or children of my own are too old for such baby nonsense. They demand more sophisticated comics of a PG-13 variety. And would it kill you to comb your hair?!" I hear you, friend, and "No."
I would be as surprised as the Easter Bunny in a lobster pot if Forbidden Planet didn't have copies of Dark Horse's Umbrella Academy, or Top Shelf's Spiral-Bound for that well rounded minds you call your relatives. Heck, why not consider Marvel's Runaways digests, or even start them on the dark and life-destroying path that is manga by picking up a One Piece or Yu-Gi-Oh collection?
I can also recommend those gigantic telephone books of reprints to anybody who has younger folk on their gift lists who are inclined to super-heroes. Marvel's Essentials and DC's Showcase Presents are quite a lot of bang for the buck. Plus, if those tykes do time in the stir they can bandage these volumes under their shirts to make a sneaky shiv-protector!
"THE YOUNG AT HEART"
As far as your friends go, you would know best as to what they might like...but here's a tricky one. What comic books can you get girlfriends, parents or other borderline cases that know of your fondness for comics but have yet to be assimilated into our Borg-like collector's collection?
With the economy being what it is, we all need to stretch that gift-giving dollar. May I recommend collections of classic comic strips? The beautiful Peanuts hardcovers are readily available at F.P., and can be placed on a coffee table or bedside for enjoyment that lasts a whole year, or the amazing collections of Little Nemo, Krazy & Ignatz or even Calvin & Hobbes for corns sake.
WRAP IT UP
The thought really does count when giving gifts. By giving comics, strips or graphic novels you are sharing your own hobby, passion and life with those you care about. By giving comics to the younger people in your life you are hopefully igniting the same flame of fandom that got us into the comic shop today. We're going to need those readers if there's going to be an industry tomorrow.
One last piece of advice: The number 1 gift-giving gift to give this holiday season? The sure-fire, can't miss, couldn't stray, always-hits-its-target-with-deadly-force-when-employed holiday token to bestow upon friends and family you really want to "Wow?" The new collection of Garfield Minus Garfield. Trust me. You'll want it for yourself.
Traveling over the river or through the woods this holiday season? Get the MapQuest Toolbar. Directions, Traffic, Gas Prices & More!
Friday, November 7, 2008
All Nighter
Why the picture picture below? What's the picture below? It's one of two new register counters (what we're calling "pods") and it's the reason this article is minuscule. FP staff, myself included, and the pods' designers will be working overnight at press time to install these nifty new counters, so please accept my apologies for this truncated Weekly Planet. Know that there will be some other changes to the store- no more front counter (I'm taking a chunk of it home because I'm a sappy sentimentalist), comic subscriptions will be stored in file drawers at both pods, magazines will have a new home, and the books and graphic novel departments may look different. To tell you the truth, I'm still planning how things are going to work and where everything will go. But if we're good at anything here at Forbidden Planet, it's making it up as we go!
ps. Don't forget the huge back issue sale bonanza this coming Friday!!! ALL comics from DC, Marvel, IDW, Dark Horse, and Image released prior to October 1st 2008 will cost you a mere 50cents with the coupon below!!!! Remember when comics cost 50cents at retail and how many you could pick up at that price? Bring your lists, folks. Fill the gaps in your collection or try something new for two quarters.
pps. Also don't forget the humongous sale we're running on Saturday December 6th. Details are on the back of this newsletter. Or, if you're reading this online, the front page of www.fpnyc.com.
Bye!
jeff
Friday, October 31, 2008
The View From Above
Greetings from the mezzanine. I'm writing my weekly portion of this newsletter from Forbidden Planet's upstairs Manga/Anime/Gaming/DVD area. In fact, having spent the better part of this past work week from up here, I can easily say you look MAHV-alous! Gorgeous, radiant, beautiful... What can I say? I've learned in my long years that flattery will get me everywhere.
But, the overhead view of the store I have is poised to change drastically in the next week or so, as we're redesigning our counters on the main floor to serve you better. Don't be alarmed. Change is good. Complacency is the enemy.
I do need to inform you that, in order to facilitate this transition, our hours will change for two days next week. Monday 11/17/08 FP will be open 10am-8pm and Tuesday 11/18/08 12pm-10pm due to construction. Please adjust your schedules appropriately. New comics and graphic novels will NOT be delayed by the work.
Finally, be sure to be here Friday November 21st as all single issue comic books released by Marvel, DC, IDW, Dark Horse, and Image Comics released prior to October 2008 will be 50cents!!! Variant comics do not apply, but this deal is nonetheless HUGE. Now's your chance to plug those holes in your collection, or try out to that series you've been meaning to pick up, or to pick up some cheap wrapping paper (all my friends and family get their presents from me wrapped in comics from FP).
50cent comics! That's boffo! That's socko!
Ciao! jeffy
Friday, October 31, 2008
Unkiedev's Amazing Stuff
A bit tardy today, I know... both in arrival time and execution. Still This column mentions mummies quite often, and no one doesn't like Mummies. Except Abbot and Costello, I suppose.
COLUMN ATTACHED AND AS FOLLOWS:
Loyal readers will remember how last week I was deported to Siberia over a Halloween mishap. As we all know the world is a much different place this week and I feel a new man, changed inside and out. That's right: I've been transformed into a MUMMY!
And not your Michael Keaton "Mr. Mom" kind of mummy, nor even the Arnold Schwarzenegger "Junior" type mummy of old. NO, I'm talking full on "Mumm-Ra the Everliving" Mummy type mummy what with the bandages, curse and organs in canopic jars. OOOooh, What a pickle!
The details of this transformation would, no doubt, bore and confuse you, so let's just vow in the future to leave sleeping "bird-headed goddesses of protection" lie. If you see a shambling, dry and be-bandaged corpse shlump it's way into the store this week do not panic, it is only me ...or Michael Jackson.
Spectrum 15 The Best in Contemporary Fantastic Art, Under Wood Books
As a Mummy, my life and curse are eternal. That is why I like a fine art book annual to show me the latest and greatest in fantasy, sci-fi and comic book art from the past year. Spectrum has been pumpin' these baby's out for over 15 years now, and the quality of the art inside is astounding. John Jude Palancar, Frank Cho and Omar Rayyan make up some of the incredible talent within Spectrum's pages. From the comics world alone we have Art Adams, Arthur Suydam and even a piece by the late, great Mike Wieringo. Pirates, vampires, robots and zombies, all make their appearance, as well as top tier concept art from today's (and tomorrow's) hottest video games!
It's always a great time and serves as the nerd's indispensible coffee table book. Sure, there's cheesy pin up stuff from time to time, and things that would be better suited on the side of a 70's van... Heck, Joe Jusko also painted a particularly bitchin' lady in a white leopard skin bikini hanging out with other white leopards on page 76, if that's your thing. They have to sell the book, so they need to put the classy in with the clas-say every once and awhile.
I usually let Jeff plug the art books, but A) this one is too good to pass up and B) I'm a mummy now and can do whatever the heck I want...except get the sand out of my undies.
BOOKS OF THE DEAD
I'm just getting off the phone with my new architect. A swanky high-rise pad just won't do, now that I've gone mummy. I shall require a 70-foot high stone dodecahedron (pyramids are SO B.C.) to be buried in soft sand for hundreds of years. I have to remember to run out to the store to pick up some cats to mummify as well. Can't have a swinging mummy pad without mummified cats.
While I'm out I figure I'll also grab the latest issue of B.P.R.D. The Warning #5 and Buffy the Vampire Slayer #19, from Dark Horse. It's good to see what the enemy is planning. Razza' frazzin' forces of good! I may as well get The Twelve #9 from Marvel and 100 Bullets #97 from DC/Vertigo, too. That's has nothing to do with my enemies, those are just great books.
OH, Doomed I am to spend eternity sequestered in my living tomb! I'd better get some DVD's to while away the time. Forbidden Planet has copies of the new Futurama movie, "Bender's Game," don't they? I can't seem to remember...everything is getting hazy! ARGGG! The Urge to wander aimlessly throughout the countryside and murder all who disturb my crypt is getting strong! It's increasingly difficult to write with such clarity and wit! BLARGG!
Who knows if I'll be able to write another exciting installment of Unkiedev's Amazing Stuff, as I imagine my time will be spent limping through deserts and chasing Brendan Fraser. GRRRR! Ahnkie Dev-Ra Awakens! RAGHR! He demands Heroclix! ARg! Glarble! Marggglable Grraggle! RAAAAA!
Friday, October 24, 2008
Kurosagi Corpse Delivery Service
a Review by Mark Denardo
The Kurosagi Corpse Delivery Service is one of Dark Horse's best collected Horror Manga. It's a fun and scary book, with good plot, character development and art. Every time I want to pick up 1-3, they're sold out! [editor's note: that's because KCDS is incredibly popular here at FP; they are in stock now as often as possible from going forward -jeff] So, in lieu of numero uno, I will review #4, a really great issue. Parasites, aliens, bodysnatchers, paranomal detectives. Yay!
The KCDS story centers around a Psychic named Karatsu who can talk to
and animate the dead. They find people who were murdered or died with
unfinished business in the world of the living and try to sort out their affairs (for a
fee) so they can pass on. It has very Buddhist/ghost story style undertones that are pretty creepy.
One story in #4 is all about a "Bodies" style exhibition of corpses
who were kidnapped and killed for the sake of the business.
Another tale entails an alien preserved primate of Russian origin,
which has a extraterrestrial turn. Another story is about snails.
Snails?
KCDS feels really Scooby Doo sometimes and I like it alot. Only
characters suffer more serious dangers- being embalmed alive, turning
into a snail, supernatural booby traps.
Sorting out the dead and making money doing it is a hard job, and
surprisingly competitive. Reiji Akiba, the "gun-toting exorcist" of
Mail, another of the Dark Horse books, makes a crossover appearance.
Fortunately, the KCDS team are all experts in their discipline-
Dowsing, Embalming, Hacking, Channeling- and sometimes the dead pay
up front for their services. Don't ask how.
As with most Manga there is an underlying story developing, involving
the forces behind Karastsu's powers and a potential lineage of Itako
or "a shaman who can summon spirits at anytime and from anywhere,
including from the next life" (taken from Wikipedia).
Why are named after a Kurosagi, I have no idea. Either that was
explained in the first issues, or not as of yet.
Either way- Read read read read it!
Mark DeNardo writes 8-bit punk songs under the band Graffiti Monsters
[http://myspace.com/graffitimonsters], fusing ancient and modern
mythology in the noise/folk/punk/blues idiom. He also makes video game
music for the delicious Pixeljam games [http://pixeljam.com]. He lives
in Brooklyn, NY with a girl and two cats.
Friday, October 24, 2008
We've Gotcher Back!
"The act of buying comics in the 21st Century is a conscious, expensive and involved consumer choice. It is exactly those kinds of choices that are at risk during times of economic distress." -Tom Spurgeon The Comics Reporter
If you're like me you're 5'9" with black hair and totally rad.
Rimshot! Seriously: I was shopping for Chewbacca and Pippin's cat food and some other groceries over the weekend when I realized going to the supermarket had, over the course of about a year, become a regular exercise in shaking my head, whistling in disbelief, and swooning at the damage rampant inflation had done to my wallet. And I'm sure many of you as well have felt a similar crunch. Or worse if the extent of your familial responsibilities exceed two pain in the but, but lovable, kitties.
Point is I never want you, as a customer of Forbidden Planet, to feel so pressed. The material we sell here is meant to be fun, recreational escape from the realities of market-swooning. And though I feel the stuff we sell is nominally priced for the value it provides, I've got a few reminders and suggestions to keep your FP receipt manageable in these kooky times.
First, if manga's your cup of Sanka, keep in mind, remember, tattoo yourself if ya gotta, that we run two very special, everyday discount schemes on our immense and spectacular Manga selection. All Manga priced $9.99 of $9.95 are three for $24.99. That covers, like, ninety-eight percent of Tokyopop's library! All Manga priced $7.99 are 3 for $19.99. That's all your Naruto, Bleach, and Death Notes (and more!!!).
Second, to those of you with a comic book habit: I strongly suggest you open up a pull-list SUBSCRIPTION with us TODAY! It's free, with no hidden costs, easy, and saves you 10% OFF everything everytime you shop here once active. Simply go up to the front counter and request a SUB form. Fill it out on spot or return it to us later, listing at least five titles you'd buy on a monthly basis, and you'll be able to pick up your regular books before hitting the racks with no other commitments than to pick up your comics at least once per month. That's 10% off all the things all the time!
Third- If you're a college student remember to flash your ID at checkout to get 10% OFF all things all the time!!!
Finally, another way for you to max out your toy and comics' buying dollar is to make as informed purchasing decisions as possible. Forbidden Planet currently sports one of its better (i.e. knowledgeable, approachable, friendly) floor staffs in years, and their number one primary function is to serve YOU. Let them. If you're coming in cold, not knowing exactly what it is you're looking for or needing a recommendation, don't hesitate to ask. It's been awhile, a long while, since I overheard a bonehead suggestion come from one of these guys and gals. Likewise, I suggest you arm yourself with information. That's right, I wrote "arm." It's war on those shelves. There's waaay more comics/books/toys/merch/etc. out there fighting for territory on your shelves, and ours, than ever before, with hundreds more items releasing each week(!), and unless you're Daddy Warbucks your extra cash is finite. Check our website over the weekend to see what's coming Wednesday, read the thousands of blogs, reviews and news sites out there (I have my favorites and will key you in if interested), pick up the free weekly Comic Shop News--- whatever you've gotta do to get informed. The more money you save on NOT buying something that suits your taste is money you can spend on the good stuff!
Remarkable & Recommended Releases 11/5/08
1. Ultimatum #1 (Marvel)
2. Liquid City Vol.1 GN (Image)
3. Back to Brooklyn #2 (Image)
4. Absolute Sandman V.4 (DC/Vertigo)
5. Teen Titans Year One TP (DC)
Bottoms Up, Kids!
With Love,
Jeff
Friday, October 24, 2008
Unkiedev's Amazing Stuff
I thought my Alaskan Inupiat Halloween costume was pretty dang fabboo, myself. Unfortunately, the Homeland Security agents who hound my every step couldn't see the huskies through the teams, as we say. They thought I was a Siberian Yupik. Ha. As if. Anyway, the joke is on me, as the increased hostilities between Russia and Georgia has got everybody in H.S a little spooked They've adopted a " Zero Tolerance" policy towards Eurasia. Deported AGAIN, *SIGH*
My new Yupik family and I have been huddling for warmth and trying to open the first Arctic comic book shop. Diamond and I have been exchanging some pretty heated, though frost bitten, words. Seems they won't ship above the 20° latitude. To satisfy my customers I've been creating scrimshaw recreations of Final Crisis, and I've carved a totem pole that, when read right, recounts all of the Secret Invasion so far...but it's just not the same.
Sandman The Dream Hunters #1 (of 4), P. Craig Russell (W/A), Vertigo/DC
Umugak has requested I weave an intricate basket to recreate this issue, but we have to wait for the sea fronds to dry. In the meantime, I recommend one of you pick this up, if only to mail this to me. I can't really pay for the shipping, but I could make you a member of our tribe, and that way you could legally hunt Whale!
Neil Gaiman is many people's first foray into comics. With increasing Hollywood attention on his career this trend will only grow. His most beloved creation was Sandman, which along with Alan Moore's Swamp Thing pretty much invented the DC/Vertigo line. Even after Sandman wrapped up fans couldn't get enough! Sandman: The Dream Hunter was one of the earliest original sandman graphic novels post Sandman, and was writen by Gaiman in prose and illustrated by renowned Japanese artist Yoshitaka Amano (of Final Fantasy fame.)
Amano's original closing inscription to this first iteration of Dream Hunters says Neil and Amano's relationship would "...build and take many forms in the future...This is only the beginning." Sadly, such was not the case.
I loved this story. Dream Hunters is simple, elegant and illustrated by a true world master. I suspect, however, the prose tone and flowing ink style deterred many a mainstream American reader.
What would seem a tactless attempt to rebrand Dream Hunters for the Yanks will instead turn into a celebration of the original story under the pen of Sandman favorite P. Craig Russell. Russell is one of those rare comic pros who's career is long and substantial and who takes on the projects he finds the most compelling. I'm a Russell junkie, and would literally pick up anything the man did. It is with no hesitation I can say I am wildly excited for Russell to show Dream Hunters the love, attention and dream like quality he brought to his adaptations of Das Ring Der Nieblungs, Pagliacci and the works of Oscar Wilde.
SLOW IN THE SNOW
Otherwise, it's rather a slow comic week. That's good for my frozen fingers. Marvel has Dan Slott's Initiative Special out this week, always a smooth read for folks who dig cape stories with smart twists. I'm also going to pray to the great Raven, he who made the reindeer of his hair and the sea from his urine, to make me this week's Ms. Marvel Storyteller Special out of..I dunno, his eyelash? I've never bought Ms. Marvel before, but this one promises pirate versions of the Marvel Universe, and YES I am that easily impressed.
Nukusuk and I are REALLY excited for the this week's Lucha Libre #6! Out from Image and drawn by some of Cali's hottest professionals, Lucha Libre is that rare book of high talent artists having a blast drawing goofy stuff! There's also a NOT TO BE MISSED Lucha Libre TB out this week collecting issues 1-5.
Till then, I sit and await the harvest of the seals, the subsequent bladder ceremony, and word from my attorney and agent at the American Embassy. Next year I'm just going to dress as Sephiroth.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Hiya kids, I'll make it short and sweet this issue. You know those other plans you have for next Tuesday & Wednesday night? Break 'em. Your significant others will understand (in fact you can let 'em tag along!), that concert you're going to is probably gonna blow, there's no professional Curling on TV that night, and unfiltered awesomeness comes around so rarely in this universe that it'd be downright wrong for you to not ditch your prior engagements. And no, Plaxico, driving your kids to school is not an acceptable excuse for missing what are sure to be two amazing events.
Why should you alienate the rest of the world, if only for a few hours, those nights? Tuesday 10/28: FP presents an evening with CHIP KIDD to celebrate the launch of his bat-tacular new art book, Bat-Manga! The Secret History of Batman in Japan. Chip, the book's translator Anne Ishii, the book's photographer Geoff Spear and Batman-collector Saul Ferris will be discussing and signing copies of one of the year's sexiest books at The Strand bookstore down the block from us (828 Broadway @ 12th St).
So we got that goin for us, which is nice.
As nice as our Robert Kirkman signing next Wednesday 10/29 @6pm. Plan to be here as white-hot and wicked popular writer of such best-selling books as The Walking Dead, Marvel Zombies (1,2,& Dead Days), Invincible, Ultimate X-Men, Battle Pope, The Astounding Wolf-Man, and a button of other fine work joins us for a very special signing. Simple as that.
I solemnly promise: This will be the last time for the rest of 2008 in which I schill for FP events. Mostly cuz we ain't got anymore until 2009. In the meantime be sure all you Chris Ware acolytes pick up Acme Novelty Library v.19 IN STOCK NOW. Next week's issue: All Your Most Sincere Wishes Come True!
jeff ayers
Friday, October 10, 2008
Playing Catch-Up
Seeing as I've missed the opportunity to pimp new product in these pages the last few issues, choosing instead to use this forum to promote the slew of events we have coming up. Thus, I hereby present you with various items recently released that deserve, nay demand, to be discussed.
Comics/Books/Stuffs Bought, Read or Otherwise Enjoyed:
Four Eyes #1- single issue comic book by Joe Kelly (w) and Max Fiumara (a). How are ya gonna make a buck and help out the family when you're a ten year old kid in Depression-era NYC? Become a Dragon tamer!!! Great premise, with unquestionably and utterly magnificent art from the penciller of Warren Ellis' awesome zombie/subterranean monster epic Black Gas. You mom told me she'd be very disappointed if you leave here without at least picking this book up- and you wouldn't wanna let her down, wouldja?
Heart Shaped Box- novel by Joe Hill. A thoroughly creepy, downright scary, and deftly crafted ghost story. I haven't gotten chills from reading something like this since I was a teenager. Having had such paranormal experiences myself (that's not the shrooms talking... promise), I can honestly tell you- Mr. Hill describes the pulse pounding terror, the vacuous chill of such encounters so well I will only read this book on the train, in public, with plenty of people around me, so that when I look up from my book I'm reminded I'm still in the real world with nothing to fear. Well. That was all a bit of an exaggeration, but you get the hint. Also new, and recommended, from Joe Hill is the lavish hardcover of his sleeper hit comic series Locke & Key. Put both books on your Halloween reading list 2008. Then move them to the top of that list.
Books Not Bought Because My Money is Tied Up in Venture Capital, but are Noteworthy Nonetheless. Yeah, that's it: Venture Capital. Yeah.
The Night of Your Life- by Jesse Reklaw. The cartoonist behind the superb Applicant, conjures up this collection that turns the dreams of strangers into comic strip form. While this has been done before to various degrees of success, Jesse's ability to tell a terse but effective story are put to the test here, as the format is limited only four panels for each dream. Luckily he's up to the task.
Ghost World Special Edition HC- by Daniel Clowes. I think I've gone on record before as having said that I, snobbishly, much prefer my back issues of Eightball to the collections. I think Ghost World, Like a Velvet Glove Cast in Iron, and Pussey! work much better in smaller, easier to digest chunks as opposed to one-sitting stories. This new edition of GW, however, is borderline phenomenal. Featuring new and never before seen art, the original graphic novel, and the screenplay edition rolled into one sexy (and awesome smelling!!!) tome, this is the edition to adorn your bookcase for years to come.
Ex FP Employee Pete Bonavita ca.1999 as he's leaving the store: Alright, g'night everybody, I'm gonna go home and beat Zelda [the Ocarina of Time for N64].
Me, to his back from across the store w/o missin' a beat: That's exactly what F. Scott used to say when he left the bar!!!
Be Excellent to Each Other,
jeff
Back to Work, Ayers!!!
-jeff
Friday, October 10, 2008
SPX Edition
Assembled in a small conference room of the Bethesda, Maryland Marriot Hotel were the hard working women of men making up this years cr ème de la cr ème of independant comic books. I've exhibited at MOCCA and San Diego as well as attended multiple Wizard Worlds, countless Big Apple Cons and have appeared at every New York Comic con since they started. Until this past Sunday I have never gone to the Small Press Expo, though I will never miss one again.
And not just because, as many of you may know, the federalès have put me in witness relocation in Baltimore, MD for testifying against Brucie "The Crock" Turnbull and a trip to Bethesda is both "low profile" and convenient. Shoot. I shouldn't have said that.
SPX
The SPX is like MOCCA but smaller and less pretentious. The fat seems to have been gnawed off of the bone, and what you have left is the leanest and meanest bunch of professional cartoonists hungry for work and creative expression. Almost every individual exhibiting at the SPX was a creator in their prime, ready to rumble, from old schoolers like Larry Marder (Whose collected Bean World is out now from Dark Horse) familiar new faces like R. Stevens and Forbidden Planet's own MK Reed mix it up with new blood like Devin Clark and Dan Meth, of Mammal and the web-toon "The Meth Minute" respectfully.
So what was "The best of the Bethesda best?" Keith Knight's "The K Chronicles" available now from Dark Horse is up there, and I bought a fun comic with an exploding brain called, appropriately, "Barf." Still, the book 'yer 'ole Unkiedev would put hands above the rest would be this little gem:
Crogan's Vengence, Chris Schweizer (W/A), Oni Press
Oni is beginning a series of extremely well illustrated historical adventure graphic novels by a cartoonist named Chris Schweizer. Mr. Schweizer was in attendance at the SPX selling the first volume of the series called Crogan's Vengence. It will be available at the end of the month, but Mr. Schweizer was glad to sell me an early copy. Moustaches open door, mates.
The Crogan books will follow one family through history. This first volume opens with the current generation of Crogans, a suburban father and his conscientious son who runs with a bad crowd at school. His father picks up his spirits with tales of their ancestors, and in this case their famous pirate relative "Catfoot" Crogan. Thick, organic black lines and a well-researched script make Crogan's Vengence an all ages delight! If you like pirates and graphic ink work you'll love Crogan!
BACK TO THE BASICS
I can't say enough nice things about Dark Horse. This week they have the Goon #29, B.P.R.D. the Warning #4, and volume 2 of their stellar looking Hellboy reprint editions. Gorgeous.
DC has the DC Comics Goes Ape trade paperback, in case you thought that "Marvel Apes" was an original idea, as well as Final Crisis Revelations # 3. First Super Girl got hit by lightning in the butt, then the Flash fought bees. This week, Batwoman's super panties are non-metaphorically on fire. You can always count on DC for the weirdest cover of the month.
Marvel's pulling out the monsters this week in prep of ole Hallow's Eve. Hulk fights Frankenstein in Hulk Monster Size Special #1, and robots fight zombies in the new Marvel Zombies 3 #1. Rounding it out is SI Inhumans #3 and the The Twelve #8..and I'm going to have to get that new Ghostbusters Manga from Tokyopop, too.
Don't tell Brucie I'm here, ok?
DEVc
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Harvey Award Winners & Other Sundry Notes
The Harvey Awards were presented this past weekend at the Baltimore Comic-Con. The Harvey Awards are one of the comic book industry's oldest and most respected awards. Named for innovative and influential artist Harvey Kurtzman (creator of, among othe notables, MAD Magazine), they are the only industry awards both nominated by and selected by the full body of comic book professionals. I personally loooove reporting on Awards weekends, as they afford me a chance to catch up on the billions of things I have going on here at FP, many of which I'll detail after the roundup. Please consider the fine works below when looking for something new or untried while browsing our bookcases....
* Best Writer: Ed Brubaker (Captain America)
* Best Artist: Frank Quitely (All Star Superman)
* Best Cartoonist: Darwyn Cooke (The Spirit)
* Best GN (Original): Scott Pilgrim v.4
* Best GN (Reprint): Captain America Brubaker Omnibus v.1
* Best Domestic Reprint: The Complete Peanuts
* Best American ed. Foreign Material: Eduardo Risso's Tales of Terror
* Special Award for Humor: Nicholas Gurewitch (Perry Bible Fellowship)
* Best Online Comic: Perry Bible Fellowship
* Special Award Excellence/Presentation: Russ Cochrane (EC Archives)
* Best Single Issue/Story: All Star Superman #8
* Best Hisctorical/Journalistic Presentation: Reading Comics by Douglas Wolk
* Best Cover Artist: Mike Mignola (Hellboy)
* Best Letterer: Chris Eliopoulos (Daredevil)
* Best Inker: Kevin Nowlan (Witchblade
* Best Syndicated Strip: Doonesbury by Gary Trudeau
* Best Continuing Series: All Star Superman
* Best New Series: The Umbrella Academy
* Best Anthology: Popgun, ed. by Joe Keatinge & Mark Andrew Smith
FP Event Dates of Note:
Wed. 10/8 2pm-4pm: Presidential Material Signing with the writers of IDW's Obama & McCain comics, Andy Helfer & Jeff Mariotte!!! Buy a copy, or ten, of the comics releasing that day (3.99ea) and get 'em signed here at Forbidden Planet. Simple as that!
Thursday October 16th: FP Night at NYC's most horrifying haunted house, NIGHTMARE, down on Suffolk and Rivington at the CSV Cultural Center. Last year our guest was Marvel Zombies cover artist Arthur Suydam, who signed at our table, walked through the haunted house with us, and participated in a whole mess of giveaways and promotions. Next week I'm gonna pull the trigger on what's in store for FP Night 2008. Watch for it. And don't forget to buy tickets in advance using the coupon on the back of this newsletter. Up to 15bucks off!
Tuesday 10/28 Strand Bookstore 7pm: FP is proud to once again co-sponsor another terrific event at our neighbor's fine establisment, this time featuring THE launch of Chip Kidd's new graphic album, Bat-Manga!: The Secret History of Batman in Japan. I've held this forthcoming tome in my hands and it is AWESOME. In 1966, during the height of the first Batman craze, a weekly Japanese manga anthology for boys licensed the rights to commission its own Batman and Robin stories. They were never collected in Japan, and never translated into English. Now, in Bat-Manga! hundreds of pages of Batman-manga comics are translated for the first time, appearing alongside stunning photos of the world's most comprehensive collection of vintage Japanese Batman toys. Chip Kidd, a graphic designer and writer whose two previous books about comics, Peanuts: The Art of Charles M. Schulz and Mythology: the DC Comics Art of Alex Ross won Eisner Awards and were national bestsellers, will discuss and sign Bat-Manga! at the Strand.
Wed. 10/28 6pm: THE Robert Kirkman Signing. The comics writer extraordinaire, author of such FP bestsellers as Invincible, Marvel Zombies, and The Walking Dead, graces this rockin store to sign comics galore. Looks like it's going to be another FP event for the ages.
Back to Work, Ayers!!!
-jeff
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
A Birthday Wish
If I had one birthday wish this year it would be that all the children to join hands and sing together in the spirit of harmony and peace. If I had two wishes this birthday the first would be for all the children of the world to join hands and sing in the spirit of harmony and peace. And the second would be for 30 million dollars a month to be given to me, tax-free in a Swiss bank account.
Y'know, if I had three wishes three wishes this birthday the first, of course, would be for all that crap about the kids, the second would be for the 30 million dollars every month to me, and the third would be for Forbidden Planet's first aisle to less jam-packed, crammed, and otherwise teeming with readers and shelf-leaners on peak hours; most notably new comic day.
Seriously.
Consider this an impassioned plea from FP's intrepid manager/buyer as he creeps into crotchety old manhood on the anniversary of his birth. Those stickers attached to the New Release rack? The ones that read, "Please be considerate of your fellow browsers by not blocking the shelves"? Those stickers were my idea and the theory behind them is my greatest birthday wish. That every customer that walks through that door is able to check out our new wares without being impeded by the inconsiderate loitering and unnecessary shelf blockage of a few patrons that ruin others' shopping experience.
Now I understand that FP has grown considerably the last few years, with thousands of new customers, hundreds of new books per week more than once were, and dozens of new and bulky shelving units. I get that. Every business wants to be the victim of its own success along those lines. Problem is our square footage hasn't grown. And it can't in this location. I also don't mean to come off as the "this ain't a library" retailer. Youse guys are more than welcome to peruse our books... within reason. Checking out a title to see what's going on in the Marvel Universe is fine. Especially if that's going to inform a purchasing decision. Reading one of every book in front of one of the busiest comic racks in the world during its busiest times is definitely NOT COOL. It's so not cool I'd produce an afterschool special about it if they made those anymore.
A lot of this comes from having been a customer here myself. I know what it's like to travel a long way back home and realize that you missed a new book you were looking forward to because some disrespectful "reader" was blocking a large chunk of the alphabetical run. That bites. Don't be that guy or gal. We're all friends here.
So next time you wish to look through something in that aisle I respectfully implore you to take your items and maybe move to another spot in the store. I implore you to come back at another time, perhaps a Thursday late evening or a Saturday morning when we're slightly less crowded and when you're less likely to disturb a fellow fan's shopping experience. Please.
If I had a fourth wish it'd be for all of us to have as amazing a Forbidden Planet experience as we can. Let's make that happen, huh?
Love Ya,
JEFF
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Unkiedev's Amazing Stuff
PENULTIMATE EDITION
It is with a heavy heart that I step down as a columnist for the Weekly Planet. I would like to assure my loyal readers that the rumors of graft, bribery and payola are mostly (well, entirely) true. I knew it was wrong to accept money from "Utensils Inc. Comics" in order to A) build an addition to my apartment and B) plug their fine, wonderful comics, such as "The New Melon Balling Avengers" (whoops! there I go again,) but I took their money anyway. I have made a mockery of my ethics and everything that the Weekly Planet stands for. For that I resign. This will be my second to last column.
BEES!
But hey, who cares, right? Flash #244 has BEES! Look at em'! I hope the Flash gives those nasty bees what for. Zip, Pow, BANG! Take that, bees! Now we know where all the bees have gone too, the Flash has karate chopped them all in their dang fool necks. KER-SPLAT!
This week has a new issue of Turok, the Native American guy who stabs dinosaurs in the face! There used to be a pretty darn good comic called Magnus, Robot Fighter. Vertigo has a fun little title (soon to be a Showtime original program) called The Exterminators (trade paperbacks available right here at the Forbidden Planet) about, you guessed it, professional bug killers. I like the single-minded antagonist/protagonist tactic here, and the hip spin on man v. nature (and robot,) but I want a different comic.
Week after week I want to read about the Flash fighting bugs. Let's change the name to "Wally, Bug Puncher." First he can take on the bees, then hopefully the wasps. I see him punching the bajeebus out of ticks AND fleas in a six issue miniseries. Maybe even a crossover with Marvel's bee-themed villain, Swarm? The Flash vs. a Nazi made of Bees?! THAT'LL up yer' circulation, DC.
NON-BEES
Many other fine comic books come out this week which DO NOT feature bees. I know you don't really care, but I'll break em' down. DC has All Star Superman #12, the conclusion of one of our generation's greatest super-hero tales told by the masters Morrison and Quitely. Yawn...no bees. There's also a spiffy collection of "The Phantom Stranger, " a real weirdo drawn by pre-Hellboy Mignola. At 144 pages, the chances of there being A bee in there is pretty good!
Marvel has apes in Marvel Apes #2, spiders in Amazing Spider-Man #572 and Sentrys in Age of the Sentry #1, but no bees. Shame, really. Yellowjacket might show up in Mighty Avengers #18, but I won't hold my breath.
TWO indie books to scope: Castle Waiting #12 and Glamourpuss #3. *sigh*
BEST OF TIMES
In non-bee related news (Or "nobeews",) Marvel also has Ultimates 3 #5 out this week. Limping across the finish line, the timing on this clunker couldn't have been better. In a week that sees the final issue of All Star Superman, what may arguably stand the test of time as one of the best comics of this decade, we have the finale to one of its undisputed worst.
Ultimates 3 was "big names, no story" as Jeph Loeb and Joey Madureira gave us an unfulfilling book typical of the Image 90's boom. Instead of tight pacing and political intrigue we have poorly motivated buffoonery. Character studies stood aside for generalization and one-dimensionality. Not even Bees would have saved this book.
Look upon your works, yee sinners, and despair.
AUTHORS NOTE: I really am leaving town, and I don't know if the magnificent WP crew have found a replacement columnist for me yet. Talk to Jeff and ask for a chance, if you think you got the right stuff. Good Luck!
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Smell The Glove
I want every and any Forbidden Planet customer with even a passing interest in Batman, or well-executed comics in general, to spend or squirrel away some money this week so you may procure your copy of Batman The Black Glove HC releasing 9/10. Collecting Batman #667-669 and featuring the talents of artist JH Williams (of Alan Moore's Promethea fame), Black Glove represents the best issues of Grant Morrison's run on the title so far and has quickly established itself as one of my favorite comic book storylines of all time.
The skinny is that Batman and Robin are attending a meeting of otherwise C-List superheroes called "The International Club of Heroes" on an private island in the Caribbean. Mayhem ensues as our heroes become embroiled in a memorable murder mystery that I can only best describe as Clue with dopey capes. What really shines here is the book's amazing execution: Mr. Williams' unconventional, thought-provoking page layouts create an ominous dread rife with symbolism and drenched in paranoia. Not to mention he draws a badass Batman. It's also a perfect visualization, in terms of storytelling, of a very tight, very intense Grant Morrison script.
Highest Possible Recommendation, but beware the murder stuff is pretty grisly (the murderer wears the face, skin and all, of his first victim fifteen pages in) so this is by no means an all ages Bat-book.
Also recommended this week:
I Kill Giants #2- by Joe Kelly (w) & J. M. Ken Niimura
Omega: The Unknown HC- by Jonathan Lethem (w... also a Brooklyn Book Festival attendee!!!) + Farel Darlymple and Paul Hornschemeier (artists)
Tron #6 (Guilty Pleasure Pick of the Week!)
End of Line.
jeff
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Unkiedev's Amazing Stuff
Yip-Yippy Yee-HAW! Welcome to Unkiedev's Amazing Stuff, a weekly column in the Weekly Planet where this guy I know, Unkiedev, details comic books he deems spotlight-able. WHO is this Unkiedev guy, what are his qualifications? I dunno', no one has ever seen him.
Some say he stands 12 feet tall, and he has polybags for fingers so he keeps each page of a comic book acid free as he reads. Other say he's like a lizard version of Captain Kirk, only with glasses. The truth, I'm sure, lies someplace in between.
ANYWAY, lots of great books this week. Let's dig in to this thing like a hyperactive archeologist in a dino-graveyard! HERE WE COME, DINOS!
FREDDY vs. JASON vs. ASH TP, Jeff Katz & James Kuhoric (W), Jason Craig (A), DC
Ya like gross, ya' like funny? Ya' like film world's most iconic modern monsters? This one's for you! To be sure, TP DOES stand for toilet paper, but in this instance it stands for "Trade Paperback." TP's are the current lifeblood of the comics industry: Publisher's can sell more TP at a higher price point than a monthly comic, and it can constantly be reprinted with no further set up or production costs. Publisher's can also get these suckers in bookstores, or specialty shops like Hot Topic and Victoria's Secret. They sell comic books in there, right?
I highly recommend this book to all fans of horror movies, ESPECIALLY those who loved the Evil Dead flicks and Freddy vs. Jason. This book transitions well out of these films and into the wise-crackin', chain-sawin', nightmare inducing chills and thrills you've come to expect from these series. Jason Craig's art is both clear and recognizable...unlike some licensed comics. There are no big patches of black obscuring half the page, and no out-and –out medical illustrations of bisected human heads, neither. There IS gore, but it's a fun level and keeps up with the tone of the title. Good stuff!
This is technically a DC book, though it's really a Wildstorm book. A subtle and slippery distinction. It's also co-published by Dynamite Entertainment. How many publisher's does it take to put out a book these days? Apparently, Three. I'd also recommend this one to anybody planning to pick up this week's The Goon #28 from Dark Horse. VERY similar feel.
DC also has the latest issue of crazy ole' UnkieFrank's "All Star Batman and the Boy Wonder #10," Wonder Woman #24 and 100 Bullets #95.
SIMPLY MARVELOUS
Marvel has the new Deadpool relaunch (It's not about swimming) as well as Ultimate Origins #4. Then Marvel has a full assortment sampler of their current idea, namely Secret Invasion. You can get your Secret invasion in regular/unleaded this week from Secret Invasion #6, or the smaller, micro brew flavors of Secret Invasion's Inhumans #2, X-Men #2 and Runaways/Young Avengers #3. Season to taste.
We need to find life on another planet so we can secretly invade. I've always hoped we could find an ice planet to conquer, where our 98.6 degree mouths would be like breathing fire on its sub temp aliens. We could melt their faces by spitting on them, in secret.
And what other reason is there to conquer space if not to spit in the faces of the aliens that live there? You betta' axe somebody.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Re: Brooklyn Book Festival 2008
Two issues ago I warned you all that FP had procured some terrific, top-tier, NYC-based talent to sign at our booth at the Brooklyn Book Fest on Sunday, September 14th- and I don't putz around. Ya hear me? I don't bandy such boasts around lightly! Finally ready to let the word go forth, our amazingly star-studded guest list follows. Please note that these creators' bios have all been provided by them, and are not of my writing, and time-slots are being confirmed as we go to press.
Brian Wood: Brian released his first series, Channel Zero, in 1997 to considerable critical acclaim and has continued to produce comics and graphic novels at a brisk pace ever since. Focusing almost entirely on creator-owned works, he's become one of the most important indie creators of the last decade. Standout works include his The Couriers and Channel Zero series, Demo, Local and Supermarket. He has earned multiple Eisner Award nominations and editions of his work have been published in close to a dozen foreign markets. Currently under an exclusive contract for DC/Vertigo, Wood continues to write his unique brand of iconoclastic creator-owned work with DMZ, Northlanders, Demo and The New York Four. brianwood.com
Kyle Baker: Kyle Baker is the greatest cartoonist of all time.
He has bestowed his gifts upon such fortunate institutions as Disney, Warner Bros. Feature Animation, HBO, Dreamworks, Cartoon Network, Marvel Comics, DC Comics, Saatchi and Saatchi, Watson-Guptill, RCA/BMG, Random House, Nickelodeon, Rugrats, Scholastic and others... Baker has authored thirteen Graphic Novels: You are Here, Why I Hate Saturn, The Cowboy Wally Show, King David, I Die at Midnight, Undercover Genie, two Plastic Man books... and Nat Turner, Cartoonist Volumes 1 & 2 and The Bakers color hardcover collection... He has been awarded the HARVEY AWARD... and the EISNER AWARD [multiple times!]... They are considered to be the comic book industry's highest honors. kylebaker.com
Alex Robinson: Alex Robinson's books includeBoxOffice Poison, Tricked and his latest book Too Cool to Be Forgotten, all of which are available from Top Shelf Productions. He has won and lost several industry awards. He currently lives in New York City with his wife and their cat. comicbookalex.com
Fred Van Lente & Ryan Dunlavey- Fred's comics include Action Philosophers, Incredible Hercules, MODOK's 11, Comic Book Comics, and The Silencers. Comics Should Be Good named Fred one of the 365 Reasons to Love Comics. He's been called "one of the most idiosyncratic and insightful new voices in comics. Awards: Named AICN Comics Writer to Watch by Ain't It Cool News (2008). Nexus Award for MODOK's 11 (2007). American Library Association Great Graphic Novels for Teens winner (2007), Ignatz nomination (2005 & 2006), and a Xeric Award (2004) for Action Philosophers! Broken Frontier Award: Best Independent Superhero Comic for The Silencers (2003). Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences Don and Marie Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting semifinalist for Knightlife (2002). Spectrum Award for Best Science Fiction Art for Tranquility (1998). Ryan Dunlavey is a freelance artist based in New York City whose past and present clients include Comedy Central, Platinum Studios, The Children's Place, Starter Sportswear, McGraw/Hill, TBS Superstation, Airwalk Shoes, MTV, Schoolastic and Warner Brothers Publishing. [His] illustrations and comic strips have appeared in dozens of magazines including MAD, Wizard, ToyFare, The Princeton Review, Time Out New York, Royal Flush, and Disney Adventures. [He is] also one half of the duo responsible for the award-winning Action Philosophers comic book series. fredvanlente.com ryandartist.com.
I'm compelled to say that it's been years since we amassed such a large group of heavy hitters in one single event, and we are humbled, proud, and honored to present you with a chance to meet such a swell bunch of writers and artists. We want all of you kids to come out in droves for these fine gentlemen (our next event will be less Y-chromosome-centric, I promise!!!), so tell your mama, tell your pa, naw, naw, naw... Check this space next week for the completed schedule.
For more info on the wheres and whens of the Festival check out
www.brooklynbookfestival.org
See You All There, Suckas!
JEFF
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Top Performing Items 8/20 --> 8/27
1. Uncanny X-Men #501 2. Amazing Spider-Man #568 3. Watchmen TP 4. Dr Who Magazine #398 5. CultClassics Regan Exorcist 7" Toy 6. Justice Series 8 Supergirl Toy 7. Marvel 1985 #4 8. Final Crisis Legion of 3 Worlds #1 9. M:TG EvenTide Boosters 10. Red Skull 1/4 Scale Statue
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Otaku Converge on NYC, FP
You should know by now Forbidden Planet is one of the best stores in the United States for all sorts of Otaku necesseties, with a cheaper and better anime and manga selection than any other store in New York City can boast. Books, comics, mags, dvds, patches, pins, stickers, wall scrolls... you name it. We carry it.
Well I'm also pleased that as of this moment, FP is selling tickest to the 2008 NY Anime Festival!!
The New York Anime Festival is an annual anime convention held at the Jacob K. Javits Center in Midtown Manhattan. It features exclusive and extensive anime screenings, guests from America and Japan, manga, cosplay, video games, live-action Japanese cinema, fashion, food, and the cultural treasures that gave birth to Japanese pop culture. The 2008 show will be held Friday 9/26 - Sunday 9/28and is going to be HUGE!
Ticket Prices are as follows:
Friday- $35
Saturday- $40
Sunday- $35
3day Wknd- $55
Tickets on Sale Now!!!
It's another large release Wednesday, with many a notable slice of comicdom hitting the FP shelves. Here's a sampling of my shopping list...
Tall Tales by Al Jaffee- TT was an innovative newspaper strip syndicated internationally by the New York Herald Tribune from 1957-1963. Whereas newspaper strips are square, single-panel, or multiple-panel horizontal gag cartoons, Al Jaffee, known for the Fold-In and his iconic work in MAD Magazine, once again altered the format of his work to create a vertical strip - the first, and last, in newspaper history. Tall Tales contains the best 120 wordless strips out of over 2,200, scanned from the original files. The book features a new preface by Jaffee and an introduction by Stephen Colbert of Comedy Central's The Colbert Report.
Guerillas #1 by Brahm Revel- As the Vietnam War continues to drag on, the U.S. decides to implement their new secret weapon... Monkeys! GUERILLAS is the first issue of an action-packed miniseries which follows a troop of specially trained chimpanzees and the lone human soldier brought along for the ride.
Astounding Wolf Man TP by Robert Kirkman and Jason Howard- When Gary Hampton is mauled and left for dead--his life takes a drastic turn. Gary is cursed: When the moon is full he transforms into a beast of the night, a werewolf. But this curse will not be used for evil - witness the birth of the world's most unlikely new superhero: WOLF-MAN! Brought to you by the writer of The Walking Dead and Invincible!
Strange Embrace V.1 HC- David Hine's tortured, modern gothic is a tale of pain and sorrow, obsession and damnation, of madness, death and sexual longing. The world of Strange Embrace twists and pollutes the lives of all that enter it! One of the more bizarre, original, and thought-provoking horror comics I've encountered in years, this gorgeous hardcover designed by ComiCraft collects Strange Embrace #1-8.
Vaya con Huevos,
JEFF
Brooklyn Book Festival 2008
We here at FP are proud to announce we will be exhibiting at the 3rd Annual Brooklyn Book Festival Sunday, September 14th and we want as many of you kids to join us as possible. Why? Cuz it's gonna be friggin' awesome.
Last year the event attracted over 20,000 book lovers perusing, purchasing, and enjoying a beautiful day in downtown Brooklyn. Further details can be found at brooklynbookfestival.org, but for our part I can say we'll be bringing some nifty books and rarities with us, AND, AND will be hosting a slew of author signings of very heavy duty proportions. How Heavy duty? Well, though I cannot confirm a set schedule of of neither guests nor times for these signings until next week's issue (press time:aaaargh!), watch this space! We're going to to be spotlighting quite the eclectic and high profile mix of top-tier talent. Stay tuned.
And see you at the Festival!
TOP 10 Performing Items 8/13-8/20
1. Secret Invasion #5
2. Watchmen
3. Seed of Chucky 1:1 Replica
4. Star Trek retro Mego Scotty
5. Batman The killing Joke HC
6. Batman #679
7. Astonishing X-Men #26
8. Marvel Masterpieces 2 Trading Cards
9. Y the Last Man v.10
10. McFarlane Toys Mariano Rivera BoxSet
My Shopping List 8/20
Marvel 1985 #4- Mark Millar (w) and Tommy Lee Edwards (a). May I take a moment to say how much I've enjoyed this series so far? More than breakfast... and a whole lot more. Thanks for your time.
Wolverine: Logan Premiere HC- Featuring the talents of multiple Eisner-winners Brian K. Vaughan (Y: The Last Man) and Eduardo Risso (100 Bullets), this story of Wolverine settling an old score (and when isn't he, really) may not buck convention, but is told a helluva lot more interestingly than its contemporaries.
Short Comic DRAWER BOX- Back in stock here at Forbidden Planet, these handsome, innovative and durable storage solutions are the Kree's knees! "The ultimate comic book supply," these stackable cardboard boxes create a filing cabinet feel to storing your comics. The drawer feature allows you to pull your collection out a large chunk at a time without having to re-arrange box after box to get to those hard to reach As or Zs. As a New Yorker with a nominal amount of space and two cats who've ripped many a traditional comic box and sentimentally valuable comic to shreds, they're also ideal. Now I can stow what's left of my collection in the upper regions of my closets without fear of kitty claws or more lumps on my ailing noggin.
"Now I CAN be theatrical,
maybe even a bit rough-
but.... I'm an artist.
(big grin)
And I looove a party. So truce.
COMMENCE AU FESTIVAL!"
JEFF
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Unkiedev's Amazing Stuff
Unkiedev's Amazing Stuff aficionados rejoice! I've signed a lucrative deal to be the exclusive comic book pundit of "Utensils Inc. Comics," a small press company bankrolled by the manufacturers of America's top kitchen utensils. Their publishing line involves all of your favorite comic book characters re-cast as wooden spoons, carrot peelers and other household items, ala Pixar's "Cars" or "The Brave Little Toaster." Their initial titles such as "The Justice Whisks of America," "BatSpatula," and "The X-George Forman's Lean Mean Grilling Machines" are the best titles on the market I'm getting paid big bucks to endorse! No Foolin'!
Financially this is a huge windfall, and I'm happy to report I can finally pay off my debts from my failed "Unkiedev's Amazing Obedience School for Cloned Dinosaurs," as well as afford those body length hair extensions I've wanted since I saw my first episode of "The Addams Family." Cousin It is the Schizzznit!
I'm only bringing this to light so A) I can brag, and B) you, my loyal and dedicated U.A.S. readers will understand if I give better coverage and treatment to "Utensils Inc. Comics" as opposed to all other comic companies. If the big three (and Dark Horse) want preferential treatment then they should have thought to bribe me while the bribin' was good. YOU HEAR ME, DC? Forget about the Green Lantern, what about the Green Backs in my Hungry Wallet, eh?
BAD BOOKS
Here are this weeks crappy, not very exciting and certainly non-utensil based comics that you can buy, read, and feel unsatisfied by. DC/Vertigo is starting a new book called "Air" about sky terrorists, as well as offering up the collected Sandman Presents: Dead Boy Detectives from Ed Brubaker, while Sergio Aragones continues his great work on The Spirit with #20.
Meanwhile, Marvel has Captain America #41, Incredible Herc #120 and Marvel: 1985 #4. I know Forbidden Planet has all the back issues of 1985 in the back racks. Pick em' up and check out what all the hub-bub's about, bub.
Madman Atomic Comics #10 hits this week from Image. That would be my top pick if not for prior financial and critical arrangements…speaking of which:
All the BEST comics are coming from Utensils Inc., who are premiering three new books this week: First up is The Pulverizer #1, an incredible book about a meat tenderizer who watched helplessly as criminals made out of beef flank murder its entire family and now unrelentingly pulverizes the guilty. Next is Red Garlic Press #1, a swords and sorcery yarn about a drop dead gorgeous garlic press with flaming red hair and a tight and flimsy chain mail bikini who wanders a bygone utensils drawer seeking adventure/garlic. Whoa Mamma! In the last new book, Final Crisis of the Infinite Toaster Ovens #1, heroes from all walks of inanimate objectdome rally together to fight the beast from the crumb tray. I'm paid to say it's better than Watchmen, and so I'll say it is.
LAWS SCHMAWS
Unkiedev will be back next week to tell you about the best in new released comics, ESPECIALLY comics from that astounding new publisher "Utensils Inc. Comics," as long as congress doesn't go through and rule that "Utensils Inc. Comics" is an unfair monopoly under the current vertical integration laws. GRRRR! Hey Kids: Write your Congress-person and tell them they're doody heads for giving Utensils Inc. a hard time. If Utensils Inc. goes under, who's going to give your Unkiedev cash incentives to get up in the morning?
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Better Late Than...
a truncated SDCC rundown
As I mentioned last week, various circumstances- namely vacation and the subsequent re-acclimation to bustling NYC retail- prevented a San Diego ComicCon wrap-up from yours truly. And, though the Con ended almost two and 1/2 weeks ago, well, here ya go! Please note that what follows is not a recap of the event as a whole. Experience is subjective, memory fades, and my reportage of the Con here shall be limited to what Also SDCC is far too humongous and bodacious for any one person to encapsulate its entirety.
Please forgive any mundanities I may divulge. There's a reason you never see the bathroom on the Millennium Falcon: not only is it gross, it's boring. But here nitty gritty will be used to set the stage. Most every lag in the timeline can be filled with "I walked the Exhibition Hall." Also the "we" I employ below is used to describe the royal, collective "we" of either myself, the boss and me, or me and a rotating circle of friends and colleagues.
FP general manager Rick Bendall- HI Rick!- and I arrived on Tuesday 7/22, checked into our hotel, walked around the city, had dinner next to Chewbacca (Peter Mayhew) and took in the downtown's nightlife.
Wednesday I ordered September's comics all morning, picked up the FP's badge allotment, and jumped head first into the plasma pool that was Preview Night, a three hour miasma of rabid fanboy and fangirl consumerism as attendees pushed, shoved, bullied and cheated to buy every exclusive that wasn't nailed down. Also to get free swag from the Hollywood folk, whose portion of the floor I tried to avoid as much as possible. Their booths are huge, noisy and more jam-packed than the 4 Train on a Tuesday at 5pm. It was incredible, however, to see and touch the huge prop of Nite Owl's ship from the forthcoming Watchmen movie.
Thursday's when things really kicked into gear for us, with business meetings with many of the top comic, toy, and geek merchandise suppliers in the country. Also bumped into Uncle Grant Morrison and had some good chuckles. That night we rocked the CBLDF party and danced back to the hotel doing Ahnold impersonations and singing songs like Hobbits.
Friday I spent holed up in ComicsPro (an organization of Comic Book Retailers) seminars and meetings in between phone calls with suppliers and co-workers back here at home base. That night we dined with NY friend and networking/"connector" Jahfurry and a widely assorted cast of characters (the highlight for me being Larry Marder of Beanworld fame and David Lloyd, the artist of V for Vendetta and Kickback) before heading off to the Eisner Awards and after party.
Saturday we waited almost two very early bleary-eyed hours to get into the Hall H LOST panel, which we only ended up missing two minutes of, thankfully. It was one of the most rewarding and entertaining movie/TV panels I've ever been to in my seven years of Comic-Con attendance. After some business conducted we headed over to Paul Pope's signing, but our manners and empty stomachs kept us from interrupting or waiting to say hi. Another highlight was being introduced to Grendel creator and comicker sui generi Matt Wagner by Top Shelf co-publisher. Though we yucked it up, I'll admit to being a bit starstruck, which is pretty rare for me.
Sunday we started at the It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia panel moderated by LOST guru Damon Lindelof because the show makes me laugh. I then was let loose on the show floor by myself top wander as a fan for the first time in days, which was nice, after which we bolted to the Grant Morrison, Deepak Chopra conference that's quickly becoming an annual staple of the show. Followed by many goodbyes, see ya next year or back at home, nice to meet you's, gotta pick up some reading material for the plane to Vegas, I can't believe it's overs, I love this place and this show I can't wait to get outta here's, etc.
That's it. Never got to the zoo or the beach, only hung out with about 14.7% of the people I wanted to, saw about one millionth of what the Con had to offer, and never jumped out of a helicopter. Honestly, only an omnipresent master of time space and dimension could have pulled off all I ambitiously wanted to see and do. Yet despite all that couldn't be fit in it was a very happy, momentous week and certainly the longest and busiest I've ever known. Time and space constrain me from describing my show/name-dropping/pontificating here further (though I may continue in some other forum). But I guess the lesson learned at the show also applies to the this article's lateness and length: Know what's better than nothing? A whole poop ton of Anything and Everything!
Next Week: Exploding Socks!
JEFF
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Unkiedev's Amazing Stuff
As I lounge in my hidden fortress (maybe in a cave?) sipping only the finest aged Fresca and listening to Frank Zappa's "Baby Snakes," I know that I, Unkiedev, am truly one of the world's own sophisticates. Yea, as anyone who has seen me knows I have grown a mustache and goatee combo, but not the Van Dyke of society's lower classes. How I poo-poo a Van Dyke. No, my status requires me to grow a grand and flowing "Napoleon III Imperial." NOTE TO SELF: I must update my Mii to reflect this refined improvement.
And it goes without saying that one such as I can only have the highest level of taste when it comes to the matter of the modern Comic Book, that illustrated literature du jure Hollywood loves to distill for mass consumption. Shall I share some treasures from my vast collection of praised rarities? "Do, sir," I hear you whimper, "Do!." Indoody Dee.
Harold Hedd in Hitler's Cocaine #2, Rand Holmes, Kitchen Sink Press
I purchased this gem of a comic from a peddler's box labeled "XXX $1.00" at the New York Comic Con in 2007. "It must be misfiled alphabetically," I thought. Surprisingly, this is a pretty dull book considering it's about bikini clad down-and-outs snorkeling for lost Nazi blow. This comic was clearly a subconscious influence on the script writers of the Jessica Alba hit vehicle "Into the Blue," as the plots are pretty much the same. As exemplary a book as this is, it's no…
Wacky Adventures of Cracky #7, creators unknown, Whitman
When Forbidden Planet got this sensational object d'art in stock, I knew I needed it for my collection. T'was originally priced at $5,000.00, but I haggled them down to a buck. I'd love to tell you of the subtle nuances of the plot, the delicate line work of the art and the eponymous wackiness of that parrot named Cracky, but I can't. A book this sophisticated is not to be READ, but rather gently rubbed on the face and body in times of hedonistic euphoria. Dimply put: Mission accomplished, please pass the Grey Poupon.
Point, Set,