Monday, December 30, 2013

Comics and Creators

     Hi everyone, hope all is well.  And as the year of 2013 is passing into memory, I'm reminded of a few people.
  
     Nick Cardy was no Teen, but he sure was a Titan.  Jack Kirby's talent Challenged the Unknown, now he's with his New Gods.  Will Eisner is now truly a Spirit.  Jack Cole stretched his talent beyond belief with Plastic Man, but his private life made him take his own.  The same can be said for Wally Wood and Gray Morrow.  Gil Kane might have drawn the diminutive Atom, but there was no Black Mark against his talent.  John Buscema Avenged bad guys every month, but it was Conan that made him happy.  Dave Stevens Rocketed to the heavens with his talent and hopefully he's there now.  Marshall Rogers drew Batman like nobody has in a long time, now nobody will.  Gene Colan was a Daredevil and an Iron Man with a pencil and brush.  Now he has no more worries as he joins his long time wife, Adrienne.  George Tuska too, was an Iron Man behind the drawing table and was one of the World's Greatest Superheroes artists and grew deaf with age, but now is in a place where he can here the praises of his talent trumpeted daily.

     My point is: creations seem to live forever, it's too bad that creators can't.

     Take care and adopt a comic, any comic, today.

Wednesday, December 25, 2013

Happy X-Mas and Comics

     Hi everyone, hope all is well and every single one of you reading this is in the middle of a wonderful Christmas Day.  Personally, after I got home from church last night, I made iced tea, had a snack and read some Bomba the Jungle Boy comics that DC Comics published in 1968.  They were kind of science fiction but were very cool.  Well, I'm off to eat ham at Barb's house so I'll blog real soon.  Happy Holidays.

     And don't forget to adopt a (Christmas) comic today.

Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Last Second Comic Shopping

     Hi everyone, hope all is well.  Since Christmas is almost upon us, let me steer you to any comic store that sells pre-made comic book sets.  It's almost like having the makings of a trade paperback without the square binding.  And, many fans like having the originals instead of the trade paperback.  So get out there and shop till you drop...but don't drop your comics!

     Take care and adopt a comic book today.

Sunday, December 22, 2013

Stan Lee Hits 91 and Shopping

     Hi everyone, hope all is well.  It certainly is for Smilin' Stan Lee as his birthday (Dec. 22nd) has come and gone, leaving the co-founder of the Marvel Universe (along with Jack Kirby, Steve Ditko, Johnny Romita, Gene Colan, Don Heck, both Buscemas as well as the Severins and many others) a year older at 91 years young.  I met the man when we were both much younger and I hope to meet him again.  Nuff Said!

     For all of your comic collectors out there, get them some bags and boards for your loved ones collecting, because as the creator of the bag once said, "If it's worth collecting, it's worth protecting."  And saving the condition of your loved one's comics...well that's a Christmas gift that keeps on giving.

     Take care and adopt a comic today.

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Last Signing For Holiday

     Hi everyone, hope all is well.  Today at the Great Lakes Mall, I'll be signing the limited edition of my latest novel, "The Camelot Memo" from 2pm-8pm over by Macy's in front of Comics and Friends.  Hope to see you there.

     I've got a lot to talk about concerning the holidays and comic related last minute gifts.  I'll start those blogs tomorrow.  Meanwhile, Don't forget to adopt a (one with the Steed and Mrs. Peel in it, since the late Peter O'Toole was friends with actor Patrick Macnee/Steed) comic book today

Thursday, December 12, 2013

Yes, A Saturday Signing

     Hi everyone, hope all is well.  You know what?  I was so excited about talking Wednesday comics (new comic day) yesterday in my blog that I forgot to mention the signing that I mentioned in the blog title.

     So yes, I AM signing copies of my new book, mystery/political/action thriller "The Camelot Memo."  I'll be at Comics and Friends, located at the Great Lakes Mall (no this is not a comic book, but a real novel) Saturday, December 14th, from 1:30pm to 6:00pm.  I will also be at the same location next Wednesday, December 18th, from 2pm to 6pm signing the same Kennedy, who dunnit.

     So come on over and chat, maybe pick up a great new book and get some shopping done at the same time.  Don't forget to listen to my radio show, "The Friday Show" done live from the mall every Friday from 4:00pm to 5:pm.  The show is broadcast through WELW 1330 AM radio.

     Hope to see you Saturday or Wednesday and remember to adopt a comic book today.    

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Shopping and Saturday signing

     Hi everyone, hope all is well.  The new books came out today which made me very, very happy.  I just love new comic day.  Believe me, I don't ever want to die on a Monday or Tuesday, the anticipation of possibly missing the impending new comic day would just about kill me.  God grant me strength and health to at least last until a Thursday (so I can read my new comics) before anything serious happens to me.

     Also, my comic book Christmas shopping is pretty much done, so I can rest.  But there is a few regular presents I need for relatives that DON'T (how can that be I ask?) collect comics.

     Well, take care and don't forget to adopt a (wintertime) comic today.

Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Online Comic Shopping

     Hi everyone, hope all is well.  I've been trying to find some comics online for my comic buying buddies as Christmas presents and let me tell you, I've spent the better part of a day click, click clicking at the keyboard when I'd rather be flip, flip flipping through comic boxes at my local stores, but not everyone carries everything, sooooooo, I'm click, click clicking all night.

     Take care and adopt (an online if you can find it) a comic book today.

Monday, December 2, 2013

Post Thanksgiving Comics

     Hi everyone, hope all is well and a happy holiday was had by all.  I called both my brother and my buddy the day after the turkey was carved and both stated the frustration at having cleaned the house up so well for company, that they misplaced their new comics from this week.  Of course I chuckled at their antics until I realized I couldn't find my new comics from this week either!  Yaaaaaa!

     Take care and adopt a comic book (if you can remember where you hid them) today.

Monday, November 25, 2013

Post Signing Blues and Mickey Mouse

     Hi everyone, hope all is well.  I'm kind of bushed myself from signing copies of my new Kennedy assassination novel, "The Camelot Memo" all weekend.  but now that the autographs are over, I've been trying to read this Mickey Mouse comic book (Dell Comics #387, May, 1952, "Mickey in High Tibet") ever since but find Thanksgiving plans are getting in the way.  But I'm sure I'll be talking to everyone before the big turkey (but have a good holiday if I don't) day.  THEN I'll read the Mickey comic.

     Take care and adopt a comic book today.  And make sure you make time to read it.

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Kennedy in Comics and First Signing

     Hi everyone, hope all is well.  Since the 50th anniversary of JFK's murder is almost upon us, I thought about one of the most ironic appearances by our late President within the pages of my beloved hobby...comics

     In Action Comics, #319, Feb. 1964, Kennedy disguised himself like Clark Kent allowing Superman and Clark to appear at the same place, dispelling rumors of Superman's secret identity.  Supposedly in real life, the President was thrilled with his appearance.  But the Feb. 1964 issue came out in December of 1963, mere weeks after the assassination.  Both the family and the White House were  contacted and thought it fine to continue the appearance that the late President was looking forward to.  I cover more of this subject on my current issue of my E-Comics Gazette website.

     Also, my new fiction/political thriller/conspiracy novel (The Camelot Memo) comes out officially (advance copies with the rare, very limited different cover) tomorrow and my first local signing will be at Comic Heaven on Robinhood Drive in Willoughby.  I'll be there from 6-8pm.  The 270 page novel is $20.00 dollars.  Hope to see you there for a chat about comics, writing, books and just about anything else that might come up.

     Take care and adopt a comic book today.

Monday, November 18, 2013

Kennedy Book Signing

     Hi everyone, hope all is well.  With the 50th anniversary of President Kennedy's murder upon us, my new book, "The Camelot Memo" is making it's debut.

     The book is a fictional novel, one possible account of how his murder might have happened and how it tied in with Watergate, or would that be the other way around?  As the book cover states, "What did Nixon know about JFK's assassination?  What did JFK predict about Watergate?"  Read and decipher the Camelot Memo and you'll find out the secret of this and other mysteries.

     I'll be signing copies at Comic Heaven on Robinhood Drive, Thursday, Nov. 21st from 6-8pm.  On Friday, November 22nd (the actual 50th anniversary of the tragic event) I'll be at the Great Lakes Mall outside Comics and Friends (next to Macy's) from 6:30-9pm.  Saturday, Nov. 23rd, I'll be at the Mentor Atlas Theater from Noon-4pm.  I understand they'll be playing the Kennedy inspired film, "Parkland" in the lobby to tie in with my signing. 

     So stop by and chat, pick up a book (special advance copy with limited cover) before it hits the stores and internet with a different cover.  And maybe, just maybe, you'll uncover the meaning of, "The Camelot Memo."

     Take care and adopt a comic book today.  PS: This book is a regular fictional novel, not a comic book, but since I've written so many comics in the past, I'm appearing at some comic shops.  

Thursday, November 14, 2013

More on DC Move

     Hi everyone, hope all is well.  I was thinking about my recent blog concerning DC Comics moving their offices to L.A.  Well the move won't take place until 2015, but I was thinking that they had better be careful.  You see, I've moved three times in my life and each time I lost some comics from my collection in the process.  You can just imagine if DC lost their comics in the move...they'd go out of business.

     Take care and adopt a comic book (but don't move it far distances) today.

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

My Brother and My Comics

     Hi everyone, hope all is well.  Today I've got to tell you that I've been busy with a mini-family reunion the last few days.  I was supposes to go see my father over the weekend but could not make it.  Instead, my brother and my sister and I got together for the first time in 15 years.

     Of course my brother stayed over my house and he piled plenty of comics on his lap from my collection every night.  The problem was, that he and I gabbed so much and took in so much football and did so much shopping that we never got a chance to read a single comic!  With two such comic book fanatics in the same house and not one comic read between us.  Go figure.

     Take care and adopt a comic book today.

Friday, November 8, 2013

DC Moving?

     Hi everyone, hope all is well.  Well I recently heard that DC Comics is moving its entire organization to Los Angeles from New York.  That sure will uproot a lot of editors and staffers who find the Big Apple hard to get around a car and L.A hard to get around without.

     In a way, Marvel's already out there since the home of Spiderman is owned by Disney located in California, so maybe DC thinks that the land of movies holds out hope, since the company has a rough history with any flic not named Batman.

     Oh well, DC used to say back in the 1970's, that they're on the move.  Now they are...literally.

     Take care and adopt a (non-moving, since one on the go would be difficult to read) comic book today.

Thursday, October 31, 2013

Comics, Halloween and the Fear

     Hi everyone, hope all is well on this Halloween holiday.  Today I want to talk about something besides the spooky comics of this time of year, and believe me there are plenty.  House of Mystery, Chamber of Chills, Tower of Shadows, Tomb of Dracula and of course one of my favorites...The Witching Hour.  But these scary and spooky comics are indeed just the tip of the iceberg.

     But while many of us enjoy researching, reading and collecting these types of comics, there is a different kind of fear that all of us feel that has nothing to do with the four-color heroes fighting goblins and ghouls within the pages of my favorite hobby.  No, this fear is the fear we all feel upon awakening every morning from our nightly sleep.  It is the fear that our jobs may not be there when we arrive at work nor even the buildings and factories that house those same jobs.

     The fear continues beyond just the trick or treat intrusion on our doorsteps this holiday.  The fear goes beyond just the passing of candy on to our neighbors, but the passing on of our loved ones and the fear that we may not be able to care for them with the loss of income or even without that problem, as our loved ones begin to age beyond our ability to help.

     My point is, it's life that's scary, not little Sammy from down the street wearing a sheet over his head as his little sister, the six year old zombie Suzy, walks beside him, holding the bag of tooth-decaying bounty derived from almost every house on the block.

     But maybe that's why I think my hobby of comics is so important, because it's entertaining and it distracts us from all of our petty problems and for just a little while, makes us forget...the fear.
 

Monday, October 28, 2013

Halloween Invite

     Hi everyone, hope all is well.  I'm inviting all within the Lake County area to come to my presentation of Orson Welles' "War of the Worlds" radio broadcast from1938 that scared the nation.  I'll dress like Orson and approximate his mannerisms, while explaining behind the scene reasons and the hows and whys about how the nation fell for this unintended hoax.  Admission is free but a can of food for the food bank would be appreciated.  This will be held at Church of the Epiphany, on the corner of E. 210th st. and Lakeshore Blvd in Euclid  The show is from 7pm to 8pm and will include time for Q and A afterwards.

     Well take care all, and tomorrow we'll be back to talking comics and Halloween

Friday, October 25, 2013

Orson Welles and Comics

     Hi everyone, hope all is well, or in this case, hope all is Welles.  Yes, Orson has appeared in the comics before, most notably appearing in connection with his Martian radio hoax. 

     But on a related subject, I will be appearing as Orson Welles Tuesday, Oct. 29th at 7pm at the Church of the Epiphany at East 211th and Lakeshore Blvd.  I'll be talking about behind the scenes incidents concerning the program and re-creating some scenes as well as his career and the Shadow.  The show will go from 7pm to around 8pm including Q & A. It is free but one can of food would be appreciated for the food pantry for the needy.

     Take care and hope to see you next week and don't forget to adopt a comic today.

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Nightime Comics

     Hi everyone, hope all is well.  I've been resting a lot lately, taking day time naps and such due to some more health glitches.  But when it comes time to go to sleep at night, I look for a good comic to help me approach the realm of Morpheus.

     And that's where the problems arise.  You see, all of my favorite comics I've already read a million times while some of my least favorite comics are my least favorite for a good reason.  So therein lies the rub.  What's a fella to do when he needs that perfect comic to enjoy right before bedtime.  I don't know about all of you out there, but I'm going to have to come up with some sort of system, dividing Marvel from DC, superhero from war and finally exciting from sleep inducing.  The things this hobby does to me, yikes!

     Take care and adopt a comic (that will help you sleep) book today.

Monday, October 14, 2013

Little Comics, Lotta Money

     Hi everyone, hope all is well.  Today's title has a double meaning really.  First off, I only had a few comics come in for me last week which usually means Yahoo, my pocketbook is intact this week.  And that can be great with all the specialty reprint books I order.  So my checkbook was quite happy this past week.

     The second meaning behind the title is a little frustrating because even though there were very few comics out this week, it still cost me a bundle.  Why?  Well one of the culprits was the wonderful current issue of Batman and his "year one" storyline.  It is indeed one of the best comics I've read in quite a few months, BUT...the darn comic cost SEVEN dollars (alright, actually 6.99, but you get the idea) and that really altered the curve on my spending habit this week.  So I guess what I'm saying is, concerning the cost of my favorite hobby...Comics: Don't Get Me Started!

     Take care and adopt (a reasonably priced) comic today.

Monday, October 7, 2013

Signing Fun

     Hi everyone, hope all is well.  Over the weekend, I signed some autographs at the Mayfield branch of the Cuyahoga County library.  Met a bunch of wonderful people that I will be talking about over the next few days, including my sixth grade English teacher from the signing I did earlier at the Willoughby Hill library a few weeks back.

     I met Erin and Colleen Garlock, enthusiastic editors of Gothic City Press (What's your Darkness?) find out more at info@gothiccitypress.com.  I also found a very cute book, "The Great American Cereal Book (How Breakfast got its Crunch)"  Call author Marty Gitlin at (440) 734-3270 for info and copies.

     Well, more over the next few days.  Take care and adopt a comic book today!

Wednesday, October 2, 2013

Another Book Signing

     Hi everyone, hope all is well.  I want to alert all of you out there following this blogsite, that I'll be appearing at the Cuyahoga County Library (brand new Mayfield branch) on Som Center road right over the Lake County line.

     Come on down between Noon-4pm this Saturday, October 5th and talk comics and books, Browns, Indians and anything else on your mind.

     Take care and adopt a comic book today.

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

More Badfinger Breaking Bad

     Hi everyone, hope all is well.  For anyone reading my last blog concerning the Breaking Bad finale containing the Badfinger song, "Baby Blue," I'm here today to tell you the connection that the English/Welsh pop/rock band from the early to mid 1970's that recorded on the Beatles' Apple Records label has with comics.

     It seems that Michael Chabon, the prize winning author who wrote about comics  (and now writes comics) in his novel, "The Adventures of Kavalier and Clay" is a huge Badfinger fan and I've seen him wearing one of their shirts recently.  Also, Alex Ross, the painter supreme of comic covers is also a big fan, even painting Badfinger's "No Dice" and "Straight Up" album in the pages of the ground breaking comic series, "Marvels."  In that comic series, Alex also painted band members, Pete Ham, Tommy Evans, Joey Molland and Mike Gibbons just walking down the street.  Now that's a fan...and a great band that will mow forever be linked with the television series..."Breaking Bad."

     Take care and adopt a comic book today.

Monday, September 30, 2013

Breaking Bad with Badfinger

     Hi everyone, hope all is well.  After last night's climactic and final episode of Breaking Bad, I was surprised to see the last few minutes of the great drama finish with no spoken words, only the music of Badfinger's "Baby Blue."

     By this morning I was getting calls from all over the country asking me if I had seen the ending.  Actually, people from the Badfinger organization and Pete Ham estate (he was the writer of "Baby Blue") called me last night to tell me to watch the show since I have been friends of the group for a long time, as well as the editor of the Badfinger bio book, an aide/writer to the creative consultant on the VH1 Behind the Music special on the group as well as someone who helped put the Pete Ham solo CD together after his tragic passing.

     I felt good knowing that someone I know, a very friendly and special person, was getting credit for something.  I know this blog has more to do with my Scene Magazine writing roots as a 15 and 16 year old way back and not so much with comics, but Breaking Bad has been considered one of the great moments in television and after all, man cannot live by comics alone.

     AWWW who am I kidding, of course they can!  Take care and adopt a (Badfinger, yes, they were pictured in the comics) comic book today. 

Friday, September 20, 2013

Signing and Sighting

     Hi everyone, hope all is well.  I will be signing books and chatting with all of you within mere hours at the Wllby Hills library/community center.  All you've got to do is show up between 11:00 am and 3:00pm.  And check out flyers for my new conspiracy novel due out in 8 weeks.  "The Camelot Memo."  The cover alone will have you chomping at the bit to solve the mystery.

     Take care and adopt a comic book today.

Thursday, September 19, 2013

September Book Signing

     Hi, hope all is well.  Well I'm writing to tell you about the newest book signing which will be held at the Willoughby Hills library on Rt. 6 (Chardon Rd) right off of Rt. 91 and across from the fire house.

     The cool thing will be all of the well known authors appearing at the Author Expo.  Les Roberts, Dick Goddard, Michael Heaton, Neal Zircher and Dan Couhglin among others.  We'll all be there Saturday, September 21st, from 11:00am to 3:00 pm.

     Besides selling and signing three of my recent books (My Batman, Globe Spanners and Galaxy Clan) I will be passing out color flyers from my new book which will be released in November, "The Camelot Memo," which has to do with the real people behind the Kennedy murder.  Of course it's a fiction novel

     Also another great thing is that I'm advertised with the other stars and I don't get lumped under the "And More" monicker.  I must be getting luckier or writing better. 

     Take care, hope to see you in a few days and adopt a comic book today.

Monday, September 16, 2013

Kids and Dad and Dimes

     Hi everyone, hope all is well.  I was thinking about all of the kids and kid groups in comics and realized that so many of them came from the mind of comics great, Jack Kirby.  There were Boy Commandoes, Newsboy Legion, Boy's Ranch, Witch Boy, Boy Explorers, Moonboy...well, you get the idea, a lot of slam bang action comics with kids as the main heroes.

     But concerning kids in the comics, I must admit I don't have many more memories than those mentioned above.  But as a KID collecting comics, well that's a whole different matter.  You see, not a week went by that my Dad didn't take me to the local drugstore holding my hand, ready to place a few precious dimes into my free palm, creating even more precious memories way down the road into my childhood future that is now my present.

     My Dad and I still talk about those happy times quite a bit and to this day, I still have all of the comics that he gave me or bought for me way back then.  So really, in effect I can say that as a kid, I wanted for nothing, not dimes, not affection, not comics and especially not...love.
    

Sunday, September 8, 2013

Enhanced Covers

     Hi everyone.  Hope all is well.  The other day a whole series of DC 3D comics came out and believe me, as a survivor of the 1990's enhanced, foil, fold-out, gatefold and hologram covers, I never thought I'd hear myself say out loud, "Boy these are great gimmick covers."  Well, maybe it's been so long that I've forgiven the stunt covers.

     Take care and adopt a (3D cover) comic today.

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

Last Twilight Zone

     Hi everyone, hope all is well.  I'd like to talk about the Twilight Zone experience I had a few weeks ago just one last time.  Meeting Rod Serling's daughter was a joy as well as meeting her husband Doug.  But I think my joy and the information I gathered for my interview is best served if everyone heads over to my web-site which is the site of the posted interview AND a piece of great artwork as readers can compare the comic book cover that I chose for our web-site cover to the original oil painting by George Wilson.

     Again, thanks to Anne and Doug and check out E-Comics Gazette, the current 9-01-13-9-15-13 two week issue.

     Take care and adopt a comic book today.

Monday, August 26, 2013

Batman and Brent

     Hi everyone, hope all is well.  Did everyone hear that Ben Affleck is going to be Batman in the Superman/Batman movie?  Hmmm, another actor (much like Chris Evans) to play two different super heroes.

     But speaking of Batman, I ran into a young dad by the name of Ray and his wonderful 3 year old son, Brent, whose favorite superheroes are Batman and Hawkman.  Maybe when the little guy gets a tad older, his dad will introduce him to all of those old Brave and Bold comics where both Bats and Hawkman would team-up with some regularity.  Or maybe show him some later (after #31) JLA comics where both heroes were members.  Well, good talking to you Ray.

     Take care and adopt a comic book today.

Friday, August 23, 2013

Birthday Hunt

     Hi everyone, hope all is well.  Today I must tell you about a birthday present I was tracking down.  Of course since it was a friend of mine, this has to do with comics.

     I tried coming up with a few different themes (all Iron Man?  Hmmm, maybe not.  Maybe all Batman?)  So after I pick a particular genre of comics, I start hunting, but sometimes the local stores don't always have that one comic floating around in my brain that I want to give my friend.  So then comes the problem of finding the right mail order or online store that has the specific book I need.  Hold everything though!  Next comes...can the online store get the package to me in time?  That's the race against time that I endured recently.  But on the other hand, he's a great friend, so why not engage in the thrill of the comic book chase?

     Take care and adopt a comic book today.

      PS: More tomorrow on my Twilight Zone experience.

Monday, August 19, 2013

Twilight Zone Weekend

     Hi everyone, hope all is well.  I had a great weekend attending the Willoughby, Ohio street fair that had Rod Serling's daughter as a featured guest.  The town had a multiple showing of the Twilight Zone episode, "A Stop at Willoughby."  By coincidence, creator/writer Rod Serling's daughter Anne, just had a book published covering the wonderful relationship she had with that talented genius that was her father.

     I not only interviewed her last week over the internet but had a couple of nice chats with her at the library and one over a slight brunch and beverage before she gave her pre-episode screening talk.  She and husband Doug were wonderful and they were very happy when I presented her with a couple of Twilight Zone comics from my own collection.  Each issue had both drawings and photo pictures of her famous Dad.  Just moments ago I got a nice thank you e-mail from her for the books, but believe me, the pleasure was all mine.  I'll be talking about our interview more in the next few days and will have a Twilight Zone feature on my September 1-15th issue of my web-site, E-Comics Gazette.

     Take care and adopt a (Twilight Zone) comic book today.

Tuesday, August 6, 2013

We Are All Super Heroes

     Hi everyone, hope all is well with you.  Today I will be writing about my wonderful hobby of comics, but I have to add something extra to the conversation.  You see, of all the comics in my collection (at one point about 35000, now just ten or so) I see so many characters in colorful outfits, flying around town saving the day as well as saving the world.  And I have been collecting since I was three, so that's a fair amount of heroes and world saving I've witnessed.

     But on the other hand my time on earth has allowed me to see a lot of regular people, going about their business from day to day, wearing their costumes (suits and ties, uniforms ect.) and saving the world also, that is their world, by earning the paychecks at their jobs and taking the money home for their families.

     Some of these people have even saved my world as I go to them for help in emergencies.  For when I need money, I go to the hero named...The Banker and when my car breaks down I call for help to...The Mechanic.  But you can see where I'm going with this.  It's hard to keep these heroes down.  They always find a way to pull through.  Sure, there's some bad guys out there in the real world, just as in comics, but you get what I mean, most strive for goodness.

     It's just a simple case of when I go to my storage units, I see lots of brightly colored comics, the masthead atop the book proudly proclaiming which hero is starring in that particular comic.  But when I go outside, I see the very same thing, lots of wonderful friends and neighbors that are working hard to take care of their world.  They may not possess superhuman powers, but they try hard just the same.  And when I see these people out in the real world, the only thing different from the comic book fellas is that I don't see any logos over the heads of my neighbors declaring their issue number and publication status.  But everyone out there still belongs to the greatest super team of all.  No, not The Avengers or the Justice League, it's a team called...The Human Race and I think we are all super heroes.  Take care and adopt a comic book today.

Monday, August 5, 2013

Very Bad Advertising

     Hi everyone, hope all is well.  Last year I blogged about the shooting tragedy that happened in the Colorado movie theater.  The shooting happened during a showing of a Batman movie, hence my words on the subject.

     But thinking about that tragedy, don't you think studios could be a little more sensitive nowadays.  The other day I saw a T.V. ad on a recent movie.  My television screen flashed the words across the set... "Two Guns in theaters everywhere."

     I mean REALLY?

     Take care and adopt a comic book today.
 

Thursday, July 25, 2013

Market Reports

     Hi everyone, hope all of you are fine.  Today, since the new annual price guide for comics arrived at my doorstop, I'll pass on some tidbits from some national dealers of comics.  First off, many of them seem a tad down on the John Carter, Warlord of Mars books.  It seems there are just too many clogging up rack space in all of the comic shops.  The company responsible has cut back a bit on them but now has doubled or even tripled up on Dejah Thoris, another character from the John Carter books.  I guess it's all a matter of cheesecake, babes and scantily clad women in comics over a good action yarn.  I'm sure Edgar Rice is turning in his grave.  More market reports later.

     Take care and adopt a comic book today.

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Digital Download Comics

Hi everyone, hope all is well. Today I'm talking about digital downloads of comic books. DC Comics has moved into this area since the "New 52, which started two years ago. And let me tell you, seeing comics on your screen or app or tablet or what have you is very nice and looks brilliant on the screen in front of you. There's only one problem with that. I don't collect electrons and ions zipping their way to and fro between a host and my tablet only to reassemble themselves as pixels on my computer. No, I collect something a lot simpler and much better...I collect comics. Take care and adopt a comic (one that you can hold in your hand) today.

Sunday, July 21, 2013

It's Hot

Hi everyone, hope you're doing well. Well today and most of this week it's been soooo hot that all I have to say is...Human Torch, Heat Wave, Flame Master, Volcano Man, uhh do you get the idea? I've been stuck in the house all week it's been so hot. Well if I do get sunstroke (as I did when I was a child) then I'll have to go to the doctor, but it will have to be Dr. Solar I bet. Take care and adopt a (cool) comic today. Hey wait a sec, aren't all comics cool? You darn right they are.

Friday, July 19, 2013

Sorry 'Bout Mistake

Hi everyone, hope all is well. My last blog I announced that I had finished 3rd in a blog contest. I WAS WRONG AND DON'T WISH TO MISREPRESENT MYSELF. I only made the finals, that's all. Not trying to pretend I'm anything other than what I am, just a guy who likes to write. But I still am very proud that I blog for the News-Herald and am quite happy that on occasion I get to tell people I blog for their fine organization. Take care and adopt a comic book today.

Thursday, July 11, 2013

Transformers and Honors

Hi everyone, hope all is well. Now back in the 198o's I used to read Transformer comics (robots in disguise)and I really enjoyed them as they caused many explosions on their way to saving the world. But the last week or so, the transformers atop the telephone pole in front of my house has been exploding and not saving the world but really ticking me off as I continue to have power only about 45 minutes per day. As I write this I'm doing my scribing from Comic Heaven. So yes, I'm putting all of my Transformer comics away for now. Also I was invited to an ice-cream social at the News-Herald last night and was astonished to find that my editor and main boss (not to be confused with my immediate editor, Cheryl) Trish, nominated me for a blogger award where I happily placed 3rd in the whole country. Now I didn't win any cash prizes but I was truly honored to place so high among my peers and to represent the News-Herald where I've written off and on for over 20 years. Now I was happy when I arrived last night but my mood was TRANSFORMED when I got the good news and that's where we go full circle back to the Transformers. Sorry for the bad pun, but please take care and don't forget to adopt a comic book today.

Saturday, July 6, 2013

My Lone Ranger

Hi everyone, hope all is well. Looking forward to seeing the Lone Ranger movie soon, for I was raised on the Clayton Moore reruns (they had to be reruns I'm not that old yet) and the Gold Keys Comics and the Filmation and Wrather Production cartoons. Here's hoping the flick lives up to my boyhood expectations Take care and adopt a (Lone Ranger) comic today.

Monday, July 1, 2013

Nothing New and Old Comics

     Hi everyone, hope you're doing well.  I was thinking of blogging yesterday, the last day of June, but didn't have much on my mind.  Yeah right, that's like DC and Marvel printing blank pages in their comics.  After all, this blog site is called "Comics: Don't Get Me Started!" for a reason.

     Actually I was going through some comics on top of the pile to be put away and ran across a Brave and Bold Team-up, Batman and Kamandi.  Great Stuff, with Jim Aparo art at its best.  This is a 1975 comic and still holds up today.

     Also celebrating my second birthday today (I now have three you know) and only close friends get the joke sooooo....

     Take care and adopt a comic book (any comic) today.

Saturday, June 29, 2013

Super Airport

     Hi everyone, hope you're all doing well.  Today I was at the Cleveland Hopkins airport and finally got to see the Superman exhibit since it just happened to be at the foot of the United baggage area where my relative was coming in.

     It was a nice statue with a running movie loop going constantly.  I was happy to see some of my friends like the two Mikes and Brad Ricca involved.  Good for them and the city, as well as Siegel and Shuster.

     Seeing the display made me wish I was Superman, but not for all the powers or flying or x-ray vision but just for the sake that like him, I'd be around for a long while...enjoying comics no doubt.

     Take care and adopt a comic book today.

Sunday, June 23, 2013

Missing Comics Friends

     Hi everyone, hope you're all doing well.  Today, the day AFTER my birthday, is the day my friend and great Marvel/DC artist, Gene Colon, passed away just two years ago.  I think anyone interested in fine comic book art should look him up at any art web site and see why he was called, "the man who painted with pencil."

     Me, I just called him my friend.

     Take care and adopt a (Gene Colon drawn ) comic book today.

Saturday, June 22, 2013

Super Birthdays

     Hi, hope everyone is doing fine.  Da da da da da da da da, say it's your birthday!  Da da da da da da da da, it's my birthday too yea.

     That's right, with apologies to that great song off the Beatles, "White" album, yes today is MY birthday.  How does that tie-in with comics?  Well, Superman's first appearance was marked, JUNE, 1938,  and so was I...only a lot of lot of years later, but same month.  There's my tenuous ties to comics

     Take care and adopt a comic book today, then give it to me as a present because it's my birthday. 

Friday, June 21, 2013

Superman, Bombs and More

     Hi everyone, having a good day I hope.  First off, boy did I have fun  signing autographs last Saturday at the Captains game.  My hand was sore from siging, "Many Thanks, Chris Lambert" so many times.

     Next, everyone has GOT to buy the new Superman Unleashed comic.  It's got the greatest ending for a comic I've seen in a while.

     Lastly, I got messed up grocery shopping today when a bomb scare closed Giant Eagle this afternoon.  Boy how I wished that I was Superman for about ten minutes so I could tell the police, "Coming through, I'm not worried in the least."  Instead I ran to the local convenience store and got hot dog buns there.  I'm a writer with a great imagination, but I'm not stupid.

Heading out now for an early birthday (it's actually tomorrow) dinner with my buddies.  So I have to go.  But remember to adopt a comic book today...and then give it to me, after all it would make a great birthday present you know.

Sunday, June 16, 2013

My Father's Day & Comics

     Hi everyone.  Hope you're doing fine.

     Now some might say it's that time of year when we all (as children) honor and think about (as well as hang out with, if possible) our wonderful Dad's.  Those same people might call that time of year June 16th, 2013, others...Father's Day.  You know what I call it?  I call it just another day since to me, EVERYDAY is Father's Day.  Because I can't place my best buddy (also known as Dad) on a higher pedestal than I do 365 days a year.  To me he is the best Dad, nay, he is indeed, with apologies to boxer, Ali, The Greatest.

     He taught me how to read when I was three years old.  He gave me his old comics and bought me new ones and started me off on that wonderful hobby of comic collecting.  He also took care of me, supported me, chased away any fears and tears from childhood and lifted my spirits high as a child.  But mainly he made me laugh.

     But last week he fell and broke his hip (at the age of 84) and from my relatives that live near him in North Carolina, is in a fair amount of pain.

     So I called him earlier and gave him what I consider the greatest gift in the world...I made him laugh, the same way he made me laugh and smile and uplifted my spirits throughout my entire life.  And I plan to call him later and make him laugh some more.

     But that's when it hit me.  This can't be called Father's Day, instead this should be referred to as "Chris's Day", my day, because I'll be receiving the best gift ever...I'll be hearing my Dad's voice.

     Dedicated to all the Dad's, still here as well as those passed on, and adopt a comic book today.   

Friday, June 14, 2013

Superman Talk, Movie and Stadium

     Hi everyone, hope you're doing fine.  Today I'll be on WELW 1330 AM radio from 5-5:30 pm talking about the Superman movie no doubt.  I'm sure the subject of Superman comics will also come up.  I can't wait to get going on my beloved comics and all talk concerning such subject.

     Also, Saturday, June 15th, 2013 (aka, tomorrow) from 6pm-8:30pm, I'll be at the Lake County Captains game signing autographs for a new FREE giveaway comic.  My contribution to the comic is a story (drawn by friend/artist David Russell) concerning baseball players during the game.

     Stop by and say hello and get a FREE comic.  I'll see you there.

     Take care and adopt a comic book today.

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Stadium and Superman

     Hi everyone, hope all of you are doing well as we all wait for the new Superman movie that arrives in theatres Friday.  I can't wait to see it.  Hopefully this will jumpstart a Justice League movie.

     Also, I will be appearing at the Lake County Captains game Saturday, June 15th signing autographs for a new FREE GIVEAWAY comic that I and my artist friend, David Russell, contributed to.  Hope to see you there.

     Take care and adopt a free comic (at the Captain's game) this Saturday.

Sunday, June 9, 2013

Superman, Me and the Mayor

     Hi everyone, hope you are doing well.  I had a big day yesterday.  I was asked to appear at the Gordon Park Fair.  And while I was at my table tending my wares, I got to renew my friendship with author Brad Ricca, author of the new biography on the Clevelanders who created Superman.  I was greatly appreciative when I saw that Brad mentioned me twice in the acknowledgements as someone "with due respect to those who came before," as a Superman expert and early champion of comics in Cleveland.

     Later in the day, Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson showed up to get a picture taken with Brad for his splendid work on the just released bio, "Super Boys."  But then since I helped write the "Superman at 50" a quarter of a century ago, (and this is making a long story short) Mayor Jackson stopped by my table and even took a picture with me as he held up my book.  Quite a pride filled day that I'll be sure to tell my healing father (he broke his hip last week) about.

     I also got to see an old friend, Gary Dumm, one of Harvey Pekar's artists on his ground breaking "American Splendor" graphic novels.  Gary even drew a large pencil drawing for me that is too great to describe.  Only now I have to draw one for him.

     Anyway, please pick up a copy of Brad's new book and read the last part of my three part series on the history of Superman which is appearing in today's News-Herald.  And a big thanks to editor's Mark and Cheryl for seeing this series through.  And I'll be talking more about the Man of Steel through the rest of this month, so take care and adopt a comic today.

 
Mayor Jackson with a copy of "Superman at 50"
 

                                               With Brad Ricca, author of "Super Boys"
 

Tuesday, June 4, 2013

Superman, Emergency and Bad Luck

     Hi everyone, hope you're all doing well.  I also hope everyone got to read part two of my Superman trilogy of articles in the News-Herald this past Sunday.  The paper is doing a wonderful job of the presentation.  I would have blogged everyone a day in advance to give all of you readers a "heads up" but I wound up with some bad luck and an emergency.

     You see as I was about to blog Saturday morning, I received an urgent call that my father fell and broke his hip and was rushed to emergency surgery.  Of course some mild complications set in and he'll be on oxygen the rest of his life.  That figures with the family luck.  But this is a blog on comics, not one concerning how much I love my Dad.

     But the term emergency fits in with Superman also.  You see, back in the 50's and 60's, The Man of Steel had a "Superman Emergency Squad" which was a bunch of duplicate, look-alike, Superman robots in case the entire world needed the big, blue boy scout all at once.  He'd just signal his robots and everyone took a task out of the "to do" list.

     I'll keep everyone posted on Superman the rest of the month including an event I'll be attending this week.  Take care and adopt a comic book today.

Friday, May 31, 2013

Superman and Friends

     Hi everyone, hope you're doing fine.  Now I know that (according to the title of today's blog) Superman has lot's of friends.  Jimmy Olsen, Perry White, Lois and Lana, the mermaid, Lori Lemaris and the list goes on and on.

     But because of Superman, I met writer Harlan Ellison, Julie Schwartz and Superman artist/inker, Murphy Anderson and I actually got to work on a comic book project together.  Artist Curt Swan and I became friendly at the end of his life and I treasure the phone calls he made to me and am sad that I lost his last note to me before his passing.

      I also got to meet and become friendly with Brad Ricca, local Supes expert and I enjoy talking with him every time we're on a panel together.  So with all these wonderful people I've met through Superman, does that in an indirect way, make me a surrogate Pete Ross (another of Supe's friends) to which I mean a friend of The Man of Steel?

     Maybe that means I'll get my own comic book entitled, "Superman's Pal, Chris Lambert"

     Watch for part two of my trilogy of Superman articles in the News-Herald, this Sunday and don't forget to adopt a comic today.

Monday, May 27, 2013

Comic Con and Memorial Day

     Hi everyone, Hope you are all doing fine.  Yesterday I had the time of my life as I sat and met some wonderful people and some old friends.  I signed a bunch of autographs and had a swell time although I got very tired from sitting so long.  My heart is still bruised from my recent operation and I've only been out of the hospital a week or so and once the convention was over I beat it home to take a nap.

     Today I woke up and enjoyed myself as I hope all of you are doing also.  Had a cook-in with the family and read some comics...that's right, it's what makes my world a happier one and I'll be talking to you about some more Superman stuff soon.

     Well, gotta go and call my Dad, (He was in the Korean War) so I might wish him a great Memorial Day and tell him I'm so glad he made it back from the war.  He was the one that started me on my life-long journey through the world of comics.

     So take care and adopt a comic today.

Saturday, May 25, 2013

Comic Con Sunday

     Hi everyone, hope you're doing fine.  Don't forget to stop by the Atlas Movie theatre in Mentor across from Great Lakes Mall.  I'll be there signing my new comics and paperback books from 10am to around 4pm.

     Hope to see you there and we can talk comics and of course I'll introduce you to my partner and painter, David Russell.

     Hope to see you there.  And don't forget to adopt a comic book (hopefully one of mine) today.

Friday, May 24, 2013

I'm Back for Comics

     Hi everyone, hope all of you are doing fine.  I just recently was released from the hospital where I had my fourth heart attack and 2nd heart operation in less than two years, but don't worry I'm doing well and say only this...Comics: Don't Get Me Started!  Although last week I was more in the mindset of... Heart:Please Get Me Started!

     I'll be appearing at the Lake Effect Comicon inside the Atlas theatre in Mentor, Ohio Sunday May 26th (two days from now)  so I hope to see you there.  I've got two new paperbacks and a new comic magazine entitled, "The Mystics."  I think you'll enjoy it.  Also, my friend Tim will be debuting his new comic mag, Tallick of Icelandia.

     Hope to see you there, I'll be there from 10am to around 4 or 5pm.  Would love to chat comics with you.  Next week, I'll be back on the subject of Superman's 75th birthday and some unknown titbits on that subject through June.

     Take care and adopt a comic book today.

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Superman Podcast

     Hi everyone, hope you're all doing well.  I had a great time participating in a 30 minute podcast on the subject of Superman today.  Check out the News-Herald pocast and listen to the two Marks and myself go to town on the subject of the Man of Steel.  Also, continue reading the News-Herald to see part two of my three part series on Supes.  Thanks to the two Marks and my blog editor Cheryl for making this great time happen.

     Also keep your fingers crossed since in about six or seven hours from now, I'm having my heart surgeon fiddle around inside my ticker yet again.  Now I know how Tony Stark feels with all of that metal in his chest.

     Take care and adopt a comic, as well as some prayers for me, today. 

Monday, May 13, 2013

Superman Up, I'm Down

     Hi everyone, hope you are all doing well.  I was very happy to see the News-Herald publish a two page article yesterday that I wrote.  It's actually part of a three part series over the next few weeks.  I must thank my editor Cheryl for passing on the pitch, while thanking editor Mark for actually placing it in his section.

     Tomorrow I think we're having a Superman podcast from the News-Herald, but I must first find out the time, will blog in the morning to let you know.

     Then right after the podcast I must get ready to go to the hospital, my heart that I had repaired a year and a half ago, is once more on the fritz.  But I'll be blogging right up to that time and as soon as I get my four-color legs back (the same as "sea legs" only with comic books) underneath me, I'll be blogging again when I get home after a day or three.

     I'll be reading some Superman comics right up to that point because, what the heck, this time is meant for his 75th birthday celebration and mine is coming up also, soooo, I'll be reading some Superman comics to get ready for surgery.

     Take care and adopt a comic book (and some nice thoughts for your favorite comic blogger) today.

     Remember, COMICS: DON'T GET ME STARTED!
 

Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Ramsey a Hero?

     Hi everyone, hope you're all doing fine.  Spent half a day getting my flat tire fixed.  Right now I'm so weak I had to cal AAA to lift the donut out of my trunk.  This has got to stop!  Next I stopped by my favorite eatery and got lunch, talked to an old friend and got weaker by walking to my car.

     Then I started watching footage of Chuck Ramsey and the way he saved the captive girl on Cleveland's west side.  Boy, this fella is more of a regular guy than Joe the Plumber purported to be.  I've seen characters in my beloved comic books that are less decent than this regular Joe (or Chuck)  and like most of the comic heroes, he turned down reward after reward.

     I say put a cape on this hero becuase he deserves it.  Then take it off right away, because if you didn't, Chuck would, for he doesn't believe in accolades or heroics, just in doing what he calls being, "The definition of a man."

     Take care and adopt a comic book today.

Monday, May 6, 2013

Great Comic Day

     Hi everyone, did all of you go out Saturday and get lots of free comics?  I did.  Plus I even gave out some free comics I had written years ago to the young collectors just starting out.

     I sold tons of my two new books and signed a whole lot of autographs and met a bunch of really nice people.  Ahh, if only every day were like this, there really would be world peace, since I never saw so many people in as good a mood as I saw them Saturday.

     The only downer was that I had to keep taking medicine through the signing since I was feeling quite poorly.  But I made it through and had a great time.  So I'm off to the doctors now with a glowing memory of a great comic book day.

     Take care and adopt a comic today.

Friday, May 3, 2013

A Signing and a "Pining"

     Hi everyone, hope you're all doing well.  Today I'm going to talk about my Free Comic Book Day signings I'm doing tomorrow around the various comic shops.  But there's sometimes regret and that's where the meloncholy "pining" comes in.

     I always have fun signing autographs  and meeting with people but a lot of times I wish my mother who passed away 30 years ago this September, would have lived to see some of the accolades I have recieved over the last three decades or so.  Also, my Dad who is still alive, lives far far away and is really too frail to come up and visit, let alone come and sit with me as I dip into my "fifteen minutes of fame," as Andy Warhol stated long ago.  The few other blood relatives I have, also live too far away to enjoy the experience with me.  So I guess writing IS a lonely profession, or at least signing autographs are.

     But I will be at Comic Heaven located on Robinhood Dr. in Willoughby from 11:00 am to 2:30.  Then I'll be at Comics and Friends located INSIDE the Great Lakes Mall (right next to Macy's) from 3:00 pm tp 7:00 pm. on May 4th (tomorrow) which is Free Comic Day.

     Take care and adopt a (free) comic today (and tomorrow).

     PS: Maybe I'll call my Dad long distance during my first signing and let him hear the things he's been missing with his best pal (that's me) all of these years.

Thursday, May 2, 2013

Signings on Free Comic Day

     Hi everyone, hope you're all doing well.  Just wanted to let you know where I'll be on Free Comic Day, since I'm signing copies of my two brand new books.

     From 11:00am to 2:30pm Saturday, May 4th, I'll be at Comic Heaven located on Robinhood drive in Willoughby. 

     From 3:00pm to 7:00 on Saturday, May 4th, I'll be at Comics and Friends located inside the Great Lakes Mall next to Macy's.

     The two new novels are "The Galaxy Clan," based on a 25 year old comic book I wrote when I was a kid.  A family team of space police, use their slight super-powers to save the day.  This book is for the younger audience (8 years old and up) while "The Globe Spanners" are a team of experts that go around the world trouble shooting problems for a scientific council.  Both are pulp style action novels and are part of an ongoing series.

     Hope to see you there, where I'll be signing the reasonably priced (6.95) action novel paperbacks Saturday.  And of course I'll be chatting comics because that's what I do.

     Take care and adopt a comic (and a pulp action paperback) today.

Tuesday, April 30, 2013

"My" Free Comic Day

     Hi everyone, hope you're doing fine.  This Saturday is Free Comic Day, which has been a tradition for about a decade now.  But guess what?  My Dad started the tradition over 30 years ago.  It started when he said, "Hey pal, I'm going to the store, can I bring you back a comic book?"

     My reply of course was, "Yea, thanks Dad."  Because back then, ALL my comics were free (thanks to Dad).  Later, as a teenager, my Dad gave me a pile of his old comics that he had saved from when he was young.  Again I said, "Thanks Dad."  Because again they were FREE comics to me.

     Nowadays my Dad will call me on the phone and ask me how Batman (His favorite character as well as mine) is doing.  I'll explain the most recent issues or send him a trade paperback with a compilation of a complete series of Batman comics.

     So it seems that everything has come full circle.  Years ago, free comics came to me through my Dad.  Now the free comics flow back the other way to my Dad.  And in both cases, the comics travelled back and forth through the years...with lots of love.

PS: I'll be appearing on May 4th, Saturday (free comic day) from 11:00 am-to 2:30PM at Comic Heaven (on Robinhood Dr. in Willoughby) signing autographs on my new sci-fi paperbacks, "The Galaxy Clan" and "The GlobeSpanners"   Then at 3:00Pm to 7:00PM I'll be at the Great Lakes Mall signing my same two new books at Comics and Friends with friend and artist David Russell.

     Hope to see you and don't forget to adopt a (FREE) comic today.

Thursday, April 25, 2013

The Last Comedian

     Hi everyone, hope you are doing fine, because personally I've been hit with more bad news, but I'm continuing to plug away and to TALK COMICS!

     I'm not sure if everyone has been reading the prequel to The Watchman series from the mid-80's, but it has been pretty good.  Not every issue has been of superior quality, but overall it's been worth reading...that is until now.  Now it is wonderful with a capital, "W."

     The last part came out this week and was The Comedian, part 6 of 6 and let me tell you it is one of the GREATEST comics I've read in a while.  Readers finally see how the blood got on the smile button that starts the Watchmen series from way back.  And here's a clue for you all, (The Walrus was Paul, whoops, scratch that) the blood may not be the Comedian's but actually someone famous and that's all I want to say since I don't want to ruin it for you but pleeeeeease pick up a copy of this comic, you'll be glad you did.

     Next time out I'll get back on the Superman track and more of my favorite stories from the big, blue boyscout.  Also I have a few new books coming out this week that I will talk about if I can keep standing straight up and down but more on that also at a later time.  Just keep your fingers crossed, OK?  Thanks

     Meanwhile, take care and adopt a comic book today.

Monday, April 22, 2013

Favorite Supermans

     Hi everyone, hope you are all doing well and as promised, for the next few months, I'll be talking about Superman off and on.  Today, here is one of my favorite stories.

     In Action Comics #554, two young boys live on a planet where the heroic ideal has been extinguished by invading aliens.  Two young boys create a hero on paper that comes to life to save the day.  The two young boys call each other Jerry and Joe.  This tale by Marv Wolfman and Gil Kane is tremendous.  Hunt it down and enjoy, it's one of my favorites.

     Take care and adopt a (Superman) comic today.

Thursday, April 18, 2013

Superman 75 Today

     Hi everyone, hope you are all doing well and welcome to the actual 3/4 of a century birthday for Cleveland's own Man of Steel.  Today and off and on for the next two months (coinciding with the cover date, June 1938, of Action Comics #1) I'll be talking about behind the scene stories of our best homegrown hero as well as some of my favorite written and drawn tales of the Metropolis Marvel.

     April 18th, 1938 is considered the day our big boyscout hit the spinner racks, lo those 71/2 decades ago, so without any further ado... "duh duh duh duh duh duh duh duh you say it's your (think Beatles, White Album) birthday.

     Take care and adopt a (Superman) comic today.

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Just a Few til 75

     Hi everyone, did you know that in about six hours it will be Superman's officisl 75th birthday?  I should know, as a young man a quarter of a century ago, I helped write the "Superman at 50" book.  Now the Man of Steel still looks great but I'm putting on a few pounds.  Hmmmm.

     Well, from here through June, which is the cover date of Action #1, Superman's debut appearance, I'll be dropping some tidbits about Superman, the character as well as some of the writers and artists that have produced him over the years.

     Also I'll be giving you a few of my favorite stories from that famous super-Clevelander.

     Take care and adopt a Superman comic today.

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Another Great...Lost

     Hi everyone, the weather is getting a touch better here outside Cleveland and I hope you are all enjoying it.  But on to more serious things.

     It seems like at this point in comic book history, a lot of the Golden and Silver age artists and writers are passing away, since so many of the greats are at least in their 80's if not older (for instance, Stan Lee just turned 90 last Christmas).  Within the last few days, comics great Carmine Infantino passed away.  He was 87 years old.

     Starting as the Flash artist in the late 1940's, Carmine changed his art style in the 1950's, creating a new, streamlined, art-deco type revolutionary style which fit the new Flash in 1956, while literally creating the Silver age with the landmark Showcase #4 comic.  Recently passed great Joe Kubert inked that same issue.

     But it was in 1968, when Infantino was elevated to Artistic Director of DC that the company went through a refreshing revitalization.  Hiring artists as book editors instead of writers, DC Comics had a look between 1968-72 that was magnificent.

     DC rewarded Carmine by making him publisher in 1972, but even after laying the groundwork for the Chris Reeves movie in the 70's, Carmine was fired after Marvel Comics overtook DC in overall market share.  He went over to Marvel then and drew Star Wars before returni ng to DC to draw Flah for about 60 issues.  He was also best known for helping save Batman in 1964 during what was called, "The New Look," and art on Adam Strange.     He was a giant in the industry.

     Take care and adopt a (Carmine Infantino) comic book today.

Thursday, April 4, 2013

Super Day, Super Pets

     Hi everyone.  I had a great day yesterday.  I was at the News-Herald for awhile talking about some articles I wrote.  I then stopped at Lakeland and recieved some accolades from some Profs that read my recent novels, even treating me to dinner they were so happy.  This offset all of the hospital junk I went through Monday.  So it was a great day.

     It also brightened up the sixth anniversary of having to put my little dog Ripley to sleep after 17 straight years (since she was six weeks old, with only eight days away for a vacation) together.  With her little pawas around my neck and licking my face, I held the hand that pushed down the plunger sending her to doggie heaven.

     But after the nice day I had yesterday, I went home and read the Superman comic that re-united The Man of Steel with Krypto, the super dog, who had been with Superman almost all of his life.  The last several pages showed the pair romping together through space and enjoying each other's company. 

     I read the scene several times, thought of my years spent with Ripley, and then....fought the urge to cry for the rest of the day.

     Take care, kiss or hug your pet and adopt a comic book today.

Monday, April 1, 2013

A New Spiderman?

     Hi everyone.  Does everyone still have the Easter egg hangover filled with too much ham and such?  Not me, I just got out of the hospital where the doctor found "something" in my heart (as in a new very minor problem) but nothing major.  That makes me happy but why the title of this blog?

     That's because of the isotopes they put in my veins causing one friend to refer to me as "Spiderman," because like the old song, "He's got radioactive blood."  To which I can only add and parody, "Look out, there goes a once spry man!"  Believe me, if you sing the song the joke fits perfectly.

     And keep reading because I've got lots of new thoughts, tips and comic talk coming up soooooo, Comics:don't get me started!

     Take care and adopt a comic book today!

Sunday, March 31, 2013

Easter

     Happy Easter to all of you.  Hope you all had a nice weekend.  Personally, I shopped for a bunch of old comics and had...FUN!

     Keep your fingers crossed for me Monday as I have the Manhattan Project rammed through my heart.  But I'll stay on the couch reading for two days after that.

     Take care and adopt a comic today.  Talk to you on Tuesday.

Friday, March 29, 2013

Nuclear Bad Guys

     Hi everyone, ready for Easter?  Today I'm wondering if any of you comic fans remember Nuklo, the radioactive bad guy from the Avengers Giant Size series?  There's also the Radioactive Man who was putting up his glowing dukes against the same Avengers way back in #6.  These are just a couple of them.

     I'm thinking of these bad guys right now since I'm going to get radioactivity blasted into my heart on Monday to check my heart that is still giving me a minor, minor, minor concern.  I'll be running on a treadmill while docs take pics of my arteries.

     Hey, that reminds me of other superheroes and such...the Flash's Cosmic Readmill that he uses for time travel.  Holy Cow, if I run to fast, maybe I'll transport myself back to the past...where I'll take better care of my health to start with.

     Take care, keep your fingers crossed and remember to adopt a comic book today. 

Friday, March 22, 2013

More Dead Robins

     Hi everyone.  Not long ago, I appeared on a radio show from the Great Lakes mall, as I do once a month to talk about pop culture, comics and movies.  The last time I appeared, the subject of Batman came up.  I talked about the death of Damien, the illegetimate son of Batman with Talia, the daughter of Rahs Al Ghul.  This birthing event originated in a very obscure graphic novel from 30 years ago entitled, "Son of the Demon."  But with comic book time being what it is, Damien was only nine years old or so when he re-appeared and then bit the dust.

     Now this is the second Robin that Batman has lost, the first that is actually his son!  When will this guy start going solo and reduce the risk to all of the kids in capes around him?  Now I know why they call them "Robin Red Breasts," from all the beatings and shootings and stabbings they've had to endure while in the care of Batman.

     Well, take care and don't forget to adopt a comic book today.

     Signed, Chris, never to become Robin, the blogger.

Thursday, March 21, 2013

Comics, Cold and Movie

     Hi everyone, I hope you're staying warm which brings me to today's comments.

     Captain Cold, Icecicle, Mr. Freeze.  These are all bad guys that are cold or have cold powers.  I bring this up because it has REALLY been COLD this week in Cleveland.  I just wanted to say that.

     Also, A movie I had a small part in, They Came From the Attic, debuts Friday night, March 22nd, at the Wickliffe VFW Hall.  Doors open at 7 pm, movie starts at 8PM.  It's about an hour long and free.  I play a benevolent alien out to warn Earth.  Hope to see you.

     Take care and adopt a comic today.

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Odds of March and Green

     Hi everyone, hope you had a relatively nice St. Patrick's Day.  Also last Friday was the 15th of March, or as Ceasar was warned, The "Ides of March."  But I like to think of some of the strange comics that were released over the years and call it the "Odds of March."

     Super Chief was an odd one.  He was an indian chief during the 1800's that wore a bison head as a cowl and he indeed did have super powers.  His strip only ran three issues.

     One version of Captain Marvel was where he yelled "split!"  Indeed, his body split into four and every quarter went after the bad guy.  This too lasted thankfully a brief time.  I'll take the Cap that yelled "Shazam" every time.

     Brother Power, the Geek was one of the oddest.  A man sized rag doll that was somehow brought to life by hippies (this was 1968-69) and this thing went out to do good.  Two issues later, it wasn't.

     But let's not forget the Green.  Coinciding with St. Patties day, there seemed to be a lot of green super heroes.  Green Lantern, Green Arrow, Green Lama, Green Hornet.  But you get the picture.

     In fact, I'm guessing that some of those "odd" heroes, were almost "green" with envy over the careers that these "Lawn-Colored Lawmen" had.

     Take care and adopt a comic today.

    

Monday, March 4, 2013

Yellow Matters

     Hi everyone.  Aand like tody's title, yes, to me yellow does matter (no, I'm not talking about the Beatles yellow matters as  in..."dripping from a **** dog's eye, from "I am the Walrus).  I'm talking about going to the local diner and they always have ketchup out awaiting your burger, but mustard, nooooooo.  To me, that 's the yellow that matters.

     How does that relate to comics?  Well yellow happens to be the weakness of Green Lantern.  Well at least at one time it did, there have been at least three or four re-boots in the last decade so I have to check my notes.  The original GL from WWII had a weakness of wood.  So that explains the old joke of how you take out two Green Lanterns at once.  You use a yellow #2 pencil.  Let's LOL.

     I'd carry on a little more, but I'm writing this on a laptop in a diner and I'm looking for that yellow condiment.  Hmmm, this service doesn't seem to "cut the mustard."

Monday, February 25, 2013

Comic Book Oscars

     Hi everyone, enjoy the Oscars?  Well they were in the comics too, sort of.

     The world of comics came up with a awards ceremony years ago, just like the Oscars.  Recently there was the Eisner and Kurtzman awards.  Both were named after certified TALENTS in the industry.  But these names were only decided on because The Kirby awards (named after Jack, a true giant in the field) became tainted when different factions fought over the direction of the awards.

     But the original awards were the Shazam awards from the early to mid-70's.  They were an extension of the ACBA (Academy of Comic Book Art).  Stan Lee was the president for a short while, but I came in (as a non-professional, amateur status) during Neal Adams' tenure as Prez.  I went to a few meetings, but the organization became part attempt to unionize and soon disbanded.

     But for a while there, the voice rang out (and then appeared in comics letters pages soon after) "And the Shazam goes to..."

Take care and adopt a comic book today.

Thursday, February 21, 2013

More Comics Language

     Hi everyone, staying warm I hope?  Remember my last posting, the one about combined last names?  Well today I'd like to talk about those pesky double lettes found in most Marvel Comics.

     Fanstastic Four- (in itself using the double "F's") - Reed Richards, Sue Storm (before marriage), Mole Man, Miracle Man, Dr. Doom, Super-Skrull, Molecule Man, Paste-Pot Pete (as the Trapster) Frightful Four, Black Bolt, Silver Surfer, Sentry Sinister and Wyatt Wingfoot.  And this is just in the first 65 issues!

     Did Smilin Stan (there it is again) Lee have something against starting off names with different letters?  Well, I'll get into this some more in the near future.  Send in your comments about your favorite Marvel "double letter hero."  I'd love to hear your thoughts.

     I'd talk more, but I'm feeling a little miffed about some errands I have to run right now.  So this is Cranky Chris (whoops, there it is again) signing off.

     Take care and don't forget to adopt a comic book today.

Sunday, February 17, 2013

Combined Comic Names

     Hi everyone, hope you're doing fine.  Last week, Comic Shop News announced that 1940's female crime fighter, Miss Fury, is being brought up to date with a new series.  But here's my question

     If Miss Fury married Marvel Comics war hero, Captain Simon Savage and then kept her maiden name in a hyphen sort of deal, would she be called, Mrs. Savage-Fury?  If she married the Human Torch from the Fantastic Four under the same deal, would she be called, Mrs.Storm-Fury?

     Best of all, if she married the head of SHIELD, would she be known as Mrs. Nick Fury-Fury?  Ahhh, the things I think of on a late night alone.

     Take care and adopt a comic book today.

Saturday, February 9, 2013

Comics and Beatles

     Hi everyone, it was 49 years today, Sgt Pepper taught the band to play.  No not really, but it was  one year shy of half a century since the Beatles appeared on Ed Sullivan's show.

     And of course they showed up in the comics as well.  First there was the Dell Comics version of their life story.  Then came half of the Fantastic Four trying on Beatle wigs.  Then came Jimmy Olsen trying on a red Beatle wig.  Boy, just mentioning them seemed to make editors think they could sell comics

     My favorite was Batman #222, which featured the Paul McCartney is dead rumor storyline that ran in early 1970, even as the real group was breaking up.

     But I guess it just goes to show that the Beatles still are popular in almost any genre, yeah, yeah, yeah, even in comics.

     Take care and adopt a comic book today.

Sunday, February 3, 2013

Super Bowl Comics

     Hi everyone, I guess you're watching the big game today so let's get right to it.  Were there ever sports in comics?

     Well, Marvel had a dismal series called Contest of Champions.  I wouldn't bother recomending it.

     DC Comics featured a series called, "Strange Sports Stories."  It was sort of a Twilight Zone meets sports and well worth collecting the whole series of six or seven comics from the old "Brave and Bold" seies.

     Marvel even featured a comic called, "Kickers Inc." that featured football players as super heroes.  But enough talk...the big game is coming on and I've got to find my chips!

     Take care and don't forget to adopt a comic book today.

Monday, January 28, 2013

E-Meeting For Comics

     Hi everyone.  Today I'm going to chat about something slightly different.  You see, last night (Sunday) I met with several new and old artists that work with me on many of my comic and book projects for dinner at Peties diner at Shoregate Shopping Center.

     Artist, Rob S, Jenn W as well as publisher Tim W shared art and a meal with me.  Artists Jamie L and Becky T  and Scott S could not make it due to illness and prior committments.  But their artwork was displayed as I brought it to the meet and we all decided what should be printed for which projects and which drawings should be used for my website, The E-Comics Gazette.  Please check out the site, it's free and has lots of stories and drawings from older stories that have been archived.  It goes live on the first and fifteenth of every month.  It's indeed the "Magazine on your Monitor."

     Take care and remember to adopt a comic book today.  

Monday, January 21, 2013

Comic and Life Review

     Hi everyone.  My cold is warm and my flu has flown.  But since it istill early in the year, I would like to talk about some of the great books from last year.

     JLA- Good writing and good art and so far a real roller-coaster ride for a tremendous comic.  Let's hope they can keep it up.

     Spiderman- Peter's dead or is he?  keep watching the new comic, Superior Spiderman, I will be.

     Captain America- It's weird.  Cap's in another dimension where he has been for a whole year now, trying to live in a post-nuclear type world.  You'll love it or hate it, but I'm going to keep reading.

     Aquaman- He sleeps with the fishes, but I don't need an offer I can't refuse to LOVE this book.

     Now reviews are one thing and I certainly love looking back and nostalgia type things.  But let me remind all of you reading, that comics (along with life) must be addressed head on.  There are many comics and good things in life that are in our future.  So let's not get so wrapped up in looking over our shoulders that we forget to look ahead...and enjoy life...and our comics to come.

     Take care and please adopt a comic book today.

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

A Comic Book Day of Sorts

     Hi everyone out there.  Hope all of you have recovered from the holidays.  I know I have and guess what I'm going to do to start the new year?

     That would be spending the day sorting all of the comics that I have left out the last few months, especially all of the Batman comics that I used for research on my book, "My Batman (and maybe yours too)."  Yes those babies are sitll piled up around my den in stacks

     Some of the neighbor kids (actually college age) next door have said they will help me with the task before they leave to crack the books once more in out of town universities.

     So it may sound like work, sorting over a thousand or two comics, but I'm going to have pleasant company, like-minded people who love Batman and a lot of my comics in front of me, so it will be much more of a fun experience for me than you would think..."sort" of.

     Take care and adopt a comic book today.

Tuesday, January 1, 2013

Comic Resolutions

     Hi everyone, hope you had a SAFE and happy holiday last night and today.  Personally, I'm having a Twilight Zone comic book AND T.V. marathon hangover.  But besides watching the show and reading my stack of comics that were published by Dell Comics, I took out (have not got them framed yet) and admired my two original oil painting comic covers from the series.  Both were painted by the master of comic book idols, George Wilson.

     But now for my resolution.  No, I'm NOT going to start treating my comics nicer, since I already do that.  I'm going to take the lessons I've learned from reading years of comics, the writing of such RESOLUTE characters as they face danger, the firm RESOLVE drawn onto the heroe's faces as they advance towards the uncertain and I'm going to use those emotions and feelings and ply them a little more towards the things I face in my own daily activities.  No, there won't be any super villains that I'll have to go up against and use these lessons on, just a much bigger and more difficult entity, one called...LIFE.

     With the lessons I've learned from comics and my other many experiences, I"m betting I'm going to win.

     HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!  And don't forget to adopt a comic book this year.