Thursday, December 24, 2015

Last Christmas Gift Idea

     Hello everyone, hope all is well.  Here's my last Christmas comic book gift idea for the season, so pay attention.


     It's Christmas Eve for gosh sakes people, get a comic book gift certificate before it's too late!


     Take care and adopt a (Christmas ) comic book today!

Tuesday, December 22, 2015

Pose Like a Statue

     Hello everyone, hope all is well.  If you're running out of ideas for your comic collecting special person for the holidays...try statues.  That's right, both DC and Marvel put out an interesting array of male and female superhero statues.  And if the person in your life likes a little pizazz in their statue collecting, then try the "Bombshell" statue collection where DC re-imagines their female heroes in a 1940s setting with a little cheesecake thrown in for good measure.


     Take care and adopt a (statuesque) comic book today!

Monday, December 21, 2015

More Christmas Ideas

     Hello everyone, hope all is well.  Today I think a good idea for that someone with a comic collection (with Christmas looming) would be to put a small collection together for that special someone.  Maybe just start with a short run of that person's favorite title.  Or maybe a couple of mini-series on that same favorite character.  Try comic shop stores with a decent back issue supply and then cut loose because half the fun is the searching.  Really!


     Take care and adopt a (hunted down ) comic book today!

Thursday, December 17, 2015

The Squad for Christmas

     Hello everyone, hope all is well.  As I said in one of my last blogs, I had some tips for Christmas presents.  Go with the new paperback of a compilation of "The Suicide Squad."  Get the one from the 90s, volume two just came out and the entire run of the book was written by John Ostrander, one of the most under appreciated scribes in comics.  Also pick up his trades of his trades of the 36 issue run of Martian Manhunter and his 90s run on Spectre.  Some issues will tug at your heart (hard to do for an action/spooky comic).  More in a few days.


     Take care and adopt a (Christmas) comic today!

Friday, December 11, 2015

Shootings/Comics/Violence

     Hello everyone, hope all is well.  As we all know from the recent news reports, Paris has been attacked by gunman, as has a family clinic and an office building.  I've written before about how our retreats from violence are becoming fewer and fewer.  I can't even retreat from the madness and seek a safe haven in my beloved comic books as they too have been taken over by the most horrendous violence as any fan checking out the Joker's most recent appearances in Batman comics can attest too.


     I'd start reading Archie Comics, but some of their sub-set titles (Archie vs. Predator) are heading for the sales that violent reading rewards the company with.  I'm sure more is on the way.


     For the entertainment factor in my beloved comic books I currently fear, for there seems little present without the added aspect of hacking/slashing and super violence. 


     But there is something more that I fear for besides the ongoing aspects of good comics...I fear for all of us.


     Take care and adopt a (non-violent) comic book today!
       

Monday, November 30, 2015

Christmas Comic Gifts

     Hello everyone, hope all is well and Thanksgiving was a blast.  I was at two book signings at the Great Lakes Mall over the weekend and am just now recovering.  What is worse, I read NO comics over the four day weekend.  BUMMER!


     How am I going to overcome that?  I'm on a mission this whole month to buy myself some early Christmas comic books, either some new ones that I'm going to try out, or maybe just upgrade some beaters that I have already.  And throughout the month, I'm giving all of you some tips on what to get for the big holiday coming in about 3 1/2 weeks.


     Take care and adopt (any comic will do) a comic today!

Friday, November 20, 2015

Mr. Jingeling and Me

     Hello everyone, hope all is well.  I've just got to tell everyone the exciting news.  You see, I wrote a small children's book on Mr. Jingeling (and all Northeast Ohioans know who that is) years ago and for the first time since, I'll be at a book signing WITH Mr. Jingeling.  That will be a big honor for me.


     So stop by Barnes and Noble in Mentor tomorrow, Saturday, November 21st.  I'll be there around noon, but Jingeling and I will be talking and signing copies of the book from 1pm to 3pm.  Hope you can stop by, get some free keys, free sketches and say hello and maybe pick up a copy of "How Mr. Jingeling Saved Christmas."  See you then.


     Take care and adopt a (Mr. Jingeling) book today!

Wednesday, November 18, 2015

Cleveland TV Tales 2

     Hello everyone, hope all is well.  I just ran across a great new book that would make a GREAT Christmas present.  It is the second edition of Cleveland TV Tales and believe me it is just as good as the first.  I'll be talking about this more over the next few weeks, but maybe you should stop by Mentor Barnes and Noble this Friday (check their website for exact times) and meet the authors, Mike and Janice Olszewski and their new book, "Cleveland TV Tales Vol. 2"


     What does that have to do with comics you might ask?  Al Roker, once a Cleveland weatherman, is a cartoonist!


     Take care and adopt a (Cleveland ) comic today

Monday, November 9, 2015

Comics and Pizza

     Hello everyone, hope all is well.  Tomorrow I'll be hosting a Marvel Comics trivia night at Tony Saccos Pizza place at the Great Lakes Mall in Mentor.  Comics and comic related paperbacks will be given out as prizes.


     Stop by at 6pm and test your Marvel comic book knowledge.  I'll be eating pizza, drinking iced tea and directing loads of fun throughout the event.  Don't forget to dress up as a Marvel hero (if you'd like).


     Take care and adopt a (pizza) comic today!

Monday, October 26, 2015

Cosplay is a Go!

     Hello everyone, hope all is well.  I've been very busy lately performing multiple Orson Welles shows on my fall tour of the great director, but I stopped long enough to be a guest at the annual NE Ohio GeekFest in Ashtabula Saturday.  It was also the debut of a Cosplay adventure book, "Gamer and Cassplay."  The adventure novel went over well with the crowd and I had a great time meeting new and old fans of mine.  Even my Liz got into a costume and had fun as a cartoon character.


     Take care and adopt a (cosplay) comic book today!  

Wednesday, October 7, 2015

A Land of Peace

     Hello everyone, I hope all is well.  The other day I ran into aliens, furry monsters, weird looking heroes and lots of diverse and different types of people.  I ran into these strangers in a country I had never visited before, a particular country called...Nyancon, a land of Anime whose capital city last Saturday was Lakeland Community College.


     Another country I've been to has been the land of Geekfest, a land of Cosplay which I'm re-visiting later this month whose capital is the Spire building in Geneva.


     My point in declaring these places "countries" is that very large amounts of people gather together in these places.  Almost all are different from one another, yet all I see are smiles and friendly conversations and pleasant harmony and interaction. There are no drive-by shootings in these lands, no deaths, no hatred, no politics, no children, teens or adults dying...only having fun with their hobbies.


     So I plan to visit one of these lands again very soon, lands filled with joy, and costumes, friends and comic books.  For so many enthusiasts, a land of peace, a land I call...conventions.


     Take care and adopt a comic (promoting peace) book today!

Friday, October 2, 2015

A Captain with Colors

     Hello everyone, hope all is well.  Well speaking of colors that I mentioned in the title of this blog, I have to advise that all of you comic readers out there pick up on Marvel's, Captain America White.  It's a new series by great writer, Jeph Loeb and artist Tim Sale has some dynamic layouts.  The second issue is out this week and number one should not be hard to get.


     Take care and adopt a (Captain America) comic book today!

Monday, September 28, 2015

Goodbye, Jimmy Olsen.

     Hello everyone, hope all is well.  Just the other day it was reported that actor Jack Larson, the actor who played Jimmy Olsen on the old, "Adventures of Superman," has passed away.  He was 87 years old.  Jimmy had his own comic book for over 150 issues from the 1950s to the 1970s.  But actor Larson found himself almost typecast and it was rare to see him on T.V.


     I enjoyed the show in reruns (I wasn't old enough to see it on first run) and have met most of the actors making up the secondary roles.  But with the passing of this fine actor (who appeared some years ago on Law and Order) all I can say is..."Jeepers, Mr. Larson!"


     Take care and adopt a (Jimmy Olsen) comic book today!

Friday, September 25, 2015

Batman Giveaway

     Hello everyone, hope all is well.  Tomorrow, September 26th (Saturday) I'll be appearing at Mentor Barnes and Noble from Noon until 4pm, signing autographs on some FREE Batman giveaways on national Batman day.  Hope you can stop by and talk some Caped Crusader with me.


     Take care and adopt a (Batman) comic book today!

Thursday, September 10, 2015

Hero to the Root

     Hello everyone, hope all is well.  A couple of years ago there was an issue of Batman where the Caped Crusader, in an argument with Robin (Dick Grayson), knocked a molar out of Robin's mouth to make a point.  The point being that there was a hidden transmitter in the tooth placed there by a villain years before.  I said at the time that maybe a simple x-ray would have done the job just as nicely.  I mean, tell me Batman doesn't have an x-ray machine in his Batcave.


     I thought of this recent comic book because my dear friend Bruce, fell in a parking lot and cracked a tooth, needing surgery.  Just last month, I too, had to get an emergency root canal.  A month later, the tooth still bothers me and it is hard to concentrate on reading my weekly comic books without painkillers.


     Now you might say to me that, "what's the big deal about heroes and their choppers?"  And to that I reply, "Hey, heroes need their teeth in good working order to take a "bite" out of crime."


     Take care and remember to adopt a comic (that won't set your teeth on edge) book today!

Sunday, August 30, 2015

Final Call, Final Art, Final Irony

     Hello everyone, hope all is well.  Now anyone who has read this blog or any of my other sites, has heard me tell or seen me write of the relationship I had with comic book artist supreme...Gene Colan.  We took turns for years calling one another on the phone, keeping in touch.  I considered him a friend and he was always kind to me, inquiring about my father's health and my dog Ripley.  I looked forward to my monthly phone visits with Gene and his lovely wife.


     Of course when my birthday arrived four years ago and Gene did not call, I was dismayed and a little worried since I knew he had health problems.  I found out the next day that he had passed away.  I was distraught (not feeling too well myself at this point) and a few days later collapsed with the first of multiple heart attacks, heart ailments and heart operations.


     Flash forward four years and I found myself engaged, as I always do, with the Heritage comic book art auction last Friday.  I was bound and determined to win an important piece of original art...one from my old friend, Gene.  I won the piece and when I did some further research on my newly acquired piece of Gene Colan art, I found that it was found on his easel, the day he died, the last drawing he ever made, and now the art has passed into the hands of his great admirer and someone who very much enjoyed the kindness he showed me.


     In a way, I think I finally got Gene's last phone call.

Friday, August 21, 2015

1872 in 2015

     Hi everyone, hope all is well.  If you want a REALLY good comic to try, then get hold of Marvel's 1872, a re-imagining of the Marvel Universe set in the old west.  The series is only on the second issue so there is still time to jump on board for this enjoyable comic.


     Take care and adopt a (western) comic book today!

Thursday, August 20, 2015

My Arm, My Batgirl

     Hello everyone, hope all is well.  With me not so much.  I've had my arm in a sling and a brace all summer since my arm and hand got mangled back in June.  But I'm finally getting a little better, so....


     Now that I'm getting back into blogging again, I find that Yvonne Craig, who played Batgirl in the old Batman television series, passed away a few days ago.  What kind of world is this when one Monkee, Two Beatles and Batgirl have left us.  I guess it's rough being a Baby Boomer nowadays.


     Take care and adopt a (Batgirl) comic book today!

Friday, July 17, 2015

Star Wars and Manga

     Hi everybody, hope all is well.  Saturday, July 18th, from Noon -4pm, I'll be showing off some of my Star Wars memorabilia at Mentor Barnes and Noble.  Stop by and chat about the "Force" and then the next day, Sunday, July 19th, I'll be at Mentor Barnes and Noble from Noon-4pm for Manga Mania.  I'll have free drawings for the kids (as I will Saturday also) to autograph and I'll have Alexis Rigby with me doing some cosplay stuff as well as signing autographs.  She'll be dressed as someone from "Attack on Titan."  Stop by and say hello.


     Take care and adopt a (Star Wars or Manga) comic book today!

Thursday, July 9, 2015

DC Day at Barnes and Noble

     Hello everyone, hope all is well.  And you can see how I'm doing at Barnes and Noble this Saturday (July 11th) from Noon -5pm in Mentor across from the Great Lakes Mall.  I'll be talking DC Comics and showing off a few tables worth of my oddball memorabilia.  See some old comics, statues, artwork, puzzles and so on from my collection.  PLUS, an appearance by Golden Age DC character, the Sandman.  We will both be signing autographs with some free drawings and coloring pages being given away for the kids as well as some 50 year old comics being given away each hour.


     It is a FREE event with some DC items for sale at the store.  Hope to see you Saturday at Barnes and Noble.


     Take care and adopt a (DC) comic book today!

Thursday, July 2, 2015

Dr. Who and Mangled Arm

     Hello everyone, hope all is well.  Stop by and see me and David Russell talk Dr. Who at Mentor Barnes and Noble, today July 3rd, from Noon-4pm and then again from 7-8pm.  Free give aways and contests will be happening with costume stuff.  PLUS see me try to sign autographs with my left hand since I've mangled my right hand and arm.


     Take care and adopt a comic (that won't hurt your arm) book today

Monday, June 15, 2015

A Major League Book

     Hello everyone, hope all is well.  I'm not doing so great right now, I recently mangled my right arm in an accident.  But you know what's making me feel better?  I'm reading the GREATEST book of the summer.  It's called, "The Making of Major League," that funny movie about how our own Cleveland Indians (remember, I'm from Cleveland) at their most darkest hour back in the 80s, went to the playoffs.  Well our fictional Indians anyway.


     Read all about the behind the scenes goings on and how the movie got or almost didn't get made.  I'll write more on this as my arm heals.


     Take care and adopt a comic (but read this tremendous book by Jonathan Knight first) book today!


     PS: check out www.makingofmajorleague.com for more info and how to get this book.

Friday, June 12, 2015

Lake Effect and Atlas

     Hello everyone, hope all is well.  I want to take the time to say what a great time I had at the Lake Effect Comicon, meeting lots of new customers and friendly people.  Many thanks to John Haines, the producer of these shows.  But I must admit, a seven hour signing will wear a guy out.


     Then, just a few days later, I appeared for four and a half hours at the same Mentor (Great Lakes Mall) Atlas Cinema and performed my Orson Welles one man play.  I met even more new friends and happy, knowledgeable people who really seemed to know their Orson trivia.


     Well I'm gearing up for a busy July at Mentor Barnes and Noble almost every Saturday.  Check B & N events calendar for my appearances.  PLUS...look for an exciting book that I'm going to talk about Monday because I think you should ALL be reading it.


     Take care and adopt a comic book today.

Tuesday, June 2, 2015

Free Orson Movie/Free Play

     Hi everyone, hope all is well, or in this case should I say "Welles."  Thursday, June 4th, starting at 6pm at the Great Lakes Mall Atlas Cinema, I will be performing my one hour "Night with Orson Welles" one man play talking about the great filmmaker's life who would have turned 100 this year.


     Afterwards, a free showing of "Touch of Evil" an Orson film starring himself, Charlton Heston and Janet Leigh will be presented starting around 7:30 pm.  After the movie, I'll answer questions on the film.  During the film, I'll be in the lobby with the Mentor Public library people at their table signing autograph pictures as well as selling and signing my new Orson book, "Orson vs Alfred...Linking the Legends."  This is a fun study of the rivalry between Welles and Hitchcock.  I think you'll like it.


     Hope to see you Thursday night.


     Take care and adopt a comic (but not on the Fourth) book today!

Saturday, May 30, 2015

Comicon at Atlas

     Hello everyone, hope all is well.  Tomorrow, Sunday, May 31st, The local Lake Effect Comic Con will be held inside the Atlas Cinema in Mentor across from the Great Lakes Mall.


     Plenty of comic guests, such as myself, David Russell and many more will be there to chat with and get sketches and autographs from.  A panel discussion will also take place at 12:30pm.  Hope to see you there.  And don't forget to check out my new paperback...The Mass.


     Take care and don't forget to adopt a comic (get plenty, there will be 50 cent boxes to look through) book today!
  

Monday, May 25, 2015

Memorial Comics

     Hi everyone, hope all is well.  Because of the holiday, I must say that many of my family have served in the armed service and pretty much all were shot at during WWII, Korea and Vietnam.  One died while the others all made it back including my brother and father.  They were all bestowed upon them the ranks of Brig. General, Major and Lt. (3rd class).


     And three of the members of that illustrious group read...you got it, comics!


     So a salute to all soldiers everywhere, especially my family members


     Take care and adopt a (war) comic book today!

Friday, May 22, 2015

The Non-Comic Lady

     Hello everyone, hope all is well.  I'm guessing that most of you reading this are stymied by today's title.  Well don't most of us comic collectors have someone in their lives that gives us a hard time about collecting, I know I did.  And that person for me would be my Mom.


     You see, she hated my collecting comics and yelled whenever the collection of mine got unruly.  Of course unruly to her meant anything over five comics.  Heck, before I was ten years old, I had more than five boxes of comics to my name.  Now my Mom was proud of the fact that the creativity that spurred me on (partially from my love of reading and comics) led to writing, at least early on.  But she always preferred me to be a, that's right...plumber!


     I bring this up because today is my Mom's birthday.  She's been gone now around thirty years and when she passed, she still wasn't 50 years old.  So she never got to see me get published hundreds of times, or smile at the column that I wrote for twelve years for the News-Herald, nor the many novels that I've sold to publishers, nor the many lectures I've given both on the subject of comics and academic subjects as I lectured at Lakeland Community College for over two decades.


     Maybe now though, she's looking down at me from heaven and finally smiling to see the wonderful career I've had over the last thirty years.  But maybe she's also cringing at the sight of over a hundred boxes of beat-up comics I have in the garage.


     Because Moms would do that.  So would non-comic ladies, but sometimes they're one and the same.


     Take care and adopt a (not one that has to do with plumbers) comic book today!

Monday, May 18, 2015

Feeling Better with Comics

     Hello everyone, hope all is well.  Things are finally getting better with me after another trip to my heart surgeon.  Of course what type of comic do I instantly start to read once I'm home? 


     Danger Trail...what else since most of my directions in life lead me down that specific path. 


     Take care and don't forget to adopt (a non-dangerous comic) today!

Tuesday, May 5, 2015

Orson Welles X's 2

     Hello everyone, hope all is well.  After a great and fun time at Free Comic Day, I'm gearing up for my Orson Welles one man play.  Tonite, I'll be at Barnes and Noble in Mentor (May 5th) at 7pm.  The presentation is about an hour.  Afterwards I'll be selling and signing my new book, "Orson vs: Alfred: The Linking of Legends."  I'll also have some free Orson giveaways and the event is free as is the coffee and cookies served during the show.  Tomorrow on May 6th (Orson's actual 100th birthday) I'll be at the Geneva library on Sherman street at 7pm performing the same show.  Check out the special events section on their website.  Free cake will be served.  This event too is free.  Hope to see you at one event or the other. 


     Take care and adopt a (Welles) comic today.

Tuesday, April 28, 2015

Free Comic Day Signings

     Hello everyone, hope all is well.  Free Comic Book Day (a national event for over ten years) is upon us (May 2nd).  And this Saturday, painter/artist David Russell and myself will be at Comics and Friends (located at the Great Lakes Mall) from Noon till 3pm.  Then from 3:15 on, we'll be at Comic Heaven located on Robinhood Dr. until around 6pm.  Our new comic magazine The Lawtroopers will be debuting that day.  Come talk, get books signed and have some free sketches done of some of our superheroes.  Hope to see you then.


     Take care and adopt (a free) comic book today!

Thursday, April 16, 2015

Steam AND Punk!

     Hello everyone, hope all is well.  Just want to tell you about another couple of books I latched onto.  It seems the Dynamite comic company has started a sub print of a few of their titles.  Try them out....I did, they have transformed a few of their titles to Steam Punk.


     Legenderry is the sub title.  Green Hornet is the character.  I really enjoy this one and it's only on issue #3, so there's still time to hop on board


     Take care and adopt a comic (with lots of steam) today!


    

Friday, April 10, 2015

Convergence or Reboot?

     Hello everyone, hope all is well.  Lately, DC Comics has started a new weekly series meant to rid themselves of all of the many Earths and dimensions that DC has piled up over the years.  Or maybe they're trying to revive reader interest in the readers that they do have left that are still reading their books.


     Either way, it seems like every half generation or so, DC tries to clean the deck of all continuity problems.  It seems as if telling good stories are no longer enough.  Well, maybe if they were telling good stories it would be.  Soon maybe, the revamps will come sooner and sooner, the events almost a monthly thing, like good comics were in the old days.


     But I'm going to continue with this weekly series because so far...it is a pretty good story.  Lately, that is an oddity in itself.


     Take care and remember to adopt (and converge on your comic shop) a comic today!

Thursday, March 19, 2015

Kid's Fest and Comics

     Hello everyone, hope all is well.  This weekend I'll be at the Great Lakes Mall Kid Fest.  My table will be down by Sears.  Look for me, I'll have some kid's comics for sale as well as some kid's paperback books good for children ages 8 and above as well as some FREE coloring page giveaways!  So stop by from 2pm-6pm Saturday and 12 noon -5pm on Sunday.  See you there.


     Take care and adopt a (kid's) comic today.

Wednesday, March 18, 2015

Spiderman Dailey Comics

     Hello everyone, hope all is well.  Today I was checking out the funnies from the daily comic strips and saw that Spidey was having some trouble with HobGoblin (a Green Goblin wannabe) and I noticed that our favorite Web-Slinger guessed right off the bat who he really was.


     Well that instantly made me laugh since that same storyline and unmasking took over a half decade or more in the comics.  Maybe Stan Lee (who writes the strip) learned a lesson from the writers who followed him on the Spiderman comic book...cut to the chase.


     Take care and adopt a (quick and to the point) comic book today! 

Thursday, March 12, 2015

Batman, Badfinger, Blood Pressure

     Hello everyone hope all is well.  I'm not because I overdid it at last week's Rubber City Beatlefest where I spent time with my old friend Joey Molland, from the Apple Records band, Badfinger.  After a nice dinner with my old friend of over four decades (I was a teenager when we first met), he made me a guest of the event and surprised me by inviting me onstage to sing Beatle songs "Ticket to Ride" as well as the Fab Fours' version of "Roll Over Beethoven."  By the time the second song was rolling to a finish, I was out of breath but stuck to harmonies only.  Don't believe me?  Check out You tube "Rubber City Beatlefest 2015"  When you see the 11:57 second offering click on it and slide forward almost to the 10 minute mark (right after "No Matter What") and you'll see me standing stage center looking like an English professor directing traffic.


     What does this have to do with Batman?  After overdoing it, and rushing to the hospital to get my blood pressure under control, I've been resting at home reading Batman, well actually Detective Comics #488, one of those great Dollar Comics from the late 70s and early 80s.  It's almost worth getting sick.


     Take care and adopt (a Batman comic and you tube video) comic today!

Friday, February 27, 2015

Spock is Gone

     Hi everyone, hope all is well.  It was reported today that Leonard Nimoy, best known as Mr. Spock in the Star Trek franchise has passed away at the age of 83.  Chronic Pulmonary disorder was given as the cause.


     His connection to comics are plentiful but mainly through the DC and Marvel versions of the well-known television series that both companies took turns controlling over the decades.


     I had a chance to converse with him over a conference call 20 years ago when the President of the Sci-Fi (as it was known as then) channel and Mr. Nimoy and myself discussed some articles to be written about the Nimoy created comic book, "Primortals" as the television station was thinking of getting into comics.  I was then hoping to get a chance to write for the comic, but the opportunity did not arise.  Still, I found Mr. Nimoy to be pleasant, considerate and cordial to this journalistic stranger back in my News-Herald columnist days. 


    Also, back before their were so many original books on the subject, Only Star Trek had a continuing series of paperbacks produced from the series, but only adapting the stories from the television series.  But the first original novel was Star Trek #8, "Spock Must Die!"  This was written by James Blish, which started the whole original book series of all those old sci-fi shows.  See what Leonard Nimoy started.  Long live the memory of Leonard, he indeed did, "Live Long and Prosper."


     Take care and adopt a (Star Trek) comic today!

Thursday, February 26, 2015

Bat Gone Too Far?

     Hello everyone, I hope all is going well.  Today I read the newest issue of Batman, a book I like a lot.  But in this issue, Joker, who has already had his face removed a few years back (and liked it), chopped off Alfred's right hand with a meat cleaver.


     So when did mystery, suspense and good storytelling get replaced by horror, extreme violence and gore?  Don't know how much more of this I can take.


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

Saturday, February 21, 2015

My Convention Stalled

     Hello everyone, hope all is well.  Yesterday I was tied up at my radio show and couldn't get to the Cleveland Wizard World Convention.  Today I'm stuck in my driveway.  Yaaaaaaaa...Don't get me started on how much this bothers me.  Hopefully I'll be there tomorrow.


     Take care and adopt a comic book today!

Thursday, February 19, 2015

Auctions and Wizars World

     Hello everyone, hope all is well.  As I write this I'm on the bad end of a losing bid in my quest to procure another piece of original comic book art.  Luckily, I have three more chances this year alone.  But to help me cheer up after my loss at the Heritage Auction tables, I get to look forward to a comic convention right here in Cleveland, Ohio.


     Wizard World, the comic convention giant out of Chicago, has come to our area and with their event, guests like William Shatner, Tom Defalco (ex-Editor-in-chief of Marvel) and many more.  Literally dozens of comic book panels will be presented over Friday, Saturday and Sunday.  I can't decide which day I'm going to go, but I'll have more convention tips for you over the next few days.


     Take care and adopt a comic (the kind you purchase at a convention) book today!


    

Thursday, February 12, 2015

Comics and the Cold

     Hello everyone, hope all is well.  Lately it has been so cold I've been stuck in the house and of course you know what I've been doing...that's right, reading comics.  But this time I've actually been sorting through my trade paperbacks rather than my comic books proper.  Although I will say one thing, With the insulation that comics offer while in their comic boxes (yes, comics do have an RH factor) those brightly covered bits of entertainment  serve more than one purpose.


     Take care and adopt a comic (a whole lot to surround yourself with and stay warm0 book today!

Thursday, February 5, 2015

Super Hero Thermal Underwear

     Hello everyone, hope all is well.  I've talked a lot about the cold-related type villains in the past, but today I'm talking about how heroes keep warm during all of the frost fighting.


     Well to begin with, Flash and Green Lantern don't need to fight the cold, they both have protective auras and Superman and Wonder Woman are basically Gods so how can they get cold and Aquaman swims in the deepest, coldest oceans so that's out.


     Which leaves Batman who I've actually seen wearing a snow parka during his first meeting with Rahs al Ghul in Batman #232 from the early 70s.  And I think the Caped Crusader also wore Bat Thermals during that dreadful t.v. show.  More on cold and comics soon.


     Take care and adopt a (hot) comic book today! 

Tuesday, January 27, 2015

Groundhog Day and Comics Coming

     Hello everyone, I hope all is well.  Groundhogs Day is coming and superheroes don't mind it a bit.  You see, with all of the time traveling they do, they are used to acting like Bill Murray (In that great movie of his named, "Groundhog's Day") and being trapped doing the same thing over and over again.  I'd blame it on Kang, the (Time) Conquerer. 


     But then it hit me, I'm not a comic book super hero and I get caught up doing the same super hero thing over and over myself.  Yep, every Wednesday, which is new comic book day, I go to the comic shop and get my books, week after week after week after...


     But you get the idea.  And strangely enough, I love it, week after week after...


     But you get the idea.  And strangely enough...Okay, enough of that!


     Take care and adopt a comic (but not a time travel one) book today!

Friday, January 16, 2015

More Comic Anniversaries

     Hello everyone, hope all is well.  After talking about the 75th anniversary of Batman #1 recently, I thought I'd remind everyone that most of the Justice Society is coming up on #75.  These fellows were the forerunners of the Justice League and appeared in All-Star Comics.  The two biggest guns from that book is Flash and Green Lantern.


     To coincide with this big date, The Alter-Ego magazine is having an in-depth look at the Golden Age, While Back Issue magazine is examining the history of these two heroes in the 70s and 80s.  The mags are coming out in two months, so tell your local comic dealer that you want these magazines, you won't be sorry.


     Take care and adopt a (Flash or Green Lantern) comic today! 

Thursday, January 8, 2015

Holiday Flu By, Comics Still Here

     Hello everyone, hope all is well.  Since before Christmas, I've been quite sick with the flu, hence the odd spelling in the title today.  But the good thing is, I spent the last two weeks reading comics and boy was that great!


     There is a new Shield comic out, based on the weekly television show.  Pick it up, it is a wonderful blend of the show and the Marvel line of comics.  Let's hope it stays that way.  Also a new trade paperback collecting all of the Superman two page inserts from the Action Weekly Comics from the mid 1980s just hit the stands.  It's got some of the last Curt Swan art on Superman available before the artist retired and passed away.


     Lastly, there's a new year that popped up last week, putting an end to the 75th anniversary of Batman.  BUT, it also means it is the 75th anniversary of the first appearance of Batman in his own comic book...Batman #1, Summer of 1940.  Yahoo, another whole year of me blogging about Batman.


     Take care and adopt a (Batman) comic today.