Thursday, December 28, 2017

Radio Comics

      Hello everyone, hope all is well.  This is just to let you know that I am talking comic books and pop culture every Friday morning at 8:15 am on 101.5 FM radio and on 1330am simulcast.

     Give it a listen, it's a lot of fun and a peek at the behind-the-scenes of comics and other pop culture genres.

     So join me and Steve, Linda, Chelsea and Joe every Friday morning at 8:15.  We'll talk comics!

     Take care and adopt a (one that is commented on over the air waves) comic book today!  










Stan Lee and X-Mas Celebration

     Hello everyone, hope all is well.  This past week has been a big one in the world of comics.  Of course there was Christmas and guess what I gave out as presents...that's right, comics!  Of course I received some also.  And I hope everyone had a nice holiday.

     Let's not forget Dec. 22nd, just last week, when Stan Lee had his 95th birthday.  The magazine, "Alter-Ego" just did a special on Stan.  Check out your local comic shop and pick one up.  Stan, as well as Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko revolutionized that 1st wave of Marvel Comics which has since swept the world.

     So in conclusion, yah for Christmas and gooooo Stan!

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

Monday, November 27, 2017

Mall Signing

     Hello everyone, hope all is well.  At the Great Lakes Mall in Mentor, Ohio, December 2nd, I'll be at Comics and Friends from Noon-4pm signing copies of my 3 new books.   Two are of the action/adventure variety, while the 3rd is a historical look at the year 1968 and how it saved DC comics.

     Come on over and start a comic book conversation.  If you do, I'll certainly join in and we'll both have fun talking about my favorite hobby...comics.

     Take care and adopt a comic book today!

Great New Cleveland Book!

     Hello everyone, hope all is well.  Yes, Gray's publishing has done it AGAIN!  "Cleveland Radio Tales" is out and brought to you by the same authors (Michael and Janice Olszewski) that brought you the wonderful books on Cleveland's television history.

     Can you imagine a radio exorcist?  How about a DJ that performed his show in the nude?  Did you know that Jack Paar, pre-Tonite Show, almost lost his job as he saved Cleveland from the Orson Welles Martian scare?

      I'll be talking about this and other items from this great Christmas present book over the next few weeks.  Stay tuned.

     Take care and adopt a (Cleveland radio history) book today!
 

Thursday, November 16, 2017

Mr. Jingeling is Back!

     Hello everyone, Hope all is well.  This Saturday, November 18, Mr. Jingeling will be at the Mentor Barnes and Noble from 1:30-3:30.  And I will be there as well signing copies of my book, "How Mr. Jingeling Saved Christmas."

     Come on down and get the book signed, get a free Jingeling coloring sketch and some keys signed for your collection.

     And let's sing the song also. 

     Mr. Jingeling, how you tingaling...

     Ahhh, you know the rest.

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

     See you Saturday!

Wednesday, November 8, 2017

Lanigan is Back!

     Hello everyone, hope all is well.  Today I'm stepping aside from comics to tell you that John Lanigan, icon of Cleveland radio, has finally got his memoirs out from Greys Publishing.

     It is a great book that covers over 50 years in the radio business and has many funny stories and fateful ways that a young 18 year old broke into the field and stayed there until he retired.  Over 50 years of tales from this Cleveland icon and John covers all of them.  Yes, especially the 25 years on the Prize movie on our own Channel 43!

     I've met John a couple of times in the past and believe me, the book even captures the way he speaks, now THAT is a great book!

     Don't forget, Christmas is right around the corner, so check out your nearest Barnes and Noble to pick up this enjoyable life story of a great guy who spent most of his working life in Cleveland, Ohio!

     Take care and adopt a (Lanigan )book today!

Bendis at DC

     Hello Everyone, hope all is well.  I guess it is now official, Brian Michael Bendis, the one-time Cleveland, Ohio writer that took Marvel by storm has signed an exclusive with DC Comics.

     According to his press release, Brian made a comment that jokingly amounted to, "Now I can go over and mess DC up."

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

Thursday, November 2, 2017

Cosplay, Ashtabula

     Hi everyone, hope all is well.  This Saturday, November 4th and 5th, (yes, a 2 day show) I'll be a guest at the N.E. Geek Fest at the Ashtabula mall.

     The second day (Sun) from Noon to 12:30, I'll be performing a short Orson Welles show concerning only the War of the Worlds radio broadcast due to the close proximity to the recently passed Halloween.  My recent "Orson vs. Alfred" book will also be on sale

     Also, Bystander Group LLC, the publishing group which I write for, has published TWO new, Bystander Adventure Series, sci-fi paperback books that I have just completed over the summer.  Stop by and get a copy and talk while I autograph them. 

     Hope to see you!

     Take care and adopt a Bystander (one of mine hopefully) Adventure book today (or Saturday and Sunday)!

Monday, October 23, 2017

Metal!

     Hi everyone, hope all is well.  Lately, DC Comics has been putting out a comic called "Metal" and another called "Forged."  I may have to wait for the trade, since some are pretty good, some not so, but overall, I'm puzzled with what has happened so far.  Maybe I missed a few issues.

     But right now, anyone reading this story has had their comic reading skills "Forged" alright...in fire.

     Take care and adopt a (Metal Men preferably) comic book today!

Monday, October 16, 2017

Good Grief, Fire

     Hello everyone, hope all is well.  The giant fire blazing out of control in California has taken Charles Schultz's house.  His wife is fine, but I wonder, Charles had an office, skating rink and diner nearby.  I wonder if any Charlie Brown important documents have been destroyed. 

     Good Grief, no record of Snoopy?  My stomach hurts.

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

Tuesday, September 26, 2017

Wolverine and Swamp Thing Crying!

     Hello everyone, hope all is well.  Just last week, Len Wein, long time comic creator and writer passed away.  He created Swamp Thing with artist Bernie Wrightson, who also passed earlier this year, and with a couple others created Wolverine, the seminal anti-hero of the 70s.

     Len had done so many things in his life it is too much to list, but I did meet him a few times and we enjoyed talking about our mutual love of Batman.  Read Len's "Untold Legends of Batman," You won't be sorry.

     His good friend Marv Wolfman, who came into the comic field at the same time no doubt is still in mourning.  I think every person who has read a Wein comic is also.

     Take care and adopt a (Len Wein) comic today!

Monday, August 28, 2017

Kirby at 100

     Hello everyone, hope all is well.  This week marks the 100th birthday of Jack "King" Kirby.  he is probably the greatest creative force comic books has or ever will see .

     Having a hand in the creation or co-creation of Captain America, Challengers of the Unknown, Boys Ranch, Boy Commandoes, Fantastic Four, Hulk, X-Men, Dr. Doom, Sgt. Fury, Agents of SHIELD, Antman/Giantman, Iron Man, Thor, (aka, the entire Avengers) and Darksied and all of the New Gods, Inhumans ect. I guess that sort of tells the story.

     What I'm saying is, next time there's a Marvel movie released, maybe the screen should just say (with no slight to Stan Lee and his great dialogue)...Jack Kirby presents!

     Take care and remember to adopt a (Jack Kirby, there are so many of them) comic book today!

Tuesday, July 25, 2017

The Mentor "Noble" Con.

     Hello everyone, hope all is well.  Saturday, July 29th, from 11:00 am -8pm, Barnes and Noble will be hosting an all day event chock filled with Comis, Harry Potter and Cosplay, complete with prizes and experts giving lectures in their chosen fields.

     I'll be there showing off items from my collection highlighting super hero movies from 2017.  My lecture about comics starts at 1pmand it is entitled, "Comics: Don't Get Me Started."  It is named after my News-Herald blog.  So stop by and let's talk comics and enjoy the "Noble" Con.

     Take care and adopt a comic (from Barnes and Noble) today!

Check U Tube for San Diego Con Clips

     Hello everyone, hope all is well.  Now that the big comicon out west is over, check out U Tube for all the panels that you might have missed.  I'm already checking it myself...loads of fun.

     Take care and adopt a (purchased at a con) comic book today!

    

Tuesday, July 11, 2017

Origins of Marvel...Stan and Jack...and Joan?

     Hello everyone, hope all is well.  A few days ago, Stan Lee's wife, Joan Lee passed away, she was in her 90s.

     It has always been stated by Stan in the past that when Marvel Comics were on the ropes in the late 50s, early 60s his wife Joan told him, "If you are going to quit comics anyway, start doing them the way you want to do them."

     That advice to Stan gave him the idea to go out with a bang, featuring  characterization, a connected universe and a lot of dynamic action, along with heroes with flaws.

     This new direction of Stan's, along with Jack Kirby's and Steve Ditko's (among others) unique artwork saved the company.  But who knows, it might just have started with Joan's simple suggestion to her husband, Stan.

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

Monday, July 10, 2017

Upon Reflection...Adam West!

     Hello everyone, hope all is well.  After a month of thinking about it, I've got to say that Adam West was the saving bridge at DC Comics, between two points of cancellation.

     You see, after a decade of Batman fighting aliens and monsters in the 50s and early 60s, it was about to be cancelled.  Julie Schwartz brought the Caped Crusader back to being a detective, not a Global Guardian.  But I must admit it was a very bland and dull detective.

     But that all changed when Adam West made Batman a world wide icon.  Now that only lasted for a few years, but it was three years that attracted The Kinney Corp. to merge with Warner and buy DC Comics.  It was also three years that DC used to buyout Bob Kane and his tame approach.  It was three years that DC used to bring in a whole new staff of creative people to better Batman, laying the groundwork to where he is today.

     So maybe Adam West was Batman's life to today's dramatic Batman...who knows?  I think he was that important.

     Take care and adopt a (Adam West) comic book today! 

Friday, June 2, 2017

Lake Effect Convention and New Book!

     Hello everyone, hope all is well.  Sunday, June 4th, 2017, The Lake Effect comicon will be held at the Mentor Holiday Inn from 10am-5pm.  I'll be there signing copies of my new book, "My Favorite Year in Comics...1968." (an unauthorized collection of essays on how 1968 saved DC Comics!)

     Stop by and pick up a copy and talk comics!

     Take care and adopt a (new book about comics) today!

Wonder Woman/Pop Culture day at Barnes and Noble

     Hello everyone hope all is well.  On Saturday, June 3rd, 2017, Barnes and Noble in Mentor, Ohio is celebrating Wonder Woman day.  Also they will be celebrating all things pop culture related.

     My wife and I will be appearing there from Noon-4pm showing off our Wonder Woman knick-knacks as well as giving away free drawings of the Amazon hero.  Also we will be showing off 60s and 70s t.v. tie-in paperbacks and big little books of Man from Uncle, Hardy Boys, The Avengers, Beatles, Monkees, Wizard of Oz, comics and much more.  Join us and stick around to talk cool stuff!

     Take care and adopt a (pop culture) comic book today!  

Tuesday, May 23, 2017

Locked in Death...Goodbye, Mr. Buckler

     Hello everyone, hope all is well.  Within the last few days, 70s stalwart artist, Rich Buckler, creator of Deathlok, the hero literally "locked in death," lost a long battle with cancer.  He was 68.

     Rich came out of Detroit in the late 60s and began instantly getting work from Marvel Comics.  throughout the 70s, Rich drew Fantastic Four as well as The Avengers, before creating his own character, Deathlok."

     In the 80s, Rich co-created "All-Star Squadron" with Roy Thomas.  Later in his career, I met Rich after a panel discussion and found him a very personable and bright student of the times in which he was working.  I purchased that day, a drawing of both Batman and Silver Surfer.  He was a very nice man and tremendous artist.

     Take care and adopt a (Rich Buckler) comic book today!

For Your Comic Book Eyes Only

     Hello everyone, hope all is well.  Just an hour ago, it was announced that Bond and Saint actor, Sir Roger Moore, passed away at the age of 89.  Although this is not a Bond website, agent 007 did make it to the comics more than once.

     Back in the 60s, DC put out an adaptation of "Dr. No" with a cover by "Challengers of the Unknown" artist Bob Brown.  But alas, no follow-up.

     In the 70s, Marvel Comics put out a Marvel Super Special version of a few of the Roger Moore movies.  By the 90s, a wonderful new story, featuring art by Paul Gulacy, "The Serpent's Tooth," (I think was its name) hit it out of the park.

     Then, Titan Publishing began collecting the James Bond Comic Strip.  There have been several editions collected by now as they take up most of one shelf in my den.  And now a small press is reviving Bond in the comics but I have so far been not too impressed with their output.

     But rest easy, Sir Roger, the monarchy is still safe, Bond still lives.

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

Tuesday, May 9, 2017

Tension for Wednesday!

     Hello everyone, hope all is well.  It is Tuesday as I write this and I am looking forward to that day of days...comic book day!

     I am getting a little "antsy" as I await noon tomorrow.  That's when I walk into my local comic shop and bask in the greetings from so many like hobbyists.

     So I guess all I've got to say is... "Wednesday, come on down!

     Take care and adopt a (on any given Wednesday) comic book today!

Monday, May 8, 2017

Great Free Comics!

     Hello everyone, hope all is well.  The other day I certainly had a wonderful time at my local comic shop.  Many folks stopped by our table and checked out our new "Bystander" universe of comic and sci-fi related paperbacks.

     Plus, I picked up a free "UnderDog" comic book.  Ahhhh, comics, just love 'em!

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

Friday, May 5, 2017

Free Comic Day and Me!

     Hello everyone, hope all is well.  Yes, it's that time of year again, Free Comic Day, which falls on May 6 this year.  Look to your local comic shop to have at least a dozen different samples from various publishers...and all for FREE!

     I will be appearing with my artist friend, David Russell, at Comics and Friends, located inside the Great Lakes Mall in Mentor, Ohio.  We'll be set up in front of the comic shop (right next to Macy's) from 11:30-4pm talking comics and signing copies of our comic and sci-fi type adventure paperbacks, Bystander Adventure Series.

     I'll look forward to seeing all of you fellow fans tomorrow.

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

Wednesday, April 26, 2017

Podcast for Orson and Comic Books Two Weeks in a Row!

     Hello everyone, hope all is well.  tomorrow, Thursday, April 27th, 2017, I will be heading our weekly pop culture podcast that is recorded live from the Great Lakes Mall Barnes and Noble located in Mentor, Ohio.  The show is "Lambert and Lynch in the Lobby.  But you can download us at Lambert and Lynch.com

     The subject this week is everything Orson and next Thursday is all about the upcoming (May 6th) Free Comic Book Day around the country where David and I will talk comics and Star Wars and some of my upcoming appearances.

     So join us in the café lobby of Mentor's Barnes and Noble and grab a cookie and coffee and watch the show live.  You'll have loads of fun!

     Take care and collect (a funny podcast) and a comic book today!

Don Rickles. a Comic (book) Character

     Hello everyone, hope all is well.  A few weeks back, comedian Don Rickles passes away.  But besides being a iconic comedian, did you know that he appeared as a comic character in a Jimmy Olsen 2-part story in the early 70s? 

     Well it really happened as written and drawn by the also iconic, Jack Kirby.  The funniest thing about the story...his name was Goody Rickles!

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

Monday, April 24, 2017

Another Classic Artist...Gone!

     Hello everybody, hope all is well.  Yes, yet another great artist passed away recently.  Joe Harris, age 89, who was the artist of both Underdog and the Trix rabbit.

     Somehow, I feel my childhood is dying a little bit day by day.

     Take care and adopt a (Trix box cover or Underdog) comic book today!

Thursday, March 23, 2017

Podcast and Appearance

     Hello everyone, hope all is well. Just wanted to remind everyone to listen to the "Lambert and Lynch in the Lobby" podcast at Lambert and Lynch.com  Also, if you are in the area of Barnes and Noble in Mentor, Ohio, come every Thursday, between 4 and 5:30 pm and listen to the pop culture podcast as David Lynch and I discuss comics, movies and culture history.

    Also, this Saturday, I will be appearing at Comics and Friends in Mentor, Ohio from 1-5pm signing autographs on several of the Bystander Adventure Series books I have written.  Hope to see you then.


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

Monday, March 20, 2017

My Davy Crockett Dies!

     Hello everyone, hope all is well.  Just yesterday, Fess Parker, the actor who portrayed both Davy Crockett and Daniel Boone passed away.  Of course both folk heroes were portrayed in the comics, drawn by Dan Spiegle, a friend of mine who just passed away last month.

     Yes, paraphrasing his Boone theme song, "Fess Parker was a man, yes a reeeaal man..."  But I will always remember Parker every time I hear the end of the Disney trilogy, "Davy, Davy Crockett, (and Fess Parker) died at the Alamo!  Fess was 85.

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

Bronze Age Horror Artist Passes

     Hello everyone, hope all is well.  But in the world of comics, a giant has passed on, the co-creator of Swamp Thing, Bernie Wrightson, of brain tumors.

     The cancer started some time back but the symptoms became debilitating last November.  Bernie along with writer Len Wein created one of the great Muck Monsters of all time...Swamp Thing that was revitalized in the 80s by British writer, Alan Moore.

     I met Bernie twice and he was always friendly, a kind man who will be missed.

     Take care and adopt a (Bernie drawn) comic book today!

Tuesday, February 14, 2017

Young Hearts

     Hello everyone, hope all is well.  Today is Valentine's Day.  So let's look at a few "love" comics of the 60s and 70s.
    
     "My Love" was on of my favorites from Marvel Comics.  The good news...they had all of those great Marvel artists, John Romita, Gene Colan, John Buscema and many more.  The bad news, it only ran about 10 issues before it went reprint.

     Over at DC Comics, they had many many love comics with series running within the books like, "The Manu Loves of Lisa St. Clair."  And let's not forget "3 Girls."  That is the good news, the bad?  DC seemed to have hundreds of love books to choose from.

     Either way, have a great lovely holiday with your sweetie.

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

Tuesday, February 7, 2017

Captain Apollo, Gone

     Hello everyone, hope all is well.  Well, yet another comic book related person has passed.  The last time I posted, it was artist/friend Dan Spiegle.  Today it is actor, Richard Hatch, who portrayed Captain Apollo on Battlestar Galactica (the original one from the 70s).

     And like Star Wars before it, Marvel Comics did a fine adaptation of the show complete with great new stories.

     Now is it me, or is everyone and everything great from the 60s and 70s leaving us?  My advice to all of you...remember and appreciate.

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

Monday, February 6, 2017

Dan Spiegle Passes

     Hello everyone, hope all is well.  Last week I lost another friend from the comic industry.  Dan Spiegle, who drew Zorro, The Hardy Boys, Scooby Doo, Crossfire and the Blackhawks among many, many more comics to boot.

     Some years back, I met him online and he called me on the phone and we kept up a chat schedule as well as trading letters from time to time.  He then did a painting of my favorite super team, The Blackhawks that group of great heroes and aviators.  He thrilled me at the holidays as he began sending me hand colored Christmas cards showing scenes that he had drawn over his career.

     He was 96 years old and had a great long career and life, but I'm missing him already.  I've been blessed in that I have had many friends from my favorite hobby bond with me, but it is also a sad thing that many of these "greats" that have befriended me are gone.  But I've enjoyed their friendship while they were here, soooo...

     And now that Dan is gone, just maybe, I hear his Blackhawks give a giant "Hawkaaaaa" yell.

     Take care and adopt a (anything drawn by Dan) comic today!   

Monday, January 9, 2017

Comic Talk, Comic Write

     Hello everyone, hope all is well.  I wanted to take time to tell everyone about the "E-Comics Gazette," a free twice weekly newspaper that talks about one subject or another concerning...that's right, comics!  I've been writing this e-paper for over 200 issues and all have been archived.  Check it out.

     Meanwhile, check out "Lambert and Lynch in the Lobby" (go to Lambert and Lynch.com) for talk of entertainment, pop culture, movies, comics and a subject of the day.  We also archive our shows. I think it will be worth your while!

     Take care and adopt a (one that has been archived) comic book today!

Friday, January 6, 2017

Superman's Family

     Hello everyone, hope all is well.  I realized recently as I saw the annual list of actors that had passed away last year that the old Superman television show from the 50s was well represented.

     You see, both Jack Larson and Noel Neil passed away.  The actors who played Jimmy Olsen and Lois Lane.  I met them both and they were very kind to me.  More celebrities should have such grace.

     I can only hope and imagine that they are both up in heaven with George Reeves (Superman) and John Hamilton (Perry White).  I think even now I hear a faint whisper from the sky filtering down like an old DC comic.

     "Clark," states Noel (as Lois) in a fit of frustration, while another whisper I hear is, "Jeepers, Mr. Kent!"  Jack (as Jimmy) makes a statement in wonder.

     I like to think they are all together now, smiling and saving the world, to musical strains and the words, "Yes, Superman, strange visitor from another planet...

     You know the rest.

     Take care and adopt a (Superman, guest starring Lois or Jimmy) comic today!

Readable Sized Reprints

     Hello everyone, hope all is well.  Something came to my attention in the new comic order pack recently.  You see, a long time ago in the 70s, there was a comic strip named, "Star Hawks."  Due to the shrinking newspaper sizes back then, This sci-fi daily adventure strip, created by Ron Goulart and Gil Kane, was given 2 tiers of space.  This made for a great looking adventure comic strip.  And I eagerly awaited the day when the entire three year run of the strip would be reprinted in total.

     Well it was about 10 years ago, only one problem.  The strip was reprinted 3 or 4 to a page which made the art SMALLER than the strips that they tried to be better than over 40 years ago!

     Now, the IDW company is reproducing the 3 years of strips, now in three volumes.  And the volumes all reprint each daily strip on one whole page, making the art and the strip look even better than ever.  Check with your local comic dealer!  I am.

     Take care and adopt (a big-sized) comic book today! 

Wednesday, January 4, 2017

Look, Up in the Sky...It's a Sale

     Hello everyone, hope all is well.  Now let's forget about the holidays that just passed and concentrate on the important things in life...Inventory clearance sales!

     Every comic store is ready to move product because they don't want to get stuck paying taxes on old comics sitting in boxes.  So go to your closest comic shop and start buying to your heart's content.  Even if a sale price is announced, if you buy enough, most owners will go a little lower.

     So get those trade paperbacks, pick up those sets and find those missing issues and fill in those holes!

     Take care and adopt a (any price reduced) comic today.