Tuesday, December 25, 2018

Happy Christmas!

     Hello everyone, hope all is well.  Today is Christmas and do you know what?  Tomorrow is comic book day!  How great did the scheduling work out on that?

     Take care and remember to adopt a comic (any comic) book today!

Friday, December 14, 2018

Great New Comic Books, These Last Few Weeks!

     Hello everyone, hope all is well.  Boy, the last few weeks have been great comic book wise as I walk away from my favorite comic shops with a bundle this month.

     First, the latest Batman arc is great and it is good to see Batman back in control.  Also, pick up Batman Annual #3 out this week for a great tender story.

     The Defenders 4 or 5 parter is also interesting as I have loved the Hulk and Dr. Strange issues in particular.

     Lastly, Archie #700 is a real head twister as the gang wonders how Archie has changed over the summer break and why.  Read it and find out.

     Take care and remember to adopt a comic book (any comic) today!

Wednesday, November 28, 2018

Goodbye Bob/Goodbye Bernardo

     Hello everyone, hope all is well.  Well, at the young age of 57, our dear Stephen, who created and gave us and Bob, all those wonderful square pants, passed away.

     Also, although he does not have much to do with comic books, Bernardo Bertolucci passed yesterday.  This director (mostly associated with "9 1/2 Weeks," I put him together with the masterpiece of "Novo Cento" (1900) a great film about two friends and their lives (and their countries) in Italy between 1900-1968.  Also he helped Sergio Leone write his brilliant, "Once Upon a time in the West."

     Take care and adopt some pants (that are square) and some films (by Berto).

Friday, November 23, 2018

Comic Books You HAVE to Get This Week

     Hello everyone, hope all is well.  I must tell you that there are 2 books you must get this week...Batman and Archie (#700).

     Both books have mystery and great plots contained within with Archie letting loose with a great surprise ending and Batman having one helluva great monologue to Bane!

     Pick them up, you won't be sorry!

     Take care and adopt (the two comics I've mentioned already) some comic books today!

Post Turkey Day Comic Book Activity

     Hello everyone hope all is well.  Did everyone have a great Thanksgiving?  I did because I read comics, ate and finished a Big Little Book.

     Let's hope I can do the same on X-Mas!

     Take care and adopt a comic (one that you can relax with) book today!

     PS: I'm doing the same today!

Tuesday, November 13, 2018

Veterans Stand Forever!

     Hello Everyone, hope all is well.  Yesterday was Veterans Day and there were more than a few comics that depicted the exploits of those that served.  Since WWI ended 100 years ago, you might try reading, Steve Savage, Balloon Buster or Enemy Ace.

     Both comics show both sides of that "War to End All Wars."  Both comics have action and irony as well as chivalry.  Try them both and realize that veterans served throughout the years, just so we would be free to read our precious...comic books.

     Take care and adopt a (war) comic today!

Excelsior...Gone!

     Hello, hope all is well.  In the world of comic books, it is not going well at all.

     Stan Lee, co-creator of the entire Marvel Universe, died yesterday.  I met him on more than a few occasions and will have some short stories for you soon.  But for now, in the Man's own words... "Nuff Said!"

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

Friday, October 5, 2018

Nyancon...Tomorrow!

     Hello everyone, hope all is well.  Stop by and see me at the Nyancon at Lakeland Community College tomorrow in Kirtland from noon-7pm.  I'll be selling and signing all of my super hero/sci-fi novels and would like nothing better than to talk comics with you.

     So stop by and say hello and don't forget to dress up like your favorite character.

     Take care and adopt a (one you can adopt their mode of costume with) comic book today!

Tuesday, September 25, 2018

Local Super Hero Play

     Hello, hope all is well.  Starting this week (Thursday, Sept 25th -Sun. Sept 30th) Lake Erie College is hosting a four day event of one man plays.  Every night starting at 7:30, there will be a series of ten minute plays in progress, followed by an hour long headliner play. You can check Lake Erie Facebook for more info as well as the opening night reception.

     I'll be performing 3 "sampler" plays, Thurs, Fri, and Sat. In order they will be, "Falstaff, the King and God," "Davey Crockett at the Alamo," and Saturday "Conversations with a Cape!"  This will be an examination of a super hero trying to retire.

     Sunday at 8:30, I will close the festival with an hour long, "Evening with Orson Welles," a play that (like real life) shows Orson mentally reviewing his life before heading to the Merv Griffin show to tape some of the stories of his life.

     Hope to see a lot of comic book fans on Saturday and theatre lovers the other 3 nights.

     Take Care and adopt a comic (any comic) book today!

Batman...Naked?

     Hello everyone, hope all is well.  It seems that in a move to create a more mature sub-brand of DC comic, the company issued a trade paperback last week entitled, "Batman...Damned."

     But in this story, DC was quick to show off Bruce Wayne's naked butt AND naked penis.  Now I admit, I'm one of the biggest Batman fans around and want to see as much of him as I can, but this much?  No thanks.

     Maybe DC should show mature themes without giving us graphic images.  Or since I'm an old time reader, maybe the book for me would be titled, "Batman...(Well I'll be...) Damned."

     Take care and remember to adopt a Batman (one where he's wearing pants) comic book today!

Friday, September 14, 2018

National Batman Day

     Hello everyone, hope all is well.  Tomorrow, Saturday, Sept. 15th, is National Batman day and the local Mentor Barnes and Noble book store is celebrating.

     From 1pm-4pm, I'll be at the store selling and signing copies of my Batman book (My Batman and maybe yours too).  I'll also be offering the rest of my sci-fi/fantasy adventure books for sale and will be showing off interesting items from my Batman collection.

     Free coloring sheets will be given away for the kids as well as other freebies from both myself and the store.  So stop by Barnes and Nobles tomorrow, have yourself a beverage from the café and get ready to talk all things Batman!

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

Thursday, September 13, 2018

Henry Out As Superman!

     Hello everyone, hope all is well.  It seems that the great Henry C. is out as the latest Superman.  Don't know who's idea it is, DC's or Henrys, but what really scares me is that some unidentified spokesman stated that this means there will probably be no new Superman movie for several years.

     This really shoots the heck out of a JLA series (so much for catching up with Marvel) and now I can only think JLA:Infinity Wars, oops, I mean Infinity until we see a Superman flic.  And what about this Batman/Affleck stuff I hear?  Good Grief!

     Take care and read a (Superman) comic book (cause you won't see him in a new movie, that's for sure) today!

Tuesday, September 4, 2018

Double Dose of Comic Book Tragedy

     Hello everyone, hope all is well.  Just the other day, it was reported that Gary Friedrich, co-creator of the motorcycle riding, "Ghost Rider" and Sgt. Fury scribe, passed away.  I met with Gary not too long ago and was all set to due an interview with him for this blog, but alas, this is not to be.

     Then just hours later, it was reported that long time Marvel staffer, colorist, inker and Hulk and Dr. Strange artist, Marie Severin passed away while in a nursing home after some recent health problems.  Marie started in the business back in the 50s as a colorist for the famed EC comics while her brother, artist supreme, John Severin, was an artist there.  Both eventually moved over to Marvel for long durations.

     For any of the old time great writers and artists to pass on, leaving the world a little worse for wear creatively is one thing, but two within hours?  This is something that seems believable only in the pages of a comic book!

     Take care and adopt a (Ghost Rider or Hulk) comic book today!

Monday, August 27, 2018

Haunted Tank Now Has Two Ghosts!

     Hello everyone, hope all is well.  Over the weekend, artist supreme, Russ Heath passed away at the age of 91.  He drew for DC the famous "Last Bounty Hunter" story for Jonah Hex, a tremendous tale that everone should read.  He also drew for Playboy magazine, "Little Annie Fanny."

     But he will most be remembered for his run on "The Haunted Tank," (from G.I. Combat) one of DC's "Big 5" war books.  In the comic, tank commander, Jeb Stuart, talks to his ancestor, the Southern cavalry general, Jeb Stuart.  He gets advice from his long lost relative to get him and his crew out of scrapes.  But no one else can see the rebel leader, sooooo, but you get it.  And the art from Heath was something to behold.

     I will in a future blog relate to you a very sincere act of kindness from Russ, but for now, all I can say is that the "Haunted Tank" now has two ghosts residing within, both the ancient rebel officer and a fine artist and gentleman...named Russ Heath!

     Take care and adopt a (Russ Heath)comic book today!

Friday, August 24, 2018

A New Lantern Attitude!

     Hello everyone, hope all is well.  According to the latest Comic Shop News, Grant Morrison is revamping Green Lantern this fall, changing Hal Jordon a bit with a (Maybe) different sort of attitude.  Also, Hal will get the ring and become more of what he was supposed to do originally...be a space cop.

     Morrison also said that there will be no cosmic multi-part events but rather the book will focus on, "one and done" stories.  Let's hope that the new book is a winner, since I'm getting tired of reboots.

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

Monday, July 9, 2018

Marvel Spiderman Co-Creator, Ditko, Dies

     Hello everyone, hope all is well.  Late last week, Steve Ditko, creator or co-creator of "Hawk and Dove," "Creeper," "The Question," "Dr. Strange" and "Spiderman" passed away.  But the brilliant and quirky creator/artist/writer was such a recluse in life that when his body was found, it was determined that he had already been dead for a few days.

     Steve Ditko, who some say was hard to get along with, argued with Stan Lee over the direction of Spiderman and quit the very day that he received a generous page rate hike.

     Over at DC Comics, Steve supposedly quit his own book, The Creeper, due to some minor writing that stated that one "ex-con" had some helpful information.  Steve's "objectivism" beliefs (Steve was an ardent follower of author, Ayn Rand and her beliefs) led him to think that there were no "ex" cons, only cons.  His set in stone thinking led to the creation of The Question and a sterner vision character, Mr. A.  Alan Moore based his own Rorchach character on the Question.

     I will have more on Steve Ditko, soon.

     Take care and adopt a (Steve Ditko) comic book today! 

Friday, June 29, 2018

I Have No Heart, Yet I Must Mourn. (Goodbye, Harlan)

     Hello everyone, hope all is well.  Just yesterday, I read that "speculative fiction" (as he liked to call it) writer, Harlan Ellison passed away.  My title placed above, is a sort of take-off, paraphrase tribute to Harlan's, "I Have No Mouth, Yet I Must Scream!"

     Regular readers of this blog will no doubt know that Harlan enjoyed comic books and even wrote a few when he was not writing television, essays and the on and off movie.

     Along the television line, Harlan is known for his scripts for "Outer Limits" ("Sodjer") which I believe he sued the makers of "Terminator, citing some similarities.  And of course the Star Trek episode, "City on the Edge of Forever."

     I have some more soon on Mr. E. including a funny meeting I had with him.  But for now...

     Take care and adopt a (any type of Harlan writing) comic book today!

Thursday, June 21, 2018

Lambert at Lake Effect

     Hello everyone, hope all is well.  Stop by the Mentor Holiday Inn (rt. 306 & rt. 2) this Sunday, June 24th from 10am till 5pm for a great comic book convention.

     This wonderful annual comic book convention, The Lake Effect Con, is a wonderful mixture of old comics for sale, Cosplay, and artists featuring brand new work, product and commissions.

     So stop by, talk sci-fi, comics, movies and what-not with me, pick up a few of my newest Bystander Adventure novels.  And yes, I will autograph them.  The Lake effect comic con is an all day fun fest. Come on over and be part of it.  I'll see you then.

     Take care and adopt a comic (that you pick up at Lake Effect Con) book today!  

Monday, June 18, 2018

The World is Owned...Bat or Mouse?

     Hello everyone, hope all is well.  Just the other day, I saw that ATT purchased Warner/Time.  And Warner/Time already was part of AOL and other companies (such as Ted Turner), so now I consider the new company to be officially...ATT/AOL/Warner/Time/ maybe...God? (and Turner can't even get his name on the stationary.)

     Everything is either This new company or Disney!  So I guess soon, the whole world will either be wearing Bat ears or Mouse ears...Yikes!

     Take care and adopt a (anything you want, it's all owned by somebody else anyway) comic book today!

Monday, May 14, 2018

Another Lois Lost!

     I just learned, although no medical reason was given, that Margot Kidder, the Canadian actress who played Lois Lane, opposite Christopher Reeves, passed away at the age of 69. 

     Besides the 4 Superman films, Margot also played in "Amityville Horror" and Pygmalion, opposite Peter O'Toole for Showtime.

     Noel Neil just passed away fairly recently (I'm not sure if Phylis Coates is still with us or not) so some of the earliest, iconic Lois's are now gone. 

     Who now is all of the older Clarks going to get teased by?

     Take care and adopt a (Lois Lane) comic book today!

Monday, May 7, 2018

Thanos...Jor-el Gone Wrong?

     Hello everyone, hope all is well.  I finally got to see Avengers: The Infinity War.  Well, talk about 3 hours of slugfest with some plot and pathos thrown in!  And although it does not follow the plot of the comic, at least the end result is attempting to be the same.

     But the reasoning...come on already!  In the comics, Thanos has a longing, almost a love for the character of Death.  He wants to destroy all of the stars (aka everything in universe) to give to Death as a token of his love.

     In the film though, he reasons with his home planet that if everyone does not "thin out the herd" (humanity) the planet and universe will destroy itself just the same.  They scoff at him and he goes ahead with his own plans anyway.

     Hmmm, throw in a rocketed to Earth baby before things go blooey and you've got Jor-el and Superman's origin.  Thanos does not deserve even this iota of pathos.  He is pure evil and I would have preferred the comic book reasoning for his actions, but then again, I did not shell out 500 million just to film this movie.

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

Tuesday, April 24, 2018

Smallville Snafu!

     Hello everyone, hope all is well.  It seems that over the weekend ex-Smallville actress, Allison Mack (Cloey) has been heavily questioned for being part of a sex slavery ring.

     Now everyone is innocent till proven guilty, but I read that Alison is "co-operating with authorities and is singing like the Von Trapp family in "Sound of Music."

     I will say one thing though, I'll never watch Smallvile the same way again.

     Take care and adopt a (not a Smallville, but rather a Superboy) comic book today!

HAWKAAA! Blackhawks Are Coming!

     Hello everyone, hope all is well.  Just the other day it was announced that Steven Spielberg optioned the rights of the DC Comics WWII comic, "The Blackhawks."

     He did the same thing back in the early 80s, but after a year or two dropped the option stating that "I have already used elements from the Blackhawk serial and the Don Winslow serial and put them into Indiana Jones."

     Well let's hope that this time the movie gets made!

     Take care and adopt a (Blackhawk) comic today!

Tuesday, April 17, 2018

More Action Comics Anniversary!

     Hello everyone, hope all is well.  This week Action Comics #1000 will be released, but it is not to late to pick up the $30 Action hardback book that gives us the best od Supes in Action over 80 years, INCLUDING a saved Superman story by Siegal and Schuster from around 70 years ago that was about to be burned (but saved and written about by fan/pro, Marv Wolfman).

     Check this book out...indeed a treasure!

     Take care and remember to adopt a (Superman) comic book today!

Tuesday, April 10, 2018

SPOILER ALERT- ACTION #1000

     Hello everyone, hope all is well.  This week, Action Comics #1000 comes out and there is a rumor that Superman (besides maybe getting his trunks back) may be SPOILER ALERT--- Immortal---SPOILER ALERT OVER.

     Now if that is true, I guess I can rid myself of all of my past "future stories" that DC published from the 50s thru the 2000s.  I guess we can read it tomorrow and find out for certain.

     Take care and adopt a (futuristic comic where Superman is still young) comic book today!

Thursday, March 22, 2018

The Ads Not Seen Since 1970

     Hello everyone, hope all is well.  This month in the DC comic ads, there has been appearing a picture of Superman followed by the statement... "Bendis is Coming!"

     That would be writer, Brian Michael Bendis the writer who has jumped ship from Marvel on his way over to DC Comics.

     But these are big shoes to fill, for the last time DC had an ad like that was back in 1970-71 when they proclaimed, "The Great One is Coming!"

     That great one in question?

     Jack Kirby.

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

Thursday, March 8, 2018

Kevin and Cardiac!

     Hello everyone, hope all is well.  It was reported last week that writer/director/comic guy Kevin Smith had a massive heart attack, but tweeted from his hospital bed that he was still, "above the ground."

     Although he had lost weight recently, I know from personal experience that clogged arteries do not diminish as do belt sizes once you hit the treadmill.  Hopefully, this will help him give more of a nod to his own health problems than buying a larger size hockey shirt every few years.

     Hopefully, the 100% blockage (it was reported) can be fixed with stents and meds.  I had the same problems twice myself with almost identical percentages and it is no fun.

     I met Kevin at a lecture series years ago (I'm sure he does not remember me) and he is a very funny and talented man.  Hope his recovery is quick.

     Take care and adopt a comic (anything written by Kevin) book today! 

Mentor Bookfair Signing!

     Hello, hope everyone is doing well.  March 10thth through the 17, the Mentor, Ohio Barnes and Noble is having a bookfair to help the Mentor school district.

     I will be signing copies of my new book, "Cillia Ward: Dimensional Detective," on March 10th and 17th from 1pm till 4pm I will be at the store signing autographs and talking sci-fi, comics and just about everything pop culture related.

     On the 17th, I'll be back again at Barnes and Noble with the model for my new book.  So stop by and get a picture taken with Marybeth, the lady who modeled for Cillia Ward.

     Also on the 17th, since it is St. Patrick's Day, stop by and talk to me and model Marybeth and meet and chat with my wife Liz, who is displaying her collection of green super heroes!  Go Green Arrow! (among others).

     Take care and adopt a (Bystander Adventure Series) paperback today!  

Wednesday, February 28, 2018

James Bond Director Dies

     Hello everyone, hope all is well.  A few days ago, British film director Lewis Gilbert passed away just a few days shy of his 98th birthday.

     He directed one of my favorite Bond film (tied with Goldfinger for 1st in my mind) You Only Live Twice, along with The Spy Who Loved Me and Moonraker (well, two out of three's not bad).

     He also directed two important Michael Caine movies, Alfie and Educating Rita. 

     Of course I talk about Mr. Gilbert today since his James Bond films have been adapted into ...you guessed it...comics!

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

Monday, February 19, 2018

Surrender to The Avengers

     Hello everyone, hope all is well.  Now I've been reading this great multi-part storyline lately and I am here to beg you to read this piece of excitement.

     It's called, The Avengers...No Surrender!  It is one of the best and most exciting reads I've picked up in a while.  It's a tale that Marvel Comics excels at...the cosmic epic!

     The tale is going to run 16 parts and it is on #6 right now, but it is weekly so it is almost half over.  Pick up on it soon or wait 3 months and get the trade.  Either way, get hold of this exciting comic!

     Take care and adopt a (cosmic epic) comic book soon!

Monday, February 12, 2018

Why Write About John Gavin?

     Hello everyone, hope all is well.  You know there is a reason to write about John Gavin in a comic book blog.  You see, the recently departed actor was once paid $100,000 to play James Bond on the big screen.  But when Sean Connery came back for the "Diamonds Are Forever" flic, Gavin was paid off (not to be in the film) and became a Bond trivia point.

     And Bond has appeared in comic books as well as comic strips, hence, his mention here. 

     Also, on a stranger note, there was an artist by the name of J. (Jay) Gavin, (whose real name was Werner Roth) who drew the X-Men for about five or six issues starting around issue #20, right about the time Roy Thomas began writing the comic containing mutant teams.  Not bad, trivia about two different J. Gavins.

     Take care and adopt a (Jay Gavin) comic or John Gavin (movie) today!

Friday, January 19, 2018

What's That They're Saying About My Stan Lee?

     Hello everyone, hope all is well.  I just heard a news report that Stan Lee has made sexual comments or offered crude acts towards some of his female staff/caregivers.  I don't know if this is true, but I do know that the one time brilliant comic book writer has been having health problems recently and that his wife Joan passed away some months ago.

     I don't know if health, loss of loved ones and health situations could muster up the incidents that the news recently reported on, but until I see it or hear more evidence, well, in the words of Stan himself...

     ...Nuff Said!

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

The Death of Death?

     Hello everyone, hope all is well.  About a week or so ago I learned that Cinnamon Hadley, age 48, just passed away recently.  Hadley was a friend of award winning writer, Neil Gaiman, who reconfigured DC's "Sandman" comic book character lo those many years ago.  Neil thought she would be a great model for the character...Death.

     That's right, no more ugly, sickle-wielding, hooded, spooky guy to take you to the "other side" but now a very pretty young woman to put you at peace when you shuffle off the old mortal coil.  So as an 18 year old, Hadley did her friend a favor and the rest is comic book history.

     But now sadly, Hadley has left us far too soon.  Hopefully, she had as wonderful entity as Neil's own Death character that she modeled for, to help her on her own journey.

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