Inside Bimorcomics

Insert Super Bubble joke here

2006-09-01T13:34:00.000-07:00

Hope this makes up for the lack of posts of late.

Sandy Eggo Part 1

2006-07-27T09:40:00.000-07:00

Well, knowing Rudy he'd tell me to drop the depressing bullshit (though he’d be touched by the sentiment) and get to the good stuff. So then…Let’s talk Nerd Prom.

Our adventure begins around 11:30 Monday night as my dad and I went to pick up Clarence. Since dad’s still not driving, Clarence would drive mom’s car back with dad navigating while mom slept so she’d be fresh for work Tuesday. We made our way towards Lambert Field so I could make my 7:30am flight. There was some muttering about why I picked such an early flight, but in light of what would happen later Tuesday, I made the right call. Having been up since 4-ish Monday morning, I was amazed I was still going by the time we hit St Louis around 2:30am. Dad and Clarence got me unloaded and I settled in with ESSENTIAL GODZILLA while I waited for American Airlines’ check in to open up at 4. All was well as my bags came in well under the weight limit. Luck stayed with me as they opened the security line a few minutes early and I was able to head to my gate. Started to doze off a few times as I worked Sudoku puzzles but no biggie. It was drifting off during the stewardess’ safety instructions that was a little awkward. Got to sleep off and on during the Chicago to San Diego portion of the flight and no complaints about the snoring so, so far so good.

Found Diana (aka Mecha) as I hit baggage claim and we waited for Hector (creator of LULLABY from Alias) to get in from Mexico. Turns out his fight had landed but was taking a while to get to the gate. We managed to check into the Embassy Suites without any problems, picked up the booth banner and headed over to the convention center to check things out before getting lunch at Seaport Village’s Greek place. From there it was Office Depot to make portfolio copies and pick up an extra table for the booth. Copies turned out great but they were sold out of tables. (Welcome to Comic-Con week.) After that, we just took it easy until about 9:30 when we went over to Redfield’s for supper and to meet up with Tony Lee. What I was unaware of was Tony was still at JFK because failure of both an FAA air traffic system on the West Coast and it’s back up had grounded a number of flights, including Tony’s.

Wednesday morning, called Tony’s hotel and learned of the flight issues. Rather than try to catch the Padres game as originally planed I joined Hector and Diana as we went to Little Italy and the Dick Blick store. Wound up buying some stuff myself as it’s been awhile since I’ve hit an art supply store. Stopped at Filippi’s to breathe in the aroma as we went back to catch the trolley. Ran stuff over to the booth for Preview Night and literally ran into Tony as I was heading back to the hotel. Tony filled me in on the short version of his travel issues as he went to get his pro badge. On the way back to the con center with Hector and Diana, I stopped at the free happy hour and grabbed a margarita and with a hearty “You look like a man who needs a drink,” handed it to Tony as he was waiting in line. Only one book sold on preview night (Bride of Freakshow) but an amazing turnout of people. Afterwards, we tried to find a place for dinner that would allow Under 21 patrons. Note: Kansas City Barbecue is woefully unprepared for Comic-Con. After finally getting our food, head over to the Hyatt and find Tony Lee (who had given up on KCBBQ earlier and by this point had been up 40+ hours) who introduces me to the folks behind Praxis Comics, who were debuting their line at the show.

Thursday morning comes way too early. Colorists Sarah and Simon had arrived Wednesday night and tales of my snoring now are on an international level as Simon was throwing things to try to get me to stop. I loaded up at the free breakfast and was good to go as today was my 11am panel. The “Digital Webbing: Five Years Later” panel had a nice turn out as I was joined by Tony, Kody Chamberlain and Dan Wickline discussed how the anthology got started, how the Digital Webbing comic line and forums have launched a number of careers and what’s coming from the comic line in the near future. The free ENIGMAS promo books were gone by the time we got back to the booth and “Do you have the E-MAN book here” replaced “Is Ed here” as the most frequently asked question. The only thing that marred the morning was that the books that I shipped out the same day as the banner (you know, the one that was waiting at the hotel when I checked in) still had not arrived. Tony and I went to the “Engine Prayer Breakfast” unaware that it had been moved up to 11am. Instead we lunched at The Field and I got the text message that Chris Kirby’s flight had been delayed. After lunch, went to the hotel to check on the lost books to find they were waiting at the front desk. Got them to the booth and within 45 minutes had sold $50 worth of Bloodrayne. DJ Coffman of the DW boards stopped by. His was a last minute trip as he was a semi-finalist in the Platinum Studios/NBC contest. More on that later. Rest of the day was a blur…Kirby finally got in around 6pm and I went to the hotel to give him his badge. The DW dinner was a reservation for 18 originally. The final number was closer to 40. Another night at the Hyatt followed.

Only a day and a half in, and people were looking as shell-shocked as they were after Saturday last year. To be honest, each day on the floor felt like two.

Rudy

2006-07-27T08:15:00.000-07:00

I’ll get into the San Diego report shortly, but I need to do this first.

Typical Dulaney luck. When my folks picked me up at the St Louis airport, dad told me he had some bad news that happened while I was gone and they didn’t want to tell me until I was back. At first, I thought my dog Lupe had died. After all she’s getting up in years and is starting to show her age. But that wasn’t the case…it wasn’t Lupe, but Rudy who had passed.

I’ve known Rudy Rudolph for as long as I can remember. I think he and dad got to be friends when dad was tending bar at the Carmi Elks. Rudy was the morning man at WROY and also one of the top sales guys. Aside from a stint in the military and Armed Forces Radio, he spent his whole career at the Carmi stations but he had the voice and talent that could’ve landed him a gig anywhere. Think Gary Owens’ pipes with the relaxed delivery of Kris Kristofferson. There was a reason other stations in the area went as far as offering him half stakes in the stations to try and lure him away. When I look back at the guys who influenced me to get into radio, Rudy is right there at the top.

Like I said, I’ve known him as long as I can remember. I remember being four years old and living on Staley Street when he and dad would go driving down to Kentucky to track down bars of Trilby Soap. (And thereby giving a name to one of our Siamese cats at the time.) Going to Disney movies at the Carmi Theatre with his daughter Rachel. The day he slipped an opossum in our basement after Mom snuck into his garage and put a caged turkey on the roof of his car. Going out on the Ohio River on his boat. After we moved out into the country, him planting an “illicit” plant in our garden between the eggplant and pepper plants. (Very healthy plants that year, btw.) Then there was after I started at the Carmi station. Doing overnights when Rudy would either be the first of the sales/office staff to come in or him coming in to wrap up extra production. Him calling into my show when I’m thinking there was no one out there. Becoming his back-up on recording the “News and Information Network” spots and “Hart’s Shoe Store” program. The biggest regret about leaving Carmi being that I wouldn’t be working with him anymore. Just missing him the Sunday before I left for San Diego as I was mowing and he was picking up his paper at the station next door.

Until the funeral yesterday, it just didn’t seem real. As it sinks in, I realize how much of a mentor he was to me even after I left Carmi. He was always there as I needed advice about changing jobs, about certain clients, so many things. Above all else, he taught me to be professional on air. That said…I’m so tempted to shut down the network long enough to play Deep Purple for him one last time.

Thanks Rudy. I’m going to miss you.

Screaming towards the abyss...

2006-07-13T12:12:00.000-07:00

Business cards are done!

"Liberated" from the San Diego Union-Tribune, here's a few extra night time entertainment options.

Double Feature Screenings
For $10, which is about the price of one cineplex outing these days, SD Cinema is presenting a double feature at the Museum of Photographic Arts in Balboa Park.

"Kill Bill: Vol. 1" and "Kill Bill: Vol. 2" 7 and 9:30 p.m. Friday, July 21See both of volumes of Quentin Tarantino's "Kill Bill" back-to-back and try and try to figure out why he wanted to make it one movie.

"Clerks" and "Mallrats"7 and 9 p.m. Saturday, July 22, 2006Whet your appetite for the geeky, Jersey humor of Kevin Smith and the release of "Clerks II" with a double feautre of Smith's first two films.

My Life in Advertising: A Pulpcore Art Event
San Diego artist David Russell Talbott (Juxtapoz, Sleek Magazine, CityBeat) pays homage to pulp with his show "My Life In Advertising" at the Bluefoot Bar & Lounge (3404 30th Street). Talbott's art references '50s pulp magazine covers, with an emphasis on urban noir.

One Man Star Wars Trilogy
Charles Ross, a Canadian writer and performer, is the creator of this unusual one-man show. The original "Star Wars" trilogy on stage, by himself, in just under an hour (58 minutes, to be exact).
Spreckels Theater (121 Broadway)
July 19-23, 2006 (Wed-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 and 8 pm)
Tickets: $12.75 - $37.75.

Goblin Cock
Innovative musician Rob Crow—key member of revered San Diego bands Pinback, Thingy, Heavy Vegetable and Optiganally Yours—is back with yet another bizarrely named musical project. Goblin Cock pairs sludgy, Sabbath-inspired power chords with references to obscure sci-fi and Snufalufagus. It's serious metal with tongue-in-cheek attitude. The band will open for Blue Cheer at The Casbah (2501 Kettner) 8:30p Fri, July 21 with tickets only $15.

Biz Markie
For those arriving Tuesday, the Clown Prince of Rap, whose late '80's song "Just a Friend" became a Top 10 pop hit, resurfaces with a free show at Martini Ranch (528 F. Street). DJs Haul, Rasta Root and Charlie Rock (Rock Steady Crew) also spin.

Flaming Lips
A cult favorite since forming in '83, The Lips will be playing a free (with race admission) show after the races on the 21st as part of the Del Mar Racetrack’s “Four O’Clock Fridays” Concert Series. Racing begins at 4pm, the concert starts at approximately 7:30pm.

Countdown to the great escape...

2006-07-12T06:06:00.000-07:00

It's 8:02am as I begin to type this post. In one week at this time, I'll likely be starting to wake up in my hotel at San Diego. (Body clocks suck.)

The Posey County 4-H Fair is going on this week. Last year San Diego and the fair were the same week which made things interesting at the radio station. One drawback to the fair is that it's a rain magnet. It's been coming down steadily since the Queen contest ended Saturday night. On the positive side, the station's roof is holding. Last year, my Wednesday morning call into the station to check on things was greeted with "The bathroom ceiling gave way overnight. There's wet tile chunks all over the room." Hopefully this year will be crisis free.

Still working out how I'll get over to the St. Louis airport. I think my mom is trying to block out the thought of the trip since she's the most likely candidate to run me out there. (Hey, I know a 7am flight on a Tuesday sucks, but I was lucky to get it.) At this point, there's a good chance I'll be spending the night at Lambert. ugh.

Is it the 25th yet?

Oh dear god...I'm not ready.

2006-07-06T13:59:00.000-07:00

Can we slow the Earth down a bit...you know, maybe allow an extra day or two in between now and the 18th?

No?

I was afraid of that.

Short version...pimping my little heart out with a handful of projects. Moderating two panels. Praying the con exclusive book gets done in time.

Still need to get the damn business cards.

GAAAAAHHHHH!

(God, I love con season.)

Those Ol' Convention Blues Got Me Momma...

2006-05-24T06:30:00.000-07:00

Spent part of Tuesday on the phone with CCI trying to figure out where the "Digital Webbing" booth will be placed since our first choice was unavailable. I think it'll work out and will wind up saving us a little cash as well.

Also emailed back and forth with Joel (colors on the Dreah story in DWP 26 and now doing stuff for Jim Valentino's SHADOWLINE imprint at Image). Joel's been cool seeing as how my not getting to Mid-Ohio back in November has prevented me from getting him the copies I owe him. He's working on colors for the Miss Vicky pitch in his breaks on the Image book.

Of course he's not the only one I owe books too. Sarge is needing books for an event and since I didn't get my books at the show, I haven't been able to get him copies yet. It's enough to pull my hair out as I think about it. Hopefully some of the guys who split up my copies will be kind enough to ship him a few. (Even though I wasn't able to help at the booth I paid part of. HINT HINT)

To be honest, I'm on the fence about MOC 2006. I've loved going the last few years as it was held at the Hilton by Easton Plaza. This year however it's getting moved to a downtown convention center in Columbus and, as a result, Roger is having to hike the booth/table fees. (Oddly enough, Artist Alley tables will still be cheaper than at a Wizard show.) I'm sure it'll be a solid show, MOC always is, but the move is going to change the atmosphere. I may not decide for sure until after Chicago. We'll see.

Just a few images

2006-05-19T12:21:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to toss a few things onto the blog so there would be available down the road as I need to promote things. On your left is the "Marvel Icon" of DREAH Sarge drew up for the cover of DWP #22. I later used it for the DREAH T-shirt (available at Zazzle.com)

And just so we aren't just recycling...up top is a little something I thought might never start rolling again after things stalled in 2002. However, a certain artist I've been wanting to work with forever dug the rewrite enough, we're going to shop it around. I'll let you guess the artist...but the story is the start of my "thirtysomething with capes" project. Meet NIGHTBIRD.

SAN DIEGO TIPS REVISITED

2006-05-19T12:11:00.000-07:00

As we inch closer to the event, I thought I’d toss a couple of extra items for those who might be traveling with “civilians” who aren’t into the total immersion comic-con experience. The first item is also a nice option for those skipping Saturday’s insanity.

San Diego Museum of Art will be kicking off an exhibit of the work of Andy Warhol the week of the convention. 125 memorable screen prints by the pioneering Pop artist from the extensive Andy Warhol collection of the Jordan Schnitzer Family Foundation. From the 1967 Marilyn Monroe print suite to the 1986 Cowboys and Indians portfolio, the exhibition offers a broad and thorough overview of Warhol's printmaking career, as well as a rare opportunity to see a large group of complete print portfolios by Warhol. Looks like a price range of $4 to $10.

MOVIES BEFORE THE MAST: Presented by the San Diego Maritime Museum in the evening on summer weekends. Enjoy a beautiful sunset followed by a feature film. The film series is unique to San Diego; it presents nautical themed films that are shown outdoors on the deck of the tallship, 'Star of India'. The movies are projected onto one of the sails of the tall ship and include a nautical cartoon. Friday night of the con they will be showing K-19: The Widowmaker and Saturday night will feature Mister Roberts with Henry Fonda and Jack Lemmon. Adult tickets are $13.

Another thing that occurred to me that I did not remember having in the previous posts that would be very helpful for first timers…90% of San Diego maps are misleading. Especially the ones for Downtown San Diego. I remember seeing the maps last year and thinking the distances were ungodly…and then walked out on the balcony of the Radisson to see hangers from the airport I had flown into not an hour before. San Diego city blocks (with the exception of the blocks that are home to city and county government offices and courts) are more “small town” sized than “major city.” I’d have to assume it’s due to the city starting as a smaller port and military town. It may be a major metropolitan city now, but back in Wyatt Earp’s day it wasn’t that far removed from being a Spanish settlement. That being said, when you pick up a map at the visitor’s desk at the airport, don’t freak out when you see where Little Italy is in relation to the Convention Center or Seaport Village in relation to the baseball stadium. In reality, you're a short (5 to 15 minute) walk to any location downtown from the convention center and if you're too tired to walk, take the shuttle or the trolley.

San Diego Survival Guide 4

2006-05-08T12:11:00.000-07:00

“You Mentioned Panels…”:

Why, yes I did. San Diego is heaven for the comic and sci-fi fan because it’s all there. Films can be made or broken at this show. Legends turn out to be honored here. Where else are you going to find the guys who did Little Archie between Frank Miller and the guy who does the LuAnn comic strip? Whatever your interest, you’ll find a panel. (Unlike the Wizard shows which are usually limited to the big two and whoever is deemed “hot.”) Here’s a few suggestions you might want to check out…

*The Perennials- Nine times out of ten, you’ll find these on the San Diego Schedule.
- Oddball Comics Slideshow with Scott Shaw! If you love the wackier aspects of comic history, you’ll love this presentation by the co-creator of Captain Carrot & the Zoo Crew. Before “Superdickery” there was Oddball.
- The Jack Kirby Panel. 10+ years after his death, he’s still got a panel…take that Bendis. Stories and insight about the King and his work are the focus. A great panel for those who are into the history of the business.
- The Golden/Silver Age panel. Another great one for fans of Comic History. Silver Age legends were added a couple of years back. A good thing as we’re losing them as fast as we’re losing our founding fathers.
- The Quick Draw Panel. Scott Shaw! And Sergio Aragones are mainstays of this contest featuring 3 to 4 artists showing off their skill at artistic improv.
- Publisher Spotlights. The DC and Marvel panels will break some news but essentially be the same as the panels at the Wizard shows. You’ll also get the official word from Image, Dark horse, SLG, Oni and other publishers who might not get this attention at one of the “Chain Conventions.”

*The Movies and TV- ever since the San Diego Con kicked off the buzz for the original Star Wars, Hollywood has turned out at Comic-Con and the recent success of DC and Marvel movies has only heated things up.
- Summer of Singer. With his revival of Superman and the return of his former film franchise this Summer, expect Superman returns and x-3 panels to be hot tickets.
- The Sequels. Expect panels (with maybe some rough footage) for Spider-Man 3, Fantastic Four 2, Sin City 2, HellBoy 2 & Animated, and the next Batman.
- Cable Nets. Sci-Fi Channel, Nick, and Cartoon Network will likely offer sneak peeks of the Fall Schedule as well as hosting panels for Battlestar Galactica and Adult Swim.
- Studio launches. Dreamworks and Disney will be showing off their fall and Winter releases. You’ll also have new Horror and Sci-Fi releases previewed.

*Creator Spotlights- If you check the Comic-con website, you’ll see the list of special guests. Most of these guests will have panels devoted to their work. (I may have to hit the ones for Forry Ackerman and Brian Bolland.)

*The Learning Tree- Last year Comic-Con ran a number of seminars including Comic Book Law School (three classes) featuring noted attorney Michael Lovitz’s seminars on copyright and legal issues. Film making and self-Publishing sessions were also held.

San Diego Survival Guide Pt. 3: Food Glorious Food.

2006-05-08T11:59:00.000-07:00

Dining on the cheap:

Between the hotel room, your flight and things you’ll want to buy at the con, you’ll want to watch your cash. But just because you’ll be watching the cash, it doesn’t mean you have to starve. Check out these budget friendly options…

*Ralph’s Supermarket- Downtown of G Street. A favorite of Con goers, the deli at Ralph’s is a godsend for your budget. A full service deli offers sandwiches (grilled if you like), salads, rotisserie chicken along with the usual cold cuts. Ralph’s is also owned by Kroger, so if you have a savings card from a local Kroger store, you can use it here and save on your chips, bottled waters, sodas and beer.

*Dick’s Last Resort- Gaslamp. It’s loud. The servers are rude. It’s chain prices in a touristy area. But the food’s hot, the beer’s cold and it’s one of the most enjoyable spots to have a group dinner. To be honest, the menu prices aren’t that bad. (Bucket O’Wings are 9.99 on the late night menu.)

*Buca Di Beppo- Gaslamp. With the closing of the Spaghetti Factory last year, Buca became one of the better places to take a group for an (essentially) inexpensive Italian dinner. The meal is served “family style” and decor is a little on the funky side. (The name means “Joe’s Basement.”) As chain restaurants go, you could do worse…and how can you pass up eating at a place with the same name as Superman’s monkey during Comic-Con. Average price for a 3 course dinner is $21 to $30.

*Filippi's Pizza Grotto - Little Italy. An ideal spot if you’re staying in the outlying hotels like the Radisson. Fantastic Pizza, Fresh homemade pasta dishes and sandwiches you’ll be able to make two meals out of…plus “local” prices as opposed to the “tourist” bill you’ll likely get eating in the Gaslamp or at your hotel. Even if you’re staying close to the convention Center, it’s worth the walk. You might want to call ahead as it’s a very popular spot in Little Italy. If you have a suite with a Fridge, you might want to get some stuff from the market in the front of the Little Italy location.

*Bud's Louisiana Food Shoppe - Keeping it in Little Italy, Bud’s got a nod in AOL’s “Cheap Eats” Top 10 for the city and might be just the thing for you or your group’s seafood craving if it’s for more than Fish Tacos or Sushi. Shrimp, Oyster or Catfish Po Boys with red beans and rice for an average price under $12. Cups of Gumbo for under $5. The most expensive thing on the menu is the “Taste of New Orleans” combo platter with Crawfish Etouffee and cornmeal battered fried catfish with a ribbon of jalapeno tartar sauce for $16. And if traveling makes you “irregular”, Bud’s may be the only place in SD to get “Dixie Beer,” one of nature’s most consistent “Digestive lubricants.” If there’s a member of your party who isn’t into seafood, there’s the roast beef and Cajun sausage available.
http://budsfoodshoppe.com/

*PANDA INN - Horton Plaza. A California based chain from the folks who gave us the “Panda Express” chain you find in malls nationwide. Similar to PF Chaing in menu and (I assume) in pricing. Depending on your budget, this could be a good choice for your “big meal” if you’re going to do Wendy’s and Subway for the bulk of the trip as it’ll be cheaper than some sit down places. Only real drawback is the location. Horton Plaza is a massive mall in the heart of the Gaslamp and is popular with Shoppers, theatre goers and is easy walking from 95% of the con hotels. There WILL be a wait.

*Kansas City Barbecue- Across from the Hyatt Bar. You might remember it from TOP GUN, it’s a military bar first and foremost, but SAN DIEGO MAGAZINE named it “Best BBQ” over 10 years. The sandwich plate is a little steep compared to what I’m used to locally and I’m not personally a big fan of thicker BBQ sauces, but it’s a good smoked flavor to the meat and for being so close to the convention center you’re not going to find as filling a meal at these prices nearby.
http://www.kcbbq.net/Menu.html

*Greek Islands Cafe - Seaport Village (Next to the Hyatt.) A one-step-above fast food cafe serves gyros, salads and other Greek favorites like moussaka and falafel. Takeout service is also available making it ideal if you want to get out of the Convention Center for a bit but don’t want to walk too far. Great views of the Harbor. One of the perfect “Cheap Lunch” spots during the con. If you look around the web, you might find a “2 for 1” or “20% off” coupon. The first link is for the general Seaport Village site. If you look around, you’ll see a number of inexpensive spots to grab a meal.
http://www.spvillage.com/
http://www.greekislandscafe.com/

*Hennessey’s Pub- Gaslamp. Irish Pub serving Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner 7 days a week and the kitchen stays open until 1am. Great Burgers. Specials every night and $2 Bloody Mary’s from 7a to 1p on Saturday and Sunday.
http://www.hennesseysgaslamp.com/

*Horton Plaza Food Court- It’s pretty much a mall food court, but when you’ve decided you can’t live without the Alex Ross designed life-sized Hulk bust but didn’t know the next booth over had it for half of what you paid…the food court is your friend. The FC at Horton actually is pretty diverse for what it is. Sure you have your Panda Express, McDonald’s and Hot Dog on a Stick, but there’s also Wonder Sushi, Great Kahn’s Mongolian Festival and Steak Escape.
http://westfield.com/hortonplaza/

“That’s food…where are we drinking?”:

Ah! You’re going to try and “Par-TAAAH” while at the con? Not a bad idea. Just remember…moderation. Comics creation tends to be a pretty solitary thing. Plus, depending on the day job for some of us, it’s been some time since we last did the “social” thing amongst fellow adults. Barcon is fun, but there’s always one or two guys (and gals) who are like the high school junior staying at a frat house during his college visit. (“DUDE! This Everclear stuff fucking RULES!!!”) Please…don’t be that guy.

And with that out of the way, we present Suggested DW approved watering holes.

*The Epic Proportions booth- (we’ll explain later)

*Hennessey’s Pub- Gaslamp. Yes it was in the dining part of the guide, but it deserves a spot here as well. (Plus, you shouldn’t drink on an empty stomach.) Decent selection of beers and mixed drink specials to be found and usually pretty good live Irish music. Not a bad place to start your evening of carousing.

*The Star Bar- Downtown/Gaslamp area. You like dive bars? You want cheap drinks? Head down to the end of E Street to the Star Bar. All prices are labeled on the bottles. If you have any cost questions, we're not responsible for "can't you read?" looks from the bartenders.

*Moose’s Gaslamp- Part of the Moose McGillycuddy chain. Home of the 2005 unofficial DW dinner. Happy Hour from 4p to 8p. One Dollar domestic Drafts and Well drinks all night Wednesday night. ($2 domestic bottles) http://www.mooserestaurantgroup.com/moose_mc/branch1/club/

*The Cherry Bomb- Downtown/Gaslamp. Like the Dive bar but want something a little more Indy/alternative/punk? Staying more towards Balboa Park than the Convention Center? Find this bar between Ivy and Juniper on First Ave. You’ll have found a pool table that costs only a quarter to play. The jukebox playing a good mix of old and new rock, punk and indie staples as well as local acts at a high volume. Mixed drinks run $3.50-$4. The only beer on tap is Budweiser, but for just $3 you can enjoy it in a very tall, 23-ounce glass. If Bud's not for you, choose from a wide range of bottled beers, both domestic and import. You can even get a Shirley Temple, served in a frosty beer mug topped with cherries.

Kansas City Barbecue- Another from the dining list but the cheapest bar close to you if you’re staying at the Hyatt.

*Your hotel or the beach. Face it, the cheapest beer you’ll drink this weekend will be the ones you bought at Ralph’s. Get some friends together…or just buy a case and friends will follow.

*Redfield’s Lounge and Bistro- “The Hyatt Bar”. Actually this is one of three Hyatt bars that will be going during the con. I mention Redfield’s (or as we call it during the con, “Renfield’s”) because it’s my personal preference of the three. Better lit than the “Top of the Hyatt” on the 40th floor of the original tower and more comfortable than the area at the base of the escalators across the lobby. Of course it’s a Hyatt, so you’ll be paying out the ass at all three. I want to say Budweiser bottles were $5 or $6. you’ll find house wines by the glass for $5 from 7 to 9 p.m., and $9 specialty martinis, including a Chocolate Cake Martini if you’re brave enough to go the foo-foo route. Best if you are there on an expense account because you can easily drink away your budget.

“Escape from the Convention Center” or “Saturday’s a frickin’ madhouse.”:

The second title pretty much sums it up. Saturday is when the locals come out to see what the big deal is. It’s also the day of the major spotlight panels. In light of this, a lot of con veterans have chosen to either just do a half day or skip Saturday altogether. If you’re not working a booth, you might want to think about this. Early predictions are calling for between 110,000 and 125,000 people attending this year. With most turning out on Saturday it might be your ideal time to check out the city. And there’s a lot to see.

*Balboa Park/san Diego Zoo- http://www.signonsandiego.com/citysearch/feature/48/maps.html Most of San Diego’s Museums are located in the park, as is the famous zoo. The link can give you details on what all is there as well as scheduled exhibits and (if required) ticket info.

*Sea World- Stretching across 189 acres along Mission Bay, SeaWorld is one of San Diego's most popular attractions. It's famous for its spectacular stadium shows, namely Dolphin Discovery and Shamu the killer whale. The owners of the parks have been adding thrill rides here and at Orlando as well. The drawback is the $53 Adult ticket but you might get lucky with one of the discount coupon offers. http://www.seaworld.com/seaworld/ca/default.aspx

*Padres- While the team will be in San Francisco for the weekend of the con, those who arrive on Tuesday will be able to catch a ballgame or two as the post-All Star homestand will finish up Wednesday with an afternoon game against the Phillies that will let out in time for Preview Night. If you prefer a night game, Tuesdays’ first pitch is at 7:05pm.

*Star Of India/Maritime museum- one of the finest collections of historic ships in the world, including; the world’s oldest active ship Star of India; the 1898 steam ferry Berkeley; the 1904 steam yacht Medea; the 1914 harbor Pilot boat; the HMS Surprise a magnificent replica of an 18th century Royal Navy frigate and Californian a replica of a mid 19th century revenue cutter. http://www.sdmaritime.com/

*USS Midway- the legendary WWII Aircraft carrier that served from WWII through Desert Storm is now a floating museum located up the street from the convention center at Navy Pier. Open from 10a to 5p with Adult tickets for $15. www.midway.org

*US Open Sandcastle building championships- Saturday will be the second day of the competition at Imperial Beach. A number of other activities will be going on, but the works of art in the sand will be the main attraction.

More San Diego Convention Survival Tips

2006-05-01T13:02:00.000-07:00

I know...it's not Friday. But I do have those tips promised on Thursday, so let's jump right in.

Convention Essentials:

Sure, you’ve done Mega-Con and Heroes-Con. You’ve done so many Wizard Worlds you are on Gareb’s Christmas Card list. Now you’re about to do your first San Diego Con. Don’t get cocky thinking you’re an old hand at con prep. This show is a completely different beast.

*First things first, start walking NOW! If you’ve ever been wiped out walking the floor at Chicago, you’re going to be useless by Saturday. San Diego is four and a half days of comics and pop culture in the space of roughly four football fields. “Comfortable Shoes” is good advice for any convention. With San Diego, you’re actually better off going that step beyond by training and making sure those shoes are broken in. You’re going to walk the floor multiple times. You’re going to climb steps to get to panel rooms. You’re going to walk around the Gaslamp. You’re going to walk to your hotel or the Trolley stop.

*Cell Phone - These are pretty much a given anymore, but I’m sure there’s a few out there that are ludites or Maybe think they’re “edgy” iconoclasts by not packing a phone. At San Diego you’re better off having one so you can keep in contact with your group in case plans have to change at the last minute. Just snag a TracPhone at Wal-Mart or Dollar General ($20 give or take) and buy some extra minutes to get through the weekend. You can be edgy when you get home or keep it active if you gave anyone that number instead of your regular home number.

*Business Cards - Books and samples can find their way into hotel room trash cans. Business cards on the other hand go into wallets or badge holders. (Not to say you can’t give samples or books…just make sure you do the card swap separately.) As far as the cards themselves, all I can say is make sure you have the info you want on them. An email, a site address, a contact number…all are good. Maybe saying what you do (writer, pencils, lettering) so when they find the card later they’ll have a better idea of who you are and if you might be useful down the road.

*Hit the drug store - There have been times when the Digital Webbing booth has also served as a pharmacy because one of our people had a headache or hangover or con throat. Do yourself a favor and hit the CVS before you get on the plane or the road. Aleve, Chaser and Sucrets are your friends. You might also snag a roll of antacid (Rolaids or Tums) and some mints. Convention Center Pizza is bitch…and a bitter, unforgiving one at that. Some medicated powder for your feet might be wise too in case you didn’t follow the “start training” advise.

*Check the ATM Status - You might be lucky and have a nationwide bank with branches in Southern California. More likely, your bank is regional and if you use your card at the con you’re going to get slammed with ATM fees. Look into using American Express gift/travel cards. There’s a minimum you have to put on to get one (I want to say $500, check your bank) but you’ll be able to use it like a credit or ATM card and you’ll have the usual AmEx protection they offer with the travelers checks if it’s lost, stolen or magnatized. The local Dollar General has a Master Card version of the AMEX cards that can be recharged as well (and isn't as strict on dollar minimums) if you prefer to avoid ATM fees, big Credit Card bills and identity theft but don’t want to pack a wad of cash.

*The Event Guide - When you check in for your badge you’ll get a program, but the Event guide with your floorplan, full list of publishers, celebrities in the autograph area and panel schedule may be a separate publication that you’ll have to track down by the doors. While you can get away with bypassing the program at a Wizard show for the most part, the San Diego Event Guide can save your life. You’ll have what I mentioned above along with capsule descriptions of every exhibitor, information on Con Exclusives, info on portfolio review schedules and how to get your stuff looked over by specific publishers. A daily “Newspaper” is also produced Thursday-Sunday with any schedule changes or last minute guests and panels.

*Backpack, Bottled Water and something to eat for a quick energy boost- The Con prohibits rolling backpacks and handcarts during the show. This is a good thing because (1) there’s a lot more small children at San Diego than at Chicago and I’ve lost count how many times I’m seen kids and adults tripped by someone who decided to use their smaller rolling suitcase to carry their con booty, and (2) there’s nothing more annoying at a con then being in line behind the guy packing three copies of everything [creator X] has ever done and wants the guy to sign every single one of them. If you’re attending as a fan, decide what you REALLY want to have signed and toss it in the backpack. It will be better for you than carting around a “short box” all day or dragging one of those oversized plastic handled Tokyopop bags. You can also use that backpack to save a little money on drinks by keeping a bottle of water (refillable at any water fountain) and maybe an energy bar if you start getting hungry but are a little leery of paying for con-food.

*A Budget- This is important for the first-timer. You’ll have already bought your plane ticket and badge, but you’ll have to pay for your hotel at checkout…eat…and you’re going to an event that will have every comic, toy, statue, and art supply item you’ve ever wanted. Not to mention celebrities with 8 x 10’s and creators with original art for sale. Plan ahead. Make a “Must Have” list…maybe put a price range on it so you don’t go overboard on that replica of the bust that controlled the entry to the batpoles.

*Mailing Supplies- Wouldn’t hurt to take some flat rate Priority mail boxes with you. Especially if you were close to the luggage weight limit on the flight out. There’s a post office at Horton Plaza where you can mail your con booty home from, but it’s a madhouse the Monday after the con. Best to be able to go ahead and pack it all up at the hotel room rather than spend your morning waiting in one line to get the supplies then another to actually mail things out.

“Oh Crap! I forgot…”:

It never fails. For all your planning you’re going to forget something you’re convinced you’ll need. You’ll go into a blind panic trying to get a replacement…unless you know where to go ahead of time. That’s what this portion is for.

Art Supplies- Granted you’ll be able to grab the essentials you might have forgotten on the show floor. But if you need things prior to Preview Night or after show hours, what do you do then? Well luckily there are a couple of handy retail options in the downtown area. Closest to the Convention Center is an OFFICE DEPOT. (825 West E street) while not ideal, you’ll be able to grab an extra Kneeded eraser, microns, battery operated pencil sharpener and pencils of various lead varieties. You can also knock out some extra copies of your samples while you’re there. This location is open until 7pm weeknights and until 6pm on Saturday and Sunday.

If you need something a little more specific, there is a DICK BLICK store in Little Italy. (1844 India Street) http://www.dickblick.com/stores/california/sandiego/ The store is open until 8pm weeknights, 7pm Saturday and 6pm on Sunday. IIRC, there was a “local” sale going on last year during the con. You might sign up for the store’s email list in case they do that again…you might be able to get a better deal on pads of Bristol than on the con floor.

Toiletries- You’re looking at 5 to 7 days in a hotel…likely with one or two roommates. The little soap bar and test tube of Neutrogena won’t cut it. And trust me…You had better shower every day. If you’ve never experienced the “fanboy funk” first hand…Let’s just say it’s not something Rick James wrote about his love for the old Luke Cage comics. You don’t want to be the guy who got sprayed with Febreze when he stopped at the Digital Webbing booth. If you run out or left behind your shampoo shaving stuff or deodorant, you can always run to the Ralph’s Supermarket downtown. At Horton Plaza there’s also a number of places you can grab those items ranging from Long’s Drug Store to the more upscale Bath & Body Works or Gap Body.

Tune in next time as we look at panels at the con and go in depth on the cheaper dining options.

2006 San Diego Survival Guide. Part 1

2006-04-27T12:26:00.000-07:00

It’s known by many names. Nerd prom. Geek Vegas. Sodom and Gomorrah for the Stormtrooper set. But in the end, only two words are needed.

SAN DIEGO

This is the start of a series of posts with helpful hints for the trip. just a few odds and ends for the first timer at Comic-Con International. Use ‘em, ignore ‘em, whatever. They’re here if you need ‘em.

Links Of note: Let's start off easy with some helpful "planning links." I'm not including any hotel related links because if you don't already have a room...

http://www.comic-con.org
DUUUUHHHHHH!

http://cityguide.aol.com/sandiego/
A no-brainer 1st site for a lot of folks who travel. Nice overview of dining options & attractions.

http://www.sandiego.org/nav/Visitors
The website for the Convention and Visitors Bureau. Really not the greatest site, but under “resources” you will find coupons you can download and print out for the trip.

http://www.signonsandiego.com/
Essentially it’s the San Diego Union-Tribune Website, but it has the most complete restaurant guide online and printable coupons. Also good to check in the days leading up to the con to see what the weather will be, street closings, possible strikes, etc. Great site for getting the lay of the land.

http://www.cohnrestaurants.com/cohn/cohnrestaurants/gaslamp.php
If you love Red Meat and Pin Up art, the Gaslamp Strip Club is the place for you. Decorated with originals and prints by Alberto Vargas, the “grill your own” Steak place is the perfect dinner place during comic-con. Steaks range in price from 12.95 to 19.95. Near Dick’s Last Resort. (Note: GSC is 21 and over.)

http://www.gaslamp.org/
http://gothere.com/sandiego/gaslamp.htm
The Gaslamp Quarter. Bars…nightclubs…shopping…it’s all right here and is right outside the doors of the convention center. If you’re staying close to the convention Center, you’ll basically be living here as most of the dining options are in the quarter.
FYI: The “Gothere” site in the second link is a bit more detailed as far as locations and what’s in the Gaslamp. The .org site is devoted more to members of the Gaslamp association.

http://www.sundiegolive.com/
Great view of Downtown from across the Bay on Shelter Island. Also gives current conditions. Unfortunately the Local radio Station that streams with the web cam is a “Jack-FM” station so there’s no real local flavor but does make for okay background music if you check out the cam because you can’t wait to get there.

http://www.destinationwebcam.com/DWCportal_2/SoSDportal2.htm
Another Webcam site. Better views of the areas you’ll be in during the con.

http://www.sandiegozoo.org/zoo/index.html
The legendary zoo by which all others are judged. Info on the zoo, online ticket ordering and web cams of Pandas doing it. Enjoy!

http://www.sdcommute.com/Rider_Information/trolley/index.asp
The ideal form of transportation during comic-Con. If you’re in the outlying area, check the routes as the trolley could save you the headache of trying to park. If staying nearby, why rent a car when you can use the Trolley? (Save the hotel’s parking fee.)

http://www.san.org/San Diego International Airport. This is where you’ll be flying in. (If you fly of course.) If you do need to rent a car, you can see what your options are. Also if you’re staying with a group, this will help you coordinate arrivals before you head to the hotel to check in.

Come back Friday for "Convention Essentials" and your options if you've forgotten to pack something.

Gee...only 21 days later

2006-03-30T10:16:00.000-08:00

First. A moment of silence for my van. The noble steed that has served me well lo these many years and hauled enough convention gear in the last five years to get a "Special Thanks" credit the next time a Dreah story runs, has been gasping through the winter and is quickly approaching the breaking point. This time it was a side tank on the radiator but once that is fixed by this weekend, there's other maladies that can only get worse as the cost is too much in light of her age and 260,000 miles.

1995 Pontiac Transport...we salute you.

On to other things. The radiator issues were merely a capper to a mother of a week that included...

1) A 10 hour day when a part timer called in. (Tuesday)
2) The ABC reciever being dead as a hammer when I came in Wednesday morning, leading to an unexpected live airshift as I tried to get things fixed.
3) The van overheating, requiring the trip to the garage where I had to leave it overnight. (Thursday)
4) Garage calls...the mechanic tells me it's just the heater core...because the floorboard is wet. I tell him that's because it hasn't fully dried from where we replaced the heater core a month ago. He promises to get the van back in to look around some more. He doesn't...van spends another night there. Also, power supply on main computer in the studio blows up...literally. (Fri.)
5) Thought it was a loose hose. It's a cracked side tank. They suggest a $300 new radiator. Manage to get van back to Illinois. (Saturday)
6) Tubes on FM transmitter start to crap out on us. Station is still on 70% - 90% power until station owner gets back from vacation to okay tube purchase.

This week hasn't been too bad. Actually getting some writing done and more Miss Vicky pencils are showing up. Hope you all are faring better.

Spring = Insanity

2006-03-09T09:06:00.000-08:00

Just ducking in long enough for a quick update.

Nothing like the last minute Department: High School Baseball starts 3/23. When did the sales card for the station's baseball coverage get done? 3/9...about two hours ago.

Speaking of last minute Department: Still trying to get SD booth under control. GAAHHHH!

What I'm working on Department: Other than sales packages that should've been done by the home office months ago? How about the TOP SECRET screenplay Barry and I came up with? (Insert evil laugh) Also prepping a few other items. Sending Sarge the overall "Billie" plot today as well. (Hopefully) The new Blambot "pay font" for March would be perfect for this book.

Gotta run. I'll be back later with more details.

Bring on the girls!

2006-02-23T08:34:00.000-08:00

Guess what was in the inbox from Dash this morning.

I guess if you have to find a recurring theme in my writing, it would be B.D.F.

BIG

DUMB

FUN

Really. F. Stein...A BDF concept. Kendar...A BDF take on a classic genre. The Dreah material to date is loaded with BDF moments. Then you have the stuff that hasn't seen print yet like "Jorilla", the full version of "The Happiest Place" and the project you see up above.

MISS VICKY AND HER CUTIE COMMANDOS

I took an early version of the pitch package to San Diego last year and was encouraged by the response. (One publisher was interested but already had a full slate for 2006...Which seems to be thinning as they "change their focus.") Erik Larson, who has a reputation for being rough in con reviews, seemed to like it with his only comment against it was an off hand "There's some nice art under those inks." Stephen Molnar (pencils) took it as a challenge and completely re-penciled the pages that were in the SD packet and I contacted Dash Martin who I've been buds with since the Chicago show in 2002 that was the first Digital Webbing con set up. Dash has been primarily working as a colorist but I was aware he wants to do more inking. (If you are going to be at MegaCon, stop by his table and check out his wares.)

Back to the "BDF" factor! The idea evolved from an admittedly bad concept for a webcomic called "Siilky Justice" (With two I's) starring a pair of porn star spies/bounty hunters. (I told you it was bad.) Unable to really get behind "SHIELD with sexy starlets", I shifted to more of a "Sgt. Fury in a skirt" idea I called "Bikini Commandos." Realizing the "Bikini" concept would take it out of WW2, I opted (with input from fellow DWP alumni) to go with "Cutie Commandos" and started trying to figure out how I'm going to put an all-girl unit in the middle of the European Theatre. A special on the USO solved that for me as it talked about the "Jeep tours" that would take acts close to the front lines and mentioned how some spy/intelligence missions were carried out as part of the crews putting on shows for the boys. From there, I started playing with the typical War comic formula as it's stood since the 50s. The Leader, the Enforcer, the Southerner, the Lover, the Mechanic, the Semi-reformed Con, the Medic, etc. To round out the group and give the reader a point of view character, I added Lt. Col. Hardy as the lone male member of the squad who is brought in by military intelligence to try and serve as the "regular army" leadership for the women. Of course the reason he got the job was because he had four older sisters...Theoretically he won't fall prey to the same charms and/or drama that his predecessors did.

NEXT TIME: Meet the girls.

For Your Eisner Consideration...

2006-02-20T11:12:00.000-08:00

...Not that I'm holding my breath for even a nomination, but we did get a nice little review at http://www.comicavalanche.com/columns/indypendant.htm and started the week with a nice warm and fuzzy feeling. It also reminded me of so many of the concerns I had with Dreah during the development. Brant's review compared the story in DWP #22 favorably to CrossGen's late lamented SOJOURN. I remember being so paranoid when Sarge and I would talk out ideas that we might, by accident, wind up doing a similar plot. But by the time 22 and 26 hit stores CrossGen was pretty much a memory and the cause for some freelancers to have credit issues because payments weren't made. More Dreah is coming (In time for Con Season it looks like) and Sarge and I don't have to sweat Arwyn and Gareth having any similar adventures...at least not until Bob Iger decides to look at some of Disney's recent publishing acquisitions.

LANDED A HOTEL IN SAN DIEGO!

Not meaning to post that as a boast...more of a badge of honor in light of the demand this year. The Omni was sold out within 6 minutes according to reports. I landed the room at the Embassy Suites I was aiming for while Ray Dillon opted for across the street at the Manchester Grand Hyatt. Trying to decide if we should try and put together an official DW mixer one evening. Last year featured the "Mrs Malin Memorial Bataan Death March" to Moose McGillycuddy's. With everyone staying so close, we might try to get the patio of Kansas City Barbecue one night to hang out, drink, tell lies and eat some decent pork with a mediocre sauce. We'll see.

RADIO RADIO

Don't ask.

UPCOMING PROJECTS

*Dash is inking the Miss Vicky pitch pages. Hope to hear some sort of progress report before he heads up the road to MegaCon.
*Billie The Kid plot is complete. Sarge is playing with some script pages I've already set along.
*"Sketch's Sargebook" logo has been created and Sarge is scanning artwork so we can have it put together in time for Chicago. (Hope to have a few for San Diego as well, depends on how things shake out.)
*"What Happened In Zar?" Like I said, the next Dreah story (which will answer that question) may be hitting around con season. Don't want to give any details yet, but the art is in Joel's hands and, at last report, the flatting is complete. I was going to post a bit of the artwork, but Blogger isn't letting me at the moment. I'll try again later.

Odds and Sods

2006-01-20T06:41:00.000-08:00

It's been crazy lately but I wanted to try and keep things updated. Here we go...

* Looks like having to cancel my Mid-Ohio plans rather than driving the van to Columbus was smart and may have bought me an extra month. Heater core and front passenger tire both died since the start of the month. On the bright side, not trying to drive as much has freed up time to try to write.

*Miss Vicky pencils are now in the hands of Dash for inking. Hope to get the revised pitch package out in late-Feb/early March.

*New Dreah story has been penciled. It picks up on the threads from the story in DWP 26 and ought to cause some interesting responses once the "What happened in Zar" question is answered.

*Re: The story in DWP 26. I've noticed most of the response for the Dreah story has focused on Sarge's art (as well it should. The boy kicked serious ass...colorists still weep when thinking about filling in that crowd shot.) but the comments on the story itself (what there has been) note there wasn't a whole lot there and the ending it a little sudden. All true. I hate to admit it, but this was my first serious attempt at "writing for the trade." The main purpose of this story was to introduce more members of Dreah's "Guild" (which it did...Uncle Olaf, Cassidy the Dwarf and her foster father Stevenson will be back in the next story) and I also wanted to give Trevor a chance to get some dignity back after how he was left after DWP 22.
So what does this all have to do with the price of eggs? Basically, the DWP Dreah stories have been taking place after she's been established. After writing the first story (DWP 12) I really jumped into creating her world by writing a full 4 issue mini that Sarge and I have been sitting on that goes back to the begining of her saga. Ideally we'd like to try to get it going, but the direct market is what it is and Digital Webbing Presents is a wonderful "safe harbor" to work out the kinks and establish the character before throwing her out to the world. The plan, at this point, is to eventually collect the DWP stories and use that to judge the chances of an actual Dreah series/mini-series. So what would be in said collection?

-The debut story from #12 (Ideally in color for the first time)
-"Eye of Fire" from #22 (Maybe recolored, if just to have it consistant.)
-"Fight Knight" from #26
-"The Truth About Zar" (tentative title) which is unscheduled at this point.
-Dreah's origin as told by Trevor, also unscheduled and in the process of being drawn.
-The long lost first appearance of Dreah from the "DWP Convention Annual."

"Fight Knight," "Zar," and the origin all serve as a single story arc and leave things open to continue the Dreah shorts from that point forward while a series would feature the early adventures of Dreah and Trevor. No idea if it will actually happen as planned, but that's the basic idea of where things are going.

*The Anti-Dreah. Still working out the script for a western project Sarge and I have planned. It's coming along slowly, but it's planned as a 64 page album. I figured that would be the best format in the long run seeing as how westerns are a tough sell in the US, but strong in Europe. Doing it in a more "continent friendly" format might make it an easier sale internationally. That said, I'm "getting my Kirby on" by doing it in 8 page chapters (ala Kamandi) where if we choose to, it can be serialized. Work those angles!

*Recent Comic Thoughts.
- Re: ALL STAR BATMAN & ROBIN...Get over it Fanboy! Yeah, I understand you were expecting the Frank Miller that gave us "Year One" and "Born Again." Guess what, it's been 20 years and he's moved on. This isn't Earth 1 anymore. Let's just accept he's writing it as the Adam West/Burt Ward series if it had been produced by Quentin Tarantino and enjoy the ride.
- Re: ALL STAR SUPERMAN...Deserving of every nerdgasm accolade it's gotten so far. I loved the Byrne/Wolfman/Carlin reboot as a teen because it made me actually care what was going on the Superman books again after they became stale towards the end of the Pre-Crisis run. This book goes in the opposite direction of the MAN OF STEEL era by embracing the cheese of Super-history and making like Elliot S! Maggin and Cary Bates did in the mid-70's to refine that cheese with modern ideas to make it work for the current audience. I don't want to say I felt like a kid again, but I was craving a Goober Grape PB&J and cold Choc-ola as I read the first issue.
-Black Mask...Pre-reboot debut: the Batman issues during CRISIS...becomes the "big bad" during ramp up to the new CRISIS. No doubt the most subtile nods to 1985 DC did last year. It never clicked with me back in the day, but Batman and Detective may have been the only DC titles that didn't have Crisis tie-ins.
-Guess who's back...maybe...Yeah he turned up in IC #4. There's been rumors for awhile he's coming back to the DCU. I say let him have his 50th aniversary, but by Feb of next year...back to fond rememberances.

I feel better.

2005...Kiss my ass!

2005-12-29T10:59:00.000-08:00

Now that's a healthy attitude, isn't it?

Well, at least it's honest because aside from the month of July, I think 2005 kicked mine. Creatively, things weren't that bad. Sarge and I continued Dreah (and plan to keep her going in 2006 and beyond. Trust me...the story in DWP 26 will make sense soon.) Plus the Dreah draw off may have resulted in my finding artists for not one, but two projects. (One already in progress, the other awaiting a break in the sketch card demands.) And San Diego may have set things in motion on some freelance asignments to start 2006 with...provided Diamond's new rules haven't scared off the publisher. There was also the bright spots called the Fall and Spring Arbitron ratings for the Evansville Metro where, since I took over management of WYFX, we've gone from 0.0 to a 1.5 in listeners 12+ and tied our format's market leader in Men 45-54.

Unfortunately I've also had to deal with more drama than I care to on the family front as my dad's health and some "bad calls" he made some 20 years ago came back to bite us all in the butt. Toss in the hike in gas prices while I'm basically working for my original salary when I joined this company the first time in 1999...ugh. Is it Sunday yet?

Anyway, 2006 is showing promise. Planning to return to San Diego. I've resolved to pitch to DC in January. (Your good thoughts and prayers will be accepted gladly.) The "Miss Vicky" art is in the hands of a fine upstanding inker right now and should be off to the two Erics by the end of the first quarter. Sarge is finishing up the reveal of "What Happened In Zar" and hopefully "Night of the Jorilla" will finally see the light of day. (And if the format change goes through, I'm going to be so happy, I'll be impossible to live with.)

Bring on '06. I'm ready dammit!

Line of Demarcation

2005-11-16T08:37:00.000-08:00

The other evening I was talking to my buddy Barry about some of the "multiple universes are a stupid idea" posts that have been popping up in the wake of INFINITE CRISIS and made the comment "When did 1985 become the line of demarcation?" Later in the same conversation we got onto the whole deal with TokyoPop's OEL contracts (where TP owns 60% of the project and can fire the creator of the book if they so desire) and how some of these younger creators have no problem signing their work away. It wasn't until I was reading Dave Lewis' blog today that I realized those two subjects Barry and I discussed were actually the same topic. It was this line...

"When Shuster and Siegel died in 1992 and 1996, respectively, I can't say that
there was a cultural response, even in the limited comics community, in their
absence. It was respectfully noted, their families were wished the best, and perhaps their credit on each Superman title page -- "Created by Siegel and Shuster" -- was noted just a little more. But creators and fans alike have not stopped discussing, admiring, and emulating Kirby since his 1994 death. And that is a remarkable credit to the man and his work."

That's when it hit me that 1985 was a line of demarcation not just for acceptance of certain concepts in comics, but also in the area of creators' rights. Shuster, Siegel and Kirby. The three names that were the rallying cry for creators' rights starting in the late 70s when Robinson and Adams went to bat for the creators of Superman before the movie came out. A fight that heated up as Marvel was building to it's 25th anniversary and the creative community demanded the company return the King's artwork that they had been holding for decades. These were hot topics in the fan press at the time, only to fade in the mid-90's as some of the founders of Image Comics started producing more "studio" material than creating the books themselves. Granted there were "creator rights" flare ups here and there (CrossGen's Code 6 anyone?) but it wasn't the hot button it had been.

So many of these OEL manga creators are in their early to mid 20s. They are the children of the direct market era. Many didn't discover comics until their late teens when they stumbled across WATCHMEN, DARK KNIGHT RETURNS or an old Eclipse or First Manga translation (remember those?) in the library, not like those of us in our 30s who discovered comics in a spinner rack. Maybe I'm making the wrong assuption here but creators rights are not the hot button issue for them because the war was essentially over when they were starting first grade. Maybe that's why the whole "Team Comix" attitude has trouble gaining traction anymore. It's not "punk" to fight the power by having a publisher put out your book when they don't own a piece of it anymore. That role has been taken by mini-comics for the hardcore. For this new generation of creators, the thought of having a minimum stake in their creation is tempered by the fact TP can get them into real bookstores and "getting paid." Dave Sim is about as relevant to some of these kids as Tom Hayden to the Campus Democrats at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale. ("Yeah yeah, you stormed the gates of the establishment. What were the after-parties like?")

Maybe I'm just feeling old, but it's frustrating to have seen the old work-for-hire system give way to the revolution that gave us AMERICAN FLAGG!, NEXUS and later SAVAGE DRAGON, only to see the "new and improved" return of work-for-hire and the new generation of writers and artists jumping up and down to have their babies consumed by the machine. It's their choice, all I can do is suggest they read the fine print on the back of every check they take to the bank.

Meet the new boss...Same as the old boss.

And I thought I was bad before.

2005-10-18T12:41:00.000-07:00

Okay...To catch up.

San Diego...great time...made it home in one piece.

Chicago...Decided to go at the last minute. Good time but seemed a little blah. New Glenn stories though and Barry and I came up with a new project on the drive back home.

September/October to date...New Dreah story script complete and Sarge has posted four pages on Digital Webbing. (Word of Warning...this one could piss some people off but they need to wait and see where things go after this one.) Another Dreah story (her origin at last) is in the process of being scripted and will resolve a thread or two from the story just finished. I'm planning to use some Prince Valiant style pages Harry Roland did awhile back in this one as it will spell Sarge a bit as he's starting to get busy with some other work. Decent ratings for the radio station for the Spring period. No raise or added support from the company, but what can you do. Trying to put together the next Kendar adventure before Mid-Ohio. (Harry should be there with the ISG crew)

Sent the paperwork for San Diego 06. Now I get to start herding cats so we have the DW area paid for by the deadline. Pray for me.

I swear, I'll be updating more for the handful of brave souls who actually check this thing.

YIKES! I've been bad.

2005-09-06T07:22:00.000-07:00

Well it's been awhile. When last I updated it was in the middle of getting ready for the San Diego con.

Since then (1) I survived the trip (2) made it to Chicago (3) damn near pulled my hair out over the condition of the radio station and (4) started writing in ernest again.

Let's begin with San Diego...

Monday 7/11/05 - In a pouring rain, drove down to Paducah (by way of Metropolis) to catch my ride with Barry Buchanan (Western Gothic: Ballad of Utopia). We’re going to stay with a college buddy of his who lives near Nashville. Been awhile since I got to really catch up with Barry so we BS in the car on the way down to Nashville. We’re both a bit nervous about the trip since it’s the first San Diego con for both of us. At the house we try to figure out the weight of the bags using a bathroom scale so we make sure we don’t pay extra for going over 50 pounds per checked bag. (Weight of Barry holding bag – Weight of Barry w/o bag = weight of suitcase) I’m somewhat stunned/depressed that I’ve actually been gaining weight this summer rather than holding at 240. Wind up staying up until about 12:30am to download our boarding passes.

Tuesday 7/12/05 - We get up and around to catch our 9:00am flight at BNA. Flight is pretty uneventful. Arrived in San Diego 20 minutes early…time that’s lost as we waited an hour for the Radisson’s airport shuttle. The weather is fantastic. Mostly clear and 74 degrees. A nice change since we had left Paducah in the middle of a drought ending thunderstorm where temps stayed in the 90’s. We check into the room a find a lovely view of the 5 and a tarmac of the SD airport. Maps of the San Diego area are misleading in that everything seems so spread out. Actually everything is pretty much in walking distance…and brother were we in for some walking.About 1pm, made contact with Bob LeFevre. We walked over to his place in the Gaslamp to get some of the books for the booth before we went for our badges at the convention center. Barry and I joked about the number of bail bond offices we pass on the way. After getting 3 boxes each, we head to the convention center. By the time we arrive, I realize how much I’ll be looking forward to the shuttles. We get the badges and drop off the boxes at the DWP booth before we look around. It’s not even half assembled and it’s intimidating. Turns out we’re the only DW’ers who arrived Tuesday as Jerry Ma called Bob to say he missed his flight. No Tijuana trip I guess. We snag a late lunch at Hennesey’s Pub before Bob heads back to his place to finish up a page he was working on. Barry and I head back to the hotel to hit the pool. We’re both starting to feel the effects of the walking so the heated pool feels great. After an hour we relax in the room and about 9, head into Little Italy and grab a pizza at Filippi’s Pizza Grotto. Word of warning: get extra cheese on the pizza at your own risk. We’re only able to eat two pieces each and take the rest to the room for Wednesday’s breakfast. Back in the room…I’m out like a light…a very loud light.

Wednesday 7/13/05 – Preview NightI get up about 7:30 and start getting around, finding the stuff I brought for the booth that I didn’t send ahead and calling David at the radio station. I wanted to make sure everything was still standing with all the rain hitting like it did and leaving the place in the hands of my part timers. David informs me that the ceiling tiles in the bathroom have given way but everything else is good. (we can't go in the crapper but we're on the air. Enjoy the trip.) Barry and I head onto the convention center to hang the DWP banner and try to get as much set up before GW Fisher arrives as we can. Bob arrives and we decide we’ll get the rest of the stuff from Bob’s after lunch. We hit Kansas City Barbecue (where the sleazy bar scenes in Top Gun were shot) and GW calls and says he’s waiting on the shuttle. We wind up going back to the Radisson to let GW into the room before went to Bob’s. With GW, start back to Bob’s and side trip to Ralph’s so GW can get a bite to eat. I stay with GW while Barry and Bob (with one of Barry’s rolling suitcases) go get the boxes. GW and I head back to the hotel to clean up for Preview Night and take the 3:30 shuttle to the convention center rather than drag GW’s handcart the 13 blocks. When we get to the center, Barry meets us with GW’s badge and shows us what’s left of the handle of the suitcase. While they were walking back, seems the weight and downhill direction combined to pretty much mess it up halfway between Bob’s and the center. Bob grabbed a “World Market” shopping cart to take things the rest of the way. Jerry Ma and tablemate Ken swing by to say hi and say they’re off to buy liquor. Other DW types start to trickle in as Preview Night begins. After it wraps up, we (GW, Barry, Bob, SteveO and his friend) all get together to grab a late dinner. We wind up at Dick’s Last Resort. Once Jon Malin has his room straightened out he joins us as well. Barry decided to stay out a bit as GW and I head back to the room. We go to the con center to get the shuttle but they stopped around 9:30. We take a Pedi-cab to the halfway point and walk the rest of the way. Barry came in around 2-2:30…seems Moose MacGillacuddy’s is comic friendly. He’s also decided he wants to stay out here.

Thursday 7/14/05 - This is where things start to get hazy. GW and I leave Barry to sleep as we head to the Convention Center. More of the late arriving DW folks arrive today including Tony Lee, Diana, Ryan (WYA) Ottley, Kody Camberlain, Devia and Mark C and family. While we didn't sell a ton of books for the show, I think we did better than the other publishers in our area. This is the slow day and sensory overload is already kicking in. Went over and briefly spoke with Scott Shaw! (of Captain Carrot fame). Day pretty much zips by and it's time for the DW dinner/drink up. We march en masse to Moose MacGillacuddy's to find it's already packed. Devia and her group splits off when the bar tables prove to not be enough space for the group. (Barry will later kick himself when he realizes "Joe" was inker Joe Rubenstein and he didn't get to gush.) Afterwards we head back towards to convention center and the Hyatt bar. Tony comments that he ought to give Ryan a call but he doesn't have the cell number programed into his phone. I offer to call and hand him the phone. This results in a confused conversation between Tony and Wya. (Seems he was thinking Stegman, not Ottley. We've got WAAAAY too many Ryans on the board.) By the time we've got it straight, I believe the words "Robert Kirkman" and "crossdressing wanker" were used in the same sentance. We find our way to Redfields (or as comic folks call it "Renfields...Don't point out the fly in your drink. Everyone will want one.") Barry and I eventually found our way to the shuttle. When we got "home" GW was finishing up a commission.

More Later

Countdown to Nerd Prom

2005-07-06T08:00:00.000-07:00

As I type this, we are 8 Days and 2 hours from Comic-Con International-San Diego.

GAHHHHHHHH!

Frantically trying to get things ready and hopefully I'll be set come 9am on the 12th when the plane takes off from BNA. (Nashville for those not up on their baggage tag codes.)

*Money. Hopefully I'll have enough. That's one of the more stressful aspects of the trip.
*Books. Sending my last box out today. Ed is sending a few DWP's as well to fill the gaps.
*Banner. [praying] Please let it be there...please oh please.
*Writing samples. Need to put the finishing touches on the packet, but just about ready.
*Pitch packet. Miss Vicky pages are being lettered.
*Business cards. Designed. need to get a new color cartridge to print them out.
*Hotel. Confirmed...little jarring to see that chunk taken out of my account a month after I expected, but I'm set.
*Shoes. watching the cash so I'll be snagging a $10 set of sneaks from Wallyworld rather than a $40 pair of New Ballance.
*Part Timers. Alicia isn't quitting until after I get back. David's doing morning this week to get used to it (and so my body clock will adjust). It's covered.

Cross your fingers sports fans. This is going to be bizarre.

35 Days away.

2005-06-08T07:01:00.000-07:00

More paperwork turned up in my mailbox yesterday, so I guess it's semi-official...I'll be manning the DIGITAL WEBBING PRESENTS booth at San Diego. (I say "semi-official" since I don't have the booth number yet.) I've got to say, I've got an odd mix of "excited" and "scared sh!tless" going on.

Excited because this is kind of the holy grail for me as far as conventions go. I grew up hearing about "the San Diego convention" in the letter columns of books or seeing ads and articles in COMIC SCENE or the short lived COMICS COLLECTOR and wished I could've been there. Chicago is cool, but San Diego is mecca.

Scared because it's not the same show I used to read about anymore. Those 80's articles talked about turnouts in the 30-40,000 range. That's roughly what Chicago does now. Last year's Comic-Con International saw 87,000+ paid. One of the mailings I've recieved gave an estimate this year of expecting almost 95,000. That's a little intimidating when it's your first time setting up at the show you start to think about it. "Will I have enough books?" "Will they like the books I have?" "Am I sure the hotel is locked in for the week?" "Should I send stuff ahead UPS or USPS?" "Will I have everything I need for the booth?" "How will we set up our signings?" "Will anyone turn up for our signings?" "Will I make the plane?" "Will the plane make it?"

Maybe I need this. I've gotten comfortable with the Wiz:Chicago show. (Tear down is still a pain, but what can you do?) San Diego has me energized about setting up a booth again. Now if I could just sit down and focus on that new Kendar script.

Recovering from the weekend.

2005-05-31T07:04:00.000-07:00

Hope everyone had a safe and happy Memorial Day. Still swamped at the radio station as the new station that's renting space on the tower is trying to get set up. But don't think I've forgotten the comics. Oh no. In fact, I was saving this for you as part of the back to work time killers.

http://www.sunnyfundays.com/

Scroll down to the "Blood and Gold" strip and you can catch up in the B&G archive link. Harry Roland and I put this story together as a follow up to our "Kendar the Jungle Lord" story in DWP #18. Harry creates each panel as an oil painting on bristol and then assembles the page on computer. We're hoping to put together another Kendar adventure (Got the plot, need to put the script together) but you can find more Roland goodness in the comic shops on the recent covers of Moonstone's KOLCHAK:THE NIGHT STALKER. (You might also see if they have back issues of Warren's FAMOUS MONSTERS OF FILMLAND. Harry did the Cyclops and Creature of the Black Lagoon cover paintings right before they moved to photo covers.)