Lucid Comics: July 16th
Written by Adam A. Donaldson
Thursday, 24 July 2008 15:00
Table of Contents:
Paradise Toronto Comicon
Neil Gaiman gets ready for Sandman’s 20th
Aspen plans Turner tribute in San Diego
Smallville thinks big for Season 8
Mega Crossover Mega Update
Reviews
New Releases
Paradise Toronto Comicon
 | It’s summer in the city, back or your neck feeling dirty and gritty. So what better time could there be to park yourself in a ballroom with hundreds of other comic book collectors for the yearly Toronto Comicon. This sixth annual affair featured another time shift and another location change, this time at the Holiday Inn on King. Still, the atmosphere was the same: a somewhat more laid back and comic focused companion to the annual Fan Expo in August. There were some good deals to be had, especially if you stuck to the dollar bins like me. While I was there though, I took in a couple of panels. Naturally, most of the panels took place in the Oak Room of the Holiday Inn, which lies in the basement. What better setting for some serious comic book discussions than a windowless, though still rather comfortable room, in the basement? But I digress, the topic of this panel was Web Comics. An art form gaining prominence in its own right away from the glaring light of it’s mainstream print companions. |
| It was a fairly large panel made up of a few familiar, but otherwise, not-so-familiar names. Among them were Tyrone McCarthy, Brian McLachlin, Jeff Moss, Dan Simon, Karl Kerschl, Cameron Stewart, Andy Belanger, Scott Hepburn, Danielle Corsetto and Ramón Pérez. A lot of the discussion focused on the pros and cons of web comics over the printed variety. Working in the pros’ favour: it’s cheaper, it’s more immediate and it’s a great way to get experience and instant feedback. According to Belanger, it can cost upwards of $30,000 to get a 120 page graphic novel published by a printing company, which is quite a substantial invest if you’re like these guys – just working on a strip out one’s passion for the medium. Why go through the hassle of print when you can download a template from Word Press and publish on your own? Which is pretty much how everyone in the panel got started. Another surprising factoid about web comics, according to the panel, is that having something available online doesn’t diminish people’s desire to have a hard copy to call their own for the bookshelf. Merchandise and promotion were also key areas of discussion. Pérez said he once printed t-shirts and was surprised by what seemed to appeal and what didn’t. He offers that if you’re interested in promoting your work through merchandise you should see what will appeal in advanced. As for promotion generally, the panel offered a number of things that worked for them; from the simple like putting your URL in any web signature to creating buzz through comment boards. Many of the artists said that their own mothers frequently leave comments on their comics, which has the dual affect of preventing them from doing anything too risqué. But most importantly they say is keep up the good work. Nothing says success like consistency, and if you’re putting out a quality product week after week and month after month, than people will notice. |  |
The other panel I attended was billed as more on an un-panel. Liana K of Ed’s Night Party (without her woollen appendage) hosted the gathering in the Canadian Bar & Grill in the Holiday Inn and simply introduced people of note before letting the gathering break up into a proper social event. Now wait, you say, a social event at a comic convention? I know it sounds unusual, but for a first-time event this gathering was a surprising success. The crowd was about made up equally in the proportion of males to females and the discussion was lively and insightful with many key women in the Canadian comics industry. Though that was in spite of the fact my friends Jenn and Amy, the owner and manager of my local comic store respectively, lamenting the lack of spotlight on female comic retailers. Oh well, there’s always next year ladies.
In the News
Neil Gaiman gets ready for Sandman’s 20th
 | Comic book properties are hotter than ever right now (even Watchmen is finally being made), but if you haven’t heard anything about a Sandman or Death movie, that’s okay, Gaiman’s got some other big stuff planed: starting with the commemorative poster. “What we’re doing right now is proving to be a logistical nightmare right up there with invading Normandy,” Gaiman told MTV News. “We’re doing a poster with every ‘Sandman’ artist trying to draw more or less every ‘Sandman’ character. Mark Buckingham designed it, so all over the world, you have people drawing characters.” As for further comics, Gaiman has also announced that Craig Russell will be working on a Dream Hunters miniseries, while the final volume of Sandman Absolute, Volume Four, will be released sometime later this November. But mostly though, Gaiman discussed his surprise at the passing of time and how much his book has come to influence the medium. |
“It’s so strange,” Gaiman said. “Time has really passed. I remember the early days of ‘Sandman,’ when I’d go to comic conventions, and everyone was male. I would get comic book store owners pumping my hand, saying, ‘Oh my god, you brought women into my store for the first time.’ It was one of the first few things that brought women into comics — they were essentially comics guys could give their girlfriends. Like a gateway drug. But then it was spreading sexually, because they’d split up, and the girls would keep the comics, and spread it to their next partner. It was a STD: Sexually Transmitted Dream.”
Aspen plans Turner tribute in San Diego
Following the recent news of the tragic death of comic artist Michael Turner, the company he founded announced that a tribute in his honour is being planning for the San Diego Comic Con at the end of the month. A series of special guest will be on hand to offer their memories at the event scheduled to take place Sunday afternoon at the Con .For more information on the memoriam, please check www.aspencomics.com or visit the Aspen Comics Booth at San Diego Comic-Con booth.
Smallville thinks big for Season 8
 Sam Witwer | A great many spoilers have recently made their way to the blogosphere this past week as the series’ new executive producers drops hint as to what fans can expect from the upcoming eighth season of Smallville. As previously announced, young Clark Kent’s world will be shaken this year by the absence of adversary Lex Luthor (Michael Rosenbaum) and girlfriend Lana Lang (Kristen Kreuk), while simultaneously being tested by the arrival of Davis “Doomsday” Bloome (Sam Witwer) and Tess Mercer (Cassidy Freeman). And yes, by Doomsday, they mean THAT Doomsday – the monster that killed Superman in the comics 16 years ago, while Tess is Lex’s handpicked successor as head of Luthorcorp. Fans can also now anticipate the return of Green Arrow, Oliver Queen (Justin Hartley), for a multi-episode arc this season, starting with a full blown return along with other League members Aquaman (Alan Ritchson), Black Canary (Alaina Kalanj) and Martian Manhunter (Phil Morris) in the season premiere. Not returning however will be Supergirl Kara (Laura Vandervoot), at least not in a full time capacity. Also, look for Clark to take further steps towards his destiny as he takes a desk at the Daily Planet across from future reporting partner (not to mention wife) Lois Lane (Erica Durance). |
Mega Crossover Mega Update
 | Secret Invasion – Well, we’ve reached the halfway point in this crossover and it shows no sign of slowing down as a number of developments got underway in this issue. First there’s Nick Fury, who appears to be taking no prisoners as evidenced by the way he fired up on Ms. Marvel. “Trust No One” seems to be the name of the game. But like any good middle chapter, issue #4 catches us up by giving the reader brief glimpses of the various happenings in the Marvel U: Agent Brand somehow survived the destruction of the space station, Sentry is still going a little crazy in Earth orbit and Skrull-Jarvis once again calls for Maria Hill to surrender on behalf of Earth’s forces. A couple of other heroes from the Skrull ship were proven to be Skrulls while it seems that our Black Widow and Wolverine were proved not to be. The issue was a lot of filler, a lot of stuff to tide the reader over. It’s a bridge issue that will connect the series’ set-up to the inevitable denouement which looks to start next issue with the appearance of two old (well one old, one new) favourites: Thor and Captain America. Is this where we’re going? A return to a semi-classical Avengers line-up with the new Cap, the resurrected Thor and the borderline reviled Iron Man? Hmm, seems plausible. |
 | Final Crisis – DC released its first tie-in to Final Crisis this past week with Requiem, a one-shot that goes deeper into the death of Martian Manhunter, which was almost blink and you’ll miss it in the first issue of the miniseries. First off, yes, the death of J’onn J’onz is indeed brutally depicted, but this issue gives it greater gravitas and more emotional resonance. In the main Crisis series, the whole thing is kind of glossed over, but the tremendous work done by writer Peter J. Thomas and artist Doug Mahnke say goodbye right as we see the Manhunter’s last moments as experienced by him and his friends in the Justice League. With his telepathic link, J’onn leaves his story in the hands of League members Superman, Batman and Black Canary as they recount the history of Mars and impact of the J’onz family. The story was truly affecting, a beautiful tribute of such magnitude I was genuinely surprised by its power. And if Batman’s touching final gesture to J’onn doesn’t bring a smile to your face, then you’re clearly not a comics fan. This was a great issue; a simple story that was very accessible in a way I think the main series is struggling to find. Also it finds an emotional core that Morrison is lacking in his writing with his very procedural approach to the crossover. I hope there’s more stuff like this to flesh out events as the crossover roles on, especially if Morrison keeps to his current style. |
Reviews
 | Astonishing X-Men #25 Warren Ellis and Simone Bianchi Marvel Comics If there’s one complaint to be had about the recent slate of X-Men comics it’s that they’ve been a little scattershot in terms of continuity and vision. Each X-Men book has been its own creature by and large, especially New X-Men by Grant Morrison and the first run of Astonishing by Joss Whedon. Lately, Marvel`s tried the true formula of the X-over to compensate, but arguably with limited success. The dawn of Ellis tenure on this book should give readers a kind of best of both worlds kind of feeling: a name writer that can make Astonishing feel like a part of the family, while not being the red headed stepchild. The only thing is that readers, unless they’ve read recent developments in Uncanny, might be a little lost in the beginning. The X-Men are now based in San Francisco and offer their services to local law enforcement whenever there are odd crimes involving super-powers. Now granted there’s a lot to catch-up on at the start of the issue, but I found it a little long on talk and short on action. Amongst the new team members is Storm, whom unless I’m mistaking is also the Queen of an African country right now. Still, I have supreme faith in Ellis’ skill as a writer, and if he can do half of what he’s done on Thunderbolts, then it shouldn’t be too hard to not miss our mast Josh. |
 | Ultimate Origins #2 Brian Michael Bendis and Butch Guice Marvel Comics Is it just me or has it seemed like we’ve been on the march to the road to Ultimatum for a long, long time now? And as long as we’re asking questions: just at what point do you think we’re going to find out the reasons why going all the way back to the Ultimate Universe’s World War II matters? I mean for reasons other than doing some more cool mix ‘n’ match with established Marvel characters. Well call me kooky, but while I’m not fond of the series, I did enjoy this retelling of Captain America’s origins. We know the story: scrawny Steve Rogers was unfit for duty until he got a dose of super soldier serum, but I loved the scenes of Rogers desperate for a way to contribute despite his physicality. It adds an element of character within Rogers that made him a suitable enough subject to become Captain America as opposed to his underwhelming stature as a test subject. |
New Releases
July 16th
Dark Horse
CONAN THE CIMMERIAN #1
THE HELM #1
STAR WARS: KNIGHTS OF THE OLD REPUBLIC #31
DC Comics
BATGIRL #1 (OF 6)
BATMAN AND THE OUTSIDERS #9
BATMAN: FACES - NEW EDITION
BIRDS OF PREY #120
CARTOON NETWORK ACTION PACK #27
CHECKMATE #28
COUNTDOWN TO FINAL CRISIS VOL. 2
DC/WILDSTORM: DREAMWAR #4 (OF 6)
FINAL CRISIS: ROGUES' REVENGE #1 (OF 3)
THE FLASH #242
THE JOKER'S ASYLUM: POISON IVY
SHOWCASE PRESENTS: HAWKMAN VOL. 2
SIMON DARK #10
SUPERMAN AND THE LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES
TANGENT: SUPERMAN'S REIGN #5 (OF 12)
TINY TITANS #6
TRIALS OF SHAZAM VOL. 2
TRINITY #7
Image Comics
BOMB QUEEN V #3 (of 6)
CHARLATAN BALL #2
FRANK FRAZETTA’S SWAMP DEMON (ONE-SHOT)
GØDLAND #24
MICE TEMPLAR #5
SCREAMLAND #5 (of 5)
THE PERHAPANAUTS #3
THE UNEARTHED CEMETERY BLUES, VOL. 1 TP
Marvel Comics
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN # 566
CAPTAIN AMERICA # 40
CAPTAIN BRITAIN AND MI: 13 2 # 2
FOOLKILLER: SHORT TIME # 1
GHOST RIDER # 25
INCREDIBLE HERCULES # 119
IRON MAN: DIRECTOR OF S.H.I.E.L.D. # 31
MARVEL 1985 # 3
MARVEL ADVENTURES THE AVENGERS # 26
MARVEL ADVENTURES TWO-IN-ONE # 13
MARVEL ILLUSTRATED: THE ILIAD # 8
MIGHTY AVENGERS # 16
MOON KNIGHT # 20
OMEGA: THE UNKNOWN # 10
PUNISHER # 59
SKY DOLL # 3
ULTIMATE FANTASTIC FOUR # 56
UNIVERSAL WAR ONE # 1
WAR IS HELL: THE FIRST FLIGHT OF THE PHANTOM EAGLE # 5
X-FACTOR # 33
X-FORCE # 5
Collections
HULK: WWH - WARBOUND
PUNISHER WAR JOURNAL VOL. 3: HUNTER HUNTED
SPIDER-MAN: BRAND NEW DAY VOL. 2
ULTIMATE X-MEN VOL. 18: APOCALYPSE
July 23rd
Dark Horse
STAR WARS: LEGACY #26
USAGI YOJIMBO #113
DC Comics
AMBUSH BUG: YEAR NONE #1 (OF 6)
BATMAN: GOTHAM AFTER MIDNIGHT #3 (OF 12)
THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD #15
COUNTDOWN TO ADVENTURE
DIANA PRINCE: WONDER WOMAN VOL. 2
GREEN ARROW/BLACK CANARY: ROAD TO THE ALTAR
GREEN LANTERN CORPS #26
THE JOKER'S ASYLUM: SCARECROW
JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #23
THE LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES #44
ROBIN #175
SCOOBY-DOO #134
SEVEN SOLDIERS OF VICTORY ARCHIVES VOL. 3
THE SPIRIT #19
SUPER FRIENDS #5
SUPERMAN #678
TRINITY #8
TWO-FACE YEAR ONE #1 (OF 2)
Image Comics
AMERICAN FLAGG! VOL. 1 HC
DEAD SPACE #5 (of 6)
INVINCIBLE #51
LIBERTY COMICS: A CBLDF BENEFIT BOOK (ONE-SHOT)
DEFEND YOUR LIBERTY!
POPGUN, VOL. 2 OGN
PX! OGN - BOOK 1: A GIRL AND HER PANDA
WAR HEROES #1 (OF 6)
Marvel Comics
ANGEL: REVELATIONS # 3
AVENGERS: THE INITIATIVE # 15
BLACK PANTHER # 38
DAREDEVIL # 109
IMMORTAL IRON FIST # 17
MARVEL ADVENTURES FANTASTIC FOUR # 38
MARVEL ADVENTURES SUPER HEROES # 1
MARVEL COMICS PRESENTS # 11
NEW AVENGERS # 43
NEW WARRIORS # 14
SHE-HULK # 31
SKRULLS! # 1
THUNDERBOLTS # 122
ULTIMATE X-MEN # 96
UNCANNY X-MEN # 500
WOLVERINE: FIRST CLASS # 5
X-MEN: LEGACY # 214
Collections
ANITA BLAKE, VAMPIRE HUNTER: GUILTY PLEASURES VOL. 2
HOWARD THE DUCK OMNIBUS HC
MARVEL ADVENTURES FANTASTIC FOUR VOL. 9: NEW YORK'S FINEST
MARVEL MASTERWORKS: GOLDEN AGE CAPTAIN AMERICA VOL. 2
UNCANNY X-MEN 500 ISSUES POSTER BOOK
X-MEN: ENDANGERED SPECIES
X-MEN: KITTY PRYDE & WOLVERINE PREMIERE
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