So, I went to the shop yesterday, even though I only had two new issues that interested me come out this week:
Air #1, and Anna Mercury #3.
I needed to go, since I was scared that Air would sell out, and I couldn't remember if I'd added it to my pulls. Once I got to the shop, my (usually)infallible CSG stopped, looked at Air, and said: "I hate to do this, but um..." and I could tell what he was about to say. He hated it.
Now, generally, his reccommendations are spot-on. House of Mystery? House of Awesome. Crooked Little Vein? Twisted Little Book. However, I wasn't willing to accept this and leave it alone. I mean, I'd read the preview-it looked if not just plain good, at least it was different. And interesting. And I'd liked Cairo, her previous work. I bought it anyway.
I'm proud to say that my CSG is now officially a terrible person. This book was great! The characters were engaging and mysterious, the enemy was introduced and appropriately nefarious, and the story moved along quickly enough that it never got boring. Most importantly, I was intrigued. Who is this Zayn, and what does he want with Blythe? How does he afford all those plane tickets? How the heck did he not know that Lancaster was involved with the Etesians when he had their symbol tattooed on his fricking hand? All of these questions need answers! And this is why I will be buying issue #2.
CSG, you're on watch.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Friday, August 15, 2008
Hi There
It's uh...been a while. Sorry about that, I really am. I've just been so unmotivated. Even though I already had my fonal comic-con post all written up, and I really did want to tell you all about how the DC booth was a total disappointment, and Which lines were the most ridiculous, and how I really didn't understand why the Ghosbusters guys were giving out chapstick and Doritos. (Cool Ranch, for those who are curious.) I mean, is there a connection there that I'm missing?
but alas, you'll just have to live with the knowledge that I'll never get to tell you about who the nicest creator/artist duo I met were (Brian Lynch and Dave Crosland, hands down), or which booth was a guaranteed clusterfuck at any givent point in time (Warner Bros., thanks to their elusive giant Watchmen bags).
But hey, you'll live, right?
So now, on to business. I was reading The Hollywood Reporter today (again, every day), and I found out that Millar's Kick-Ass movie, while set to be directed by Matthew Vaughn, was actually passed on by every major studio due to the excessive violence and young age of the main characters. So, instead of raising the ages, or toning down the violence, Vaugh decided to raise all $30 million for the movie himself, and go it alone.
Oh man-can you imagine seeing this thing at Sundance?
Also, apparently Christopher Mintz-Plasse (McLovin') is cast as one of the leads, which is awesome. So excited for this movie!
In other news, the I Am 8-Bit gallery opening was last night. It was sponsored by Colt 45 (free 40's!), and was supposed to be super, super cool. I was pretty excited to go, and rounded up a few friends to take in the sights. Except when we got there at 8:20 (it was supposed to start at 8:00), there was a line three buildings down and around the corner. (And it was already full inside!) So, unfortunately knowing that the fire marshal was going to shut this down was before we would ever get in, we redirected our enegies and instead drank some wine at a nearby French place.
So, moral of the story is: Never underestimate the power of hipsters to show up at any event that has to do with free malt liquor, hot dogs, and art based on video games.
The good news is that on my way back to my car, I passed the gallery again, and everyone was outside-turns out some genius sprayed the fire extinguisher, and everyone inside had to move it on out.
Looks like we had the better night after all!
but alas, you'll just have to live with the knowledge that I'll never get to tell you about who the nicest creator/artist duo I met were (Brian Lynch and Dave Crosland, hands down), or which booth was a guaranteed clusterfuck at any givent point in time (Warner Bros., thanks to their elusive giant Watchmen bags).
But hey, you'll live, right?
So now, on to business. I was reading The Hollywood Reporter today (again, every day), and I found out that Millar's Kick-Ass movie, while set to be directed by Matthew Vaughn, was actually passed on by every major studio due to the excessive violence and young age of the main characters. So, instead of raising the ages, or toning down the violence, Vaugh decided to raise all $30 million for the movie himself, and go it alone.
Oh man-can you imagine seeing this thing at Sundance?
Also, apparently Christopher Mintz-Plasse (McLovin') is cast as one of the leads, which is awesome. So excited for this movie!
In other news, the I Am 8-Bit gallery opening was last night. It was sponsored by Colt 45 (free 40's!), and was supposed to be super, super cool. I was pretty excited to go, and rounded up a few friends to take in the sights. Except when we got there at 8:20 (it was supposed to start at 8:00), there was a line three buildings down and around the corner. (And it was already full inside!) So, unfortunately knowing that the fire marshal was going to shut this down was before we would ever get in, we redirected our enegies and instead drank some wine at a nearby French place.
So, moral of the story is: Never underestimate the power of hipsters to show up at any event that has to do with free malt liquor, hot dogs, and art based on video games.
The good news is that on my way back to my car, I passed the gallery again, and everyone was outside-turns out some genius sprayed the fire extinguisher, and everyone inside had to move it on out.
Looks like we had the better night after all!
Friday, August 1, 2008
The Disner Awards, Part 2b
Miscellaneous Costumes, continued! (And I'm not sure, but I have a feeling I saved the best for last...)
Commendation for "Most annoying thing to walk around the con floor while dressed as":
And truth be told, I saw this guy the next say, and his left hand was a hammer. He made various attachments! ATTACHMENTS!! (No sign of Woozy Winks, though.)
And truth be told, I saw this guy the next say, and his left hand was a hammer. He made various attachments! ATTACHMENTS!! (No sign of Woozy Winks, though.) The "Comic-Con cliche'" Award:
Seriously, no Con is complete without a Goku. I can't believe I went 3 days before seeing this guy!
The "Oh, I get it-that's a pun!" Award:
In case you don't know what Pocky are, click here. Also note, that he was wearing a giant Pocky box on his back, that I failed to photograph. In case you're wondering, that lunchpail was full of sporks. He made me take one.
The "What's sad is this isn't the first time this has been done" Award:
Smart money says there's a reason his friend list didn't make it into the costume...
The "I can't believe I saw you here last year" Award:
Points for improving the sign? I wonder how much money he would have made if he charged for the high-fives instead...
The "Is that really a SPIKED CODPIECE?!?" Award:
Answer: Yes. Yes it is.
The "Nothing's creepier than a grown man wearing a homemade Pikachu costume" Award:
Actually, maybe if he was holding a sign that said "Free Candy"...
The "Don't worry, I won't tell anyone else in your Star Wars Reenactment Guild where I saw you sneaking off to" Award:
I hope he and his poke balls never find out where I live...
And finally, the Honorable Mention for "If I were the "dressing up for cons" kind of gal, I'd totally wear the crap out of this:
Seriously.
Stay tuned for the General Convention Awards!
Monday, July 28, 2008
Disner Awards, Part 2a
Miscellaneous Costumes Division! (Or, well, half of it. I've got tons of stuff here, people!)
This guy is my all-time favorite. (All it takes is some masking tape and a dream, people!)
The "OH MY GOD IT'S EATING HER LEGS!!!1" Award:
(In the words of my friend Shawn, "I can't decide if I like it, or REALLY like it".)
Award for "Not having ANYTHING to do with comic books, or, well, just about anything":
Seriously, an In 'n Out Burger guy? Who thinks of this stuff?
Meritorious Achievement in "Lack of Costume Planning":
After I took this guy's picture, I asked him what booth he bought the Kirby in, and he replied "Oh no, I made this!" HE MADE IT. He literally sat at home, slaved over the sewing machine, and thought to himself "Man, this is a great idea-I'm going to have so much fun holding this gigantic Kirby doll over my head through huge crowds for hours at a time. I can't wait!". Try to wrap your minds around that fact.
You know the deal, let's jump in:
The "I thought my costume was AWESOME until I saw this guy-"
...Award:
Bonus points for actually channeling another Star Wars entity, the Ewoks!
The "I finally figured out what to do with all of those worthless pieces of paper everyone keeps shoving in my face" Award:
This guy is my all-time favorite. (All it takes is some masking tape and a dream, people!)The "OH MY GOD IT'S EATING HER LEGS!!!1" Award:
(In the words of my friend Shawn, "I can't decide if I like it, or REALLY like it".)Award for "Not having ANYTHING to do with comic books, or, well, just about anything":
Seriously, an In 'n Out Burger guy? Who thinks of this stuff?Meritorious Achievement in "Lack of Costume Planning":
After I took this guy's picture, I asked him what booth he bought the Kirby in, and he replied "Oh no, I made this!" HE MADE IT. He literally sat at home, slaved over the sewing machine, and thought to himself "Man, this is a great idea-I'm going to have so much fun holding this gigantic Kirby doll over my head through huge crowds for hours at a time. I can't wait!". Try to wrap your minds around that fact.I've got too many more to just throw in this post, so check back again tomorrow for more!
The First Annual Disner Awards! (Part 1)
Phew, Comic-Con this year was a BEAST. But now that it's over, we've got some free time to, you know, reflect. After flipping through the pictures I've taken so far, I've decided it's best to award my own prizes for exemplary performance. And what better way to do that than rip off the title from the famous comic industry awards? Here's part one, the Joker division:
1) The "They Really should Start Checking People for Weapons" Award:
Seriously, this is a real switchblade knife. WTF?
The Award for "Actually Creepy in Real Life":
(Just taking this guy's picture was seriously creeping me out. He kept licking his lips and rocking back and forth on his heels. Way to commit, really!)
Conversely, the "You are WAYYYY too happy to be playing this character" Award:
He looks like he brought that crowbar as a gift to my birthday party!
The "I had no idea Joker wore glasses" category:
Comic-Con: Not letting physical impairments get in the way of your costume dreams since 1978.
The "Parents should really research what they're letting their 8 year olds dress up as before allowing it" Award:
(As I took this picture, he hissed: "Why so serious?")
The "You're not fooling anyone, we all know that's a pom pom on top of your head" Award Winner:
Bonus points are awarded for the use of his sister's lipstick, too.
Sexiest Adaptation:
I'd do her.
"The Best Overheard Pissing Contest" Award:
Joker on Right: "Where'd you get your jacket?"
Joker on Left: "Ebay."
JR: "Oh, I made mine. It took forever."
JL: "Cool. Is the red for your smile facepaint, too? It looks kind of light compared to mine..."
JR: "Oh, it's lipstick."
JL: "Oh."
::awkward silence::
And finally, the Award for "Excellence in being completely oblivious to the background tongue action going on just feet behind you" goes to:
Disco Joker!
Thanks for reading this installment, guys. Next post: The Miscellaneous Costumes division!
1) The "They Really should Start Checking People for Weapons" Award:
Seriously, this is a real switchblade knife. WTF?The Award for "Actually Creepy in Real Life":
(Just taking this guy's picture was seriously creeping me out. He kept licking his lips and rocking back and forth on his heels. Way to commit, really!)Conversely, the "You are WAYYYY too happy to be playing this character" Award:
He looks like he brought that crowbar as a gift to my birthday party!The "I had no idea Joker wore glasses" category:
Comic-Con: Not letting physical impairments get in the way of your costume dreams since 1978.The "Parents should really research what they're letting their 8 year olds dress up as before allowing it" Award:
(As I took this picture, he hissed: "Why so serious?")The "You're not fooling anyone, we all know that's a pom pom on top of your head" Award Winner:
Bonus points are awarded for the use of his sister's lipstick, too.Sexiest Adaptation:
I'd do her."The Best Overheard Pissing Contest" Award:
Joker on Right: "Where'd you get your jacket?"Joker on Left: "Ebay."
JR: "Oh, I made mine. It took forever."
JL: "Cool. Is the red for your smile facepaint, too? It looks kind of light compared to mine..."
JR: "Oh, it's lipstick."
JL: "Oh."
::awkward silence::
And finally, the Award for "Excellence in being completely oblivious to the background tongue action going on just feet behind you" goes to:
Disco Joker!
Thanks for reading this installment, guys. Next post: The Miscellaneous Costumes division!
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Quick Sunday Morning Update
So, we miscalculated this morning and arrived before the doors opened. This was a mistake, considering they checked our passes, ushered us through the doors, up some stairs, through the registration and ballroom areas, then back downstairs, and outside again where we started. (Did someone say clusterfuck?)
Then we waited for the doors to open, were one of the first people let in, and ALREADY there were lines closed for things because too many people were there.
This marks the third day that I've been shut out from getting a Watchmen t-shirt. Oh well, it would have been too big anyway.
Then I had nothing else to do and couldn't bear being on the convention floor a second longer, so I headed upstairs (an hour early!) for the It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia panel. I'm not exactly sure what this (or most any of the other panels, actually) have to do with comic books, but watching a new episode before the season premieres is a nice way to kill an hour until Shawn is finished shmoozing and we can get out of here for good.
Unfortunately, I apparently wasn't the only one with this idea. Right now it's 9:53 and the BALLROOM with a capacity of Idon'tknowwhat, is already two-thirds full. This year was a beast, and honestly I'm not sure if that's good or bad for comics.
But either way, I'm off to twiddle my thumbs for the next half an hour. Talk to you soon!
Then we waited for the doors to open, were one of the first people let in, and ALREADY there were lines closed for things because too many people were there.
This marks the third day that I've been shut out from getting a Watchmen t-shirt. Oh well, it would have been too big anyway.
Then I had nothing else to do and couldn't bear being on the convention floor a second longer, so I headed upstairs (an hour early!) for the It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia panel. I'm not exactly sure what this (or most any of the other panels, actually) have to do with comic books, but watching a new episode before the season premieres is a nice way to kill an hour until Shawn is finished shmoozing and we can get out of here for good.
Unfortunately, I apparently wasn't the only one with this idea. Right now it's 9:53 and the BALLROOM with a capacity of Idon'tknowwhat, is already two-thirds full. This year was a beast, and honestly I'm not sure if that's good or bad for comics.
But either way, I'm off to twiddle my thumbs for the next half an hour. Talk to you soon!
Saturday, July 26, 2008
DISPATCHES FROM THE CON
I'm irresponsible, I know. I've been in San Diego since Thursday, and I have not updated any of you on the goings-on. There's so much to say, I don't even know where to start. First off, I gotta let you know that I have roughly 4534536 pictures, but I'm too lazy to even try to edit and upload any of them right now. Maybe tomorrow? I'll try and do my best to whet your appetites with the following:
-I have never seen so many people in all my life. For that matter, I have never seen so many people trying to shove free meaningless pieces of paper in my hand. I have been told about more upcoming projects, movies, TV shows, high school graduatons, and coming out parties than have ever existed in the world. I never thought I'd say this, but I'm SICK OF ALL THE FREE STUFF!
-A word of advice to all future con-goers. No matter how comfortable you think they may be, do not wear flip flops to a con. You WILL get blisters between your toes. I never thought this was possible, but believe me, it is.
-This place is rife with the "celebrity" sightings. So far I've seen Judd Apatow and Leslie Mann, Jamie Pressly, Inconsiderate Cell Phone Man, Scott Ian of Anthrax, Method Man, and THOUSANDS of half-naked chicks.
-Highlight of the day: Waiting in line to get Everybody's Dead signed by Brian Lynch (more on these guys later), I overhear this AWESOME exchange:
Brian: So, did you read the book?
Fan #1: No, not yet.
B: Nobody's read the book!
F1: I just bought it! ...but I can't wait to read it!
B: Ok, well here you go. ::hands back signed copies:: hope you enjoy it!
::Fan #2 walks up::
Brian: So, did you read the book?
Fan #2: Yes!
Brian: Oh, cool-did you like it?
F2: ...No...
B: Oh.
::beat::
B: So why am I signing this?
F2: Ebay?
I've never seen anything like it. I also thought it was kind of balls that Brian still signed the comics for the guy, and not even with a dedication. If that was me, I swear I either would have refused to sign it, or signed with a fake name, or even just have written some sort of something on it that would have hurt the resale value. Maybe "the owner of this book has herpes", or something of the like. I guess that means Brian's just the bigger man.
I have so much more to write about than this, there's pages filled with notes of things I want to tell you guys, but I'm just so fricking spent. (And yes, it's only 9:30. Sue me.)
More updates soon!
-I have never seen so many people in all my life. For that matter, I have never seen so many people trying to shove free meaningless pieces of paper in my hand. I have been told about more upcoming projects, movies, TV shows, high school graduatons, and coming out parties than have ever existed in the world. I never thought I'd say this, but I'm SICK OF ALL THE FREE STUFF!
-A word of advice to all future con-goers. No matter how comfortable you think they may be, do not wear flip flops to a con. You WILL get blisters between your toes. I never thought this was possible, but believe me, it is.
-This place is rife with the "celebrity" sightings. So far I've seen Judd Apatow and Leslie Mann, Jamie Pressly, Inconsiderate Cell Phone Man, Scott Ian of Anthrax, Method Man, and THOUSANDS of half-naked chicks.
-Highlight of the day: Waiting in line to get Everybody's Dead signed by Brian Lynch (more on these guys later), I overhear this AWESOME exchange:
Brian: So, did you read the book?
Fan #1: No, not yet.
B: Nobody's read the book!
F1: I just bought it! ...but I can't wait to read it!
B: Ok, well here you go. ::hands back signed copies:: hope you enjoy it!
::Fan #2 walks up::
Brian: So, did you read the book?
Fan #2: Yes!
Brian: Oh, cool-did you like it?
F2: ...No...
B: Oh.
::beat::
B: So why am I signing this?
F2: Ebay?
I've never seen anything like it. I also thought it was kind of balls that Brian still signed the comics for the guy, and not even with a dedication. If that was me, I swear I either would have refused to sign it, or signed with a fake name, or even just have written some sort of something on it that would have hurt the resale value. Maybe "the owner of this book has herpes", or something of the like. I guess that means Brian's just the bigger man.
I have so much more to write about than this, there's pages filled with notes of things I want to tell you guys, but I'm just so fricking spent. (And yes, it's only 9:30. Sue me.)
More updates soon!
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