Collecting Archives

Posted at 8:30 a.m. - Monday, April 27

Last November I told all you Geeks and Nerds out there about the Profiles in History Memorabilia Auction where they had some super-cool items like Luke Skywalker's 'hero lightsaber' and Christian Bale's mask from Batman Begins. Now, Profiles in History has another auction coming up this week, featuring some of the most sought-after film props ever!  What really caught my eye - even more than the Ray Park/Darth Maul double-bladed lightsaber from Episode One - was the 'hero blaster' from the seminal sci-fi classic film BLADE RUNNER.  Here's a sampling of some of the items that will be available in the auction which will be held on Thursday, April 30 and Friday May 1.  You can visit PROFILES IN HISTORY for more details and LIVE AUCTIONEERS to sign up for the auction:

This baby survived the brutal shoots that reportedly destroyed several 'stunt sabers' in filming the hyper-kinetic lightsaber duels in Episode One.  Can you feel the Dark Side of the Force surrounding it?

[Ray Park "Darth Maul" fighting lightsaber from Star Wars: Episode 1 - The Phantom Menace ($40,000-$60,000) - photo courtesy Profiles in History]

The Holy Grail of sci-fi movie props!  The '2019 Detective Special' has numerous web sites devoted to it, explaining its origins and unique double-trigger design.  Here, for the first time ever, you can buy the original prop from the film.

[Harrison Ford "Rick Deckard" hero blaster from Blade Runner ($100,000-$150,000) - photo courtesy Profiles in History]

Oh yeah, Harrison looked really stylin' in this suit when he first met Sean Young in BLADE RUNNER.  Think I could pull this one off and wear it on a night clubbin' with the cool folks?

[Harrison Ford's "Rick Deckard" "Voight Kampff" costume ($30,000-$50,000) - photo courtesy Profiles in History]

'GET YOUR DAMN HANDS OFF ME YOU FILTHY APE!'  Oh yeah, this outfit is classic and those boots are rockin'!

[Charlton Heston's "Colonel George Taylor" costume and display from Planet of the Apes ($40,000-$60,000) - photo courtesy Profiles in History]

Again, visit PROFILES IN HISTORY for more information and LIVE AUCTIONEERS to sign up for the auction!

Posted at 11:20 a.m. - Saturday, April 25

Free Comic Book Day is just a week away and there are going to be plenty of fun events at comic shops all over the city for comic-book geeks of all ages.  Here are a select few:

• Independent Comic Book Creator Jeff Zwirek (Burning Building Comix) and Writer Elliott Serrano (Army of Darkness: Montezuma's Revenge) will be appearing at the Roselle Public Library. There will be workshops on writing and drawing comics along with give-aways and drawings for some cool comic swag!  Click HERE to register!
  
  
• Tom Stillwell, comic book creator and founder of Spinner Rack Comics will be at The Comic Vault signing copies of his book Honor Brigade #1 from 11am - 3pm.

In addition, Jeff Balke, artist and good friend of Geek To Me has TWO events that he'll be a part of and was kind enough to share some virtual-flyers:

So be sure to patronize your local comic shop and join in on the fun!

Posted at 10:35 a.m. - Sunday, March 1

Courtesy of Newsarama comes this variant cover to Savage Dragon #145:

The book debuted at Wondercon as part of an Image Comics presentation.

Now, if you're wondering if our President is actually gonna lay the smackdown on the world's most infamous dialysis patient in this issue, uh...no.  This is a variant cover SD #145 where the Dragon returns to the Chicago Police Department, as previewed in a previous entry.

So what's next?  Captain America in Afghanistan?  I mean, he did take on Hitler in WW2 and we appear to be over this reticence to show Bin Laden in comics, so what's the hold up?

Comments?

Posted at 9:00 a.m. - Monday, February 23

Courtesy of my friends at Dreamland Comics in Schaumburg, IL comes this week's new releases!  Of note: Marvel's adaptation of the Ender Wiggin Saga continues in Enders Shadow Battle School #3; Wildstorm's top-selling comic for gamers hits the stands with World of Warcraft: Ashbringer #4; The Dragon is back in blue and Barack Obama makes his long-awaited appearance in the Image Universe in Savage Dragon #145; and much, much more! Visit your local comic shop and check out one of these titles this week!

MARVEL
Avengers The Initiative #22
Captain America #47
Dark Avengers #1 (2nd Printing)
Dark Reign Files
Dark Tower Treachery #6
Doctor Doom and the Masters of Evil #2
Enders Shadow Battle School #3
Fantastic Four #564
Ghost Rider Danny Ketch #5
Hulk #10
Incredible Hercules #126
Kick Ass #1 Umpteenth Printing
Kick-Ass #2 Umpteenth Printing
Kick-Ass #3 Umpteenth Printing
Kick-Ass #4 Umpteenth Printing
Lords of Avalon Knights of Darkness #4
Marvels Eye of the Camera #4
Marvels Eye of the Camera #4 Black & White
Mighty Avengers #22
Ms. Marvel #36
New Avengers #50
Nova #22
Runaways 3 #7
Scourge of the Gods #2
She-Hulk #38
Skaar Son of Hulk #8
Thunderbolts #129
Ultimate Spider-Man #131
War Machine #3
Wolverine First Class #12
Wolverine Origins #33
Wonderful Wizard of Oz #2 (2nd Printing)
X-Force #12
YTHAQ The Forsaken World #3

DC
Batman Gotham After Midnight #10
Blue Beetle #36
Green Lantern #38
Justice Society of America #24
Reign In Hell #8
Sgt Rock the Lost Battalion #4
Superman #685
Teen Titans #68
Trinity #39
War That Time Forgot #10
Wonder Woman #29

DC/VERTIGO
Jack of Fables #31
Madame Xanadu #8
Unknown Soldier #5

DC/WILDSTORM
Push #6
Resistance #3
Wildcats Worlds End #8
World of Warcraft: Ashbringer #4

OTHER PUBLISHERS
Angel #18 
Angel Smile Time #2
Astounding Wolf-Man #13
Cavewoman Prehistoric Pin-Ups #6
Conan the Cimmerian #8
Criminal Macabre Cell Block 666 #3
Cthulhu Tales #12
Doctor Who Whispering Gallery
Dynamo 5 #20
Elephantmen #16
Eureka #2
Fear Agent #26
Garth Ennis Battlefields Dear Billy #2
Ghost Whisperer The Muse #3
GI Joe Origins #1
Gigantic #3
Hack Slash The Series #20
Knights of the Dinner Table #148
Mister X: Condemned #3
Mouse Guard Winter 1152 #5
Ninja High School #167
Proof #17
Savage Dragon #145
Savage Dragon #145 (Obama Cover)
Spawn #189
Spawn #189 (McFarlane Incentive) $29.99
Star Trek Countdown #2
Star Trek The Last Generation #4
Star Wars Legacy #33
Street Fighter II Turbo #4
Sword #15
Terminator Revolution #3
Transformers Maximum Dinobots #3
Transformers Revenge of the Fallen Movie Prequel Alliance #3
Umbrella Academy Dallas #4
Usagi Yojimbo #118
Warhammer 40k Defenders of Ultramar #3
Wasteland #24
Whatmen
Youngblood #8
Zombie Tales #11

ALL-AGES
Archie #594
Bart Simpson Comics #46
Batman Brave and the Bold #2
Marvel Adventures Fantastic Four #45
Pals N Gals Double Digest #129
Sonic Universe #1
Tales from Riverdale Digest #32

MAGAZINES
Doctor Who Magazine #405
Previews #3
Wizard the Guide to Comics #210

GRAPHIC NOVELS
Alan Moore The Courtyard Color Ed.
Atomic Robo Vol 2
Beanworld Wahoolazuma Vol 1 HC
Captain America Death Of Captain America Vol 3
Complete Terry & The Pirates HC Vol 6
Dan Dare Omnibus Vol 1 US Ed.
Eerie Archives Vol 1 HC
Fall of Cthulhu Godwar
Hank Ketcham's Dennis the Menace 1959-60
High Rollers
Marvel Illustrated Treasure Island
MMW Atlas Era Strange Tales Vol 2
MMW Mighty Thor Vol 8
Phantom Detective Aug 1938
Secret Invasion Black Panther
Secret Invasion Runaways Young Avengers
Showcase Presents Superman Family Vol 3
Skrulls Vs Power Pack
Starman Omnibus Vol 2 HC
Superman Camelot Falls Vol 2
Tales of the Green Lantern Corps Vol 1
Transformers All Hail Megatron
Warhammer Blood of the Empire Omnibus

MANGA
MPD Psycho Vol 8
Pure Heart Vol 1

Posted at 8:30 a.m. - Wednesday, February 11

When I heard that they were coming out with a new line of toys based on the upcoming Star Trek film by J.J. Abrams, I knew that I had to find out more about them and perhaps get a look at them.  Well, not only did I manage that, I was able to talk to toy expert and magazine publisher Gareb Shamus of Toy Wishes and Toy Fare magazine.  Comic book geeks also know Gareb as the publisher of Wizard Magazine, the Entertainment Weekly of comic fanboys and girls.  Gareb and I spoke by phone where he told me what he thinks about the new Star Trek toy line; what his favorite collectible in his collection is; and what his advice is for toy geeks who can't get their significant others to indulge their hobby:

RED EYE: You’ve seen the new Star Trek toys, what do you think of them?

Gareb Shamus: I think they’re great.  I think they really bring you back to the days Playmates was making them the first time around.  And Playmates was really the company that got the likenesses right, really, really well back in the day.  It was great that they were the ones to get the license back, because they were the company that got people to collect the Star Trek figures the first time around.  And because they were the first ones who did that, y’know it really gives you continuity to your collection.

REDEYE: The fans who collected Star Trek figures back in the day - and still do today - are now in their 40s and so on.  What do you think there is about this line that will get today’s younger audiences - lets say ten-year olds - to start collecting as well?

GS: Well, there’s a couple things.  First, they had a brilliant choice in (film director) J.J. Abrams for the movie.  Here’s a guy that’s been extraordinarily successful in creating very contemporary franchises that have gotten people very excited.  Things like ALIAS, LOST and now FRINGE.  So here’s a guy who’s very, very accomplished in appealing to today’s youth, people that are on the cutting edge of what’s cool.  What he’s been able to do now, what he’ll be able to do with this movie, is not only appeal to the people that were the core STAR TREK fans to begin with, but he’ll be able to appeal to the contemporary fans- or future fans - now.  And what this is gonna do is its going to give an opportunity for the people that did like the original STAR TREK, whether it was the TV shows or the movies, to now bring their kids and get them interested in the franchise.

REDEYE: The toys these days make me kind of jealous.  I wished they had some of this stuff when I was a kid.  Is there anything in this line that evokes the same feeling in you?

GS: It’s always the case, where the new toys come out and you wish you were a kid.  Now, fortunately I get to be a kid forever, so I am like Tom Hanks in the movie BIG where I always get the new toys. So, fortunately I am that kid that gets to play with all the new stuff.  But yeah, the level of sophistication, whether it’s the detail or the electronics or anything associated with toys today, have gone so far from where they were when (we adults) were kids.  But that’s one of the things that gonna get kids into a franchise that’s arguably decades old.  And that’s what’s gonna be appealing to it, the ability to create contemporary products on a franchise that has existed for a long time.

It think in order for a franchise to be successful today, even the new ones have to have a history to them. Even when Pokemon came out here in the States, it had years of history in Japan. And I think what’s gonna happen in this particular case is because STAR TREK has such a strong and vibrant history, that when the newer generation gets interested in it, there’s so much depth to the product, there’s so much depth to the characters and the story, it’s gonna keep a kid hooked for a long time.

REDEYE: What are some of your favorite things in the new line?

GS:  Of course it’s obviously the Phasers, the Communicators, also I like the new replica Enterprise. It’s really cool.  I like the bridge part, how the figures fit into that.  I like the Transporter Room.  And of course the new Kirk, Spock and Dr. McCoy – Bones – all the core product that you grew up on.



REDEYE: I had the original Enterprise Bridge play set with the Transporter Room as a kid.  I’ve seen the photos of the new one and it makes me jealous!

 

GS: It definitely makes you want them all for sure!

REDYE: (laughs) Certainly. Out of all the things you have in your collection, what is one of your favorites?

GS: Not STAR TREK related?

REDEYE: Anything.

GS: I collect original comic art.  I’m a comic art collector.  My toy collection kind of melded into my office collection. Now, I actually have some cool STAR WARS stuff.  I’m also a big STAR WARS fan and I have this voice changing Clone Trooper helmet, it’s very cool.  And, I have a lot of the action figures as well.  I’m a bit partial to the action figures.

And also, from my comic art collection, the new WATCHMEN movie is coming out and I happen to own all twelve covers that were used to make the original comics.

REDEYE: Oh WOW!

GS: Yeah, that’s a pretty incredible piece, the WATCHMEN movie is based on this twelve issue series that came out over twenty-five years ago, so I own all the original covers to that.

REDEYE: I have all the original singles.  I collected it when it first came out too.  Do you consider yourself a geek or a nerd?

GS: Definitely geek.

REDEYE: And how would you define that?

GS: I’m the King of All Geeks!

REDEYE: (laughs)

GS: Because we (Wizard Publishing) do all the leading magazines, we do all the conventions and we have the leading web site on all this.  We get everything.  I joke that my office is like Noah’s Ark, we get two of everything.

REDEYE: (Laughs) Ok, any relationship advice for guys who are trying to get their wives and girlfriends to let them collect toys?

GS: Um, yes.  What I always say is they can have the whole house; all you want is one room for you.  One dedicated to your stuff and they never have to go in there; never have to clean it up; it’s just yours.  And if you ask for one thing, it’s hard to say no.

Posted at 9:15 p.m. - Monday, January 26

Courtesy of my friends at Dreamland Comics in Schaumburg, IL comes this week's new releases!  Of note this week: fans who missed out on the Obama/Spider-Man comic book (Amazing Spider-Man #583) get another chance as Marvel releases a 3rd printing of the best-selling issue; DC's 'Final Crisis' comes to its long-awaited conclusion in Final Crisis #7;  Moonstone Comics' classic Captain Action series continues in Captain Action #2; and much, much more!

Visit your local comic shop and check out one of these titles this week!

MARVEL
Amazing Spider-Man #583 (Obama Cover 3rd Printing)
Amazing Spider-Man Extra #2
Avengers The Initiative #21 (DKR)
Captain America #46
Daredevil #115
Dark Tower Treachery #5
Enders Shadow Battle School #2
Fantastic Four #563
Ghost Rider Danny Ketch #4
Incredible Hercules #125
Marvels Eye of the Camera #3
Ms. Marvel #35 (DKR)
New Avengers #49 (DKR)
Nova #21
Punisher War Zone #6
Runaways 3 #6
Scourge of the Gods #1
She-Hulk #37
Skaar Son Of Hulk #7
The Stand: Captain Trips #5
Ultimate Spider-Man #130 (Ultimatum)
Wolverine First Class #11
X-Force #11
X-Men Worlds Apart #4
Young X-Men #10

DC (FoE: Faces of Evil tie-in)
Batman #685 (FoE)
Batman Gotham After Midnight #9
Blue Beetle #35
Faces of Evil Kobra #1 (FoE)
Final Crisis #7
Final Crisis Revelations #5
Justice Society of America #23 (FoE)
Legion Of Super-Heroes #50
Reign In Hell #7
Superman #684 (FoE)
Teen Titans #67 (FoE)
Trinity #35
War That Time Forgot #9
Wonder Woman #28

DC/VERTIGO
Greatest Hits #5
Jack of Fables #30
Northlanders #14
Unknown Soldier #4

DC/WILDSTORM
Ferryman #5
Fringe #2
Push #5
Resistance #2
Wildcats Worlds End #7

OTHER PUBLISHERS
Aspen Showcase Ember #1
Astounding Wolf-Man #12
Buckaroo Banzai Big Size #1
Captain Action #2
Captain Action Comics #2 (Sparacio Inverse Variant)
City of Dust #4
Dead Ahead #2
Galveston #3
Garth Ennis Battlefields Dear Billy #1
Glamourpuss #5
Hero Squared Love & Death #1
Mister X Condemned #2
Proof #16
Savage #4
Savage Dragon #144
Sheena Dark Rising #3
Star Wars Legacy #32
Terminator Revolution #1
Umbrella Academy Dallas #3
Usagi Yojimbo #117
Zombie Tales #10


ALL AGES
Archie #593
Batman Brave and the Bold #1
Betty & Veronica Digest #191
Cartoon Network Block Party #53
Jughead Double Digest #147
Marvel Adventures Fantastic Four #44
Simpsons Classics #19

MAGAZINES
Previews Feb 2009
Scrye #130
Sketch Magazine #38
Wizard the Guide to Comics #209

GRAPHIC NOVELS
Batman The Man Who Laughs SC
Criminal Vol 4 Bad Night
Green Arrow Black Canary Family Business
DC Library Superman Kryptonite Nevermore HC
Heathentown
Huntress Year One
Journey Vol 2
Marvel 1985 Prem HC
MMW Golden Age Captain America HC Vol. 2
New Avengers Vol 3 Secrets And Lies Prem HC
Phantom Detective Sep 1934
Secret Invasion Fantastic Four
Showcase Presents House of Mystery Vol 3
Spirit Vol 3
Star Trek Archives Vol 3 The Gary Seven Collection
Star Wars Vector Vol 1
Transhuman Vol 1
Ultimate Spider-Man Vol 21 War Of The Symbiotes
Ultimatum March On Ultimatum Prem HC
Weird Detective Adv of Wade Hammond Vol 3
X-Men Original Sin HC

MANGA
Battle Vixens Vol 14
Berserk Vol 27
.hack||GU+ Novel Vol 1
Fire Investigator Nanase Vol 1
Ghost Slayers Ayashi Vol 2
GTO Early Years Vol 10
Inu Yasha Vol 36
King of Hell Vol 22
Rave Master Vol 32
Rebirth Vol 22
Rose Hip Rose Vol 4
Tokko Vol 3
Tsubasa Vol 20

Posted at 9:45 p.m. - Friday, January 23

Saw this on the 'net, courtesy of Boing Boing :

Yes, it's a BARACK OBAMA CHIA PET!

I thought I'd seen it all when they created Obama condoms, but this just takes the proverbial cake.

So I have to ask:  Who, out there in America, wants to have a bust of our first African-American President growing herbs on his scalp?

I mean, really?

Well, if you've just gotta have one, you can order it online on the Chia web site.

And if you DO order one, I'd love it if you could take pictures of it in the most interesting places you can think of and upload the photo to the Mr. Geek Gallery!

Comments, comments, comments please!

Posted at 9:15 p.m. - Wednesday, January 21

In advance of the new Star Trek feature film by JJ Abrams, the folks of CBS Consumer Products are promoting a new line of Trek Barbie figures:

Now I know there are collectors out there who scarf up everything Trek, but is there really a market for Barbie dolls?  Oh, I'll fess up to having a 12" Luke Skywalker with a Tauntaun and Wampa, but it's not a BARBIE DOLL.

Are we going to have a new generation of female Trekkies growing up in the future?

Would you have this Captain Ken on your shelf alongside your 12" Obi-Wan Kenobi?

Comments below!

Posted at 9:05 p.m. - Monday, January 19

Courtesy of my friends at Dreamland Comics in Schaumburg, IL comes this week's new releases!  Of note this week: the Dark Reign continues in the Marvel Universe with Dark Avengers #1; Brian Azzarello's Eisner-winning title reaches the home stretch in 100 Bullets #99; and much, much more!

Visit your local comic shop and check out one of these titles this week!

MARVEL
Amazing Spider-Man #583 (Second Print)
Amazing Spider-Man #584
Astonishing X-Men #28
Captain America: Theater of War America the Beautiful
Dark Avengers #1
Dark Avengers #1 Blank Cover Edition
Dr. Doom and the Masters of Evil #1
Ghost Rider #31
Guardians of the Galaxy #9
Mighty Avengers #21
Moon Knight #26
New Exiles #17
Punisher Max #66
Ruins #1
Spider-Man Noir #2
Squadron Supreme 2 #7
Thunderbolts #128
Uncanny X-Men Annual #2
War Machine #2
Weapon X First Class #3
Wolverine Origins #32
X-Factor #39
X-Men Kingbreaker #2
X-Men Legacy #220
X-Men Manifest Destiny #5
Young X-Men #10
YTHAQ  The Forsaken World #2

DC
Birds of Prey #126
Black Lightning Year One #2
Brave and the Bold #21
Faces of Evil Deathstroke #1
Final Crisis Superman Beyond #2
Green Lantern #37
Justice League of America #29
Mysterius: The Unfathomable #1
Robin #182
Supergirl #37
Superman Batman Annual #3
Tangent: Supermans Reign #11
The Spirit #25
Trinity #34
Vigilante #2

DC/VERTIGO
100 Bullets #99
Air #6
Hellblazer #251

DC/WILDSTORM
Stormwatch PHD #18
World of Warcraft #15
X-Files #3

OTHER PUBLISHERS
1001 Arabian Nights Adventures of Sinbad #7
3 Geeks Slab Madness #1
Angel After the Fall #16
Army of Darkness #16
Battlestar Galactica Cylon War #1
Conan the Cimmerian #7
Dark Delicacies #1
Darkness #74
Doctor Who Forgotten #6
Epilogue #4
Fallen Angel #33
Fathom #5
Frank Frazettas Moon Maid #1 
Garth Ennis Battlefields Night Witches #3
Grimm Fairy Tales Giant-Size #1
Hack Slash The Series #19
Highlander Origins Kurgan #1
Knights of the Dinner Table #147
Lone Ranger and Tonto #2
New Battlestar Galactica Ghosts #4
Spawn #188
Star Trek Countdown #1
Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic #37
Street Fighter Legends Chun Li #1
Tales From the Crypt #10
Tales of the TMNT #54
Transformers Revenge of the Fallen Movie Prequel Defiance
Zero G #4

ALL-AGES
Betty & Veronica Spectacular #87
Jughead #193
Jughead & Friends Digest #31
Marvel Adventures Avengers #32
Pals and Gals Double Digest #128
Scooby Doo #140
Simpsons Comics #150
Tiny Titans #12

MAGAZINES
Back Issue #32
G-Fan #86
Heroes Magazines #8
Star Wars Insider #106
Supernatural Magazine #8
Tomarts Action Figure Digest #174
Wizard Anime Insider #65

GRAPHIC NOVELS
Archie New Look Series Vol 2 Jughead The Matchmaker
Batman The Strange Deaths Of Batman
Buffy the Vampire Omnibus Vol 6
Fantastic Four Visionaries John Byrne Vol 9
Flash Emergency Stop
Harley Quinn Preludes and Knock Knock Jokes
Immortal Iron Fist Vol 3 The Book Of Iron Fist
Iron Man Director of S.H.I.E.L.D Iron Hands
Justice League Of America Lightning Saga
Justice League Of America Sanctuary HC
Mighty Avengers Vol 4 Secret Invasion Book 2 HC
MMW Daredevil Vol 5 HC
Powers Definitive Collection Vol 2 HC
Secret Invasion Captain Marvel
Secret Invasion Home Invasion
Secret Invasion War Machine
Shadowpact The Burning Age
Spider-Man Prem HC New Ways To Die
Superman Shadows Linger
Tokyo Days Bangkok Nights
Warhammer Only War Omnibus
Wolverine First Class Vol. 2 To Russia With Love

MANGA
Case Closed Vol 27
Gantz Vol 3
Gon Vol 7
Megami Dec 2008
Path of the Assassin Vol 14
Real Vol 3
Shojo Beat Feb 2009
Tezukas Black Jack Vol 3

Posted at 7:45 p.m. - Tuesday, January 13

Courtesy of my friends at Dreamland Comics in Schaumburg, IL comes this week's new releases!  Of note this week: DC's Final Crisis #6 finally makes its way into comic shops (with the last issue - #7 - reportedly 2 weeks away); Spider-Man saves President Obama in Amazing Spider-Man #583; and much, much more!

Visit your local comic shop and check out one of these titles this week!

MARVEL
Adam Legend of the Blue Marvel #3
Amazing Spider-Girl #28
Amazing Spider-Man #583
Anita Blake Vampire Hunter: Laughing Corpse #4
Big Hero 6 #5
Captain Britain and MI: 13 #9
Civil War House of M #5
Deadpool #6
Lords of Avalon Knights of Darkness #3
Marvel Illustrated The Odyssey #5
Nova Origin of Richard Rider
Punisher War Zone #5
Spider-Man Brand New Day #4
Wonderful Wizard of Oz #2
X-Infernus #1 (2nd Printing)
X-Infernus #2
X-Men Spider-Man #3

DC
Action #873 (FoE)
Batman Confidential #25
Booster Gold #16 (FoE)
Faces of Evil Prometheus #1 (FoE)
Final Crisis #6 
Green Arrow Black Canary #16 (FoE)
Green Lantern Corps #32 (FoE)
Manhunter #38
Nightwing #152 (FoE)
Simon Dark #16
Titans #9 (FoE)
Trinity #33

DC/VERTIGO
Army@Love Art of War #6
DMZ #38
Fables #80
Young Liars #11

DC/WILDSTORM
Gen 13 #26
Push #4
Resistance #1

OTHER PUBLISHERS
Angel After the Fall Cover Gallery
Battlestar Galactica Cylon War #1 
BPRD The Black Goddess #1
Cleaners #2
Death-Defying Devil #2
Doctor Who Classics Series 2 #2
Dreamer #3
Dreamland Chronicles IDW #6
Elephantmen #15
Ghost Whisperer The Muse #2
Ghostbusters the Other Side #4
GI Joe #1
Gravel #8
I Hate Gallant Girl #3
I Kill Giants #7
Invincible #58
Locke & Key Head Games #1
Perhapanauts #5
Phantom Annual #2
Solomon Kane #4
Soulfire Shadow Magic #2
Star Trek The Last Generation #3
Terminator Salvation Movie Prequel #1
Transformers Revenge of the Fallen Movie Prequel Defiance #2
Wasteland #23
Witchblade #123

ALL-AGES
Archie & Friends #127
Archie Double Digest #195
Marvel Adventures Spider-Man #47
Marvel Adventures Super Heroes #7
Sonic the Hedgehog #196
Super Friends #11

MAGAZINES
Alter Ego #83
Rough Stuff #11
Toyfare #139

GRAPHIC NOVELS
Anita Blake Vampire Hunter First Death Vol 1
Annihilation Conquest Book 2
Bone Color Ed Vol 9 Crown Of Horns
Daredevil Born Again Prem HC
Daredevil Born Again Prem (DM Variant)
Doc Savage Double Novel Vol 23
Eclipso Music Of The Spheres
End League Vol 1 Ballad Of Big Nothing
House of Mystery Vol 1 Room And Boredom
Hulk Visionaries Peter David Vol 6
Pigeons from Hell
Shadow Double Novel Vol 9 Special Edition
Shadow Double Novel Vol 24
Showcase Presents House of Mystery Vol 1 (New Printing)
Spider-Man Amazing Friends Digest
Texas Chainsaw Massacre Vol 2
Titans Old Friends HC
Walking Dead Vol 2 Omnibus HC
X-Force Angels Demons Vol 1
Zombie Cop

MANGA
Black Cat Vol 18
Captive Hearts Vol 2
Dr Slump Vol 17
GHost Talkers Daydream Vol 3
Gin Tama Vol 10
Hunter x Hunter Vol 24
Kurohime Vol 9
Prince of Tennis Vol 29
Reborn Vol 10
Shaman King Vol 20
Skip Beat! Vol 16
Strawberry 100% Vol 7
Yen Plus Magazine Feb 09

Posted at 10:45 p.m. - Monday, December 22

Courtesy of my friends at Dreamland Comics in Schaumburg, IL comes this week's new releases!  Of note this week: DC's answer to the Punisher returns in Vigilante #1 by creator Marv Wolfman; Bruce Campbell's alter-ego Ash of the Evil Dead series has his hands full with holiday horrors in Army of Darkness Ash's Christmas Horror One-Shot; and much, much more!  Visit your local comic shop and check out one of these titles this week!

MARVEL
Captain America Theater of War America First
Daredevil #114
Dark Tower Treachery #4
Ghost Rider Danny Ketch #3
Hulk #9
Immortal Iron Fist #21
Lords of Avalon Knights of Darkness #2
Ms. Marvel #34
New Avengers #48 (Dark Reign)
New Warriors #19
Nova #20
Nova #20 (1:10 Villain Variant)
Patsy Walker Hellcat Agent of Initiative #4
Punisher War Zone #3
Runaways #5
Secret Invasion Requiem #1
She-Hulk #36
Skaar Son of Hulk #6
Spider-Man Brand New Day Yearbook
Thor #12
Ultimate Spider-Man #129
Ultimatum #2
What If? Spider-Man Back In Black
Wolverine First Class #10
Wolverine Origins #31

DC
Batman #683
Batman Gotham After Midnight #8
Billy Batson and the Magic of Shazam #3
Brave and the Bold #20
Final Crisis Rage of the Red Lanterns #1 (2nd Print)
Flash #247 (Last Issue!)
Rann Thanagar Holy War #8
Reign In Hell #6
Superman Supergirl Maelstrom #4
Trinity #30
Vigilante #1
Wonder Woman #27

DC/VERTIGO
Greatest Hits #4
Unknown Soldier #3

DC/WILDSTORM
Ferryman #4
Gears of War #34
Push #3
Top 10 Season Two #3
Wildcats Worlds End #6

OTHER PUBLISHERS
1001 Arabian Nights Adventures of Sinbad #6
Angel Smile Time #1
Army of Darkness Ash's Christmas Horror
Astounding Wolf-Man #11
Atomic Robo Dogs of War #5
Bart Simpson Comics #45
Beyond Wonderland #4
City of Dust #3 
Darkness #73
Dread Force #0
Femme Noir Dark City Diaries #4
Freedom Formula #4
Galveston #2
Gigantic #2
Grimm Fairy Tales #33
Grimm Fairy Tales Annual 2008
Indiana Jones and the Tomb of the Gods #3
Invincible #57
Knights of the Dinner Table #146
Mister X: Condemned #1
Necronomicon #4
Red Sonja #40
Remnant #1
Savage #3
Savage Dragon #143
Spawn #187
Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic #36
Street Fighter II Turbo #3 
Umbrella Academy Dallas #2
Usagi Yojimbo #116
Warhammer 40k Defenders of Ultramar #1
Warhammer Crown of Destruction #3
Worlds of Dungeons & Dragons #7

ALL-AGES
Archie #592
Archie Digest #250
Bart Simpson Comics #45
Marvel Adventures Super Heroes #6
Scooby Doo #139
Sonic X #40

MAGAZINES
Previews #1 (Jan 2009)
Star Trek Magazine #15
Tomarts Action Figure Digest #173

GRAPHIC NOVELS
All-New Atom Vol 4 Small Wonder
American Flagg Definitve SC
Demonwars Vol 2 Demon Spirit
Immortal Iron Fist Vol 3 HC
Lone Ranger Vol 2 SC
Midnighter Vol 3 Assassin8
Mome Vol 13
Off. HB of Marvel Universe A-Z Vol 6 HC
Onslaught Reborn SC
Salem
Scream
SPawn Book of the Dead HC Toy Edition
Star Wars Clone Wars Vol 2 Crash Course Digest
Star Wars Omnibus Rise Of The Sith
Tales from the Crypt Vol 5 Yabba Dabba Voodoo
Ultimates 3 Who Killed Scarlet Witch Premier HC
What If? Classics Volume 5 TPB
Wizard Michael Turner Tribute HC
X-Men Angel Revelations
X-Men Complete Onslaught Epic Vol 4
Young Liars Vol 1

MANGA
Crayon Shin-Chan Vol 6
Key to the Kingdom Vol 6
Naruto Vol 33

Posted at 9:15 p.m. - Monday, December 1

Courtesy of my friends at Dreamland Comics in Schaumburg, IL comes this week's new releases!  Of note this week: Marvel Comics' Skrull Invasion comes to its conclusion in Secret Invasion #8; DC Comics young readers line gets a great new title with Supergirl Cosmic Adventures in the 8th Grade #1; and Lucy Lawless alter-ego Xena joins Ashley Williams of the Evil Dead series to battle deadites throughout some literary classics in  Xena Vs.Army of Darkness: What Again? #2 (see image) ; and much, much more!

Get over to your local comic shop and try one of these great titles (or any of the others listed below) this week!

MARVEL
Amazing Spider-Man #579
Anita Blake Vampire Hunter Laughing Corpse #3
Cable #9
Criminal Vol 2 #7
Enders Shadow Battle School #1 
Eternals #6
Hulk #8 Buscema Variant ($2.99) Limited Quantity
Hulk Family Green Genes #1
Immortal Iron Fist #20
Iron Man Hulk Fury One-Shot
Lords of Avalon Knights of Darkness #1
Marvel Illustrated Kidnapped #2
Marvel Spotlight Secret Invasion Aftermath
Marvel Zombies 3 #3
Marvels Eye of the Camera #1
Moon Knight Silent Knight #1
New Avengers #47
New Exiles #15
NYX No Way Home #4
Punisher Max X-Mas Special 
Secret Invasion #8
Secret Invasion: Front Line #5
She-Hulk Cosmic Collision
Weapon X First Class #2
What If? House of M
Wolverine Power Pack #2
Wolverine Manifest Destiny #2
X-Infernus #1
X-Men Manifest Destiny #4
X-Men Noir #1

DC
Batman #682
El Diablo #4
Jonah Hex #38
Justice Society of America #21
Sgt Rock the Lost Battalion #2
Superman Supergirl: Maelstrom #3
Terra #3
Terror Titans #3
Trinity #27
Vixen Return of the Lion #3

DC/VERTIGO
Army@Love Art of War #5
Haunted Tank #1
Sandman Dream Hunters #2

DC/WILDSTORM
Authority #5
Chuck #6

OTHER PUBLISHERS
Army of Darkness Vs. Xena: What Again? #2
Astounding Wolf-Man #10
Boys #25
Broken Trinity Witchblade
Charlatan Ball #5
Criminal Macabre Cell Block 666 #2
Darkness #72 (Now Re-number to original series)
Doctor Who Forgotten #4
Dreamer #2
Dreamland Chronicles IDW #6
Hack Slash The Series #18 
Hellboy The Wild Hunt #1
I Hate Gallant Girl #2
Jingle Bell: Santa Claus Vs. Frankenstein 
Jungle Girl Season 2 #2
Knights of the Dinner Table #145
Kull #2
Magicman Archives Vol 1
Modern Masters Vol 19 Mike Ploog
Necronomicon #3
Noble Causes #38
Pirat Tales Legend of Cat O Nine Tales #2
Proof Vol 2
PS238 Vol 6
Risers
Scream Queen
Shadow Double Novel Vol 23
Sir Apropos Of Nothing #2
Solomon Kane #3
Speed Racer Next Generation Birthright #2
Sword #13
Tales From the Crypt #9
Transformers Animated Arrival #5
Transformers Best of UK Time Wars #5
Wizard Project Superpowers #1/2
Youngblood #6
Zero G #3

ALL-AGES
Archie Double Digest #194
Betty #177
Jughead #192
Looney Tunes #169
Supergirl Cosmic Adventures in the 8th Grade #1
Walt Disney's Christmas Parade #5

MAGAZINES
Alter Ego #82
Lost Offical Magazine #20
Scrye #128
Spider-Man Magazine #4
Torchwood Magazine #10
Torchwood Magazine #11

GRAPHIC NOVELS
1000 Record Covers
1000 Tattoos
Astonishing X-Men Vol 2 HC
Becoming Batman Possibility of a Superhero 
Caliber Vol 1 First Canon Of Justice 
Cleburne 
Complete Terry & The Pirates Vol 5 HC
Creepy Archives Vol 2 
Daredevil Miller Janson Vol 2 
Daredevil Yellow Premier HC
Doc Savage Double Novel Vol 19
Doctor Who Classics Vol 2 
Fall of Cthulhu Vol 3
Genext
Godland Vol. 4 
Hercules Vol 1 Thracian Wars 
Infinity Crusade Vol 1 
Invincible Iron Man Vol 1 HC
Mice Templar Vol 1 The Prophecy HC
New Exiles Vol 2 Awakening 
Project Superpowers Vol 1 HC
Showcase Presents Supergirl Vol 2
Spirit Vol 1 
Star Trek Assignment Earth 
Superman Batman Vol 4 Vengeance
Teen Titans On the Clock 
Wasteland Vol 3 Black Steel In The Hour Of Chaos 

MANGA
Bleach Posterzine #1
Dragon Drive Vol 11
Eyeshield 21 Vol 23
Gaba Kawa
Honey & Clover Vol 4
Hoshin Engi Vol 10
King of Hell Vol 21
Mamotte Shugogetten Vol 1
Monochrome Factor Vol 4
Mushishi Vol 6
Suzuka Vol 10
Toto Vol 3
Two Flowers for the Dragon Vol 3

Posted at 10:25 p.m. - Wednesday, November 26

You've stuffed yourself with turkey, recovered from the post-sweet potato pie coma, and now it's time to get down to business...buying Christmas gifts.

Now if you're looking for something unique for the geek in your life, and have a few extra grand in the petty cash drawer, here are some gifts that will make them the envy of all the geeks in the neighborhood:

[Copy of You Only Live Twice signed by Ian Fleming to 'James Bond' ($60,000-$80,000)]

This copy of You Only Live Twice was signed by 007 creator Ian Fleming for the man from who he 'stole' the name for his world-famous secret agent, the famed orinthologist James Bond.

[Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi original "C-3PO" droid helmet worn by Anthony Daniels ($60,000-$80,000)]

Oh yeah, this baby on the mantle will make that Star Wars fanatic in your life ready to learn and become fluent in over 2 million forms of communication.  I wonder if it still has the smell of Tony Daniels sweat in it?



[Mark Hamill's hero "Luke Skywalker" lightsaber from Star Wars and Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back ($150,000-$180,000)]

Didn't Luke lose this one in the tibana gas mines of Cloud City?  How much did the custodian who dug this baby out of the vents get?  What kind of batteries does it need? 2 double-A?  Hmmmmmm...



[Signature "Wolverine" black leather battlesuit from X-Men ($60,000-$80,000)]

Hey baby, lookit me!  I'm dressed like WOLVERINE!  Oh yeah, Hugh Jackman wore this sucker!  Some of his man scent has gotta be rubbing off on me right now!  Uh...no, I'm pretty sure he didn't wear this outfit in the suck-fest that was X-Men 3: The Last Stand.



[Harrison Ford's signature "Indiana Jones" fedora hat and whip from Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom ($40,000-$60,000 each]

For the geek who enjoys exploring temples deep in the Peruvian jungles, outrunning boulders and getting dragged under trucks!  The question behind having this item is does it belong on your head, or in a museum?



[Christian Bale's signature "Batman" cowl from Batman Begins ($15,000-$20,000)]

This would have to be the ultimate geeky-gift!  Christian Bale wore this sucker in Batman Begins and it is sure to be a most coveted item in Geek-dom.  C'mon, IT'S BALE!  IT'S BATMAN!

These items, and a plethora of others, will be going up for auction (www.ebayliveauctions.com) on December 11th.  You can visit the Profiles in History web site to download a complete catalog of items available for auction, @ www.profilesinhistory.com.

Posted at 10:55 p.m. - Monday, November 17

Courtesy of my friends at Dreamland Comics in Schaumburg, IL comes this week's new releases!  Of note this week: Marvel Comics' adaptation of Orson Scott Card's Hugo Award Winning novel continues in Ender's Game Battle School #2; Mulder and Scully return in the DC/Wildstorm series X-Files #1; The Autobots travel into the third dimension in IDW's Transformers Spotlight Optimus Prime 3D; and much, much more!  Get over to your local comic shop and try one of these great titles (or any of the others listed below) this week!

Posted at 9:15 a.m. - Tuesday, November 4

Courtesy of my friends at Dreamland Comics in Schaumburg, IL comes this week's new releases!  Of note this week: the 'end' of Marvel's Ultimate Universe begins with the release of Ultimatum #1; DC Comics' iconic war hero returns in Sgt. Rock and the Lost Battalion #1; a new chapter in Alex Ross' Superpowers storyline kicks off with Project Superpowers Vol 2 The Supremacy #0 and much, much more!  Get over to your local comic shop and try one of these great titles (or any of the others listed below) this week!

Also, I will be appearing at  Dreamland Comics with Art Baltazar & Jeff Zwirek for a comic book signing this Saturday, November 8th from 1 pm - 3 pm.

I hope to see you there!

Posted at 1:20 p.m. - Friday, October 31

Local publisher Avatar Press had a presence at the Windy City Comic Con and I managed to get David Marks to get on camera and talk about what the indie publisher has been doing and what the future will bring (Lord knows my future will involve lots of stomach crunches):

Check back later today for a Geek To Me podcast from Windy City Comic Con!

Posted at 11:05 p.m. - Monday, October 27

Courtesy of my friends at Dreamland Comics in Schaumburg, IL comes this week's new releases!  Of note this week: The Skrulls battle Asgard in Thor:Secret Invasion #3;  DC Comics answers with the latest chapter of their 'epic of the year' with Final Crisis #4;The New Krypton story arc continues in Superman #681; and comics get political with Obama: The Comic Book and McCain: The Comic Book; and much, much more!  Get over to your local comic shop and try one of these great titles (or any of the others listed below) this week!

Posted at 11:05 p.m. - Monday, October 20

Courtesy of my friends at Dreamland Comics in Schaumburg, IL comes this week's new releases!  Of note this week: The penultimate chapter in the Skrull Invasion of the Marvel U with Secret Invasion #7;  DC Comics answers with the latest chapter of their 'epic of the year' with Final Crisis #4;The New Krypton story arc kicks off in the Superman titles with New Krypton Special #1; yours truly makes his comic book writing debut in Xena/Army of Darkness (Series Two) #1; and much, much more!  Get over to your local comic shop and try one of these great titles (or any of the others listed below) this week!

Posted at 10:25 a.m. - Friday, October 17

Way cool news on the comic book convention front, as finally the local comic scene is going to get the spotlight in a convention FOR Chicago folks BY Chicago folks!  The good folks from the Windy City Comic Con sent me the following press release:

Comic Book Fandom Returns to Sweet Home Chicago.

Over a decade ago, Chicago was home to one if the best comic book
conventions in the world. To the dismay of thousands of fans, there has not
been a proper comic book convention in the city, for far too long. Now
Chicago will once again have a Comic Book convention to call its own. On
Saturday Oct. 25th, more than fifty comic book professionals, publishers and
vendors will be gathered together for the first ever Windy City Comicon.

The guest list includes top industry talent like Gene Ha, Don Kramer,
Skottie Young, Mike Norton, Jeffrey Brown, Jeff Lemire, Tim Seeley, Will
Pfeifer and dozens more. Comic book publishers Avatar Press, Olympian
Publishing, Short Pants Press, and Moonstone Books will also exhibit a wide
variety of new titles and upcoming projects.

"Diversity and quality is what we were looking for in our guest list. We
couldn't be happier on both accounts." commented show co-promoter Brion
Salazar. All of the guests are excited to finally have a traditional comic
show right here in the city.²

Additionally, comic book retailers from around the area will offers
thousands of back-issues, collectibles, toys, games, statues and apparel,
all at discounted prices.

Starting at noon on the day of the show, free seminars will be offered,
presented by comic book professionals teaching the craft of creating comics.

Tournaments and pick-up games for Magic: The Gathering and HeroClix players,
will be offered throughout the day. There is room for over a hundred gamers
to match wits and compete for Limited Edition prizes.

The Hero Initiative, a not-for-profit organization, will have guest signings
and exclusive products with all proceeds going to help veteran creators in
need. Also, a special Heroclix tournament option offers a fun and easy way
to help The Siegel and Shuster Society¹s efforts to save the home of
Superman co-creator Jerry Siegel.

The Center on Halsted will be the home for the 2008 Windy City Comicon on
Saturday October 25th, from 10:00am to 6:00pm. This brand new community
center is in the heart of Chicago's North Side, blocks from Wrigley Field.

"The Center has everything we were looking for in a venue.² said show
co-promoter Christopher Neseman. ³Attendees are steps away from an endless
variety of eateries, shopping and entertainment when the convention
concludes. We¹re excited to show why we feel Chicago is the greatest city in
the world."

Tickets are still available and only $5.00. Free gift packs for the first
500 attendees.

To purchase tickets, see a complete list of guests, exhibitors and
retailers, or find additional information on the show, visit the Windy City
Comicon website at www.windycitycomicon.com.

***************************************************************************
This promises to be a top-notch event with great talent and it deserves the full support that the local fanboy and fangirl community can give!  I know I'll be there and I hope to see you there as well!

Posted at 9:35 p.m. - Monday, October 13

Courtesy of my friends at Dreamland Comics in Schaumburg, IL comes this week's new releases!  Of note this week: Dr. Who television series writer Paul Cornell continues the adventures of England's greatest hero in Captain Britain and MI:13 #6;   speaking of the good Doctor, IDW collects a number of Dr. Who stories written in the past by comics writer Grant Morrison with Grant Morrison's Doctor Who #1; DC's Finest take on the mystical underworld in Superman and Batman Vs. Vampires and Werewolves #1; Oni Press releases another issue in the highly acclaimed, yet oft-delayed, adventures of Stephen Colbert's sci-fi alter ego with Stephen Colbert's Tek Jansen #3; and much, much more!  Get over to your local comic shop and try one of these great titles (or any of the others listed below) this week!

Posted at 8:05 p.m. - Tuesday, October 7

Courtesy of my friends at Dreamland Comics in Schaumburg, IL comes this week's new releases!  This week sees the release of Garth Ennis' apocalyptic series CROSSED from AVATAR Comics; DC Comics releases their newest video game tie-in Gears of War #1; and Marvel Comics releases re-prints of the first four issues of Kick-Ass; and much, much more!  Get over to your local comic shop and try one of these great titles (or any of the others listed below) this week!

Posted at 10:35 p.m. - Monday, September 29

Courtesy of my friends at Dreamland Comics in Schaumburg, IL comes this week's new releases!  Of note: Anita Blake Vampire Hunter: Laughing Corpse from Marvel Comics; a new team of villains emerges to challenge the Teen Titans in the DCU with Terror Titans #1; and much, much more!  Get over to your local comic shop and try one of these great titles (or any of the others listed below) this week!

Posted at 2:10 p.m. - Tuesday, September 23

This one is too good to pass up folks.  From the Siegel & Shuster Society Auction:

'Right before Superman creator Jerry Siegel died, he signed a few T-shirts for his immediate family — and told his wife Joanne, that if the family ever needed money, they should sell the shirts.  No one knows these shirts exist.  But now, Joanne Siegel has donated one of these truly priceless items to the auction to save her husband's house. Forget the MasterCard ads.  This is what "priceless" means.  And best part?  The autograph sits directly on a bright red T-shirt for Superman IV:  The Quest for Peace.  Here it is, one of the rare autographs by the man who created Superman.

Jerry Siegel is without question one of the most important figures in comic history.  His contribution, in the form of a myth who flies, is probably the greatest contribution by any single individual in the history of comics.  As co-creator of the most famous of all mythical beings, the immortal Superman, he along with Joe Shuster propelled the superhero into the public consciousness, injecting popular American culture with one of the most enduring icons of the twentieth century.'

This item is a part of the Siegel & Shuster Society auction to help Save the Siegel House.

As of this writing, the bidding stands at $109.50 (reserve not met), which is really unbelievable.

THIS WAS THE CREATOR OF SUPERMAN!!!  Here is a chance to own something incredibly rare and extremely valuable, whether its monetary, historical or culturally.

VISIT THE AUCTION!  SAVE SUPERMAN!

Posted at 9:00 p.m. - Monday, September 22

Courtesy of my friends at Dreamland Comics in Schaumburg, IL comes this week's new releases!  Of note: All Star Batman and Robin #10 is re-released sans swear words; Marvel Comics releases a whole trunk-load of Secret Invasion tie-ins (when will this madness end?);Dark Horse Comics releases the comic book adaptation of uber-B movie icon Bruce Campbell's newest film, My Name Is Bruce; and much, much more!  Get over to your local comic shop and try one of these great titles (or any of the others listed below) this week!

Posted at 9:25 p.m. - Monday, September 15

Courtesy of my friends at Dreamland Comics in Schaumburg, IL comes this week's new releases!  Of note: Grant Morrison's Eisner winning Superman series comes to it's conclusion with All Star Superman #12; Dark Horse Comics continues to chronicle the adventures of a certain whip-wielding archeologist in Indiana Jones and the Tomb of the Gods #2; local artist Art Baltazar continues to charm in the kid-friendly comic Tiny Titans #8; and much, much more!  Get over to your local comic shop and try one of these great titles (or any of the others listed below) this week!

Posted at 9:45 a.m. - Monday, September 15

As reported elsewhere on the RedEye web site, copies of the recent issue of All Star Batman & Robin are being 'destroyed' en masse due to a snafu at the printers, thus allowing readers to see the swear words that are being 'censored' in the book.

Now, being a cynic, I could say that this all sounds like a massive marketing stunt to get back some of the attention that the book has lost since it's initial launch.  But then again, coming out every blue moon will do that.

And from what I know about DC (I have friends who works there), this would be too costly a stunt, both in materials and potential backlash.

So no, I don't think its a stunt.

But what about the book?  Well, I saw it, heck, I've got a copy of my own.  And you know what?  You're a doofus if you pay 60 bucks for it, as it's reportedly going for on eBay.

You see, for all the hype the book gets (when it actually comes out, which is rare) it's just not that good.  I hear critic after critic dissecting the book and trying to explain what Frank Miller is trying to do with his over-the-top portrayal of The Dark Knight, but for me it all comes down to one thing.

Is the book entertaining?  And for me, the answer is no.

I find it excessive, over-indulgent and not more than a bit self-aggrandizing.

And most of all...boring.

So don't plunk 60 bucks down on a book that doesn't deserve the 3 dollars it asks for on the cover.  (Ok, well maybe it's worth it for all the purty illustrations Jim Lee - still the best in the biz -  draws.)

There are plenty of books that deserve your hard-earned fanboy and fangirl cash.  And they don't need to swear up a storm to get your attention.

Posted at 9:05 p.m. - Tuesday, September 9

What does the term 'Dark Reign' mean for Marvel Comics?  According to the latest 'Marvel Pulse' news release, it's the follow-up to the best-selling mini-series Secret Invasion.  Details are sketchy and the creators are being intentionally vague, but this is what we know: Brian Michael Bendis, the mastermind behind Secret Invasion is leaving Mighty Avengers with issue #20 to start a new title: Dark Avengers.

Also, the 'status quo' in the Marvel Universe will change yet again, as it did after the Civil War mini-series with the super-heroes being divided into two factions.  What this new status quo is going to be, though, has not been disclosed.

I don't know.  As of late, these 'events' with supposedely 'far-reaching repercussions for the Marvel U'  have been geared to get people to read more and more books than is simply necessary, just to get a complete story.  While Marvel has been successful, for the most part, with telling the Secret Invasion story, these types of stunts tend to leave a sour taste in my mouth.

And for how long will these 'far-reaching repercussions' actually matter in the Marvel U?  Civil War saw Spider-man unmask, only to have the whole storyline annulled by Mephisto in the One More Day storyline.

After a while, these 'events' get pretty tiresome and it seems to me that after House of M, then Civil War, closely followed by Secret Invasion, it's getting played out rather quickly.

What say you, Marvelites?

Posted at 9:05 p.m. - Monday, September 8

Courtesy of my friends at Dreamland Comics in Schaumburg, IL, this week's new releases!  Of note: The Skrull Invasion of the Marvel U reaches fever pitch in Secret Invasion #6; the worlds of comics and gaming collide in World of Warcraft: Ashbringer#1 from Wildstorm; The Clone Wars in the Star Wars Universe continue with all-new adventures in Dark Horse's Clone Wars #1...

Posted at 9:30 a.m. - Wednesday, September 3

For most people, comic books are all about the masks, capes and tights of the super-hero genre.  They don't realize that superheroes are but a part of the wide world of the comics medium. Outside of Marvel and DC, you have smaller press publishing companies that offer a variety of stories that have nothing to do with super-powered knuckleheads in a myriad of styles that appeal to all tastes.

One of my favorite small press companies is Top Shelf Comics which is currently having a '$3' sale on a whole slew of books.  If you've never read an independent book now's a good chance to get a whole stack of these lil' wonders and discover a whole new world in the funny books!

If you'll allow me to suggest a couple:

'That Salty Air' by Tim Sievert is Tim's first foray into indie comics.  It tells a bittersweet tale of love and loss, and reflects the real-life experiences of its creator.

I interviewed Tim at the San Diego Comic Con this past summer and am making the video available again right here:

Another independent production comes from the most revered creator in comics, Alan Moore.  Best known for his work on DC's Swamp Thing, as well as his creations Watchmen and League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, Moore breaks new ground in comics by fusing it with one of it's earlier cousins, erotica.  The result is the acclaimed and highly controversial Lost Girls which has finally been offered in the UK, so if you want one of the only 50 copies that remain, you better act fast!

You'll also want to check out Alex Robinson's Too Cool To Be Forgotten, Jefferey Brown's HILARIOUS Incredible Change Bots and (one of my favorites) Super Spy by Matt Kindt.

Now I normally don't shill for any specific company (Except for the good folks at Dynamite Entertainment, publishers of Xena/Army of Darkness - written by Brandon Jerwa and yours truly) but it's important that good companies like Top Shelf and great creators like Tim Sievert get the attention they deserve.

Be sure to check out the sale as there's a lot of really cool stuff to discover!

Posted at 9:05 p.m. - Tuesday, September 2

Courtesy of my friends at Dreamland Comics in Schaumburg, IL comes this week's new releases.  (Note: due to the Labor Day Holiday, new comics are due out on Thursday.)  Of note, The heroes in the Marvel U go ape in Marvel Apes #1; a Latin anti-hero returns to the DCU in El Diablo #1; and Buffy's adventures in the future with Fray continue in Buffy the Vampire Slayer #18...

Posted at 11:05 a.m. - Thursday, August 28

Courtesy of Data Junkie:

OK, I remember seeing these ads as a kid and wondering what the catch was.  Did you really get a miniature dog?  Once you completed all their requirements, would they really send you a tiny monkey?  Now, these days I know better.  Even if they actually sent you the promised critter, it wouldn't be good for anyone (just imagine that tiny monkey throwing tiny bits of primate poo around your house) but still...

If you're one of those folks who actually answered the ad, I'd like to know what happened.  My guess is that you got ripped off, as was wont with these old comic ads.  But maybe, just maybe, someone actually got that mini dog or primate.  You can comment or e-mail me your story!

(I always wanted that Polaris Submarine that you could send away for!)

(Polaris Sub ad courtesy of BSMIF's Comic Book Economy)

Posted at 8:00 a.m. - Thursday, August 28

This peculiar letter came via e-mail last night:

For those who aren't familiar, M.A.R.S. is the weapons manufacturing arm of COBRA, the evil arch-nemesis of GI Joe.  The message came as part of Hasbro's pre-launch hype of the new GI Joe line.  Joe fans are eagerly awaiting this new line, along with details on the new live-action film that's due out soon.

Apart from that, I understand that Hasbro has gotten Warren Ellis (Iron Man: Extremis, Transmetropolitan, Black Summer) to write the comic-book tie-in that will be available with the new toys.  Anyone who's read Ellis' stuff should know that the book will prove to be pretty freaky!

If you want to get in on the action, and be able to download a free GI Joe Poster, go to Hasbro.com and sign up for their FREE e-newsletter.  (Or just keep checking back here for new details.  Don't worry, I've got your back.)

Posted at 10:00 p.m. - Monday, August 25

Courtesy of my friends at Dreamland Comics in Schaumburg, IL, this week's new releases!  Of note: the Skrulls continue their Invasion of the Marvel Universe in a number of Secret Invasion (SI) tie-ins; Terry Moore and Humberto Ramos re-launch the hit title RUNAWAYS; Ambush Bug continues his irreverent romp across the DC Universe in Ambush Bug: Year None #2; IDW continues their sequel to the TRANSFORMERS live-action film with REIGN OF STARSCREAM #5.

Go to your local comics shop and grab one of these adventures this Wednesday!

More listings below...

Posted at 2:15 p.m. - Wednesday, August 20

In a previous post I shared the promo for Issue #3 of Moonstone Books' Captain Action series.  Well, the good folks at Comixology dropped me a line to let me know that they have a nifty 'movie trailer' for the book:

Not the sort of thing you'd expect from a 60's character, eh?

Posted at 8:50 p.m. - Friday, August 15

This is for all you Halo-heads and Master Chief-tans who've been collecting Halo Action Figures!  The good folks at McFarlane Toys are giving those who couldn't make Comic Con a chance to order some of the special edition SDCC '08 Halo action figures...

Posted at 6:30 p.m. - Wednesday, August 13

Wander down the toy aisle at your local Target or Wal-Mart and you'll find the new craze that's sweeping the nation and sucking the money out of geek and nerd wallets: Mighty Muggs.  Now Marvel Comics is rolling out their next 'wave' of MM toys that are sure to send fanboys into spasms of delight.  This fanboy already has a space reserved for the MM modeled after a certain world-devouring super-villain...

Posted at 10:30 p.m. - Monday, August 11

Courtesy of my friends at Dreamland Comic in Schaumburg, IL, comes this week's new releases.  Of note: the Skrull Invasion of the Marvel Universe continues in Secret Invasion #5; 5 different SI tie-in mini-series kick off; James Robinson's return to comics continues in Action Comics # 868; the 'Batman: R.I.P.' storyline continues in Batman #679; The Transformers Animated series kicks off as well...

Posted at 8:30 a.m. - Monday, August 11

Researching my piece on the 'SUPERDOGunderdog: Knuckle Opera for the Socially Challenged' comic art exhibit gave me an opportunity to meet some very talented folks, among them independent comic creator Jeff Zwirek (who featured prominently in the REDEYE Article)...

Posted at 10:28 p.m. - Sunday, August 10

Ok, I'll admit that I'm not a big Star Trek fan, but I am rather stoked about the JJ Abrams reboot of the Star Trek film franchise....

Posted at 8:46 a.m. - Monday, August 4

My upcoming  piece on the SUPERDOGunderdog: ‘Knuckle-Opera for the Socially Challenged' comic art exhibit just scratched the surface of what I was able to learn from the artists and the gallery's owner, Diane Tanios...

Posted at 8:35 p.m. - Monday, July 7

This is a cautionary tale.  The following video may be very disturbing to those of a sensitive nature...