Redhead Fangirl

ALL TIME Favorite series and graphic novels

2011-12-31T08:24:00.000-08:00

ALL TIME Favorite series and graphic novels

..as of 12/31/2011

Y the last man

Fables

Preacher

Jack of fables

Sleeper

Watchmen

Spiderman loves Mary Jane

DMZ

Ex Machina

She hulk

Criminal

Identity Crisis

100 bullets

Sandman

Powers

The Walking Dead

Demo vol 2

Daytripper

Buffy S8

Stitches

Blankets

Pride of Baghdad

How I made it to 18

Locke & Key

Batwoman

Empire State

pics from NY Comicon 2011

2011-10-25T16:14:00.001-07:00

New York Comicon 2011
Photos from the exhibit floor, the library booth, librarian panels, The Walking Dead and The Avengers panels!

2011-08-09T17:02:00.001-07:00

Newest YA graphic novels!

Batgirl sketch from Wizard

2011-06-23T11:54:00.000-07:00

New adult graphic novels

2011-02-07T14:03:00.000-08:00

@brianwood at Vertigo signing

2010-10-12T15:05:00.001-07:00

Artist/writer Terry Moore

2010-10-12T15:03:00.001-07:00

Torchwood dolls

2010-10-10T19:13:00.001-07:00

@gailsimone on DCU panel

2010-10-09T09:24:00.000-07:00

My library panel yday

2010-10-09T07:47:00.001-07:00

Batgirl dc statue

2010-10-08T18:00:00.001-07:00

True blood comic poster

2010-10-08T11:36:00.000-07:00

Becky Cloonan sketch!

2010-10-08T10:53:00.000-07:00

Ba & moon singing at Dark Horse booth

2010-10-08T10:43:00.000-07:00

Geppi Ent Museum Baltimore

2010-09-30T17:13:00.000-07:00

New for the library!

2010-09-28T07:50:00.000-07:00

Winners! Most likely..NJ librarians survey!

2010-08-01T12:07:00.000-07:00

Coming out of a funny ALA conversation, I crafted the Most Likely to..NJ librarians survey in the style of high school superlatives. It was a hard, draining spring with the budget cuts and advocacy work so I personally needed some humor.

I loved seeing librarians I know get votes, and makes me interested in those I don't know.

Without further ado-- the Winners and those who also got votes!

1. Most interesting NJ librarian to hear presenting?

Winner: Pete Bromberg

Clearly an amazing presenter and librarian, so fortunate to have him in Jersey libraries!

Karen Hyman
John LeMasney
Janie Hermann
Robert Lackie
Grace Agnew
Sophie Brookover
Karen Klapperstuck
Andy Woodworth

Other comments:
Robert Lackie, Peter Bromberg and Janie Hermann. I have seen all three together in workshops at the same time and that is the best. Mad props to the Library Garden gang.

Most YA librarians, love the stories

2. NJ Librarian you like to read on Twitter?

Winner: Andy Woodworth

Always one of the most thoughtful and prolific librarians, in NJ and nationally, we are so glad Andy didn’t become a lawyer! Proud to call him friend.

JP Porcaro
Val Forrestal
Karen Klapperstuck
Janie Hermann

(Thanks to those who voted for me in this category, I appreciate it!)

3. NJ Library director or manager you'd most like to work for?

Winner: Leslie Burger, Princeton Public Library

The top 3 vote getters are all at Princeton PL; hmm, they have a good thing going!

Pete Bromberg
Janie Hermann
Karen Klapperstuck
David Calvanico
Mary Martin
Bruce Whitham
Irene Goldberg

4. NJ library or library system you'd like to work for?

Princeton Public Library
Winner by a mile!

Burlington Cty
Ocean County
Ocean City
Mt Laurel
Seton Hall
Avalon
Highland Park
Cherry Hill
Avalon
Camden

5. Best children's librarian in Jersey?

Winner: Sophie Brookover
The amazing Sophie wins a very tight race! She teaches me about juvenile graphic novels. Pop goes the library at the top!

Liz Burns
Sharon Rawlins
Selwa Shamy , Somerset Cty
Meg Bezdek McCarthy
Mary Ecklund
Lisa Taylor, Barnegat Branch, Ocean County
Allison Santos
Danielle Behmke
Chrissy George

It was Justin Hoenke.

6. Best academic librarian in Jersey?

Winners: Trevor Dawes
Valerie Forrestal
Robert Lackie

A three way tie here! All well deserved, for their interesting and committed styles!

Lisa Coats
Marie Radford, Rutgers
Mary Mallory
Kurt Wagner
JP Porcaro
Nicole Cooke
Craig Anderson
Gary Schmidt

7. NJ librarian that cracks you up (best sense of humor)

Winners: JP Porcaro
Pete Bromberg

Ah, I’ve been lucky enough to hang out on several occasions with these two and can vouch for the comedy! And there are several comedians on the list I haven’t yet met, but definitely want to now!

Val Forrestal
Will Porter
Ty Rousseau
Sandi Cronce, Willingboro
Dena Price
Arlene Saharie
Saleena Davidson
Robert Lackie

8. Most attractive Guybrarian in Jersey?

Winners: JP Porcaro
Pete Bromberg

As every girl knows, a good sense of humor and personality makes a man highly attractive! Winners in both categories Pete and JP!

Ty Rousseau
Trevor Dawes
Michael Maziekien
Dan O’Conner
Chuck Dolan, Middlesex County College
Chris Carbone
Andy Woodworth
Craig Anderson

“none”
Justin Hoenke, Patrick Sweeney

9. Most attractive female librarian in Jersey?

Winner: Karen Klapperstuck

I’m glad to see the NJ library community appreciates redheads! Yea Karen- smart, funny, and attractive!

Val Forrestal
Kim Paone
Kate Kosturski
Kate Vasilik
Beth Cackowski
Sharon Rawlins, NJSL

(Thanks to those who voted for me in this category, I appreciate it!)

10. NJ librarian with the best hair?

JP has pretty hair! And we love it! And again, Karen reps for the redheads!

Winner, Male: JP Porcaro
Winner, Female: Karen Klapperstuck

Allen McGinley
Justin Hoenke
Kim Paone
Beth Cackowski
Suzanne Bromberg
Justin Hoenke
(Thanks to those who voted for me in this category, I appreciate it!)

bucks for books library donations means adult graphic novels!

2010-07-15T09:15:00.001-07:00

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Sentences: The life of MF Grimm

2010-07-01T12:42:00.000-07:00

Sentences: The Life of MF Grimm

I saw Percy Carey on a Vertigo panel a few years ago, and was really impressed with his presence and humor. This is not a humorous bio-- drugs, bullets, being paralyzed, jail, friends dying-- but it is a true one. Authentic. A life from NY to LA that I would never lead.

If you are a fan of the roots of hip hop, emcees, DJs, graffiti artists-- and true street stories a la The Wire TV show, I think you would love this graphic novel.

Ronald Wimberly's art is the perfect complement to the plot-- style, shading and black and white streets.

Fringe

2010-06-05T14:47:00.001-07:00

Season finale showed Peter in an alternate world. DC provided classic comic coversbut different..the Red Arrow/ Red lantern was shown. There were several others I'll need to look up.

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Save NJ libraries!

2010-05-06T12:32:00.000-07:00

Savemynjlibrary.org

Geek Boy Press artwork!

Midjersey #6

2010-04-17T18:33:00.000-07:00

Comicon 6 held today. Got to see artists, dealers I haven't seen. Last show Aug 2008. Colorist Thomas Smith was a great new guest. Many librarians came out too! Got one sketch from an indie artist- zees. Glad to be done for now..

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GN of the month: Filthy Rich

2010-02-22T11:38:00.000-08:00

Filthy Rich by Brian Azzarello (already a hard crime favorite for the 100 bullets series), art by Victor Santos

All the standard crime noir elements are there: down on his luck ex jock "junk" junkin, dissatisfied being a NJ car salesman (and lousy at it)-- takes a job bodyguarding the owners very sexy, wild, and rich daughter Victoria.

The interior art is all black and white; a change when you are used to full color glossy comics. But if any format can work in black/white, it's crime.

This is one of the first two graphic novels from the Vertigo Crime imprint.

Human Target

2010-02-11T16:24:00.000-08:00

Based on a comic itself, the new Human Target series had a very funny scene in a monastary the alternative service in the library was a discussion of Crisis on Infinite Earths. Sanctuary 2/3

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20-10 comic peoples!

2010-01-09T09:02:00.000-08:00

The latest graphic novel I've read--

Ball Peen Hammer by Adam Rapp

On the table to be read:

Death Note 3

Incognito by Ed Brubaker, Sean Phillips

and I got from Santa...

Vertigo Crime: Filthy Rich by Brian Azzerello

1000 Comics you must read by Tony Isabella

I've had fun pouring over the 90's and 2000's comics in this book; will devote a post to what I've read and what I 'must read'. The book goes back to the 40's, and I probably have 50 years of must read comics that I haven't touched or even heard of.

...and of course I have a big stack of floppy comics I'm working through,

Echo, Sword, JLA, JSA, JSA All-Stars, Buffy, House of Mystery, DMZ, Tiny Titans, Chew, Beasts of Burden, and more.

bought at craft fair

2009-11-25T07:40:00.001-08:00

taster's choice

2009-10-28T17:24:00.000-07:00

Just read Chew #1-- 1 of 5. Unique creator story where our lead character Tony Chu- Philly cop also cibopathic--he gets feelings from everything he eats. Apples, hamburger...he sees the history of that food; a psychic sensation. It gets very interesting when the plot leads to a sous chef who is also a killer.

Great, sharp art with dialogue that kicks. Will look for the rest of the series.

Chew from Image Comics.

Chewcomic.com

The Sinners

2009-10-18T08:32:00.000-07:00

Criminal: The Sinners -- check out the author they make a cop in Sinners #1!

Didn't know there was a new arc of this until I went to Jim Hanley's last week. Tracy Lawless is back starring in this story.

Fall choices that intrigue me

2009-10-01T13:05:00.000-07:00

Spider-Woman stop motion comic Episode 4 now available, so I'm behind the curve on the itunes version, then the comic shop version. But I read one review that says it's "closer in tone to Bendis' work on Alias", and I agree with the reviewer that series is one of the best I've ever read. I read little Marvel but this is on my list.

And from graphicnovelreporter :

Fall GN list for Adults
September 29

Ball Peen Hammer
by Adam Rapp and George O’Connor
First Second
The world is dying. After most of the city succumbed to the plague, Welton’s staying inside—permanently. But hiding in his claustrophobic basement room—the only place he knows is safe—exacts a gruesome price, and he becomes part of a collective that’s killing children. Infected with the plague himself, with no way to find the woman he loves, Welton takes refuge in apathy—until someone knocks on his door. Ball Peen Hammer gives us a window into life in a half-deserted apartment building in a time of raw love, sacrifice, fear, and death.

October 25

One Model Nation
by C. Allbritton Taylor and Jim Rugg
Image Comics
In 1977, four young men were the voice of their generation. In 1978, they disappeared. Afrodisiac and Street Angel illustrator Jim Rugg brings you a complete view of the political art noise band One Model Nation. Writer C. Allbritton Taylor and OMN historian Donovan Leitch piece together the band’s epic journey, revealing the final dark days of the Baader-Meinoff Gang and the band’s mysterious disappearance only months later. With Scorsese-esque electricity, One Model Nation captures the arts and politics of an era whose influence cannot be measured.

October 28
Locke and Key: Head Games
by Joe Hill and Gabriel Rodriguez
IDW
New York Times bestselling writer Joe Hill and artist Gabriel Rodriguez, the creators behind the acclaimed Locke & Key: Welcome to Lovecraft, return with the next chapter in the ongoing tale, Head Games. Following a shocking death that dredges up memories of their father’s murder, Kinsey and Tyler Locke are thrown into choppy emotional waters and turn to their new friend, Zack Wells, for support, little suspecting Zack’s dark secret. Meanwhile, six-year-old Bode Locke tries to puzzle out the secret of the head key, and Uncle Duncan is jarred into the past by a disturbingly familiar face. Open your mind—the head games are just getting started!

October 27

Charles Darwin on the Origin of Species
by Michael Keller; illustrated by Nicole Rager Fuller
Rodale
A stunning graphic adaptation of one of the most famous, contested, and important books of all time.

December 1

Saga of the Swamp Thing, Book Two
by Alan Moore, Steve Bissette, and John Totleben
Vertigo
Continuing the reprints of the epic series that introduced Alan Moore to U.S. readers in the ’80s, Saga of the Swamp Thing, Book Two is frightening, chilling, and utterly brilliant.

And all ready own and am a fan of..
Stitches
by David Small
On sale now

David Small’s radiologist father subjected him to bizarre medical treatments before having one of his vocal chords removed at the age of 14. How one recovers from such bizarre abuse and makes a life is the subject of Small’s incredible new graphic memoir.

The Page Sisters

2009-09-11T08:11:00.000-07:00

From The Literals- a 3 issue tie-in to Fables and Jack of Fables, during the "great Fables crossover". It stars the Page sisters- librarians- and here we see Hilary barge into a library for research.

Max Zombies coming!

2009-09-10T11:53:00.000-07:00

For the last few years there has been a small giveaway for the upcoming "The Zombie Survival Guide: Recorded Attacks" by Max Brooks.

Phillygirl and I had a great conversation with Max in June at Wizard World Philly.

Set for release October 6th by Three Rivers Press

Graphic Novel zombie assaults, written by Max Brooks (World War Z). Love it!

Louisville PL blogathon

2009-08-31T08:29:00.000-07:00

on Tuesday, August 4th, Louisville’s (KY) Main Library was heavily damaged by flooding. Thousands of books got soaked and the building’s systems were knocked out, along with all of the computers at branches systemwide. Damage estimates are in the million dollar range..

WHY LIBRARIES ROCK….CJRLC blogathon for the Louisville PL .

Like the rock ‘n’ roll sound, the public library combines services, collections and staff for something unique and special. Rock shakes up and incites, and libraries allow their own version of “unrestricted” in access to information. We librarians must keep the backbeat going for our patrons and our communities!

http://cjrlc.org/blog/2009/08/25/blogathon-for-the-louisville-ky-public-library/

I also donated through paypal!

Keyhouse

2009-08-30T11:07:00.000-07:00

Have stacks from the three comic stores I visited this past week.
Wednesday comics 7 & 8, JLA 36, DMZ 44, Batman & Robin 2, Batgirl 1, Gotham City Sirens 3, Streets of Gotham 3, Jack of Fables 37, Detective Comics 856, and JSA 30.

Encourage everyone to buy at least some issues in comic format before they are collected in trades. If the publishers see no interest, they'll just let the series die on the vine before many hit their stride (like TV shows!). If you don't have a comic store, try buying by subscription online.

Currently reading in my beach chair by the pool:
Locke & Key, Welcome to Lovecraft
by Joe Hill (loved Heart Shaped Box, prose book)
Issues 1-6 of the haunted Keyhouse story; a family, a murder, a little boy turning to a ghost..
Volume 2, Head Games, available for preorder!

DCU women: Batgirl

2009-08-20T15:10:00.001-07:00

From the DC Nov 2009 solicitations...

WOMEN OF THE DC UNIVERSE SERIES 3: BATGIRL BUST
DESIGNED BY AMANDA CONNER
SCULPTED BY JACK MATHEWS

She shakes a pretty mean cape.

Batgirl joins the third series of WOMEN OF THE DC UNIVERSE busts! Illustrator Amanda Conner brings her trademark humor to this rendering of Barbara Gordon as Batgirl, as the heroine dances the Watusi.

Batgirl is perched atop a base that is compatible with the HEROES OF THE DC UNIVERSE SERIES 1: BATMAN BUST.

This hand-painted, cold-cast porcelain bust measures approximately 5.5” high x 3.75” wide x 4” deep and is packaged in a 4-color box.

Limited edition. Manufactured to order.

Advance-solicited; on sale April 14, 2010 * Bust * $60 US

The Marvels Project

2009-08-16T16:02:00.000-07:00

I picked up 2 Marvel titles- The Marvels Project written by Criminal writer Ed Brubaker and Amazing Spider-Man #600, the $4.99 oversized issue.

The Marvels Project is 1 of 8, and includes a big roster of Marvel artists for covers (McNiven, Vines, Hollowell, Epting, Prel, Jimenez), with Brubaker and Epting writing, and Dave Stewart on color art. There is some intriguing late 1930's art with a taste of character- Sub-Mariner, Human Torch, Nick Fury. Brubaker adds depth to characters, but dipping in the well of the Nazi's as enemies..but we'll see. I will pick up issue 2, slated for Sept. 9th

Amazing Spider-Man I've only read a few pages..but Aunt May is marring JJ Sr?

Batman: Reborn (and a lot of chix)

2009-08-08T11:08:00.000-07:00

I am reading much more of current Batman: Reborn series than expected.

Batman: Detective Comics 854 has me because it stars redhead Batwoman. And the unique and beautiful J.H. Williams art made it a must have. The panels have unique cuts, and I enjoy seeing the dramatic Batwoman costume and also Kate in real life. And Renee as the Question in a backup story.
Elegy part 2, issue 855 On Sale July 29, 2009

And Gotham City Sirens 2, written by Paul Dini. Starring 3 DC badgirls in Catwoman, Harley Quinn, and Poison Ivy, I had to give this a go. Yes, the art is cheesecake, but with that title and these characters, what else would I expect to see? Even Talia makes an appearance to help hide Batman's identity.

Harley: " Mr. J always told me there's only one joker and one batman!"
#3 On Sale August 26, 2009

Streets of Gotham 2 - Manhunter backup series (I won't call them second features as Didio wants). Alfred, Comm. Gordon, Dick, Damian Robin- and Firefly setting the place on fire.
#3 On Sale August 19, 2009

Dick: "You believed you were saving a life, Alfred. No one can fault you for that. "

Tiny Titans meets the Secret Six

2009-08-02T14:43:00.001-07:00

Click for details..combining two of my favorite comics!

a little greek?

2009-07-28T10:59:00.001-07:00

Just started reading Greek Street. Have to say it always bugs me when strippers become founts of information and literature. I did like the $1 price point of issue 1, and heard Peter Milligan speak a little about it at NY Comicon on the Vertigo panel.

Writing about Vertigo reminds me that Google has different themes and Vertigo is one of them- will have to look for it!

Have several weeks of comics waiting. Just read Air #10, JSA, and Streets of Gotham 1.

2009-07-24T16:51:00.001-07:00

ocean city nj

2009-07-18T13:57:00.001-07:00

at my library

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New comic to check out!

2009-07-16T05:59:00.000-07:00

Daddy's little girl by Arcana Comics

Sometimes our comic interests cross into life- a high school friend now in LA married a girl, who became Playboy's Miss March this year- and is the model for this comic.

I love the Atlantic City setting. In this panel, my HS friend Steve becomes a character:

Looks like interesting art, a crime story set in Jersey- let's all give it some love! And if you are going to SDCC, go meet them!

Thor's first love to secret identities

2009-07-14T13:46:00.001-07:00

comic films--
More of 'ol Natalie Portman in comic (V for Vendetta) and sci fi (Star Wars) based films-
Natalie Portman set to star in Thor
I saw her in person at the Daily Show once. She's really short and very skinny, intelligent but a little flat in personality I think.

Ryan Reynolds Green Lantern
Again, a familiar comic face (Wolverine as Deadpool) returns as GL. I'm 'just not as into him' as many girls, but he seems to be gobbling up screen time and parts (along with wife Scarlett).

The Gotham Group has optioned screen rights to "Secret Identity: The Fetish Art of Superman's Co-Creator Joe Shuster.

print comics--
Wednesday comics
Have only read a few pages but wow! The color panels and size are really striking. Hard to say how keeping up with so many storylines will go for the writing, but we'll see.

Ennis: More Boys
I'm happy to say we've expanded the run of The Boys to 70 rather than 60 issues, just to fit in all the stuff that's been occurring to me over the last couple of years. There'll also be two more miniseries after Herogasm, one featuring Hughie and the other Butcher.

Days without Superman, Spiderman, other supes

2009-07-06T12:07:00.000-07:00

A few non-superhero comics worth your time and hard earned money--

Mr. Stuffins 2
“My teddy bear’s a secret agent!” In this issue, the action continues as Mr. Stuffins fights for his family with all the power a plush toy can. Chaos, fun, and mayhem ensue, from the creator of EUREKA Andrew Cosby and EUREKA writer Johanna Stokes with art from hot newcomer Axel Medellin! Series Features “A” covers By MOUSE GUARD’s David Petersen.

Pride and Prejudice
IT is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife… Tailored from the adored Jane Austen classic, Marvel Comics is proud to present PRIDE AND PREJUDICE!

Back to Brooklyn (5 issues)
The controversial over the top crime thriller is finally collected! Big Bob Saetta made the biggest mistake of his life by pissing off his brother, one of the biggest and most brutal crime bosses in New York City. This is the story of two brothers at war, wrapped in a special package of extreme language and hardcore violence. Join award winning writer GARTH ENNIS (Preacher, The Punisher), JIMMY PALMIOTTI (Jonah Hex, Painkiller Jane) and artist MIHAILO VUKELIC on an adrenaline ride that rips the roof off Brooklyn’s criminal underworld!

Air (Air issue #11 out July 15)
Written by G. Willow Wilson; Art and Cover by M.K. Perker
Collecting the story that started it all, from AIR # 1 - 5! Blythe knew it was a risky time to be an airline stewardess, but the skies might be much more dangerous than anyone imagines. She's just learned of the Etesian Front – vigilantes dedicated to take the skies back from terrorism.

The Sword

Read #1 for free!
It was a day like any other for Dara Brighton, a promising young college student, until three strangers knocked on her door, looking for a unique sword, and destroyed her life.

Echo (Trades 1 and 2 available)
Terry Moore is back with a new series, and this time he's going nuclear! Julie Martin is taking photographs in the desert when she witnesses a massive explosion in the sky. Covered in the bizarre, metallic fallout, she races home to find a chunk of the mercury-like metal came with her. When the metal becomes attached to her skin, Julie is unaware that she is host to a new symbiotic technology: a living bomb! The first printing of this issue will feature a special silver-embossed cover!

House of Mystery (Trades 1 and 2 out)
Written by Matthew Sturges and Bill Willingham; Art by Luca Rossi, Ross Campbell, Sean Murphy, Zachary Baldus, Steve Rolston and Jill Thompson; Cover by Sam Weber "

Welcome to the House of Mystery! Filled with peculiar, otherworldly characters from all walks of life, this series from Matthew Sturges (JACK OF FABLES) and Bill Willingham (FABLES) focuses on five people trapped in the reality-warping House of Mystery, a supernatural bar where tales are the legal tender and only the finest storytellers are patrons!

Jack of Fables (Trades 1-6 available)
Written by Bill Willingham and Matthew Sturges; Art by Tony Akins and Jose Marzan, Jr. ; Cover by Brian Bolland
When Bookburner's army attacks Revise's compound, Jack returns not as a prisoner but as Commander-in-Chief. In this new title collecting issues #28-32 of Jack's monthly series, secrets are revealed, including the strange relationships between Jack and the Page sisters.

The Literals (3 issues of Fables crossover)
Written by Bill Willingham and Matthew Sturges; Art by Mark Buckingham and Andrew Pepoy Cover by Mark Buckingham
"The Great Fables Crossover" part 9 of 9! In this issue it's all over. No, we don't just mean that the big crossover event is over, we mean it's all over for the universe and everyone in it. Kevin Thorn, the Literal embodiment of storytelling, wants to rewrite the universe, beginning again with a new blank page. In this issue he gets his wish. What more is there to say?

DMZ (issue #43 July 15th)
» View Larger Image
Written by Brian Wood; Art by Ryan Kelly; Cover by John Paul Leon"No Future" continues, tracking the inner workings of the DMZ's notorious death cult from its more mindless and random street actions to the more sophisticated operations that betray its thug exterior.

5 days of Torchwood

2009-07-01T13:20:00.000-07:00

"Children of Earth" will start airing in on BBC America July 20h.

Personally, I really don't like the idea of one blast of Torchwood for the Children of the Earth series. Five days in July. Have been awaiting the new 5 episodes since seeing Eve (Gwen) at NY Comicon in Februrary.

And John Barrowman (Captain Jack) doesn't like a "Torchwood miniseries" too much either.

Season 4 is ready and waiting...

Well, I can always watch my videos and read these posts to get excited...
"out of the rift" blog post

Eros, Eve blog post

Gwen and Rhys blog post

Wrap up Wizard Philly

2009-06-25T12:38:00.000-07:00

The last of my Wizard World Philly posts. All in all, still a fun con with dealers, indie artists, and some good programs. Less wrestlers, bad video game tournaments, and parking scams would improve the show. I feel a single day covered it fine for me, as opposed to the must weekend of New York Comicon.

Wolverine and brother Sabretooth

Geek Boy Press art and T-shirts (new Torchwood shirt is mine!)

Kitt:

Other highlights---
After he called out "redhead fangirl" I hugged Dan Slott (Marvel) outside Dark Reign panel.

Geek Boy Press: bought Torchwood Tshirt

Saw in Artist alley: Dave Perillo, Scott Derby, Tom Whalen, Michael Parla, Tom Schloendorn- indie artists and friends of MidJersey Comicon

Friend RJ, Stormtrooper in the 501st working outside door. Always fun to try to have a discussion through those masks.

met Jill from The Nerdy Bird on her way to the Battlestar Galactica panel

bought a sketch from indie artist K-bo-- redhead anime character

bought a Hero Initiative pin to support them.

WWP09 discussion on the blogosphere:
The Nerdy Bird WWP09 coverage

Syndicate Product

DC Nation notes

2009-06-23T12:42:00.000-07:00

Wizard World Philadelphia
4PM DC Nation panel
Dan DiDio, Adam S, Bob Wayne, Shane Davis, Rags Morales, Franco.

Dan Didio proclaimed it was an "interesting year" at DC comics, and told us that they listened to our comments about late books.

No one in the crowd was angry about Dick Grayson becoming Batman in Battle for the Cowl-- although a few people really did not like that series! Ray- who is married to a librarian- got a lot of attention for discussing titles he didn't like. Didio joked about editorial mandate' "so if it sucks, it's me!"

A girl dressed as Robin said that Jason Todd wasn't 'that crazy'.

Bob Wayne and he joked and deflected at least 3 comments about price, the recession, and the comic fans wallets.

Wednesday comics

bring back the Sunday comics. A retailer read it and thought the high level of art and writing would draw people to buy.

Potential for two Flash books in future, one is called Flash, what about the other?

"he is fast enough to be in two books" Shane Davis said

Any plans to accelerate trades for fans to read the stories instead of buying comics? Bob Wayne, no...we are not putting out 40 comics a week like our competitor

What was the point of Trinity?See value of the 3 and effects of them

Multiverse stories? That's for Grant to write- has to be a big and right story

Doc Savage- Rags reimagining with Azzarello. not in DCU-- ultimate universe.

Batman and Robin 12 issue arc Phillip Tan on art 4-6 issues after Quitely

Only 3 books late in the last 3 months (only took them 10 years grumbled the guy in front of me)

Sam Keith working on Lobo series now

Magog #1 series

Other sites opinions:
Tweets about #wwp, some with photo and URL links

Glenn Walker- mentions friend Ray re: Battle for the Cowl comments

WWP DC Nation panel from CBR

Hellblazin' Preachin' Punishin' Garth Ennis

2009-06-22T18:00:00.000-07:00

Wizard World Philadelphia 2009
3 PM Ennis/Dillion retrospective

Steve Dillion, me, Garth Ennis

Known each other for 20 years, 11 years difference from when Ennis was 11, Dillion on 2000 AD.

Hellblazer, Preacher, Punisher

"always trusted each other"
Chat about Preacher in an after Pub sort of way, Dillon had to commit to 5 years of it. "telepathic" know what E is after
Wanted it to be more like a Sandman story, but then the characters took over. American story, southern gothic esp. after meeting Jessy's horrible family. Could always count on Tulip as a character, and for Starr to be appalling. Covers the myths of America.

Vertigo GN next two years...200-250 page every day life

Many questions were fielded, but they had yet to talk about The Boys, so I asked about what was the future..and if Garth Ennis was Wee Hughie, because they have the same hairline...
that got a little laugh. He went on to talk about some Scottish character who sat on a bucket, and how Wee Hughie is like Simon Pegg (which I had also thought).

The Boys..next three issues the Payback team go after The Boys. #2 Superteam in the world, so real competition here. Also a 2 part series with Frenchie and the Female having an issue each. Butcher also finds out about Wee Hughie and Annie...

Frankie the Eunich in Preacher is like Jimmy Palmiotti, who is not a eunich.

On Punisher, Quesada and Palmiotti wanted them to work on it as a team

Superheroes have to be given dignity, Ennis did not grow up reading them as a kid so he can't suspend disbelief as an adult.

Thinks Green Lantern is the strangest--oh, I have this ring, a nuclear weapon--

Hates when superheroes fight in real life wars. Really hated the scene in Iron Man when he only killed terrorists and not civilians; UK and American troops dying in difficult real life situations where they have to kill, and civilians do die.

Garth Ennis signing

Emma was Anya

2009-06-21T15:46:00.000-07:00

Wizard World Philadelphia panel with Emma Caufield 6/20/09.

2PM Emma Caufield Q&A.
After Emma was introduced, she was all alone on the panel. There was no moderator, and she didn't have any prepared remarks. She's very blonde, and extremely skinny. Actress skinny. But also smart and interesting.

My flip video had low batteries, but managed a few clips.

She discusses 2 new films (Timer was just at Tribeca)and Why am I doing this?

She is also writing 2 screenplays (comedies with edge).

You get spoiled working with Joss.

Darkness Falls- cried in bathroom after viewing, thought it was not the movie she shot, and that she'd never work again.

Webcomic maybe by August called 'contrapussy'--

Super fun to work on Buffy Musical. Infused them with new life. They also got to spend 5 weeks on it rather than 8 days.
Her favorite eps are Spike's origin story, Hush and Selfless.
Asked to be killed off, but didn't expect the end to be so abrupt. Laughed about how she thought she would get a slow motion montage..

Webisodes of Bandwagon may happen-- 2 seasons worth in 3 min clips. Emma plays an awful version of herself and helps a struggling actress...who may or may not be retarded.

imdb Emma Caufield

Philly and the Wiz

2009-06-21T09:53:00.000-07:00

A several part series of the Saturday of 2009's Wizard World Philadelphia comicon.

Phillygirl and I arrived just after 9 to the Philly convention center, on a rainy morning. We got to wait outside the building but protected from rain until the doors opened at 10 AM. New this year: wristbands instead of badges. Thought it was cheapness, but hear it's because of bootleg badges past years.

First entering, I noticed the lack of the big Marvel and DC Booths. No free pins, posters, and signing schedules. I usually spend a lot of time checking the DC booth and meeting artists/writers, so that was a big change for me.

However, we were looking at the World War Z books and there was Max Brooks! I asked about 5 questions and he was chewing...but turned out to be so smart, funny and nice. When I said that as a librarian, I'd be useless after the zombie invasion, he said "we have a military to protect people like you!". He said the Zombie Survival Guide comic should be out this October.

We went to the 5-6 PM "Writing the Undead" panel with Max, Fred Van Lente, and John Russo I'll discuss later.

One other great thing about not having a mass of crowds is you get more facetime with bigger names. We met J.G. Jones (52 cover artist). He said he's writing and drawing a graphic novel...and he signed my two Batwoman 52 covers. He did say he had "moved on" from the canned All Star Batgirl project. boo. But nice guy all around.

PhillyGirl at the Wizard booth:

Much more later...

2009-06-20T09:08:00.001-07:00

j.g. jones signed my 52 batwoman.

2009-06-20T07:13:00.001-07:00

The Wiz 2009

2009-06-19T07:28:00.000-07:00

PhillyGirl and I will be at Wizard World Philly all day Saturday. If you see us come say Hi! I am most excited to see Emma Caulfield (Anya on Buffy), Garth Ennis (who I've heard speak but hope to meet this time, The Boys and Preacher in hands), Max Brooks presentation on zombies, Tiny Titans artists/writer, Sean McKeever, Rags Morales...and any MidJersey Comicon artists and dealers I know.

Eating at Reading Terminal Market is always good too.

Should Twitter some, and send some photos from the floor here!

"saving means changing"

2009-06-12T11:13:00.000-07:00

Battle for the Cowl, a good and serviceable connection to the Bat Family, but leaving me still unsure about what happened to Jason Todd? and Dick Grayson becomes Batman? Aslso, probably just me, but I haven't really read much with Damian, Bruce's son. Coming up to speed on the four Robins was enough to juggle here.

Batman: Battle for the Cowl 3 of 3 [July 2009]

Tony Daniel, Sandu Florea

Penguin and Two-Face..need Gotham to function in order to sustain themselves. This is something else. Someone else.

Nightwing: Tim went off on his own and did what I refused to do-- take the mantle of the Bat...I refused to take the role of my mentor because that what he asked me to do.

He said he had enough faith in Nightwing and Robin to carry the torch. But Bruce underestimated the psychological effect that Batman had on Gotham.

Vicki Vale: You just compared Batman to God...

Batman Jones: Isn't it that clear that Batman isn't just a man? He's fear, he's consequence, he's retribution..."

Nightwing: Jason, you may be a killer...but you're not stupid.

Bruce's last will and testament didn't go over well with Jason. This is the only way he thinks he can heal.

But Black Mask is dead. Catwoman made sure of that...So if Black Mask is dead, then who's behind the mask?

If only Jason could have reached out..Some people don't want to be saved. Because saving means changing.

Battle for the Cowl cover 3

Newsarama BftC 3

darkplace, fangs

2009-06-11T14:59:00.001-07:00

After reading the Stitches graphic novel, I have not read a single comic this week. I need to make a pickup from the last few weeks, but don't expect to have more than 10 waiting. Maybe this weekend.

The rain and humidity here are just week long depressing. (along with other events).

I am reading Dark Places by Gillian Flynn. so far can recommend to the horror/thriller crowd. About Libby Day, sole survivor of her family murdered by her brother Ben. But she's not all that likeable, and much more authentic that way.

Also reading Nice girls don't have fangs, a paranormal romance. The cover says "she's a librarian with a really long shelf life". It's funny but outside my range, don't read romance.

stitches

2009-06-08T11:42:00.001-07:00

Stitches

David Small

A very in-demand book at BEA-- and not just as a hot graphic novel--was David Small's graphic memoir Stitches. I grabbed an ARC copy, but did not meet the author.

Do you like Fun Home? or Blankets? or Tonoharu? This is one of the best graphic memoirs I've ever read. His black and white watercolors portray a family in 1950's Detroit -- radiologist father uses Xrays to cure sinus problems on David-- brother escapes to his drum set-- and his unhappy and judgement mother rules the roost.

Yet it's another art as redemption novel too. David always draws his own world and eventually grows into praise for his work.

The back cover says the release date is September 2009, and I am quite sure it will be on all the Top GN of 2009 list. Look for it!

Library sales up, manga drops

2009-06-04T12:14:00.000-07:00

What this librarian & comic fangirl found interesting:

Icv2, #65, July 2009

In spite of horrendous contraction in the US Economy, Graphic Novel sales up in 2008: 5% increase in book and comic stores.
GN sales faster in bookstores than in comic shops
900,000 copies printed of Watchmen- broke all modern sales records
GN for kids and tweens, saw a 134% increase in titles
Library sales from $30 million to $35 million in 2008...this growth should continue in 2009.
Manga sales declined- down 17%. Small manga publishers went out of business. Some properties like Vampire Knight no exposure on Cartoon Network.

Watchmen directors cut July 21st!

Final Fruits Basket vol 23 July 2009

Vertigo Crime imprint:
Entries, Ian Rankin comic book featuring Constantine from Hellblazer: August 25
Filthy Rich, Brian Azzarello: also August 25

American Expo of Books...

2009-05-30T18:37:00.000-07:00

Dash Shaw, graphic novelist of Bottomless Belly Button fame He was kind of quiet, seemed a little unsure when I mentioned his "twisted" mind, but asked where I was from and mentioned he was in Brooklyn. I replied that made sense to be in the hotbed of writers.

At the end of the day, I got the ARC of Blood's a Rover. Ellroy was telling everyone to read it and find him on Facebook. He signed mine to redheads and libraries ( I remember that his mother, who was murdered, was a redhead).

On of the two books I really wanted my hands on Friday was The 27s: The greatest myth of Rock & Roll. Eric and Josh put together a book of photos, text, illustrations. I read the Robert Johnson part on the train and loved the graphic quality. This photo was them laughing when I told them to strike a rock pose for the photo.

I was glad to meet Klosterman, he was not a hugely friendly guy- even when I tried to butter him up about being a 'bit of ginger'. Got his new book Downtown Owl

On the left, Dacre Bram Stoker, Ian Holt-- Dracula the Undead is the Stoker family supported sequel to Dracula. Very cool guys, discussed the misspelling of Dacre as "Darce". Long line, my first of the day, but really happy to have my hands on that sucker.

My overall impression--
Maybe it was my late - near 11 AM arrival to BEA, thanks to a very slow train from Jersey- but it was not what I expected.

I'm used to comicons, where even during the professional hours of librarians and industry people-- you still see evidence of fandom. More casual dress, more discussion in booths and across tables.

Arriving with librarian Ty, who scored a press pass, I first saw many suits walking. And corporatized booths with big logos on large white banners. The huge exhibit floor (thousands of vendors) found me walking down whole aisles barely stopping. Maybe because I didn't have a meeting at one of the hundreds of little tables where deals and convo's were happening. I was just a librarian, looking for new titles and hoping to get some free books and meet authors.

I never got to a single uptown or downtown stage session, because every time I wanted to run through the exhibits from the downstairs autograph area--- hidden way at the back through the entire children's publishing area- it was quite a haul.

At the end of the day, I just went line to line and got a few books I really wanted-- and a few I knew nothing about. Those moments with the authors (Chuck Klosterman, Ian Holt/Dacre Stoker, Dash Shaw, James Ellroy) were the best of the day.

I mailed 15 pounds of books home that should arrive by sometime next week.

I took a few photos with authors (and seemed to be one of the few people requesting photos). Again, different than my comicon escapades, I took very few photos.

Reading the #BEA09 tweets has been interesting. "Twitter will not save publishing" was a quote going around.

UPDATE 6/:
There are some graphic novel references in these BEA articles-- Stitches was the hottest GN at the show- not just GN but overall hot-

BEA tweets

Publishers Weekly rundown

New York Times

New York Magazine

PW The Beat

my first BookExpo

2009-05-28T11:43:00.000-07:00

Why a smaller BookExpo might be a better BookExpo
There has been a lot of publishing and librarian talk about the 'smaller' BEA, with less publishers, professionals, librarians (down 25%). But just as our friends bring us NY Comicon at Javits...the floor plan is still overwhelming, with thousands of exhibitors and hundreds of authors. Going only a single day, I think that I will be more than satisfied for my $55 fee.

I only wish my library system would have given me the day off and/or paid my way. But this way it's my time, no memos, evaluations and overall county paperwork to 'justify' why the hell a librarian might actually find value in the BEA.

Pouring through the 15 pages of authors autographing on Friday alone is enough. I'll be twittering and taking photos I'll post later.

On the GN front: James Strum "Adventures in Cartooning", Kim Deitch, Dash Shaw will be there...Robert Kirkman is supposed to be in the Diamond Booth, with Becky Cloonan.

Darce Bram Stoker, Karin Slaughter, Heather Graham, Lee Child, Julianne Moore (Freckleface Strawberry and the Dodgeball Bully), Chuck Klosterman.

Come with me if you want to live.

2009-05-24T14:05:00.000-07:00

The last two films I've seen in the theater:
Star Trek and Terminator Salvation, both had Anton Yelsin .

He doubled his geek cred by being Chekov in Star Trek, and a teen Kyle Reese (John Connor's father) in Terminator Salvation.

Chats about Chekov

Playing Kyle Reese

2009-05-23T19:06:00.001-07:00

current reads

2009-05-20T14:08:00.000-07:00

Helped the children's librarian with a May graphic novel order.
Some of the titles we ordered:

The Photographer: Into War-Torn Afghanistan with Doctors Without Borders
by Emmanuel Guibert, Frederic Lemercier
This graphic novel/photo-journal is a record of one reporter’s arduous and dangerous journey through Afghanistan, accompanying the Doctors Without Borders. Didier Lefevre’s photography, paired with the art of Emmanuel Guibert, tells the powerful story of a mission undertaken by men and women dedicated to mending the wounds of war.

Cirque du Freak, Volume 1 by Darren Shan
Darren Shan was an average kid until destiny brought him to the Cirque Du Freak. Now Darren's been immersed into a shadowy world inhabited by vampires, werewolves and strange creatures the likes of which he's never imagined, and his life will be changed forever!

The midnight sun (Twilight Zone series)
by Rod Serling, Mark Kneece, Anthony Spay (Illustrator)In a time not unlike our own, two women are among the last people left behind in New York City, struggling to survive as the thermometer reaches an unbearable 140°
Plus, graphic adaptations of The Picture of Dorian Gray, Frankenstein, Wonderland, Fahrenheit 451- and superheroes in Wolverine: Weapon X, All Star Batman, Superman/Batman, Green Lantern...

Elizabeth Bennet!

2009-05-14T13:58:00.000-07:00

Flu has made me a sleepy, congested, achy girl all week. Finally feeling a little better but still tired.

Anyway, every time I think of Pride and Prejudice I assume a fake British accent like the classic Colin Firth Mr. Darcy series...I exclaim to myself "Elizabeth Bennet!" "Mr. Darcy!".
So I took a chance on the Pride and Prejudice Marvel comic. While the cover "modernizes" the story with fake tabloidesque quotes like "Bingleys bring bling to britain" and "who is Mr. Darcy"-- the interior story sticks right to the story line Jane wrote.

COVER BY: Dennis Calero
WRITER: Nancy Hajeski

Both the writer and the artist are new to me, and I liked the fun of the sisters facial expressions, the colors of a ball Darcy's floppy hair. Issue 2 was just on sale. Give it to your non-comic but classic reader friends!

It's a sell out for P&P

2009-05-08T18:39:00.001-07:00

star trek. note a has a takai signed shirt.

TeeVee stuff

2009-05-06T11:46:00.000-07:00

Should we save the Sarah Conner Chronicles?
SCC fans are being asked to take photos of themselves posing with products that sponsor the show and posting them on a Flickr group.

Firefly/Serenity friend Wash (Alan Tudyk) starred in Dollhouse: Briar Rose.
So now we know Alpha's face , but we're still missing a lot. We don't know his motivation or his connection with Alpha

A Daniel Farraday centric Lost: The Variable
(personally, I enjoyed the answers and ideas, until the end scene with the Others)
If the incident never occurs, then the Swan is never encased in concrete. No one ever has to push the button to contain the energy. That means Desmond will never forget to push the button. Flight 815 will never crash. Widmore will never send his freighter. Dan will never go back to the island and he'll live. How was Dan going to stop the incident before Mum shot him? Nuke the whole island with Jughead.

I don't hear much buzz about Harper's Island, but I am watching it, just one ep behind. Moving to Saturday night.

Also, don't forget Dave's excellent Free Comic Book Month promo.

Stardate

2009-05-03T08:08:00.000-07:00

This Friday is the JJ Abrams Star Trek movie, and I'll be there in Imax. By no means am I a trekkie, although I was an avid Next Generation fan. So I thought reading the ST Countdown trade would help me reestablish the characters (Spock, Data, Picard) and introduce new ones (Nero). Not quite finished yet so no review, but the interior art is nice and the covers and photo images work too.

Star Trek: Countdown TPB

tweet and ning

2009-04-30T08:32:00.001-07:00

Follow me on Twitter, if you'd like. I don't tweet that often, except like yesterday from the NJLA conference (#njlaconf09).

http://twitter.com/redheadfangirl

We had a successful presentation on the "Year's Best Graphic Novels 2008", about 70 attended - every giveaway gone and most handouts. It went real fast with four presenters.

If you are on NING, here are a lot of links for review sources from that presentation:
http://www.ning.com/redheadfangirl

Wednesday!

2009-04-28T12:54:00.000-07:00

I'm gonna BEA

2009-04-27T11:17:00.000-07:00

BookExpo America May 28-31.

I just bought my librarian one day tag. Now of course I read actually books and not just comics-- but don't overlook BEA as a great time to meet graphic novelists. Just the Friday autographing schedule includes Dash Shaw, Adam Rapp, Laurie Stolarz...and 1500 exhibit booths. I even saw redhead Julianne Moore will be there with her Freckleface Strawberry children's books.

I've never been to BEA, but I know that librarians come home loaded with advance copies from publishers. Well, I do know Javits from my NY Comicon adventures so we'll see how it goes. $55 for a one day ticket, and that's the early bird rate.

Fast & Adorable

2009-04-24T18:10:00.000-07:00

This week's fast and adorable comic is Tiny Titans 15.
Aw Yeah, Pet Club! Yet another pet club meeting at Wayne Manor goes awry in the cutest way...this time with bunnies! Supergirl comes to pet club, Zatara too and his wand Ka-bunnys!

Also, the Tiny Terror Titans! They want really hot nachos.

Next month: It's Robin's birthday party, and you're invited! See what the Tiny Titans get him for the big day

Year's Best more

2009-04-22T08:21:00.000-07:00

More suggestions from next week's presentation on Year's Best Graphic Novels 2008.

LOCKE & KEY, vol. 1 ADULT/YA 9781600102370

Joe Hill is the author of the novel Heart Shaped Box and the short story collection 20th Century Ghosts. What's not promoted is the fact that he is the son of Stephen and Tabitha King. Thank goodness the apple doesn't fall far from those trees. Locke & Key is an ongoing comic book series from IDW Publishing and focuses on the bizarre experiences of a family in a New England mansion called Keyhouse. Stunningly original artwork by Gabriel Rodriguez.

THE SWORD, vol. 1 ADULT/YA
9781582408798

Dara Brighton is a college girl whose life is changed forever when three strangers show up on her family's doorstep and demand a mystical sword. This event propels her into a dangerous quest. This is Volume 1 of an ongoing comic book series by The Luna Brothers (Joshua and Jonathan Luna, authors of Ultra and Girls).

THE ALCOHOLIC ADULT
9781401210564
Part quasi-autobiography and part stunning noir-realism, The Alcoholic is the story of Jonathan A. and the origin of his addiction to alcohol, the consequences of alcohol and substance abuse on his life and his eventual self-realization. Written by Jonathan Ames with art by Dean Haspiel. Published by DC Comics' Vertigo label.

THE TWELVE Adult/ YA

Yesterday’s Men of Tomorrow—Today! Thought lost to the pages of time, a dozen Mystery Men from the “greatest generation” of World War Two find themselves thrust into the morally-gray world of the 21st century!

ROBOT DREAMS YA/Juvenile
9781596431089
This moving, charming graphic novel about a dog and a robot shows us in poignant detail how powerful and fragile relationships are

THE ARRIVAL YA 9780439895293
Shaun Tan's stunning The Arrival chronicles -- in a wordless, wondrous pictorial narrative -- an immigrant's parting from his family and journey toward the future in a new land that is simultaneously ominous and hopeful.

ACHEWOOD: GREAT OUTDOOR FIGHT Adult 9781593079970
This handsome hardcover compilation of the popular Web comic Achewood follows the strip's most epic story arc and should win many new fans. When Ray Smuckles, a thong-clad anthropomorphic cat, discovers his father was a champion of the Great Outdoor Fight, a yearly competition held in Bakersfield, Calif., he decides to enter the nearly ruleless three-day fight.

TWILIGHT ZONE series ADULT/YA 9780802797131
This adaptation is a deliciously creepy reworking of the TV classic and offers a timeless slant on this tale. Equally engaging is The Odyssey of Flight 33 (9780802797186)

LOCAL ADULT/YA 9781934964002

Local brings together 12 issues of a comic book series reprinted as a hardcover graphic novel. Each of the twelve chapters are individual moments of Megan McKeenan's existence as she wanders from locality to locality in the United States, searching for her life. Brian Wood is the author of the critically acclaimed comic book series DMZ.

ZOT!: Complete B & W Collection, 1987-1991 ADULT/YA 9780061645129

Scott McCloud’s comic book series Zot! was originally published from 1984 to 1990 by Eclipse Comics.The first 10 issues are in color and, unfortunately, out of print. This volume, however, collects #'s 11 - 36, all of the black and white issues, and can be read as a self-contained story. Zot! is the story of Jenny and her friendship with a superhero from another world.

link o's

2009-04-19T13:48:00.001-07:00

Michael Chiklis to create Olympus
as a long time fan of The Shield, this could be good. He was good as The Thing.

Sleeper
an old post from '08, not sure if I linked to this. One of my favorite series ever, they better damn well get it right on screen!

Doctor Who and Tennant's last hurrah
i'll miss his crazy eyes and wild hair!

Dollhouse and Sarah Connor Chronicles
i'm still watching both, but not for long??

...and with Brian Austin Green in SCC...will he be Hal Jordan next?

Fringe symbols meaning

DMZ and Air

2009-04-13T09:00:00.000-07:00

DMZ #40

First of all, it's great that DMZ continues to be a series at Vertigo. Issue 40, and going...and I think the trades sell well so keep it going! With 100 bullets ending at Vertigo, and Y long gone, there are a few posts (like Fables) to hold up the franchise, plus the strong back titles, to bring in new series and talent.

Air #7 is only $1 if you are cheap bastard and want a way to jump in to the series. The trade for issues 1-5 is also out now to begin reading one of the most complex comic series out there.

In DMZ-- Matty transforms in this issue. Starting as the young, intern journalist dropped and stranded in the DMZ...to meeting all sides from Trustwell, military, Parco Delgado's nation. He begins to question what he wants from the experience and the people he has 'served'. He grows up and we'll see where he heads in the future.

2009-04-11T07:38:00.000-07:00

bfast

2009-04-09T14:54:00.001-07:00

star trek opens may8th

jokey Monday

2009-04-06T13:08:00.001-07:00

from Joke of the Day...
A guy sits at a bar in a skyscraper restaurant high above the city. He slams a shot of tequila, goes over to the window and jumps out.

The guy sitting next to him can't believe what he just saw. He's more surprised when, 10 minutes later, the same guy walks back into the bar and sits down next to him.

The astonished onlooker asks, "How did you do that? I just saw you jump out the window, and we're hundreds of feet above the ground!"

The jumper responds by slurring, "Well, I don't get it either. I slam a shot of tequila, and when I jump out the window, the tequila makes me slow down right before I hit the ground. Watch." He takes a shot, goes to the window and jumps out.

The other guy runs to the window and watches as the guy falls to just above the sidewalk, slows down and lands softly on his feet. A few minutes later, the jumper walks back into the bar.

The other guy has to try it, too, so he orders a shot of tequila. He slams it and jumps out the window. As he reaches the bottom, he doesn't slow down at all. SPLAT!

The first guy orders another shot of tequila. The bartender shakes his head. "You're really an a**hole when you're drunk, Superman."

The end of the beginning

2009-04-03T12:24:00.001-07:00

Birds of Prey 127

While I haven't had the enthusiasm for the Birds of Prey series, even at the end of Gail Simone's run, I'm still sad to see the story end. All female supes, led by the brilliant and beautiful Oracle, it was sassy and sweet about friendship and evil and good and teamwork. From Huntress to Zinda, to Black Canary..the women were hot as per usual in comics, but at least used training and their brains too. And adding new female characters - Infinity, Judomaster, Manhunter- gave those DC girls much more exposure across the DCU.

I can't buy into the Calculator as a grand villian, despite the last issue of robot-tech-gone wild.
But Oracle saying goodbye to Charlie-Misfit - was touching. We'll see how that Oracle:The Cure miniseries is.

It almost made spit though to see the Chris Brown (abuser) milk ad in this issue of strong females. The irony! I know it was pre-Rihanna beating, but I didn't care about him before, and now don't want to see his mug at all.

4 librarians and 5 titles

2009-03-31T07:40:00.000-07:00

Once again, our 'comic book mafia' group of four NJ librarians will be presenting at this year's conference. All four of us are championing different graphic novels and trades at this session: Year’s Best Graphic Novels 2008.

As I am working on the handout and my slides, here are the five titles I will cover:

WHAT IT IS by Lynda Barry ADULT/YA

9781897299357

Writer and cartoonist shows readers how she makes art and encourages us to make our own. Each page is gorgeously illustrated with collage, letter fragments, monkeys, birds, and little Lynda Barry, whose trailer-park, TV-lit childhood and chain-smoking mother will be utterly familiar to devoted readers.

CAIRO by G. Willow Wilson ADULT/YA

9781401211400
A lush and energetic drawing style makes for a beautiful book,. Wilson, a journalist who has spent many years in the city of the book's title, constructs a gripping narrative, mixing magic, politics and romance. the knowledgeable view of the Islamic world and interesting visual effects do keep the reader's attention.

TONOHARU, Part 1 by Lars Martinson ADULT
978-0980102321

Daniel Wells begins a new life as an assistant junior high school teacher in the rural Japanese village of Tonoharu. Isolated from those around him by cultural and language barriers, he leads a monastic existence, peppered only by his inept pursuit of the company of a fellow American who lives a couple towns over.

TINY TITANS by DC Comics JUVENILE
Discover what life is like for the young heroes of Sidekick Elementary in this new collection featuring TINY TITANS #1-6! Kid-friendly versions of the Teen Titans and their rogues gallery star in this fun, light-hearted, all-ages romp beautifully written and illustrated by Art Baltazar and Franco.

MINI MARVELS by Chris Giarusso for Marvel Comics JUVENILE
Here come the Mini Marvels in their very own comedy/adventure digest! Featuring Spidey, Wolvie, Iron Man, Hulk and more Marvel favorites – reimagined for an all-ages audience!

2009-03-28T15:06:00.000-07:00

yum yums

Battle for the Cowl

2009-03-28T08:34:00.001-07:00

I've been on the outside of the DCU, having given up Trinity and not having read Final Crisis, or Batman R.I.P. But I decided to give "Battle for the Cowl" #1 a chance. Cover art shows Nightwing, Batwoman, Oracle, so at least it involves DCU characters I like. All the villians are mentioned or shown also- Poison Ivy, Joker, Black Mask, Riddler, Penguin.

But, I feel like the "world without___" has been beat down in the DCU. Back to 52 (a year without Supes, Batman, WWoman) until now-- is Didio trying to warn us that if DC Comics went under what we'd miss? That's a cynical and depressing take on our heroes.

Anyway, I will read issue 2 based on my interest from BftCowl.
Issue 2 on sale April 8th.

goodies

2009-03-25T07:08:00.000-07:00

I've been happily processing the 41 adult graphic novel titles and the 61 young adult GN's we ordered. We order others, but I get to select and order a few large carts a year. It is one part of this particular public library I enjoy-- I hear other systems just centrally order or reference librarians are not part of the selection process. While they are not "mine", I get to support a few artists and titles that might not be ordered-- of course, those books must be listed with a big jobber to be ordered in the first place. If only I had a batch of dough to take to a comiccon on behalf of the library!

Today: Sentences, Spirit 12, Joeker, Manga Shakespeare, Bone, Mammoth book of Manga.

comic film dates

2009-03-22T06:23:00.000-07:00

Mark our calendars!

Marvel Spider-Man 4

Three Marvel Studios superhero pics will debut in summer 2011, including the May 6 bow of Sony's "Spider-Man 4."That's to be followed by the June 17 release of "Thor," which was to have opened in summer 2010, and the July 22 opening of "The First Avenger: Captain America."

multicharacter superhero tentpole "The Avengers" from July 15, 2011, to May 4, 2012.

"Iron Man 2" remains the same: May 7, 2010.

Mickey Rourke in Iron Man 2
Marvel wouldn't confirm Rourke's involvement, but he's planning to join Downey, Sam Rockwell and Samuel L. Jackson, with Scarlett Johansson the frontrunner to play the Black Widow.

John August to write "Preacher" film
He has quite a task to compress this sprawling, raunchy and devoted fan favorite. We'll see..

Jeffrey Dean Morgan (Watchmen's The Comedian) to make "Losers"
DC-Vertigo comicbook about a band of black ops commandos who are set up to be killed by their own government. They barely survive and set out to get even.

quotable

2009-03-16T10:44:00.001-07:00

The best lines from my recent comic stack- at least according to my own sense of humor or intellect:

Air 6:
"In 1937, I was chosen from among the ninety nines for the most ambitious flight in history: circumnavigating the globe in a hyperprax aircraft" - Amelia Earhart

Fringe 2:
"They just showed us a billion-dollar teleportation machine. What else could they be possibly hiding?"

House of Mystery 10:
"Poet, look at me. Get the goddamn bundt pan!"

Buffy VS 22:
"Vampires aren't cute and fluffy! And a kitty cat? Come on!"

Birds of Prey 126:
"I mean, maybe it is an "evil internet".."

Jack of Fables 30
"What do we do now? Everybody read for your lives!"

NYT, what is it about you? (that's from Annie)

2009-03-11T08:55:00.000-07:00

I sent this to my library system's reference librarians today-- when the paper of record begins to finally begins to give graphic novels our place in the world of best sellers.

"The New York Times has introduced weekly graphic novel (or as the Gray Lady calls them, “graphic books”) bestseller lists via its Arts Beat blog today, a huge step on the long path to legitimacy for the comics medium."

Librarians are discussing whether these weekly GN lists will drive patron requests, only time will tell.

3 lists—Graphic Books (hardcover), Graphic Books (softcover) and Manga

http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/03/05/introducing-the-new-york-times-graphic-books-best-seller-lists/?pagemode=print

http://www.icv2.com/articles/news/14461.html

2 trades

2009-03-09T15:53:00.000-07:00

Read this trade from Phillygirl's collection:
Fables vol 11 War and Peace
The war for Fabletown heats up! Cinderella heads out on a cloak-and-dagger mission to bring a mysterious package back into town. But when the Empire heads after the same prize, there's no telling who will be left standing when the smoke clears. Collects issues #70-75 of the award-winning series.

I thought I was closer to catching up with the single issues, but I guess I'll keep reading the trades. From Willingham's comments, there doesn't seem to be an end issue date currently. I had in my end that it was a limited run, like Y or 100 Bullets. Great to see Cinderella the spy, Boy Blue confessing his feelings for Rose Red, and the fables vs. empire war.

Speaking of 100 bullets, I'm rereading 100 Bullets: First Shot Last Call. I enjoy it, but probably much like the first Fables trade, it takes a few to really hook you. Phillygirl gave me the last three.

I have about 3 weeks of comics waiting. I see the Batman: Battle for the Cowl is coming. Can't say I'm over the moon for anything else new. Just my regular pull list.

I will watch Watchmen

2009-03-06T11:17:00.000-08:00

...tonight. We have a group of 7 of us, including several True Believers and 3 librarians. At least 2 have the original comics (not me, I'll admit that I read Watchmen in trade about 15 years after its release).

I've read some pieces of reviews, but am much more optimistic for a great film I saw 20 mins, and maybe its just seeing the beloved panels come to life, but I am sold. Snyder really has his finger on the comic, and I went from someone who thought this film was unmakeable to being a fan.

3 hours on Imax tonight!

Vertigo title to look for..

2009-03-02T13:46:00.000-08:00

How to Understand Israel in 60 Days or Less

Phillygirl and I heard about this at the Vertigo panel at NYCC, and it sounded quite interesting. I'm not familiar with Sarah Glidden's mini-comics, but here is something original and thought-provoking to look foward to.

social crutch New Jersey

2009-02-25T16:53:00.000-08:00

Two videos of my favorite local rock band, the Dipsomaniacs playing at the Record Collector in Bordentown, NJ.

DIPSOMANIACS – Social Crutch (FDRlabel. com)
If you connect the dots from the Replacements through the Smithereens through Fountains of Wayne, the other end of that line would eventually intersect South Jersey garage-rockers Dipsomaniacs. Like the ‘Mats, they’ll occasionally crank out an affecting youth anthem that cuts to the core of what being young is all about (“Kids On Base,”) but more often than not, they’ll pen some witty pop ditty with big Nick Lowe-ish power-pop chords built around a groan-inducing pun (“Oh Jose.”) (Hey, that’s okay, I like punks.) There’s almost one good ol’ alt-country twang’er about getting drunk (“Blame It On The Gin,”) and every Dipsomaniacs album comes with its complement of irresistible pop tunes that, in a better world, we’d hear on the radio every ten minutes (“Together We Can Rule The World,” “Halo Around You.”) So you could say that Social Crutch perfectly follows the Dipsomaniacs’ formula, in that the album serves up impeccable pop songcraft with top-notch musicianship, viral melodies, and a wicked sense of humor. In fact, they can keep repeating themselves until hell freezes over as far as I’m concerned. – Jim Testa

Oeming crime story

2009-02-24T12:41:00.001-08:00

Although he left us in Jersey for the west coast, Mike Oeming has a cool contest..

Monday, Feb 23rd www.michaeloeming.com will go live, featuring blog style updates full of news and daily sketches, art galleries, links to the massive Powers, and Mice Templar sites and message boards. Lots of updates and interviews about RAPTURE, a six issue mini series from Dark Horse with wife Taki Soma will also be featured.

To celebrate, Mike is running a contest- Post your true life crime story (200 words or less) on the True Life Crime Story Contest thread on his message board here- http://www.606studios.com/bendisboard/showthread.php?p=5760686#post5760686

It could be a crime story you witnessed or took part in, be it perpetrator or victim! The winner's story will be published on the website and the winner will receive this piece of art from Powers Volume 3.

Entry deadline is March 15th. By posting your story in this thread, you are giving permission for me to use it here and elsewhere on www.michaeloeming.com

outside the gates

2009-02-21T13:33:00.000-08:00

Entrance to the NY Comiccon February 2009
(BTW, only a handful more of these videos to share. Love that new Flip camera)

notions

2009-02-20T09:10:00.000-08:00

I got my Entertainment Weekly today... I got the Comedian cover.

Chris Giarusso's Mini Watchmen

Watchmen artist Dave Gibbons here:

Mera! I'll bet Rob at the Aquaman Shrine likes this.
DC Universe Women: Mera

2 minutes from the Vertigo panel, with G. Willow Wilson on Air.

Got my pile

2009-02-18T17:10:00.001-08:00

Have a pile of comics to read: Echo 9, Fringe 2, Air 6, Secret Six 6, House of Mystery 10,Buffy 20, Jack of Fables 30.

I did read the always entertaining Tiny Titans 12

I also picked up the 3rd printing of the Amazing Spider-Man 583 with the Obama secret invasion cover.

And I have 3 titles that fall into the Faces of Evil from DC...Justice League 29, Justice Society 23, and Birds of Prey 126 (the next to last issue).

Continuing video of the Torchwood panel from NY comiccon, wow almost 2 weeks ago now.

Gwen and Rhys

2009-02-16T19:09:00.001-08:00

Another piece of the Torchwood panel...Rhys and more.

Torchwood- Eros, Eve panel

2009-02-14T14:47:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentines Day people! I had a good one- saw an Ellis Paul show.

Still more to share from last week's New York Comiccon. Two videos from the Torchwood panel. I have others but they take time to process and add to You Tube.

Mini Jean

2009-02-13T13:12:00.000-08:00

My Sketch from Chris Giarruso, artist of Mini Marvels. Mini Jean Grey, Dark Phoenix! He also signed my first Mini Marvels collection, and Saturday had the MM Secret Invasion which I also bought.

Hulk no have jokes! Hulk no Bill Cosby!

from Riddler to Ugly Dolls

2009-02-10T13:23:00.000-08:00

Ugly dolls booth

Writer Sean McKeever, currently on Teen Titans, Terra Titans, Titans. I loved his work on SM loves MJ and Birds of Prey.

One of the many Rorscachs on the floor

Doctors, Iron Man, Green Arrow, Jay and Silent Bob

2009-02-10T10:30:00.000-08:00

All photos from the floor of the
New York Comiccon 2009

giving you Vertigo

2009-02-09T12:04:00.000-08:00

Vertigo panel 2/6/09
New monthlies (floppies), some for $1 to start, new graphic novels...

Notes:
Mike Carey- The Unwritten Lucifer team, in May, $1 for 32 issues
Hellblazer- Peter Milligan came out a few weeks ago
Daytripper- Moon and Ba, Brazil, struggle between fathers and sons
Unknown Soldier- 7th issue, new arc, good place to pick up, trade in summer

DMZ- Zee one shot
The Nobody- May- invisible man updated in a small Maine fishing village
Air- issue7- why Blythe in Zahns body
Bang/Tango- lobster gave up life of hitman to tango

100 Bullets- normal funny but crochety Brian Azzarello would reveal nothing about the last issues "you'll get 99 and like it" Thoughts on 100 Bullets "It's done. Thanks"

Gone to Amerikay- original GN, Colleen Doran on art Irish immigrants turn of 2 centuries
House of Mystery 13- 4 stories, each drawn by diff artists- Neil Adams, Aragones, Powell..one I didn't catch
Madame Xanadu- 1945 #11-15 designing her lair
Seaguy- Morrison, 3 different versions?

Cuba: One Story- Dean Haspiel GN, fiction memoir, very personal collaboration, out next year How to Understand Israel in 60 days of Less- GN Sara Glidden popular mini comic artist about her trip and prep for Israel, next year or so out

Luna Park GN coney island
Greek Street- Milligan, greek mythology tied into Greek Street London starring Eddie $1 for oversized issue
Fables prose book
Absolute V and Death
Jack of Fables and Fables- crossing into each others books, Jack Frost, Jack babysits Bigby and Snow Whites cubs

New York Comiccon photos from the floor

2009-02-09T09:20:00.001-08:00

MK Perker and G.Willow Wilson- Air (Vertigo)

Jimmy Palmiotti- Back to Brooklyn (Amanda Connor too)

Three librarians- Ty, Dave, me and Phillygirl

Melanie and The Comedian

me and artist Brian Bolland (The Killing Joke and much more)

out of the rift - Torchwood panel

2009-02-08T12:58:00.001-08:00

Torchwood panel 2/7/09 New York Comicon

Torchwood: Children of the Earth trailer

Eve was just humble, sweet, funny and smart-- and laughed and enjoyed the Americans and our support for the show. and the wacky questions!

I have some video clips from the Flip I'll post...sure there are much better ones out there.

My disjointed notes from the Panel:
Five episode series all with one story. Three Torchwooders left: Capt. Jack, Gwen and Ionto, and with Rhys helping out more.

Five episodes
end of year no date yet for BBC America
Children of the Earth
build grander
"you'll be holding on to the seat"

Jack, Gwen, Ionto "get stronger, more powerful, have to work together"
Three makes it easier to direct
Have a lot of fun on set and pranks "John farts alot"
Weevil is on vacation "odd to drink a cup of tea with the weevil", he is very friendly
New York is cheeky
Everything you love double time
prove themselves to be heroes
do you kiss anyone other than Rhys "do you mean human?"
Anyone Jack doesn't kiss "no, tables and chairs now"
Seeing hard work people put in to create Hub
Proudest Welshwoman in world
Favorite foe is the weevil, and the blowfish
working in Merlin - 6 hrs of prosthetic makeup, 2 parts, got to film in Paris in extraordinary castle
Gwen in shock for most of season 1, thats why affair with Owen, in a hothouse and confused
she has a responsiblity for mankind, protector and warrior

Redhead Fangirl

ALL TIME Favorite series and graphic novels

pics from NY Comicon 2011

Batgirl sketch from Wizard

New adult graphic novels

@brianwood at Vertigo signing

Artist/writer Terry Moore

Torchwood dolls

@gailsimone on DCU panel

My library panel yday

Batgirl dc statue

True blood comic poster

Becky Cloonan sketch!

Ba & moon singing at Dark Horse booth

Geppi Ent Museum Baltimore

New for the library!

Winners! Most likely..NJ librarians survey!

bucks for books library donations means adult graphic novels!

Sentences: The life of MF Grimm

Fringe

Save NJ libraries!

Midjersey #6

GN of the month: Filthy Rich

Human Target

20-10 comic peoples!

bought at craft fair

taster's choice

The Sinners

Fall choices that intrigue me

October 27

December 1

The Page Sisters

Max Zombies coming!

Louisville PL blogathon

Keyhouse

DCU women: Batgirl

The Marvels Project

Batman: Reborn (and a lot of chix)

Tiny Titans meets the Secret Six

a little greek?

New comic to check out!

Thor's first love to secret identities

Days without Superman, Spiderman, other supes

5 days of Torchwood

Wrap up Wizard Philly

DC Nation notes

Hellblazin' Preachin' Punishin' Garth Ennis

Emma was Anya

Philly and the Wiz

The Wiz 2009

"saving means changing"

darkplace, fangs

stitches

Library sales up, manga drops

American Expo of Books...

my first BookExpo

Come with me if you want to live.

Elizabeth Bennet!

TeeVee stuff

Stardate

tweet and ning

Wednesday!

I'm gonna BEA

Fast & Adorable

Year's Best more

link o's

DMZ and Air

jokey Monday

The end of the beginning

other stories

4 librarians and 5 titles

Battle for the Cowl

goodies

comic film dates

quotable

NYT, what is it about you? (that's from Annie)

2 trades

I will watch Watchmen

Vertigo title to look for..

social crutch New Jersey