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Flash Gordon
Sci-Fi cult classic from my childhood. "No! Not the bore worms!"
The Crow
The original and ONLY real Crow film based on the graphic novel by James O'Barr.
Chasing Amy
One of Kevin Smith's greatest works. It helped me believe I can turn a lesbian!
Sold Out: A Threevening With Kevin Smith
3rd in the Kevin Smith series of hilarious talks. And, look for me in the audience shots. I was there!
No offense to my French friends, of course, since they helped us win our freedom back in the day. But, Captain America can sure hold a grudge some times. I never pegged good ol' Cap as one of those "freedom fries" type of guys. You think you know someone.
Happy 4th, kids!
Happy birthday to the bestest sister in the whole world. Finding you 9 years ago was the greatest thing that ever happened to me. I can't imagine not having you in my life now. Even though we didn't grow up together, I love you more than anything and am proud to see you living a happy, healthy, loving and successful life. Have a rocking day. You deserve it!
Comic News Insider: Episode 206 is now available for free download! Click on the link or get it through iTunes! Sponsored by Dynamic Forces.
Reviews: Actress and the Bishop #1, Gotham Sirens #1, Dark Avengers/Uncanny X-Men: Utopia #1
More Heroes con interviews! Brian Pulido of Lady Death/Evil Ernie fame, joins us for a very interesting discussion on his old Chaos! comics and his upcoming foray into film. We also chat with Ken Marcus of the gut bustingly funny Super Human Resources, and discuss the pee-inducing hilarity of it all. The boys also discuss recent celeb deaths. Jimmy saw Transformers 2 and expected giant robots fighting, explosions and Megan Fox. Tune in to see what he got! Joe finally sees The Spirit and...well, ya gotta listen. News includes Bryan Fuller leaving Heroes again, more SDCC passes, Archie has a new chief, Watchmen director's cut in theaters, Vampirella returns, Shamus buys Toronto Con and more. Top 3 and plugs galore. Leave your iTunes comments! 5 stars and nothing but love!
Also, get a hold of us!
212 501 6246
www.myspace.com/comicnewsinsider
www.comicspace.com/comicnewsinsider
Thanks for listening!
You remember the epic live recording of the 200th episode of my podcast, Comic News Insider, right? Back on May 30th? Of course you do! Well, if you missed it, you can see a nice little 10 minute montage right here.
For the record, I SWEAR there were more ladies present, but there seemed to be a lot of guys that made the cut on the video. Plenty of nerd girls were present. And they purty too!
Enjoy.
Not to be remiss and forget about the great Farrah Fawcett passing as well. I wasn't as huge of a fan of hers, but man did she make me feel funny in my pants as a kid. The iconic shot in her bikini above made many of us young boys go crazy. I had the poster and I had the school notebook with it on the cover. I can't believe my moms let me buy it. I remember a fellow classmate offering to buy it off of me. I staunchly refused. Farrah was not my favorite angel from the hit TV series (Charlie's Angels...duh) that made her famous, but I still had a big ol' crush on her. (For the record, Jaclyn Smith was my girl.) Heck, I remember even getting the Charlie's Angels bubblegum trading cards. Here's to Farrah for helping me become a man or at least feel like one.
I awoke from a nap yesterday to see rampant speculation on whether Michael Jackson was alive or dead. First I saw it on Twitter and then looked it up online. It wasn't really complete but within 30 minutes, it was confirmed that he had died of cardiac arrest. The out pour of love for MJ was enormous. And the out pour of hate was there too. Both were warranted.
When I first heard the news, I immediately just thought of the music and the memories started flooding in. I was always a dancer as a kid. (Yeah, hard to believe my fat ass could move.) I found myself emulating MJ often. Some of the things I remember:
So many other memories of his music and life. But to be clear, it doesn't excuse his child molestation allegations. Online, people were yelling at others for praising his life when he was "a sick pedophile". In my case, I certainly do not forget or excuse those awful accusations against him. But, I can't deny he was a huge influence on my life as a young performer. I wanted to sing and dance like him. Who didn't? And if I suddenly have an urge to listen to his music in remembrance, it doesn't make me a child molester or supporter of such. (As some are suggesting.) For the record, I actually kind of believe that he did cross that line and that is absolutely horrible. In no way am I or many others saying he's suddenly a saint and all is forgiven. If they are, then they are idiots. I'm just listening to the music and reminiscing on my childhood.
My mother called to talk about it. She loved him when I was growing up as well. He crossed generations with his music. No denying that. Again, his latter crazy years and deterioration into a joke both physically and mentally are not forgotten. And just because he was abused as a kid doesn't give him the right to do so. Allegedly. Still, I can't get his music out of my head and I'm sure it will be that way for awhile. He's our generation's Elvis when it comes to musical influences. If none of those allegations would have ever happened and he never actually did anything wrong, I've a feeling the entire world would have stopped to mourn over the next few days. Alas, his dark side was there forever tainting what could have been a positive remembrance of a legendary career. I'll leave you with something from his younger days. If only that kid could have made it through and had somewhat of a normal life.
The zany zombie anthology, Fat Chunk Volume 2: Zombies, is available from Slave Labor Graphics at your fine local comic book shops. Or you can get it through the SLG site or Amazon. If you haven't been paying attention, it's a 136 page anthology full of hilarious zombie goodness. And I happen to write 6 pages of it! I did a 3 pager called Jesus Christ Zombie Star with art by Jenny Romanchuk. I also did 3 separate 1 pagers called Zombartender with art by Shane Heron. I think they're pretty funny and of course, the art is outstanding. Now, I challenge you to be the judge. Go buy it! See what I did there? I'm tricking you into buying it! Trust me, it's worth it. So many great little zombie strips in there. I peed myself reading them. Sure, I have a bladder control problem, but that's besides the point.
If your local comic store is out of stock, please ask them to order more. Or go to a Barnes & Noble or Borders and ask them to order some. Heck, lie and say you'll buy 20 copies if they get it in. It costs you nothing! And you'll have supplied them with a fine book to sell. See? Community service as well.
Still not convinced? How about hearing from the editor and a few of the cartoonists involved? We recorded a special show promoting the book in a recent episode of my podcast. Go listen to Comic News Insider: Episode 204.
Now quit reading this and go buy it. I'll thank every single one of you in my next book. It'll be my inside voice, but it's a "thank you" none the less.
Well, you know the story. I had long hair for 20 years. Cut 16 inches off in April 2008 so it just fell off of my shoulders. Then, 2 weeks ago, I cut it short for the first time. The stylist, Melinda, said she could cut more if I wanted. I wore it the initial short cut (a little long on top) for a couple of weeks. I dug it, but figured hey...I've come this far. Why not just have her cut it short? I decided to go for it yesterday. First time I've had short short hair in over 20 years. I'm still adjusting to the whole thing, so be nice. Yes, I know it will grow back but I really don't think I'm going to grow it out long again. But, ya never know.
And the results? Hey! Look what I can do!
Comic News Insider: Episode 205 is now available for free download! Click on the link or get it through iTunes! Sponsored by Dynamic Forces.
Reviews: Captain America #600
It's our giant sized Heroes Con recap show! We go into lengthy details about the events of the weekends. Lots of hilarity ensued! Jimmy also mentions seeing Kevin Smith at Carnegie hall and that he cut his hair even shorter! Joe suddenly grows his out though. Ladies and gentleman, the NEW CNI!
The Heroes Con recap includes interviews with Leanne Hannah, Mike Maihack, and Adam Withers/Comfort Love. Hear about the strip club debauchery, a happy Iron Giant-ed nephew, dubs, hotness, podcast panel and more. News includes a touching story about a dying girl's last wish to see Up, the launch of Rantz Hosely's Longbox project, TCAF and a new JLA creative team. Top 3 and plugs galore. Leave your iTunes comments! 5 stars and nothing but love!
Also, get a hold of us!
212 501 6246
www.myspace.com/comicnewsinsider
www.comicspace.com/comicnewsinsider
Thanks for listening!
If you've been paying attention, then you know I was in Charlotte, NC for Heroes Con this past weekend. Time for the recap!
I arrived (after 3 hours of sleep) in Charlotte around 10am on Friday. The con starts at 11, so figured we'd have plenty of time. As last year, Doug picked us up in the shuttle. However, we had to wait for a few other folks to pick up so we didn't get checked into the hotel until after 11 which didn't get me to the con until right before 12. Curse you Ivan Brandon and David Mack! Actually, Ivan and I had a great convo about Viking, his new book, and the decision to make it the size it was and why they wanted to cost it at such a low price. Mack, of course, was just lots of fun and really funny.
After changing and checking into the Westin, Day 1 of Heroes Con was in full effect. I bounced over and got right to our Comic News Insider table. This year, Dustin Harbin (show organizer), put the podcasters (Comic Geek Speak, Comic Related, The Golden Age of Comic Podcasts and Indie Spinner Rack) in Indie Island. Of course, co-host Joe Gonzalez was already set up along with everyone else. It was in a new hall and everything looked glorious! Being in Indie Island, the 4 podcasters were set up in a row. ISR was behind us since they're sooooooooooooooo indie. Nah, Phil had some books to sell of the Awesome Anthology 2 and they are indeed awesome. However, to the right of us was some random webcomic dude. Did something called Cow and Buffalo. Never heard of it. Man, I hope it doesn't suck. And I hope he's not annoying. Well, let me tell you...
Mike Maihack is one of the nicest dudes around. He is the creator/cartoonist of the aforementioned webcomic. We got to chatting and really seemed to get along. I purchased the books and laughed out loud reading them. A bit later, his wife Jen, came by. Sure, she purty, and super sweet as well. I can't get over how awesome they were to hang with the whole weekend. It could have gone horribly wrong. I could have been boothed next to some really awkward and annoying folks. We got really lucky having the Maihack's as neighbors. I feel as if I've made some new lifelong friends. Good folks all around and both really talented. Besides Mike's awesome cartooning, Jen is a professional photographer with her own business. She graciously took pics for us all weekend just out of the kindness of her heart. Check out their respective sites!
Soon, I ran around to say hi to friends and creators including Daniel Corsetto, Francesco Francavilla, Jonathan Hickman, Ryan Bodenheim, Matt Fraction, Fred Chao, Chris Pitzer, Liz Baillie, Alec Longstreth, Ken Marcus, Adam Withers, Comfort Love, Leeanne Hannah, Scott Weinstein, Cliff Chiang, and many others. Ran into CNI listeners and fellow forum folks like Ryan, Keith, Dave, Chad, Mongoose, etc. I know I left a ton of folks out. Sorry! I'm on a deadline here, kids!
We spent most of the day running around setting up interviews for the whole weekend and hanging at the table. Due to my lack of sleep, I had to bounce out around 5:30 to go disco nap for the night's festivities. Boy did that help. I wake around 7 and head down to have dinner at the hotel restaurant. Phil joins me soon after. Good food and wine in us, we head over to the bar for drinking. The Westin bar is THE spot to hang. Everyone is there. We were all bouncing around just hanging with everyone. LOTS of drinks were had. Good convos.
Somehow, around 2am, someone had the bright idea to hit the local gentleman's club down the road for an annual trip. Okay, that someone might have been me. I convince Danielle, Mongoose, and a few others to join us. As soon as we enter the club, I immediately run into Mina. The same girl from the previous 2 years. She says, "Hey! You cut your hair!" Yep, she remembered me. We ended up chatting for awhile and catching up. And yes, a few dances were had. Hey, it's a strip club. Suck it.
After shutting the place down, we walked back to the hotel for more drinking. There were still a few folks lingering around the bar. Mongoose suggests getting his homemade moonshine out of his room. Since I was the only guy rich enough to have his own room, naturally we went back there to drink. About 5 or 6 of us sat and drank and chatted. I ordered some room service. Danielle was intrigued by the shrimp curry choice. It looked good so I ordered 2! It arrives and....FOUL!!! It came in the form of a pizza! D is gluten free so she couldn't have any. Meanwhile, the rest of us really enjoyed it. Sorry, D! Finally, around 5am, I kick them out. Time for slumber.
Day 2. I roll in around 11am. About 4-5 hours of sleep. Cappuccino in hand, sunglasses on, I slowly stroll in. Neighbor Jen says, "Rough night?" I nod and grunt. Finally, after a few minutes I start to wake up. I gotta get my game face on since the podcast panel is at 12pm.
I run over to Hickman to give him the heads up about the panel. He's a big star so I didn't want him to forget about us little people. Nah, he was all prepped and ready for us.
Finally, a few minutes before 12, we head over to the room for the panel. Hope it's a good crowd!
Dustin put us in a bigger room this year, but we still had a good turnout of around 50 people. On the panel was myself, Bryan Deemer (CGS), Chuck Moore (CR), Bill Jourdain (GA), Phil Jackson (ISR) and Jonathan Hickman as moderator. The panels are always great and informative. Yes, we actually really do like each other and support one another. Hickman had some great questions and so did the audience. I kept the name dropping to a minimum though. At one point, I caught Deemer making motions with his hand that I was talking too much. That punk talked more than I did! All love kids. All love. Thanks to Chuck of Comic Related for recording. You can hear the panel here.
Post panel, it was a bit weird when Derek Coward of the Comic Book Noise family of podcasts, proceeds to tell me I was the worst guest on Geek Brunch. Over 1 1/2 years ago. Good forum buddy Heath invited me on the show as he hosts it with Mike Myers. It was my birthday that day and I didn't stay on the whole show. I even took 2 calls from my moms and sister during the recording. I had forewarned Heath that it would happen and we both agreed that it would be funny to keep the calls in. Apparently, some of the listeners felt it was a slight to the hosts and I "didn't want to be on the show". Heath and Mike didn't feel that way. Anyway, just felt it weird that Derek felt the need to bring down my high after the panel for something that happened 1 1/2 years ago. Derek is a great guy and has some awesome podcasts but it just sort threw me off for a hot minute. I'm over it now though. Kind of. Mwhahaha. (Note tongue planted firmly in cheek!)
Can't hold me down though, so I ran back down to the floor. More running around and chatting with folks. More sitting at the table. We busted out a couple of interviews as well. Again, I had to bounce out early to disco nap for the night's activities ahead.
Oh, forgot to mention. The Dub Show was back! That's the hip hop car show happening on Saturday in the next room of the convention center. During the panel, we kept hearing bass (and feeling it) vibrating through the walls. Great mix of nerds and hip hoppers. I named the mix The Fast and the Furious: Gotham Drift.
After that hour nap, I grab Ryan Bodenheim and go and meet Joe and a crew of folks at the Mexican joint across from the convention. Adam and Comfort were there. Mike and Jen. Joe's sister Amy whom I hadn't seen in awhile. Scott Weinstein. And many others. Poor waitress. Must have been her first night because she literally said, "Oh God. 2 more people", when Ryan and I sat down. After dinner, Ryan and I head over to the Westin for the annual art auction to benefit Heroes Con. Always a fun event! We sort of walked in and out of it as the room was hot and it was way to rich for my blood. Hung out with Francesco and his wife, Hickman, Buzz and some others. Lots of drinks were had for sure.
Meanwhile, back at the Westin bar...
I head over to hang with Joe and Amy and everyone else. Amy hands me this card that someone from The Dub show had given her. Yes, it was real! And yes, that's it in the picture over there. Hilarious! "You need 'em, we lease 'em!"
More drinking and drinking. Sense a theme here? Got to chat with Fraction and finally officially met his lovely and talented wife Kelly Sue. Fraction and I joked about how I look different every time we meet up. First, the eye patch a few years back. Then not one. Then the shorter hair. All good.There was one strange moment when Dustin introduced me to a girl who seemed to know who I was. Be it a listener or what not. We were all pretty drunk but apparently I joked about something and she heard me wrong or something. She said something like, "I'm about to smack you." I quickly diverted as I had no idea why she said that or what I said that she could have misinterpreted. So, I ran around a bit more.
Ended up hanging with Danielle, Mike, Jen and crew til the wee hours. Around 2am. A rather large guy involved in the Dub show approached us. He was noticeably drunk. We weren't sure if he was going to throw up on us or fall on us. He shouts at us. "HEY!" We stop. And he busts out singing, "Fly me to the moon cuz I am so drunk right now." He was not only hilarious but he could actually sing! And when he finished, he just bounced. Great exit!
Bed time around 4am.
Day 3. I arrive around 12pm. Hey, I was up late! I could feel my voice getting a little froggy from the lack of sleep. I should really take that into account as I'm a podcaster. As a former singer, you'd think I'd remember how to take care of my voice. Alas, no.
Sunday was spent gathering up a few more folks for interviews. I can't remember whom we had on Saturday and whom we had on Sunday. But a list of the ones we got is as follows: Leeanne Hannah, Ken Marcus, Adam Withers/Comfort Love, Brian Pulido, and Mike Maihack.
Pulido was an interesting guy. I had followed his comics career from Evil Ernie to Lady Death to my favorite, Chastity. I think those universes started quite good and were very dark. Not something you saw back then. Where the protagonist was...well...kinda evil. Sure, a lot of the comics turned into just big boobs and blood, but the start of them were very entertaining. We discussed a bit of the comics and then got into his filmmaking. I'm really interested in seeing his film, The Graves. He says it's out in January, so I look forward to that. If it's anything like his initial comics with Chaos Comics, then it should rock!
A lot of folks pulled out early on Sunday. I'm sort of torn on this one. I understand if people have a long way to go when they leave. But, some fans showed up just for Sunday. Don't they deserve the same show? And what if you were that one person they came to see and you bounced? Not a huge deal. Just saying.
6pm rolls around and it's time to call it quits. We pack up and head out. Joe's sister, Amy, drops me off at the Heroes store for the Dead Dog after party. Free pizza, beer and soda. Woo hoo! I was one of the first there, so I meandered around the store and purchased quite a few comics. Soon, a crowd showed and I was hanging with Liz Baillie, Alec Longstreth and company. Adam and Comfort showed up. Hickman, Fraction, Brubaker and crew. Mike and Jen. And more. Alas, I couldn't hang too late as my flight was at 10pm. So, it was off to the airport at 8:30 and back to NYC.
Much thanks to Dustin Harbin and Shelton Drum for everything. They treat us podcasters well and we always have a blast. It's becoming one of my favorite shows. If you've never been, do yourself a favor and go next year! It's one of the best run cons in the country, dare I say...IN THE WORLD!! Go check out their website for more details on the store and the convention. Heck, sign up for the newsletter while you're at it. Tell 'em Jimmy sent you. It wont get you anything. But, it just feels good to say.
More pictures on my Flickr and Facebook. See you next year, Heroes Con! And Mina? I'd like my pants back.
