Articles by martha-thomases
Mon Aug 4, 2008 — by Martha Thomases
Hammer of the Gods 2: Tea Time
Modi and his men face an Eastern spirit
In today's brand-new episode of Hammer of the Gods: Back from the Dead, by Michael Oeming and Mark Wheatley, Modi and his crew seek Odin in the mountains of China. They can feel the power of a god in the very air, but which god is it? And can anyone understand the words that are coming out of their mouths?
Credits: Mike Oeming (Artist), Mike Oeming (Writer), Mark Wheatley (Colorist), Mark Wheatley (Letterer), Mark Wheatley (Writer), John Staton (Colorist)
Sat Aug 2, 2008 — by Martha Thomases
SDCC: Little Earthquakes, by Martha Thomases
Brilliant Disguise
It’s nearly a week since Comic-Con ended, but still it haunts my dreams. I grew up in Youngstown, Ohio, then the fifth largest city in Ohio (behind Cleveland, Cincinnati, Columbus and Akron), yet there were more people in the San Diego convention center.
I think all of them walked by our booth.
If they were any other place, I wouldn’t know about it, because I left the booth only to go to the bathroom and to the Black Panel (for different reasons, as I hope is obvious). The bathroom at the center back of the exhibit hall was usually not crowded and always clean, which is more than I can say for any of the other ladies’ rooms.
The Black Panel was packed. I arrived ten minutes early, which usually allows me my choice of seats, but this time, I was forced to navigate among strangers. Even though this event doesn’t get the hype of the movie panels, or the television shows, or even the video games, it’s really, really fun. There is music and dancing (not by me, you’ll be happy to know, but by people who know how to dance), and lots and lots of laughs. Also, people who have been seriously moved by comics get up and, in the guise of asking questions, testify to the power of graphic story telling.
I also got to leave the booth when my friend, Tiger, who is seven years old and was staying with us so she could read Mars, decided she wanted to find her father, who had a meeting at the Dark Horse booth. This was only about two aisles away, but it took us more than 15 minutes to get there. Not only did we have to stop and look at anything that might potentially be a toy display, buy we had serious problems avoiding backpacks. Now, I understand the appeal of the backpack – you can carry a bunch of stuff, and still have your hands free, and yet, you are not wearing a purse, thereby asserting your manly manliness. And my problem is not with backpacks, per se, but with backpacks that are stuffed so full that you, the wearer, are no longer aware of the dimensions. A backpack that is more than six inches deep is a deadly weapon, especially to those humans who are not yet tall enough to avoid getting whacked in the head by the bottom corner of your stuff.
Continue reading SDCC: Little Earthquakes, by Martha Thomases ›
Thu Jul 31, 2008 — by Martha Thomases
Black Ice: Boss-Man!
Deserters - or Dissidents?
In today's brand-new episode of Black Ice, by Mike Baron and Lee Oakes, Captain Neil selects a new title, and welcomes new allies. Can this possibly be a good idea? And what's going on in the volcano?
Credits: Mike Baron (Writer), Lee Oaks (Artist), Bob Pinaha (Letterer), Matt Webb (Colorist), Mike Gold (Editor)
Wed Jul 30, 2008 — by Martha Thomases
GrimJack: The Manx Cat - Complete and Free!
That's one tough puss!
Cynosure is famous as the city at the crossroads of all the dimensions. In this all-new, full-length graphic novel by John Ostrander and Timothy Truman, John Gaunt not only spans universes but the very fabric of time itself. As he is compelled to track down the mysterious Manx Cat, he learns the dirty secrets about his city's origins and the tragic price to be paid for the stuff that dreams are made of. All this and the secret origin of Bob the watchlizard and his place at the fabled Munden's Bar!
Read the entire graphic novel GrimJack: The Manx Cat, from the very beginning right here at ComicMix for FREE!
Credits: John Ostrander (Writer), Timothy Truman (Artist), John Workman (Letterer), Lovern Kindzierski (Colorist), Mike Gold (Editor).
Tue Jul 29, 2008 — by Martha Thomases
Hammer of the Gods: Dad's Back
Even in death, Pop's telling him what to do
In today's brand-new episode of Hammer of the Gods: Back from the Dead by Michael Oeming and Mark Wheatley, the mission becomes clear. Modi's dad comes back from death to tell Modi what his mission should be, and Modi asks the Valkyrie, Skogul, to join the crew. With a cast like this, the crew joins, too.
Credits: Mike Oeming (Artist), Mike Oeming (Writer), Mark Wheatley (Colorist), Mark Wheatley (Letterer), Mark Wheatley (Writer), John Staton (Colorist)
Mon Jul 28, 2008 — by Martha Thomases
Demons of Sherwood - Complete, Online and Free!
Merry Men included at no extra cost!
It's been over a decade since Robin Hood last rescued the Maid Marian from the forces of the wicked Sheriff of Nottingham. Did they live happily ever after?
Hell no! Drink, religion, and a passle of demons are just a few of the threats that face Robin and the remnants of his Merry Men in this all-new full-length graphic novel from Robert Tinnell and Bo Hampton (Legends of the Dark Knight, Clive Barker's Hellraiser, Moon Knight, The Viking Prince), providing amazing fully painted art at is best!.
The serialization ran for months, and now you can read the entire graphic novel Demons of Sherwood, from the very beginning right here at ComicMix for FREE!
Credits: Robert Tinnell and Bo Hampton (Writers), Bo Hampton (Artist), Bo Hampton (Letterer), Mike Gold (Editor)
Sat Jul 26, 2008 — by Martha Thomases
San Diego Comic-Con: But enough about me... by Martha Thomases
Brilliant Disguise
Being the conscientious sort, I thought about writing my column early in the week so it would be finished before I had to leave for San Diego. That way, I’d have one less thing to worry about what with the packing, the schlepping, the hob-nobbing, the drinking.
At the same time, because I feel a responsibility to you, my readers, I thought you might appreciate my keen insights into the event that has come to define not only comics fandom, but also pop culture in America in the early parts of the 21st century.
Eventually, I decided my responsibilities as a journalist were more important than my personal desire for efficiency. (Also, I ran out of time before I left.) As I write this, the first full day of the show has ended, and the evening’s parties lie ahead.
What have we learned?
For starters, Wednesday night, which used to be the Preview night, primarily (it seemed) so exhibitors could check out the show, is now so crowded with people that it makes Times Square look like the dark side of the moon. Getting to a restroom was impossible, much less getting across the floor.
And while television and movie and game and toy folk have used the show for ages to promote fantasy, science fiction and action-adventure stories to fans, this year such distinctions are irrelevant. The Office
Continue reading San Diego Comic-Con: But enough about me... by Martha Thomases ›
Wed Jul 23, 2008 — by Martha Thomases
Simone & Ajax - Full Color, Online and Free!
The case of the Maltese Duck!
If you're looking for film noir mystery that's complete with lemmings and haute cuisine, get ready for adventure with the return of Simone, a beautiful young woman, and Ajax, her dinosaur best friend.
The pair hopscotch all over the world in search of a very special maltese duck, and, perhaps, the very special sauce that goes with him. The Case of the Maltese Duck is an astonishing adventure with humor to spare, as only Andrew Pepoy (Fables, Jack of Fables, The Simpsons, Katy Keene) can offer up!
ComicMix published the first full-color adventures of everyone's favorite redhead and her dinosaur pal. Just completed, you can read the entire graphic novel The Adventures of Simone & Ajax: The Case of the Maltese Duck, from the very beginning right here at ComicMix for FREE!
Credits: Andrew Pepoy (Writer, Artist, Letterer), Jason Millet (Colorist), Mike Gold (Editor)
Tue Jul 22, 2008 — by Martha Thomases
ComicMix at San Diego: Podcast Live!
Be part of ComicMix Radio at SDCC!
Every day at Comic-Con International, Mike Raub and his skilled crew will broadcast live from the ComicMix booth (#2308). Stop by and watch the master! Maybe you'll be interviewed! Maybe he'll make you a star!
Here's the plan:
Wednesday, July 23, at 7:00 PM
Thursday, July 24 at 3:00 PM
Friday, July 25, at 4:00 PM (Hey, I'm signing at that time!)
Saturday, July 26 at 1:00 PM
Sunday, July 27, at 2:00 PM
Tue Jul 22, 2008 — by Martha Thomases
EZ Street: Complete, Free and Online!
Read the entire Harvey-nominated graphic novel
Got some free time? Why not read a free book? ComicMIx recently published the final chapter of the groundbreaking series EZ Street. Read the entire graphic novel from the very beginning right here, free at ComicMix!
Scott and Danny are brothers. As kids, they made up comics.
As adults, Scott tries to make movies. Dan works as a graphic artist. They are NOT happy.
In this Harvey-nominated graphic novel from Robert Tinnell (director/writer, Frankenstein and Me and Kids of the Round Table; producer, Surf Nazis Must Die!) and Mark Wheatley (Breathtaker, Mars, Frankenstein Mobster, Jonny Quest), the brothers struggle to find out what makes them happy, what makes them excited, and what makes them crazy. It's about life, love, art ... and sometimes compromise.
Credits: Robert Tinnell and Mark Wheatley (Writers), Mark Wheatley (Artist, Colorist, Letterer), Mike Gold (Editor)
Mon Jul 21, 2008 — by Martha Thomases
Jon Sable Freelance: Ashes of Eden - Complete and Online
Free diamonds, free money, free beauty queens!
Mike Grell returned to his greatest character creation in this all-new full-length graphic novel co-starring Maggie The Cat! And you can read the entire story, from first chapter to last, now that we've posted every little bit of it online.
Any time you have one of the world's biggest diamonds and one of the world's most beautiful women, you have a recipe for danger. With New York City on the brink of disaster and Maggie tossed into the mix, and you've got more than just an international incident. Can Jon Sable do his job without bringing about nuclear disaster? Can his do it in time for Christmas?
Read the entire graphic novel Jon Sable, Freelance: Ashes of Eden, from the very beginning right here at ComicMix for FREE!
Credits: Mike Grell (Writer, Artist), Glenn Hauman (Colorist), John Workman (Letterer), Mike Gold (Editor).
Mon Jul 21, 2008 — by Martha Thomases
Hammer of the Gods: Odin Walks
Where do gods go for vacation?
In today's brand-new episode of Hammer of the Gods: Back from the Dead, by Michael Oeming and Mark Wheatley, Odin decides he needs a break from the rigors of Asgard, and goes to the mortal realm to relax. And he's taking travel advice from a raven. Can anything good come from this?
Credits: Mike Oeming (Artist), Mike Oeming (Writer), Mark Wheatley (Colorist), Mark Wheatley (Letterer), Mark Wheatley (Writer), John Staton (Colorist)
Mon Jul 21, 2008 — by Martha Thomases
ComicMix Meet & Greet Schedule in San Diego
Visit us at our booth!
Meet and greet the best talent online and on paper! Here's the schedule for artists signings at Booth #2308 -- ComicMix and Insight Studios. Please stop by and say hello!
THURSDAY, July 24
10 AM - Noon
Jerry Carr (Cryptozoo Crew)
Noon -- 2 PM
Rick Marshall (ComicMix News)
2 PM - 4 PM
Mike Gold (ComicMIx Editor-in-Chief)
4 PM - 6 PM
Alan Gross (Cryptozoo Crew)
Continue reading ComicMix Meet & Greet Schedule in San Diego ›
Sat Jul 19, 2008 — by Martha Thomases
Final Countdown to San Diego Secret Crisis, by Martha Thomases
Brilliant Disguise
Like so many other people who write about and work in comics, I’m in a tizzy getting ready to go to San Diego for Comic-Con International. Not only do I have to worry about all the normal travel stuff – Can I fit a week’s worth of clothes in a carry-on bag? How much knitting do I need for such a long flight? – but this year, I also have extra San Diego stuff to consider.
For starters, there are all the people I have a crush on, people I see only once a year, and try to flirt with in that awkward, married way that I hope is charming, but fear might be excruciating. Last year, there were painful moments when the people I only used to see once a year tried to remember who I was after not seeing me since 1999. Instead of flirting, they wondered why this gray-haired woman presumed to ask them about their exercise programs.
(If you’re keeping score, Neil Gaiman remains the champion of charming, deniable flirting. We can sit together with our spouses and children and he is so adorable that I believe that if we were only 30 years younger, childless and single, we could still make each other laugh.)
The Con has changed, and so have I. When you work for one of the Big Two publishers at a comic book convention, you feel important. You may be a cog in the corporate machine, but you have a hotel room at the main hotel, you have an expense account, and you have a recognizable identity.
However, San Diego is no longer a comic book convention but a multi-media orgy, and instead of comic book stars, there are movie and television stars. Ed Brubaker will be there, and that’s very cool, but Paris Hilton is going to be at a Lionsgate panel on Thursday.
And I no longer work for a Big Two publisher, but a plucky little upstart, so while people may recognize me (“Aren’t you that crazy lady who was hassling me last year), I’m sharing my hotel room.
Unlike last year, ComicMix has a booth this year, so you can stop by (Booth #2308, with Insight Studios and the fabulous Mark Wheatley of EZ Street and Hammer of the Gods 2), say hello, and meet some of the fine people who make ComicMix the place to be. And this is amazing and wonderful, but, like so many other amazing, wonderful things, this means more work for me. Mark Ryan and Mike Grell will be on hand to promote their new graphic novel, The Pilgrim. The previously mentioned Mark Wheatley will be there. Mike Gold, not only editor-in-chief of ComicMix but also a founder of First Comics and former big muckety-muck at one of the Big Two, is available. Jerry Carr and Allan Gross from Insight (and creators of Cryptozoo Crew) are fun guys. Michael Davis and Rick Marshall are funny guys who can draw a crowd.
Continue reading Final Countdown to San Diego Secret Crisis, by Martha Thomases ›
Fri Jul 18, 2008 — by Martha Thomases
Munden's Bar: It's Ladeeez Night!
Talk about a curse ....
Thank God it's Munden's! John Ostrander and Hillary Barta celebrate the weekend with a new brand-episode of the adventures at everyone's favorite watering hole. Actually, as we find out, there are some people, of the vulvic persuasion, who have not been present in large numbers. The bar patrons try to do something about it. Clean up their act? Treat women as people? That would be too easy ...
Credits: John Ostrander (Writer), Hilary Barta (Artist), Jason Millet (Colorist), Bob Pinaha (Letterer), Mike Gold (Editor)
More: Munden's Bar
