Tagged: DC

MICHAEL DAVIS: Static Cling

Columns / Michael Davis
January 24, 2012

It’s not a black or white world. The world is made up of many shades of gray.

Yet somehow when something happens to a black character “racism” always clings to the debate.

There has been a flurry of activity since DC cancelled Static Shock. The DC official line is the book was cancelled because of sales. Some fans think DC should have kept the book alive by whatever means necessary and only canceled the book because they did not think enough of the character to change direction.

Some think that DC cancelled the book because Static was black.

What do I, co-creator of Static, think?

I don’t care why they cancelled the book. I care that they cancelled the book.

A guy once put a gun to my head and pulled the trigger. The gun jammed. I didn’t care why the gun jammed, I cared that the gun jammed.

Sometimes the reason for something is not nearly as important as the thing.

In the almost 20 years that Milestone, I company I co-founded, has been around I’ve never publicly commented on the direction of the Milestone universe. Never a word on the management rather I was with the company or not. I’ll do it here, but just to make a point.

I did not like the book.

Moving on…

I mentioned in a post on ComicMix last week that there are some who think that DC cancelled the book because Static was black but somehow fail to acknowledge that DC published the book in the first place. I love people who don’t let little things like the facts get in the way of a good conspiracy theory.

Over on my website, Danny Donovan wrote an amazing piece about the cancellation called “Not shocked.” A reader wrote a wonderful comment making the case that DC’s actions regarding the Static cancellation had strong overtones or racism.

I do not believe DC cancelled the book because of some racist agenda.

So why do I say the writer’s comments were “wonderful?” Because he presented his case, backed up his thoughts and wrote them in a clear concise way. I don’t have to agree with someone to acknowledge they make a good case.

A few years ago during The Black Panel at Comic Con International I addressed one of the many rumors about Milestone Media by telling the audience how Denys Cowan started Milestone and I co-signed, period. Milestone was Deny’s baby and without Denys Milestone never would have happened.

Never.

Ever.

Ever!

Soon after Comic Con, a blogger went on line and wrote that “his sources” told him that my “version” of Milestone’s origin was not the way Milestone started and because Denys (who was on the panel with me) didn’t say anything after I made my comments, somehow that meant I was lying.

Like I said, I love people who don’t let little things like the facts get in the way of a good conspiracy theory.

So, me being me, I went online and told this guy that his “sources” were wrong. He came back with “these are very good sources” and he was standing behind them.

He was standing behind “very good sources” instead of giving me (who was there) the benefit of the doubt. What I did next was tell him I’d give him ten thousand dollars if he could prove what he was telling thousands of people on the net. If he didn’t prove it then he should give me ten grand or shut the fuck up.

He shut the fuck up.

The comment on MDW made by the guy who suggests racism had a hand in the cancellation of Static gave a few examples of DC purposive prejudice towards black characters and creators.

And… he made some good points. I know of one instance when he was on the right track. He did not give particulars so I cannot say for a fact that he was talking about the following incident but it fits the general description.

When Milestone started negotiations with DC there was one meeting in which an important high-ranking DC executive said that when it came to black characters in the market place, black meant death. He went on to suggest we don’t show the characters in any ads so as not to turn off the public. He finished once again with, “black means death.”

At that moment one more racist word out of his mouth may have meant death if the looks on the faces of Dwayne McDuffie, Denys Cowan, Derek Dingle and myself meant anything.

Here’s my two cents. That guy was an asshole and people in the industry generally accept that he was out of touch and yes I felt at the time he was racist. I was in his office once admiring a photo of a sports car he had on the wall. “Maybe one day with a lot of hard work you can have a car like that,” he said with a smile.

I reached into my pocket and showed him my car keys. “I already have one.”

The look on his face was well worth the distain he showed me from that moment on. He never spoke to me again unless he had to.

I believe he was racist and because he was a high-ranking member of the DC staff I believe he could be a problem. Was he a problem? I can’t say for sure.

Jenette Kahn and Paul Levitz were his bosses and they believed in Milestone from day one, so fuck him. I saw him once after he left DC, he was very pleasant and so was I. Why be decent?

As Denys says, “too small, throw it back.”

That was then, this is now…

Hey Bruce! How you living? Guess how many sports cars I have now!

Here’d something that’s never addressed in these “DC is racist claims” concerning Milestone.

The founders.

No founder of Milestone would stand for any Jim Crow shit. Not now, not then.

It will never happen and if some people would just look at the backgrounds and resumes of the founders they would know that Milestone is made up of people that Ice Cube famously said are ‘the wrong niggas to fuck with.’

Has race been an issue at DC? Yes! Race is an issue everywhere. The question is when race becomes racism. DC did not cancel Static because they were racist; they cancelled Static because the fans did not want to see one of the greatest characters ever created fighting a giant fish.

A giant fish??

Really?

Lastly, DC took a risk with Milestone but almost twenty years later Milestone is still here, still a topic of conversation still a great universe with great characters and I’m sure that Static is a risk they will take again.

As Captain Kirk said, “Risk? Risk, is our business!”

Good job Danny… for a white boy. ;-)

WEDNESDAY: Mike Gold

DC Entertainment’s We can be Heroes Campaign to fight Hunger in Africa

Press Releases
January 23, 2012

(January 23, 2012 – New York, NY) DC Entertainment, home of the world’s greatest super heroes, today unveiled an unprecedented giving campaign to fight the hunger crisis in the Horn of Africa. This multi-million-dollar commitment over the next two years will be supported across all Warner Bros. Entertainment’s and Time Warner’s businesses and feature DC Entertainment’s iconic Justice League characters, including Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, The Flash, Aquaman and Cyborg, issuing the call to action, “We Can Be Heroes.” The announcements were made at a press conference today in New York by Barry Meyer, Chairman & CEO, Warner Bros.; Jeff Robinov, President, Warner Bros. Pictures Group; and Diane Nelson, President, DC Entertainment.

We Can Be Heroes will support the efforts of three humanitarian aid organizations working in Africa—Save the Children, International Rescue Committee and Mercy Corps—as part of the global effort to fight the current hunger crisis in the Horn of Africa. The region is suffering its worst drought and famine in over 60 years, with 13 million in need of critical assistance and 250,000 facing starvation in Somalia alone. Each partner organization was chosen for its track record of effective and expeditious humanitarian aid efforts in Africa.

We Can Be Heroes will be supported via promotional exposure across all of Time Warner’s divisional advertising platforms (Warner Bros., Turner Broadcasting, Time Inc., HBO), generating millions of consumer impressions and creating crucially needed awareness of this crisis worldwide. Save the Children, International Rescue Committee and Mercy Corps will equally share a corporate donation of at least $2 million over the next two years comprised of cash donations, employee matching funds and consumer matching funds.

“Warner Bros. has a long history of corporate philanthropy and outreach, and this campaign proudly continues that tradition,” said Meyer. “We are a global company, and this is a global issue. By marshalling our expertise in consumer and fan engagement and creating global awareness, we hope we’re able to inspire others to join us in becoming ‘heroes’ and make a difference in the Horn of Africa.”

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IDW PUBLISHING FOR APRIL

News
January 22, 2012

IDW Publishing has released their solicitations for books releasing in April 2012. Here are some of their pulpier offerings.

RICHARD STARK’S PARKER: THE SCORE
Written, art and cover by Darwyne Cooke.

Fresh from his efforts on The Hunter and The Outfit, Darwyn Cooke now sets his steely sights on The Score, the classic Richard Stark Parker novel from 1964. Parker becomes embroiled in a plot with a dozen partners in crime to pull off what might be the ultimate heist — robbing an entire town. Everything was going fine for a while, and then things got bad. Considered one of the best in the Parker series, The Score is the perfect vehicle for Darwyn Cooke to pull out all the stops and let loose with a book that has all the impact of a brutal kick to the solar plexus!

160 pages, $24.99.

ROCKETEER ADVENTURES 2 #2
Written by Paul Dini, Walter Simonson, Tom Taylor, art by John Paul Leon, Bill Morrison, Colin Wilson, covers by Darwyn Cooke, Dave Stevens.

The second star-studded issue of Rocketeer Adventures streaks into the skies with three high-flying tales of derring do! We start with a story on a grim battle field and race to save a soldiers life. Next up Is a jealous Cliff keeping an eye on Betty in his own inimitable way. Last is a run-in with a Hollywood icon in danger!
Another 25 pages of gorgeous art and stories — and all for the price of a regular 22 page book!

32 pages, $3.99.

COLD WAR, VOL. 1: THE DAMOCLES CONTRACT
Written, art and cover by John Byrne.

Byrne releases his latest creation, MI-6 agent Michael Swann. In Swann’s opening adventure, “The Damocles Contract,” the secret agent is called on to stop a defecting British scientist from granting the Soviets complete nuclear dominion over the free world… promising ample doses of intrigue and espionage.

120 pages, $19.99.

DANGER GIRL: REVOLVER #4
Written by Andy Hartnell, art by Chris Madden, covers by J. Scott Campbell and Chris Madden.

It all comes down to this!Â Join us in our action-packed, final issue as Abbey, Sydney and the rest of the Danger Girl team finally track down the mysterious Peruvian treasure.Â But when our heroes infiltrate the enemy’s fortress â€” only to find themselves facing a surprise fraternity of villains â€” will they ever manage to fight their way out?Â Find out as the year’s sexiest and most dangerous event concludes!

32 pages, $3.99.

PRINCESS OF MARS
Written by Edgar Rice Burroughs, art and cover by Michael W. Kaluta.

Following up the Disney-produced motion picture that just hit theaters, relive this classic adventure tale from Edgar Rice Burroughs. John Carter and his ‘Barsoom’ experiences are re-imagined in gorgeous chapter illustrations by comic legend Mike Kaluta!

240 pages, $17.99.

GENIUS, ILLUSTRATED: THE LIFE AND ART OF ALEX TOTH
Written by Dean Mullaney and Bruce Canwell, art and cover by Alex Toth.

Dean Mullaney and Bruce Canwell continue their comprehensive review of the life and art of Alex Toth in Genius, Illustrated. Covering the years from the 1960s to Toth’s poignant death in 2006, this oversized book features artwork and complete stories from Toth’s latter-day work at Warren, DC Comics, Red Circle, Marvel, and his own creator-owner properties… plus samples of his animation work for Hanna-Barbera, Ruby-Spears, and others — as well as sketchbook pages, doodles, advertising art, and other rarities provided through the cooperation of Toth’s family and his legion of fans. Two of Toth’s best stories are reproduced complete from the original artwork: “Burma Skies” and “White Devil… Yellow Devil.” A full-length text biography will chart the path from Toth’s increasingly reclusive lifestyle to his touching re-connection to the world in his final years. Fans of comics, cartoons, and all-around great artwork revere Alex Toth. See why Genius, Illustrated — along with its companion volume, 2011’s Genius, Isolated — are being praised as the definitive examination of the life and art of The Master, Alex Toth!

288 pages, $49.99.

WALLY WOOD GALAXY
Written by Roger Hill, art and cover by Wally Wood.

Wally Wood’s career is legendary among the annals of comic’s history. He rocketed to fame working on Will Eisner’s The Spirit newspaper strip and became one of the most talented artists working for EC Comics during the 1950s. Wood also became a star of EC’s satire comic called Mad, which went on to even greater success as a magazine, allowing the artist to apply his amazing talents in a broader spectrum. When the comics industry fell on lean times during the mid 1950s, Wood segued into the field of science fiction pulp illustration, providing over 200 beautiful drawings and several color cover paintings for the digest magazines; particularly Galaxy. Wood left behind a legacy of great art, much of which has never been reprinted. This book will feature them all. Long time Wally Wood historian Roger Hill has spent the past twenty years pulling together the history of Wood’s involvement with the pulp digests and tracking down original art for this project. Over half of the images have been pulled from the originals or from Wood’s personal file copies, allowing Wood fans the finest possible reproduction!

160 pages, black and white, $29.99.

V-WARS
Written by Jonathan Maberry, Nancy Holder, Yvonne Navarro, James A. Moore, Gregory Frost, John Everson, Keith R.A. DeCandido, and Scott Nicholson.

A sweeping threaded narrative of the global phenomenon known as the Vampire Wars.

Mankind has been silently infected by millennia-old bacteria unknowingly exhumed by a scientific expedition in Antarctica. Now, in some rare cases, a person’s so-called “junk DNA” becomes activated, and depending on their racial and ethnic heritage they begin to manifest one of the many diverse forms of the “others” that are the true basis for the legends of supernatural creatures. These aren’t your usual vampires and werewolves — it goes much deeper than that.

Conceived by Jonathan Maberry, V WARS features stories from various “frontlines” as reported by such contributors as Nancy Holder, Yvonne Navarro, James A. Moore, Gregory Frost, John Everson, Keith R.A. DeCandido, and Scott Nicholson (as well as Maberry himself, of course).
The result is a compelling series of tales that create a unique chronicle of mankind’s response to this sudden, hidden threat to humanity.

384 pages, black and white, $24.99.

You can learn more about IDW and their books at http://www.idwpublishing.com/.

Saturday Morning Cartoons: “DC Super Friends”

News
January 21, 2012

Here’s a fun one you may not have seen: when Fisher-Price began to produce DC Comics characters in a kid-friendly toyline named after the Super Friends, a cartoon was created to package with the toys and to test the waters for a new TV series.

And these people had the right mindset. Take a look, and see if you fall in love in the first few minutes with Superman, Batman, Flash, Green Lantern, Hawkman, and Cyborg in… ah, but that would be telling. Just watch.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDSj5ZvlbuU[/youtube]

DC Nation Teaser for Cartoon Network (comicvine.com)

MARC ALAN FISHMAN: Make Mine Valiant

Columns
January 21, 2012

So, I’ve spent the last few weeks ranting and raving about DC. And face it, there’s still plenty there to mine. From their recent canning of six titles and announcing six more (none of which I think will last a year) to their recently leaked ”sticker logo”… I could have a field day continuing to bash and dash. But alas, I grow weary of being hypocritical. I bitch and moan about them a ton, yet the majority of the cash flowing out of my pocket to frivolity generally concerns a majority of DC books, and related merchandise. So, for now, I’m waving a white flag, and turning my gaze elsewhere. Somewhere dashing, daring, and dare I say… Valiant.

On May 2^nd, Valiant Comics will be reborn. Their flagship title, X-O Manowar, will hit the shelves. I will admit freely to you all that I know nothing of the Valiant universe. Let’s quickly Wikipedia that, for those in a similar boat. Wow, what a story! In 1989, Jim Shooter, one of the Allman Brothers crew, and some other financiers tried to buy up Marvel. They didn’t get it. Thus Valiant was born! They got a few heavy-hitters, and released a line of books. In 1994, they got dumped by their initial investors, scooped up by then-important video game creator Acclaim, and died a slow and boring death as their continuity-heavy line became too heavy a load to bear. Legal battles and the like kept things grounded for a while, but as you’ll now note: it’s all been solved, and the line will reconvene with Free Comic Book Day 2012. And due largely to some lackluster books by DC, and Marvel’s Next-Big-Waste of Time, I’m at a loss for why I shouldn’t take this as a sign to give Valiant a shot.

A recent press release for the budding brand hyped the announcement of the creative team for X-O. Surrogates scribe Robert Venditti and Conan artist Cary Nord will unite to bring us a tale of a time-lost ancient warrior given amazing future technology and plopped on the populace in 2012. Color me intrigued. I happen to love the Surrogates original graphic novel, and sneak peaks at the pencils of Nord show me that the book will look amazing to boot.

But this leads me to the bigger question. What is Valiant’s battle plan? Will they rise up and be a contender with the Big Two? I doubt it. The marketplace is crowded as it is. Image, Dark Horse, IDW, Dynamite, Avatar, and Boom! all struggle to keep a cohesive line. Face it, each of those aforementioned second stringers all have one or two big fish, and then spread themselves thin on bargain-bin fodder from licensed properties that appeal to the niche audiences. Well… the niche of this niche, if you get my drift.

Mind you, I’m not trying to poop on the parade, I’m just wary for any “line launch” in a continually crowded comic rack. And a subsequent Google search doesn’t even have the company site at #1 in the rankings. What appears to be a company website is just a form with “Notify Me!” on it. Bad mojo my friends.

Let us consider Boom! Studios’ Stan Lee line, launched in 2010. Four books with solid concepts released very close to one another. The critics didn’t quite rave about any of them, and I rarely hear anyone discuss them at the shop when I pop in on new comic book day. Valiant certainly has picked a good time to strike, but I’m hoping it’s done more intelligently. Case in point?

Boom’s other cash cow, the Irredeemable universe. Launched as a single amazing comic, smartly spun off into a single other title that has refrained for years before crossing directly into one another. Join that to a solid base of fans consistently purchasing the book due to high standards of art teams and consistent writing… and you have something worth copying. While I myself have recently stopped my subscription to Irredeemable, I don’t knock those still following on. It’s the kind of model I hope Valiant is paying close attention to.

Ultimately, X-O Manowar‘s release got me genuinely excited for a new title to latch on to. With a strong creative team announced, and DC and Marvel knee-deep in their own crapulence, Valiant stands to gain a following again. If they stick to releasing solid books, refrain from event-driven releases, and put their books out on time… I see no reason why they won’t stick around for a long while.

Also, they should hire Unshaven Comics.

SUNDAY: John Ostrander

How To Manage A Media Attack On Your Comic Book Store

News
January 20, 2012

Wednesday Bleeding Cool ran a piece linking to a local news promo promising a titillating exposé on modern comics that will offer tips on “HOW TO K.O. THESE COMICS BEFORE THEY CORRUPT YOUR KIDS!”

These media scare stories are nothing new. They’ve been plaguing comics since the very beginning, whether it was massive public comic book burnings in the 1940s, Frederic Wertham’s attacks in the 1950s, or the retailer stings of the 1980s that led to the CBLDF being formed.

While we’ve seen this type of story arise time and again, it should never be taken lightly. Below we offer some tips on how to deal with hostile cameras if they come to your store.

Know Your Rights. You control the media’s access to your store, not them. While media people can shoot common spaces not maintained by your store, such as public parking lots and walkways, they cannot enter your store and shoot without permission, and they cannot block access to your store.
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PULP ARK AWARD VOTING HAS BEGUN!

News
January 19, 2012

Tommy Hancock, Pulp Ark Coordinator, announced the end of nominations and the release of the ballot for the second Pulp Ark Awards to be given out at Pulp Ark 2012 in Batesville, AR, April 20-22, 2012.

“We had a fantastic turn out in terms of nominations again this year,” Hancock stated. “More than 25 publishers represented across the board, this is a ballot that truly reflects not only the popularity that Pulp has today, but also the variety and creativity within the field.”

Listed below is the Ballot qualified voters received today. Only those who nominated a work or individual in one of the categories are qualified to vote. Voting will end on February 20, 2012 with winners announced soon after.

If you did nominate someone and did not receive a ballot, please email Hancock at proseproductions@earthlink.net and this will be corrected.

There will also be a Pulp Ark 2012 Lifetime Achievement Award given. This will be selected by a committee already chosen and results will be announced on or before February 21, 2012.

Best Novel Nominees

Yesteryear by Tommy Hancock-Pro Se Productions

Deadly Games by Bobby Nash-BEN Books

The Damned Thing by Barry Reese-Wildcat Books

Wake of the Red Mistress by Teel James Glenn-Eternal Press

Sentinels: Stellarax by Van Allen Plexico-White Rocket Books

Damballa by Charles Saunders-Airship 27 Productions

Hammered by Kevin Hearne-Random House

Viktoriana by Wayne Reinagel-Knightraven Studios

Misty Johnson, Supernatural Dick in Capitol Hell by R. P. Steeves-Seven Realms Publishing

Truly Deeply Disturbed by Andrew Nienaber-Postmortem Press

The Halloween Legion by Martin Powell-Wildcat Books

Dark Destiny by Jeff Melton-Jeff Melton

The Wild Adventures of Doc Savage-Desert Demons by Will Murray-Altus Press

Fortune’s Pawn by Nancy A. Hansen-Pro Se Productions

Challenger Storm: Isle of Blood by Don Gates-Airship 27 Productions

The Myth Hunter by Percival Constantine-Pulpwork Press (?)

Knight Moves by John G. Hartness-Falstaff Books

Arron of the Black Forest: The Haunting of Dragon’s Cliff by Phil Athans and Mel Odom-Arron of the Black Forest Partnership

Best Collection/Anthology Nominees

The Adventures of Fortune McCall by Derrick Ferguson-Pro Se Productions

Lance Star: Sky Ranger Volume 3 by Various-Airship 27 Productions

Blackthorn: Thunder on Mars by Various- White Rocket Books

Hugh Monn, Private Detective by Lee Houston, Jr- Pro Se Productions

Shadows of New York by Teel James Glenn- BooksforaBuck.com

The Adventures of Lazarus Gray by Barry Reese-Pro Se Productions

How the West was Weird II by Various-Pulpwork Press

The Game by Various -Seven Realms Publishing

The Beer Chronicles: Tales from the Paddy Rodriguez Pub by Scott Lange-Postmortem Press

The Avenger: The Justice Inc. Files by Various-Moonstone

The Rook Volume Six by Barry Reese-Pro Se Productions

Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective Volume 3 by various-Airship 27 Productions

Mystery Men and Women Volume 2 by Various-Airship 27 Productions

Four Bullets for Dillon by Derrick Ferguson-Pulpwork Press

Dreams of Steam II: Brass and Bolts by Various-Kerlak Publishing

Best Short Story Nominees

“Sting of the Yellowjacket” By Howard Hopkins from the Green Hornet Casefiles-Moonstone

Red Badge Attacks by Mark S. Halegua and Andrew Salmon from Mystery Men and Women Vol II-Airship 27 Productions

Sherringford Bell: The Scandal of the Bohemian by Ken Janssens from Pro Se Presents #1-Pro Se Productions

A Bargain with Bandit Ping by Teel James Glenn from Tales of Old Magazine-Tales of Old

The Adventure of the Towne Manor Haunting by Andrew Salmon in Sherlock Holmes, Consulting Detective, Volume 3-Airship 27 Productions

Gunmen of the Hollow Earth by Joel Jenkins from How the West Was Weird: Campfire Tales-Pulpwork Press

Vengeance is Mine by Ron Fortier from the Avenger: The Justice Inc Files-Moonstone

Storms of Blood and Snow by Derrick Ferguson from How the West was Weird Volume II – Pulpwork Press

Misty Johnson and the Monsters of the Caribbean by R. P. Steeves from The Game- Seven Realms Publishing

Sewer Rats-C. Bryan Brown from Dark Doorways: Best of Post Mortem Press-Post Mortem Press

Death with a Glint of Bronze by Sean Taylor from Dreams of Steam II:Nuts and Bolts-Kerlak Publishing

Bastion of the Black Sorcerer by Van Allen Plexico from Blackthorn: Thunder on Mars-White Rocket Books

Summer of Death by Barry Reese from The Green Hornet Casefiles-Moonstone

Clockworks by William Preston from Asimov’s-Asimov’s

The Devil’s Workmen by Barry Reese from The Avenger: The Justice, Inc. Files-Moonstone

Shortages-Lee Houston Jr. from Hugh Monn, Private Detective-Pro Se Productions

Dock Doyle by Adam Garcia from Mystery Men and Women volume 2-Airship 27 Productions

The Hunter Island Adventure by Wayne Reinagel from Pro Se Presents #3-Pro Se Productions

Felony Fists by Paul Bishop-Fight Card

Romney Marsh, The Scarecrow of Space by Phil Bledsoe-Phil Bledsoe

Dillon and the Bad Ass Belt Buckle by Derrick Ferguson from Four Bullets for Dillon-Pulpwork Press

The Real Magic by H. David Blalock from Dreams of Steam II-Kerlak Publishing

Beast of the Black Hills by Tony Wilson from How The West was Weird II-Pulpwork Press

Best Cover Nominees

Challenger Storm: The Isle of Blood by Wm. Michael Kaluta – Airship 27 Productions

The Adventures of Lazarus Gray by Anthony Castrillo-Pro Se Productions

Hugh Monn, Private Detective by David Russell-Pro Se Productions

Pro Se Presents #3, ‘The Hunter Island Adventure’ by Wayne Reinagel-Pro Se Productions

How The West Was Weird II by Jim Rugg-Pulpwork Press

Mars McCoy, Space Ranger by Chad Hardin-Airship 27 Productions

Strange Gods of the Dire Planet by MD Jackson-Pulpwork Press

These Trespasses by Philip R. Rogers-Post Mortem Press

The Halloween Legion by Danny Kelly-Wildcat Books

Blackthorn: Thunder on Mars by James Burns-White Rocket Books

The Wild Adventures of Doc Savage: Desert Demons by Joe DeVito-Altus Press

The Avenger: The Justice Inc. Files by E.M. Gist-Moonstone

Creeping Dawn: Rise of the Black Centipede by David Russell-Pro Se Productions

Mystery Men and Women Volume 2 by Mike Fyles-Airship 27 Productions

The Damned Thing by Jason Levesque-Wildcat Books

Arron of the Black Forest: The Haunting of Dragon’s Cliff- by Keith Birdsong-Arron of the Black Forest Partnership

Dreams of Steam II: Brass and Bolts by Darrell Osborn-Kerlak Publishing

Best Interior Art Nominees

Blackthorn: Thunder on Mars-Chris Kohler-White Rocket Books

The Rook Volume Six –Anthony Castrillo-Pro Se Productions

Yesteryear-Pete Cooper-Pro Se Productions

Robin Hood: Arrow of Justice-Rob Davis

Challenger Storm: Isle of Blood-Wm. Kaluta-Airship 27 Productions

The Damned Thing-Kevin Duncan-Wildcat Books

Lance Star Sky Ranger, Volume 3-Shannon Hall-Airship 27 Productions

Sentinels: Stellarax-Chris Kohler-White Rocket Books

The Adventures of Lazarus Gray-George Sellas-Pro Se Productions

Sherlock Holmes, Consulting Detective, Volume 3-Rob Davis-Airship 27 Productions

Creeping Dawn: The Rise of the Black Centipede-Pete Cooper-Pro Se Productions

Green Lama: Case of the Final Column-Mike Fyles-Altus Press

The Hunter Island Adventure-Wayne Reinagel-Pro Se Productions

The Silver Pentacle-Peter Cooper-Pro Se Productions

Best Pulp Related Comic Nominees

Green Hornet Year One-Dynamite

Domino Lady Vs. The Mummy-Moonstone

All-Star Pulp Comics #1-Airship 27 Productions

Warlord of Mars-Dynamite Comics

Atomic Robo: Deadly Art of Science-Red 5 Comics

Beware…The Frog Men from Neptune!-215Ink Comics

Mystery Men-Marvel Comics

The Lone Ranger-Dynamite Comics

The Spirit-DC Comics

Vic Boone-215Ink Comics

Kolchak The Night Stalker-Moonstone

Best Pulp Magazine Nominees

Startling Stories- Wildcat Books

Pro Se Presents-Pro Se Productions

Dark Worlds –Rage Machine Press

Best Pulp Revival Nominees

Green Hornet Year One-Dynamite Comics

More Tales of Zorro-Moonstone

Return of the Monsters-Moonstone

The Wild Adventures of Doc Savage: Desert Demons-Altus Press

Jim Anthony-Mark of Terror -Airship 27 Productions

The Return of The Originals-Moonstone

Best New Character Nominees

Dr. Dusk created by Mike Bullock

John Blackthorn created by Van Plexico

Hairy Khetar created by Teel James Glenn

Nicholas Saint created by Tommy Hancock

Damballa created by Charles Saunders

Dock Doyle created by Adam Garcia

Misty Johnson created by R. P. Steeves

Doc Thunder created by Thomas Deja

Vic Boone created by Shawn Aldridge

Jeremiah Courage created by Jeff Melton

Violet Cambridge created by Barry Reese

Challenger Storm created by Don Gates

Red Badge created by Mark Halegua

The Black Centipede created by Chuck Miller

Elisa Hill, The Myth Hunter created by Percival Constantine

The Impostor created by Richard Lee Byers

Bubba the Monster Hunter created by John G. Hartness

Arron of the Black Forest crated by Phil Athans and Mel Odom

Best Author Nominees

Tommy Hancock

Howard Hopkins

I.A. Watson

Nancy Hansen

Teel James Glenn

Kevin Hearne

Joshua Reynolds

Derrick Ferguson

Martin Powell

Van Plexico

Ed Brubaker

Barry Reese

William Preston

Adam Garcia

Wayne Reinagel

Richard Lee Byers

John G. Hartness

Allan Gilbreath

Paul Bishop

Percival Constantine

Best New Writer Nominees

Danny Wall

Mark S. Halegua

MD Perkins

Don Gates

R.P. Steeves

Sean Taylor

Shannon Hall

Jeff Melton

Chuck Miller

Ailing Colorist Tom Ziuko Needs Some Help

News
January 18, 2012

Long-time DC Comics and Marvel colorist Tom Ziuko (The History of the DC Universe, Superman, Batman, The Shadow, Hellblazer, Looney Tunes, Spider-Man, Captain America, Tomb of Dracula, etc.) has been facing some difficult medical issues over the last two years, including kidney failure, neuropathy, and, most recently, emergency surgery to repair a strangulated colon.

According to the Facebook page started by Gary Mann for Tom, “Tom is a freelance artist, unable to afford health insurance, and the last year has been brutal for him…. Tom is currently recuperating at home, although still unable to return to work full-time. Early last year, Tom’s friend and fellow freelance artist Alan Kupperberg mounted an effort to help raise some funds for him; and a great non-profit organization, The Hero Initiative, has played a major role in helping Tom to survive during this last year, keeping him afloat and literally saving him from becoming homeless. But Tom continues to face a mountain of medical bills, personal expenses and debt.

“And so I appeal to those of you who may have been touched by Tom’s work over the last three decades; in that you might be able to contribute to assisting him financially while he continues his recovery. I know that times are tight right now for everyone, but any contribution you might be able to make, no matter how small, would be both beneficial and greatly appreciated by Tom.

“If you want to contribute directly to Tom’s assistance fund, you can do so at Paypal — the account name is — chroma999@aol.com.

“And whether you’re able to contribute funds or not, you can write to Tom directly on Facebook, or at his email address (atomica999@aol.com) in order to send him get-well wishes, to say hello and wish him a speedy recovery, or just to let him know if you’ve enjoyed his work over the years.”

EDITORIAL: Why ComicMix Is Against SOPA

Columns
January 18, 2012

In 2009, we ran an article about Astro Boy and the then-upcoming movie. We got some grief from the law firm representing the movie studio IMAGI, complete with cease and desist letters, over using earlier released concept art as an illustration for the article. We responded by posting the C&D letter, and telling Imagi that we would remove not only the image, but all articles about the Astro Boy movie, and would no longer provide coverage for any IMAGI properties, just to be safe. The President of IMAGI apologized for the “error” and backed off.

Luckily for us, SOPA was not a law.

If it was, the law firm could have simply decided to not even contact us at all, but instead simply shut us down. Completely. Without warning and without legal recourse.

This is a prime example of what SOPA, the “Stop Online Piracy Act” (and the US Senate version of the same bill, PIPA) is intended to do by design: a law written by Hollywood interests that give them the right to shut down a website for “copyright infringement”. Ostensibly the law would protect against piracy, but as written, the law is overly broad and dangerous, putting the burden on website owners to police all material and allowing for the unnecessary blocking of entire sites without notification and without exemptions for fair use, and no safe harbor provisions. Small sites such as ComicMix won’t have sufficient resources to defend themselves, let alone survive a protracted shutdown.

We here at ComicMix believe that SOPA is designed to give corporations the ability to silence any web site they don’t like, with no oversight and no appeal. We are further disturbed that not only have DC and Marvel’s corporate parents, Time Warner and The Walt Disney Corporation, have come out strongly in favor of SOPA, but that Marvel has gone above and beyond in declaring their support for it.

One simply has to wonder how much Marvel would like SOPA if the heirs of Jack Kirby decided to shut down Marvel.com.

Numerous other sites such as Wikipedia, Google, Reddit, and WordPress have gone dark today to signal their opposition to SOPA and PIPA. We add our voices to the chorus, and ask that you contact your representatives and senators today to add yours.

For further information, read this brief from the Electronic Frontier Foundation.