
                   " C O M I C   B O O K   E - M A G "
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                       Issue 7  -  April 30, 1995

      "Brought to you by the fine folks at the COMIC BOOK Network!"

                   Editors: Ed Dukeshire & Mike Imboden
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                    T A B L E   O F   C O N T E N T S
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       [-1-] The Bullpen ........................ Ed Dukeshire
       [-2-] Reviews
              Black Lightning #5 ................ David Leblanc
       [-3-] Recent Reads ....................... William Hughes
       [-4-] Comicunications .................... Ryan Brewster
       [-5-] Feedback ........................... Our Address
       [-6-] BBSes Linked into CBN .............. CBN Staff

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/--[-1-]--/  THE BULLPEN  /----------------------------------------------/

 The Bullpen
 by Ed Dukeshire


 Well, I'm getting ahead of the game this time around.  Heh, I'm writing
 this on Tuesday so it'll definately be ready for this issue.

--

 We just added a new column called "Recent Reads".  William Hughes picks
 up several titles and drops his mini reviews in all the CBN conferences.
 Soooo...  why not incorporate them into the E-Mag?  Right?  Right.

--

 I'm happy to announce that Mike Imboden's system "The Daily Planet" 
 BBS: (301)-831-8057 is now back online!  Everything should be running
 nice and smoothly again.  He must be swamped with fine tuning as we'll
 be skipping his section this issue.

--

 I just received my "Gothik APA" mailing yesterday and I gotta say, I'm
 impressed.  This is one huge collaboration of talent.  I can't wait to
 finish up my submission for all the world to look at, well, not the
 world, but the other APA members. <g> If you want information about this
 APA, please direct your inquires to Wayne Bertsch at vincev1148@aol.com
 or his fidonet address 1:2440/10, or mailing address 133 N Bever St,
 Wooster, OH 44691.  At the time of this writing, there are still open
 slots available to join in.

--

 That's it for me.  I'm outta here.  Catch ya next issue!

   O  -/
 I/\__/)   ED - "I should be drawing.."
 `--;/Y    ed.dukeshire@ecis.haverhill.ma.us
 _|< / \   333,000 to 1. I've had worse odds.. No, I haven't. Oh hell...

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/--[-2-]--/  REVIEWS  /--------------------------------------------------/

Title: Black Lightning #5
Review by: David Leblanc

BLACK LIGHTNING #5 - [DC - $2.25] (note: no CCA code on this issue)
 
Writer: Tony Isabella  Artist: Eddy Newell  Colors: Josh Myers
 
Spoiler Warning:
 
 
 
Go find issues 1-4 first, it is not needed to jump on with this issue,
but i will not be responsible for ruining them for you!
 
 
 
All set now?  Good
 
 
Pat Garrahy and anyone else responsible for firing Tony Isabella after
reading this issue needs a check-up from the neck up!  For those who do
not know, Tony had turn in *9* issues worth of stories before #1 even
hit the stands when he was ousted off the book last November.  This one
issue shows how stupid that action was.  Lest I get lost in the impact
of the story let me first say that Eddy's art works very well to set the
mood in this pause for reflection episode.  The use of Black & White
through so much of the story as the "present" while the colors depict
flash-backs and narration make it easy to follow and visually stunning.
The pencil art is superb.
 
In this episode Black Lightning dies - twice while doctors try to save
him from bullet wounds inflicted last issue.  Don't worry, he survives
to ponder his place in the world and the nature of a real hero, his
friend Walter who died in his place to save a student from a street gang
assassin.  For those of us who never paid much attention to Black
Lightning (the joke on Saturday Night Live about him not being invited
to Superman's funeral comes to mind) there is a retelling of some of the
highlights, and low lights, of his career including his stint with the
Outsiders, his power up from the Invasion Metagene bomb, and his recent
decision to save one neighborhood rather than the larger role of
super-hero out to save the world.  Memories of other lives lost to
violence and his inability to stop them weighs him down, as does his
inability to even call to mind Walter's face.  Then he meets Walter's
lover and the experience gets him back on track.
 
He learns that Walter knew more than he told, about Jefferson being
Black Lightning and the secret will be safe with his friend.  Moreover,
by comforting Sam through his loss he realizes that it takes courage to
be a hero, wether you have super powers or not.  In the end he finds the
courage to once again take up the responsibility and fight the good
fight.  Words cannot properly convey the way in which the story is
actually told.  I was moved by its simplicity and the feeling conveyed;
how the death of a friend can serve to build and strengthen.
 
I'll look forward to the next 4 issues as well since Isabella wrote
those too.  If you haven't tried out this book yet give it a try.
Every issue so far has been worth the price of admission.  Whoever they
put on the scripts after Tony's run has a ways to go to top this issue!
 
 
 *David LeBlanc>             ComicBkNet@AOL.COM
 
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/--[-3-]--/  RECENT READS  /---------------------------------------------/

 Recent Reads
 by William Hughes


--- EXTREME JUSTICE #5 ---------------------------------------------------

I ordered this book because the solicitation told of the return of the
FIRESTORMS, but I get the feeling that one of them had been around for
at least one more issue. Am I right?

In any case, I really enjoyed seeing these characters again, although
the super-hero version's costume seems so out of style in the age of
Image. The artwork wasn't great, but not terrible. If Firestorm stick
with the team for a while, I might as well.

So, anyone care to give me background on the team? These are JLAers who
aren't happy with the JLA right now, or they're like an expansion team,
or what? What's the deal? Nice to see Booster and Beetle again, only I
wish Booster would lose that armor and get his old duds back. Didn't he
lose an arm or something some time ago? What, did it grow back, or is he
the bionic Booster now?

--- FLASH #102 -----------------------------------------------------------

Well, I think I'm done with the Flash book. It's time to move on. The
new ultra-powerful Flash is also ultra-boring. Yet another issue where
Wally is never shown out of costume. The suit has become more important
than the character. And the art seems sloppy to me too. I'm outta here.

--- ROBIN #17 ------------------------------------------------------------

Steve Lieber comes on as penciler, taking a break from HAWKMAN. Works
just fine for me. This was one of the books that I was shaky about when
they jumped to the 1.95 price, but it still enjoyable to me so I'll
stick with it. I like this book the best like this, where Robin is
dealing with girl troubles, both in and out of costume, and not
completely relying on Batman, yet still maintaining a realistic degree
of contact.

--- BATMAN ADVENTURES #32 ------------------------------------------------

We havea guest writer this issue, but Parobeck is still doing the
artwork so it's a must buy for that reason alone. I really appreciate
the way the artist and writer work together on this book to tell a
story. A full page or two without a written word is not uncommon in this
book, as the writer uses all that the medium has to offer by letting the
sequential art tell the story. This is without a doubt one of the best
comic books on the market today, bar none, and it's suitable for all
ages. I hope the ADVENTURES OF BATMAN & ROBIN comic that's replacing it
in the fall doesn't lose any of the quality of this title, because it's
been a real gem on the shelves month after month for thirty two issues
and a handful of specials.

--- ROBIN ANNUAL #4 ------------------------------------------------------

I'm getting to a point where I'm tired of the constant retelling of
stories that goes on thru the years. I understand that new readers are
entering the hobby, and this is the best way for them to get to know the
history of characters, but the whole YEAR ONE angle seems a bit lame to
me. Still, I enjoyed this retelling of Dick Grayson's origin well
enough, although some of it seems a bit altered from what I remembered.
I really liked the picture of Batman the first time Dick sees him after
escaping from the orphanage, especially the old version of the costume.

--- SUPERBOY #16 ---------------------------------------------------------

When Kesel and Grummett both show up for work on this book, it turns
into a good read. I enjoyed the mixture of points of view, from Superboy
to Loose Cannon, and even the way they added Supes going to high school.
This is another title that I was a bit shaky about with the price
increase, so I'll be taking it on an issue by issue basis, but I think
I'll stick around for as long as Kesel and Grummett do.

--- STATIC #23 -----------------------------------------------------------

This is the second issue in a row of STATIC that I've been disappointed
with. I just don't care for the mutant dog story very much, and the
disappointing story seems to make me more critical of the art as well. I
REALLY hope this isn't a growing trend on this book, because it had
become a favorite of mine fairly quickly, I'd hate to think it had
burned out already.

--- WONDER WOMAN #98 -----------------------------------------------------

I'm growing bored with W.W. already too. I'm not sure I find the
character of Diana believable. Then again, she's never really thrilled
me in any incarnation. I started buying the book when she was replaced
to see the new W.W. and I'll stick around for a while to see how Diana
gets her title back.  I'll even stick around for the Byrne work in the
beginning, but in the long run, this character doesn't seem to impress
me no matter who is writing her. Deodato's work was nice though.

--- KILL YOUR BOYFRIEND --------------------------------------------------

Gee, this was a light-hearted romp, eh? Yeah, right! A couple of kids
who are more than likely brother and sister who don't know it go on a
criminal road trip in England. Lot's of violence and sex along the way.
Definitely a mature readers title. I enjoyed the book well enough, but I
thought the ending was a bit stale and flat. For something in a similar
vein, try STRAY BULLETS which is done better, IMO.

--- BREED II #6 ----------------------------------------------------------

This is the second BREED mini, and the second series that I felt started
out showing such promise, only to fizzle out at the end. I understand
that each mini is merely a chapter in a larger story, but geez, give me
something to make me geel as though the last six issues were worth the
price of admission. Pretty much this whole series was just about Stoner
accepting the fact that he's the prodigal. That development certainly
wasn't worth the $17.70 that the six issues cost.

I'm done with the BREED mini's. Just too expensive for too little story.
Maybe one day after ten or so of these mini-series, if they collected
them into a tpb that contained a full story, ala Cerebus... then maybe
I'd read them. But not this way. Just too much money for too little
return.

--- WEB OF SPIDER-MAN #125 -----------------------------------------------

FANBOY ALERT! FANBOY ALERT! FANBOY ALERT! FANBOY ALERT! FANBOY ALERT!

This issue contains something called a "3-D Live Action Scarlet Spider
HoloDisk." It makes the price of the book jump to $3.95 for 37 story
pages, but believe it or not, I think it was actually worth it!!!

ACK! So it's the fanboy in me, so sue me. But I think this little
holo-disk is cool! It's just like the holograms you see in specialty
stores all the time (for big bucks, usually) only instead of being
framed it's on a comic book cover. What you do is, you shine a light on
or near the disk while it's lying on a flat surface, and a three
dimensional figure appears! I mean, _really_ three dimensional, this
thing is great. I've been running around with this book everywhere
because I think this damn hologram is so cool.

The story contains yet another chapter in the whole clone mess, which at
this point I'm completely sick of, so I won't bother getting into that.
To me, the issue was worth the $3.95 just for the hologram, the comic is
practically incidental, unfortunately. If you're a Spider-fan, I'd
definitely recommend the book.

--- AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #402 ----------------------------------------------

When I saw the cover for this one, my initial reaction was, "Oh geez,
they're bringing Aunt May back already!" But in actuality it was just a
ploy of the Traveler to test Peter's limits. I just realized- this is
one of the last buck-fifty comics out there. Pretty decent, although I'm
growing really bored with the whole clone nonsense, and it's only going
to get worse. (sigh)

--- WEAPON X #4 ----------------------------------------------------------

Man, this AoA stuff is really cooking now! All the issue fours are
leading up to the climatic conclusion. I for one have really enjoyed the
ride- especially in WEAPON X. The personality of Gateway in this
universe offers some insights into what may make our own version tick.
The fate of Carol Danvers was certainly a frightening touch, although it
added a nice touch to the tale. I'm sure everyone got a big kick out of
Logan's "hole card" and it was especially nice to see for me, since I
said all along that Cyclops should not have had the power to destroy
adamantium. I thought that bit played out nicely. One question though-
what is that thing that Apocolypse has growing in that vat? I don't
recall seeing it before now.

--- X-MAN #4 -------------------------------------------------------------

All along I've said that I wished that this version of Nate Summers
would cross over to our universe, to wholly replace Cable. As far as I'm
concerned he's a much cooler character, and would fit in with X-Force
much better than Cable. Well, I get my wish. X-MAN will continue in his
own monthly book after the AoA ends, and will be interacting with
X-Force. Hopefully this means that Cable will no longer hang out with
the team, I always thought the character was handled better when he was
stablized in one book and one book alone.

This issue shows a taste of how powerful Nate really is as he mops up
the place with Sinister, shocking even Mr. Sin! Great stuff!

--- ASTONISHING X-MEN #4 -------------------------------------------------

Joe Madureira is driving me nuts. Is it just me? Am I the only one who
can't stand this guys artwork? His simplistic style just does not suit
the X-Men IMO. I think it might work on something like The Flash, but
not this band of mutants. I think some of the character designs in this
book, such as Holocaust and Morph, are such that they tend to work well
with his approach, but characters like Rogue and Blink do not work for
me. I REALLY hope he doesn't stick with the book for too long.

Anyway, I really enjoyed the story alot, but I would have enjoyed it
alot more if not for the artwork.

--- GENERATION X #4 ------------------------------------------------------

The overall darkness of this particular book began to disturb me as soon
as the kids began this mission. Chris Bachalo's artwork has been some of
my favorite work since his SHADE days, but his characters like Sugarman
and the other god-awful ugly characters really disturb me.

Anyway, the darkness didn't go away with this issue, but it's probably
the best of the four issue run. It's exciting, with shocking
developments and just a good read all the way around. I can hardly wait
for X-MEN OMEGA!

--- MAGNUS #51 -----------------------------------------------------------

During the last two years the quality of almost all the Valiant titles
slipped drastically. All save one, IMO- MAGNUS ROBOT FIGHTER. It's
companion book RAI was even a favorite of mine. While the rest of the
line slipped into mediocrity, these two were still great reads.

Now that the entire line is getting a face-lift via BIRTHQUAKE, you'd
think the best would get even better, eh? Well, afraid not. While titles
like X-O MANOWAR and SOLAR have shown an immediate improvement, MAGNUS
has gone in the opposite direction just as quickly.

The first step was to combine all the Valiant "Future" titles into the
one core book. Okay so far. This could still work. Then the
re-introduction of freewill robots. Again, good step, what's a robot
fighter to do without robots?

But one change that hasn't happened that _really_ needs to , is a change
in the art team. Someone like Steve Rude should _definitely_ be doing
this book.

Also, the character of Rai is going thru yet _another_ metamorphasis,
this time into a grusome Wolverine-ish brawler with claws. Sigh, how
original.

Magnus Robot Fighter was at one time the flagship title of the Valiant
fleet. It's a shame to see the book not get the attention it deserves.

--- STRANGERS IN PARADISE #4 ---------------------------------------------

For the most part this issue was "comic relief" from the otherwise heavy
plot that is going on within the book right now, even though we did have
a few developments with the female assassin in the beginning and finally
seeing Ms. Parker at the end. (Is it just me, or is she a dead ringer
for Francine?) The issue mostly focused on the unexpected arrival of
Francine's mother and uncle for a suprise visit. What a hoot! Still, I
hope they don't stick around for too long. Also, I really hope to see
Francine's obvious eating disorder dealt with sometime as well. And
where the hell was David?? The only time he's in this issue is when
Katchoo refuses to take his phone call!

And what about that inside back cover? "I told you that story so I could
tell you this one."  Next issue the story begins? All this was merely
introduction? I can hardly wait!

---

Bill Hughes!!
Email Address: william.hughes@p3.f744.n109.z1.fidonet.org.

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/--[-4-]--/  COMICUNICATIONS  /------------------------------------------/

 Comicunications
 by Ryan Brewster

                                               
                    
                        
                                           
                               
  ---------The Comic Book Net's Weekly Comics Journal---------- 
                       
Vol. 1, Issue #14                                    Monday, May 1st, 1995
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

DC Comics Goes Exclusive:
[Source: DC Comics]

4/28/95 - DC Comics and Diamond Comic Distributors, Inc. have announced
their agreement for Diamond to becom DC Comics' exclusive distributor to
comic retailors, beginning with May orders for books to ship in July.

Diamond will remain 100% independent of DC and is independently owned
and operated.  All functions for DC products to comic specialty retailers
will be handled by Diamond: Soliciting, order processing, pulling, packing
and shipping orders, invoicing, credit and collections.  Diamond will not,
however, purchase DC product for resale.  Instead, the transaction will be
between DC and the retailers.  DC will set its own prices and terms of sale
and Diamond will act as DC's sales representative.

A joint statement from DC Executive Vice Prez and Publisher Paul Levitz and
Diamond Prez and CEO Stephen A. Geppi follows: "DC and Diamond have had a
long and effective relationship that has nurtured and encouraged the growth
of comic book shops. Now as we move into an even stronger and closer
relationship, we look forward to doing more for our customers and helping
them do more for their customers."

Retailers will be still have access to other products, and other suppliers
will be assured access to comic specialty retailors. No supplier's products
will be dropped by Diamond as a result of this agreement.

Geppi also mentioned that Diamond has prepared a special team for more
efficient handling of the new accounts Diamond anticipates.

DC will announce its terms of sale to retailers in the coming weeks, and
Diamond will be sharing its plans and goals for the future as well.
Executives of both companies will be meeting with retailers across the
United States, Canada and Europe at Diamond's "New Dynamics" seminars,
with dates and locations to be announced shortly.

Retailers from US and Canada may open accounts with Diamond by calling
800-362-6421.  From outside the U.S. and Canada, call 410-560-7100.

For more info, contact Patricia Jeres at DC (212-636-5448), or Roger
Fletcher at Diamond (410-560-7100).


Ultraverse Characters to appear in Mad About You:
[Source: Malibu Comics]

4/21/95 - In an upcoming episode of NBC's hit sitcom Mad About You
(Thursdays @ 8pm), Jamie (played by Helen Hunt, winner of American Comedy
Awards, Screen Actor's Guild, and Golden Globe awards for best actress in a
comedy series) will be the visual basis for a new comic book character known
as Queen Talon.

Malibu Comics produced the exterior artwork for a new comic book entitled
Mega Void, utilizing the talents of Jim Chadwick, Ty Rulli, Keith Conroy and
Larry Welch. Also in the show, Jamie will visit a NY comic book shop where
Mega Void is sold. Ultraverse comic books will be displayed in the comic
shop, as well as other special props.

Ultraverse comics have appeared in such films as 20th Century Fox's The
Chase (w/Charlie Sheen), Drop Zone (w/Wesly Snipes), and the USA Network's
Weird Science.


R. Crumb to Appear on Prairie Home Companion:
[Source: National Public Radio]

4/24/95 - R. Crumb's string band will perform in July 3rd's airing of
Garrison Keillor's radio show, "A Prairie Home Companion". Tune into your
local Public Radio station for more information.


Disney Partners with Ameritech, BellSouth and SBC Comm.:
[Source: Eric Lopkin's MediaConnection]


4/30/95 - Walt Disney Co. has announced a programming partnership with
Ameritech Corp., BellSouth Corp. and SBC Communications Inc.

The companies began exploring the idea of delivering programming over phone
lines last summer, and plans to spend $500 million over 5 years to fund the
partnership.

Similar alliances have been formed between Bell Atlantic, Nynex, Pacific
Telesis and Creative Artists Agency, and U S West Inc. and Time Warner.


SHAZAM! Sells For Big Bucks:
[Source: Eric Lopkin's MediaConnection]

4/30/95 - Steve Geppi, owner of Baltimore Magazine, President & CEO of
Diamond Comics Distributors and co-owner of the Baltimore Orioles recently
purchased for $176,000 a rare 1940 comic book. That's believed to be the
largest amount ever spent for a single comic book.

He purchased WHIZ Comics #2, the first appearance of Captain Marvel, the
same book that he had sold 12 years ago for $10,000. That $10,000 was used
to build the "comics empire" of Diamond Comics Distributors.

Although the comic was numbered #2, it was in fact the first issue of WHIZ
Comics. Calling first issues #2 was a common practice of comics publishers
of that day to avoid paying higher postage fees on newly copyrighted
material.

Geppi estimates there are no more than 35 copies of WHIZ #2 in existence,
and none in as good condition.


Big Guy & Rusty the Boy Robot Set for July Release:
[Source: Dark Horse Comics]

4/28/95 - Frank Miller & Geof Darrow, creative team of the hard-hitting (as
the title suggests) Hard Boiled, will collaborate again for "The Big Guy and
Rusty the Boy Robot".

Unlike Hard Boiled, The Big Guy & Rusty The Boy Robot is intended for all
ages. "But don't expect Barney here," warned Miller. "It's action and
carnage from cover to cover!

The first two-issue series was described by Miller as "Straight-ahead
superhero adventure." A giant creature invades downtown Tokyo. He's tearing
apart buildings and mutating the city's fair citizens into a legion of
monsters, so the gov't sends "Prototype Defense Robot" Rusty into the fray.
When Rusty fails, Tokyo calls on the US, who deploys The Big Guy, "Ten feet
of fierce firepower built to serve and protect!".

This two issue, full-color, 9" x 12.5" ("Big Guy-Format") miniseries marks
Geof Darrow's first major project since Hard Boiled. It will come out under
the Legend imprint on July 25.


Dark Horse Presents #100 Becomes a Miniseries:
[Source: Dark Horse Comics]

4/28/95 - Due to an influx of material for the milestone 100th-issue of Dark
Horse Presents - one of the longest-running comics anthologies still being
produced - the issue will be not one issue, but a miniseries. 5 issues of
DHP #100 will be released in August, one a week.

Stories to look for: Frank Miller will debut his new character, Lance
Blastoff. Paul Chadwick will write a sequel to the first Concrete story.
Bernie Wrightson will draw a Hellboy story.

The contents of the individual issues follow:

DHP #100 #1:

Cover by Frank Miller, painted by Lynn Varley

"Lance Blastoff!," by Frank Miller
"Mimi Rodin," by Dave Stevens
"The Ninth Gland," by Renee French
"Peeling and Eating a Tangerine," by Harvey Pekar and Joe Sacco
"Heartbreakers," by Anina Bennett, Paul Guinan, and Todd Herman
"Aboard the Drinking Leviathan," a TRUE SWAMP story by Jon Lewis
"The Devil Made Them Do It!" Milk & Cheese absurdity by Evan Dorkin

DHP #100 #2:

Hellboy cover by Bernie Wrightson, painted by Matt Hollingsworth

Hellboy origin tale titled "The Chained Coffin," by Mike Mignola
Bitchy Bitch story titled "Dream On," by Roberta Gregory
"Yes," by Paul Pope (THB)
Fat Dog Mendoza story titled "The Secret Life of Leftovers," by Scott Musgrove
Devil Chef tale titled "The Shining," by Jack Pollock
Alec story titled "The Snooter," by Eddie Campbell

DHP #100 #3:

Concrete cover by Geof Darrow, painted by Lynn Varley

Concrete tale titled "The Artistic Impulse," by Paul Chadwick
"Whistle and Queenie," by Megan Kelso
"Breakfast at Billy's," by Harvey Pekar and Joe Sacco
"Faggot Story," by James Sturm, Dan Savage, and Jason Waskey
1 page of sick from cartoonist Ivan Brunetti

DHP #100 #4:

Martha Washington cover by Dave Gibbons

Martha Washington story by Frank Miller and Dave Gibbons
Black Cross story by Chris Warner
"Oh My Goodness," by Harvey Pekar and Joe Sacco
A true encounter with Tom Waits, called "Bourbon on the Rocks," by Ellen Forney (TOMATO)
"Birddog," by Ed Brubaker (LOWLIFE) and Pat McEown (GRENDEL)
"Violence is Golden," by Brian Sendelbach
"The Symphony of Daily Nourishment," by Rick Geary

DHP #100 #5:

Cover by Mike Allred, colored by Laura Allred

"Monkeyman and O'Brien," by Arthur Adams
"Pan-Fried Girl," by Jeff Smith (BONE) and Paul Pope (THB)
"Los Malcriados," ("The Brats") by Mario Hernandez (LOVE & ROCKETS)
"Milk & Cheese," by Evan Dorkin
"Butcher's Night Out," by Rich Hedden and Mike McPhillips


Mike Martin Joins Michael Martens at DH:
[Source: Dark Horse again!]

4/28/95 - Mike Martin, who has spent the last 5 years as Marvel Comics' West
Coast field representative, moves up to Oregon next month to join Dark
Horse's marketing dept. He will focus on writing press releases and sales
copy and will be the primary contact for fanzines.

Dark Horse's marketing director (who will be Mike Martin's supervisor) is
named Michael Martens. "And if you think that'll be confusing for anyone
outside the company," says Martens, "just imagine my wife's horror when she
gets home and realizes she's got the wrong man in tow!"

Martin is scheduled to join Dark Horse some time in mid-May, after he's had
a chance to finalize plans for Heroes World's San Francisco distribution
center. "I'd love to start right away," said Martin, "but I don't want to
leave Marvel or any retailers serviced out of S.F. in a lurch."


Marvel/Ultraverse "Dream Team" Update:
[Source: Malibu Comics]

4/12/95 - The Marvel/Ultraverse co-production Dream Team #1, the 48-pg.
pinup book Comicunications reported last issue, will ship in July and
feature art by many of the industry's leading creators. The pinups will
feature Marvel and Ultraverse characters and sometimes characters owned by
the creators.

The ones I know about:

Jim Balent (Catwoman) - Necromantra/Electra
Joe Quesada (Ash) - Ash/Wolverine/Prime
William Tucci (Shi) - Shi/Mantra/Archangel
John Romita, Jr. (X-Men, Spider-Man) - Spider-Man/Prototype
Mike Wieringo (Rogue, Flash) - Prime vs. Thor
Art Thibert (Black & White) - Spider-Man/Night Man
Mike Allred (Madman) - Madman meets Fantastic Four & Sludge
Ben Edlund (Tick) - Tick-Marvel, Tick-Ultraverse (?)

Other contributors will include Kelly Jones (Batman), Liam Sharp (Incredible
Hulk), Dan Panosian (Prophet), Gary Frank (Incredible Hulk), Steve Skroce
(Wolverine, Cable), and Geoff Darrow (Hard Boiled, upcoming The Big Guy &
Rusty The Boy Robot).

Steve Skroce (X-Man) and Bud LaRosa will draw the Wolverine vs. Prime cover.


Fellowship of Reconciliation Responds to Activists!:
[Source: Jo Becker]

4/11/95 - In the words of Jo herself:

In 1989, the Fellowship of Reconciliation decided to create and
publish a non-fiction comic book for use in its youth outreach
program. The comic book was designed to present the history of
young people who have played key roles in movements for civil
rights, democracy, gay rights and alternatives to violence. The
FOR hired Joyce Brabner to edit the project, and Wayne Van Sant
and Mark Badger to illustrate the book. In 1994, after the book
was scripted and illustrated, Stabur Press agreed to publish and
help distribute the comic.

ACTIVISTS! was printed in February of 1995. After initial
distribution, it became clear that a significant number of FOR
members and staff were unhappy with the finished comic. In fact,
many members, and African Americans in particular, found it deeply
offensive. While ACTIVISTS! was created in order to confront
racism, violence and injustice, many felt that the book actually
perpetuated negative images and racial stereotypes. It became
clear that this reaction was widespread enough and so deeply held
among the FOR staff and membership that the organization simply
could not release the book as an FOR resource. After careful
consideration, the FOR decided to discontinue any further
distribution of the book.

This decision is NOT censorship. FOR has the right and
responsibilty to terminate any project that does not fulfill the
organization's goals or reflect the needs of its membership. As
originator and funder of the comic book, FOR is well within its
rights in choosing to discontinue distribution of its own
resource. This decision is rooted not in any desire to stifle
stories about active, creative young people, but in the
organization's deep commitment to be sensitive to issues of
racism. The FOR continues to be opposed to censorship, as it has
throughout its history.

Before reaching the decision to stop distributing ACTIVISTS!, the
FOR consulted with the comic editor, Stabur Press, members of
Survivin' N Da Hood and others connected with the project. FOR
invited Survivin' N Da Hood to participate in a conference call
with representatives of the FOR staff and National Council, and
remains in contact with members of the group. Survivin' H Da Hood
offered to meet with FOR staff on only one occasion, during a
period of internal discussion where outside participation was felt
to be inappropriate.

Some of the rumors about this project have been inaccurate. For
example, FOR did not spend $20,000 to "buy out" an entire print
run of ACTIVISTS! The original agreement with Stabur Press
provided FOR with 7500 copies of the 20,000 originally printed.
After initial distribution made it clear that FOR could not
continue to distribute the book, Stabur agreed to return its
remaining 12,500 copies in exchange for reimbursement of its
printing expenses -- an amount nowhere near $20,000.

The FOR acknowledges that the editor and others who participated
in the project are upset and disappointed by FOR's decision to
discontinue distribution of the comic book.  This is
understandable, given the time and talent invested in creating the
book.

Because of the intensity of the controversy, FOR's National
Council, our policy-making body, will be discussing the comic book
at its meeting next month. However, in the interim, FOR believes
that its decision not to distribute the book is the appropriate
one.

                                                Jo Becker
                                                Executive Director
                                                Fellowship of
                                                Reconciliation
                                                April 10, 1995


Kurt Busiek Keeps Busy:
[Source: Kurt Busiek himself. Straight from da horse's mouth.]

4/10/95 - Upcoming projects by Kurt Busiek, writer of the phenomenally
popular miniseries Marvels, will include Untold Tales of Spider-Man, The New
Shadow-Hawk, Kurt Busiek's Astro City and an untitled miniseries. Kurt has
been writing special issues of various titles since his successful Marvel
mini, but is now settling into the above commitments.

Untold Tales of Spider-Man will be a special 99 comic, and will contain 20
pgs. of story. It will feature mostly single-issue stories, and will
introduce the characters & situations in every issue, whether it's a one-
issue story or not. It will take place in the early days of the popular
webslinging superhero and will weave in and out of established continuity to
tell 'unseen' adventures. The book will not, however, contain many
continuity references since "The idea here is to provide an 'entry-level'
book that anyone can enjoy whether they're familiar with Spider-Man's
history or not." Kurt does promise that the attention to continuity in terms
of how the adventures fit in between previous adventures and how the
characters develop will be exacting.  Pat Olliffe will pencil the book.

The New Shadowhawk will be shipped 8 times a year from Shadowline Studios at
Image. Someone will return in the ShadowHawk costume after Paul Johnstone's
career, er, ends. There will be a mystery as to who's in the suit, but,
says Busiek, "It won't go in anywhere near the same direction as the first
run." The book will kick off in June with art by James W. Fry III and
Andrew Pepoy.

Kurt Busiek's Astro City is completely owned by Kurt Busiek. Brent Anderson
will draw the art, Steve Buccellatto & Electric Crayon will do color
separations, Richard Starkings and Comicraft will do the lettering and
design work, and the covers and character designs will be by Alex Ross.

"Astro City, the place, is a modern-day metropolis", says Kurt, "that boasts
superheroes, supervillains, mad scientists, monsters, the occasional talking
gorilla, a few million inhabitants....Astro City, the series, is something
of a follow-up to Marvels. Where Marvels showed you what it would be like
to live in the Marvel Universe through the eyes of an everyman journalist,
Astro City will show you what it's like to live in a superhero universe
through a lot of different perspectives."

Busiek promises visions of the impossible dreams of the world's mightiest
hero, a neophyte reporter's first day on the job covering a cosmic combat of
earth-shaking import (and why it doesn't make the papers), a man who
discovers a hero's secred identity, a young woman who commutes every day
from an old-world enclave rife with mystic danger and occult threats to the
gleaming center city where the dangers are more brightly colored but no less
real, a young boy who comes to the city with dreams of becoming a kid
sidekick, a just-paroled super-villain hoping to go straight, and an ex-
corporate hero on the talk show circuit.

"We've been deconstructing the superhero genre for over a decade," Busiek
says, "I think it's time to reconstruct the genre and see what can be built
from what we've learned."

Kurt is shooting for a release date of August.


DC Goes Sci-Fi?:
[Source: Toronto Hype! Comic Cafe]

4/18/95 - DC is reportedly considering adding a new science-fiction based
imprint to its line in late '95 to early '96. The imprint would be targeted
towards mature readers, similar to the Vertigo imprint. That's all I've got
for now.

___________________________________________________________________________
Legal Stuff: Copyright (c) 1995, Ryan Brewster. Distribute in ENTIRETY.
---
  RM 1.3 02322  Ok, let yourself go, as long as you can let yourself back
<*>
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