Tidbits

Not much has happened this week, so here's another short post. Some SPOILERS below.

I watched Prison Break on tape yesterday. Things have gotten pretty difficult for the PI guys in thier attempt to escape. One setback after another has seemingly thwarted their escape plan with mere hours to go before Lincoln's execution. Not to mention the only guy who could clear his name was killed. I can't wait to see next week's episode and how it all goes down.

In wrestling news, I hear the Survivor Series this past Sunday was actually pretty good. It seems as if the main event was really good. Unfortunately Raw still lacks any excitement or direction. We are constantly forced to endure a 20 minute rant by Triple H and and the shell of the entertainer Eric Bischoff once was in the heyday of the NWO. Smackdown isn't much better, but at least they put some really great wrestling on with Rey Mysterio and the best of seven series between Benoit and Booker T. I'm telling you, if TNA ever get good writers and people in the office who really know what they're doing they will become a huge competition for the WWE. They already have much more exciting matches and focus more on the wrestling. But thier announce team and their storylines are what kill thier product. That and Jeff Jarrett being the Triple H of TNA, never willing to go without the title for long.

In comic news, today is Robert Kirkman's birthday, so send him an email or something. I'm sure he'd love me for telling you to do that.

December starts tomorrow, which means just over three weeks to Christmas. This used to be my favorite time of year. Not for the presents, but because I loved being with my family and seeing thier faces as they opened what I got them. I love giving gifts, which makes this Christmas so hard. But I'm trying not to dwell on that stuff and I'm trying to do what I can to make the best of it.

2006 is here in 31 short days. My, how the time does fly. This year really has just gone by so fast it's unbelievable.

I did some voice acting the other day if you can call it that. I only said one line for $2 (which I probably won't even take), but it was cool. I have no idea what it's for yet, but I'll keep you all posted.

I thought up another comic idea the other day, which I think is one of my better stories. As it progresses I'll fill you all in. Right now it's just a thought. I'm still working out the details and defining the characters. I'll probably find an artist and split the rights and have them help me with the characters and story, though that could change. I'd love to be more open with my stuff like that, but I'm always fearful that I'll actually catch a break someday and some property will really take off, and then I'll have to split everything. Selfish, I know, but I just don't trust too many people is all given, well, a lot of would-be friends and such, but again, not focusing on the bad stuff. So we'll see.

And that's it for now. Hey, that was short for me. When it comes to writing, I just can't do it short. I get carried away every time. Deal with it. :)

B-Out

Updates

I don't really have much to post about right now, but thought I'd keep you all abreast of happenings. Currently I have a few submissions into Platinum Studios, Alias Enterprises, Leagues of Talent and Across the Pond Comics.

At Platinum I have I believe three pitches I'm waiting to hear back about aside from the assignment I'm already working on. As well as I have submitted lettering samples to them.

At Alias I also have submitted lettering samples and one pitch.

At Leagues of Talent I am in contention for a lettering position, though they mentioned a couple of things to work on with my balloons.

And I just submitted to Across the Pond some lettering samples.

I have yet to send out my submission to Image due to a couple of setbacks, but they know it's coming. I'm also going to send some lettering samples to Image when I send out the submission.

And that's about it right now, just waiting to hear back. I'll keep you all posted.

B-Out

Jerrell Conner, et al

Sometime today the latest edition of my column, Indy-Pendant will be posted. I won't know when since I still can't connect to the site, but I know it will be today.

This week I feature a writer/artist by the name of Jerrell Conner, as the title would infer. Jerrell is the definition of an independent creator in terms of the comics industry. I was made aware of him by Dale Wilson several weeks ago and I'm glad he pointed Jerrell out to me. After reading through the material I would use for the column I realized Jerrell and I had a lot in common in certain areas, so it made it a very enjoyable column for me to write.

I changed the pace of the column a bit this week shifting to an almost pseudo-interview style column. I intend on changing up the format of the column over the next several weeks and maybe indefinitely as I don't want it to be just another review column. I hope to offer something different every time it's read, but I still intend on doing some of the old style features as well.

I'm a last minute kind of guy, so usually I don't have a clue as to what I'm going to write about until a couple of days before the column is do, and I honestly don't write it up until hours before my deadline. It's worked so far, and in 25 weeks worth of columns I believe I've only missed two weeks, which would have put me at 27, but oh well. The numbers aren't important to me really, I just like to write what people like to read.

I hadn't really thought about the fact that this is my 25th column until just this moment, and I supposed I should have mentioned it in the column or done something for the anniversary, but I guess I'll have to wait until number 50. But it does feel good to know I've been able to go 25 weeks and keep readers entertained, so that's good enough for me.

As far as not being able to access comicavalanche.com, I am getting closer to the problem after pinging, trace routing and all kinds of other technical stuff. It appears my connection times out at the host server of the website for some odd reason, though I can still access other sites on that server. It's a very odd situation and I have talked to several tech support people trying to figure out the problem.

Anyway, once I can access it again, as I believe I mentioned before, there will be gradual changes made to the site in order to improve it. For one the home page will get an even cleaner, more organized and much less pixelized look including a sidebar with daily news! There will be some changes made to the forums that will (hopefully) encourage more reader and poster participation, and all kinds of other stuff in the works. We sincerely hope to eventually make the site the number one source for comic news entertainment. We've got a long way to go, but it's a goal that is totally and completely possible given a lot of factors in our favor.

And that's enough info on all that good stuff. I'm going to go chill and finish watching Elf for the tenth time then probably write a little, read a little then go back to bed.

Yep, my schedule is so far off. Lately I've been getting really tired around 10 or 11 at night, which I suppose by most people's standards is normal. The problem with me is any time I go to sleep that early I wind up waking up at 3 or 4 in the morning and can't get back to bed, as was the case tonight. I fell asleep around 11:30, woke up at 3, and now it's 5:30 and I'm wide awake. I won't get tired again probably until 9 or 10, or maybe not even until 1 or 2, but luckily it's Sunday and I can then go to sleep. Usually if I go to bed around 2 or 3 then I can sleep until around 9 or 10 just fine. That's my preferred period of rest actually.

I've always been a night owl. When I was 15-16 I would literally only get 1-2 hours of sleep a night if that, and that behavior continued until I was about 19 at which time I started sleeping a lot. Then I went to college and started getting between 4-6 hours a night, and that's pretty much been the norm for me ever since only with the occasional 8 hour night when I'm really beat or on a very rare dose of pain medication (I only take it when I'm absolutely in terrible pain that won't go away. I hate anything that takes me out of sorts, which is why I never did drugs or drank alcohol. I've seen too many bad things happen within my own family when people are under the influence and out of control).

Everyone I know doesn't understand my sleep behavior because they sleep "normal" hours, so I've always been the freak, the outcast. Not just because of sleep habits though, but because of my outlook on life, my walk with God, my demeanor, my interests and hobbies. If not for the internet I wouldn't speak to many people, if any at all, that shared interests with me or understood my passions. But they still care and they try, they just don't get me. :)

At any rate I am now babbling out of boredom, so I'll spare you the agony of any further exposition on my part.

Oh, before closing I received in the mail today a holiday card from Platinum Studios. This was an ingenius idea the way it was done. Allow me to briefly explain. See most companies that send out holiday cards have some crappy little photo made with a corny little saying on the front or inside and the entire thing doesn't really mean anything to you, nor is it interesting or entertaining. Platinum, however, personalized the card to an extent I hadn't seen and would like to see more of. First of all it's not a standard size card, but a folder sized card. The cover features a comic book style cover of Scott Mitchell Rosenberg, the owner of Platinum, in a humorous scene. The title reads "Platinum Studios Presents: A Holiday Card Adventure" with a blurb stating, "Starring The Rosenbergs" and another continuing, "In 'Multimedia Madness'" Inside is a two page comical comic story complete with credits and a closing panel wishing happy holidays with signatures from the staff. The back cover features an appropriate pinup of an upcoming title from Platinum, Secret Santa.

Now see, more companies, whether comic related or not, should be more creative like that. This was easily one of the top 5 cards I have ever received because it was fun and entertaining, and all at the same time they got a little bit advertising thrown in there for good measure, but it's not at all intrusive.

So I just wanted to share that little bit of holiday cheer with you all. And on that note...

B-Out

creatorfuze Forums

Just a quick note about Jason Berek-Lewis' new forums. There's all kinds of good conversation over there about Marvel, DC, Indies, TV, you name it. And there are also competitions where posters can win free comics just for posting! Don't believe me? I was the first winner!

So check them out...often! creatorfuze Forums

The Day After

I trust everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving, at least those that celebrate it anyway. Mine was...well it didn't go as planned. In fact it totally sucked, but I have decided to not dwell on the negative any longer except in situations where it can't be helped in this blog. The blog has taken quite a negative slant lately and of course it's all my fault because it derives from how I'm feeling.

So, while a lot of my feelings haven't improved, how I represent myself has. I used to be a very positive person turning all negatives into positives, but given the events of the past year or so my positivity has been greatly challenged and nearly defeated. But alas, I had several small influences throughout the past 24 hours that resulted ultimately in somewhat of an epiphany, so I'm hoping that sticks and that I am able to pick myself up and march forward instead of standing still.

Now, all that aside I have a few topics I wish to discuss today. They're all kind of random thoughts, but ones that I am interested in, so here we go.

First of all, after reading Jason Berek-Lewis's account of a friend stating basically that people who had blogs were arrogant or egotistical it really got me thinking. If that were true then wouldn't having a website make one arrogant and egotistical as well? And yet in this modern society without a website you are not worthy of much attention or mention in the majority of the business world. As for individuals it's not quite there yet, but if you are going to be on the internet for any period of time beyond checking email, and if you regularly converse with others via the web then it's almost a necessity to have a website. And if you are showcasing any kind of talent then it's an absolute must, or at least to have a My Space account or something.

So why are blogs any different? I mean after all a blog is nothing more than an extension of a website that allows comments and conversation. It's really no different in concept than a website with a forum or contact link. So how can one surmise that you are arrogant or egotistical by having a blog.

And when it comes to someone in my position, being someone who has supposed skills to show off in the interest of getting noticed in the field of my choice and to more importantly simply spark conversation and interest in with and in others of a like mind and interests, it's a huge plus. Not absolutely necessary, mind you, but it definitely helps. So does that make me arrogant or egotistical? No. It makes me hungry. Not hungry for attention or acceptance, but hungry for interaction with people who share my passions. And with a lot of artists and writers the internet is the only place on a regular basis you can interact with like-minded individuals. I know in my personal life there isn't really anyone that gets the passion I have because they don't have it. So on that level I can't communicate with them as I would my peers.

Sure, I could post on ten dozen forums, and I do on many, but the advantage of a blog is that you really get to express yourself and talk about things that interest you without a lot of rude, hateful comments by a bunch of people who have nothing better to do than cut people down. Now granted, not all forums are like that, and on the ones that are not all posters are like that, but there are a LOT that are like that, and I could name specific forums as examples, but I won't.

So my conclusion on the matter is that blogs are a good thing, even if they do have a hint of self-promotion. Of course in my field if you don't self-promote you'll never be noticed. But most importantly they are a good thing because they bring together people who are passionate or at the very least interested about similar things. What do you think?

Second topic is podcasts. I have considered lately starting one of these up. Of course if you prescribe to the notion above that blogs are started by the arrogant and egotistical then podcasts must be the ultimate arrogance. But I'm guessing if you're reading this you probably don't think as such or why would you be reading one?

So my question on the matter is what do you all think of podcasts? Should they have a specific purpose or should they be similar to a blog in housing random thoughts, feelings or topics? How often should they be broadcast? Would anyone listen if I started one?

Then there are questions I have to ask myself. Do I have a reason to start one? Do I have enough interesting things to say to warrant one? What should I focus on? Should I use it for self-promotion, or promotion of the many sites I'm working with, or all of the above? Or should I strictly go teen drama and just talk about what I'm feeling on any given day? Again, what are your thoughts?

Shifting gears completely here, I read an article recently about the new X-Factor title in which it mentioned artist Ryan Sook (Arkham Asylum: Living Hell) who is the new artist of said title. This got me thinking about comic art and art in general and where it's headed in this modern era.

Let's focus on comics for a second. I have noticed a lot of comics deviate from traditional comic art over the past year or two. First with the insurgence of Anime and Manga resulting in Americanized manga, a hybrid style of superhero art mixed with manga which has rapidly become as common as Jim Lee style art in the 90's. Then with more cartoony styles surfacing here and there. And finally with dark, artistic styles that look nothing like your father's comic books.

And if you look at modern art a lot of it is also dark and very abstract, so this begs the question, where is art headed?

Once again, back to comic books. Now first off let me clarify that I am speaking unbiased right now, but I'll give my thoughts in the closing of the topic. But I was wondering merely from an onlooker's perspective, is there a point when art becomes too...artistic? Specifically in comics is there a point where comic art just becomes too abstract or is there a place for it? Does it depend on the mood of the story? Do as many people get behind alternative art styles as they do mainstream styles? And ultimately, does the art style take away or add to the story, and does it matter either way?

Same thing to a point in non-comic art. Is it too abstract nowadays, or is it right on the money? And is it really art (the abstract stuff) when anyone can slop paint on a canvas that looks like a mess, add a catchy title to it and be vague about its meaning to garner attention and cash? How do you differentiate between the pretenders and the real artists who pour their souls into their art?

And finally, does this darker, more abstract style of art say anything about our current society? Is it that we are more intelligent these days and can find the deep meanings in this enigmatic paintings? Or is it that we are becoming so dark and misguided that we find comfort in these twisted perceptions?

A lot to ponder there. My personal thoughts are undetermined largely. However I will say as far as comics I am more a fan of realistic art, but I do appreciate good art in other styles, and if it does fit a story then I'm all for it. But a lot of times I think not so good artists (and I could name quite a few) get the big jobs because their style is so different and not necessarily because they are good. In fact many don't have any grasp whatsoever on perspective, anatomy or storytelling, yet some of them have worked on the largest of books.

And in modern art I am actually a fan of abstract art, and that half encourages me and half disturbs me. LOL. I don't know, the jury's still out. What are your thoughts?

And the final topic of the day, or at least for the moment is about websites. Yep, I'm shifting back for the closing topic.

Currently I am working on a new web design for Midnight Studio Comics and a lot of comments have come up concerning what features and bells and whistles to have, what not to have, arguments over flash, and much more. The creators of the studio are all chiming in with their thoughts, which is what myself and the studio owner wanted, so it really got me to thinking. But rather than telling you my thoughts on it I figured I'd sort of survey you all to see what you thought about what an effective comic studio's website should have, shouldn't have and what would attract you to it and keep you coming back. So basically I'm just going to post a grocery list of items and you can expound on your thoughts about each of them or the ones you like, or the ones you don't like, or whatever. Basically it's just to get the thoughts going. After hearing all of your thoughts I'll clue you in on my preferences and things I agree with and disagree with after talking to a lot of people about it.

Flash (whether a completely flash site, or just a flash menu, or banners, or what have you)
Intros (whether they be full intro pages (flash or not) or intros that immediately take you to the main page, or whatever)
Navigation Bar (in terms of size, placement, what links to have, etc.)
Content (in terms of what a comic studio should have, from news, to updates, to previews, overviews, info on creators, etc.)
Design: Simple vs Complex (Simple being something like www.pulptheatre.com, www.arcanastudio.com or www.darkhorse.com, and complex (as complex as we'd want to go) being something like www.marcsilvestriart.com, www.nicitadesigns.com (any), or www.stormbringers.com)
Levels (in terms of navigation - what links to what, etc.)

I could sit here for and tell you my thoughts, good and bad, on all of the above, but I'd rather hear what you have to say.

So that's it for now. No negative stuff in there, or at least not much. Not much positive either, but at least it's interesting topics which will hopefully lead to good conversation, which is why I'm here.

B-Out

Art Thibert, Comic Avalanche and Thanksgiving!

Well folks, my interview with Art Thibert is finally up! http://www.silverbulletcomics.com/news/story.php?a=949

Some restructuring took place at SBC, and somehow my interview never got to the right people, but there it is and boy am I thankful!

I wish I could say I was thankful for the Comic Avalanche right now, but seeing as how for some reason my computer has chosen it as the ONLY website on the internet I CAN'T access it's hard to be. But seriously, it's a great site and I am thankful to be a part of it.

And speaking of which, when I'm able to connect to it again there will be some changes made to it. Already we've removed the cover image as the main page and instead made it an option to go to if you choose, just to see it. But the home page will be changing layout and with much better graphics. It will also include all the current news, and we do get the official PR that all the other sites get as well as other great stuff!

But all this being thankful comes right into play with the last topic of this post, THANKSGIVING! Yep, Turkey Day is finally here. Oddly enough, I eat turkey on a semi-regular basis, so that's kind of an irony or something, huh? :) Anyway, the true meaning of this day is being thankful for everything we have, have been given, have enjoyed, have been blessed by, etc. So first and foremost I am thankful for my family and my relationship with God. I don't always get along with either, but they are there for me regardless.

My brother, who is fifteen years my junior, was the greatest blessing for me. I was an only child with very, very few friends and spent a lot of time alone as a kid. I'm not upset by that now, because that's how I developed such a vivid imagination, thus putting me where I am today! But I still always wanted a little brother, and then Zach came along. After his father died three months after he was born my mother had to work a lot, so I spent a lot of time with the newborn. It was the greatest time in my life. He's thirteen now and we are closer than any siblings I know of.

I am also thankful for all the opportunities I have been blessed with, and the talents I've been blessed with. Lord knows I probably don't deserve them all, but I've had the chance to meet and work with a lot of interesting people, and after years of putting myself out there and working hard people are finally starting to take notice. For that I am very thankful and grateful.

And as a quick plug, I am thankful Jason Berek-Lewis mentioned me and this blog in his latest Industrial Revolution column so more people can share thoughts and comments with me! Thanks, Jason.

So if you are able to be with your families tomorrow enjoy your time together and remember what's important in life. It's not how much money or success you have, but the relationships you've built and the lives you've been able to touch, and those that have touched you. That's what truly matters. If you're not able to be with them, I'm sure they are thinking of you and vice versa, and the same still applies.

Happy Thanksgiving, Everyone!

Some People

The incident and the person I'm about to talk about some of you will know, but most of you won't. I'm not going into much detail about the situation because it's just not that important. But to give you a little background on the subject, several months ago I was the EIC of a small comic company (the first one, which I have written about before in this blog). During that time we had an editor who got the lucky taks of editing one of my own stories. This particular editor hated my story, which had been previously accepted before he became its editor. So he wanted me to change the entire concept, story and characters, essentially changing the entire book. That got us off on the wrong foot to begin with. The editor made matters worse when instead of expressing his concerns in a professional and adult manner to us he posted in a column completely badmouthing the company and me specifically. This led to some back and forth emails, and being the kind of person he obviously is he only posted part of my comments and made me look bad in the same column, and then blocked my email address so he couldn't talk to me directly. The guy would make a good journalist or politician.

Anyway, at present I am in partly in charge of the site his column resides and needed some information from him, so I emailed him from another account requesting said info and also in an effort to bury the hatchet apologized and tried to make ammends for our misunderstandings. Well he did provide the information, but made no mention of the other matter...until his column. Once again, instead of addressing me personally he chose to relay his thoughts in a publicly read column, once again badmouthing me and once again blocking my email address. If you wanted to look into it it wouldn't be too hard to figure out where to go.

Anyway, my question is what's up with people? Why are there certain people that have to behave in such manners? What ever happened to respect and honesty and maturity? Why can't people just try to get along and forget all the crap that has gone on before? I can understand if people have been traumatized by something dire, but everyday crap that amounts to nothing like little insignificant disagreements? I've gotten fired over a misperception by people I counted as friends, and for what? This guy has it in for me and twists my words at every turn, and for what? I've had so many "friends" betray me or stab me in the back, and I've had people I looked up to and respected talk about me behind my back and degrade me. I've met some terrible, terrible people who just don't understand the meaning of such terms as friendship, respect, being cordial, professional, maturity, etc. So what is up with people? I know it's not just me, and I'm not crying about it. I have nothing personal against these people (well one, but that's one that goes deep 20 years worth and is a different story all together). I don't even have an ill feelings for this ignorant man who hides behind his column rather than speaking to me directly. For all I know he's a great guy who gets a little wordy on the internet as most people do. I've never met him. Somehow I doubt that, but you never know.

At any rate, I'll just keep being the lovable, compassionate, sweet guy that I am and it's bound to do some good somewhere down the line, whether people like it or not. Frankly I could care less if people don't like me, but at least have a good reason instead of some make-believe, twisted tale you've concocted through your own paranoia or bordem, or whatever, please.

B-Out

Midnite Comics, Work and More

This week in my column I featured the online comics available at www.midnitecomics.com. This is part two of a four part crossover between comic news sites featuring Midnite Comics in celebration of their 1 Year Anniversary. The first part was an interview I conducted that can be viewed at http://www.comicavalanche.com/interviews/davidajberner.htm. The third and final pieces will come up later this month with any luck. I'll keep you all updated.

In my last post I mentioned I needed extra work for the holidays. Here's hoping more people read this than I think as I state I need the work for more than Christmas gifts, but for bills as well as my current income can't sustain all the monthly bills I have. That in addition to Christmas of course, which has been quite modest the past few years, so it's not like I intend to go all out. So if you or anyone you know has some work need done that I could do please let them know or let me know.

I will do basic web designs for anywhere from $75-200 depending on the complexity. I'm not talking flash and all kinds of features and constant redesigns either. I will do some custom graphics if required. www.comicavalanche.com is a sample site I did with complete custom graphics save some of the banners and of course the comic covers and pages. Everything else I did. Now a full blown graphic display like that I don't know if I could do for that price and get it done before I'd need the money, but we can talk.

As for lettering, I'll take something like $3-5 a page depending on what is needed. For 5 page submissions I'll do $10-20. For simple logos or titles I'll do $20. Samples can be found at www.brantfowler.com/letters.html More recent and better (with some killer captions if I do say so myself) are available if you email me.

As for my writing services, there are far too many areas of writing to list rates, but I assure you they'd be as reasonable as my other services. You can check out my column or even this blog for samples of this type of writing. For comic scripts email me, for poems, one of them is actually below, but I can email those as well. Other types of writing we'll talk.

And I'll even do character designs or simple sketches with no background for $5-15 apiece. My site is down right now, but you can look at these that I do have up elsewhere:

Stonewing.jpg
Spider-Man.jpg
SilverSurfer.jpg
UnnamedVillain.jpg
Legacy.jpg
Sephie.jpg
CaptainAmerica.jpg
VGWolfInks.jpg
VirtualUnknowns2Inks.jpg

Most of those are old and I don't really have anything more current at this time, but for character designs or basic sketches I think you'll agree I'm talented enough for that.

Thanks so much if you can help me out.


On another note, I'm feeling much better than the post before last. I still get really sad when I see anything about Eddie Guerrero, but the words of Jason and Crazz who commented on the post mixed with a couple of days of reflection and an hour or so of prayer have really helped me see some things clearer. I don't know what's ahead, but it seems recently I've heard comment after comment about things that relate to my situation and I can only discern that God is trying to tell me He's still here for me and basically that He's got my back. It's hard to accept that sometimes when things aren't happening and blessings are very low on stock, but I'm trying.

Anyway, I hope you all have a happy holiday season this year. With this week being Thanksgiving I'm not sure how much I'll be able to post, nor how much you all will read it anyway. So may God bless you all.

B-Out

For Hire

In light of recent events I am in need of some extra work due to the Holiday Season. I am available for writing, editing, lettering or basic web design. I'm very flexible where pay is concerned. Please contact via brant@brantfowler.com if interested in seeing samples of my work or hiring me.

For those of you who are regular readers, if you know anyone that may be in need of services please pass the word along. Thank you so much.

Jason and Crazz, thanks for the posts, I'll respond in kind soon.

Untitled

I'm not really sure why I feel so compelled to post right now about a few issues, but here I am. I was just about to turn in for the evening because I was completely bored and somewhat tired. Then I got the notion to listen to some of the memories wrestlers shared about Eddie Guerrero on wwe.com. I also watched the tribute video featuring 3 Doors Down, and then I broke.

Now I'm not a crier, nor really that much an emotional guy. I'm passionate about certain things, but a lot of the time I keep my true emotions inside. It's just my way. Usually the only times I cry are either in prayer or when something tragic happens to someone I'm close to. But for some reason Eddie Guerrero's death has affected me in a much unexpected way.

For days now every time I think about it I burst into tears, tonight being the biggest stream of them all. The kicker is I'm not exactly sure why. I never personally met the man, though he was one of my favorite wrestlers of all time. But I've never put much stock in celebrities being anything more than people like me who happen to have higher profile careers, thus living in the preverbial spotlight. So I can reason it's not because I'm a fan that I'm breaking down. And sure loss of life is tragic no matter who it is and it saddens me every time I hear of it, but usually not to the point of bawling with tears running down my face unless I knew them and was close to them.

There are a couple of reasons I can figure probably have something to do with it. One I won't go into too much because it's very personal, but it has to do with church and God, and my eventual ministry. The other reason is probably due to recent events in my life. These two things coupled together have probably made me much more sensitive to traumas such as this. But on the other hand, other deaths I've heard of throughout the week haven't affected me as such. So maybe it's just one of those things you can't explain.

What I do know of Eddie Guerrero is that he had some demons in his past that he overcame and was very honest about. And Eddie, above all other wrestlers I've ever watched, allowed a lot of his true personality to come through in the ring and on the mic. So I guess it's possible I felt somewhat connected to him in that way. And finding out he was a Christian also probably had something to do with it having felt even more of a connection. But that can't be the totality of it.

This past year has been a hard one for me with a lot of set backs, questions, confusion and heartache. I've lost friends this year for no apparent reason to me, I've left a comic company under questionable circumstances, thus costing me another friend, I've gotten fired from another one under questionable circumstances that I haven't really gotten over, I've come face to face with some hard decisions in the past few months that have challenged my entire life's choices and stance on things, I've walked away from something that is precious to me to get clarity that I have yet to gain, I've had illness after illness affect me and plague me nonstop, I've had family do me wrong and cause rifts that haven't yet begun to heal, I've lost a love I never really had, I've watched friends' lives move on while mine stands still, I've lost great opportunities that could have bettered my life in many ways, I've dealt with family members being threatened and stalked, I've been laid off from my job and here it is a month and a half from Christmas and I'm not doing great, and so many other things that I can't even remember them all. So maybe it's just a culmination of all things together and Eddie's death was a representation of them somehow, I don't know.

Let me state that those negative things that have happened to me this year in no way negate the positives that have occurred, and I am grateful for all of those. I am in no way in a state of feeling sorry for myself or depression. I have been in both of those deep before and almost didn't find a way out. I've dealt with a lot of tragedy and turmoil in my life from abusive relatives to several near death experiences and more, so the things that happened this year pale in comparison. But this year just housed so many things at once. It's been hard to stay positive, but try I must and try I do.

The main thing is all that has happened and the fact that I'll be thirty in a little over a year has just brought a lot of things into perspective and it's made me second guess the way I spent the last several years and what I poured my energies into. I have a lot of unanswered questions and a lot of confusion, and they've just taken quite a toll on me is all. So maybe that's why it's affecting me as such.

But I really didn't post in hopes of gaining sympathy, kind words or even encouragement. I also didn't post to spill out all my problems or talk about all the negative stuff, it just came out that way. What I really posted for was to attempt to get my feelings out there. And why not write them in a notebook where noone would read them? I don't know. I really have no answer as for why I am typing this on the internet where it could potentially be read by millions, though I seriously doubt this humble little blog will ever host that many readers.

I guess in part if I'm going to do this thing (the blog) I want to do it right. I started it to share what was going on with me and to express my thoughts and opinions. And because I got so tired of seeing all the other blogs (most of them that is) just rip on people they usually don't know and talk about everything negative under the sun and curse five times a sentence. I just wanted to provide an alternative I suppose. And then here I am posting all kinds of negative stuff. Go figure.

But this post really does have a positive spin on it. Though I am battling a lot of questions and confusion right now I am positive about the outcome. I know where I'm going and what I can accomplish in the areas I am passionate about if I can just get past the many obstacles in my path, most being placed there by myself. I am very confident in my abilities, my passion and my direction. There have just always been many different hands pulling me in many different directions, and it was always hard to figure out which way to go or what to focus on, which is why I needed clarity. Both Eddie's death and stepping away gave me some of that clarity. There are certain things I am sure of 100% I am supposed to do and that I want to do. There are others I'm not so sure about how to go about them. And the real problem is determining how to get from here to there, what to let go of and what to hang on to, and other decisions of that sort.

So please don't think I'm on here crying about my poor life. Much of it I brought upon myself. Much of it I didn't. Regardless, I am strong enough to overcome it because I am a firm believer we go through things in our lives to prepare us for things later on. Whether that be to face harder obstacles or to develop character traits that will help us become great at something, or better yet going through experiences so we can help others in similar situations. Whatever the case may be, I have been through many, many things in my life and they have made me something I would have never been without them. They made me strong; they made me a survivor. People look to me for my strength and my passion, and those are attributes you can't bottle and sell, or teach in a classroom. Those come from life experiences. So I try not to look at my experiences as negatives on a grander scale, but as preparation to become something greater, God willing.

In closing, I really had no direction for this post and don't really know how to end it. I'm sure you've all figured out by now that I can be rather wordy when I want to be and could go on for hours in this manner. So I'm just going to cut it short and hope maybe someone gets something out of this. I guess that's why I share; to connect to people; to relate to people; and possibly in the off chance of helping people. Until next time...

B-Out

The World Will Miss You, Mr. Guerrero

Eddie Guerrero, 1967-2005

For all you wrestling fans out there, it was reported on various news and wrestling sites yesterday that Mr. "Latino Heat" himself, Eddie Guerrero was found dead in his hotel room early Sunday morning. They don't know the cause of death, but there seem to be no signs of foul play. They will be doing an autopsy today to determine the cause of death.

Chavo Guerrero Jr., Eddie's nephew and fellow wrestler along with hotel staff forced themselves into Eddie's room after he missed a wake-up call. Eddie is survived by his wife and three kids. He was 38.

My prayers go out to the Guerrero family. May God comfort you all in this time of loss.

As anyone who has followed wrestling knows, over the past several years Eddie Guerrero has really climbed to the top of the ladder having held the world title, being only one of two wrestlers of Latin heritage to do so. He was a great performer, excellent wrestler and brilliant entertainer. According to those who knew him he was also a fun and interesting person to be with out of character as well.

Eddie had well documented problems with addictions to drugs and alcohol, but had fought back from desolation and had been sober for four years. He had finally gotten his life back on track and was doing well for himself. This is a tragedy, not because he was a celebrity, but because he was a human being, a father/brother/uncle/nephew/husband, who was too young to leave us.

Again, my prayers go out to the Guerrero family for this great loss. Eddie will be truly missed.

Art Show

Here's just a quick update I had to throw in. I know I'm posting a lot before you guys even get a chance to read, but this is a cool event, so I thought I'd give any Californians a heads up.

There's an art show this coming Saturday, November 19, 2005 in which a portion of the proceeds go to the victims of natural disasters. Among the artists showing, which include everything from pencil to sculpture artists, is a comic artist by the name of Jerrell Conner, whom I hope to feature in an upcoming edition of my column. Here's his website: www.jerrellconner.com.

I was made aware of this artist by Dale Wilson, another writer whom I've had dealings with under the two companies I previously edited for. You can check out what Dale has to say at www.remixture.com.

The art show is for two good causes. One, it helps disaster victims, and two, it showcases talented artists, which is always a good thing in my book. So if you're in the area go check it out. Here's a contact number, email address and some other info:

714-326-6066
events@jerrellconner.com
art show: 8590 National Blvd., Culver City
after show: 8771 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles
More info: http://www.jerrellconner.com/NEWS.html (prices, etc. Very low cover).

B-Out

Crossovers

Ah, the topic that plagues comic book messageboards, fan letters and all other forms of expression within the comics community. It's the positives versus the negatives. It's continuity versus stand alone tales. It's publicity and commercialism against justice and righteousness.

Okay, that last one was a bit much, but you get my point. And besides, that last comparison is exactly how some enraged fanboys and fangirls view all things related to that dirty word, crossover!

As I was reading October's issue of Wizard Magazine I came across a Yes vs. No debate on crossovers in which two perspectives on events such as (and specifically citing of course) House of M and Infinite Crisis. The funny thing is both views were way off on a couple of their main points, but I digress. The whole debate got me thinking about my feelings on crossovers and how I would like to share that opinion with the world and let my voice be known. And thanks to this little thing they call the internet that is now possible. Of course I am only aware of about 4-5 people who actually read what I write in this blog, the possibility still exists, so it's good enough for me.

But seriously, in the wake of the House of M and Infinite Crisis events we are faced with two line-wide major changing crossovers done two completely different ways by the biggest and most popular two comic publishers in existence today, Marvel and DC. But inherently, though Joe Quesada says differently in this week's Joe Fridays, aren't they both doing the same thing? Both in the marketing aspect of it as well as the storylines themselves? I'll get to that in a minute. First I'd like to take a look at the main theme of this post, which is the crossover itself rather than any one particular crossover, though I'm sure I will cite examples of the two aforementioned because they are the freshest examples in my mind at present.

A crossover, by definition in comics lingo, is loosely a storyline that carries over into multiple books involving multiple characters. By that definition Marvel takes the stance that House of M is NOT a true crossover, but an Event. They may have a point, but I'm getting ahead of myself. With that definition in mind one has to assume a few things for such an initiative to be possible. First off you have to deduce that the characters and/or titles involved exist in the same universe, at least for the duration of the crossover. You also have to accept that the storyline involved could happen to all the characters/books involved and have some sort of impact, whether felt afterwards or not. With that all cleared up, it begs the question, what good are crossovers?

There are many reasons to have crossovers, and according to "fans" many reasons why certain crossovers existed in the first place. There are theories that crossovers exist to capitalize on popular characters. Or to capitalize on a gimmick created for the crossover, ultimately also to make money. Then there are those who think crossovers exist to entertain or because certain characters teaming up or facing off make great stories. And you know what? They're all right, every time. And this is where you may disagree with me.

See, it is my belief that a comic company truly does care about telling good stories. Being a writer myself I understand that true writers are passionate about anything and everything their name is attached to. We are a proud people, a creative people, that like to stand by what we say and do. Sure there are exceptions, but that's the rule. Sure at times we will do stuff to pay the bills, but even then we pour as much of ourselves into the project as we possibly can. It's part of what makes a writer. So it's hard for me to believe that comic companies sit back in their chairs laughing maniacally, plotting on how they can bleed more money out of unsuspecting consumers with crappy stories in a shiny package. It is my firm belief that someone there really thought these things (as well as any and every book in and of itself aside from crossovers) were really great stories that should be told. It's really unfair to think otherwise and to sit back at the comfort of our computers or on our couches with pen and pad in hand and produce letter after letter, comment after comment on how we know better than they do. Yes, we are the ones reading and buying the product, but that doesn't make us experts. Should our voices be heard? Of course, but we shouldn't get bent out of shape when a story doesn't go as we would have done it either. These aren't life and death issues, people. Get over it.

You also have to realize that the comic industry, like anything else, is also a business. They have to make money or we won't have any books to moan and complain about, or more importantly to sit back, relax and enjoy. So you can't fault them for making crossovers or "events" involving popular characters. But when they do, I assure you they really do believe they have good stories to tell with those popular characters, even if at times they are wrong.

But the whole commercialism part of it is what brings us to crossovers in the '90's, which I feel were of a completely different ilk all together. At that time I will admit many crossovers were being done to cash in, but not for the reasons you suspect. See, at that time comics had finally enjoyed somewhat of a crossover of its own into popular media with national recognition. Maybe this was in part to Rob Liefeld's Levis commercials, or DC's Death of Superman extravaganza, but whatever the cause it was a good time for the industry. People were buying more comics than ever before and companies weren't blind to that fact. Yes, they overdid it and played their cards too soon and too often producing foil covers, multiple covers, weekly crossovers, and all kinds of other stuff because of one reason: The collectors.

See, at that time people started seeing the value in collecting, so they were hording up on the stuff. So the companies decided to make EVERY book and EVERY crossover not only mean something to the respective universes, but also be worth something, which, as we all know, resulted in the majority of everything being worth practically nothing, which in turn sent the industry into a downward spiral it is only now starting to climb out of. But why did they do this? Just to get our money? To coin a phrase, "I don't think so."

It is my stance that the companies really wanted to capitalize in order to entice more people to buy, not to only fill their pockets (and let's face it, any company in any industry would be stupid not to try to make some money off a revolution like that) but also in order to expand the comic industry and keep it alive and thriving for years to come. And it is also my belief that even the stories told in those mass produced, commercialized, nonsensical masterpieces were thought to be great stories that would be entertaining and possibly even needed to be told. Someone felt that way about those stories, I guarantee it. I guarantee when the whole Clone Saga idea was brought up someone thought it was brilliant. And actually, I was into that storyline, it just got carried away and overdone a bit. And I'm sure someone thought Armageddon 2001 was a great idea, and it was until someone made Hawk the major villain. And somebody probably thought Image and Valiant's universal crossover series Deathmate was brilliant at first. The list goes on and on. My point being, though, that they aren't done just for the money.

Let's shift gears a bit for a minute and talk about events vs. crossovers. For the sake of this part of the discussion we'll revert back to the definition I stated of a crossover and what Marvel considers an event. But we'll look at them as two types of crossovers instead.

The first type is the kind mentioned above, involving multiple books and possibly multiple characters. One example of that would be the Clone Saga, which crossed over through all the Spider-Man books and involved other characters from the Marvel Universe. A better example might be X-Cutioner's Song, which spread throughout the main X-Men related titles at the time and involved all the characters of those titles. Or even more recently, DC's Infinite Crisis, which seemingly involves every single book the company produces in its main line.

The second type of crossover happens in a mini or maxi series, or series of mini or maxi series involving a single event that may or may not have repercussions in the universe or titles afterwards, and may or may not produce spinoff titles or events thereafter. Examples of this type of crossover are The Secret Wars, Identity Crisis (until it was revealed as part of Infinite Crisis, of course) and more recently House of M, which predominately took place in one maxi series with a bunch of spinoffs and tie ins.

Now given the descriptions and the examples cited above, it really starts to blur the lines between the two types, doesn't it? On the one hand you have something like Secret Wars, which happened in a contained story, but seemingly had no repercussions on the universe as a whole, unless you count that whole symbiote thing. On the other you have an event like the Clone Saga, which took place smack dab in the middle of the 616 (the regular Marvel U. for those unaware) and involved many characters and left many repercussions. Either way there are after effects. So it boils down to preferences to a point. But what about when these crossovers really do require you to buy many titles you wouldn't normally buy?

Let's now take a look at our two current major events rocking the Marvel and DC universes. First up is House of M. The seeds for this storyline were planted long ago, if you buy into that notion, with the Scarlet Witch's made up children. Those seeds started producing in the pages of Avengers Disassembled, a storyline many felt didn't live up to expectations. But I'll get to that in a minute. Then after certain repercussions were felt from that we learn that it was just the beginning as the seeds come to fruition in the recent 8 issue series, House of M. Now of course there were other House of M tie-in books, which were not required for the whole story as those particular titles only showed the lives of more popular characters in this alternate reality, and were promoted as such, so noone can fault Marvel for that. But the kicker is that the events of House of M have a huge effect on the entire Marvel Universe, and that's what upset everyone. Some fans felt cheated because now they learn that Disassembled was part of this major storyline and now they've missed so much. And to get a full picture not only would they have to go back and read all those connected titles, but also the current and upcoming ones just to get the whole story. But as most of us are aware, with HofM that is not the case. Marvel, in my opinion, has done a very smart job with this "event" because they have created a storyline that effects everyone in the Marvel Universe, but to get the main story you really only have to pick up the main series. All the tie-ins, spinoffs and ongoings before and afterwards really only tell the stories of how those particular characters' lives are affected. Of course a greater understanding would come by reading the whole line, but then again, so would a greater understanding come by reading the whole Dragonlance or Forgotten Realms collections, but it's not necessary to enjoy the one novel, or the one event. It's the same thing, and Marvel has done it right. And more importantly, we care about it. We care about the characters and the repercussions. And that's how you differ between a successful and unsuccessful story.

Now, the other side of the coin is DC's Infinite Crisis. In some ways it's very similar to House of M in that it is a line wide event that will have major repercussions on the DC Universe and everyone in it. And certain events change the status quo and shakes things up a bit. But the difference is Crisis is more of a true crossover going by the first definition covered in this post. Though Identity Crisis served as DC's Assembled in terms that it planted the seed, or rather showed growth in the seeds as seeds were planted throughout prior to that mini. And then, like HofM we learn it is part of a greater storyline, which will also involve another mini series serving as the main story. But here's where the similarities die, because in the DC crossover there are more tie-ins and minis than you can throw a stick at. The prelude, or as they referred to it, the Countdown involved 5 mini series, if you include The Return of Donna Troy, and MANY tie-in books and issues before, during and following the minis to get the whole picture. The bad thing was that there would be tie-ins in the middle of issues or in the middle of minis instead of going from one to the next. In my personal opinion DC messed up when they had captions on certain pages telling readers 5 pages into a book to go read an issue of another title all together before turning the page. That was too excessive. However, in their defense I must say they coorelated these titles so well that in certain instances that you really didn't need to read the others because they repeated the events. Sort of like what Marvel did between Secret War and The Pulse recently.

The main thing about these two crossover events, though, is regardless of all the excessive measures they went to to involve the entire universes into brilliant tapestries, they accomplished a few things. First of all they both made compelling stories with real repercussions, which is something we fanboys and fangirls cry about all the time, so how can we complain when they give us what we want? They also gave us extraordinary creative teams on most of the titles. These writers made us want to pick up all the other books. Granted, some were written and drawn better than others, but when you take the talents of writers like Bendis, Johns, Rucka, etc. and throw in artists like Coipel, Jiminez, etc. the results are great books and what more could we ask for? And finally, you have to realize that by making these universes so cohesive as to affect every character and every title in some way, small or big, it takes a lot of planning and work. There is no way you can come up with something as involved and complicated as this, no matter how many people are involved in the process, and not have your heart in it. It's just not possible. So for us to sit back and heckle and judge and not understand all the hard work these talented people put in just for our enjoyment and their livelyhood it's just not fair.

And this is my final point concerning crossovers that affect the entire universe. Every major event that happens to us on the earth as a nation or as a world, whether it be war, terrorist acts, or the occasional blessed events that come our way, they always have lasting effects on us and our world as a whole. In every great novel, whether fantasy or otherwise there are events that take place that alter worlds or affect a people as a whole. Not all are affected as much as others, and maybe they don't even realize how they were affected, but they were affected nonetheless. So why should we want anything different from this medium of storytelling we so love and devote countless time, money and thought to? Do you really want to read a bunch of big events that take place in some alternate reality that have no affects on the rest of the world? If Sue Storm were to dye her hair purple and divorce Reed would you really want her showing up in a Spider-Man book with the blond hair and hanging on Reed's arm two weeks later? If Superman went blind and lost his powers would you really want to look over in Superman/Batman the next week and see him flying around with ease only to come back to Superman and he still be blind, but it take place at the same time? Not me, I'll take my crossovers any day. Just please, companies, don't make me have to pick up another title before turning to page 6 of my book. And don't make me have to read a five issue crossover in the middle of a mini series in order to get what happens in the fourth issue of that mini. Then we'll be cool.

And that's that. Agree or disagree, I know there will be those of you who do either. This is how I feel, and these are my opinions, and I thank you for allowing me to share them with you. Who knows, maybe someone will read this and actually change the way they are doing things. Ya never know.

B-Out

Catching Up...

Well, I was trying to wait for my cousin to see the last post before posting again, but I sent him a direct link, so it's cool. I was also waiting for my next interview to post, but it hasn't made it up there yet. And since I said I was going to try to make this somewhat daily or at least every other day I feel I owe it to you all to post something. So here I am.

Watched Prison Break finally and the pace of the plot is starting to pick up as Burrows has only ten days before his execution. Now a cleaner organization has tracked down his attorneys and his son. Scofield was forced to allow another criminal in on his plan. Things just aren't looking good. It's edge of your seat, tense, emotional action/drama and I love it! I haven't been this into a show like this since John Doe (ironically starring the same guy playing Burrows in this show) and The Pretender, two of the best shows ever to air in my opinion. It really upsets me that both of those shows were ended on cliffhangers that will probably never be resolved. Even the Pretender movies didn't further the plot enough to be of any substance. Oh well...

I am trying to put some finishing touches on my second crack at the overview for my Platinum gig. I'm having some trouble, but hopefully I'll be able to send them something in the next couple of days. I'm sure they're getting anxious. I know I am.

I'm getting some colors in for Wanabez and trying to go over them with my editor and artist so I can tell the colorist what's good and what needs improved a bit. That's harder than it would seem. I wish I knew more about coloring so I could relate what I'm thinking better. I do know what looks good and what I like, but it's hard to lay that out in coloring terms. I do have pretty good knowledge of photoshop, but still. All in all, Kyle is doing a great job and has been a real sport with the corrections I've asked for. It's really down to determining some minor stuff to see whether it jives with me and the book or not. I know it will all work out.

I really need to get more focused with my writing soon. I've been so busy with relaunching The Comic Avalanche and trying to catch up with Scryptic Studios because I always feel a step behind, which is not good for a site business manager! I have recently started to get involved more actively in some projects of mine, so that's a good first step on my part. I'm just a terrible time management guy. Ironically, I studied and did a comprehensive report on Time Management in college once, though I've never really applied it much. lol. I'm a wierd kind of cat, you see. I'm logical, somewhat intelligent, and very analytical and skeptical, yet I'm also artistic, adventureous, spontaneous and random. It's a very strange combo of traits to house and it causes some very conflicted emotions, feelings and decisions at times. Man, I'm just screwed up. lol. I don't think I've ever met someone who has problems with decisions and talks to themselves as much as I do.

See, now you all are going to stop reading what I write because you think I'm crazy. But hey, aren't we all just a little bit? :)

Okay, I'm just rambling now. Two more pieces of info and I'm calling it a night.

First up, there's a writing contest at Scryptic Studios right now. All you have to do is write a 3 page comic script being a complete story with beginning, middle and end pitting a superhero against a movie monster. The superhero can be any existing character or one you've created, and the monster can be any supernatural monster from movies, including zombies, ghosts, king kong, the Blob, etc., etc. Deadline is Dec. 1st. The prize? A copy of Movie Magic Screenwriter from Write Brothers, Inc. This is the official scriptwriting program of Hollywood as well as for Scryptic Studios. Retail Value of $200.00. Not too shabby of a prize for a free entry contest, huh? Check out the full story here: http://www.scrypticstudios.com/index.php/news/640

Check out a review of the software here: http://www.scrypticstudios.com/index.php/news/640

And in closing I thought I'd leave you guys with a poem I wrote in college that gained me an Editor's Choice Award. If you can't tell by the poem itself, I was going through some stuff. Enjoy! :)

THE ABYSS

by Brant W. Fowler

Surrounded by an emptiness in a place full of dreams.

A void beckons me, but neither thoughts nor action comes.

Encompassed by a multitude of possibilities, yet none are mine to have.

Lost in a sea; an abyss; a nothingness, where hope is not seen or heard.

Ships sail continually through the expanse, but none hail me.

None can see my plight, or they simply ignore it.

Vague images of peace and happiness from a time past perhaps invade my pondering.

They soon fade away.

The bleakness of the present overshadows the past.

The images continue to invade, but the emptiness eats at them.

They push through the current and come to the surface.

I am made aware that they are not of past, but of future.

A ship sails by and eases into the dock where I sit.

The delivery is for me.

Emptiness begins to fade. Void begins to be filled.

The abyss, the sea, is a place of solitude.

The air is crisp and the breeze is cool.

I have caught up with time, and my ship has finally come in.

Time stands still.

I once again ponder my circumstance, ignoring the ship that hails me.

All is lost. The sea is dark and the ship sails away.

I am faced with the overwhelming abyss.

My ship has come.

I have not seen or heard.

I am overtaken by the silence of the abyss.

It has become me. . .

I have become it.

Copyright 1999, Brant W. Fowler

B-Out

HAPPY 29th BIRTHDAY, JAY!

I almost forgot! I guess you, my faithful readers, get to have two posts by me today as I pay tribute to my cousin on this day of November 8, 2005. He is turning 29 today, 1 year away from the dreaded 30, and what better way to salute him than to embarrass the crap out of him with some old photos? So this is for you kid! I may not be able to laugh long since you're only 5 months and a few days older than me, but until then I'm chuckling and gaffawing all day every day. :)

So first up, a little background. Jay and I have somewhat similar backgrounds, being the same age practically and both being raised by single mothers. His father was around more than mine, but it was still rough. We were inseparable as kids. We even got a lot of the same presents. We did pretty much everything together. Heck, we even went to school together and lived together for a few years. But things weren't always peachy. We were kids and we did have our moments.

There were some differences between us too, and I'm talking besides the obvious noticeable one you'll see in the pics below. :) Jay is a natural athlete and was always playing some sort of ball and watching some sort of sport. I, on the other hand, was more of the artist, always reading and drawing. I did get out there and play my share of sports in the apartment complex we lived in and it was a blast. I have never had as much fun since we played baseball and football back in the day. We'd go out there in the rain and play football in the mud. I sucked, but it was so much fun who cared? And baseball (or tennis ball more appropriately) was a blast, especially when we'd break a window and take off running. Lol. Hey, it only happened a couple of times.

We also used to play guns and Kool-Aid. Guns was fun because we'd make teams and take hostages. It was really cool. Kool-Aid was like Hide and Seek, only each person had a color, and the way to catch them was for the person who was "it" to call out their color if they saw them. This was not an easy task when you take into consideration at times that person would have to remember 20+ colors!

As we grew up we started to drift apart for various reasons. Our lives took two completely different paths and we had completely different interests. We still had and have some common interests though, like wrestling, video games and Archie Comics, a constant in our youth. But Jay still plays a lot of ball (I heard he recently broke his finger or something. I hope you get that one fixed, bro. ;) ) and likes to go to clubs and dance and stuff. He's always busy with friends or whatever. We live about 20-25 minutes from one another and I literally only see him two-four times a year-Independence Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years. It's really sad, and it's neither of our fault really I don't guess, it's just the way it is.

I, on the other hand was really devoted to church and more importantly to God, so I took that path. Jay used to be in church with me, but for his own reasons he hasn't been for a long time. We all know what my basic interests are, and that's what I spend most of my time doing. At the moment I don't really have a lot of friends, so I don't go out much, but I'm fine with that.

Anyway, though Jay and I have had our rough spots throughout the years, I love him and he'll always be my boy. The day I get married (if that ever happens) he'll be my best man (or one of them as my brother will be one too) and I hope someday I'll be his, if that ever happens. lol. No matter what happens we know each other better than anyone on the planet, and I'll always have his back no matter what. We're blood, we're friends and we're family.

Jay, regardless of what's happened in the past, bro, you and I are thick; we're real, playa. I love ya, and I got you. This is for you, cuz. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

(Click on the thumbnails to enlarge)

Art Thibert and some Other Stuff

Hey all,

Sometime tomorrow (Tuesday) my interview with Art Thibert will run at silverbulletcomics.com! It was really a pleasure to conduct the interview and I'm anxious to see it in print. Mr. Thibert is very personable and humble to say the least. There was no ego involved, which was very cool. I have to say that so far the majority of pros I have had the pleasure to converse with are all fairly nice and easy going types that are just like you and I; fans who got lucky because of their mad talent and got to do what they love for a living. I hope someday soon I can truly hang my hat next to theirs.

This month is Midnite Comics (http://www.midnitecomics.com/index.php) one year anniversary, and in commemoration of that and because of their excellent stories, I'll be doing features with them all month long at several sites. There will be completely different content at each, so I'll keep you posted how it all goes down. Call it a crossover. :) Seriously, I just hope these guys get the exposure they deserve. They have some really talented people over there.

I taped Prison Break tonight, so I haven't gotten to watch it yet. I'm anxious to see what happens now that the crew is off PI duty. That totally messes up their escape plan!

This is a good time to be a comics fan from my perspective. There are so many good books out right now...I haven't been this excited about comics since the early to mid nineties when all my favorite fanboy comics were out (New Warriors, X-Force, Scarlet Spider, etc.). Every time I pick up a comic or an issue of Wizard Magazine I get all giddy like a schoolgirl with a crush. It's quite sad, really, but I'm not ashamed to admit it. I love comics, and more importantly, I love well constructed plots and story lines involving characters I care about.

I have never really been a DC fan. Back in the day I would pick up an occasional Batman related title, and I did get into the whole Armageddon 2001 story line, but all in all I was a Marvel Zombie. Even last year the only DC titles I read were Teen Titans and Superman/Batman. But lately I can't get enough. I've of course read the Crisis involved books, but those prompted me to pick up back issues to see what I had missed up to that point. So I've been reading everything from Green Arrow (a character I don't really even care for...or didn't) to Wonder Woman! DC has really picked up their game in my opinion and I am glad, because even though I wasn't a DC guy I always loved the members of the Justice League. Blame it on 80's cartoons and 70's live action shows if you will, but Batman, Superman, The Flash, Green Lantern and Wonder Woman were among my favorites even if I didn't like the stories over at DC.

And Marvel has also picked up their game. When I left comics for 5 years or so I would occasionally pick up a title in a grocery store and flip through it, and nothing really excited me. It's no secret that it was Crossgen that brought me back to comics, not Marvel, DC or even Image. But since then Marvel has gotten brave enough to tell all kinds of wild stories and they really have reinvented themselves in my opinion, and now there are so many titles out there I enjoy it's so hard to keep up!

Now Image, I am not sure how I feel about them. There are some great books coming out of the big I, no doubt. But for me there's still something missing from the flavor that was Image at its inception that made me a fan in the first place. As I have stated I am a huge fan of cohesive universes, so maybe that's it. The Image 'verse titles are few and far between these days, and the ones that are there you hardly know they are related in any way. I miss the days when things were a little different and I hope someday soon they work a core group of titles into a cohesive universe.

And that finishes my rant for the evening. I didn't even anticipate talking about all that, it just sort of came out. I guess I'm just so excited about comics right now. I