Website Update

I made a few minor updates as detailed on the home page. Nothing really to write home about though. As I state there I plan on doing a complete update by the end of September. I'm still heavily considering making the blog be the home page.

I'm also considering changing my MySpace page a bit. There's no reason it has to be in sync with the rest of the site. It was just my usual analytical self trying to make everything coordinate. But it makes for a pretty boring MySpace page quite frankly.

I've gotten a lot of work done the past couple of days, but I'm still going to have a busy weekend. Such is life.

B-Out

Myth Conceptions

I had to retro-date this to yesterday since the site was down, but it is up now. This week I ask my faithful readers a question. Have fun!

Click the title to read the column.

B-Out

The Table is Up!

Well, I finally got the table put together with a lot of help from my little brother (he did most of it - hey, he wanted to!). Not sure where I'm going to put it yet though. Right now it's by my window in my bedroom. I also got this little neat cart for $3 that has a roll away drawer. The shelf on it is the perfect size for art boards. So I'm gettin' it all set. I have all my supplies in now as well.

And don't worry, fellas, I did get some work done too. With SBC's site down today I finished off Godsend and made some headway on the Raven One-Shot. The contract is just waiting on printer ink so I can print it out. And I made some corrections on Gaol County, which wasn't on the list. So from the list the only thing I've got left is to finish Raven and finish Redshift and I'll be in a good place.

Well, it's late and I'm about to turn in. Just wanted to share real quick. I love the table with the huge tray on it and lamp, and the chair, it just feels nice to have finally! Now let's just hope I can make good use of it!

B-Out

I'm Leonardo!

Got bored. Sorry.

Which Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle are You? (pics)
Leonardo You're mature and get the job done. You are a natural born leader, and normally want to be the better of the group. You take your job seriously. You must! It may NOT be a game. When you select a sport, or something you want to do, you train continueously, constantly trying to perfect it. You're always prepared for a challenge, and are normally found one step ahead of your enemies. Loving family more than life itself, you are a good friend, and can be depended on at all times.
Take The Quiz Now!	Quizzes by myYearbook.com

B-Out

Final Weekend Update

Well, I got most of it done, the rest I'll finish up over the next 2-3 days.

Fracture lettering corrections (Done)
Godsend lettering (Prepped/Laid Out - Only 5 Pages)
Raven One-shot lettering (Somewhat Prepped - 10 Pages that I have script for)
Review, sign and send a contract for some editing services (Not Yet)
Redshift lettering (way behind on that one) (Half Done)

B-Out

Another Update

Blood and Devotion logo revision (Done)
Fracture lettering corrections (Started)
Aroquin script revisions/completion (Done)
Final Shadows lettering (Done)
Godsend lettering (Prepped/Laid Out)
Raven One-shot lettering (Somewhat Prepped)
Review, sign and send a contract for some editing services (Not Yet)
Redshift lettering (way behind on that one) (Half Done)

B-Out

Small Late Night Update

Just thought I'd give a status report:

Blood and Devotion logo revision (Started)
Fracture lettering corrections
Aroquin script revisions/completion (Started)
Final Shadows lettering (Prepped/Laid Out)
Godsend lettering (Prepped/Laid Out)
Raven One-shot lettering (Somewhat Prepped)
Review a script for a friend (Done)
Post and mail SBC Newsletter (Done)
Friday's SBC Reel (late obviously) (Done)
Review, sign and send a contract for some editing services (Not Yet)
Redshift lettering (way behind on that one) (Half Done)

So I made some headway today. Tomorrow will be another busy day!

Also, my art supplies came in the mail today! Yay! Art table is still in pieces though. lol

B-Out

This Weekend...

... is catch-up weekend! Somehow in the course of a busy week I've gotten behind again, and so I have to once again use the weekend to catch up.

I should have known with it being solicitations week (always a busy week for posting on SBC) I would have fallen a little behind. But man, I hadn't realized how far behind until I realized I hadn't yet completed things I tried to complete last weekend.

So, here's the list for things I'm going to try to accomplish this weekend in random order. Some of them I have to get done this weekend, others I may push a day or two.

Blood and Devotion logo revision (should have already done this)
Fracture lettering corrections
Aroquin script revisions/completion
Final Shadows lettering
Godsend lettering
Raven One-shot lettering
Review a script for a friend
Post and mail SBC Newsletter
Friday's SBC Reel (late obviously)
Review, sign and send a contract for some editing services
Redshift lettering (way behind on that one)

I think that's it, as if that all wasn't enough! Note that not all those lettering gigs are full issues. Most are only 5-10 pages or so. I just hope I can get it all done and soon! I need to catch up on the lower priority stuff at some point. I'll get a handle on all this eventually (eventually meaning as soon as I get caught up to where I can pace myself properly).

I almost hesitated posting this as I didn't want anyone to think bad of me for not being as on top of things as I would like. It's just been crazy, and as you all know, once you fall behind it's hard to get back on top of it. The problem comes when you start getting a bunch of stuff you committed to a while back all come in at once, which often happens to me. Then it becomes a bit overwhelming. But I'm planning on this being a successful weekend where I can post Monday or Tuesday that I got caught up and came up with a plan on how to manage all this (and time) a lot more efficiently!

We'll see...

B-Out

The Table Has Arrived!

My art table, chair, lamp and tray came today! It's still in pieces, but at least I now have it! I also received an email stating that my art supplies shipped out today, so soon I will be back in the drawing business as time permits! It's a good day. A hot day (we have a drought in the state, and right now it's 93 degrees), but a good day.

Oh, by the way, here is a picture of the exact table I got:



B-Out

Why, Why, Why

I saw these on MySpace and even though we've all read them or some similar before, I just found them especially humorous today and thought I'd share:

Why do we press harder on a remote control when we know the batteries are getting dead?

Why do banks charge a fee on "insufficient funds" when they know there is not enough money?

Why does someone believe you when you say there are four billion stars, but check when you say the paint is wet?

Why do they use sterilized needles for death by lethal injection?

Why doesn't Tarzan have a beard?

Why does Superman stop bullets with his chest, but ducks when you throw a revolver at him?

Why do Kamikaze pilots wear helmets?

Whose idea was it to put an "S" in the word "lisp"?

If people evolved from apes, why are there still apes?

Why is it that no matter what color bubble bath you use the bubbles are always white?

Is there ever a day that mattresses are not on sale?

Why do people constantly return to the refrigerator with hopes that something new to eat will have materialized?

Why do people keep running over a string a dozen times with their vacuum cleaner, then reach down, pick it up, examine it, then put it down to give the vacuum one more chance?

Why is it that no plastic bag will open from the end on your first try?

How do those dead bugs get into those enclosed light fixtures?

When we are in the supermarket and someone rams our ankle with a shopping cart then apologizes for doing so, why do we say, "It's all right?" Well, it isn't all right, so why don't we say, "That hurt, you stupid idiot?"

Why is it that whenever you attempt to catch something that's falling off the table you always manage to knock something else over?

In winter why do we try to keep the house as warm as it was in summer when we complained about the heat?

How come you never hear father-in-law jokes?

And my FAVORITE......

The statistics on sanity are that one out of every four persons is suffering from some sort of mental illness. Think of your three best friends -- if they're okay, then it's you.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY...

...to a friend of mine:



Happy 29th!

Myth Conceptions

Click the title to find the latest!

B-Out

Weekend Wrap-Up

Just thought I'd post a quick one today, being Sunday and all.

I just posted the inks for the Wannabez #0 cover on the WBZ Blog (in the sidebar) so check that out.

I watched 300 last night finally. It was a good movie. Very graphic. I never read the graphic novel, so I don't know how accurate it is, but from the cinematics and the poses I can guess it was as accurate as people say it was. I also like that fact that while it was a victorious tale it was also a tragic one. The acting, dialog and direction were all very good as well. I'd give it a 7.5 out of 10 I think.

Today I am finishing up the lettering on Gaol County and a logo for the company publishing it. And if I get to them, the four pages of Final Shadows and a revision on the Blood and Devotion logo. We'll see.

If I get around to it I may sketch a bit today, I don't know. It's gonna rain today, so it might be a good day for it.

I have found that I have an occasional liking for Boca burgers (vegetarian). Never thought in a million years I would, but they're decent. I tried some a few years back grilled out and they were good. But cooked in the microwave or on the Foreman grill not so much. Fried, though, they ain't bad. I ate two last night, with Pepperjack cheese! That was pretty tasty.

Well, I guess that's about it. If I think of anything else, and if I have the time, I'll be back. Otherwise...

B-Out

Art Supplies

Well, I've ordered the table and supplies now, so hopefully I will be able to get back into the swing of things soon.

I found some good (cheap) prices for everything, thankfully, or else I wouldn't be getting them.

I got:

Art Table (With chair, lamp and accessory tray)
Art Boards (24 pack)
3 Mechanical Pencils (Two .7mm, One .5mm)
Lead (2 Packs of 2B I think)
Non-Photo Blue Pencils (12 Pack)
Ebony Pencils (2 Pack)
Kneaded Erasers (A small one and large one)

I think that's it. I wanted to get a T-Square, some Pigma Micron pens, some curves and templates, and a Portfolio, but I can wait on those. I have an 18" aluminum ruler, so the T-Square can wait. And the pens are to experiment, so they can wait. Office Depot has a kit that has curves, a T-Square and a drafting brush in it for $30-40, so I'll probably just save up for that. And I don't think I'll be showing off my work for a while, so the portfolio can wait.

I already have some other pencils, but I needed some new mechanical ones, and I wanted to try out the ebony ones and found them for a dollar. My kneaded eraser was pretty much in bad shape too, and I came across those for a good price. The rest I ordered online, but I shopped around.

The table hurt, but it was a good price for it compared to what it cost everywhere else. It's the biggest purchase I've made for myself in so long I don't even remember the last time. I'd say the last big item I bought for myself was my entertainment center, which was $100, and that was about 3 years ago. Besides, I've wanted an art table since I was 16, so I deserved it. :)

So in a couple of weeks when everything gets here I'll be ready to roll. I'm looking forward to getting back into it.

B-Out

Papaw and Weather

Well, Papaw is stable now, thank God. His oxygen is up and he ate a whole tuna salad sandwich today, so it looks like at least for the time being he's out of the water.

Speaking of water, I wish I was in some, about 6-10 feet of it filled with chlorine right about now! It's 100 degrees here right now, and our air is not acting properly in the house. I've got a mini fan right in front of me, but mostly it's just circulating the warm air. Ugh.

B-Out

Myth Conceptions - Update

I am returning Myth Conceptions to a weekly status starting next week, but only temporarily.

I will be posting ten more installments (3 of which are already written) and then I'll be ending the column with the 75th installment. I'm doing this for a number of reasons.

First, I just don't have the time, or willpower, to keep it on schedule right now, and I think it's unfair to what readers I do have to keep changing it from weekly to bi-weekly, and then being constantly late on top of that.

Second, I just don't have anything else to say relating to the concept or title. It's just not in me anymore.

Third, I'd rather focus on other things at the moment rather than keeping up with the column. And I hope to bring on some new columnists to SBC soon.

Down the road I may come back with an entirely new concept, or maybe even the return of Indy-Pendant, I don't know. I'll of course continue to write occasional reviews and interviews on the site, as well as the SBC Reel twice weekly. But it's just time to move on. 75 installments is a good amount of columns, and a good stopping point. That will make 175 columns I've written including MC and IP.

I plan to write the other 7 pieces this week and next so they are out of the way and ready to go. That means the last one will post on October 23rd, which means I'm freed up for the holidays, which is a good thing.

So I guess that's it. Myth Conceptions has been a lot of fun, and it's been a challenge going beyond the original vision of the column (Jason's vision) and making it my own while still relating to the theme in some way. Just lately it feels less relevant and more like a rant or op/ed type deal, and I've got enough avenues for that already!

It's been real, though. Thanks for reading, and I hope you continue to read other stuff I write!

B-Out

Papaw

I just got a phone call that my Papaw has just gone back into the hospital. I don't know what the problem is this time as my Mom couldn't stay on the phone long, but I do know that he's been dropping weight and won't eat. Please keep him and my family in your thoughts and prayers.

Lettering Updates

Not much to report at the moment actually. I'll be turning in some pages of Gaol County today and finishing it up this week. And I have a couple of logos to finish up. Then I've got four pages of Final Shadows for Hard Way Studios to do this week.

I also have some stuff in the wings (Lightning Squirrel, AOH #2, Redshift, and Raven one-shot) but on most of those I'm either waiting on script, pages, or I'm trying to get priority stuff done first.

Aside from that I'm caught up. I know that still sounds like a lot, but really it's not that bad.

More updates when I have 'em.

B-Out

Yesterday

August 14th. That is a date I will always remember whether I want to or not. I know two people whose birthdays occupy that date, and both were, once upon a time, very close and important people in my life.

The first is my first girlfriend, Jamie. We were together for 10 months when I was 16-17, she was 15-16. Yesterday she turned 30. I think it's been about 8 years since I saw her last give or take a year. We had known each other in our youth briefly (she went to my church for a bit) and then I didn't see her for a few years. When she came back it wasn't but about a month or two later we were boyfriend and girlfriend. Even though life has taken us in completely different routes I still can't forget her birthday. I'm good with dates like that I guess. Anyway, if you're out there and happen to come across this, I hope life is treating you well.

The second is a relative of hers, David Lovin, who was like my little brother for a number of years, far after Jamie and I had broken up (which was on Easter, believe it or not). I miss David a lot, and I think it's been about 5 or 6 years since I saw him last. Man, time flies. I used to stay with his family a lot. We were as different as night and day in some respects, but we had this kindred something that connected us. Then some stuff happened, his family moved away, though not that far away, and we just lost touch. I tried to reconnect a couple of times, but there was just too much... stuff in the way.If you come across this, bro, I hope you are doing well also.

I actually know quite a few people who have birthdays this month. My cousin just turned 15 Saturday, and two of my former pastor's kids have birthdays this week and next. And another friend's b-day is also next week. So happy b-days all around, guy and gals. I hope life is treating you all well, and I hope you have wonderful birthdays this year.

B-Out

An Old Friend... In Tights?!

When I was 13 a school friend of mine introduced me to my very first comic shop. I never knew such places existed. But with that introduction, that, as they say, was history. That's where my love for actually working in the medium was eventually born.

Fast forward several years, we've graduated high school and we're still close, but not for long. Our lives took us on different paths and we parted ways. That was roughly, say, seven or eight years ago. I saw him once I think about four or five years ago, maybe longer, but only briefly.

Fast forward once again to this past weekend. As I was reading through the coverage from Wizard World Chicago both for posting for my job and for pleasure I found myself getting a kick out of all the photos and of course the costumes. WWC had a costume contest in fact, and what do I find? A picture of a guy dressed as DC's Captain Boomerang who is a dead ringer for my old friend!

Could it be him? I can't really be sure as it's been many years since I've seen him. So I showed the picture to my cousin, who hung out with him for a few years after he and I parted ways. He agrees if it's not him he's got a twin out there.

So, Jonathan Baxter, if this is you and you somehow find this blog, man, let me know. I'm really very curious now.

B-Out

(Click the title to see the picture - the guy on the right)

Myth Conceptions

This time I express my thoughts on the passing of comic artist Mike Wieringo.

Click the title to read the column.

B-Out

Why No Love for the Artists?

I have been looking art supplies to replenish my stash and I've discovered that the majority of comic retail stores I've come across don't typically carry art supplies. Now this is no huge discovery as I've known it in the back of my mind. But I guess it just strikes me odd that neither brick and mortar stores or online stores carry comic art supplies.

In my reasoning, there are tons of wannabe comic artists and writers out there, and many of them shop in both the physical and online stores. So why not carry supplies for them? I can understand it probably wouldn't be a huge sales boost, but is it too unreasonable to ask retailers to carry a small amount of art supplies and how to books, reference books, etc. for the budding artists and writers?

Don't get me wrong, I'm not really complaining, and I'm certainly not upset by it. Luckily there are places like Blue Line Pro, Bill Cole Enterprises and the Cartoonist Depot that do provide these items. I'm just curious why most retailers don't stock these as well. Maybe it's a cost issue, I don't know. It just strikes me as odd is all. I do, however, think it would be lovely to be able to walk in your LCS and pick up your much needed art supplies without having to pay shipping.

Granted, you can find a lot of stuff in local art stores (though there's only one near me in a 50 mile radius that I'm aware of) or your local Office Depot or Staples for some items. But stuff like art boards aren't as easy to come buy.

It's just a thought for all you retailers out there. You might want to make it a little easier for those starving artists local to your area.

B-Out

The Hunger Returns

I don't understand it, and I can't really explain it, but here lately my hunger for drawing has started to slowly return. I don't know what's behind the motivation as nothing has really changed, it just feels like it's time to get back into it. And not just as a passing thing, but to seriously learn the craft and really improve my skills.

Maybe the Comic Book Idol contest brought something back to me. Back when the first two happened I hadn't been drawing for a while either, but they both sparked something in me that made me want to get back into it. Maybe the fact that it's coming back has brought that back to the surface. Not that I plan on entering, because unless I get a lot better within the next month I think I'd be setting myself up for another fall simply because, unlike then, I'm now well aware of my skill level, and painfully so.

I can't say it's because I have more time to concentrate on it either, because in actuality I have less time than ever between all my responsibilities. And of course those responsibilities will come first, but there's just something in me that is craving to get back into it.

I'm really serious about it to. I've been looking into buying a drafting table, something I have never had, so that I can feel like I have a proper place to draw that's separate from everything else. I'm trying to find some Burne Hogarth books (used) to study up and improve as well. I just bought Dynamic Anatomy for instance. And I'm going to restock on art supplies (pencils, boards, etc.) as soon as I can.

I'm not fooling myself either. I don't think I'm going to pick up a pencil and read through these books and suddenly be loads better than I was previously. I realize it will take time to get to the level I want. I do, however, feel that through editing all these years, both scripts and art, and through reviewing comics that I have developed a much better "eye" for various aspects of comic art, and hopefully I can employ that eye on my own work and have a better idea of what to fix. Before I would sometimes know something was off, and I could see it in my mind's eye, but I just couldn't figure out how to actually fix it on paper. I'm hoping through my experiences, through studying, and of course through practice I'll overcome all of that.

Do I still have aspirations of drawing comics for a living? Not so much. I think at this point I'd rather be able to write and draw my own stuff, while my writing goals still do include working for the big two at some point in addition to doing my own stuff. And of course it wouldn't hurt to pick up a few drawing gigs along the way to help fund those projects, but that's a ways off. I just think it would be a long while before I could get to the level where I could meet concrete monthly deadlines with quality work, and that's time I really don't have to pour into it right now. But getting good enough to do my own stuff or stuff for others that isn't quite so strict I think is a more realistic goal

But still, all that is a ways off. I still haven't even cracked open the art boards or sharpened the pencils in a good while, and I'm very well aware of the problems in my art. I also want to work on developing my own style, a signature style of sorts. My art is what it is, but to me it doesn't stand out at all. Until it does I won't be satisfied.

So whatever brought back the desire I haven't a clue. Whether it will be a lingering desire or a fleeting nostalgia I don't know, though I'm hoping for the former. Drawing was my very first artistic love from the age of 5 or 6, and it has always pained me since I gave it up at 19 and since I've struggled with trying to tap back into it since I was 24 and have been unsuccessful. So I'm hoping that it really is just time and that I can add it back to the list of things I want to succeed at.

Whatever the case may be, I will keep you posted right here.

B-Out

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

I just finished the book this morning, finally, and I have to say it was quite an enjoyable read. There was some sadness and some joy, and I was saddened at the end for a number of reasons. Was it the best in the series? Probably not, but it did nicely wrap up every plot thread throughout the entire series and answer some long pondered questions expertly.

A lot of people are against the books because the promote witchcraft, and a lot of people I know would consider me WRONG to even THINK about reading it, but those people are close-minded neophytes living in an era that no longer exists. To do away with Harry Potter would mean doing away with... well, almost EVERY fairy tale in existence! Snow White, Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast... the list goes on. They ALL have some form of magic in them don't they?

The thing that makes the series of Harry Potter books special is the same thing that supersedes the happenstance of it taking place in a magical world: morals and self-discovery! That's what these books are all about, and why they have won numerous awards throughout their 10 year history. Each and every single thing that happens in these books ever so subtly teaches a lesson, and shows us also how human even the greatest of us can be, meaning we are all flawed, but inside all of us exists the ability to become great in many different ways.

When my brother first started reading the books 9 or so years ago I was very hesitant about him reading them. We are Christians, and so the thought of witchcraft slightly alarmed me. I didn't want him getting the wrong message. So I read the book, and that, as they say, is history. I was hooked, and rightfully so. I'm a big fantasy fan anyway, but these books took that to the next level by bringing it into a nearly plausible world set in modern times. So the kids (and adults) get these wondrous adventures, but at the same time they are wrapped so delicately with insights and wisdoms that show the mark of a truly great writer. The Christian world could also take a lesson from these books in the art of subtlety, believe me!

Back to this particular book... as promised, some main characters did lose their lives, but valiantly so. During the last few chapters I was figuratively on the edge of my seat with anticipation as to the outcome of the ending battle. There were some surprises indeed, and there was a glorious and beaming conclusion to the story that every Potter fan should be proud of. And the epilogue was a nice touch, giving us a glimpse into the future.

So while I'm very sad to see the series go, I have to admit this book and the way it wrapped things up has greatly eased the blow of the absence of the series from here on out. Luckily I still have three movies to see before it's all done (I've yet to see Order of the Phoenix). And then I will probably at some point re-read them all once more.

Goodbye, Harry Potter, it's been a blast!

B-Out

Comic Book Idol 3

Well, CBR's Comic Book Idol contest has finally returned! It's been three years since the last one, in which I entered and didn't make it past the first cut. I also entered the first one to a similar result. My art wasn't up to snuff (it's an art competition) and it still isn't, at least as far as I know. It's been a while since I tried drawing a full page, so who knows?

Anyway, regardless of my own abrupt end in the competition, it was always a fun event to watch. You had celebrity judges and some pretty cool prizes. Last time the winner got to do a strip for Oni Press among other things. This time the main sponsor is the New York City Comic-Con, who is awarding the winner with an all expenses paid trip to the con to meet with publishers and editors and show off their work.

Past winners and contestants have landed gigs with Marvel, Top Cow, Image and more. CBR has a lot of pros active in the community, so a lot of eyes see the art meaning it's a great opportunity for artists to get their stuff scene by people that could make a difference.

One very fond memory I have of CBI has nothing to do with the competition itself oddly enough. I've mentioned it before in various places, but on the CBR message boards is where Scott (Wannabez) and I met. A bunch of us who entered the contest decided to do a DC jam poster. We were randomly paired up (me with the unbelievable Sergio Quijada, who I'm surprised isn't working for Marvel or DC yet). It was a great time, and even though we never finished the poster, connections made at that time have led to some cool things, including the excellent collaboration on Wannabez!

So whether I enter this year or not I will certainly be watching with anticipation. Reading the judges comments on others' art helps me also to know what is lacking in my own. While I do consider myself more of a writer these days than an artist I'm still not ready to let go of my first artistic love. One of these days...

B-Out

Not Enough Hours

I had four hours of sleep last night, and by last night I mean mid day today as I couldn't sleep a wink last night. I don't know why, just every time I tried to lay down I was wide awake even though I was quite exhausted.

I did find out one of my former Sunday School students, who just turned 18, is going into the military very soon, so that weighs on my mind some. The kid is like a little brother to me, so obviously I'm concerned for his safety and hope he's making the right decision. I admire and respect all those who enlist to protect this country, but I also worry about the innocence of our youth being lost to war.

I haven't yet been able to come up with a workable schedule with all my various responsibilities, so I'm always feeling like I've missed something, or that I just don't have enough time. I seem to be keeping up with everything, though, just not on any regular set timetable. My sleep schedule is constantly in flux, thus making me always feel tired. I'll figure it out eventually.

Right now I have two lettering gigs ahead of me along with the others that aren't priority. I just finished a few logos this weekend and have one more to do. I'll post the logos on my site soon enough. I may even post them on the blog.

Wizard World Chicago is coming up this weekend, and The Young Explorers crew will be out there promoting away! Scott (Wannabez) might get to go out on Saturday and Sunday and he will most likely have flyers for the issue of Mysterious Visions that Wannabez is featured in, which is slated to come out in September. And Cary and Chuck will also be out there doing their thing. I wish I could join all of them, but alas, it was not meant to be.

Speaking of wizards (nice segue, huh?) I've got less than 100 pages left in the final Potter book. I've been taking my time with it trying to savor it so to speak since it's the last one. And thus far it's been a really great read as usual. But what I just learned (and I know I'm behind the rest of the world) is quite the turn. Love or hate the "witch" aspect of the series, Rowling is a very good writer, and she manages to infuse tons of universal themes and even moral lessons within the pages of this fantasy series.

I watched Deja Vu this past weekend, and it was an ok film. I'm a big Denzel Washington fan, but this wasn't one of his best. I mean he was great in it, I just think they could have pushed the story even further than they did, so it fell short of what it could have been.

Who Wants to be a Superhero? is off to a... strange start. Two episodes deep, and the cheese factor familiar from last season has increased times 3! It's still an enjoyable show, but it definitely plays on the cheesy aspect that most people outside of comics associate with comics.

Tonight is the season finale of Making the Band 4, where supposedly the group will be chosen. Of course Making the Band 3 went into a season finale and it was revealed they brought in more girls in the next season, so anything could happen. There are some really good singers in the remaining group of guys though, so I expect a conclusion. My cousin tells me I should have entered and I would have made it. I don't know about that as they are really good, I'm out of practice, and I actually did try the video contest route and didn't make it. In person who knows? Oh well.

In a few weeks we may have some exciting news to share about Wannabez, so keep watching the Wannabez blog for that announcement.

Does anyone watch Top Chef? (Yeah, I know, I watch way too much TV these days). I used to want to be a chef when I was little, and I do cook a little, though I'd love to learn more if I had the time and resources. So the show really appeals to me. This is the third season I've watched (it may be the third season of the show in fact, I'm not sure) and so far it's my favorite. I think it's really cool how they can come up with all these dishes under the time constraints they have.

Well, now I'm fishing for stuff to talk about, so it's probably time to call it for the day. Thanks for reading, I've noticed the numbers picking back up (and then I go and leave you for 5 days without a post!). It's good to have you all back!

B-Out

Wizard World Chicago & Fat Momma!

Well, I had a slight thrill today. I had to do a conference call for a part-time position I picked up recently, and surprise! Fat Momma from the first season of Who Wants to be a Superhero? was in on the call! So while I didn't get to say much to her beyond hi, nice to meet you, and so forth, I still got to be on the phone with her while she told us all about what she does at appearances, encouraging kids to be happy with themselves and so forth. It was just an awesome call, and she is the nicest person.

On top of that, she will be at our booth at Wizard World Chicago! Now, I personally won't be there unfortunately, but the rest of the Young Explorers crew will be. So if you're there go check it out. We might have some flyers from Kids Love Comics, and if Scott and I can work it out, from Wannabez as well!

Maybe I'll make the next one. We shall see.

B-Out