After a week off, we were back yesterday with a brand new episode of Graphic Policy Radio. We were all over the map with discussions about New York Comic Con, unions, X-Factor, Occupy Wall Street, Marvel layoffs and some comic book reviews. Listen to the episode below!
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It’s a new week, yay! While you were watching football and listening to our radio show, here’s the news you might have missed.
Around the Blogs:
Kotaku – Arkham City’s Official Map App Gives Aid to Trophy Hunters – Looks pretty helpful.
Kotaku – A Guide to Batman’s Arkham City Wardrobe – I really need this game.
Kotaku – Sunday Comics: Subjective Objective – Each week Kotaku brings some great web comics.
Con Coverage:
CBR – NYCC: Joe Simon Looks Back at His 98 Years
Around the Tubes Reviews:
Feeling Fictional – Vampire Academy
Such a quiet day for news. If you’re not busy tonight, Graphic Policy Radio returns at 8pm. So join us will ya! And, while you wait, here’s the news you might have missed.
Con Coverage:
The Beat – The Once and Future New York Comic Con – One of the best run shows I’ve been too. So little to gripe about.
Around the Tubes Reviews:
CBR – Wonder Woman #2
Official Press Release
Comikaze Expo Presents Presents Pre-Release Party For Victoria Foyt’s Groundbreaking YA Novel, Save the Pearls Part One REVEALING EDEN
Cutting Edge Pop Culture Expo Secures Appearance and Book Signing by Victoria Foyt and the Launch of The Book’s Revolutionary Marketing Campaign
Los Angeles, Calif., (October 2011) – Comikaze Expo, the largest multimedia pop culture, comic book, horror, anime and gaming convention in California, aka the Los Angeles Comic-Con, has announced that it will host an early book release party and signing for author/actress Victoria Foyt’s groundbreaking YA novel, Save the Pearls Part One REVEALING EDEN. This premiere appearance includes a slate of fun activities and is just one of many exclusive events that Comikaze has lined up for this one-of-a-kind expo taking place on November 5-6, 2011 at the Los Angeles Convention Center.
Foyt’s participation at Comikaze will feature elements of the book’s creative and ingenious marketing campaign, which includes a social networking site, SavethePearls.com, for “dating and mating,” where users can submit videos, read blog posts from the protagonist and watch cutting-edge teasers for the book. The Save the Pearls booth at Comikaze will include face makeup for fans and readers to participate in making video profiles to be included in this cutting-edge campaign, along with contests to win free books, posters and more.
“We’re thrilled to be a part of helping to promote literary history,” says Comikaze CEO, Regina Carpinelli. “All the best movies and franchises start off as great novels, and Victoria Foyt’s new novel is definitely poised to be one of the greats.”
In Save the Pearls Part One REVEALING EDEN, Foyt examines the themes of beauty, racism and the deteriorating environment in an entertaining fantasy/sci-fi plot with a romantic love story at its core. This release marks Foyt’s second YA novel. Foyt said of her new book: “I set out to write a futuristic beauty and the beast story and ended up tapping into deep-seated fears and fantasies of my own. I believe the themes of racism and beauty, while seemingly harsh, are universal and hopefully, enlightening.”
Foyt’s first young adult novel, The Virtual Life of Lexie Diamond, garnered rave reviews and was recommended by the Center for Children’s Books. In addition, it earned a five-star, “must-read” rating from TeansReadToo.com. The success of this coming-of-age, mystery young adult novel inspired Foyt to write the Save the Pearls series. Foyt’s career also includes co-writing several critically acclaimed feature films, Going Shopping (2005), Déjà Vu (1997), Last Summer in the Hamptons (1995), and Babyfever (1994).
Comikaze will kick off with appearances by the father of modern comics, Stan Lee, and Comikaze’s official “Spooksperson,” horror icon Elvira, at the event’s ribbon-cutting ceremony. Elvira’s participation marks her official last convention appearance ever. Other appearances include the cast of All That!, Cracked.com and a slew of other celebrity icons.
The first and only multimedia, cross-genre expo to hit Los Angeles, Comikaze Expo has created a pop culture extravaganza that brings together the best in comics, gaming, horror, sci-fi, fantasy, anime and all other cult programming. Its wide-ranging appeal has attracted celebrity appearances from icons and budding artists of this exciting world, including animators, comic book and anime artists, special effects teams, writers, actors, and filmmakers, among other creators, from both the mainstream and geek worlds.
This unparalleled event’s wide range of innovative programming and activities provide fans access to their favorite artists and creators. From independent film screenings, live shows and star-studded panels to fan contests, games, portfolio reviews and a masquerade ball, there is something for everyone and more at Comikaze. Family-oriented events are scheduled for Sunday, November 6.
In an effort to make Comikaze accessible to everyone, tickets are only $12 each, and children under 12 are FREE, making this family event the largest convention of its kind in Los Angeles—at the best price. Each ticket holder will receive their choice of a celebrity lithograph photo valued at $79-$189. For more information about Comikaze, including sponsorship information, vendor applications and ticket sales, visit Comikazeexpo.com.
About Victoria Foyt
Victoria Foyt is an author and filmmaker. Her debut novel, The Virtual Life of Lexie Diamond, released in ’07 by HarperCollins, is a Young Adult coming-of-age mystery thriller. It achieved excellent critical reviews, including a five star, “must-read” rating from TeansReadToo.com, and was recommended by the Center for Children’s Books. During her film career, Victoria co-wrote and starred in four critically acclaimed feature films, Going Shopping (2005), Déjà Vu (1997), Last Summer in the Hamptons (1995) and Babyfever (1994), which were helmed by indie film director Henry Jaglom. She also co-wrote Festival in Cannes (2001) and has penned articles for O At Home, Harper’s Bazaar and Film & Video. For more information, visit www.VictoriaFoyt.com.
About Comikaze
Comikaze Expo is the largest multimedia pop culture convention in Los Angeles. The brainchild of Southern California siblings, Regina and Mario Carpinelli, this unique event brings together the best in comics, gaming, horror, sci-fi, fantasy, anime and all other cult programming. Comikaze takes place November 5-6 at the Los Angeles Convention Center, and offers a slate of innovative programming, panels, contests and other activities that provide fans access to their favorite artists and creators in this adventure-packed weekend. Featured appearances include the father of modern comics, Stan Lee, and Comikaze’s official “Spooksperson,” horror icon Elvira, in her final convention appearance. For more info, visit ComikazeExpo.com.
Official Press Release
Women Of Wonder Day 2011
October 30, 2011
www.WomenOfWonderDay.com
Returning for a SIXTH year with a new name and an expanded mission!
Images of the World’s Most Iconic Heroines Will Help Benefit Domestic Violence Prevention-Intervention Agencies in Oregon, New Jersey, and Texas!
Portland, Oregon, October 14, 2010 – In October 2006-2010, five annual Wonder Woman Day events raised over $110,000 for Domestic Violence programs in Portland, Oregon and Flemington, NJ. The five-year combination of auctions of over 1,100 original art pieces, plus collectibles, autograph signings, and photo opportunities garnered spectacular turnouts and four Portland Mayoral Proclamations!
This year, the event will take on a new name and an expanded mission! On October 30, 2011, the new Women of Wonder Day – again as a part of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month – will take place, returning to Excalibur Books in Portland, Oregon, and Comic Fusion in Flemington, New Jersey, as well as at Heroes and Fantasies in San Antonio, Texas!
This year’s contributions for auction include not only artwork featuring heroines from the world of comics – Wonder Woman, She-Hulk, Storm, Michonne from Walking Dead, Leetah from ElfQuest – but also from the world of media as well, including Lisbeth Salander, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Hermione Granger, and others! Plus, TV series such as Glee, Nikita, Big Bang Theory, Castle, and others have donated special items as well! And the all-ages events will include artists and writers signing autographs at each event, as well as costumed characters with whom you can take photos! And in Portland, white-hot writer Brian Michael Bendis is auctioning off a role in one of his upcoming comics!
Some key points:
Details about the three events follow:
Excalibur Comics, 2444 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland, Oregon
Sunday, October 30, 2011 – noon-6pm, FREE
An ALL AGES celebration and benefit for domestic violence prevention-intervention agencies! Proceeds of the event will benefit Bradley Angle, one of Portland’s leading domestic violence agencies. The free all-ages event will include local and national artists signing comics and special edition prints, as well as a silent auction of original art and collectibles. There will be costumed super-heroes, pirates, and science fiction characters on-site, raffles and prizes, and more.
Andy Mangels is chairing the Portland event, with Debbie Fagnant and Bradley Angle’s Rebecca Norman. “Women of Wonder Day is so special to our agency,” says Norman. “For the last six years, it’s not only been a key part of how we fund our domestic violence programs, but it’s also become a day that brings a different kind of energy and excitement into the work we do. Women of Wonder Day helps us reach out to an audience that might not know our services are available or might have wanted to get involved with charity work but never knew how. And the new format of the event just increases the potential to spread awareness–it means we’re going to be able to celebrate even more heroines, and involve even more fans!”
“In 2010 alone, more than 40 Oregonians lost their lives due to domestic violence, which brings the number of victims since the downturn of the economy to over 100. During Domestic Violence Awareness Month and on Women of Wonder Day, we remember that countless men, women, and children continue to live in unsafe situations and fighting for survival–and we celebrate everyone’s potential to be a hero. How can you be a hero? Tell a friend or family member who you believe might be experiencing domestic violence that they deserve to be safe and help them find resources like Bradley Angle; bid on one of the amazing pieces of original comic book art that we’re auctioning off on EBay and at Excalibur Comics during Women of Wonder Day; and bring your family to the event and talk to your kids about what healthy relationships look like. You can be a hero, too!”
Comic Fusion, 42 Main St., Flemington, New Jersey
Saturday and Sunday, October 29-30, 2011 – noon-5pm, FREE
An ALL AGES celebration and benefit for a domestic violence shelter will take place on Saturday and Sunday, October 29th and 30th, in Flemington, NJ, at Comic Fusion, as part of their “Super-Hero Weekend.” Proceeds of the event will benefit Safe in Hunterdon, a domestic violence shelter in New Jersey. Comic creators will sign and sketch, and costumed characters will be available for photos.
Stacy Korn is chairing the New Jersey event with Beth Delaney. Korn says, “From our first small event, this has grown into a Super Event our community loves! Super Heroes, Super Artists and Super Volunteers are all ready to put some smiles on faces. We look forward to raising money for such a worthy cause as SAFE in Hunterdon!”
Heroes and Fantasies, 4945 NW Loop 410, San Antonio, Texas
Sunday, October 30, 2011 – noon-5pm – FREE
An ALL AGES benefit and celebration for Domestic Violence programs at Family Violence Prevention Services of San Antonio! The free all-ages event will include local and national artists signing comics and sketching art, as well as a silent auction of original art and collectibles. There will be costumed characters on-site, raffles and prizes, and more.
Fred Bronaugh is chairing the Texas event with Adam Conley. This is the inaugural year for the Texas event.
The weekend is almost here! What are folks up to? While you’re still deciding, here’s the news you might have missed.
Around the Blogs:
The Mary Sue – Did NYCC Prove The Need For Diversity In Comics? – As opposed to all of the diversity at other conventions that didn’t? Why hasn’t this call been made after any of them?
Kotaku – The Voice Actors of Batman: Arkham City, Unmasked – This is pretty cool.
Kotaku – Missing Catwoman Codes Impacted Half a Percent of Batman: Arkham City Gamers, Here’s the Fix – I’m hoping there’s more than just giving what people paid for.
Kotaku – Your PC Can Probably Run Arkham City – I’m sticking with my console(s)
Con Coverage:
The Beat – SDCC 12: Parade nixed, but Balboa Park may be in the works
CBR – NYCC: Archie Comics Packs the House
The Beat – NYCC 11: Far in the madding crowd
ICv2 – NYCC Saturday Photos, Part 1
ICv2 – NYCC Saturday Photos, Part 2
Around the Tubes Reviews:
CBR – Justice League #2
Saffron Walden Reporter – Northlanders: Metal
CBR – Uncanny X-Men #544
Official Press Release
Fan Groups Ready For Wizard World Mid-Ohio Comic Con, Saturday And Sunday At Greater Columbus Convention Center
Cosplayers, Podcasters, Charity Organizations And More Enhance Wizard World Experience
NEW YORK and COLUMBUS, Ohio, October 19, 2011 – A variety of fan clubs, podcasters and other groups are making final preparations for this weekend’s Wizard World Mid-Ohio Comic Con, Saturday and Sunday at the Greater Columbus Convention Center. From cosplayers like the Great Lakes Base of the Rebel Legion and Ohio 501st Legion and Mandalorian Mercs to the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund and Comic Book Connection Initiative, groups will be on site, meeting attendees and enriching the Wizard World experience.
Some groups that fans will run into on site include:
— Comic Book Legal Defense Fund, which exists to fight censorship and defend the first amendment rights of comic book professionals and readers throughout the United States.
— Great Lakes Base of the Rebel Legion, the local chapter of The Rebel Legion Star Wars costuming group.
Mandalorian Mercs Costuming Group, the world’s premier custom Mandalorian costume organization.
— Ohio 501st Legion, the state’s chapter of the national organization which seeks to promote interest in Star Wars through the building and wearing of quality costumes, and to facilitate the use of these costumes for Star Wars-related events as well as contributions to the local community through costumed charity and volunteer work.
— Ohio Star Wars Collectors Club, a resource through which those who live in Ohio can discuss new items arriving, toy & collectible show dates and generally anything Star Wars related.
— Open Forum Radio, a community fueled by collective interests which seeks open dialogue and to encourage debate
Outlook Media, whose content contains both local and national focused features that compliment its mix of columns, editorials, arts & entertainment, sports, celebrity interviews, and community news.
— Pendant Production Company, one of the most prolific and popular podcasting companies today, with more than 800 episodes of audio drama.
— The Comic Book Connection Initiative, a small non-profit organization that takes in donated comic books from dealers, publishers, and individual collectors then distributes them to children in homeless shelters, food pantries, after-school programs , YWCA women’s shelter and hospitals.
— The Hero Initiative, the first-ever federally chartered not-for-profit corporation dedicated strictly to helping comic book creators in need. Hero creates a financial safety net for yesterdays’ creators who may need emergency medical aid, financial support for essentials of life, and an avenue back into paying work.
— USS Asgard, a chapter of Starfleet International, which participates in community events such as Toys for Tots, Operation Feed, etc.
— USS Columbus, which does an annual school supply drive for a local school, helps in the Firefighters Toy Drive, and collects food for Mid Ohio Food Bank along with other local clubs.
— USS Lagrange, which has raised hundreds of dollars for the Akron Children’s Hospital and for various food banks in the state.
— WGTR “World Grand Theft Radio,” the nationwide internet radio station No. 1 worldwide Halloween radio station in Sept & Oct. With over 30 original shows a week live, “our mission to make your on air dreams come true!”
Wizard World Mid-Ohio Comic Con features stars James Marsters, Billy Dee Williams, Adam West, Burt Ward, Claudia Christian and Walter Koenig among dozens of celebrities and industry professionals celebrating the best in pop-fi, pop culture, movies, graphic novels, comics, toys, video gaming, television, sci-fi, gaming, original art, collectibles, contests and more.
Mid-Ohio Comic Con is the eighth stop on Wizard World’s 2011 North American tour. Hours are Saturday, October 22, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.; and Sunday, October 23, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Tickets are available in advance online at http://www.wizardworld.com/midohio.html at a savings over tickets purchased at the door. Advance adult single-day tickets are priced at $25 ($35 on site); weekend all-session tickets are $40 ($50 on site), and tickets are free for children age 10 and under when accompanied by a paid adult (limit two children per adult). VIP packages with special entry and exclusive items are also available on a limited basis.
About Wizard World:
Wizard World produces Comic Cons and pop culture conventions across North America that celebrate graphic novels, comic books, movies, TV shows, gaming, technology, toys and social networking. The events often feature celebrities from movies and TV, artists and writers, and events such as premieres, gaming tournaments, panels, and costume contests. Wizard World also produces Wizard World Digital, an online publication covering new and upcoming products and talents in the pop culture world, and is distributed on a weekly basis to online and iPad users worldwide.
The full event schedule can be found at www.wizardworld.com.
***** SAVE THE 2011/12 DATES *****
October 22-23 – Mid-Ohio Comic Con
November 11-13 – Austin Comic Con
January 28-29, 2012 – New Orleans Comic Con
March 24-25, 2012 – Toronto Comic Con
May 19-20, 2012 – Big Apple Comic Con
June 1-3, 2012 – Philadelphia Comic Con
August 9-12, 2012 – Chicago Comic Con
My New York Comic Con coverage has begun to trickle out, along with a lot of reviews I wrote up over the weekend. While you wait to see what today has in store, here’s news you might have missed.
Around the Blogs:
ICv2 – Amazon Poses a Threat to Publishers – And this after they ruined it for people wanting to purchase physical copies of graphic novels. I wonder if Barnes & Noble will carry these books?
The Mary Sue – Grant Morrison Says His 2012 Wonder Woman Series “Needs Sex” – Que controversy before people have read it in 3…2…1…
Gizmodo – Barnes & Noble Might Be Ruining Comic Books for Everyone – An interesting take, but kind of ignores the hundreds of comic book stores you can purchase copies at or the fact you can get them cheaper online shipped to you.
ICv2 – ‘Dark Knight’ Rises to ‘Occupy Wall St.’? – Bruce Wayne is SO joining the protest.
Kotaku – Batman: Arkham City Creators Will Compensate Those With Missing Catwoman Codes – Well that’s nice, giving people something they paid for….
Wired – Batman: Arkham City Director Defends Controversial Catwoman Code – Why shouldn’t new purchases get a bonus?
Kotaku – There’s a Mystery DC Superhero Game Coming in 2012 – Don’t get too excited, not like comic book based games have the best record as far as quality.
Con Coverage:
MTV Geek – Chad Michael Murray On His New Comic Book, ‘Everlast’ At NYCC
Bleeding Cool – Fifty Things I Discovered At New York Comic Con
IGN – NYCC: The Age of Apocalypse Returns
MTV Geek – Incredibly LARGE Cosplay Outfits From New York Comic Con!
Kotaku – New York Comic-Con Day Five Delivers Adventure Time, Silent Hill and Cosplay With A Side of Bacon?
The sights of New York Comic Con 2011.
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As always, I had an amazing time at a comic book convention. While I go to check out the latest releases and the new talent in Artist’s Alley, it’s the friendships I’ve made that makes it worth it (sappy I know). The 2011 New York Comic Con was fantastic and seemed about a quarter to 50% bigger this year than last.
While the floor was amazing, the convention rooms were a bit packed and there were quite a few panels I wasn’t able to get into (bummer). Hopefully that gets fixed next year. The people attending were fantastic with great costumes and attitudes that made it fun for everyone. The displays weren’t as impressive, I saw most at San Diego earlier this year. But, I got to see my name on the cover of Archaia‘s Critical Millennium hard cover, I giggled every time I saw it.
Here’s the checklist of the thoughts on top of my head:
Best items I returned home with besides the stacks of comics and graphic novels to read…
And that’s it for convention season for me…. until 2012.
