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Review: TMNT Universe #1

Posted on September 8, 2016 by Mr. H

So having been such an avid reader of comic books now for decades, sometimes one can forget what the main point of a comic book should be: to be fun. More importantly, to entertain. Well IDW Publishing definitely seems to know what makes a winning recipe and unlike most sauces, too many cooks here doesn’t spoil it one bit.

In fact, in each short anthology tale featured in TMNT Universe #1, a new layer is added as we peel back the onion on a very vast and growing universe.

The main story shows the Turtles on their rooftop patrol as a backup of sorts for their gal pal April as she is trying to form a business alliance with evil tech genius Baxter Stockman inside the TCRI headquarters.

While April tries to make some headway with the Turtles long time foe, our heroes are using their collective heads in a different way, namely arguing over who has the better weapon for battle. It’s the little humorous moments like these that show the writer has a good grasp on these characters.

The plot thickens whilst April tries to make an ally of Baxter Stockman. He dismisses her as a non-issue until she drops some heaping truth bombs on him. Enraged by this new found knowledge, Stockman resorts to threatening our favorite heroine. Before he can carry out his threat it seems that the “good” doctor has a new enemy in his midst.

Before our new baddie can leave the scene of the crime, our half-shelled heroes arrive and find quickly they are but no match her. She dispatches them all with ease and leaves the Turtles in a very precarious position by the end of the main story.

We then shift gears and focus on the classic creative team and all knowing Ninja God scribe Kevin Eastman and legendary artist Bill Sienkiewicz the reigns for the next jaunt into the Turtleverse. It’s a nice short tale featuring Leonardo taking on the Foot Clan.

The story is nothing Earth shattering here. Just Leonardo having a good ol’ fashioned slice and dice with some foolish henchman. It would be a totally pedestrian segment in the book if it weren’t for Leo’s banter and internal monologs. Parts of it are quite funny and Sienkiewicz’ gritty scratchy art (reminiscent of Frank Miller) fits the mood just right. Leo is left in a situation by story’s end and we get the obligatory “To Be Continued”

Last but not least we end with the “Secret Origin of The Foot Clan.” I found this to be very cool as it’s not an aspect that has heavily been explored (at least not until this IDW run) It’s a quick story that has a lone swordsman surviving an onslaught from his “brothers” in ancient feudal Japan. The action and story moves briskly and is pretty cut and dry but the last few panels offer up something intriguing.

Overall: All in all like most anthology books, this had a little of everything. Being the big Turtle fan that I am, I loved the opening story. It set up a new direction with possibly April and Baxter being allies and introduced a new formidable villain. I’m not quite sure of her game yet but the way she was introduced, definitely made me want to see a bit more.

Eastman’s Leo tale was pretty decent but compared to the other two stories it came off as filler with no serious ramifications coming from it. What it means to future issues remains to be seen.

Between the main story and the Foot Clan short, I was definitely satisfied. This issue wasn’t quite the Meat Lovers Pizza I was looking for but had a little bit of everything to make it a house special.

Story: Paul Allor, Kevin Eastman, and Tom Waltz
Art: Damian Couceiro, Bill Sienkiewicz, Freddie E. Williams
Story: 7 Art: 8 Score: 7.3 Recommendation: Read

IDW Publishing provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Terrificon 2016: Talking versatility, Beginnings and Zoom with Tony Todd

Posted on September 7, 2016 by Mr. H

His voice when need be can be downright terrifying, but his personal demeanor is one of the most peaceful I’ve ever known. From the way he stands to how he treats his fans. Almost three weeks ago I had the honor of speaking with one of the entertainment genre’s most adaptable players. If there were a fantasy team for this line of entertainment, you’d sure want him on your starting rotation. He is the Scion of Scream and now Barry Allen’s worst nightmare on two feet: Tony Todd.

Graphic Policy: Before we get started, thank you so much for your time.

Tony Todd: Thank you.

Graphic Policy: It’s safe to say that you’ve run the gambit, Star Trek, Candyman, Transformers, and now The Flash.

Tony Todd: Nah, I haven’t run the gambit yet. Not in this casino (laughs)

GP: Fair enough. However in this line of business you’ve certainly run the gambit.

Tony Todd: Okay, sure.

GP: How do you keep up with all the franchises and which one is your favorite?

TT: None of them. All of of them. As actors it’s hard because each role is personal. All of our body of work encompasses something and a part of us. Each role, they are all children to me. Each of them different. Some of them had special needs. Some of them were A students. Some of them were bad boys. The ones I remember the dearest are the ones that didn’t work to be honest with you. Those are the ones that aren’t even on this table, but I remember them because those are the ones that were flawed. You think to yourself as an actor, what went wrong? If I could do it again, what would I do different? At the end though I’m happy because I got the chance to experience what each one of them brought to the table. I’m happy at this point in my life. I have a body of work that people seem to enjoy. There’s no distinct one that people seem or come and go to. Although this one for sure seems to be Zoom. That’s very recent and I try to stay recent and that’s very important.

GP: Well I’d say you’ve done very well in that.

TT: I also got this new one called Holyoke on a show called Dead of Summer.

GP: Yes on the Freeform channel. A very good friend of mine and I watch the show Pretty Little Liars (PLL to you cool kids) that comes on before it. So I’ve seen the promos many times for it. (laughs)

TT: Yeah man! It comes on right after that show, you gotta give it a look. It’ll even things out.

GP: I will, I will.

TT: Okay.

GP: So just at a glance you are a pretty tall guy. You have such huge stature. What was the driving force for you, and made you decide that you wanted to be an actor instead of lets say a professional basket ball player or something of that nature?

TT: Well I love basketball, don’t get me wrong. To be honest one of the things that drove me in this direction was I really couldn’t play basketball. When I was in High School the basketball players had all the perks. Which meant all the girls.

Then one day my English teacher gave me a copy of Shakespeare’s The Tempest. Now I was a huge comic book guy. So I opened that, it was like a comic book come to life. I said to myself “I can do this.” She told me I could do this. I will never forget her. Mrs Reynolds. She was running the drama program and she told me to audition. So I did. Now I didn’t get the part but, she gave me the number one curtain pull. I was a sophomore, I was wanted so I embraced that task with everything I had. I was good at it. Sometimes I pulled it before it was supposed to come up I was so excited. (laughs)

GP: Wow talk about humble beginnings! A stagehand!

TT: Yeah man, I was a stagehand! You know what though? I loved it. So much that when the next production rolled around, which was Dracula. I wanted to play Dracula so bad. Now I didn’t get Dracula (laughs) but I got to play Van Helsing. Which was very cool because that part had a lot of talking. Even though, nobody really cared what he had to say they just waited for Dracula to come on and all the girls would just swoon. (laughs)

I will tell you though it all comes full circle in the end. I just did an audio recording for Dracula. So I finally got to be Dracula! It’s going to be on Fangoria Music. It comes out soon. So you know the lesson in that is sometimes what you think you want, isn’t what you need. Sometimes what you need is right in front of you. Some of can see it, and some of us can’t.

GP: Well I had no idea that Zoom was so philosophical. What’cha doing here Tony Todd? (laughs)

TT: Hey man!

GP: I have to say your candidness is absolutely great. You have no canned answers and just are very honest.

TT: Well I speak from the heart. It’s all I know.

GP: The way it should be. Now I think it’s fantastic that you’ve been able to keep so current. You have to be happy with the fanfare going on.

TT: Oh I am. It’s terrific.

GP: With that being said what does Comic Con mean to you personally?

TT: Well aside for the perks. It’s a way to touch and connect with our fanbase. I mean I know some actors who wouldn’t dare be anywhere near this. For me though, I dive right in. I like to know what people feel about things. Particularly current stuff. Which is all great.

The ones that really hit me though, is like the gentleman you saw me interact with just before we started. I mean he’s known me since I was five years old. Then there’s a lot of special needs kids, who when they come here with all us, they feel like they belong. All because they can identify with one thing. For example I had a little kid earlier who told me that he loved the Zoom voice so much and he wanted to record it. So I did the voice and said “I am the fastest man alive!” For that one moment that mere 30 seconds, he was totally focused. So to me that matters. Then a half hour ago, I had three police officers from Waterbury. I knew they were cops because I have cops in my family. They tried to be undercover but I told them I’d reach back and we are going to do a raffle.

GP: Well that’s great!

TT: Yeah so, for a minute for them they were able to let go of that sternness and tightness and just be real and relaxed. That was a great moment for me. It was real. We are all human beings at the end of the day.

GP: Sounds like you gained some new fans in that moment.

TT: Fans and friends, I’d like to say.

GP: Works both ways sir. Before I go, where do you see yourself going forward with The Flash?

TT: Well I mean I’m not in the writers room, but I know I’ll be back. The last thing they told me at my last recording session was “Don’t think you are going to get away from the DC Universe.”

GP: I most certainly hope not. Thank you for your time this has been great.

TT: No problem at all.

Thus concluded a conversation with one of the coolest, most down to Earth people I have ever met. Never taking himself too seriously and always willing to stop at a moment to interact with a fan. Even while we were doing this interview, which I thought was great.

On a personal note he really liked my New England Patriots digital camoflage hat so much that I just handed it over. Hopefully I succeeded in converting another Pats fan.

Just a great experience all around. Sure you can try to say his name in the dark to the mirror three times and get him to appear, but the only way to really appreciate what he does is to meet the man himself.

Terrificon 2016: Wade Wilson, Crafting Jokes, and Life After Comics with Fabian Nicieza

Posted on August 23, 2016 by Mr. H

Whilst covering Terrificon at Mohegan Sun this past weekend I had the total joy to speak with the original voice behind the masked man who is never afraid to use it, the Co-Creator of the Merc with a Mouth himself: Fabian Nicieza.

He was nice enough to take the time to talk to me about the property right now that is hotter than a super spicy chimichanga: Mr Wade Wilson, the one the only and sometimes lonely Deadpool.

Graphic Policy: First off thank you for taking the time out to speak with me today.

Fabian Nicieza: Oh my pleasure.

GP: So, Deadpool. What do you think of that guy?

FN: I think he’s a boon to civilization and mankind as we know it. (laughs) I think that in an age where the two presidential candidates have about 80 percent disapproval ratings, we need more people like Deadpool in charge.

GP: (jokingly) Oh absolutely I’d put him on my cabinet for sure.

FN: A cabinet? I think he should be Lord Emperor of the World.

GP: Wow. Ambitious there.

FN: Just think of the things that could happen if that were the case.

GP: When you do write Deadpool, where does your inspiration come from? Where do you get Wade’s humor?

FN: I’ve got to be honest it comes as a stream of conscious release of anything that is built up inside me. It certainly varies. It could be my thoughts on cultural events or societal events throughout the day. It could be pulling a kernel out of my butt from something that happened 35 years ago. I mean it’s interesting that the older I get, the harder some of those references become. To me it doesn’t make sense for Deadpool to be pulling out a reference from a 1975 TV show unless you’re around the age of 55. Wade isn’t 55 he’s let’s say in his late thirties. So you have to frame it in that context. Then again the freeing part is it’s Deadpool. So as a character chances are pretty good that on a lonely binge for several months he’d watch every episode of the 1950’s ever, so you know and take that with a grain of salt.

GP: As a creator the cool thing is this character allows you to poke fun at all the tropes out there whether it’s a positive or a negative. I have to ask though as wacky and out there as Wade Wilson is, has there ever been a scene or a joke that you tried to pass by your editor that just wasn’t going to fly, for any reason?

FN: No not from a story stand point, since I’m not a current Deadpool writer. A current Deadpool writer tries to create a comedic story that he fits into. An older writer of Deadpool, who Co-Created the character like myself, tries to get the comedy out of comedy out the story that he’s already in. Okay, so I wrote a very straightforward Marvel Universe character, who happened to be insane and who happened to interpret everything through his own personal filter. So with that in mind, I don’t think to put Wade Wilson in a classic illustrated parody. I don’t think to have him fight the ghosts of dead presidents and it’s not a knock or taking away from how the guys handle him today. It’s just how the book editorially has decided that is stronger. Which is fine, they have the complete right to do that. It’s just not how I do it. For me my problems wasn’t with editors, it was usually with legal because you run off so many jokes and so many things he (Wade) says and you know that five of them, someone is going to have a problem with. Often I would have an issue with an editor that they didn’t get a joke. It could be that it’s their own particular knowledge of history or references. In one particular situation it was her age, since she was 20 years younger than me so she’s not going to get certain things. My outlook was always though, if you get every single joke I wrote in a Deadpool comic, then I did not do a good job. You’re not supposed to get every thing he says because as the reader you should not have the same exact thought wavelength as him y’know?

GP: Right because he’s so out there, and we shouldn’t share the same mind of things..

FN: Right, exactly. If you get even half of them, I’m fine with that. When you’re telling 35 jokes in a 22 page comic, we shouldn’t expect the reader to get every single reference.

GP: Did you think there was anything they could have done different for their handling of Wade for the movie?

FN: Yes, they could have cast me as Ryan Reynold’s stunt double in any scene he was in with Morena Baccarin. That they could have done differently. Other than that, I think the movie’s success both critically and commercially is a testament to how well of a job they did handling the character.

GP: Any hope we’ll get you as a cameo in Deadpool 2?

FN: No I think that putting me on screen is detrimental to the film. I think they studios would automatically give it an NC-17 rating if this face were on screen or anything like that.

GP: At this point do you have a dream project that you would like to work on, non-Deadpool related?

FN: No not particularly. To tell you the truth I’ve done this for 30 years, so I am slowly phasing myself out of comic books in general. As a writer I do other stuff. So as far as comics is concerned I don’t have a dream project. I mean I’ve written almost everything. If you asked me at 9 years old that would I like the chance to write almost every single character for Marvel or DC, I’d say oh yeah, I’d like to take that career. I’ve done it and that’s exactly where I stand.

GP: Absolutely. A sterling career has been made. I appreciate the chat. Much continued success.

FN: Certainly and you too.

A fun brisk chat with the original voice inside Wade Wilson’s head. I definitely see where he gets the “mouth” part from, not sure about the “merc” part though. I guess that’s a story for another time. One thing is for sure their will always be plenty of Deadpool stories. I liked Mr. Nicieza’s recommendation of the Lord Emperor title. Wade for sure is on his way to becoming the Supreme Being of the Marvel Universe. He still has the rest of the Universes to go.

* Wolverine even paid homage to Deadpool’s daddy during this interview. Logan knew it was the right thing to do. Plus Wade probably owes him gas money.

Boston Comic Con 2016: Talking Harley Quinn with Amanda Conner

Posted on August 19, 2016 by Mr. H

For every action, there is a reaction. Well, one might ask why in a star-studded convention that featured William Shatner, John Barrowman and numerous television and film alumni, that why was the longest line of each day for writer/artist: Amanda Conner? That’s simple right now she is at the helm of the hottest property in the comic book world.

Add that to the fact that Amanda Conner just so happens to be one of the nicest people across this or any Multiverse and the picture becomes as clear as Susan Storm’s wardrobe. I was thankful enough that she took time out of her very busy schedule, and I mean that as a gross understatement (seriously I’ve seen amusement parks with shorter lines) to talk about everyone’s favorite maniacal she-devil turned anti-hero phenomenon: Harley Quinn.

Graphic Policy: So hello, it’s very nice to talk to you today. As you probably guessed I’d like to talk to you about what brought you here today, Harley Quinn.

Amanda Conner: Yes. (laughs)

GP: Did you ever think that a character who started off so simple, was going to bring all this about?

Amanda Conner: No, we had no idea. When Jimmy (Palmiotti) and I said yes to writing and for me, writing and drawing the covers to Harley Quinn just thought “Oh this is going to be a lot of fun” but we never thought it was going to explode the way it did. So we are pleasantly surprised, to say the least.

GP: I’d say we are all pleasantly surprised. Who were your artistic influences when you guys decided to hop on Harley Quinn? Because she had been done before. What style held inspiration over you?

Amanda Conner: That’s right. Well, definitely Bruce Timm! We were trying to have somewhat of the look Bruce, gave her and at the same time modernize her a bit. It was important that we bring her back to her original personality and love of life and of course death (laughs). As far as other artistic influences for her, I’d have to say it was more movies than anything else. I drew from movies like Fight Club and stuff like that. I guess it’s a cross between Bruce Timm, Fight Club, and Tank Girl maybe.

GP: That’s a pretty interesting inspiration mix right there.

Amanda Conner: Ha ha, yeah we think so.

GP: Do you have a favorite Harley story yourself?

Amanda Conner: Oh geez there are a lot of them. A lot are my favorites. Y’ know one of my favorites, I’m going to actually go with one that isn’t my own. I can’t remember the name of it but it was one of the Christmas specials, where Harley and Poison Ivy kidnap Bruce Wayne and Ivy uses her lipstick to put Bruce under a spell to take them shopping. That was so fun!

GP: That was a great one. It was actually the Batman Adventures Holiday Special and Bruce Timm did that one. It’s classic. It’s fantastic.

Amanda Conner: Yes that’s definitely one of my favorites.

GP: As a matter of fact, Paul Dini did that one too.

Amanda Conner: Yup.

GP: Speaking of Paul Dini, that’s someone who gives you guys great praise for how you handle Harley and the character. Coming from that source what does that mean to you?

Amanda Conner: Oh we are so flattered by that. It’s so nice to have a nod of approval from the guys who are her (Harley) “dads”. They are the ones who created her.

GP: Pretty much. Absolutely. It’s amazing the level of success that you’ve added to her already booming popularity. It’s also very cool that the Harley Quinn fans see brought to life in the movie Suicide Squad, is essentially your interpretation of Harley.

Amanda Conner: Yeah well we are hoping so. We thought she (Margot Robbie) did a fantastic job. We were lucky enough to meet her last week and she asked us “Am I doing a good job?” We were like “Yeah you’re doing a good job! You’re doing a great job!” (laughs)

GP: Oh she certainly is. I would think that everyone in this line would agree.

Amanda Conner: I’d say so too.

GP: Last thing. I would just like to let you know, I have done a lot of these before and from a personal standpoint, I just have to say I have spoken to a lot of people today and the response has been overwhelmingly positive. It’s because of people like you, that you have ensured that this will continue to grow and go on.

Amanda Conner: Oh wow. Thank you so much. That is so wonderful to hear.

GP: Well I thank you for your time and see you in the funny pages.

Amanda Conner: Thank you!

There it is. If the golden rule has taught us anything, it’s treat people the way you’d want them to treat you. With that being said, with weekends like these, I think it’s safe to say Amanda Conner has earned herself a lot of warm receptions for many years to come. A creator who has a love for the property that she is a part of and even more respect for the fans she does it for. Class act all the way and certainly one of Comicdom’s finest acts. Where does she take Harley and company next? Stay tuned…

*Graphic Policy would like to take the time to thank Amanda for signing the Harley Quinn action figure we donated to the patient folks in line. We have no doubt it found a nice and appreciative home.

Walker Stalker Con Boston 2016 : Capturing the monster magic with Tate Steinsiek

Posted on August 9, 2016 by Mr. H

It’s always better when a picture comes together. At Walker Stalker Con 2016 in Boston, at the beautiful Westin Hotel, I got to see just that. Among all the makeup booths and cosplay sets ups that were a main part of the weekend’s populace, I noticed one that really stood out.

It was the work booth of horror effects guru: Tate Steinsiek. What I got to see was something very impressive and unique. At this booth patrons and fans in attendance could be part of quite an other worldly transformation. Here normal men and women, boys and girls, could take themselves out of their daily lives and become something far different then when they arrived.

As I was sitting there mouth agape at the monster-esque magic being performed in front of me, I was honored to be able to speak to the creator himself who was more than happy to answer any question I had and was extremely pleased at the interest being drawn from spectators.

We talked about his humble childhood beginnings and experiences in this past under appreciated field as well as his passionate advice and plans going forward for the genre.

Graphic Policy: So Tate, I just wanted to thank you for your time today to do this interview.

Tate: No worries, happy to do it.

Graphic Policy: As an introduction, in my research I dug up a cool little anecdote that I think people and readers will find very interesting. This is about when you were younger in preschool your parents had to be called in because you were seen drawing something that’s shall we say, very out of the “norm” for where you were located..

Tate: (chuckling) This is true..

Graphic Policy: Would you care to tell us what it is you drew and what type of reaction it brought?

Tate: Yeah man, sure. Well I’m from the Bible belt right in Oklahoma. This is where it’s Southern Baptist everything and you know what’s good and what’s evil. The odd thing even as a kid before I’d ever seen a horror movie I was always drawing monsters. So my poor parents couldn’t figure it out and my teachers just assumed that my parents were letting me watch all these horror movies. Then they called my parents in for a meeting and they were like “Yeah so Tate’s drawing these creatures with horns and teeth biting the heads off his classmates and we think you should really stop letting him watch horror movies.” My parents then told them they didn’t let me watch horror movies at all. It was quite perplexing. With that being said giving my interests I figured I had one of two career paths, make up or serial killer. So I think I went the right direction. (laughs)

Graphic Policy: I would say everyone here today would certainly echo that sentiment. With that being said, as a child once you were drawing that stuff was it always in your head that you were going to pursue this? Was there other avenues you considered?

Tate: Good question. Growing up in Oklahoma it’s pretty void of film industry, so it was all sort of imaginary at that point. What I could do was draw. Honestly I thought I was going to end up being a comic book artist. I really wanted to get into (movie) effects. Unfortunately I never got to experience anything like a film industry. Then eventually when I became 20 or 21 I just picked up and moved out of Oklahoma and decided to move to the big city so I shipped on out to Boston, and started pursuing a career. I got lucky I met the right people and continued to harness my craft and the rest is history.

Graphic Policy: Now speaking of the right people I know you got the chance to work with “The King of Splatter” Tom Sevini, what was that like and how did it help you?

Tate: Oh working with Tom (Sevini) is what made my career. I went to school for one semester and at the end of that semester, he told me pretty much that I was ready for the industry. He told me to get out there and he handed me a script. The script was called Zombie Honeymoon, and somebody had sent it to him and the directors name was Dave Gebroe. I went to New York to work on that script and I ended up living in New York for 10 years so it was pretty cool.

Graphic Policy: Safe to say you’ve relocated every where following your dream.

Tate: Yeah I’ve lived many places and had a bit of a gypsy life style. It’s been that way for me until the past couple of years. I’ve been able to settle down and plant some roots. So It’s nice to be able to actually invest in things like building a shop and it’s nice. Things are really going well.

Graphic Policy: Now having the chance to do the competition show Face Off on SyFy do you feel that was most beneficial platform for you to showcase your work?

Tate: Definitely. Being on Face Off changed my life. It took my artwork which is usually a behind the scenes sort of job and put it in front of everybody. It allowed me the opportunity to do things like this where I get to travel around and meet people who actually want to meet me.(laughs) It’s great I owe them a lot. I’ve been blessed.

Graphic Policy: Would you recommend this to any little kids out there who may want to do this as a career path who might have different upbringings and outlets as you had?

Tate: Sure I would. I would say that no matter where you grow up, that if you have the passion for it. Go do it. Regardless of surroundings it is always available to you. You might just have to look hard to find it and then work harder when you do but it’s so worth it. Nothing is unachievable. When I was 15 years old I was milking cows in Oklahoma. Now I’ve lived in New York, I’ve traveled the world and I’ve worked on films. If anyone shouldn’t have made it. It should have been me. I’m the testimony to what believing in yourself can do.

Graphic Policy: Well put. What is your all time favorite film?

Tate: An American Werewolf in London.

Graphic Policy: Great pick. An 80’s classic right there. Are there any artists out there that you follow today that still have an effect on you as you are constantly updating your style?

Tate: Well I’m a kid of the 80’s. So for me I’m always watching Return of the Living Dead, Creepshow, An American Werewolf in London. These are my go tos. It’s an influence I try and keep alive. I think that obviously the art has progressed and it has changed but I still think that era had some of the best designs. Some of the best ever. It’s where I feel comfortable. I will always be 80’s in influence.

Graphic Policy: So big (George A) Romero fan then?

Tate: Big time.

Graphic Policy: Lastly, did you ever think that something you loved so much would grow into what it is now and we would have conventions and events like this on a normal basis?

Tate: I never would have thought in a million years. If someone told me as a kid that one day the biggest TV Show in the world (The Walking Dead) would be zombies. I would have just laughed. You know what? I don’t see an end to it because finally people have quit sucking. They now admit when stuff is cool. Zombies are cool. I don’t see this going anywhere.

Graphic Policy: Awesome. Well thank you for your time and much continued success. I appreciate everything.

Tate: My pleasure bud.

Graphic Policy: So now I will finish watching you “corpse” this sweet little girl here. (laughs)

Tate: Absolutely. (laughs)

So there we have it. A master of quite an unlikely craft, but still very much a product of where he was raised. A true gentleman and willing to open up to anyone about their like minded interests. If you aren’t already familiar with his work, I strongly urge you to check it out and if you get to see Tate work in person , let me tell you it’s one Hell of a show.

Twitter – @illwilledFX

www.illwilled.com

* Graphic Policy would like to extend a thank you to F. Rousseau Photography for the killer shots.

Walker Stalker Con Boston 2016 : Conversing with “The Governor” David Morrissey

Posted on August 4, 2016 by Mr. H

As I arrived at the beautiful Westin Hotel on the Waterfront in Boston for Walker Stalker Con, one thought, one mission was on my mind. I needed to hold congress with The Governor himself Mr. David Morrissey. Of course if one was to hold such a meet, then this venue was the optimum place.

So once I was checked in, I made my way to the escalators and took a long look around. This place of high ceilings and opulence was indeed a far cry from the high walls and heavily guarded security of the Woodbury community that I am used to seeing when it comes to dealing with this man.

Stepping off the escalator, as I neared the ballroom entrance their were two security guards in the doorway. I thought to myself “Ah this is more like it”. After a brief exchange and check of the bag, I went on my way. The room was lit, but not too bright to keep a very appropriate atmosphere for those in attendance.

I quickly glanced around to survey my surroundings and it was a little overwhelming. There were booths for special guests as well adorned with proprietors for zombie survival equipment abound. Moments later I got my bearings and I saw the path to my goal. His line was right in front of me. I was there.

I have been wanting to meet this man ever since I first watched him on The Walking Dead. Every episode and scene he was part of was a captivating performance. I was a fan of the show before he arrived in Woodbury. His presence and what he brought to that story put it over the top for me though.

Inching ever so closer with each person that shook his hand, I found myself revamping in my head what exactly I was going to ask this man who is no doubt a stalwart master of his craft. The proof was right in front of me plain as day. Gone was the long imposing coat and shroud of The Governor. No longer present was the eye patch and stern scowl. No, there was a man who was smiling wide in appreciation for each and every single person he had the chance to be face to face with and each and every hand he shook. Now it was my turn..

Graphic Policy: So first off I just want to thank you for your time.

David Morrissey: No worries.

GP: You have done a lot of acting in the past. How does being on this show (The Walking Dead) compare to all your other work?

DM: Well you know, in terms of characterization and how you approach the work it’s no different than any other show. What is different is the writing is really good. So that always helps as an actor when the writing is so good. For me the big difference though is with a show like The Walking Dead, is it’s organization. It’s so well organized, it’s really well run. Every department is at the top of it’s game. As an actor when you feel that freedom and organization around you, that is the best thing for me. Do we have a lot of fun and stuff? Of course you do. We are never waiting around for anything. With other shows sometimes you are waiting around and you can get quite annoyed. On this show there is none of that so it’s really quite a joy.

GP: Do you prefer playing a hero or a villain?

DM: You know for me, it’s always about the writing. I don’t think anyone is all one thing. So you can’t truly say someone is all bad or all good. What makes the show so good is people have different aspects of those two extremes. Like Rick at times you wonder what he’s doing or going to do. Likewise with The Governor you get the sense, I mean he did do terrible things but you have moments where you wonder is he redeemable? Is he a nice guy? Could he ever change? So I think that is important as well.

Rick Grimes (Andrew Lincoln) and The Governor (David Morrissey) – The Walking Dead – Season 3, Episode 13 – Photo credit: Gene Page/AMC

GP: To your point, since the writing is so involved and so deep, has working on this show taught you anything different about life and human psychology in general?

DM: No. I think where that comes from, at least for me is always about real life. It is always about the research I do into human nature. I think as an actor you’re always examining the extremes of human nature and what people go through. This show just makes you imagine extremes so you just have to tap into that. Really it’s more about your own imagination. As an actor, particularly of my age you’ve probably been in a lot of different elements. You’ve done war movies, films about family relations, so you’re constantly putting yourself in the situation of people in upsetting circumstances. It’s sort have been a life long thing for me to learn, rather than just through The Walking Dead.

GP: Last but not least, do you think if there was to be a zombie apocalypse tomorrow, that you could channel The Governor in that situation?

DM: Eh probably not. When a human being is asked to perform an extreme, when things are happening, different things come out of you. You would never know how to behave. I think there are things in the world going on today that evokes that. It’s easy from far away to condemn people for behaviors when in reality, you don’t know what your own behavior would be until you are forced or when it’s your children who are in that situation. When it’s your wife or your kids being dragged off to who knows what. We would like to think how we would behave, whether in a brave way or a cowardly one. You don’t know. You just really don’t know. To me it’s really important not to condemn or judge people, until you been right there in those same shoes. That is the wonderful thing about acting is you get to put yourself in different peoples shoes. It truly is an empathetic craft and that’s what you have to do.

GP: Well put. Well thank you for your time. Have safe travels.

DM: No worries and likewise to you.

Well there you have it. I walked into the depths of Woodbury and walked out unscathed. Incredibly insightful and thought provoking stuff from a source who is no doubt a product of so much amassed knowledge. It was a pleasure and an honor to speak so candidly with a person of their craft whom I have much admiration for. I wish The Governor could come back, the show hasn’t been the same since his exit in my opinion. Great to see a man give so much back to his fans in such a genuine way. I will have an even greater appreciation for when I re watch those iconic scenes with him facing off against Rick and his crew. Great experience and I lived to tell the tale.

Chatting with Carl of Carl’s Comix

Posted on July 28, 2016 by Mr. H

In my travels I have been fortunate and blessed enough to come face to face with many remarkable people. I have met and chatted with creators of all kinds. Comics, TV, Movies you name it. I feel pretty proud of what I accomplished in such a short time. Nothing could have prepared me for what I saw and whom I met just a few short weeks ago at a Comic Con in Morristown, NJ on what was sure to not be just another Sunday in my books.

I was there to meet and interview the genius behind The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles himself, Kevin Eastman. Then in a few moments I found myself in the middle of something I’ve never seen before.

As I was setting up, this young boy walked in with his father. He was so unassuming that I already jumped to the conclusion that he must be a fan with VIP or something of that nature. I introduced myself and said how excited I was, because I was about to meet and interview one of my personal heroes (Kevin Eastman) in mere moments.

I was not prepared for the young man’s reply when he said “Me too.”

When I took a second look at him there it was, plain as day, he had a press pass! Surely he meant his dad was doing the interview and he would watch. Nope.

The gentleman introduced himself to me as Carl. Carl of Carl’s Comix.This young guy was doing the interview himself. I was impressed. How could I have not heard of this before? He cited to me his over 15,000 subscribers. He told me he has been doing this for over a year now and he has met and interviewed almost 25 creators. I was astonished. Here I am feeling accomplished and along come this person with a professional demeanor far beyond his years. It just goes to show you, at those times you feel like patting yourself on the back, God will give you a reason to lower that hand and shake someone else’s.

What he told me next, had me floored.

Carl started this simply because he was a fan. His favorite comic is The Amazing Spider-Man (mine too depending on what day it is). He loves it so much that he wanted to meet or talk to the man behind the hero. I instantly thought he meant Stan “The Man” Lee. Who wouldn’t? Nope again. He wanted to speak with legendary artist Steve Ditko the co-creator of Spider-Man. Surely he hasn’t had luck with that? Well wrong again!

It turns out that Carl did interview Steve Ditko. He did it by the oldest method possible, by mailed letter. He penned a letter and sent it off but thinking he wouldn’t get a response. Some time later, he got one. Reading this letter. I realized that it is such a rarity to hear that response. I knew what was in front of me was rare too.

I asked Carl if he’s ever been interviewed before? The answer to that was “no.” I felt that had to change. And, he was more than delighted to give me a few moments of his time.

Graphic Policy: So Carl, how long have you been in the journalism business?

Carl: Since I was 8 years old.

GP: Wow, 8 years old. Tell me what inspired you? What made you say “Hey I just want to go interview and talk to famous people?”

Carl: Well I was at this comic book camp about 2 summers ago and we had this Mini Comic Con, it was the end of the camp. So I made a business card and it said http://www.carlscomix.com. My dad looked at the card and asked if I would like to create this. I said “Sure.” So that’s what we did and we got to work on my website.

GP: Amazing. At just 8 years old, you are doing what I do and you make it look “old hat”. Who is your favorite person you’ve interviewed and why?

Carl: Steve Ditko. Without question. Simply because he’s one of the rarest creators and I was hoping to get a nice letter back from him.

GP: And you did. You did it. What did it feel like when you got that letter, that nice reward back?

Carl: I just felt super lucky. What it did was make me even more excited for what could happen next.

GP: I bet. Did receiving the letter make you a bigger Spider-Man fan than you were before?

Carl: Oh yes.

GP: How could it not right? I have to ask you, what message do you have for all the aspiring six year old’s out there who might be looking to follow in your footsteps?

Carl: I would tell them to just keep up the hard work, and they can do it. Don’t be afraid to follow what you want.

GP: Well Carl, this has been great and you are about to interview Kevin Eastman. Who would be next to meet on your superhero bucket list?

Carl: We are trying, but for me next is Stan Lee.

GP: Great pick! That’s like the white whale of comics.

Carl: I know.

GP: Lastly, can you tell us the name of your site?

Carl: www.carlscomix.com

GP: Why should people follow you?

Carl: Because I have fifteen thousand subscribers.

GP: Well hey, that’s good enough for me. Thank you very much for your time.

Carl: You’re welcome.

So that was quite the experience and a joy to do. I asked Carl what kind of questions was he going to ask Kevin Eastman? He said he couldn’t share that information with me right now. Spoken like a true professional. I want to thank Carl for all his time and work he’s doing. He is a shining example that the path to greatness can start at any age and you can be any size.

I will remember him forever. I hope we cross stars again in our trips across the comic book multiverse.

Check him out for yourself at www.carlscomix.com

Garden State Comic Con 2016: Interview with Kevin Eastman

Posted on July 18, 2016 by Mr. H

July 10th 2016, while I was attending Garden State Comic Con in Morristown, NJ with Dante Moon Productions who were in the middle of filming a segment for his “Try Harder” documentary which allowed me the distinct pleasure of interviewing a man that I have wanted to speak with since I was 7 years old. Now many years later, it finally happened.

To give you a backstory, this man was responsible for giving me my first taste of comic book rebellion in the form of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. At the time I had been collecting comics since I was two years of age. (My dad gave me my first one which was Amazing Spider-Man #254)

Ever since I could read, I collected comic books. Now I had only been exposed to the big two which were DC and Marvel up to that point. However one summer day in my friends basement in the small town of Rockland, MA I got introduced to something truly special.

I remember picking the book up. It was issue #10. I looked at the cover and it had such amazingly cool artwork. I loved the foldout. I was enamored by it. When I opened it up I remember the black and white format. It was something so different to me, yet it was completely elegant. To see the pencils stripped of the colors it gave the comic a raw, unhinged quality that I had never at that point seen before. I breezed through the issue and soon begged my dad to take me to comic book and hobby stores everywhere to collect whatever else I could get my little hands on.(I also bought the issue I just read off my friend then and there for ten bucks) The Saturday morning cartoon had already been out a year in my time, but this was my introduction. I remember watching the cartoon wondering why all the Turtles didn’t have red masks? A simple yet obvious question another Turtle creator Steve Lavigne would fully answer for me years later.

I still have the first print copy of this issue in my possession all these years later. I looked through it yesterday and I can safely say it hasn’t lost its luster. Now I will take the time to give the man behind it to share some insight on his life long journey and how these fictional characters has changed not just so many lives, but his as well.

GP: First off it’s an honor and a pleasure to speak with you. I want to ask what is your advice to young independent creative people out there who are trying to find their voice as an artist?

Kevin Eastman: Well I think it’s something very interesting. Any time taking your first step creatively, it’s a brave step and a bold step. Sometimes it comes from very young, and you don’t even know why you’re pointed in that direction. It has a lot to do with what you are exposed to as well. I think that is an important factor. If kids are exposed to sports at young age, they might tend to gravitate that way. If they are exposed to art, and I was very lucky in that way as my grandmother was a painter and my dad was a master doodler. Always doodling and drawing. So when I discovered comic books at a young age the family was always very supportive, although they were very scared. I think they feared at the time that I was going to be one of those kids who always lived in a fantasy world and drew comics and wanted to be the late Jack Kirby (The King of all Comics) who would never move out of the basement. (laughs)

I was lucky however in that they encouraged me and exposed me to the things that I liked. So initially it was this inner drive from me to want to become this person I idolized which again was Jack Kirby. For those who don’t know Jack Kirby co – created most of the Marvel Universe with Stan Lee. He was what made me want to draw everyday, even in English class when I should have been reading, or in math class when I should have been solving math problems, I’d be doodling and trying to follow my dream. I was very fortunate that at that time I had the support of my art teacher in not only Jr. High, but High School as well. Those folks were some of the few that when I said I wanted to be a cartoonist and draw comic books, they didn’t laugh at me. I mean with comic books, now I’m 54 and when I was younger it came across to many people as a foolish idea. I’d here ” Oh you’re not going to be able to make a living at that.” or “How are you going to support a family?” However this one art teacher said, “So you want to draw comic books?” “Well that’s very admirable.” She stated to me the value of artistic quality in comic books and gave me some advice. She told me that I could draw a great picture of Captain America or Batman or any other character all day long, but if you want to draw a comic book and tell a story you have to be able to draw everything you see in the world around you.

For example let’s say in one of my stories, I’d have to draw you in this room talking to me, I’d have to draw this table and this computer, these lights and all our surroundings, but do it in perspective. So she would give me these extra assignments to improve my skills. I’d get many assignments from her but not allowing me to draw any cartoon characters. I would have to draw cars, buildings, houses, furniture, even trees in my backyard. In the end that really clicked for me. Since I wanted to tell the story I had to be able to enhance everything visually. I wanted to be able to get to the point where I could get people to read the story and act and react as if they were watching some of their favorite movies. In any event that was how and what inspired me.

The advice I’d give to any inspiring creative young persons out there, that if you find something whether it’s a sport, or it’s music or if it’s art, grab and take what you like about it. Use what has inspired you from where it comes from, and don’t be afraid to replicate it because at first doing that, helps you learn the basics and it will eventually develop into something that is your own. Then just work at everyday. Just spend time whether it’s ten minutes, twenty minutes or an hour. The more you do it, you will see noticeable improvements.

*GP: So true. This image here (points to the picture of the Shredder on the desktop screen beside him) of the Shredder, who happens to be my favorite villain of all time ..

KE: (looking at the image) Love it.

*GP: What does that image mean to you?

KE: Well it means a lot. It brings back a lot for me. Do you know how the Shredder was created?

*GP: Oh you can tell me this story..

KE: You should love this. So, with the Turtles since they came about because I was a big fan of Bruce Lee, I was sitting around with Pete (Peter Laird – ed.) one night and we were in our studio called Mirage Studios. Funny thing is, it wasn’t really a studio it was just our living room, and I wanted to make Pete laugh. I thought to myself if Bruce Lee who was a fast moving martial artist was an animal, what would the silliest animal to make him be? So the Turtles were born out of a spoof on that thought. I decided to make a slow moving turtle be a martial artist.

To further the joke I did a sketch of what was then to become Michaelangelo with numchucks strapped to his arm and I plopped it down on his desk and said very sarcastically “This is going to be the next big thing.” He looked at the sketch and changed somethings. Then we went back and forth in a game of studio one upsmanship and he drew one more so I said to myself why not four? A lot of superheroes are part of groups like Fantastic Four, X-Men, Avengers etc.

Then I finished the drawing of all four Turtles and put the Ninja Turtles logo on it and then Pete inked it and added Teenage Mutant to the title. We looked at each other like this is the stupidest drawing ever. However it was fun so we decided not to submit it to anyone and just make a comic book for ourselves.

As we were working through the origin and all the parts, the rat and the turtles, how they get exposed to ooze and many little isms from our favorite comic books, things started to come together. Then one night we were doing dishes, and Pete’s wife was a fantastic cook, so Pete would usually wash and I would dry. As we do the dishes, I spot this long metal cheese grater on the counter. It was the kind that was shaped like a bell with the long handle. I start drying it and I slide my hand up inside it and said out loud “Man could you imagine a bad guy with this as a weapon and he would literally like grate your skin off.” “We could call our bad guy like The Grater or something.” Then Pete looked at me and was like “How about The Shredder?” Both of us thought that was so cool. So the origin of The Shredder came from two guys doing dishes. (laughs)

*GP: That is such a great story. (laughs)

KE: Thank you.

GP: Now I’ve been a die-hard Turtle aficionado since the first Mirage run and I am thoroughly enjoying the current IDW run. I have to ask, with what you are doing, did you always have the reincarnation aspect in the back of your minds or is that something new that you wanted to do?

KE: Actually that is something that is completely new. Tom Waltz who I work with at IDW Publishing is just a genius and he grew up as a big fan of the Turtles and added that. He told me he liked the aspect of the different Turtle universes that have been created across multiple franchises. He loves the original black and white stories as well as parts of the animation and the movies. He came to me with this idea to use bits and pieces of them all to come up with a new foundation which we call the IDW Universe now. In on of our first meetings, one of the things he spun was the concept of reincarnation. I thought that was great and we started revamping many parts of the origins. It led to us taking April’s character back to being a scientist and the Turtles were her pets at the lab. Little things were tweaked like Splinter was a lab rat and April gave the Turtles their names. So many isms where we took a step to the left, a step to the right but still remained reflective and respectful of the original Turtles black and white and previous origins.

I thought that this would either be fantastic because I got so excited about it with all the story possibilities or this would be the end. I figured the fans would either crucify us or jump on board because it will be a great time. The changes let us tell some fantastic all new stories with these characters and man the response has been overwhelmingly positive to the point where we have just finished issue number 62 and we have issues plotted all the way through the big issue 100 right now. Most of it is all Tom Waltz and Bobby Curnow who is an editor at IDW, we sit and have these long “mind melds” and since it’s (IDW) is now a Turtle universe on it’s own we are able to cherry pick from so many continuities and come up with some really great stuff without being beholden to one particular iteration.

GP: So it becomes a part of a vast Multiverse so to speak?

KE: Yes, exactly. It’s so great to work with all these guys and these artists who are all younger than me and can draw Turtles better than me. It really is energizing to be part of the whole process. I’m still learning through them everyday.

GP: Well I feel the original, the black and white will always be the best version of the Turtles bar none. The new stuff is very cool and enjoyable though.

KE: I greatly appreciate that.

GP: Now I know you are an avid comic book fan and you follow the big two (DC and Marvel) so you see the stuff they are doing right now with diversification and gender changes as well as the revamps with sexuality. To that point does IDW or yourself feel like that is something that you feel pressured to incorporate into your comics or your characters?

KE: You know I say no. At least not right away. It’s very much the same process with the folks at IDW as it was when Pete and I wrote those original stories for ourselves. We have everything approved through Nickelodeon and Viacom who own the Turtles. They are fantastically supportive in that they know the edge of which we story tell and the direction that we want to go. They know that we write the stories for ourselves. Our thinking is rather than just follow each popular trend, lets stick with the basics and do stories that are exciting and organic and are paced thoughtfully across all aspects, i.e. the action, the drama, the character building and interpersonal relationships are the best we can possibly make them. At the end of the day these characters are all part of a misfit family that we tell fun stories with and show appreciation to our audience by giving them a honest portrayal.

GP: One last question. If you could play with any other toy in the “sandbox” meaning any other established character or franchise, who or what would it be and what would a Kevin Eastman run on that look like?

KE: Oh man, I go immediately to Kamandi.

GP: Really? The last boy on Earth?

KE: That was to me when I was nine or ten years old and had a paper route I was buying my own comics at the time, Kamandi had just come out and it was by Jack Kirby so of course and Planet of the Apes was one of the first movies I ever saw. I was so taken by it. So if I could do a story with the Turtles and have them go in time and meet Kamandi it would be great because there are so many dynamics and story possibilities for it. That would be first and foremost for me. That’s the dream project for me hands down.

GP: I absolutely hope you get that dream someday. Thank you for completing a dream for me personally today. It was an absolute pleasure.

KE: Thank you so much.

So there you have it. Just an awesome meeting with a such a nice and supremely creative person. The professional in me was thrilled at the opportunity, but the 7 year old in me was so overjoyed. You know what that old adage says about being one to every rule. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting and chatting with many folks in this line of business and I can say that Kevin Eastman to me, was the exception.

*Graphic Policy would like to take the time to thank Dante Moon Productions as well as their very talented camera crew for their assistance in this interview as well as Garden State Comic Con for their utmost professionalism and help scheduling this event.

Please note that questions marked with an * were asked by Dante Luna of Dante Moon Productions and may be used on his Try Harder documentary. You can check out his page and work at Dante Luna on YouTube for much much more.

El Mundo Boston 2016: Worlds Collide When Cosplay Meets Wrestling at Fenway

Posted on July 5, 2016 by Mr. H

Who but Gaston??

June 26th 2016

This was be a day that will be remembered for a long long time. As a native New Englander I am certainly no stranger to the hallowed ground of Fenway Park. I have been able to share in its graces several times over the years. Usually there is a certain feel in the air when you arrive at this place. For anyone who’s ever been here, more often than not during their stay, history is made. Today was no different.

El Mundo is an annual family festival in Boston, that prides itself in bringing all forms of entertainment to its spectators and families in attendance. Like any annual event though the goal is always to make it bigger and better than the year before. 2015 marked the first time that the fun-loving, high energy community of Cosplay was brought to the celebration and the result was quite the spectacle. Children and adults alike got to enjoy the sight of some of their most beloved fictional characters come to life right before their very eyes. Now it’s important to note that just about anyone can throw on a flashy costume, but it takes special people to make it come alive. Thanks to energy and hard work of these young men and women, they make something that could be so very ordinary and turn it into the extraordinary.

So that begs the question, how do you top that? Well for starters how about having a second-year encore and then the added caveat doing something in some place that makes history.

The answer to that question means inviting the larger than life world of Sports Entertainment. To me the combination is something only so natural. After all these entertainers are similar to the cosplayers in a way that they take larger than life characters and have their story told on 16 x 20 canvas surrounded by ring ropes. When these two forms of entertainment are set apart you get something inspiring. When you put them together, the result is nothing short of epic.

As a fan of both these worlds and to be able to view it in such an iconic building to me was pure magic. There was a different feel in the air that day to be sure. Even though there was to be no crack of the bat or hustling to slide into home plate, a championship team still performed. Don’t just take it from me though. I took the time to get the views and opinions of those in attendance just to put the punctuation on what this day meant to each and every one of them.

GP: First off I’d like to thank you both for being here. Today is a pretty big deal as I’m sure you’ve noticed. So I wanted to take a few brief moments and get your thoughts on what Cosplay means to you.

Ruby: Ok, sure.

GP: Individually, how long have you been doing this?

Ruby: I have been doing this now for about 7 or 8 years. It started with an ex girlfriend getting me to go to Anime Boston and I cosplayed and that’s how I got into it. It just clicked and now I have a passion for it.

GP: (Turns to Raven) What say you? What does cosplay mean to you?

Raven: Well Cosplay means a lot. It’s a big part of my life. I kind of feel more welcomed here than when I am wearing normal clothes. You’re always welcomed in the cosplay community no matter what you wear. I can freely walk up to someone and be like “Hey you cosplay, that’s cool let’s be friends.”

GP: So do you stick to cosplay or are you a fan of the comic book world as well?

Raven: For me I’m a big fan of comic books as well.

Ruby: With me I am more of a fan of the anime and manga, I never really got into the comic book part of it.

GP: Very cool. Well it’s a big day and hope you both have a great time. What message would you have for anybody who feels a bit sketchy about trying this for their first time?

Raven: My recommendation, is you are always welcomed in the cosplay community no matter what. So go ahead try it, see if you like it and if you do, great! We’re weirdos and no stranger to a little craziness. Come be our friend. (laughs)

Ruby: I feel like she said. Just take the leap, you’ll love it. Hey that’s what I did, and my life is better because of it.

GP: What was the driving force that got you into cosplay?

Grayson: The driving force that got me into cosplay was giving back and making amends. I have seen and done a lot of things in my life. I am a disabled combat veteran. I have been through three tours of combat and there are things that I’ve done and I regret. You might say it’s my therapy for myself.

GP: That is great. I also just want to take a second and thank you for your service.

Grayson: Thank you so much.

GP: Do you do this often or only when there is a Con scheduled?

Grayson: I try to do any kind of gathering or event. I especially enjoy doing charities and of course comic cons.

GP: What does today mean to you?

Grayson: It means a whole hell of a lot. Honestly to be able to slap a kid high-five and see the smiles on their faces, it’s like a high for me. I truly enjoy giving back.

Just some great quotes from some great folks there.

I turned to take my leave and the sound of thunder filled the clubhouse and we were graced by the presence of two Thors. Thor had to make his exit hastily (little did I know he wouldst be doing battle in the Royale later that day) but luckily for GP readers his female cohort was much more obliging in letting her cape down to answer a few questions.

GP: So it’s not every day one gets to chat with the Goddess of Thunder, I just wanted to pick your brain a few moments.

Moxie: Sure. (laughs)

GP: So how did you come to do this, what is your origin?

Moxie: So I first started when I was in high school. I think it was back in 2000 and.. I’m dating myself by doing this. I want to say 2008. I went to Anime Boston and I really enjoyed it. I saw these people dressed up in costumes and I said to myself “that’s pretty cool, I want to do it” Then the following year I made a costume. Then the year after that I bought one, then I went to college. I took a little bit of a break and I said to myself “Y’know I still want to do this.” I was a math major in college so I sort of had to put my head in my books and stop for a while. After I graduated though I was able to pick it up a lot more.

I do it as much as I can. I go to PAX, Conneticon, Anime Boston, Katsucon and that will be my first far away convention. So it’s mostly been the last two or three years that I really started going all out with cosplay.

GP: Would you recommend this to others even if they might be scared?

Moxie: Well sure, I mean there are different stages of cosplay. They can start out wearing a geeky T-shirt and jeans..

GP: So my cosplay?

Moxie: (laughing) Ha ha! Exactly. Or you could be L from Death Note and grab a white t-shirt and some black hair looking creepy with a little tiny lollipop and boom, you’ve got a cosplay.

GP: Right.

Moxie: Then there is the other end of the spectrum where if you try to make the armor from Destiny, you might wonder “Why would I do this?” I’m not going to lie, there has been many times I’ve broken down making a cosplay where my friends will push me on and be like “you can do this” “Just finish the paint” then I look at my clock and it’s three in the morning and I’m like “I don’t want toooo.” So sure you’re going to hit those moments depending on what kind of cosplay you decide to make. You just need to remember to budget your time and budget your money. Cosplay can get very expensive, extremely fast.

GP: That’s a great point too. I mean you have to have a high level of passion for this because it’s likely to be something you’re not going to get a lot back from. At least not initially right?

Moxie: Yeah, people probably think those famous cosplayers like Jessica Nigri, and Ivy Doomkitty that they make so much money because you see them everywhere. In reality it’s probably not that way. Which is why they have gofundme.com and kickstarter campaigns. It’s not as easy as people think.

GP: So what are the deciding factors for you when you choose a new cosplay?

Moxie: I choose primarily based on what I’m attending. If it’s a comic book convention, or an anime. Whatever I’m into at the time. At Anime Boston I went as Ayame from Inuyasha, which was a character I always wanted to do because Inuyasha was actually what got me into anime because it was on late at night on Adult Swim on Cartoon Network and I loved it so I endured all the making and sewing. I am generally all around a lover of nerdy things so there are always some type of character that I am interested in the genres. I just try to pick and keep it relevant to what I’m attending that moment.

GP: Very cool stuff. So before I take my leave, who is your all time favorite comic book character?

Moxie: Oh, Thor. I actually collected all the first edition of the series and then last year at Boston Comic Con, I got Stan Lee to autograph issue number one for me while I was dressed as Thor. I even got it CGC graded. It came back with a 9.8. I cried I was so excited.

GP: Wow. That’s awesome. Well thank you for your time. Keep the hammer. You be worthy.

Moxie: Thank you.

You can follow more on Instagram @TheMoxieMegan

I then left Superhero Central and made my way down the cobblestone to the back of the park. As I weaved in and out of the crowd, my sight got clearer and then it was right in front of me. Behind a small metal barricade was something I was pretty sure I would never see at this venue: a wrestling ring. This was it. This was where the day’s performances would take place. I was thrilled. Everything looked great. The entrance way , the ring apron it was all top-notch. I still couldn’t believe it was happening.

It was almost time for the battle royal. It is such a time-honored part of Sports Entertainment to have the bulk of the roster, fill the ring to do battle with each other, friend and foe alike until in the end only one is standing. When it’s done right, it’s quite a sight.

After the smoke had cleared and the victors rejoiced, I returned to the locker room to get some more comments of those in attendance and how the day had profoundly effected them. What I got however was an interesting few moments with the always ever so “humble” Vern Vicallo aka The Selfie Made Man:

(Please note that the Selfie Made Man’s comments do not reflect El Mundo Boston or their opinions. They are also highly veiled in Kayfabe, which means he is being in character, NOT Vern’s real thoughts. So don’t be offended readers)

GP: So I have to ask what does the Selfie Made Man think about his first foray into Fenway Park?

Vern: Well obviously it was historical, but not for me but for Fenway Park to have the presence of the Selfie Made Man inside. Fenway Park has been nothing but a curse on the sports community since it has been built, but now that it has the greatness of myself, it has become something of worth.

GP: Quite the interesting take there. So you predict an upswing on the home teams record for the rest of the season then?

Vern: I guarantee, now that they will win the whole damn thing. So instead of these fans and this clubhouse raising a banner after another World Series win, they should raise a banner that says : The Selfie Made Man “We thank you”

GP: So now that this is crossed off, what can we see for the Selfie Made Man going forward?

Vern: Forward? Well more greatness of course. The Selfie Made Man makes his NECW debut Saturday July 2nd at the Brockton Fair. Then July 16th I defend my LPW Heavyweight Championship in Hudson, MA in a ladder match against Randy Shawn.

GP: That sounds like something to see for sure.

Vern: Definitely.

GP: So let me ask you sir, what is one thing that isn’t about you, that you will take away from today.

Vern: (emphatically) Nothing.

Well there you have it. If you’re missing the kind of narcissism only a thousand mirrors and an endless walk in closet can provide, you might want to follow the Selfie Made Man on Twitter @Vern2Dope

As I was wrapping up I was able to grab a few thoughts from the man with a plan, Bell Time Club promoter Beau Douglas himself, and here’s what he had to say about the history I just witnessed:

GP: As this momentous event comes to a close, I just wanted to ask you one question. What did today mean to you?

Beau Douglas: Today was an amazing day filled with the accomplishment of successfully bringing in a unique brand of Sports Entertainment. I realized since the moment my buddy Dante called me and said “We got this.” it was bigger than the two of us. Not since 1969 has Sports Entertainment graced these halls and that particular show was headlined by my trainer and mentor the legendary Walter “Killer” Kowalski.

To me it is such an honor to have picked up where he and the great Bruno Sammartino left off. It was a tremendous responsibility that came with even more pressure. I am so proud that the Bell Time Club which consist of my students, Tim Lennox, Dan Terry, I could go on and on but they really stepped it up and tore the house down.

It was cool that we had at least one performer from every New England state on our roster and helped provide that level of authenticity to where we were. I am glad that I had the honor to perform but it was an even bigger honor to showcase the talent and peers of our craft. We had an amazing crew and things couldn’t have run any smoother.

One last thing I want to say is that this event proved that people of all different nationalities, religions, and political affiliations CAN come together and become successful as a whole when need be. On this day there were no egos, no racism, no hate. There was only enjoyment, excitement, and entertainment with appreciation for the passions we share. Whether it be in a mask and cape, or boots and tights, today we conquered all! We made history in these walls and I thank every body very very much.

Very well put. Please remember to check out the Bell Time Club in Wakefield, MA if you’d like to see what Beau and his students are up to. I highly suggest you do.

What a day! Ladies and gentleman , if you had told me that I was going to get to see Thor win a battle royal live, front row and center I would have thought, you might have been changing in the wrong phone booth. However that’s exactly what happened and believe you me, it was glorious. (Big shout out to the Mighty Sean Feeney for his amazing Thor portrayal, even Odin be proud)

So there you have it. A day that was filled with fun, mystery, wonder and spectacle. In a place where we haven’t had that spirit here since 1969. (hmm reminds me of a song somewhere) It has been said that all great journeys begin with one small step. Today though, we all took one giant leap.

It was hammer time, indeed.

Graphic Policy would like to thank the following: Beau Douglas and the Bell Time Club for their amazing performance, Dante Moon Productions for bringing to life this incredible vision, Sean Feeney for his grandiose portrayal of Thor, and to all the cosplayers and staffers that made the day worth it. Lastly thank you, El Mundo Boston for allowing this all to happen. I absolutely hope we are all back, bigger and better next year.

Random

Review: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #59

Posted on June 17, 2016 by Mr. H

“Players and Pawns”

So I must confess it’s sure been a long while since I picked up an IDW comic featuring our favorite half-shelled heroes. Last I left they were going to have a final showdown with their arch nemesis and world’s best improper can opener: The Shredder.

That was then and this is now. The Shredder apparently did not survive that final encounter. We open up this issue with Master Splinter (Now Master and ruler of the sacred Foot Clan )and one of his new pupils, conversing at the Shredder’s tomb. The new pupil Jennika is confused as to why they would honor such evil with a monument. He tells her calmly “You may not want to honor the one holding the title, but the title itself always demands honor.” (Interesting words to remember, however I don’t think this rule applies to politicians)

The talk is cut short as Splinter decides he has other rounds to make. He ends up going to see Kitsune. A character that I am not yet familiar but has obvious ties to the Shredder and not an apparent fan of Splinter aka Hamato Yoshi, who is her new Master as well.

They talk back and forth over a hot cup of tea (the only way true powers delegate) Kitsune eludes to the fact that Yoshi maybe a soft leader and not what the Foot Clan needs to proceed into the future. So at this point even Helen Keller could tell you a mutiny is a comin’. Splinter leaves her presence and that is where things start to heat up. A plan is formed and it appears Kitsune has designs on reincarnating her true master: The Shredder.

The rest of the issue consists of a conversation between April O’ Neill and her ally Angel about the whereabouts of their long time friends and April’s ex-boyfriend Casey Jones. We see the betrayal unfold and of course we are left with a “we all saw it coming” cliffhanger.

Overall: So a return to the world of the Turtles for me (Aside from actually going and paying to see the new movie Out of the Shadows) and though there wasn’t a whole lot of Turtle action here, there was more than enough intriguing plot changes to keep me interested. I am definitely a fan of Splinter running the Foot Clan, it’s a different twist for sure. There were a few new characters that threw me, but it does make me want to go back and read the rest of this IDW series run. On a side note, the art was pretty rad for the battle scene between Splinter and the Clan. This installment was not quite enough to elicit a cowabunga from me but I definitely will be peeking down the manhole to see what’s brewing next time.

Story: Kevin Eastman, Bobby Curnow, & Tom Waltz Art: Dave Wachter
Story: 7.5 Art: 7 Score: 7 Recommendation: Read

IDW Publishing provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

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