LETHARGIC LAD 2008 review...

Above: My copy of LETHARGIC LAD 2008 which includes a sketch of everyone’s favorite Iron Clad Lethargic Lad by Greg Hyland.

LETHARGIC LAD is awesome! I’ve been a fan of LETHARGIC LAD and it’s different incarnations since (I think) 1992. LETHARGIC LAD has consistently been a great comic. I’m not saying this because I inked several "No Mutants" stories that appeared in LETHARGIC COMICS. I’m not saying this because Lethargic Lad teamed-up with Nihilist-Man. I am saying this because Greg Hyland’s LETHARGIC LAD has always had a certain intelligence, charm, and wit that is rarely found in comics. Plus, Greg’s cartoony artwork is rockin’! And LETHARGIC LAD 2008 is no exception. This book collects all of the lethargiclad.com webcomics from last year. The comics are in full color and are displayed in a windscreen format to best capture all of their comic book goodness. I consider Greg Hyland a friend, but I have been a LETHARGIC LAD fan even longer.

I give LETHARGIC LAD 2008 four and a half out of five NM’s.




Above: Who is the real Evil Cyborg Lethargic Lad? Panels from LETHARGIC LAD 2008.

LETHARGiC LAD 2008 now on sale!

Above: Cover artwork to LETHARGiC LAD 2008 by Greg Hyland.

Greg Hyland’s LETHARGiC LAD 2008 is now on sale! Me want!

Here’s what Greg had to say:

My new book, LETHARGiC LAD 2008, is now on sale exclusively here at lethargiclad.com. LETHARGiC LAD 2008 contains all the ll.com strips done in 2008 in one 46 page full colour book, in a format featuring one strip per page. The colour version of the book will be signed and numbered and limited to a run of 50 copies. Also, an area on the cover has been left blank for me to do an original Lethargic Lad sketch.

Now, finally, a good reason to read the newspaper…

Above: Artwork from the ARCHIE comic strip by (penciler) Fernando Ruiz and (inker) myself.

If you read the comics in the newspapers, then you have to check out the ARCHIE comic strip appearing in newspapers from July 6th to July 11th, and the Sunday strip on July 26th. I usually work on the regular Archie comic books and digests, but I also helped out with the ARCHIE newspaper comic strip. Even though I’m not getting credit, I did ink the strips mentioned above. Anyway, I think this is kinda cool. So, if ya read the comics’ section in the newspapers, then check out ARCHIE.

Update: If your local newspaper does not carry the ARCHIE comic strip, then you can read the strips online here or here.

Happy Independence Day!

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.





Above photo: Independence Hall is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The United States Declaration of Independence and United States Constitution were both signed at Independence Hall.



Above photo: In October 1997, P.I.C. visited Philadelphia and Independence Hall.



Above photo: The assembly room of Independence Hall.



Above photo: We also visited the Liberty Bell which is displayed across the lawn from Independence Hall.



Above photo (left to right): Jen, Pro, Bucky, Korn, and Miguel in Philadelphia (October 1997).



Above photo (left to right): Bucky and me in Philadelphia (October 1997). Remember kids,… smoking is bad, bad, bad. It’ll kill you. So, don’t smoke.

BUZZBOY nominated for six Harvey Awards!

Above: Artwork to the cover of BUZZBOY: SIDEKICKS RULE #3 by Frank Cho.

I have some great news! The nominees to the 2009 Harvey Awards have been announced. My buddy, John Gallagher and his comic, BUZZBOY: SIDEKICKS RULE, have been nominated for six awards. The categories include Best Writer, Best Cartoonist, Best Inker, Best Letterer, Best Cover Artist, and Special Award for Humor in Comics.



Above: Cover to BUZZBOY: SIDEKICKS RULE #3 by Frank Cho.

Here’s what John Gallagher had to say:

Please let me say personally, this is a great honor, and quite humbling, to be nominated in the same categories as some really, really, talented creators-- people whom I deem as far superior as writers, cartoonists, etc. I am positive that many across the internet will offer up a collective "What Th--?" about us getting the recognition we are getting, and I join them in that-- but I really do appreciate those that may have thrown their support our way.

Congratulations go out to Rich Faber (Best Inker), Thom Zahler (Best Letterer), Frank Cho (Best Cover Artist), and John Gallagher (Best Writer, Best Cartoonist, Special Award for Humor in Comics).



Above: Artwork to the cover of BUZZBOY: SIDEKICKS RULE #2 by Howard Porter.

If you’re a comic book professional, don’t forget to vote in this year’s Harvey Awards!

For more on John and Buzzboy, check out Sky Dog Comics.



Above: Artwork from BUZZBOY: SIDEKICKS RULE #2 by John Gallagher and Rich Faber.



Above: Buzzboy joins Lethargic Lad, Him, Hunter, and Nihilist-Man in CROSSOVER CLASSICS. Artwork by Greg Hyland.

Nihilist-Man TM and © 2009 Albert Gordon Nickerson Jr.. Hunter TM and © 2009 Michael Kornstein. Lethargic Lad TM and © 2009 Greg Hyland. Him TM and © 2009 Steve Remen. Buzzboy and related characters TM and © 2009 John Gallagher and Sky Dog Press.

Pull my finger...

On a couple of occasions, I came across an altered photo of Stan Lee. See above. On the left, is the original photo of Stan, and on the right is the altered version. What sort of devil would do such a thing?

Got Comics?

I don’t often give comic book reviews, but I do like to mention comics that I enjoy reading, and I do like to point out stupid things that I see in comics, as well. Today, it’s a little bit of both, and Spoiler Free…



INVINCIBLE may very well be the greatest comic book ever made. I know, that’s quite a claim, but with each new issue, I feel this could definitely be the truth. Robert Kirkman is an amazing writer. He constantly keeps the reader guessing. I’ve always loved Ryan Ottley’s artwork. The coloring by FCO Plascencia is the best coloring in comics (I've admired his work since GEMINI). Some major stuff happens in INVINCIBLE #63. Be warned, though, this new issue is quite bloody. As I always say, if you enjoy fun super-hero comics, then you should be reading INVINCIBLE.

I give INVINCIBLE #63 four and a half out of five NM’s.



Above: Artwork from INVINCIBLE #63. What a bloody mess!



A few years back, I read, and enjoyed, the Powergirl issues that appeared in JSA CLASSIFIED #1-4. So, I figured I’d check out the new ongoing POWERGIRL series, as well. I’m not quite sure what to make of POWERGIRL #2. Amanda Conner’s artwork is as solid as ever. Adam Hughes’ cover is amazing (I wish I could draw like that guy). However, I wasn’t crazy about the bestiality reference in the story. Whenever I think that we’ve made some strides in comics, some big publisher does something that bugs me. Bestiality at DC? Could be. C’mon… we’re better than that.

I give POWERGIRL #2 two out of five NM’s.



Above: Artwork from POWERGIRL #2. Powergirl beats down a "crazy monkey guy."

Martin!!!

The P.I.C. interviews continue with Martin…



P.I.C. News: Where are you?
Martin: Brooklyn, NY. Near Prospect Park.

P.I.C. News: What are you doing?
Martin: Designer at Sock Company in NYC.

P.I.C. News: What’s new?
Martin: Recently took up Oil Painting.

P.I.C. News: What book(s) are you reading now-a-days?
Martin: Just finished "Blind Willow Sleeping Woman" by Haruki Murakami. Starting "Rant" by Chuck Palahniuk.

P.I.C. News: What comics are you reading now-a-days?
Martin: Fantastic Four, Batman Year 100, Love & Rockets.

P.I.C. News: What music are you listening to?
Martin: WFMU & my itunes collection.

P.I.C. News: What was the last good movie that you saw?
Martin: Star Trek.

P.I.C. News: What movie do you never get tired of watching?
Martin: Dr. Strangelove.

P.I.C. News: Who is your favorite hero?
Martin: Batman.

P.I.C. News: Who is your favorite villain?
Martin: The Joker.

P.I.C. News: Who would win in a fight between Batman and Captain Kirk?
Martin: Batman.

P.I.C. News: What is your favorite Sloane House and/or SVA memory?
Martin: Painting Class with Burt Hasen.

P.I.C. News: Where do you want to be in ten years?
Martin: Drawing / Painting full time.



Above photo (left to right): Scan, Joey B, and Martin having a good time with fellow P.I.C. members in Manhattan last December.

Yo, Pro!

The P.I.C. interviews continue with Pro…



P.I.C. News: Where are you?
Pro: Los Angeles and Madison, WI.

P.I.C. News: What are you doing?
Pro: Making headway Acting and Graphic Designs. New Graphic work at www.coroflot.com/stephenprovenzano and putting proposal packages together for my Children's book to send to agents.

P.I.C. News:What’s new?
Pro: Shooting a scene in studio. Originally, the scene was performed live (video of the live performance is up on my Stephen Gerard Facebook page). New illustrations as stated above.

P.I.C. News:What book(s) are you reading now-a-days?
Pro: "How To Stop Acting" by Harold Guskin, "Joker" By Brian Azzarello art by Lee Bermejo and currently perusing my Frank Frazetta: Book Two. Good stuff!

P.I.C. News:What comics are you reading now-a-days?
Pro: See above book entry. :-)

P.I.C. News:What music are you listening to?
Pro: Abba. Don't judge me!!! Also loving my Serius XM music (usually "The Pulse" or "Coffee House" stations).

P.I.C. News:What was the last good movie that you saw?
Pro: "Star Trek."

P.I.C. News:What movie do you never get tired of watching?
Pro: Well, only because I just watched it again the other night, I'll say "The Dark Knight"; Oh, and Pixar's "The Incredibles" yeaaah.

P.I.C. News:Who is your favorite hero?
Pro: I'm gonna say Captain Sully. With recent air disasters, It brings to mind what expertise can truly do.

P.I.C. News:Who is your favorite villain?
Pro: Sarah Palin. She's just so darn funny. (wink)

P.I.C. News:Who would win in a fight between Batman and Captain Kirk?
Pro: Without certain details such as where the fight takes place/environment, my gut says Batman.



Above photo: Pro in his dorm room at Sloane House. 1985.

P.I.C. News:What is your favorite Sloane House and/or SVA memory?
Pro: Various meetings of the Scan's corner gang and climbing from my window to Miguel's window, so I could change his furniture around.

P.I.C. News:Where do you want to be in ten years?
Pro: Writing more children's books accepting an Academy award :-) or on a tropical island.

P.I.C. News:Is there any other news that you would like to share with the rest of us?
Pro: Peace and Love, peace and love.



Above photo (left to right): Miguel and Pro hanging with fellow P.I.C. members in Manhattan last December.

Troubles for Diamond???

Cartoonist D.J. Coffman has written an eye-opening article on possible new problems with Diamond Comic Distributors…

Three of the stories of creators not being paid by KNOWN publishers leads back to the excuse given that DIAMOND COMICS owes the publisher money. The first time I heard this excuse I thought it was bogus... but the second and third time I heard it from totally different creators who don't even know each other, it made me start to worry something was up with Diamond.

Diamond Comic Distributors is THE only distributor of comic books to retailers in the Direct Market. I had no idea that Diamond MIGHT be in such financial trouble. It’s certainly bad news for retailers. Publishers will find a way to get their books out there if anything bad should happen to Diamond. I like the Amazon suggestion. There’s also the option of the non-returnable bookstore market. Still, if Diamond should fall, it’s comics’ own fault. The Direct Market is broken. We need other viable options for distribution. But, there’s very little change being done. If Diamond Comic Distributors should fold, what would that mean for the comic book market?