What Lurks in the Longbox? #10

Vincent Price Presents #16 from Bluewater Comics

Written by Nick Lyons, with art by Juan Tomajok and Kamui Oscuro 

Vincent Price Presents is an anthology series that began under a 2008 agreement made with the estate and daughter of the late actor.  As the narrator, Price introduces the theme of each issue (fear in this case), making appearances at both the beginning and ending of the story, similar to the roles played by early television hosts like Alfred Hitchcock and Rod Serling from The Twilight Zone. 

This issue features the story of a widow named Emily who tries to put her life back together after losing her husband to a psychotic killer known as “Soulless Sam.”  Besides raising her son alone, Emily’s life is further complicated by her struggle to make ends meet, nightmare flashbacks of her husband’s murder, and the well-intentioned advances of a local shoemaker.  Despite her efforts to put the past behind her, Emily is eventually forced to confront the source of her fear. 

Lyons’ story is simple but effective, and fits well with a “done-in-one” title such as this one.  Tomajok’s art has a rough edge that coincides perfectly with the old west environment, and it blends well with Kamui Oscuro’s brilliant colors. 

To the best of my knowledge, there have been a couple collected editions of the series, including an Omnibus, but you may have to contact a few shops before finding one.  I have also seen individual back issues at conventions, usually at reasonable prices. 

What Lurks in the Longbox? #9

Spider-Man & the Secret Wars #1 

In the first of four issues, this mini-series expands upon the events of the original Marvel Super-Hero Secret Wars series, showing events from Spider-Man’s perspective.  It starts with the pivotal scene from Secret Wars #4 where the Hulk has to hold up an entire mountain range after the Molecule Man drops it on the heroes, and then explores the background story of that event. 

The issue also focuses on the uneasy relationship between Spider-Man and the Hulk during a reconnaissance mission, and trust becomes a major concern as the odds become increasingly stacked against the heroes. Even the usually patient Captain America starts to lose his cool when Spider-Man persistently argues that the Hulk is losing control and gradually turning more dangerous than the super-villains themselves.  Incidentally, this plotline was explored in more depth during concurrent issues of the Hulk’s own title at the time. 

Paul Tobin, along with Patrick Scherberger's art, do a solid job of quickly bringing readers up to speed who may have never read the original story.  The mini-series has an “All Ages” rating and is appropriate for both kids and adults.  The trade paperback collection of the mini-series is available at your local comic shop. 

 

What Lurks in the Longbox? #8

The X-Files/30 Days of Night #1-6

Wildstorm and IDW teamed up in 2010 for this interesting mini-series combining two popular licensed properties.  Written by Steve Niles and Adam Jones, FBI Agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully travel to Wainwright, Alaska to investigate the bizarre murders of truck drivers on an isolated road.  The victims’ bodies are discovered in a manner that defies rational explanation, which prompts Mulder and Scully’s investigation. 

Unlike the 2008 mini-series, Steve Niles wisely avoids using the complex mythology that plagued the television show during its later seasons and drove viewers away.  Instead, he focuses on the element that made The X-Files popular to begin with: "spooky" storytelling. 

Mulder and Scully’s stiff dialogue with each other suggests the story takes place early in their relationship, possibly during the first couple seasons.  This issue even resembles the first fifteen minutes of a typical episode: the opening teaser, initial investigation by the agents, and a cliffhanger scene that reveals more about the murders.  Tom Mandrake’s previous work on titles like The Spectre makes him the perfect choice to illustrate this story.  This series gets extra praise for being “new-reader friendly.”  No previous knowledge of either licensed property is needed to enjoy the story.  I haven't seen the back issues around at conventions, so your best bet is to pick up the trade paperback collection at your local comic shop.

What Lurks in the Longbox? #7

Walt Disney’s Comics Penny Pincher #1 (May 1997) 

In 1997 Gladstone tried an experiment that Uncle Scrooge himself would have been proud of.  The publisher of Disney Comics released the first issue of a 99 cent comic that was “…dedicated to bringing you the most number of comic book pages possible for under a dollar!”  The publisher’s promise was for each issue to include 17-19 pages of material with a one page gag or story on the inside back cover. 

With one classic Carl Barks story and another more modern tale by the Egmont Group and Daniel Branca, the first issue was dedicated to the ongoing feud between Donald Duck and his neighbor Mr. Jones.  The first story focuses on the escalating battle that gets started because of a 10 cent can of putty.  The second tale teaches a lesson on “keeping up with the Joneses” as Donald decides to take drastic action when Mr. Jones refuses to let him borrow his lawn mower. 

According to the letters page, there were plans for several future issues.  Unfortunately, the experiment only lasted four issues, as the comic was cancelled with no warning or specific explanation.  The inside cover of the last issue discussed the lead story for the never-released Issue #5, as well as a preview of the first page. 

Perhaps sales didn’t warrant additional issues, or maybe the profit margins were just too small for Gladstone to continue publishing the comic in this format.  However, almost 15 years later in this current period of economic hardship, one has to wonder if this might be the right time to bring back comics for kids with cheaper paper stock and a lower price point.  

  

HEROES CON 2011 PHOTOS - PART 2

Hi!

Here is the next set of photos from Heroes Con, my favorite convention in one of my favorite cities: Charlotte, North Carolina!  Enjoy!!

Andy Runton's "Owly" display also included the new Owly Animated Short!

Chris Giarruso of "Mini-Marvels" fame did free sketches of his creation "G-Man" for the kids.

John Wilson of Comic Related.com

Brett Pinson of Boomtown Press with the Green Lantern print I purchased from him.

Of course let's not forget the comics themselves!

Artist Robert A. Kraus, or "RAK"



Please also check out my review of the convention on the Comics Buyer's Guide website, at  http://www.cbgxtra.com/!

HEROES CON 2011 PHOTOS - PART 1

Hi!

Here are the first set of photos from my recent visit to Heroes Con, my favorite comic book convention, in one of my favorite cities:  Charlotte, North Carolina!  Please also check out my review of the convention on the Comics Buyer's Guide website, at  http://www.cbgxtra.com/!




Hulk artist Gabriel Hardman




Lines were long, but Heroes staff maintained order!

Artist Terry Huddleston

The unique art style of Christopher Uminga



Andy Runton, Creator of Owly

Thursday night set-up...dealers unloading those wonderful long boxes.

 

 More pictures from Heroes Con coming soon!

Free Comic Book Day 2011 - Part 1

I didn't have time for a full length report this year like I usually do, but I did get some great pics of FCBD 2011, which was also the 10th anniversary of the event!

Let's proceed...

Brian Kelly of Detroit Comics had a very busy crowd at his store in Ferndale.



Ego the Living Planet made sure customers didn't abuse the free comic book table.


Huge variety of titles this year, including the first comic from Discovery Channel.



Detroit Comics also offered kids the chance to make their own mask or tiara.



More FCBD pics to come in Part 2 of my photo report!