Progs 812 to 826
Written by Paul Rainey
"The 2000 AD Prog Slog
The re-encountering of issues, referred to as "programmes" or "progs" for short, 1 to 1188 of popular science fiction adventure weekly 2000 AD..."
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Progs 800 to 810 plus the 1993 Yearbooks
Written by Paul Rainey
"The 2000 AD Prog Slog
Being the rediscovery of the first 1188 editions of long running science fiction weekly 2000 AD and associated publications by Paul B. Rainey...."
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Porgs 793 to 799, Judge Dredd The Magazine 2.6 to 2.8 PLUS Specials 92
Written by Paul Rainey
"The 2000 AD Prog Slog
Being the re-reading and then logging of the first 1188 issues, or programmes ("progs" for short). Of popular science fiction comic 2000 AD. "..."
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The Action Special, progs 780 - 790 and the start of The Magazine volume 2
Written by Paul Rainey
"The 2000 AD Prog Slog
The re-encountering of the first one thousand and eighty eight editions, referred to as "programmes" or "progs" for short, of science fiction ..."
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Progs 763 - 779
Written by Paul Rainey
"The 2000 AD Prog Slog
Where Paul B Rainey re-reads the first 1188 editions of 2000 AD, the British science fiction adventure comic weekly, then chronicles the exper..."
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Batman, Yearbooks and Progs 751 to 761
Written by Paul Rainey
"The 2000 AD Prog Slog
Being the re-encountering of 2000 AD issues (or "programmes&q..."
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Judge Dredd The Megazine Volume One
Written by Paul Rainey
"The 2000 AD Prog Slog
The Prog Slog is the re-reading of the first twenty years worth of boys’ adventure weekly 2000 AD and spin-off publications by Paul B Ra..."
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Progs 739 to 749
Written by Paul Rainey
"The 2000 AD Prog Slog
Being the re-encountering of the first 1188 editions of science fiction adventure comic weekly 2000 AD and spin off publications by Paul B Rai..."
[Read More]
Progs 729 - 737 and The End of Year Review
Written by Paul Rainey
"The 2000 AD Prog Slog
The re-reading of the first 1188 editions of boys’ adventure weekly 2000 AD and surrounding publications. This time, The Slog celebrates..."
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Progs 713 to 727
Written by Paul Rainey
"The 2000 AD Prog Slog
Where the first 1188 editions of boys’ science-fiction adventure weekly 2000 AD and associated publications are read within a contracted..."
[Read More]
Progs 697 - 711 PLUS 1991 Annuals and Winter Special 3
Written by Paul Rainey
"The 2000 AD Prog Slog
Where Paul B Rainey, who has nothing better to do, re-encounters science fiction boys paper 2000 AD editions one through 1188 alongside associ..."
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Progs 683 to 695
Written by Paul Rainey
"The 2000 AD Prog Slog Blog
Where Paul B. Rainey re-reads the first one thousand one hundred and eighty eight editions of science fiction weekly 2000 AD and associate..."
[Read More]
Prog 666 to 680
Written by Paul Rainey
"The 2000 AD Prog Slog Blog
The re-encountering of boy’s science fiction weekly comic 2000 AD by Paul B. Rainey. This time, we’re in the midst of 1990 and..."
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Progs 650 - 664 PLUS an annual and a special
Written by Paul Rainey
"The 2000 AD Prog Slog Blog
Where Paul B Rainey re-reads this first 1188 editions of popul..."
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Progs 635 to 648
Written by Paul Rainey
"The 2000 AD Prog Slog Blog
The re-encountering of the first 1188 editions of science fiction, boys adventure weekly 2000 AD and associated publications chronicled by..."
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Progs 615 - 632
Written by Paul Rainey
"The 2000 AD Prog Slog Blog
A log covering the re-reading of 2000 AD editions one through 1188. This time, it’s the year 1989 and just as the project seems to b..."
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Progs 599 - 613
Written by Paul Rainey
"The 2000 AD Prog Slog Blog
Being the reacquainting of Paul B Rainey with the first 1188 e..."
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Prog 582 to 596
Written by Paul Rainey
"The 2000 AD Prog Slog Blog
The strict re-reading of editions numbered 1 to 1188 of the science fiction themed comic 2000 AD and spin off publications. Currently, it&..."
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Prog 566 - Sci-fi Special 88
Written by Paul Rainey
"The 2000 AD Prog Slog Blog
Being the reading of issues, referred to as "programmes" or "progs", 1 to 1188 of science fiction weekly paper 2000 AD and associated publ..."
[Read More]
Progs 546 to 564
Written by Paul Rainey
"The 2000 AD Prog Slog Blog
Where Paul B Rainey chronicles the experience of re-reading the first 1188 editions of popular boys adventure paper 2000 AD at a relativel..."
[Read More]
Prog 525 to 544
Written by Paul Rainey
"The 2000 AD Prog Slog Blog
The term used to describe the process of reading the first 118..."
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Progs 506 to 523
Written by Paul Rainey
"The 2000 AD Prog Slog Blog
Wherein the popular dandy, Paul B Rainey, re-reads the first 1188 editions of the science fiction adventure paper for boys, 2000 AD, and chronicles the process in a series of articles. This time, The Slog reaches the beginning of 1987 and the star..."
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Prog 486 to 504
Written by Paul Rainey
"The 2000 AD Prog Slog Blog
The practice of reading the first 1188 editions of boys’ science fiction weekly 2000 AD and associated publications in a truncated timeframe when compared with the o..."
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Progs 471 - 484
Written by Paul Rainey
"2000 AD Prog Slog
Being the record of ..."
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Progs 450 - 466
Written by Paul Rainey
"2000 AD Prog Slog
Being the re-reading of the opening 1188 issues, AKA "programmes", of popular boys’ weekly 2000 AD and associated publications. This time, Paul B Rainey&r..."
[Read More]
Progs 49 to 59
Written by Paul Rainey
"The 2000 AD Prog Slog Blog
Where There’s No Time Like The Present creator, Paul B Rainey, re-reads the first 1188 issues, or "progs", of classic science fiction comic, 2000 AD. This ..."
[Read More]
Annuals 1986 and progs 437 - 449
Written by Paul Rainey
"The 2000 AD Prog Slog Blog
The purpose of which is for Paul B Rainey to re-read programmes 1 to 1188 of 2000 AD with appropriate associated publications and log the experience. This time, The Slog r..."
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Prog 420 to 434
Written by Paul Rainey
"The 2000 AD Prog Slog Blog
Whereby blogger, Paul B Rainey, reads the first 1188 editions of boys’ science fiction weekly 2000 AD, along with associated publications, such as the Sci-Fi Specials published during the summers of this period, inside a constricted period of ..."
[Read More]
Progs 400 to 414
Written by Paul Rainey
"The 2000 AD Prog Slog Blog
Where I, Paul Bernard Rainey, re-read the first 1188 editions of boys adventure weekly, 2000 AD, and associated publications, inside a contracted period. This time, The Slog has reached the year 1985 and the early prog (short for "programme" or is..."
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Progs 382 to 399
Written by Paul Rainey
"Definition; the re-reading of issues, or "programmes", 1 to 1188 of 2000 AD, a British science fiction weekly paper for boys which started publication in the year of our lord, 1977. This time, The Slog has reached the end of both the 300s and 1984.
..."
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Poor old Massimo Bellardinelli
Written by Paul Rainey
"The 2000 AD Prog Slog Blog, being a reading of the first 1188 programmes of the weekly science fiction paper 2000 AD inside a contracted period of time by gentleman cartoonist Paul B Rainey. Currently, The Slog is in the midst of 1984. Important notice: The Slog is an appreciation of a weekly that published a high quantity of strong comic strips in the past and NOT an exercise in nostalgia.
A Message t..."
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Call My Bluff Champ
Written by Paul Rainey
"The 2000 AD Prog Slog Blog
Being a tight summary of a fortnight’s worth 2000 AD Prog Slog blog entries, where I, Paul B Rainey, endeavour to read programmes 1 to 1188 of 2000 AD and associated..."
[Read More]
Prog Slog Blog Year in Review 2007
Written by Paul Rainey
"The 2000 AD Prog Slog Blog
Being an attempt to recreate the disappointments of Christmases past and a review of the author’s 2000 AD 2007.
..."
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Progs 319 – 330, plus Additions
Written by Paul Rainey
"
..."
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Progs 302-317
Written by Paul Rainey
"Being the edited highlights of two weeks’ worth of reading old school 2000 AD and blogging about it. This time, I have reached the 300s and the beginning of 1983.
Diamond Shaped Space Cancer
Prog 302, posted Mon Nov 26 2007
Previously when I b..."
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Progs 281-293
Written by Paul Rainey
"The 2000 AD Prog Slog Blog
Being a stripped down omnibus edition of the 2000 AD Prog Slog Blog, where I endeavour to read progs 1 to ..."
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Previously in The Slog
Written by Paul Rainey
"The 2000 AD Prog Slog Blog
The Slog; being a reading of issues (also referred to a..."
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Prog 1590 – 11 JUN 08
Written by Craig Johnson
""In Orbit Every Wednesday!"
It’s week two of the big spring/summer relaunch, and by this time you know whether a new strip is worth sticking with, or sticking two fingers up at. So…let’s have a look.
Judge Dredd: The Edgar Case, Part 2 by Wagner & Goddard looks like it’ll turn into a lengthy story – an old nemesis bequeaths some bombshell historical evidence to Dredd, and this chapter is basically Dredd beginning to..."
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Prog 2008 (12 DEC 07 - 01 JAN 08)
Written by Craig Johnson
"
Last time was Prog 1566, next time is Prog 1567 – this time it’s the end of year blowout of Prog 2008 – and despite the numbering this comic features the first episodes of several series which will continue into Prog 1567 and beyond. An anally-retentive comics fan nightmare for two reasons: firstly, because it’s only on Planet 2000AD you have to rack Prog 2008 between Prog 1566 and Prog 1567 rather than between Progs 2007 and 2009; secondly, there’s only 433 m..."
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Prog 1566 - 05 DEC 07
Written by Craig Johnson
"Biting The Bullet Every Wednesday!
Great cover image by Frazer Irving - but wouldn't it work so well on its own, no cover copy required? If ever there was a case for less-is-more, this is sure..."
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Prog 1565 - 28 NOV 07
Written by Craig Johnson
"Dropping a bombshell every Wednesday!
Maybe it's just me, maybe I'm too biased, but this is the best cover of the three I've spoken about so far - then again, it's a Red Seas cover an..."
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Prog 1564 - 21 NOV 07
Written by Craig Johnson
""Scrotnig Sci-Fi Suspense Every Wednesday!"
Peter Doherty - strip artist in his own right - contributes to colours to the Dredd episode this week...plus the cover of the issue itself. It's the pre-converted form of Mandroid mulling over a choice between his wife and his sponsor - or a drokk and a hard place as the cover copy states: possibly this is the first place to confirm the Dredd swear word "Drokk" means "Fuck"....
The indicia - ..."
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Read Me 1st, About 2th
Written by Craig Johnson
"Apologies upfront for the obscure logo, I take full responsibility for deciding that 2th clearly equals Twoth equals Tooth equals 2000AD. Anyone who needs it explained clearly has a lack of appreciation for twisted logical conundrums...or isn't me. I could be wrong, but then again, I am the editor-in-chief, and I'm never wrong. Even when I am. It's just I can use a different value system for "wrong" and "right" to everyone else.
2th Dec..."
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Can't Stop The SERENITY...
Written by Craig Johnson
"From Kumara Conventions (www.kumara.org.uk):-
Can't Stop the Serenity official event'Serenity' plus [hopefully] 'Dr Horrible's sing along blog'Friday 25th SeptemberMickey Lavins, Denmark Street, BristolOfficial swag bag and other goodies£5 each****British Browncoat Ceilidh and Bristol conSat 26th September2.30 -> 1 a.m. Sunda..."
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Musicals and Comics
Written by Craig Johnson
"Not really related to Cinema, but related to Theatre, and as Cinema = Theatre (maybe) (in some minds) then this slot will do.
Desert Peach.
You may be familiar with the comic - Rommel was the Desert Rat, meet a gay German commander, the Desert Peach - from Donna Barr. A lengthy, yet finite series, in a historical setting yet with much to say about modern mores. Available in printed form for quite a bit - there's a lot of comic there - or via a downloadable PDF ..."
[Read More]
Seven Pounds of Shite
Written by Craig Johnson
"Will Smith. Seven Pounds. A disjointed narrative making the viewer work to pull the pieces together. Mysterious vagueness about plots.
What's not to like?
Er, the movie actually.
Will Smith is Tim Thomas, responsible for pissing around with his Blackberry when he's supposed to be concentrating on his driving, such that he causes a fatal car crash taking the lives of his fiancee and six strangers.
To atone for this he decides..."
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The Future's Grim: Astro Boy (2009)
Written by Michael Aronson
"
So I had written up some commentary on Hollywood's upcoming trainwreck known as ..."
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If You Were Me - It's Not Easy Being Anything
Written by Michael Aronson
"
And now for something more international. South Korea&#..."
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The Dark Knight - a Negative Review, Part 2
Written by Michael Aronson
""Harvey, Harvey, Harvey Dent." To be honest, this was the aspect of Dark Knight I was most looking forward to. The story of Harvey Dent is one of the more dire tragedies in Batman's history, and while it's been told well in the '90s animated series and Year One-ish story The Long Halloween, it hasn't really been featured prominently in Batman lore very often. I went in expecting two things: that the character as a rising District Attorney be made interesting a..."
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The Dark Knight - a Negative Review, Part 1
Written by Michael Aronson
"
Why so serious? Because trying to analyze and make some logical sense out of this ..."
[Read More]
Batman Begins - Hey, No Bat-nipples
Written by Michael Aronson
"You know what would be annoying? If I reneged on my promise to write about Dark Knight again and came up with another excuse, such as reviewing Batman Begins instead.
..."
[Read More]
Wall-E: the Review - or, Robots Aren't Just Killing Machines
Written by Michael Aronson
"
..."
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Time to Ask
Written by Michael Aronson
"Cinema. It's not comics. It's not prose. It has similarities to both media, sure. It's visually dazzling, it's aurally pleasing, and it begs your full attention. And yet, it wouldn't be able to manage any of these feats if not for its one debilitating weakness and limitation: linear time. When was the last time you bought a novel, and the words, "Reading time: 580 minutes," were printed on the back cover? And then you held your fist high and cried into ..."
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Turn the Amplifier up to 11
Written by Phil Hall
"
Normal
0
MicrosoftInternetExplorer4
..."
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Get the joke
Written by Phil Hall
"Perhaps one of the biggest problems comics and its fans have got is that there is a propensity for them to take themselves really seriously, all the time. There is comedy and humour in comics, at times insanity levels of laughable weirdness, yet it doesn’t aspire to having the piss taken out of it. Parody is okay, as long as it never extends past either the character or the company. Creators are far too normal a kind of person to warrant lampooning or satirising; unless it’s done in ..."
[Read More]
A new you!
Written by Phil Hall
"Here we are again! At the start of August, the esteemed daily
newspaper The Guardian, ran a 3-page item in its G2 section focusing
exclusively on the San Diego Comics Convention. However, it was under a
title something like "The Geeks Have Inherited the World" which,
essentially gave you an idea of wh..."
[Read More]
Let's Speculate on Doctor Who...
Written by Phil Hall
"I'm bored. I'm in pain and I'm going to subject you to another rambling dose of me... I'm going in to hospital this coming Friday, to have an operation on my shoulder. I have an impingement. It is unbelievably painful. Many believe I probably should have my mouth seen to...Doctor Who has been in the news and even though I'm not the world's biggest fan, it is something that excites me. Not the stuff like his new assistant being Amy Pond (Karen Gillan), or the d..."
[Read More]
Ol’ Big Head is Back… (For one night only)
Written by Phil Hall
"
..."
[Read More]
Unexpurgated - breaking old ground again
Written by Phil Hall
"This is what happens when you let someone have the front door key after they've moved out. They come back in, move all the furniture around, take a shit for old times sake and leave some other, probably unwanted, gifts lying around... I love Danny Black! Not in the naked bum-love kind of way, but in the way Lee Evans' character in the Dr Who special treated the Doctor when he finally met him. Danny Black is, in my opinion, one of the key reasons why some of my previous ventur..."
[Read More]
The Christmas Special
Written by Phil Hall
"
..."
[Read More]
Some people are on the pitch...
Written by Phil Hall
"Once upon a time, I wrote over 5,000,000 words a year. Not every single word of that was my own, but I input all of them into a computer. That's an average figure; you could probably almost double that figure if you took into account all the extra activities I put in - fanzine contributions, personal writings, contributions for Marvel UK and DC Comics; Overstreet and Comics World; even the stuff I did for Tripwire - all of it added up. This also doesn't even come cl..."
[Read More]
That was the week that was
Written by Phil Hall
"Gosh, I've had so many flattering things said about me this week, it has brought joy to my ears and lightened my heart. I never realised that I could still fuck people off even when I'm not trying.Let me explain... 'Home Truths', last week's offering was actually written back at the beginning of June and was intended to be run back then, but I had second thoughts about some of the content - oddly enough not about the story that caused so much fuss - so I put in th..."
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Some Home Truths
Written by Phil Hall
"A few months ago,
I met up with two old friends: one was Matt DeMonti, who had been assistant
manager at my shop – Squonk! – for about two years and, in the fine tradition
of comics, became sort of assistant manager emeritus when he left for
university; helping out when he could and fighting with me and others to save a
hopeless case. The other guy was John Brown (yes, it’s his real name), who was
one of my better customers and claimed that I was partia..."
[Read More]
The House of Love and other songs
Written by Phil Hall
"
The Guardian actually had a positive page about you a few weeks ago. Claiming
that it is geek time again and you all a massive influence on all kinds of
Hollywood shit. There were also a few pages on the SDCC in that week's edition
of The ..."
[Read More]
Can you spot the wank reference?
Written by Phil Hall
"
Let’s
recap…
1. Comics are largely seen by non-comics
fans as something nerds, geeks, sad bastards, homosexuals and children read;
unless there’s a film being made about it directed by (currently) Christopher
Nolan, Bryan Singer or whoever comes up with the most grittiest version of a
hero so far. Or there is money to be made from that stack of old Marvels in the
loft.
..."
[Read More]
Apathy, arseholes and the death of comics as we know it, Jim
Written by Phil Hall
"
Have you noticed how easy it is to be
insulting or rude on the Internet? It is one of the growth industries.
Admittedly, it’s all dressed up as Social Networking sites and web sites with
forums and chat facilities, but it has given people the ability to be utter
cunts without fear of any real recourse.
I’ve
been involved in the I..."
[Read More]
Fuck comics, let's talk about something important!
Written by Phil Hall
"
Like Politics, this has no Direction
For those of you who have been sticking
with this; you all know that I think the world is going to hell in a hand
basket. Nothing in recent weeks has changed my mind to the contrary. I used to
joke (and it was a joke, then) that I’d leave but we haven’t colonised any
other planets yet. The big problem is that the world is no longer a safe haven;
money, religion and jealousy hav..."
[Read More]
Can't we be a little more specific?
Written by Phil Hall
"
Reviews… what are they good for?
Despite having written a few reviews in my
day, I’ve struggled to accept the validity of a comicbook reviews section in a
magazine or a website as anything but filler. In comics, reviews are the
cheapest labour.
The
Sunday Times or The Observer (to name but two) have reviews sections, writte..."
[Read More]
Stars die...
Written by Phil Hall
"It's funny; I feel a little like Martin
Shipp felt.
Martin, a handful
of you might remember, wrote CV's appreciation of Steve Gerber, who died
tragically, earlier this year. He had been planning a piece on the great
writer, but things got..."
[Read More]
Something for the Weekend
Written by Phil Hall
"
This weekend was going to have a lot of
significance; I was going to break a quite incredible story that would have
possibly heralded a new era and direction in the UK comics’ power base. I was
going to do it perfectly timed so that the suspects would have been unable to
avoid the glare of publicity and would have had to refute something that was
essentially irrefutable or possibly risk destroying their professional lives.
Sounds juicy, doesn’t it? Unf..."
[Read More]
The Labyrinth that became a Theme Park…
Written by Phil Hall
"… A couple of months ago, I stated that every so often there would be a column that wasn’t about comics, as such (this particular subject has now got solid links to comics). The main reason for this is if I don’t write about some of the other interests I have, I will go mad and probably axe murder someone in your family. So while I sit around forlornly waiting for more of my non-existent audience to take part in my Most Impor..."
[Read More]
Récompenses Bandes Dessinées du Monde
Written by Phil Hall
"
…
What follows is a revised and rewritten column. It first appeared on my
short-lived Movers & Shakers
blog, a few of years ago. When it became clear and obvious that I owned the
intellectual and creator rights to some of my Comics International columns, I decided that the column which
helped forge my insignificant, but mildly fulfilling career should become mine
again. It was, occasionally, incredib..."
[Read More]
From little acorns, mighty oaks...
Written by Phil Hall
"An email conversation which started Tuesday last.
To: Phil H
From: Dan Black
Yo, Pipenstein, [he calls me all manner of things] what happened to this week’s column on CV?
To: Dan Black
From: Phil Hall
..."
[Read More]
One for the wankers
Written by Phil Hall
"WARNING:
SOME OF THE FOLLOWING IMAGES ARE OF A HIGHLY SEXUAL NATURE. IF YOU FEEL
UNCOMFORTABLE ABOUT THIS THEN STOP NOW!BACK in the days before the Internet, I got
involved in what would today be called a flame war, but was actually just a
heated exchange of letters from a barking mad basket case and someone,
..."
[Read More]
A mixed bag
Written by Phil Hall
"Dogged by deadlines and commitments, I’ve
tried my hardest to come up with something finished and suitable for this
week’s column – the Easter weekend column. Instead you can have another mixed
bag of musings, prattlings and opinionated bollocks…
ONE:
A news story that has been dogged by
excessive media coverage has be..."
[Read More]
The 'No Way Back' Article
Written by Phil Hall
"Warning:
If this rambles, it’s because I have no quality control…
I sold virtually every comic I’ve ever
owned, at least twice. In 1980, for just £1,000, after months of nagging from
my old man, I sold a collection that many dealers would have killed for. The
deal was the guy buying them off me would give me £750 for the lot and a
further £250 inside 6 months. I never saw the other £250.
..."
[Read More]
The Pub Quiz
Written by Phil Hall
"Last Thursday, I was at a pub quiz and, quite amazingly (and fortuitous for us), one of the rounds was on American comicbooks. 10 comics related questions to perplex and confuse, or not. The other members of my team looked to me for inspiration.
The questions were as follows:
1. Peter Parker is the Amazing what?
2. Superman was famous for wearing what over his ..."
[Read More]
The Industry Insiders
Written by Phil Hall
"There seems to be an almost gleeful acknowledgment from ‘people in the industry’ and ‘industry insiders’ that comicbooks are dead and the future is in the shape of trade paperbacks and collections. Of course, these ‘people in the industry’ are obviously right, because they are industry insiders and they know what’s happening.
It begs that perennial question; one which was subject of much in-joke derision whenever it cropped up during my time a..."
[Read More]
You are all Ostriches!
Written by Phil Hall
"
"... If the retconners wipe Dame Joan's fraud from memory
and defend him so easily, then what you'd get about this is ‘it's a lot of hard
unpaid work and if you think you could organise it better you're welcome to’,
or that sort of thing." – Craig Johnson,
editor-in-chief, The Comics Village
..."
[Read More]
Netspeak: The Next Generation
Written by Phil Hall
"The Internet
fascinates me, as I’m sure you’ve all worked out by now. I got thinking about
some of the names people are labelled with and how the ‘net has changed since I
first ventured onto it. Back in the early 1990s, some clever wags at some
University in the USA came up with a useful list of Internet acronyms and terms
– a little language – for users to be able to adjust to the differences between
‘net speak and real ..."
[Read More]
Appearances can be deceiving
Written by Phil Hall
"Quotes from my mailbag:
"You’re
not nearly as disliked as you’d like to think you are. There’s a lot of people
in the industry that actually like you, me included."
I’m obviously not trying hard enough.
"So
you’ve opted to write about the things that you dislike about comics. I exp..."
[Read More]
If only...
Written by Phil Hall
"Two factors prevented me from possibly
becoming a real force in comics; time and geography. I was born just a little
too late and I was in the wrong part of the country. Quite simple really and if
my aunt had had testicles she would have been my uncle. The thing was I was
close; I just didn’t quite make it.
The UK comics scene was dominated in the
mid 1970s by very similar people that kick around now. There were the fanzine
edito..."
[Read More]
The What If Scenario
Written by Phil Hall
"I wasn’t going to do this. Purely and
simply because people might start accusing me of a) shooting fish in a barrel
and b) kicking a good man when he’s down. But, over the last few weeks, since
my unexpected return to comics, I’ve been getting feedback on my column and
I’ve been f..."
[Read More]
Buffy, God, Paedophiles, The Exchange Rate, Potatoes and Radiohead
Written by Phil Hall
"Time for a self-indulgent interlude; an escape from the week on week attacks on comics geeks and nerds. I’ve had weeks of telling you why, where and how you all go wrong, and I will probably have many weeks more. But, at the moment, I feel like talking about some other stuff.
*** *** *** *** ***
..."
[Read More]
The Power of Love
Written by Phil Hall
""I hadn’t heard about you being banned from Warren Ellis’ Delphi site… Again, the irresistible pull toward Stalinism on the part of leftists in making ‘non-fellow travellers’ into ‘non-persons’." -- Dave Sim
These were the opening and closing lines of a quote from Dave Sim used by Rick Sharer i..."
[Read More]
The secret history of the gossip column
Written by Phil Hall
"There's a phrase I have used a number of times over the last few years that I
sort of feel a little embarrassed about, to the point when people ask me what I
used to do, I normally say that I worked on the editorial team for a publishing
company, which is what I did, so I'm not lying. The phrase I've stopped
brandishing like an impressive weapon is, 'I used to be a journalist', when in
reality I ain't no journalist - I've never really thought of ..."
[Read More]
How the Internet made you even worse
Written by Phil Hall
"
"I don’t think Phil went far enough…" Words
uttered by the Comics Village&rsq..."
[Read More]
Laugh or Die
Written by Phil Hall
"I was going to write about this particular subject in a different way and on another date, but I had a change of heart. The change came about as a result of my old employer doing his usual bit of history rewriting - his airbrushing of me off of the UK comics landscape. I've seen reports indicating that I've personally been involved in all number of either illegal or immoral activities several times over the last 5 years; I've seen the magazine I created reclassified as a '..."
[Read More]
You all smell and no one likes you
Written by Phil Hall
"I KNOW what some of you are thinking; what the fucking hell is he doing here? Didn't he 'retire' from this? Didn't he bow out of comics in a blaze of acrimony while calling everyone and their sisters a big bunch of cunts?
A couple of months back, I heard from Rich Johnston, he'd pasted everybody he knows into his email CC list, again, (he doesn't BCC becau..."
[Read More]
How much the Media loves You
Written by Phil Hall
"The name Ronald Castree (below) might not mean a
lot to people outside of the UK reading this, but if he does become familia..."
[Read More]
Dave Sim's glamourpuss #10 ***EXCLUSIVE***
Written by Craig Johnson
"Before any other site has got their hands on it, here are the cover and nine interior pages from Dave Sim's glamour-mag-parody-and-comics-history-in-one comic, glamourpuss #10. Available in PREVIEWS to order now!
..."
[Read More]
Dave Sim's Cerebus Archive #3 - the complete collection
Written by Craig Johnson
"Cerebus Archive #3 is out now for $3.00 and can be re-ordered at any good comic shop or online via Diamond code JUN09 0667
..."
[Read More]
Dave Sim's glamourpuss #8 - the complete collection
Written by Craig Johnson
"
glamourpuss #8 is available to buy right now from decent comics retailers – if yours doesn’t have it in, it can be backordered or reordered or whatever they call it now under code MAY09 0624. Demand your retailer orders you a copy – or find a new retailer!
..."
[Read More]
Sgt Mike Battle #13 - Unlucky For Some
Written by Craig Johnson
"SGT MIKE BATTLE #13 is out now and continues the adventures of the titular Sgt. Mike Battle and the romance between the gorgeous Shapely Charms and the suave British Secret Agent Roger Knightly.
Only £1.50 for 32 b+w pages with a fan..."
[Read More]
Dave Sim's Cerebus Archive #2 - the complete collection
Written by Craig Johnson
"Cerebus Archive #2 is available to buy right now from decent comics retailers – if yours doesn’t have it in, it can be backordered or reordered or whatever they call it now under code APR09 0620, or the super-rare Zombie Cerebus vs Barack Obama cover code APR09 0621. Demand your retailer orders you a copy – or find a new retailer!
..."
[Read More]
Dave Sim's glamourpuss #7 - the complete collection
Written by Craig Johnson
"glamourpuss #7 is available to buy right now from decent comics retailers – if yours doesn’t have it in, it can be backordered or reordered or whatever they call it now under code MAR09 4037. Demand your retailer orders you a copy – or find a new retailer!
..."
[Read More]
Bryan Talbot's Grandville
Written by Glenn Carter
"The trailer for Grandville has just been posted:
..."
[Read More]
HARKER - The Graphic Novel Sequel to Dracula
Written by Craig Johnson
"APRIL 09 - GRAPHIC NOVEL 'SEQUEL' TO DRACULA OUT IN OCTOBER FROM AAM/MARKOSIA
It’s been widely regarded that 2009 is the year of the Vampire, with new books by such luminaries as Guillermo del Toro and Justin Cronin releasing epic trilogies, as well as shows like True Blood and films like Twilight keeping the Vampire myth alive. ..."
[Read More]
Cancertown
Written by Craig Johnson
"
Of Insomnia Publication’s Cancertown, Bryan Talbot has this to say:
"For a first graphic novel from a new creative team, Cancertown is remarkable. Cy Dethan’s concept alone is brilliant. Is the protagonist, Vincent Morley, a cynical knight in tarnished armour battling unspeakable monsters in a gonzoid Chapel Perilous or a dying sad bastard besieged by visions generated by his terminal brain tumour? Vince’s chosen role, that of maintaining the e..."
[Read More]
Dave Sim's Cerebus Archive #1 (Part Two)
Written by Craig Johnson
"
"Here are some more advance images from Cerebus Archive #1, which is available in this Previews (Diamond Code FEB094009) and will hit the comic shops later in April. The comic will come out bi-monthly (alternating with Sim's glamourpuss), and will cost $3 (not $3.99 or $2.99). It will come out on time every second month. An indie comic that keeps prices down and comes out on time!This book is kind of a DVD extras for the entire Cerebus series, starting with ..."
[Read More]
Dave Sim's Cerebus Archive #1, Part One
Written by Craig Johnson
"
"Here are some advance images from [i]Cerebus Archive[/i] #1, which is available in this month's Previews (Diamond Code FEB094009) and will hit the comic shops in April. The comic will come out bi-monthly (alternating with Sim's [i]glamourpuss[/i]), and will cost $3 (not $3.99 or $2.99). It will come out on time every second month. An indie comic that keeps prices down and comes out on time!This book is kind of a DVD extras for the entire Cerebus series,..."
[Read More]
glamourpuss #6 by Dave Sim preview - part four
Written by Craig Johnson
"glamourpuss #6 is available to order now from your retailer of choice, Diamond order code JAN09 3923 for the regular cover, or JAN09 3924 for the zombie variant cover. The book will be released in the fourth week of March 2009 - available now at all good comic shops is glamourpuss #5.
..."
[Read More]
glamourpuss #6 by Dave Sim preview - part three
Written by Craig Johnson
"glamourpuss #6 is available to order now from your retailer of choice, Diamond order code JAN09 3923 for the regular cover, or JAN09 3924 for the zombie variant cover. The book will be released in the fourth week of March 2009 - available now at all good comic shops is glamourpuss #5.
..."
[Read More]
glamourpuss #6 by Dave Sim preview - part two
Written by Craig Johnson
"glamourpuss #6 is available to order now from your retailer of choice, Diamond order code JAN09 3923 for the regular cover, or JAN09 3924 for the zombie variant cover. The book will be released in the fourth week of March 2009 - available now at all good comic shops is glamourpuss #5.
..."
[Read More]
glamourpuss #6 by Dave Sim preview - part one
Written by Craig Johnson
"glamourpuss #6 is available to order now from your retailer of choice, Diamond order code JAN09 3923 for the regular cover, or JAN09 3924 for the zombie variant cover. The book will be released in the fourth week of March 2009 - available now at all good comic shops is glamourpuss #5.
..."
[Read More]
In This Month's Previews...
Written by Craig Johnson
"Razorjack Collected Edition, written and drawn by John Higgins. Order code: JAN09 4094
..."
[Read More]
Dave Sim's Cerebus Archive #1
Written by Craig Johnson
"
Why an aardvark? Follow Dave Sim from the early 1970s and see rejections from DC, Marvel, Skywald, Warren and Charlton (among others). Filled with comics stories, strips and cartoons -- all complete ..."
[Read More]
Dave Sim's glamourpuss #5, part two
Written by Craig Johnson
"Available in the latest Previews, order code NOV08 3715 for the normal cover, or NOV08 3716 for the limited edition zombie variant, Dave Sim's latest series continues....here's another five images from the book.
..."
[Read More]
Dave Sim's glamourpuss #5, part one
Written by Craig Johnson
"Available in the latest Previews, order code NOV08 3715 for the normal cover, or NOV08 3716 for the limited edition zombie variant, Dave Sim's latest series continues....here's five images from the book, five more next week.
..."
[Read More]
John Higgins' RAZORJACK
Written by Craig Johnson
"
Another one from the com.x archives – John Higgins (artist on many, many books, but most well known possibly for his six-issue arc with Warren Ellis on Hellblazer, colourist of Watchmen, and original colourist of Killing Joke) – put out a one issue Razorjack special. As well as the title strip, it featured articles and other work from the likes of Robbie Morrison.
Com.X soon picked the book up, retooled it as a two issue prestige format series, and the two issues we..."
[Read More]
Remembering....CLA$$WAR
Written by Craig Johnson
"Do you remember a short lived, six issue, classic series from British upstart publishers Com.X? In a former life of mine it received some of the most favourable reviews I've ever written (and I've written a heck of a lot) as it turned superhero books on their head, bringing them smashing into the real world, involving them in politics in a way never before seen, and not seen again until Warren Ellis's apparent riff on the same theme, Black Summer.
CLA$$WAR did ..."
[Read More]
The Girly Comic - Hardcover Edition
Written by Craig Johnson
"
The Girly Comic Book 1
Edited by Selina Lock – Book Design by Jay Eales – Cover Image by Des Taylor
..."
[Read More]
Dave Sim vs. Ayn Rand via Steve Ditko
Written by Craig Johnson
"Just been listed today on EBAY
http://cgi.ebay.com/Dave-Sim-Cerebus-Ditko-Spider-Man-Ayn-Rand-original-art_W0QQitemZ200264861118QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item200264861118&_trkparms=72%3A1205%7C39%3A1%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C240%3A1318&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14..."
[Read More]
Dick Turpin and the Restless Dead
Written by Craig Johnson
"
From Time Bomb Comics comes this 28 page one-shot, written by Steve Tanner and drawn by Andy Dodd. More details from www.comicspace.com/timebombcomics and www.timebombcomics.com
..."
[Read More]
Dave Sim's glamourpuss #4 Preview, Part Two
Written by Craig Johnson
"Dave Sim's glamourpuss issue four is available to order right now from the September Previews, order code SEP08 3674 for the regular cover, SEP08 3675 limited edition zombie variant cover, for shipping in November. Issue three will be available to buy from your local comics shop on or around 17th September.
..."
[Read More]
Dave Sim's glamourpuss #4 Preview, Part One
Written by Craig Johnson
"Dave Sim's glamourpuss issue four is available to order right now from the September Previews, order code SEP08 3674 for the regular cover, SEP08 3675 limited edition zombie variant cover, for shipping in November. Issue three will be available to buy from your local comics shop on or around 17th September.
..."
[Read More]
Dave Sim's Latest Works
Written by Craig Johnson
"
Contrary to popular belief, it’s not all about glamourpuss and Judenhass for Dave Sim, creator of the 300 issue self-published epic, Cerebus, there are a few special commissions and designs hidden around the place.
For example, here’s the top half of a new t-shirt design, pieced together from the originals by Margaret Liss (www.cerebusfangirl.com):..."
[Read More]
Preview of UNICO COLLECTIONS Annual
Written by Craig Johnson
"Unico Comics was founded in July 2005 and hails from the North East of England. The idea behind Unico is to bring amateur comic book creators out of their bedrooms and into the big scary world of the small press comic business – they bring creators together to develop ideas into fully-fledged comics.
Unico..."
[Read More]
Low Energy Day – Saturday August 30th – Camden Lock Market
Written by Craig Johnson
"
(from http://londonundergroundcomics.com/)
LUC is proud to announce its SECOND festival of the year, Low Energy Day on the 30th of ..."
[Read More]
WANTED: Comics Artists/Writers for 2009 Publication
Written by Craig Johnson
"And now for something completely different.
2009 will see the publication of a brand-new anthology book, with a region theme - any creative talent, writer or artist, inker or colourist, letterer or editor, who resides in the UK's East Midlands region, is invited to take part: regardless of whether they've been published before or are up-and-coming talents.
Full details in this promo poster:-
..."
[Read More]
Caption 2008 - 9th & 10th August, East Oxford Community Centre
Written by Craig Johnson
"Caption (http://www.caption.org/2008/) is a festival of comics and minicomics held annually in Oxford. Join us for a weekend of panels, workshops, and idle chatter in the bar!
I..."
[Read More]
Jamie Hewlett's Beijing Olympics
Written by Craig Johnson
"Better known to us comics geeks as the artist behind Tank Girl and Gorillaz, Jamie Hewlett has been pounced upon by Auntie Beeb to help out with their marketing for their coverage of the Beijing Olympics....a few select images from the BBC Press Pack are gathered here...
..."
[Read More]
Dave Sim's glamourpuss #3 Preview
Written by Craig Johnson
"glamourpuss #3 is available to order now from your local comics retailer, code JUL08 3591, published by Aardvark-Vanaheim - here are ten gorgeous images from the pages of the book:-
..."
[Read More]
Septic Isle #1 Preview
Written by Craig Johnson
"Septic Isle, a new graphic novel from British indie Moonface Press, appears in August's Previews. Pitched somewhere between Greg Rucka's Queen & Country and the TV show Spooks, the book sees ageing MI5 agent Jacob Marley take on a neo-Nazi terrorist organisation called Odin's Sword. It's written by Andy Winter (author of the Eagle Award-winning Hero Killers) and drawn by Mick Trimble.
..."
[Read More]
Dave Sim's Glamourpuss #2 - More Pages...
Written by Craig Johnson
"Another six pages of the upcoming Glamourpuss #2, in shops this month, from Aardvark-Vanaheim:-
..."
[Read More]
Dave Sim's Glamourpuss #2 Preview
Written by Craig Johnson
"Out in July 2008 from all good comics retailers, and readily available for backorder (tell them to look in Previews under publisher Aardvark-Vanaheim), here's a half-dozen images from the pages of glamourpuss #2...
The cover...
..."
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Dancing With The Stars (NOV 3)
Written by Rick Sharer
""I realize this is pretty marginalized subject matter when compared with Tina Fey's 6 million dollar book deal but you know me: once a policy wonk always a policy wonk." -- Dave Sim
..."
[Read More]
From The Eye Of The Hurricane (OCT 13)
Written by Rick Sharer
""The giddy response to Governor Palin is potentially a bad sign and certainly indicates that a female candidacy is, AS a female candidacy, a distorting factor in politics which moves policy to the sidelines and moves irrelevant factors like gender front-and-center." -- Dave Sim
..."
[Read More]
An Air of Perfect Madness (SEP 8)
Written by Rick Sharer
""During times of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act." - George Orwell
..."
[Read More]
Banned From Wonderland (AUG 25)
Written by Rick Sharer
"
"The truth will set you free. But first it will piss you off." -- Gloria Steinem (recalled in GLAMOUR magazine July ’08)
..."
[Read More]
Deconstructing Wonder Woman (AUG 11)
Written by Rick Sharer
""Ask Steve Bolhafner this: why was Lawrence Summers hounded from office? Why was his life destroyed?" -- Dave Sim, 7/26/08
ABOUT LAST COLUMN
..."
[Read More]
For Whom The Belle Trolls (JUL 28)
Written by Rick Sharer
""Well, just to be accurate, I didn’t say women SHOULDN’T have the vote. What I said was there are consequences to women having the vote and, as we’ve seen, the feminization of society is one of them." -- Dave Sim, 07/23/08
..."
[Read More]
The Mother of All Battles (Jun 30)
Written by Rick Sharer
""That’s why I kept the question simple: Do you believe Dave Sim is a misogynist? The problem that James and others have with that is that it is necessary for Dave Sim to BE a misogynist in order to justify the fourteen years of shunning and character assassination." --Dave Sim 06/23/08
..."
[Read More]
Pearls of Wisdom, Blocks of Concrete (JUN 16)
Written by Rick Sharer
""I’ve devoted far more time and energy to this than even the most optimistic projected outcomes would warrant. You can’t reason with blocks of concrete." -- Dave Sim, from the Sim/Tundis faxes
..."
[Read More]
Avoid Verbal Defecation, It’s a Mug’s Game (Jun 2)
Written by Rick Sharer
"
"…they get very emotional and start calling people like me every name they can think of. Fortunately, that doesn’t change reality one whit. Don’t get TOO sucked up in it. It’s a mug’s game overall."..."
[Read More]
Get Thee Behind Me (May 19)
Written by Rick Sharer
""I don’t hate women and I’m not prejudiced against women any more than I’m prejudiced against black people. Feminism is not a viable way to run a society (see "Fifteen Impossible Things To Believe Before Breakfast") . Saying Feminism isn’t a viable way to run society doesn’t mean I hate women or that I’m prejudiced against women. It means ..."
[Read More]
Pariah King to Queen’s Level Three (May 5)
Written by Rick Sharer
""When it comes to liberals, 'evasions R Us'. I want to clarify what the situation is, what reality is. In any situation where you are championing reality, liberals will find a way ..."
[Read More]
JUDENHASS By Any Other Name (APR 7)
Written by Rick Sharer
""I haven’t responded to Heidi MacDonald because I consider any analogy drawn between the pampered, cosseted and universally capitulated-to North American feminists and what European Jews experienced between 1933 and 1945 to be among the worst examples of trivializing the Shoah that could be imagined and to be, quite literally, beneath comment." -- Dave Sim
&nbs..."
[Read More]
Three For the Money (MAR 24)
Written by Rick Sharer
""By the wide world, for at least the first forty years of their existence, comics were universally branded as juvenile. They were the ultimate greasy kids’ stuff. They were viewed as the literary equivalent of bubblegum cards, meant to be poked into the spokes of a young mind where they would produce a satisfying—but entirely bogus—rumble of pleasure.
..."
[Read More]
My Top Twelve Life-Changing Comics Part II (MAR 10)
Written by Rick Sharer
"Yeah, the indy comics scene is where it’s at these days. And there’s no better site than COMICS VILLAGE to keep up to speed on the best, brightest, and hottest talent. But..."
[Read More]
Through the Glass, Darkly: A Look at My Top Twelve Memorable Comics Events PART I (FEB 25)
Written by Rick Sharer
""The multiplying villanies of nature do swarm him...and fortune, on his damned quarrel, smiling, showed like a rebel's whore." -- V For Vendetta
ABOUT LAST COLUMN
I continue to get more and more love from Marxist-feminists w..."
[Read More]
The Ugly Face of Feminism (FEB 11)
Written by Rick Sharer
" "And I haven't read your latest 'columns,' sorry. Once a retarded monkey shits in the punch bowl, only people who like the taste of shit punch tend to want to stay at the party." -- Gail Simone
..."
[Read More]
Logic vs. Emotion…Taming the Shrew Inside (JAN 28)
Written by Rick Sharer
""Do YOU want our society run by people like Warren Ellis? Look at everything you write realizing that anything you write that upsets emotional people keeps them from facing any fact you bring up…all that can do is undermine your own efforts." -- Dave Sim
..."
[Read More]
Aren’t You the Prettiest Little Marxist-Feminist! (JAN 14)
Written by Rick Sharer
"
..."
[Read More]
Mission Impossible: Whatever You Say, Ma'am! (DEC 31)
Written by Rick Sharer
"
"I hadn’t heard about you being banned from Warren Ellis’ Delphi site. But, then again, why would I? I suppose since he thought you were ‘just a ..."
[Read More]
What Does it Profit a Prophet? The Courageous Stand of Dave Sim (DEC 17)
Written by Rick Sharer
"
"I’ve never regretted taking a stand over the last thirteen years. On the contrary, knowing that I will be seen by history as one of the few willing to stand up for reality and that I was doing so for a goo..."
[Read More]
The Wife and Kids (DEC 3)
Written by Rick Sharer
"
"If we're going to be able to afford that new dining-room set, I'm going to have to get that raise. If I'm going to be able to get enough money for the down payment on the house, I'm going to have to pull a lot of overtime. If I'm going to pay for the new living-room furniture and the ballet lessons and the tuition at the private school, I'm going to have to ge..."
[Read More]
Are Boys really superior to Girls? (NOV 19)
Written by Rick Sharer
" “The comic-book field is, universally, a Marxist-feminist construct which applauds, endorses and encourages the vilification, shunning and denunciation of Dave Sim: there are no exceptions to that statement.” - Dave Sim..."
[Read More]
Aion: The Tower Of Eternity Preview
Written by Glenn Carter
"I got the chance, last weekend, to try out Aion: The Tower Of Eternity on one of the closed beta sessions. Aion, is a korean MMORPG which focuses on the war between the light and the dark, the light being represented by the Elyos race and the dark being represented by the Asmodian race. The game is PvP and PvE and also describes itself as having PvPvE (Player Vs Player Vs Enemy). I understand that territory will be claimable by both sides or in response to story events and this will lead to epic..."
[Read More]
And the 360 Game of the Year is...
Written by Craig Johnson
"...well, Fable 2 was brilliant (if perhaps a little short), Fallout 3 is much longer and more involved (although totally unsocial) and LIPS is excellent if a little limited - 40 songs of 3 or4 minutes each sounds fine, but there is such an ecletic mix that one quarter of them you'll hate, one quarter you'll dislike, one quarter you'll like and be crap at and one quarter you'll like and can sing...
Leaving the top spot open to the most fun, social, entertaining and..."
[Read More]
Downloading Games and Fun
Written by Glenn Carter
"I've come to the conclusion that copying a game from the internet isn't worth it. I'm not against it on moral grounds, especially. Piracy of games and music is one of the checks and balances of capitalism - it keeps the price of music, games and everything else competitive. After all, if the price is too high it's easier to justify downloading it from the internet as universally happens with computer applications such as Photoshop, where the pricing is immoral and exorbitant so v..."
[Read More]
Home is where the arse is
Written by Glenn Carter
"Last week, after much delay, Sony finally released their virtual world Home, and I got to try it out.
Having created our character and decked him out with a lovely weightlifter mustache then picked from the pitifully short selection of clothes (more are available for 60p an item) we start to experience the world...."
[Read More]
Goal Line Blitz
Written by Craig Johnson
"When you think MMORPG you think...World of Warcraft? Tabula Rasa? Warhammer? Star Wars Galaxies, maybe?
Now there's Goal Line Blitz - American Football writ large, thousands of players taking the role of...players. Some enterprising individuals take on team ownership too, but mostly players just build the player they want to be, the player they see at games or on TV, or the player from the past they admire.
At least, that'..."
[Read More]
Fable 2 Pub Games (And How To Win At Them)
Written by Craig Johnson
"Although Fable 2 on the 360 isn't out until near the end of October, you can purchase the three included Pub Games from XBLA right now (800 MS points) or get them free if you pre-order the game. The way the pre-ordering works in the UK is pretty simple - pop into your nearest GAME shop, buy a Fables 2 Pub Game code for £4.95 and keep the receipt. When Fables 2 comes out, take the receipt into the shop for £4.95 off the price of the game.
..."
[Read More]
Fallout 3 Videos
Written by Craig Johnson
"
Five new videos were recently posted on the Fallout 3 website – if this gets any more exciting, I’m just going to have to explode…
Escape:
Everyone who’s played The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion knows that moment where they first get out of the dungeons and into the open – from claustrophobia into instant agrophobia, you make the final decisions on your character and are then free to explore at will. This is Fallout 3’s equivalent, ..."
[Read More]
Tabula Rasa (PC)
Written by Glenn Carter
"Older gamers may remember the name Richard Gariott (Or Lord British) as a blast from the past. Essentually the man behind the Ultima Games, I've always considered that he essentually invented the modern MM game, with Ultima Online. So it's always going to be of interest when he comes back in the world of Massively Multiplayer, as he has done with Tabula Rasa, his co-operation orientated space saga.Thanks to NCSoft I have a free trial account, so here's the low..."
[Read More]
Latest Score: Fallout 3, Fable 2
Written by Craig Johnson
"Minor crisis hits GamesVillage Towers this week. The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion: The Shivering Isles (to give it its short name) campaign progressed from 176 hours to 181 hours, progressing through maybe a half-dozen missions to move within one of the final mission...whereupon the game hangs, in the middle of save: corrupting the save file.
Everyone who never plays games seriously is now saying: well, why didn't you save regularly?
Everyone who ever ..."
[Read More]
PS3 vs XBOX 360
Written by Glenn Carter
"The Final Fantasy series is coming to the 360 at long last, with the first being XIII. It's great for us 360 owners, but I must admit I think it will be problematic for PS3 owners and that made me think some more about why the 360 is still in a healthier position than Sony in this generation.FFXIII is yet another PS3 exclusive gone the way of GTA and the PS3 needs it's exclusives to thrive but is still, after all this time, lacking a killer app. So, what is there that justifi..."
[Read More]
My October Symphony
Written by Craig Johnson
""Shall I rewrite or revise my October symphony, or as an indication, change the dedication, from revolution, to revelation."- NT (identify the quote and win a prize...maybe)
October is gearing up to be a terrible month in XBOX 360 land.
Why is that, you ask, surely the Christmas rush is on, and there'll be a plethora of new games to play?
That's exactly the problem, I riposte.
OK, so this happens every year, but with many games r..."
[Read More]
Dave Sim's Commentaries on the Gospel According to Mark, Part Twenty
Written by Craig Johnson
"
Chapter 3
Verse 1 – And he entered again into synagogue, and was there man having been dried up having the hand
Verse 2 - And they were observing beside him if to the Sabbaths he will cure him in order that they might accuse him.
Again, it’s difficult to know exactly what is being conveyed here, but the tone certainly suggests a direct consequenc..."
[Read More]
Dave Sim's Commentaries on the Gospel According to Mark, Part Nineteen
Written by Craig Johnson
"
Verse 25 – And he is saying to them, "Never did you read what did David when need he had and he got hungry he and the ____s with him?"
Verse 26 – "How he entered into the house of the God upon Abiathar chief priest and the loaves of the presentation he ate, which not it is lawful to eat if not the priests, and he gave also to the ___s together with him being?"
The introduction of King David into ..."
[Read More]
Dave Sim's Commentaries on the Gospel According to Mark, Part Eighteen
Written by Craig Johnson
"Verse 20 – "will come ____ (however days) when might be taken off from them the bridegroom, and then they will fast in that the day."It’s an interesting rejoinder, raising the possibility that the context in which the Synoptic Jesus and the disciples co-exist is temporary while also indicating that he is "on" them in some way. He isn’t going to be "taken out" or "taken away" he’s going to be "taken off" from th..."
[Read More]
Dave Sim's Commentaries on the Gospel According to Mark, Part Seventeen
Written by Craig Johnson
"
Verse 18 – And were the disciples of John and the Pharisees fasting. And they were coming and saying to him "Through what the disciples of John and the disciples of the Pharisees are fasting, the ___ (however your disciples) not are fasting?"
Although traditionally translated as "Why is it that the disciples, etc." I think the sense that is being conveyed is mo..."
[Read More]
Dave Sim's Commentaries on the Gospel According to Mark, Part Sixteen
Written by Craig Johnson
"
Verse 16 – And the scribes of the Pharisees having seen that he eats with the sinners and tax collectors were saying to the disciples of him that "With the tax collectors and sinners he eats?"
Verse 17 – And having heard the ____ (Jesus) is saying to them "Not need are having the ____s being strong of healer but the ____s badly having; not I came to call righteous ____s but sinners." ..."
[Read More]
Dave Sim's Commentaries on the Gospel According to Mark, Part Fifteen
Written by Craig Johnson
"
Verse 13 – And he went out again beside the sea; and all the crowd was coming toward him, and he was teaching them.
It’s hard to know if this is intended ironically since all of the previous references have suggested that the inundation of the crowd was making teaching impossible. The verb tense of "all the crowd was coming toward him," suggests that this might..."
[Read More]
Dave Sim's Commentaries on the Gospel According to Mark, Part Fourteen
Written by Craig Johnson
"
Verse 9 – "Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Are being let go off of you the sins’ or to say ‘Get up and lift up the cot of you and be walking about’?"
The key evasion here is the setting up a false dichotomy. The question isn’t whether it is "easier" to say one thing or the other: either one can be said with equal ease, it’s just talk. The actual question is: is the Synoptic Jesus declaring himse..."
[Read More]
How I do cons
Written by David Doub
"Hello,
my name is David Doub. I’m an unabashed geek. I like comics and
vampires for as long as I can remember, that’s why I’m publishing a graphic
novel about vampires. Actually the final reason I self published this
book, is because I wanted some control over my life, or at least a better
illusion of if.I’ve
worked in the tech industry for 10 years and grown tired of working for other
people and not feeling fulfilled in my ..."
[Read More]
Draw The World Together @ Bristol, May 2009
Written by Craig Johnson
"
Come and get your hands sticky at the Draw The World Together 2009 SPEXPO Jam from Insomnia Publications
Forget the "jam tomorrow" promises of the establishment!
Instead come and get your free and independent jam at the SPEXPO on the 9th of May.
Insomnia Publications will be supporting DTWT from our stand at Bristol with the All New SPEXPO JAM. where participating artists will all be drawing a sketch on one big piece of paper that we can..."
[Read More]
Dave Sim's Commentaries on the Gospel According to Mark, Part Thirteen
Written by Craig Johnson
"
Verse 6 – Were ____ (however some of the scribes) there sitting and reasoning in the hearts of them,
Verse 7 - "Why this ____ thus speaks? He is blaspheming; who is able be letting go off sins if not one the God?"
It seems peculiar to me to refer to people as "reasoning in the hearts of them" since reasoning takes place in the head: brain and/..."
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Dave Sim's Commentaries on the Gospel According to Mark, Part Twelve
Written by Craig Johnson
"
Verse 3 - And they come bringing toward him paralytic being lifted up by four.
Again, this would seem to me to be God’s form of deistic witticism. The message of the leper having been dismissed and, in fact, inverted into a reinforcement of YHWHistic teaching, God tries again. This time, instead of a leper, YHWH comes to his/her/itself in the form of a paralyti..."
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Dave Sim's Commentaries on the Gospel According to Mark, Part Eleven
Written by Craig Johnson
"
Verse 45 – The ___ (however ____) having gone out started to be proclaiming many ___s [plural] and to spread abroad the word as-and not yet him to be able manifestly into city to enter, but outside upon lonely places he was and ____ were coming toward him from all sides.
The double blanks in "The ____ (however ____)" signify an elevated position in the ____ hierarchy, in this case, God, or some..."
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Dave Sim's Commentaries on the Gospel According to Mark, Part Ten
Written by Craig Johnson
"
Verse 44 - And is saying to him "See to no one nothing you should tell, but be going under yourself. Show to the priest and bring toward about the cleansing of you what directed Moshe into witness to them."
It’s an interesting but terribly confused way of putting it that indicates, I believe, the extent to which YHWH’s sensibility behind it is badly shaken. "See to no one nothing you..."
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Dave Sim's Commentaries on the Gospel According to Mark, Part Nine
Written by Craig Johnson
"
Verse 38 – And he is saying to them "Let us go elsewhere into the being had village cities, in order that also there I might preach, into this for I went out."
The "being had" village cities ("village cities" is actually a single Greek term popularly translated as "towns") seems to convey the same sort of concept as "badly having." Given that the "badly having" circumstance was pretty much a un..."
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Dave Sim's Commentaries on the Gospel According to Mark, Part Eight
Written by Craig Johnson
"
Verse 33: And was whole the city having been led together upon toward the door.
The fact that the reference is to "whole the city" [or, perhaps, "whole ____ (the city)" if what is being referred to is a universal ____ state in addition to the physically-incarnated net effects: which would seem a safe assumption (even if hyperbolic)] serve..."
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Dave Sim's Commentaries on the Gospel According to Mark, Part Seven
Written by Craig Johnson
"
Verse 29 And at once out of the synagogue, having gone forth, they came into the house of Simon and Andrew with James and John. The ____ (however mother-in-law) of Simon was lying down burning with fever and at once they are saying to him about her
The KJV translates "at once" as "forthwith," which, it seems to me, illustrates the problem with tre..."
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Dave Sim's Commentaries on the Gospel According to Mark, Part Six
Written by Craig Johnson
"
Verse 23: And at once was in the synagogue of them man in spirit unclean and he cried out,
The "at once" is deleted in traditional translations for what I would guess is the reluctance on the part of Christians to face the obvious inference to be drawn, that the appearance in the synagogue of "man in spirit in unclean" is a direct and immediate result of the Sy..."
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Dave Sim's Commentaries on the Gospel According to Mark, Part Five
Written by Craig Johnson
"
Verse 18: And at once having let go off the nets they followed him.
Presumably the compulsion to respond and obey immediately was a response to God that is the hidden facet of the enactment or, perhaps more accurately, the facet of the enactment that YHWH hides from him/her/itself: that the attempt to make use of God or to harness God is a futile one. It is God that they’re responding to, no matter the metaphorical construct. By "giving over" Jo..."
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Dave Sim's Commentaries on the Gospel According to Mark, Part Four
Written by Craig Johnson
"
Verse 12: And at once the spirit him thrusts out into the wilderness
Translated as "the Spirit impelled him to go out into the wilderness," that’s not specifically what the text says, I don’t think. I think a more forceful case could be made for the fact that "the spirit him" is a less ambiguous _____ reference to both the larger governing nature of the Sy..."
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Dave Sim's Commentaries on the Gospel According to Mark, Part Three
Written by Craig Johnson
"
Verse 8: I baptized you to water, he however will baptize you to spirit holy.
Mistranslated as "with water" and "with spirit holy." Water is God’s chosen medium in contradistinction to the Earth, which is YHWH’s habitation (in Genesis, it is the parting of the waters which reveal the Earth). So there is a bargain here that has been struck apparently in that John — as YHWH’s proxy in the story — is baptizing "into" or "to" water follow..."
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Dave Sim's Commentaries on the Gospel According to Mark, Part Two
Written by Craig Johnson
"
Verse 3: Voice of crying out in the wilderness, ‘Make you ready the way of YHWH, straight make you the roads of him.’
Contrast this with the same passage from Isaiah 40:3 in the KJV:
The voyce of him that cryeth in the wildernesse, prepare yee the way of the YHWH, make straight in the desert a high way for our God...."
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Batman RIP or RipOff?
Written by Craig Johnson
"So, Batman 681 is out today, the glorious conclusion to the event of the century, a reveal 70 years in the making, the book that even makes the British newspapers saying Bruce Wayne is dead and going to be replaced.
Let's look at it.
1: Bats opens his eyes.
2-3: Bats is bound in a coffin underground, very much like the ending of The Vanishing if you ever saw that film: "Batman thinks of everything" says the text, but we know that, we've been reading stuff that ..."
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Dave Sim's Commentaries on the Gospel According to Mark, Part One
Written by Craig Johnson
"
Commentaries on the
Gospel According to Mark
Introduction
I first became aware of the Kingdom Interlinear Translations of the Gospels from the original Greek through a reader of mine by the name of David W. Johnson. Although the extracts he sent me certainly seemed biz..."
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Comics Just Aren't Worth Buying Any More
Written by Craig Johnson
"To be specific, Marvel and DC comics, that is.
To be explicit, the comics I purchased recently in the fit of madness, in a fit of defying the credit crunch and seeing just what is it about the current crop of popular Marvel and DC books that makes them sell the most in a shrinking market and a shrinking worldwide economy. Are these books really the peak of the artform to justify their sales, or are they a complete load of crap as we'd expect here at CV?
Let's tak..."
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Mark Simpson (1968-2005)
Written by
"It’s been over three weeks now since Mark Simpson, my friend and business partner – and the artistic heart of Page 45 – suddenly fell ill, and died.Mark was three years younger than me, several times healthier, and – in spite of my best efforts – infinitely more knowledgeable about the comic book medium that I fear I’ll ever be.I am, like many, at a loss for words. Yet somehow I’ve had to find them, to break the news to our closest customers and the i..."
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Insomnia Publications looking for new writers and artists
Written by Craig Johnson
"
Hello Everyone.
My name is Nic Wilkinson and I am very pleased to announce that, as of a few days ago, I have recently accepted the role of Creative Director for Insomnia Publications.
Insomnia are currently inviting submissions from both writers and artists (pencillers, colourists and inkers). We will be at the Birmingham International Comics show and will be hosting portfolio review sessions throughout the weekend. Times will be up on the table, s..."
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When CV Met...Eddie Campbell...The Interview.
Written by Craig Johnson
"
On Sunday 3rd August 2008, Page 45 in Nottingham hosted a signing, talk and general pub "do" with Eddie Campbell – artist on Alan Moore’s From Hell, creator of Bacchus and the autobiographical Alec graphic novels, The Fate of the Artist and his recent book, with Dan Best, The Amazing Remarkable Monsieur Leotard, amongst many other fine works.
CV was privileged to have Eddie agree to answer a few of our ..."
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Ban Called For "Him & Her's Smuggling Vacation"
Written by Craig Johnson
"UK creator Jason Wilson's fine book, Him & Her's Smuggling Vacation should be banned from prisons, according to Birmingham Perry Barr Labour MP Khalid Mahmood.
In an article by Lorne Jackson in this weekend's Sunday Mercury http://www.sundaymercury.net/news/midlands-news/2008/08/17/midlands-supercriminal-s-com..."
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When Comics Village met Eddie Campbell....part 2
Written by Glenn Carter
"Recently, myself and Craig Johnson had a lovely day out in Nottingham, where we talked soup, bought comics and met Eddie Campbell (amongst others).With Craig doing enough talking for the both of us, I decided to whip out my camera and take a few photos of the scenes unfolding. Now you can see them in full colour with your actual eyes.The scene was Page 45, Nottingham's best comic shop, at the Eddie Campbell signing. We went armed with a bag of questions (among them..."
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When Comics Village Met Eddie Campbell... (Part One)
Written by Craig Johnson
"Sunday 3rd August 2008
Setting off for Page 45 in Nottingham - Britain's finest comics shop - your intrepid reporters were on a mission: to secure a Village Gossip interview piece with Sir Edward of Campbell, in this, the last leg of his world tour to promote The Fate of the Artist and the upcoming Monsieur Leotard.
With the signing set for between 1.30 and 3.30, and a second chance down the pub between 4 and 6, we w..."
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Superhero Magazine's Fifty Stupidest Empire Journalists
Written by Craig Johnson
"Or actually, Empire Magazine's Fifty Greatest Comic Book Characters.
http://www.empireonline.com/50greatestcomiccharacters/default.asp?c=1
Presumably researched by whatever tramp was hanging around Empire's offices that day, we have the following line from the #1 entry, Superman:-
How many other characters from ..."
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Clifford Meth on Snaked, Sylvia Plath, and why Harlan Ellison is like Jesus Christ
Written by Craig Johnson
"
Clifford Meth is a prolific writer, with some of his upcoming projects being:
- The SNAKED TPB (http://www.idwpublishing.com/titles/snaked.shtml), out soon from IDW Publishing (with a brand-new introduction by Gene Colan)
- COMIC BOOK BABYLON, currently being prepared by Aardwolf Publishing (..."
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The Comics of Oliver East: Trains Are ... Mint
Written by Craig Johnson
"It's amazing how one runs across new comics in this internet age - picture the scene, I was listening to the Mark Radcliffe Show on BBC Radio 2 (not even live, just the Listen Again feature the BBC offer on many of their radio programmes) because I'd heard that Elbow were on it - as I'm a bit of a fan, and their new album is coming up for release (17th March, The Seldom Seen Kid, buy it from iTunes or amazon (other internet and even non-internet retailers are available)) - so it w..."
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Dave Sim on Steve Gerber
Written by Dave Sim
"Dave Sim's comments on a recent forum posting at the Comics Bulletin message board, about Steve Gerber who tragically died on Monday (used with permission from Dave Sim).He was a wonderful guy. The last time I saw him was the night of the
legendary Aardvarks Over San Diego party at the Holiday Inn Embarcadero
(sp?) when Ger and I had a two bedroom suite on the top floor, handed
out 30 i..."
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IDW's Snaked! Censored by US Political Heavyweights?
Written by Craig Johnson
"As originally reported on this website earlier this week, it appears that page 22 of IDW's Snaked! issue three has been censored ... and given the content of the page, it's possible this censorship came on the back of pressure from sources close to the Clintons...with scenes featuring both Bill and Hilliary Clinton receiving pleasure at the "hands" of a mystery blonde, CV sat down with writer Clifford Meth and artist Rufus Dayglo to find out the truth:-
..."
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Own Dave Cockrum's Personal Comics Collection...
Written by Clifford Meth
"(From http://thecliffordmethod.blogspot.com/2007/12/own-dave-cockrums-comics.html with kind permission of the author)
The following is a sample of comics being sold from Dave Cockrum’s personal collection and file copies. All come bagged, boarded and sealed with a "Dave Cockrum Estate" seal of authenticity. Checks should be payable to ..."
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Brand New Bollocks
Written by Craig Johnson
"
A recent well-known internet columnist, Brandon Thomas, wrote in <a href=http://forum.newsarama.com/showthread.php?t=141633>his column</a> at Newsarama a defence of Spider-Man: One More Day by opening up with:-
"Seriously…was that really so bad? "
My answer would’ve been: Yes. End the column. Yes would do.
Brandon commented to me that: "It'll be reversed in a year or so and I think it'll be interesting to have a Spider-..."
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Bullying Policies: New School or Old?
Written by Clifford Meth
"
After two years of public school, my 12-year-old begged to return to yeshiva where he felt he'd be surrounded by like-minded children and have an opportunity for a more robust social life. My assessment--not his. He just said, "I really want to go back." So I sent him to the Joseph Kushner Hebrew Academy.Religiously speaking, JKHA is a Conservadox enclave (although they market themselves as "Orthodox") located kitty-corner to the prestigiou..."
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COMPETITION TIME - Choose a cover, win a book
Written by Craig Johnson
"From friend of the site, Martin Buxton, a short release:-
Help C2D4 choose the cover for their upcoming 'Jack in the Box' graphic novel --C2D4 will be launching their first graphic novel, Jack in the Box, atBICS 2009, in October.Before we hit the printers, we need to decide on a cover for the novel.We have 4 to choose from, all of them variations on the same theme. Wewould like your help in deciding which one would..."
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Bryan Talbot on Insomnia's Cancertown
Written by Craig Johnson
"From the Insomnia Publications blog (http://theredeyed.blogspot.com/2009/03/dont-say-he-didnt-warn-you.html):
Today we have some fantastic news that cannot wait until Monday night -
Bryan Talbot has written the foreword for Cancertown. ..."
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New Squaxx On The Block
Written by Shane Chebsey
"New Squaxx on the Block
A fresh face takes over at the Galaxy’s Greatest Fanzine
..."
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An Interview With Ad Grose.
Written by Shane Chebsey
"I recently caught up with Ad Grose the man behind Clown Press asked him about his new book and delved a little into what made him tick:..."
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Accent UK - The Inside Scoop
Written by Shane Chebsey
"Welcome back to Indy Undercurrent.
..."
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New Kid on the Block
Written by Shane Chebsey
"
When I first started doing The Smallzone Distribution service in 1999 it was because I thought it was something that was desperately needed as nobody else was doing it and for the past 8 years it’s seemed like it was always going to be just me.
But now, a new young upstart – one Mister Oli ‘he has big curly hair so he must be hip‘ Smith, small press cre..."
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Dusting Off Old Favorites
Written by Lisa Anderson
"When people like something, they have a tendency to stick with it. Favorite shirts are worn until they fall apart, favorite meals ordered enough that you can ask for your usual without touching a menu. Yet for entertainment, many people seem to avoid visiting the past, even as others happily seek it out. For those that avoid, old games are left to gather dust after the final boss is beaten and the credits role for the first time. Movies are watched once then shelved and f..."
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After the Chaos Comes More: White Noise
Written by Lisa Anderson
"I usually hesitate before reading web comics leaning toward the sci-fi end of the spectrum. There are two main reasons for this; tech and humor.A lot of comics believe that they aren’t science fiction unless the story uses a variety of random gadgets, layers of real (or fictional) science, and endless speeches filled with long words and otherwise useless jargon. I understand some settings need the feel such things bring, but a comic shouldn’t read like a manua..."
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Revive and Recover
Written by Lisa Anderson
"After a nasty string of life and health troubles, things are finally getting back on track. Writing resumes next week, and I apologize for the long and horrible delay...."
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Roll a Fun Check: Order of the Stick
Written by Lisa Anderson
"(Tried this a couple weeks ago, but it seems I failed my time-glitch evasion roll. Into the fray once more then!)It’s no secret that I love games. Board, video, word…even the often misunderstood genre of paper gaming. To be fair, most hobbies have their share of stereotypes and bad press. All it takes are a few dark rumors, a bit of time, and even the most innocent hobby can go from beloved to reviled.For many paper and pencil..."
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The Wheels Roll On...
Written by Lisa Anderson
"…just try not to get run over.One problem with liking anything is trying to keep up with it. What might start as a small interest can quickly grow into a monstrous fandom, branching out in every direction like a weed gone wild. You can follow all you like, but one person - no matter the funding, talent, or luck - can only do so much. What in the world am I talking about? Let’s take a look at manga, for example. When I first starting re..."
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To Hell and Back: Slightly Damned
Written by Lisa Anderson
"Angels and demons are nothing new to web comics; spiritual and supernatural elements seem to be a staple in many fantasy settings. (Even more so in modern/fantasy crossovers) With the rise of anime and manga, many stories seem to thrive on pretty boys or girls connected to heaven, hell, or a magic realm of some type. Maybe it’s just me, but it gets old after a while. (Any overused stereotype does.)So what happens when you throw the standards out? I..."
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Animal Antics: Two Lumps
Written by Lisa Anderson
"Animals and entertainment have long been friends; there just s