------------------------------------------------------------------------ THE COMIC BOOK NET ELECTRONIC MAGAZINE - ISSUE NUMBER 61 ________________________________________________________________________ World Wide Web Page------>> http://members.aol.com/ComicBkNet ------------------------------------------------------------------------ o \o/ _ o _| \ / |_ o_ \o/ o /|\ | /\ _\o \o | o/ O/_ /\ | /|\ / \ / \ |\ /) | ( \ /o\ / ) | (\ / | / \ / \ This publication is brought to you by the members of the premiere BBS network for the discussion of comics books and the people who create them, The ComicBook Network!!! Edited by: David LeBlanc [ComicBkNet@aol.com] ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The ComicBook Network was founded by Ed Dukeshire and Mike Imboden ------------------------------------------------------------------------ If you wish to receive these issues automatically through your internet account, please address a message to ComicBkNet@aol.com to be placed on the subscription list. ________________________________________________________________________ T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S ------------------------------------------------------------------------ [1] On the Net ............................ David LeBlanc [2] Letters to the Editor ................. Your Page! TRIVIA CONTEST......................... Guesses & Answers [3] CBN Insider ........................... News, gossip, & rumors [4] Suspended Animation ................... Michael Vance [5] Review: SLUDGE #1 ..................... Bill de Haan [6] DC licences software titles ........... Business Wire [7] Recommended Reading ................... Joe Torres [8] Our Favorite Comic Stores.............. The ComicBook Net [9] New Comics Shipping 6/5/96 ............ Bobb Waller [A] How to join ComicBook Network.......... BBS 101 [B] BBSes Linked into CBN.................. CBN node list [C] E-Mag Info: Submissions, Subscriptions, Back Issues, Copyrights ________________________________________________________________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------------ [1] On the Net by David LeBlanc Well, I surprised even me last weekend by having the issue out even earlier than usual. It was one of the most unique weekends of my life. I experienced a once in a lifetime event, by attending my brother's ordination as a Catholic Priest. I was swept away by the cathedral, the music - which was superbly executed by two choirs and an ensemble of very talented musicians, and the structure and ceremony of the whole thing. You don't have to be very religious to be inspired by other people's fervor - it is very catchy. The family reunion with 4 of my 5 brothers, 2 sisters and my dad (only 4 of us live in New England) made it a terrific experience, and one not likely to be topped for any of us. I hope everyone else had a great Memorial Day weekend as well. Please make a note to check the shelves at your local comic shop for INNOCENT BYSTANDER #2 which just came out this week. If it is not there ask your friendly dealer to order it. It *is* worth your time. It is published by Gary Sassaman under the Ollie, Ollie! Oxen Free Press label. This is a slow week it seems so I am trying something unusual. Those of you who recall our Special Edition #1 (April Fool) issue (still available on our web page at: http://members.aol.com/ComicBkNet) will recognize the name Bill de Haan, who was the "Answer Man" that explained the saga of the Phoenix and the chronal temporal duplicates in the Legion of Super Heroes (my head still aches from that one). Recently I was reminded that his reviews of the Ultraverse titles, in their first incarnation, were particularly entertaining. After a little coaxing, he passed on the one he did on Sludge #1 with permission to use it here. In those days, nearly 3 years ago, Bill and I frequented the Relaynet (RIME) Comic conference as did Ultraverse creators James Hudnall (you are reading ESPERS from Halloween Comics right?) who did Hard Case and Solution as well as Steve Gerber the writer of Sludge and Editor of Rune at the start. This made it particularly fun to see such a detailed review as Bill sometime gave, and how the creator reacted to it. Believe me those guys got a lot of heat from us and others on their *gimmicks* . . . but I digress. Bill's review of Sludge #1 is here as a blast from the past. Those of you who still have your copy may want to pull it out and use it as a guide as some of the wit is tied in with the art on the page. I felt saddened to see the demise of yet another promising effort. I enjoyed much of the Ultraverse though I soured on the constant barrage of gimmicks and flip books and so on. When Thor showed up, I was gone. I knew it was the beginning of the end. At least it gave James Robinson the recognition he deserved and out of the rest of it all, Sludge was my next favorite. So, see if you go for a 3 year old review and let me know what you think. I welcome others to send in reviews as well. Maybe you have a favorite you re-read on occasion and want to share your thoughts with us. Why not? We also have another Suspended Animation for you, this time about STRAY BULLETS. Recommended Reading is back with a special announcement for the summer ahead. Next issue will have another interview by Keith O'Brien which I am sure will interest lots of you - it is with Phil Foglio. Until then, lets us know what you think about this issue. David LeBlanc [ComicBkNet@aol.com] Editor The Comic Book Net E-Mag ________________________________________________________________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------------ [2] Letters to the Editor If you want to comment on this or any previous issue, want to offer something for us to publish, or just want to shamelessly suck up to the editor to try and get your name in print send Email to: ComicBkNet@aol.com Note: letters of comment, complete with the sender's Email address may be used in future issues of the CBN E-Mag unless you specifically request us NOT to use them. Email address will be withheld upon request. +++++ First up, a chance to submit your art: From: DilemmaPro@aol.com Date: Thu, 30 May 1996 12:24:00 -0400 Subject: Dilemma's Talent Search ***************Press Release ********* --Dilemma Productions has decided to do a pinup book, and would like to use this as a platform to promote the work of some aspiring artists as well as featuring established talent. Being a small publisher we can't afford much in the way of compensation, but there is tremendous value in an unpublished artist getting work published at no cost. Section 12/Dilemma Presents covers 1-4 are available for download from the America On-Line Comics library. Here's the info about the project (submissions guidelines).-- 1) All artwork must be no larger than 11x17 and must include an SASE for return. 2) No full nudity 3) Shots must appear candid and showcase the female form. There is a theme to this book which requires the shots appear candid and cannot contain the character of Nightfall. If you need to know more about this theme ask and we'll fill you in. 4) The artwork must feature female Section 12 characters(ex: Whitney Thorne, Miss Fire, Female Guards, etc... Your choice). The Section 12 logo must appear in every illustration. If you are not familiar with our characters please contact Dilemma Productions at the address below. 5) All illustrations must be finished. Penciled and inked. 6) Send your submission to Dilemma Productions PO Box 803 Easthampton, Ma 01027 Artists whose submissions are used will have their work published in Dilemma's pinup book, receive complimentary copies of the book, be invited to a signing along with other artists in the book, artwork will also be considered for a card in the Independent Universe Series III card set in 1997. Thanks . Dilemma Productions +++++ Subj: Junk Mail/WIZARD news Date: 96-05-26 02:28:17 EDT From: DneColt David: <> Brother, you don't know the HALF of it. As a worker in the junk mail industry myself, I could tell you stuff that would turn you white, as they say. The Dept. H thing is the tip of the iceberg. More often than not, they know who you are BEFORE they send it. In fact, here's a little new item your readers might be interested in. In the most recent issue of DM News (the junk mailer's Wall Street Journal), there was an announcement that WIZARD is selling it's lists. It goes on to say that it's lists are divided into "subscribers," "collectors," and "fans," Now, this leads me to believe that their subscription lists aren't the only source for names. Where do the other names come from, you ask? Well, if WIZARD is smart, they're saving every name on every letter that's sent to them, every person who buys an ad, or responds to a classified, or enters a contest. So there you go, yet another way our weird little hobby is being exploited by the Man (not Stan). Anyway, take care, keep up the good work! +++++ From: nexus1@soho.ios.com Date: Sat, 25 May 1996 00:17:21 -0400 Subject: A question In reference to the "Significant Seven," I can understand six of the seven chosen, but would you mind explaining why Plastic Man was chosen? I mean, I know Jack Cole was a genius, and I love his Plastic man--but the others chosen created a genre. Plastic Man didn't. What was so damn significant about Plas? [I believe it was because he was among the heroes who survived the introduction of the Comics Code Authority, along with Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman.] P.S. And why wasn't NEXUS on the list? : - ) [Maybe he got someone mad, or they felt an assassin was not worthy. :>] +++++ Subj: Fastlane web site Date: 96-05-25 14:26:59 EDT From: CiscoRam@aol.com Check out the new Fastlane Illustrated web site at: http://members.aol.com/ciscoram/Fastpage.html -Francisco [I did, it is cool! I'll be adding it to our links. Here is your chance to check out first hand what I have been saying about Fastlane Illustrated folks. Lots of art, include the 1/2 issue FREE for downloading!] +++++ [TRIVIA CONTEST] Last week's question: > What college did the Silver Age Robin, Dick Grayson, attend? > BONUS: What degree did he receive? NOTE: BONUS only counts if you are the FIRST to get the main question. So, in reverse order: Subj: Dick Grayson in college trivia From: ScottOC@gnn.com (Scott O'Connor) I believe that Dick Grayson attended Gotham University. And could he possibly have majored in criminal justice?? Scott O'Connor +++++ From: Marlous de Neef Organization: J.A. de Neef Software Subject: Trivia question Hi there! The answer to the question which college the Silver Age Robin, Dick Grayson, attended, is... Hudson University. Bye, Johan de Neef The Netherlands, Europe +++++ Subj: Question of the week From: j.secret@ix.netcom.com (Jack Secret) I believe Dick Grayson went to Hudson University, and tried out for pre-law, but I believe didn't make it. +++++ From: Bill Field Subject: Trivia Quiz (was: Re: CBEM #60A) > What college did the Silver Age Robin, Dick Grayson, attend? > BONUS: What degree did he receive? Hi, David, I continue to read & enjoy CBEM each week. Thanks once again for putting it together & out. My attempt at the cheese is that Dick attended Hudson University where he did NOT ever graduate (although, if memory serves, he was majoring in Business Admin). Take care, Bill Field ( tamf@ix.netcom.com ) +++++ YES, Dick never did make it out with his degree, and the first one to get the name right has won here before: Subj: triva From: cscherer@mgl.ca (Carl Scherer) To: ComicBkNet@aol.com Robin(Dick Grayson) went to Hudson University. Martin. [Martin got a special *glow in the dark* CHEEZY PRIZE (tm) for being our second two-time winner. He even contributed another question for you to ponder for this week, and here it is: +++++++++++++++++++++++++++ THIS WEEK'S TRIVIA QUESTION: What was the significance of the Comedian's badge in Watchmen? IMPORTANT RULES NOTICE: The first correct answer to reach the editor wins the CHEEZY PRIZE(tm). The editor will be the sole judge as to which guess arrived first! Please be sporting and send only one guess at a time. LIMIT: ONE PRIZE PER MONTH PER PERSON! Submit your own trivia and win the CHEEZY PRIZE(tm) if you stump the subscribers! You MUST submit the correct answer with the question. ________________________________________________________________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------------ [3] CBN Insider - News, gossip and rumors from around the industry Not much this week, From AOL, Kurt Busiek talks about the new Ninjak he is doing: By the way... Ed Douglas (SHADES30) figured out in Chat last night that the artist for the all-new NINJAK series will be Neil Vokes. I promised to confirm it if guessed, so I'm announcing it here now that the news is out. He'll be inked by Mike "Avon" Oeming. I've worked with Neil on TEENAGENTS and JONNY DEMON, and we're doing an UNTOLD TALES OF SPIDER-MAN story together at the moment. He's also worked on MASK ADVENTURES, FLAMING CARROT/TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES, JURASSIC PARK, TARZAN and CONGORILLA (hmm. how to get Ninjak into jungle setting? mmm...). His designs for Ninjak and the new villains we've created are sensational. Mike Oeming recently did FOOTSOLDIERS at Dark Horse and earlier, JUDGE DREDD for DC. Neil and Mike worked together on the illustrations for the new SPIDER-MAN: MIDNIGHT JUSTICE young-adult novel just out from Pocket Books. kurt +++++ From Seth Biederman via the Harris Horrornet: I'm not sure if I announced this yet, but this October, Harris will be releasing the 25th anniversary Vampirella Special, which should truly be a special event. This book features the very best talent available today. First, a BRAND NEW Vampirella cover by the acclaimed artist Frank Frazetta! Yes, THAT Frank Frazetta.. As for the interior, we've got Grant Morrison, James Robinson, and Warren Ellis writing brand new Vampirella stories. Great writing not enough? How about art teams of Mike Bair, Kevin Nowlan, Amanda Conner, Jimmy Palmiotti, Mark Texeira, Ray Lago, and Rudy Nebres? This will be not just a comic, but an EVENT. I've seen the first pages of this book, and it is by far the best project ever at Harris. I'm sure come October you'll all agree... +++++ From the CSNsider in this weeks Comic Shop News # 467, lots of stuff we already told you about, plus . . .E! Entertainment television says that Vandela will play the girlfriend of Mr. Freeze in the next Batman movie, (and Wizard reports that the Batgirl costume, like Robin's, will have an, er, anatomically correct chest!) . . .Forever Warriors debuts as a mini- series from Aardwolf Comics this September. It is written by Roy Thomas with art by Rich Buckler and and Charles Barnett; cover by Perez. . . Big changes coming for (fill in the blank :> ) HAL JORDON during the upcoming series Darkest Knight beginning in September (about the sun going cold and the world's heroes trying to re-start it.) 4 weekly issues by Karl Kesel and Stuart Immonen tell the story while all the DCU books feel the impact of events in their own continuities. The Hal Jordon connection presumedly is also in a Green Lantern one shot at the end to tie up loose ends. [my guess- he goes out a hero using all his power to save the Sun and Earth - D.L.] Speculation is also rampant that THIS is the GREAT DISASTER often referred to in the 30th Century Legion of Super Heroes books which left a gap in the history of Earth. . .Marvel will be releasing virtual comics on AOL with plans to print them later on. Current plans supposedly are for 8 pages a week. . . ANARKY from the Batman books, gets his own mini by Alan Grant and Norm Breyfogle . . . Big Entertainment has signed to adapt L. Ron Hubbard's The Crossroads to comics . . . Dark Horse is launching a new Blanc Noir imprint with Body Bags the first title in August. The line is black & white with the premiere title the work of Jason Pearson . . . Caliber is also launching a new line called TAPESTRY, suitable for all ages with many established titles coming under that banner such as Shades of Grey, Boondoggle, Explorers, The Hoon, Troll-Lords, and Patty-Cake. . . Bubble gum is returning to trading card packs this summer when Sky Box releases "The Adventures of Batman & Robin Action Packs" with sealed in plastic gum illustrated with food coloring ink, as well as puzzle cards, pop-outs, coloring cards, and game cards. . . GAMERA joins the Dark Horse monster stable in August. . . Another new comic comic starting up with, you guessed it, hero comics this Fall from publisher David Arnold called SUNDRAGON COMICS. . . ________________________________________________________________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------------ [4] SUSPENDED ANIMATION by Michael Vance Dear David Lapham, I'm glad you didn't name your comic BULLSEYE, because STRAY BULLETS not only misses the mark, it misses the target. I write that with reluctance. There's much here that's actually excellent. The art is interesting and technically well done. Your storytelling is flawless and the dialog is realistic. It's the content that I can't stomach. Beth is in hiding. She's stolen money and cocaine. She wants Orson to "make love" to her. That's not the word they use.... over, and over, and over. Orson and Beth are believable, complex and disgusting characters. Orson betrays his sense of morality for cheap sex. Beth, who's an animal sexually and spiritually and mentally sick, is little better than the supporting cast of this mobile home park "somewhere out west." STRAY BULLETS is figuratively a well-done comic about human waste. I'm aware that many reviewers defend well-done paintings of feces. I'm just not one of them. Yes, I know sick people exist, David. I don't object to comics about sick people. What I object to is sickness portrayed as the norm. The world is full of depravity _AND_ nobility, of sin _AND_ virtue. Despite realistic dialog, settings, language and characters, and your reader's opinions, this eighth issue of STRAY BULLETS is not reality. I feel so strongly about about it's unrelentingly, depressing, ugly world that I can't pay $2.95 for 26 pages of it's raw depravity. I feel equally strong about your technically excellent writing and art. If you try another title, I'll check it out. I'm not foolish enough to think that you are your characters. I am foolish enough to hope that you aren't. MINIVIEW: ELVIRA #s32-34 [Claypool Comics] The woman that goes bump in the night just bumped up several notches on the laugh charts. Fun. MINIVIEW, TOO: INDIANA JONES AND THE SARGASSO PIRATES [Dark Horse] This is my nomination for the best rip-roaring adventure comics mini-series of 1996. (Mr. Vance is a professional writer having written for numerous magazines like CBG, Starlog and Comics Interview. His work has appeared in over 500 newspapers and he's had work published by Comico, Renegade, Innovation and Rip Off Press. SUSPENDED ANIMATION appears in 14 publications reaching 214,000 readers in the U.S., Ireland and Portugal.) ________________________________________________________________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------------ [5] Review from the Past: Sludge #1 by Bill de Haan Date: 10-06-93 Well, when I read the first batch of Ultraverse books (Prime, Hardcase, Strangers) back in June, I posted a detailed review of all of them. The (few) responses were detailed and involved. I'm going to review Sludge #1 anyway. Here there be spoilers, so stop reading if that sort of stuff bothers you. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Cover: Big, blue, ugly half face with glowing orange eye. Hmm. Looks like a cross between Death's Head II and Ben Grimm after a late night drinking session. Not a bad cover, not a great one. And hey, the creative team's name _is_ there, after all. Page 1: Very nasty, threatening type of situation. Big HULKing MAN-type THING watches some derelicts. Actually, it looks like a blue version of Barney the Dinosaur is spying on somebody. Page 2: Hey, I didn't know Rush Limbaugh had a radio show. And the same glowing orange eyes like on the cover, too. Hmmmm.... Page 3: Audience reaction? Based on the listener base here, his spooners must love him. Appeals to cops, right wing truckers, para-military revolutionaries, _and_ shambling ichor-dripping monsters (a growing segment of the population, one presumes). Page 4: A drive-by shooting in New York City? Like anyone's gonna notice. Where in hell do they manage to park to reload? Page 5: A guy with 12' wide shoulders just climbs out of a 3' wide sewer opening. He's not only strong, he's flexible. Page 6: Frank Hoag, NYPD. Meter maid at large. Whee. Page 7: Man, these guys reload fast. What have they got in there? Black Talon hollow points with quick loaders? Sheesh. Damn head, indeed. I hope this guy buys Excedrin by the case. Page 8: Hey meester, howcum you keep a 4' sword in your car? So you can do close quarters fighting against something that just absorbed fourteen rounds of high velocity penetrators at point blank range? Must be. Rough guess here - the gang is _not_ named the Rocket Scientists. Page 9: Hey, look! It's Spider-Man 2099 on the floor! Page 10: Whatever knows NOTHING shall burn at the hands of... Whoops, wrong book. "Wait'll he sees"? He's done this _before_? Page 11: "Painful way to die, I hope." Yup, definitely an ex-cop. Page 12: Man, where do they GET those ammo clips? Duracell? Fifty rounds later and they're still firing, and firing, and firing... Page 13: And now, Batman, you die at the hands of Bane. Damn, wrong book again. Page 14: Hey, if it's worth doing, it's worth doing for money. Of course, Frank'd probably have a problem cashing a cheque these days, anyway. Page 15: That's it. Introduce your cop buddy to Mr. Big. Smooth move, guys. Page 16: I'm going to make you an offer you can't understand... Page 17: Fortunately for Frank, their skill with weapons is about as good as his self-preservation instincts. Missing a wounded man at point blank range? Twice? Must be from out of town. Page 18: If in doubt, throw explosive charges into a room filled with chemicals. Fortunately, this won't leave any physical traces for the police to find. Page 19: Hmmm. Must be a different formula than Barry Allen got. Where's Mopee when you really need him? Page 20: Again with the quickloaders? And with a gun in each hand, yet. You sure he's dead after all that? He might just be wounded... Page 21: Can't be New York. No alligators. Page 22: Sometimes it helps to just let your muck down and have a good cry every now and then. Page 23: Be careful what you wish for... Page 24: Frank Hoag, radio critic. Page 25: I've got a hunch. Well, it took a long time, but it was worth it. This is the second UV book that I've actually bothered to re-read. And unlike Firearm, I actually thought that the artwork helped the book, rather that hurt it. Comparisons with Man-Thing, Ben Grimm, the Heap, and Swampy are all inevitable, and ultimately meaningless. Sludge owes as much to Barry Allen as to Ted Sallis - with the police instincts of the former and the inherent lack of morality of the latter. Unlike the previous UV books, this one finally follows the writer's credo: "show, don't tell". The book is enjoyable, fast-paced, and I have no idea which way it's going to turn. Probably the UV's first winner. In the Silver Snail (the largest Toronto store) one of the sales clerks was making the following offer: buy Sludge #1, and if you don't like it, he'd buy it back from you. It also seems to have motivated stores to try to move some of the higher end UV titles, specifically Prime and Mantra. The bottom end stuff (Strangers, Freex, Hardcase, Exiles) seems to be getting isolated from the other books, and that's probably a good thing. The major problem with the perception of the UV is "too much, too fast". A number of people were joking that the UV's only four months old, but they are already doing their Crisis on Infinite Earths. I think that as long as Sludge exists alone, or interlinks with two or three other titles at most, it should be a good seller, if not an outright hit. But if it's tied into eleven titles, it'll be killing the goose before it has a chance to take off. Overall rating - story: A-, artwork: B+. Looks like there may be some life in the Ultraverse after all. +--------------------------------+------------------------------------------+ | William de Haan | Disclaimer: Everything I say is the | | Unix Developer Consultant | public position of DSX. | | Deus Ex Machina | | +--------------------------------+------------------------------------------+ ________________________________________________________________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------------ [6] WORLD'S FINEST heroes on CD-ROM! from the BUSINESS WIRE SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 28, 1996--Gryphon Software Corp., a leading graphics software company, has entered into a licensing and publishing agreement with Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment (WBIE) and DC Comics to create two new children's CD-ROM software titles. Gryphon's proprietary technology will be used to develop interactive Activity Centers starring characters featured in "The Adventures of Batman and Robin" and the new "Superman" animated TV series. "Gryphon's line of Activity Centers offers children a learning experience that is both creative and unique," said Daniel Elvester, vice president of sales and marketing for Gryphon Software. "Through activities such as puzzles, spelling and memory games kids learn by interacting with some of their favorite animated characters. The decades-long tradition Batman and Superman have as two of the most widely recognized animated icons of this century makes them ideal choices to develop into new Activity Centers." "Gryphon's expertise in multimedia development for children's software is nationally recognized because of their technological innovation and phenomenally high quality," said Holly Stein, vice president of licensing and marketing, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. "This new Activity Center venture represents an entirely new way for children to enjoy and even learn from their favorite DC Comics super heroes." The Adventures of Batman and Robin Activity Center is scheduled for shipment later this year. The Superman product is targeted for release in the first half of 1997. Both titles will ship as a hybrid Macintosh and Windows CD-ROM. Gryphon Software is a leading graphics software company, specializing in a wide range of innovative graphics-oriented software. The company has two areas of specialization. One focuses on graphics for video professionals, graphics designers and hobbyists. The other focuses on children's software with a strong graphic orientation. Gryphon's flagship product, Morph, has consistently won critical acclaim domestically and internationally as one of the most innovative software programs in this decade. Gryphon is located at 7220 Trade St., Suite 120, San Diego, Calif. 92121; 619/536-8815; fax: 619/536-8932. For further information, contact Tami Detlefs at 619/536-8815, ext. 272. Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment (WBIE) is a division of Time Warner Entertainment Co., L.P., and a part of the Warner Bros. Consumer Products Group. WBIE is focused on licensing Warner Bros. owned and developed properties for all consumer game and computer platforms. It is also a publisher of interactive entertainment programming based on Warner Bros. assets. DC Comics, based in New York City, is one of the world's leading publishers of comic books, as well as Mad Magazine. DC Comics owns and licenses a roster of world-famous comic book characters, including Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman. -0- NOTE: Gryphon, the Gryphon logo and Morph are trademarks of Gryphon Software Corp. Windows is a trademark of Microsoft Corp. Macintosh is a registered trademark of Apple Computer Inc. All other products mentioned are trademarks and registered trademarks of their respective owners. BATMAN, SUPERMAN and all other related characters, names and indicia are trademarks of DC Comics, copyright 1996. CONTACT:Gryphon Software Corp., San Diego Tami Detlefs, 619/536-8815, ext. 272 ________________________________________________________________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------------ [7] RECOMMENDED READING #6 By J.Torres Hello, true believers! Just wanted to say good-bye as I'll be leaving for my summer job in Toronto in a couple of weeks. But first, I'd like to mention that I'll be at the Chicago Comic Convention to promote my new series from Slave Labor Graphics called The Copybook Tales (the first issue of which will be in stores mid-July). Look for me in artists alley! Fear not, this review column will not be going on hiatus for the weeks I'll be away from my computer. Instead I've asked my buddy Justin Steiner, a fellow member of the Legends comic APA and aspiring comic book writer, to continue publishing Recommended Reading in my absence. Watch for Justin's debut column in a couple of week's from now. I know I am leaving you in the hands of a capable writer, a big comic phreak like the rest of us here and a truly swell guy. So, with that I wish you all a safe and fun summer. Hope to see some of you in Chicago! Read you later... But before I go, two more reviews for the road: STRANGERS IN PARADISE #11 (Abstract Studios) 24 pgs. $2.75. By Terry Moore. P.O. Box 271487, Houston, TX, 77277. In issue #11 the men of SiP begin to take center stage. And they do so with the help of a little fantasizing: Freddie opens the issue with dreams of reuniting with his one true love Francine; and David ends it all with his mind wandering to a "morning after" fantasy (or perhaps I should say nightmare?) about Katchoo. This story turns the notch up on the melodramatic meter, making this wonderfully soapy comic series that much more "Melrose Place". But I mean that in a good way. Terry Moore's art is the most cinematic I've ever seen from him and I absolutely love some of the creative layouts he comes up with in this instalment. A few pages involving a confrontation between David and Katchoo in the pouring rain stand out in my mind's eye as I type this, like something out of a movie. To add to the enjoyment, Moore is also in fine comedic form here tempering the story with humor. Two scenes, one involving Katchoo and Francine's voyeuristic neighbors and another with Freddie and a flasher (of sorts), made me laugh out loud. With Freddie obsessing more and more about Francine, who in turn is beginning to feel particularly vulnerable and alienated because of Katchoo's preoccupation with David, who in turn is wearing his heart on his sleeve more than ever (perhaps about to reveal his "lack of experience" with women), you can bet Moore is just getting started with the romantic tension here. If you've been following the series from the start you'll notice that (pardon the somewhat mixed metaphor) the love triangle is coming full circle. What fun! KINGDOM COME #1 (DC Comics) 48 pgs. $4.95. Written by Mark Waid. Painted by Alex Ross. Lettered by Todd Klein. 1700 Broadway, New York, NY 10019. In this Elseworlds story the likes of Superman and Wonder Woman have been replaced in the pantheon of heroes by dubious figures like Magog. Calling him and his kind "heroes" is somewhat of a misnomer as these super-powered beings no longer guard the earth but more than anything the earth needs protecting from them. These metahumans do not fight for truth and justice, but instead fight each other. And they do so with reckless abandon to combat their own boredom and restlessness for with their might they've all but eliminated the criminal element. And they fight one another mercilessly with no qualms about killing or destroying public property or endangering the innocent. So, what happened to the heroes of old, those with a more noble agenda and sense of justice? Most of them have "retired", following the lead of a disillusioned, heart-broken Superman, leaving an ever-changing world to their costumed, super-progeny. "They have left humanity to its own fate." A few, however, continue their neverending battle albeit in concentrated efforts, isolated from the world they have no control, nor desire to possess control, over: Hawkman rules over a safehaven in the Pacific Northwest, a sanctuary for beasts and birds; The Flash, now a "gale force" no longer human in form, guards a Utopian Keystone City; Green Lantern orbits the earth in his satellite, ever vigilantely watching the heavens for extra-terrestrial threats; and Batman, well, he's got everything under control in Gotham City with a little help from high technology. But those within these isolated pockets of order are now threatened by the chaos being created without. The new breed metas are unwittingly fulfilling the end of the world prophesies of St. John from the Book of Revelations. A "higher power" has sent the Spectre to visit upon one Norman McCay in "A Christmas Carol" Dickensian fashion. This pastor is informed of the impending doom and what must be done to avert it. Hope is apparently the answer, but that hope must come from the past to right the present wrongs and give this world any kind of future. Will Superman have the will to come out of retirement and lead the old guard against the new? Will Magog rally the new super-powers against the old and bring about Armageddon? Whose will be done? Mark Waid weaves an intriguing tale and Alex Ross provides beautifully painted artwork in this prestige format miniseries. A must for DCU fans. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- [+] j.torres [^] ** THE COPYBOOK TALES #1 from Slave Labor ** [!] jtorres@cam.org [=] ** is now being solicited in this month's ** [x] montreal, quebec [$] ** PREVIEWS and ADVANCE COMICS catalogs!! ** ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________________________________________________________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------------ [8] Our Favorite Comic Stores The ComicBook Net These stores have been mentioned by the members of the Comic Book Network as the places they like to shop. We suggest you check them out when in the area and mention you heard about them from the Comic Book Network. Heck, print it out and tell them *hundreds* of people read this mag!(It's true!) Maybe you'll get a free comic! Conway Comics Plus The Comic Book Store Hwy 286 9307 Treasure Hill Road Conway, AR Little Rock, AR Ken's Collectibles Exit 48 Flea Market Interstate 40 Judsonia, Arkansas Collector's Edition Comics The Golden Apple 3217 John F Kennedy Blvd 8962 Reseda Blvd North Little Rock, AR Northridge, CA 91324 Famous Faces THAT'S ENTERTAINMENT Wickam Rd 244 Park Avenue Melbourne, FL Worcester, MA 01609 Comikazi, Comics, Toys, & Noise THAT'S ENTERTAINMENT 503 State Road 387 Main Street North Dartmouth, MA Fitchburg, MA 01420 Web Head Enterprises Collectors World 353 Main Street 235 Muddy Branch Rd Wakefield, MA 01880 Gaithersburg, MD The Closet Of Comics Brainstorm Comics 7315 Baltimore Avenue (U.S. Route 1) 177B Thomas Johnson Dr. College Park, MD 20740 Frederick, MD Paperback Bazaar The Card Buck 120 Tri-City Plaza 68 Partition Street Somersworth, NH Saugerties, NY 12477 The Comic Empire Of Tulsa Memphis Comics & Records 3122 S. Mingo 665 S Highland Tulsa, OK 74146 Memphis, TN Myth Adventures EG Comics 3000 N. 10th 142 Maple Ave McAllen, TX Vienna VA 22180 ________________________________________________________________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------------ [9] New Comics Shipping 6/05/96 by Bobb Waller Aberration Comics: Tales from the Bog #3 Acclaim Comics: MTG:Urza Mishra Wars #1 Slider:Ultimatum #1 Amaze Ink: Skeleton Key #11 Anime Books: Anime Movie Guide Antartic Books: Warrior Nun Areala vs. Razor #1 Archie Comics: Archie All Canadian Digest #1 Archies Vacation Special #4 Betty #40 Cheryl Blossom #2 Pals-N-Gals Dbl. Digest #20 Sonics Friendly Nemesis Knuckles #2 Bis Entertainment: Culture Clash: Teknophage vs. Zeerus #1 Lady Justice #2 Dusk till Dawn Deluxe Black Eye: Dear:Julia #1 Broadway Comics: Babes of Broadway #1 Fatale #4 Shadow State #5 Carol Publishing: X-Files Declassified Chaos! Comics: Lady Death: The Odyssey #3 Comic Images: Conan: Marvel Years all Chromium box Comico Comics: Elementals Swimsuit Spectacular #1 Elementals:How the War was Won #1 Crusade Comics: Atomik Angels #1 Demon Gun #1 Dogs O War #1 Lethargic Lad #1 Tomoe #3 CSN Inc.: Comic Shop News #468 Comic Shop News Summer Preview Dark Horse Comics: Age of Reptiles:The Hunt #2 CUD Comics #4 Ghost/Hellboy Special #2 Legend of Mother Sarah:City of Children Sin City:That Yellow Bastard #5 Dynamic: Creators Alternate Universe Foil Box DC Comics: Batman:Black & White #3 Batman:SOTB #53 Death:Time of Your Life #3 Detective Comics Annual #9 Flash: Return of Barry "The DC's First Saint" Allen TP Heroes #3 Hitman #4 Justice League America #113 (Final) Pinky & The Brain #2 Power of Shazam #17 Preacher #16 Seekers Into the Mystery #7 Showcase 96 #7 Sovereign Seven #13 Starman #21 Steel #29 Superman #114 Terminal City #2 Fantagraphics Books: Eightball #2 5th printing Hate #23 Zero Zero #10 Gladstone Publishing: Uncle Scrooge #299 High Impact Comics: Jazz #2 Photo Cover Edition Image Comics: Backlash #20 Defcon 4 #3 Gen 13 #11 Glory-Angela Hells Angels Grifter/Shi #2 Hazard #1 Man Against Time #4 Maggie the Cat #3 Prophet-Avenglyne #1 Spawn #49 Wetworks #17 Marvel Comics: Captain America #454 Sensational Spider-Man #7 Cable #34 Onslaught X-Men #1 Uncanny X-Men #335 Spider-Man #46 (Final issue) Prime #9 Silver Surfer #118 Predawn Comics: Under Terra #5 Real Comics: Cauldron #3 Renaissance Group Inc.: Defense #1 Slave Labor Graphics: Scarlet Thunder #3 Skelton Key #11 Slacker Comics #8 Topps Comics: X-Files #17 Space:A&B:The Gauntlet #1 Verotik: Stanika #3 Viz Communications: Adolf: Exile in Japan TP Adolph: Half-Aryan HB (Yay!) Animerica V4#5 Battle Angel Alita Part 6 #4 Fist of the North Star:Part 2 #7 Return of Lum:Part 3 #1 Warp Graphics: Elfquest #1 Wildstorm Productions: Defcon 4 #1 Comic One Sheet Excuse any misspelling tonight, I'm working on three hours sleep. Wondering if any Neil Gaiman written book will ship ontime in my lifetime... See ya on the spinners! Origin: FIAWOL/MSConnections * PP288MT II V.34 * 214-790-6472 * (23:203/4) ________________________________________________________________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------------ [A] How to join the COMIC BOOK NETWORK (CBN) You too can enjoy the intelligent conversations and informative threads that occur in the conferences of the Comic Book Net every day! However, many people who read this e-mag aren't familiar with the Local BBS echo-mail system.... Bulletin Board Systems are scattered everywhere across the continent and the world, many of them are free! Chances are, if you have a modem you have the accompanying communications software. Using the Terminal Emulation software that came with your modem, you can dial up one of the many systems linked into CBN (see the listings down a few paragraphs). Most of the boards offer all the message echoes in the Comic Book Network... There are message bases devoted to all the bigger comics publishers, as well as big Small Press and Independent message bases, not to mention sections for general conversation, collecting, gaming and other forms of entertainment. If you are worried about long distance charges, worry no longer! Most if not all the BBS's offer a mail service from which you can download a .QWK packet of recent e-mail to read offline with a program called an offline mail reader. You can read & write messages at your leisure, and then upload your own messages & replies the next time you call your local BBS. There are many .QWK packet readers out there, for every type of computer system. They all give you a better explanation in their documentation than I can. These programs are available all over the Internet and are free to download from most BBS's. I recommend SLMR or OLX-TD for DOS to get started. These "mail runs" (dialing up, downloading the mail packet and uploading replies) generally take less than 5 minutes to accomplish, and at the average after-5pm/weekends/holidays long distance phone rates, that is LESS THAN $.75! See? Even less expensive than many of the commercial information services available! :) So what else can you find on free BBS systems? There are plenty of files for specific types of computers. Some systems also offer other types of message networks ranging from general topics to specific themes like sci-fi, role playing, games, music, etc. And, let's not forget online games. Join into the many different multiplayer games, each system sports different challenges. There's nothing like becoming the most powerful being in a online adventure! And when you _do_ log on, leave a message in The Bullpen conference to ALL, and introduce yourself to us! You're guaranteed to get plenty of replies and all the help you need to join in the fun! ________________________________________________________________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------------ [B] BBSes Linked into CBN Here's the most up-to-date node listing for the COMIC BOOK NETWORK F=FIDO Q=QWK B=Both *=Major HUB -- ARKANSAS ------------------------------------------------------------ F* Karate & Comics & ... Russelville AR 501-968-3910 Robert Wood Conway PC Users Conway AR 501-329-7227 Tim Stone -- CALIFORNIA ---------------------------------------------------------- Q Freedom Flight Victorville CA 619-955-6445 Ronald Siodla Electronic RPO Newbury Park CA 805-498-8061 Kelly Cruise -- FLORIDA ------------------------------------------------------------- F Never Never Land Melbourne FL 407-253-8754 Wayne Bell Steel Dog Cafe Destin FL 904-654-1631 Keith Schultz Ghost's Realm Crestview FL 904-689-6664 Kie Dorton Oak Street BBS Ft.Wayne BeachFL 904-244-7434 Michael Fischer -- ILLINOIS ------------------------------------------------------------ -- INDIANA ------------------------------------------------------------- F The CyberSpace BBS Indianapolis IN 317-856-9020 Charlie Smith -- KENTUCKY ------------------------------------------------------------ Lex Corp Georgetown KY 502-867-0992 -- MARYLAND ------------------------------------------------------------ F The Vampyre Bar! Frederick MD 301-698-5194 Darryl Pierce F DataStorm Kettering MD 301-390-5243 Tarek Gordan F Bifrost Mount Rainier MD 301-779-9381 Kevin Carlin F Womens World East BBS Silver Spring MD 301-431-0647 Wendy Dumser F Sherata's Realm Mechanicsville MD 301-884-9732 Linda Peek -- MASSACHUSETTS ------------------------------------------------------- F Archives BBS Acushnet MA 508-995-0085 John Viera F Muskrat & Heatwave New Bedford MA 508-984-5321 Dennis Racine B* Keystone BBS Shrewsbury MA 508-753-3767 John Harris F HellFire BBS S. Dartmouth MA 508-979-8930 Brock Cordeiro B Call Again Soon Worcester MA 508-791-1281 Joe Johnson -- MICHIGAN ------------------------------------------------------------ F Intl. Comic Network Dearborn Hgts MI 313-565-8464 Anthony Palacio -- MISSOURI ------------------------------------------------------------ F The Oan Citadel Grandview MO 816-767-1488 Brian J. Stewart -- NEW HAMPSHIRE ------------------------------------------------------- Venom's World Rollinsford, NH 603-743-4188 Ira Locke -- NEW JERSEY ---------------------------------------------------------- Phoenix Modernz Systems Seaside Hts. NJ 908-830-8265 -- NEW YORK ------------------------------------------------------------ Asgard TW BBS West Islip NY 516-422-4225 Tom Pemberton Interzone BBS Long Is. City NY 718-786-5557 Jim Garvin F Starbase : Red Dwarf Saugerties NY 914-247-9601 John Dragun -- NORTH CAROLINA ------------------------------------------------------ F Electronic Hangover Durham NC 919-286-4542 Richard Lee F Psychotronic Durham NC 919-286-7738 Richard Lee F* TI-Raliegh Maximus Raliegh NC 919-833-3412 Walter Tietjen F Federal Post Spring Lake NC 910-436-2055 Frank Koza -- OKLAHOMA ------------------------------------------------------------ Compumate Tulsa OK 918-628-0887 Danny Pelletier F Snart's Dreamland Collinsville OK 918-371-0980 Jeff Bennett F The Dreaming World Broken Arrow OK 918-451-3056 Greg Adkins -- PENNSYLVANIA -------------------------------------------------------- F Comic Book Board Philadelphia PA 215-365-5225 William Horton -- TENNESSEE ----------------------------------------------------------- The Factory BBS Union City TN 901-885-9647 -- TEXAS --------------------------------------------------------------- F Razor's Domain ][ Edinburg TX 210-631-5159 Kevin Nunn B* FIAWOL/MSConnections Irving TX 214-790-6472 Bobb Waller F Star Streams Waxahachie TX 214-938-7115 Michael Rudolf F Orion BBS Odessa TX 915-530-2712 Dennis Brown -- VIRGINIA ------------------------------------------------------------ B Crystal Aerie Arlington VA 703-415-0134 Spencer Greenwald -- WASHINGTON ---------------------------------------------------------- -- ONTARIO, CANADA ----------------------------------------------------- F Dark Knight BBS London ONT 519-850-9929 Michael Cross F MACH 1 BBS London ONT 519-457-6771 Tomasz Heiber Stargate:Above & BeyondLondon ONT 519-472-4938 Paul Nicholas -- MEXICO -------------------------------------------------------------- B* The Gate BBS Mexico City 52-5-264-2994 Emilio Karam - From USA, dial international-access 011 then 52-5-264-2994# ________________________________________________________________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------------ [C] E-Mag Info The Comic Book Net E-Mag is published by the many participants of The Comic Book Network. This is a compilation of articles and columns which were originally posted in the network's conferences or written specifically for this electronic magazine. Some articles are independent of any connection with CBN and are used with permission. All text contained within is copyrighted to the originating author(s). Opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the Editor, the Network Administration Team or the members and users of The Comic Book Network. Except where elsewhere noted, The Comic Book Network Electronic Magazine is Copyright 1996 by the Comic Book Network. You may freely distribute or duplicate this file intact without alteration for noncommercial purposes only. Please do not distribute except as the complete file as originally transmitted by The Comic Book Network. THE CBN WEB PAGE ---------------- If you have access to the World Wide Web, please stop by and visit our web page! On our web page, you can find the latest issue of our E-Mag, as well as an annotated index and all back issues. You'll also find important information on how to join the conversation in the Comic Book Net, and other neat features like newly released comic book graphics, links to lists of Comic Book Company addresses, Comic Professionals Email addresses, and other Comic Book related Web pages! The URL address is: http://members.aol.com/ComicBkNet LOCATING THE ISSUES ------------------- The latest issue is always available from all the systems linked into The Comic Book Network. You can also find the back issues at America Online, by going to Keyword: Science Fiction, scrolling to the menu item _Comic Book Forum_ and then going to the _Comics Library_ from there. Most issues should also be available on Compuserve, Genie, Channel1 BBS and Software Creations BBS as well as other non CBN affiliated Bulletin Board Systems. All back issues should be available at the above sites, as well as our World Wide Web page. SUBMISSIONS ----------- To submit an article, review, column, etc to our e-mag, simply post it in any Comic Book Net conference and leave me a message in the CBN: E-Mag conference giving me permission to use the article. If you cannot access the Comic Book Net, submit your articles for consideration to the editor at: ComicBkNet@aol.com Reviews of mainstream books are least likely to get included when submitted from sources outside of CBN. We give more consideration to reviews of indies and self published material as we feel that material deserves more exposure to the general public. Commentary on the state of the industry, and personal observations and reflections related to comics are *most* likely to be included in our publication. We also accept product for review purposes. Advanced copies of comic books will not be returned but anything sent to us will be reviewed in the ComicBook Net Emag. Send all material to: David L. LeBlanc 84 Heather Circle Jefferson, MA 01522-1419 SUBSCRIPTIONS ------------- If you wish to receive these issues automatically through your internet account, please address a message to ComicBkNet@aol.com to be placed on the subscription list. ________________________________________________________________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------------ - End of another Issue .. see ya in the funny papers!! Be nice to your kids. They'll choose your nursing home.