Feed THIS, Pal!

These Are The Voyages....

2012-06-03T15:00:00.000-05:00

At the risk of sounding like a curmudgeon, I'm growing a little burned out on interfranchise crossovers. They're not a bad idea, but sometimes, they lead to more overeager fans suggesting really bad ideas, like "What if John Crichton and the crew of the Moya teamed up with Mal Reynolds and the crew of the Serenity and they both fought Disney's Gargoyles?"

(And the answer to the above question, folks, is "Who the smeg cares?")

I write this because, having just finished IDW's Star Trek: The Next Generation/Doctor Who Crossover (interestingly titled Assimilation 2), I have to say that I was....well, I liked it, but probably not as much as I would have wanted to enjoy it.

Much of it is Scott and David Tipton's writing (along with Tony Lee, who cannot do wrong, as far as I'm concerned) - this issue is mostly set-up for the rest of the series, and much of the characterizations are pitch-perfect. Although I enjoyed the story, and would buy issue two, I did feel a little...well, underwhelmed by the writing. Maybe it's the fact that I've been so immersed in both Star Trek and Doctor Who fandom that I feel a little put out (I remember a time when both fandoms regarded the other as "the enemy"), but maybe much of it is my own burnout around putting together two franchises.

The real treat - for me, at least - is J.K. Woodward, who fully painted the art in the book. Although the overall tone of the book may not fit the art style, I actually found myself drawn to the art (pun fully intended) - in a way, having a slightly photorealistic style helps bring the story to life somewhat...and which makes me feel a little bit more enthusiastic about the series.

It also helps that Woodward is genuinely enthusiastic about the project - here's an interview I did with him at C2E2 for Comic Related:

Although I have some reservations, I do think IDW's Star Trek/Doctor Who crossover is worth a look.

The Alan Scott/EARTH-2 Brouhaha

2012-06-02T09:30:00.000-05:00

As much as DC's reboot has left me with a general feeling of "so what", I have to admit that creatively, they've taken a huge gambit. It may be that they're driving sales with events and controversy, but at least they're willing to make some major changes.

As you may have read from many an outlet (including the New York Times), Alan Scott, the Golden Age Green Lantern, is going to be "outed"...or at least, rebooted as gay.

As a straight, white, heterosexual male...I have to admit, I commend DC - oh, sure, they created/revamped Batwoman as a lesbian, but that was a bit different....the character was, at best, a long forgotten relic from a different time. In all regards, she may as well be a newly-created character.

Many a fanboy will be making the obvious homophobic jokes (at least, along with the characterization of their female counterparts as "feminazis" and urging them to "go back to the kitchen"), but the fact that DC is willing to revamp a character like this - and to not dwell on his sexuality (like, say, Marvel's infamous "outing" of Northstar in Alpha Flight)...but it's time the medium grew up a little bit.

I'm also heartened by the fact that James Robinson - who I admit I've had issues with in terms of his more recent work - is handling the character. Robinson has a way of handling characters in a way that doesn't seem forced, and that has a very poetic, nuanced quality to the work. This may be a "stunt" on DC's part, but the fact that they're handling this stunt with care speaks volumes.

Oh, sure, we'll have the obvious protests and cries from more conservative organizations (as well as less-educated fans), but in all honesty....I think this is a good thing. It shows that DC's recent reboot may have been a creative gamble...but it's not the only creative gamble they're willing to take.

And if it means a superhero universe that looks more like our own (except without Rob Liefeld's involvement), so much the better.

It's June Already?

2012-06-01T20:39:00.001-05:00

Things have been really hopping for me, and so far, the month's barely begun, and my calendar is starting to get filled in. Here's what's on my plate thus far:

On Saturday, June 9th, I'll be presenting at Chicago COUNTS, a one-day conference that deals with tech and social good. I'll be presenting on "How Not to Be A Douchebag: Social Media for the rest of us". If you're interested in attending, please RSVP by heading over to http://chicagocounts2012.eventbrite.com
Upcoming Meetups for both Net Tuesday and the Chicago Doctor Who groups
Becoming the new organizer for Chicago Geek Breakfast
Impending regular contract work that will (hopefully) provide me with a little more structure to my day....and longer term work.

But otherwise, things are going great - I have another listing of cool Chicago stuff on Job Stalker, and I'll be performing more of my usual online tomfoolery at the Zone 4 Facebook page - if you like it, we'll give you a shout out, and I will make some obnoxious comments at your expense. (And be sure to check out our latest episode)

Happy Friday, everyone!

BANDTHOLOGY Starts Kicking Out the Jams

2012-05-29T04:46:00.000-05:00

This past weekend has seen me play catch-up on a lot of reading and projects...after all, it's been an almost typically mega-hot Chicago weekend, so what else am I going to do.

One of the projects was to catch up on my comic reading, and I found the PDF version of Bandthology - a book whose Kickstarter campaign I supported. So with the latest episode of Sound Opinions in the background, I found myself poring through this book....and quite frankly, this anthology by King Bone Press does a really great job in focusing on indie musicians.

In a way, the book captures the scrappy, punkish spirit of many a band, and that sense of DIY and get-your-pals-to-support you permeates this book. There's a wide variety of styles and stories, providing a great deal of reading pleasure. (My personal favorite is Dan Dougherty's "The Beast in Me", a tale about obsessiveness in pursuing one's talents....although I have some bias for my pals in P.I. Jane who provide another excellent installment of "Pie Vs. Cake" for this volume).

In all honesty, there isn't a really bad story in the bunch - Bandthology is a pretty cool selection for summer comic reading: a book that has an eclectic selection of stories and art styles, a great indie-minded spirit, and a sense of fun that most comics lack.

Buy this. Now.

Happy Memorial Day

2012-05-28T08:21:00.000-05:00

Just remember - as you go out and complain on forums, BB, and social media about things you dislike, that many paid the ultimate sacrifice to make sure we have that right.

Happy Memorial Day, everyone.

Hey, I've Used These Lines in FanFic!

2012-05-27T12:07:00.000-05:00

A guy attempts to audition for every science fiction show/movie ever made. Enjoy!

Kickstarting My Summer

2012-05-25T16:32:00.002-05:00

First, this has been a heck of a week - attended a networking gathering on Wednesday (won't name it publicly, but will definitely share details privately); ended up feeling treated less than respectfully - not constructive criticism, but more of an I-know-more-than-you-do-without-knowing-you-vibe.

Of course, I wanted to throw my participation in the upcoming Chicago COUNTS conference on June 9th, and Learnapalooza on June 16th, but didn't want to tarnish this particular person's obnoxiousness. Suffice it to say, I'm moving on. Besides, I'm looking for a few good people to help me in reviving the Chicago Nerd Social Club, more specifically with blogging - if interested, please fill out the form at http://bit.ly/ChiNerdBlog

(Also, I'm going to be organizing a networking breakfast for geeks - more details will be forthcoming, especially since I'm pledging to use my time more wisely)

After all, I have one short-term work contract coming in, and waiting on another work contract to arrive. So hopefully, that will mean some regular income while I attempt to find an artist, colorist, and inker for my Zone 4 story. And speaking of which, we recently focused on the Kickstarter platform on the podcast - it's a very lively conversation which you should hear. Honestly. You'll thank me later.

Coming in June to "Blog THIS, Pal!"

2012-05-23T11:24:00.002-05:00

As many of you are aware, we're living in tough economic times - so tough, in fact, that I've had to rely on shopping at a certain "Big" chain with "Lots" of closeout items....including DVDs.

So, as part of my effort to create content and drive online conversation (to use marketing speak), I'm announcing the first-ever "Watch THIS, Pal! DVD Blogathon".

Seven days. At least seven films. All purchased below $10. And all for your entertainment.

(Oh, and the above photo? Only used because I wanted to get your attention).

Another Joe Quesada Brouhaha

2012-05-21T09:59:00.000-05:00

I would like to publicly thank Joe Quesada.

Unfortunately, I have been feeling a little creatively spent with the blog - no ideas about potential posts were forthcoming, not even a simple place-a-photo-and-make-up-something wacky.

But then, Joe Quesada of Marvel Comics - who once proclaimed that "magic doesn't need explanations", and who inexplicably keeps hiring Mark Millar to write....spoke out about female Marvel characters and the movies.

And he confirmed my faith that, just when you think the two major comic companies can't do worse, they actually set the bar lower. Far lower.

Now, I'm not going to reiterate my comments about Ms. Johannsen's performance in The Avengers, but I think Quesada totally misses the point.

It's not about "iconic" characters....it's about taking the very material you have, taking one of the possibly underutilized characters, and possibly building a movie around that.

It's about finding an actress who can play the role, a director who can make a pretty darn good film, and investing the time and effort in crafting a good script, putting a great crew together, and making a solid movie.

It's not that hard, Joe. You've done it before - heck, some would argue that Marvel's past few movies have shown that you can do it. Because saying you don't have any "iconic" female characters - and denying that there are any good female actresses to play them - have a slightly patronizing tone to them.

I'm not judging, I'm not accusing, I'm just saying....Joe, you can try harder. Seriously. We have the faith you can surprise us like you did with The Avengers.

Or at the very least, with your recent comments.

Crisis In Multiple: A Review of DC's EARTH-2

2012-05-20T06:30:00.000-05:00

In all honesty, the "new 52" from DC has left me rather....well, blah.

There are some personal preferences, admittedly (like Demon Knights), but for most of it, it feels like I'm back reading comics in the 1990s. Lots of high end drama, but nothing really going on creatively. Granted, DC in the '90s had both poorly written books (Justice League: Extreme Justice, anyone?) and intelligently written books that built upon and played with history (Starman, Chase). So with the creative team on Earth-2 (James Robinson's writing, Nicola Scott's art) stirring some interest - along with, admittedly, my own fanboyish love of Earth-2 - I checked the book out with an open mind.

It's safe to say that we probably won't be reading another Starman from James Robinson - not so much because that's his creative "peak", but he deserves the opportunity to stake new ground. Thankfully, this book is no Justice League: Cry for Justice...but it's also not really unique and original, either. In fact, the only change is that...well, DC had a slightly better spin on this premise a few years ago, called 52. Plus, there's a very slight sense of editorial self-sabotage, limiting the history of this world. I don't expect a carbon copy of past efforts, but when an episode of Smallville manages to recontextualize the JSA in modern times (and I wonder - is "recontextualize" even a real word?), staying within narrow parameters just seems...well, like he's not even trying. But for a first issue, it's fine.

However, the one part of this book I cannot criticize is Nicola Scott's art - I thoroughly enjoyed her work for Secret Six and Birds of Prey. It's a pretty solid fit, and quite honestly, was the more enjoyable aspect of this book. What will be interesting to see is how all of these factors play out in the coming months.

So far, I have to say that the only people looking forward to this series fall into one of two groups: retailers and old school DC Fanboys like me. Retailers may defend this series, but then again....they have a stake. Old school fanboys....may not like it, but at the very least, should keep an open mind.

It's good enough to warrant me checking out issue 2, but quite honestly...it didn't grab me. DC can - and should - do a lot better.

Time The Avenger

2012-05-19T05:50:00.000-05:00

Things have been hopping - potential freelance writing, scrambling to find an artist for my Zone 4 comic project, looking for work....things have been keeping me busy.

So busy, in fact, that I barely noticed that Comic Related had posted my Avengers review one week early. Not complaining - just wondering what it would take me to actually carve out some time to sit back and, like, play online.

Of course, I managed to crank out a new Job Stalker post, so there's that.

Anyway, things have been busy for me on the job search/freelance front - mostly, a lot of prep work which I'll have to dedicate significant chunks of time in completing, but since NATO will be shutting down most of downtown this weekend (and early next week), I can dedicate myself to getting things done.

Oh, and I almost forgot - new Zone 4 episode about a movie. It's an indie film about, like, cats and self-discovery, or something.

Oh, and the title of today's post? An obvious reference to this:

Eight Years of Blogging Fun - In Slideshow Form!

2012-05-16T00:29:00.000-05:00

A mini-celebration: I wanted to commemorate eight years of blogging, but wasn't quite sure how to do it in a way that had dignity, warmth, and most of all - simplicity.

So I went to my Flickr account and created a slideshow - there's no particular order to these photos, and many of them have been on the site before. It's kind of my way of demonstrating how far I've come....and how much this blog has progressed from a keeping-me-busy-when-I'm-supposed-to-be-working pursuit.

Enjoy!

Before I Was Blogging

2012-05-14T20:28:00.000-05:00

...I was writing for humor zines. More specifically, Post Modern Toad, a small effort put out by a young lady named Christine Comte (if memory serves).

Via scanning, here's one of my pieces. You'll agree - it sounds like a younger, snarkier me.

Besides, it's not like I have a blogiversary coming up this week or anything....

Zone 4 Gets Pulpy

2012-05-12T08:24:00.000-05:00

Not much to write about (have a lot of irons in the fire at this point), but wanted to draw your attention to this week's Zone 4, where Ron Fortier and I discuss the fun we had at Windy City Pulp and Paper.

Oh yeah, and we talk about some movie that's out and that's not getting any media or online attention.

Other than that, things are....well, like I said, have a lot of irons in the fire. Need to blitz through and just get them done. So that's why I've been away from the blog for a bit.

Catch you later!

In An Effort to Promote Cultural Literacy

2012-05-10T16:22:00.000-05:00

I'm posting the following video. There's classical music, geography, and educational stuff.

So parents, if you find your kids watching this rather than doing their homework, it's a good thing.

Saying Goodbye to the Ramova Grill

2012-05-08T12:25:00.000-05:00

Some days, I have more reason to hate Facebook than others.

Sometimes, it's the fact that they change their interface seemingly at a whim....but last week, it was because a professional acquaintance had posted news that the Ramova Grill in Bridgeport would be closing this month.

I know what you're thinking - the Ramova Grill, at first glance, is a hidden gem - a time warp into old school diner culture. As the photos above show (and yes, I made the first of several return trips this week), it serves basic food at a pretty basic price. It's the kind of place that "foodies" would turn their nose upward at - walk inside, and you'll find yourself using terms like "hash slinger" and "cutie-pie" in casual conversation.

Part of it is the food, especially the chili, with its unique sweet-and-spicy flavoring. It's one of those recipes that I wish I had, not to capitalize on it...but to make it myself. Thankfully, a pint purchased yesterday provided a great lunch today....though I will have to come back for a bowl straight from the pot. (Unfortunately, it doesn't quite microwave well)

But for me....I grew up in Bridgeport, amongst familiar tales from Mom about how my grandmother would provide donuts for Mayor Daley, who lived across the alley. The Ramova wasn't necessarily a family hangout, but it did prove to be a regular stomping ground. My mom visited there when she was a child. My parents would take me there as an infant (providing me a bottle) and as a toddler (where, rumor has it, a waitress would feed me oyster crackers).

When I got older, I tried to make regular visits when possible....and was able to make a trip on a day off several years ago, deciding to head straight down Halsted from Greektown after an appointment. But somehow, closing a place like the Ramova Grill seems....wrong. I understand the need to move on, but there's something so wonderfully unique about the place - amidst all the more trendy, more chain-based, more polished dining places - that it feels like a definite loss.

So this week, I'm planning on heading back - I have a menu, and want to purchase a t-shirt. I also want a "fresh" bowl of chili. Because I hate saying goodbye....but if I have to, I'm going to do it as slowly as possible.

Continuing Post-AVENGERS Withdrawal

2012-05-06T02:00:00.000-05:00

You're probably wondering....why didn't I post my usual Friday Zone 4 promo and general long-form summary of links from this past week?

Well, I went to a midnight showing of Avengers...and spent most of Friday semi-conscious. Sadly, sleep deprivation and caffeine can really hit a guy hard. (And you'll probably be reading it in Comic Related soon, but short opinion - loved the movie.

Speaking of Comic Related, this week's episode of Zone 4 features young Eric Ratcliffe, who has featured me on his Why I Love Comics podcast in the past. He's a good kid, and well worth listening to....even if he does enjoy the work of Joss Whedon a little too much.

On the work/writing front: my primary freelance gig has ended temporarily, pending further funding (and thankfully, I've been helping with the grant research). In addition, I'm working on a small project for another potential client which fits in very well with my professional interests (and would have been a great follow-up project when I was living in St. Louis). Enjoyed a great dinner last week with a pal who flew in from St. Louis. Other than that, I will need to get back on the job search/freelance train, including networking (and in Job Stalker, I explain why we're networking wrong) and investigating training possibilities. On the networking front, between Monday's Latte of Rassilon (thanks, Geek Girl Chicago, for the mention!) and Tuesday's Net2Chi meeting, I should be covered.

A very special thank-you to Ron Fortier, who took a recent post from Baker Street Blog and featured it his Pulp Fiction Reviews blog.

So until next time, folks - have tons of fun. Seriously.

Just In Time for FREE COMIC BOOK DAY....

2012-05-05T00:05:00.000-05:00

Pal Stara Blaze has this C2E2 video recap - enjoy!

Stara Blaze's Super-Awesome C2E2 2012 Video! from Stara Blaze on Vimeo.
.

Help A Comic Get Published

2012-05-03T03:19:00.000-05:00

As everyone knows, I've been expanding my writing parameters and have been working on a short, seven page story for the collected Zone 4 webcomic, to be published (hopefully) in the late summer/early fall. However, given that several of my pals are very highly connected, I'm hoping that I can receive some guidance and insight from you, the readers of this fine blog.

I need to put together an art team for this story, which is kind of like Firefly as written and performed by the Marx Brothers.This would be a full-color comic which would be available for purchase online (and could be purchased at cost by participants for signings, portfolio, etc).

Bad news - this is not a paid gig. The only concrete rewards I can offer is that this book will be made available via IndyPlanet. However, I believe in paying it forward, and would love to see what I can put together. (I've submitted a post via Digital Webbing, and have gotten some nibbles, but nothing major).

So what am I looking for? Here goes:

Penciller/Artist - someone who can draw in a cartoon/slightly anime style (this is a comedy - with some science fiction and Western elements. Let that be your guide). I can provide samples of character design to make it easier.
Inker - someone with a deft touch who can bring out the best in any artist
Letterer - my Zone 4 cohort Brant Fowler will be handling the lettering. He does really good work.
Colorist - yes, this is going to be a full color book, but I would love to work with someone who can bring nuance to colors, and has a strong vibrant approach

So if you can, I'm asking if you know anyone who can perform any of the above tasks, who has talent and is looking for an opportunity for exposure and publication, please have them drop me a line. The only thing I will promise is to give them a fair shake. (Trust me, this script is a pretty fun piece of work. You'll laugh out loud.)

Thanks, and looking forward to all your assistance.

I Know Cool People: Above and Beyond FREE COMIC BOOK DAY

2012-05-01T07:19:00.002-05:00

So you're thinking....Hey, wait a minute, why should I wait for this Saturday to pick up free comics? Where else can I find free stuff to read?

Earthbound Comics (who kindly sent me a copy gratis) is making one of pal Mike Luoma's Souverain stories available for free via Smashwords throughout the month of May.

(I've blogged about Souverain the comic before - it surprised me since it's not quite my genre, but I liked it. The Kid is one of the highlights of the book).

This story is downloadable in a variety of formats (and can be read online!), but if you want a good free read, and want to turn a non comic-loving pal onto a great concept, you might want to spare the bandwith for Souverain: The Kid.

Download it. Now.

Windy City Pulp and Paper - Why Pulp Matters

2012-04-30T09:11:00.001-05:00

Spent a good chunk of Saturday hanging out at the Windy City Pulp and Paper con with Zone 4 pal Ron Fortier - granted, it didn't have the scope or the raw immediacy of C2E2, but what it did have, I think, is much more vital, vibrant, and for me, at least....important.

Scratch that - for me, it's critical.

At the expense of sounding rather curmudgeonly, we who appreciate more "geeky" or "nerdy" endeavors are spoiled. We have DVDs of old material that we can look over. We have web sites, forums, and other attempts to court us for our hard-earned discretionary spending cash. Every aspect of entertainment has us in our sights, and rather than use this as a way to launch further into a rich tapestry.....we either turn away, complain for what we lack (like, say, people complaining that they can't download Bar Tab of Rassilon, even though they can watch it in a browser 24/7), or engage in the kind of single-minded obnoxious thuggery usually reserved for fans of major sports. In turn, we also don't celebrate craft and literacy, and choose to focus more on the "cool" and hip. We turn away from a sense of history, and focus more on our immediate needs (consider recent conversations around creators' rights, with many who speak out being dismissed as "wanting attention" because they see a lack of creativity in major efforts). In short, we're doomed to repeat history because we're ignoring it.

Pulp literature reminds us of our common history - it's our first, most immediate link to how creators were thinking this stuff up on the spot. It's that immediacy, that sense of "now", that burns throughout. It's an unashamed willingness to go popular, rather than cater to some kind of "exclusive" club, that makes pulp literature so important - for comics fans, it's their way to embrace that past, and to actually find some valid excitement in the "cheap" entertainment of the past.

Oh, Gordon, you may be thinking, You're just telling us what we should like, you nostalgic twerp!

You're free to dismiss what I'm saying (although I haven't used the word twerp since I was nine years old), but consider this - you don't have to like pulp literature. There are things that you will hate....but have you ever considered broadening your tastes? The fact that there's an increasing presence for pulp literature (a whole frickin' movement) that's being driven not by old men wanting to relive the past....but younger writers embracing and creating new works that are geared solely for entertainment. Yes, it can be difficult for some to adjust to reading mostly words and not pictures....but it's worth it. It allows us to reconnect with a sense of literacy, a sense of knowing how language works, and really gives us insight into our cultural past.

(And I can say, without any sense of irony, that I end up spending more money at Windy City Pulp than I do at C2E2. I practice what I preach).

But pulp fiction - in all its varieties, from Victorian detective stories to the slam-bang prose of the 1930s, provides us insight into our goals and aspirations in the past.....which can only help drive our current goals and aspirations. The more we see ourselves as we were, the better we see ourselves as we are, and can better conceive ourselves as we should be.

You BAR TAB OF RASSILON Moment of Zen

2012-04-29T14:20:00.001-05:00

Thinking of checking out tonight's Egen.tv fundraiser? If so (and/or you're out of town), we're live streaming beginning at 6 pm CST. Either click on this link or watch in the embedded frame below!

Watch live streaming video from egentv at livestream.com

And now, your 80s music video moment of zen:

A Pulp-Flavored Weekend

2012-04-27T13:30:00.000-05:00

As you may suspect, I will be spending most of my Saturday at Windy City Pulp and Paper Con, hanging out - and having good natured arguments - with Zone 4 co-conspirator Ron Fortier. (Followed by dinner with a St. Louis pal that evening). Yes, people, even though I have some freelance possibilities up in the air (my main one awaits funding; another awaits formal notification; comics work is still being performed), I'm still making my rounds out and about.

Speaking of "out and about", please be sure to check out this week's episode of Zone 4 - it's a great C2E2 recap, and quite honestly, it's always a lot of fun to record. Plus, you'll hear my professional jingle (which contains banjo - according to experts, banjo music makes any commercial impossible to ignore. I'll let you provide any further commentary or insight)

Sunday night, I will also be out and about, practicing some of the grooming tips I propose in this week's Job Stalker when I attend the fundraiser for egen.tv at Highball Lounge, located at 738 N. Clark. As many of you know, I co-host the impressively awesome Bar Tab of Rassilon (soon to be followed by the meetup imaginatively titled The Latte of Rassilon). But for those of you who are interested in attending (and/or making a donation on Indiegogo if you cannot make the Sunday night event), here's a great video explaining things in detail:

So please - feel free to share this post in your social networks, because getting me out of the house and socializing with others is always a good thing.

Open Letter to Chris Roberson

2012-04-26T08:12:00.000-05:00

Dear Chris,

I'm posting this publicly one in fannish admiration (I loved your Star Trek/Legion of Superheroes Crossover, and liked what you did on Superman), but also to offer my support.

You've come under fire for quitting DC Comics due to its impending Before Watchmen series, as well as its overall treatment of creators. You have cited this article as an impetus, and you've also made your thoughts more apparent in this Comics Journal interview. As a humble blogger, I just want to say....

...thanks for taking a stand. And having the courage of your convictions.

Many of my colleagues have either taken the obvious Roberson's-being-egotistical, or more likely, "It's a shame, but at least we'll have Before Watchmen." Online, we're more likely to hide behind keyboards and screens and declare what should be done, but we rarely - if ever - take a hard line ethical stance. It's easy to forget that behind one of our favorite art forms there are business and ethical matters that we may not take an active interest in.

It's easy to be a cog in the machine - I'm proud that you are actually not just quitting an unethical company (a company that's going to play the "creator's-family's-lawyer-is-an-opportunist" card in order to protect their interests), but making it clear that this is ultimately about rights, not about money, or credit, or anything.

It's also a shame that many of my comics-loving brethren have been vocal about looking forward to Before Watchmen - from a business standpoint, it makes sense (DC has characters, and they're reusing them); from a creative and ethical standpoint, it's bankrupt, showing that corporate interests are being moved forward at the expense of - and not in service of - creative ones. I think it's particularly damning when you said, about one of the supporters of the project (and whom you replaced on a book given his other writing commitments):

As I said on Twitter then, anyone who uses past injustices against creators to justify new injustices against creators is beneath contempt. I think that that is despicable and abhorrent. The mindset— I don’t agree with that, I guess you could say.

Such honesty and directness is frowned upon not just in the comics industry, but in our day-to-day lives. When given the chance to take such a high-minded stance, some of us avoid it, because we don't want to rock the boat. We allow ourselves, to misquote one of my favorite shows, to be pushed, filed, indexed, stamped, briefed, debriefed, and numbered. I'm very heartened and inspired that someone, at the very least, is saying, "No, I won't. This is wrong."

So in that spirit, I'm going to start seeking out your other, non-DC, creator-owned work, and look forward to reading your future efforts. After all, it's the least that I can do. I appreciate anyone willing to put their reputation on their line in such a positive way, and that shouldn't be flamed....it should be encouraged.

Thanks again,
Gordon

Where I'll Be This Sunday Night

2012-04-24T14:59:00.000-05:00

Want to help a pal out? Want to support Bar Tab of Rassilon? If you or a pal are in the Chicago area, please feel free to either come or distribute this flyer. Thanks! 04/29/12 EGen Fundraising Flyer