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July 25, 2009
Satyr #9 is Out
Fans of the bizarre rejoice, Satyr #9 has finally arrived and it's already been called the best issue yet. Stellar comics and illustrations by Jeff Gaither, Bebop, Brad Foster, Rick Limacher, Alan Limacher, Jack Bertram, Barry Southworth, Ashe Armstrong, Jennifer Walker, Richard Krauss, Erik W. Hendrix, Roger A. Wilbanks, and Larry Tisch. 38 interior b&w pages plus two eye-popping color covers. $5.70 (postpaid). Payment by personal checks only, made out to Jim Main. Contains adult material.
Do You Believe in Magic?
The thirty-sixth issue of Tim Corrigan's monthly Comics and Stories hit mailboxes this week. This issue is a Marvin Ferble yarn unlike any other story in the long-running series. The twelve-page, digest-sized comic is available for $1.50 or $15.00 for a twelve issue subscription. Published by New Voice Media, Corrigan puts this book out like clockwork.
Neptune Debuts
Aron Nels Steinke's first graphic novel debuts at both the San Diego Comic Con and the Portland Zine Symposium this weekend. Here's a four-and-half minute video in which Aron Nels Steinke discusses his comics and interest in teaching. While he talking images from Neptune are shown. I can't wait to pick up a copy of his book at the Symposium.
Webcomic Anthology
R&R Publishing has announced four new webcomics: Bob Sly PI, Tales from the Looking Glass, Lightstorm, and Pound of Flesh. Between the four features the R&R Publishing site will be updated most days of the week.
Dark Worlds #4
The fourth issue of the pulp-descended magazine of science fiction, fantasy, horror, mystery and other genres is now available for $12.99 in print or $4.99 digital. This issue features the fantasy novella The Tale of the Baron's Tribute by Derrick Ferguson. Also included are A Little Nest Egg, a horror tale by Ken Goldman, Ma Ca Rong a ghostbreaking story by Jack Mackenzie, One Last Run, Among the Stars a space opera by Michael Ehart, Redneck Meatwagon, a futuristic horror tale by Skadi meic Beorh, Midnight in the Wax Museum a nostalgic dark fantasy by Orrin Grey, Black Sun, a Mythos tale by G. W. Thomas and a Sword & Sorcery novella Sometimes Death Gods Are Merciful by C. J. Burch. Our review/interview is for Terror Time by William P. Robertson. Cover by M. D. Jackson. Illustrations by M. D. Jackson, Sam deGraff and G. W. Thomas. You can preview Dark Worlds on Issuu and order it from Rage Machine Books.
Zine of Bronze #6
The latest issue for fans of Doc Savage is now available. With gorgeous full color covers by Tim Faurote and Alvaro Fernandois, articles by Tom Barnett (on Ham Brooks), Julian Puga V (on The Secrets of the U-Boats), Dennis Kininger (his on-going reviews of the Bantam reprints of the Doc Savage novels, plus more regular features (Cover to Cover, and a letters section) and more great illustrations by Tim Faurote, John Lambert, Christian Diaz and Virginia Mills-Barfield, for $5.00 (postpaid). Personal checks only, made out to Jim Main.
In-Depth Mini Comic Reviews
Nat Cook has started a terrific new review blog called The Mini Skinni. His reviews are insightful and in-depth. He includes covers as well as sample pages of the mini comic he reviews.
All These Days Undone
Rip Van Winkle meets the Twilight Zone in Hudson Phillips and Brandon Earnhart's latest webcomic . The seven page story can be read online at Sequential Shorts.
Four from Silber Media
Brian John Mitchell has been busy working on his line of micro mini comics. He's recently completed Lost Kisses #10, XO #5 with Melissa Spence Gardner, Worms #4 with Kimberlee Traub, and a new title Just A Man with Andrew White. The new books are just $1 each and he's selling bundles if you missed the back issues of any particular title.
Captain Cure Merchandise
Ty Wakefield announced a line of new merchandise for Captain Cure at Zazzle. Get a shirt or mug and help Captain Cure in his fight against the big C.
Three New Books
Brian Anderson reports he has three new comics out this week, So Super Duper #8, Reignbow & Dee-Va #2, and This Gay Existence #1. Check out So Super Duper for details, sample pages, and ordering info.
I'd Buy That
I never thought a zine about wearing glasses would be this fun, but this one is a blast! Editor Robyn Chapman has assembled a spec-tacular collection of comics, history lessons, and interviews all about four-eyed culture. Comics include work by Ellen Linder, Joseph Lambert, Colleen Frakes, Hilary Florido, Jon Chad, and Adriana Yugovich. Jim Medway brings Colonel Blink into focus; Alec Longstreth interviews Harry and the Potters; Chapman & Tom Kaczynski provide a four-eyes timeline; and Nate Beaty & Chapman interview custom frame-maker Scott Urban to round out the features. There are cartoon illustrations by Jason Lutes, Sarah Oleksyk, Alex Kim, and Karen Sneider—plus a wraparound cover by Jim Medway. It's not in the Unpopular Comics shop, so you'll have to contact Robyn Chapman to get yours.
Ya gotta love Mark Campos' sense of humor. Exapno Mapcase comes sealed with a band strapped snugly around it. It's so tight it's actually difficult to remove without tearing it. It reads: Do Not Read this Comic Until January 2010. Why? Because it contains a collection of recent work scheduled to appear in various other books. Not wanting to "scoop" those other books, Campos published a few copies of this limited edition with the strict warning. Obviously, I found a way to beat the system. It's a fun book with stories and art by Campos. I'm not sure he has any left, but you could try contacting him through FineComix or Friends of the Nib.
More reviews from Midnight Fiction:
David Beyer Jr.'s City Under Sand on Poopsheet Foundation
Kevin Scalzo's Sweat Book Vol. 2 on Comic Related
July 18, 2009
The Cloak
Here's a bit of Cloak trivia I just discovered. Mike Higgs brought his famous character back for a five page adventure in 1986, most likely through the encouragement of his former assistant Lew Stringer. In 1986 Harrier Comics published an wonderful single issue of Stringer's Brickman that includes a rambling introduction by Alan Moore. This inexpensive treasure is still available from back issue shops. A must for Cloak fans worldwide.
Star Babe Invasion
Mike Fisher just released a Star Babe Invasion featuring femmes fatales from feature film and small screen fame. Fisher is a new media guru, long time contributor to Starlog magazine, and an excellent cartoonist. Get your own Star Babe Invation by sending $5 to Mike Fisher at 510 Enchanted Way, San Antonio, TX 78260.
Colin Tedford's Square Dance
Square Dance #3 is Colin Tedford's first solo comic in a while. It collects his Spinning World strips from June through October, Vigil (a short wordless “poem”), an Hourly Comic, Mission to the Heathens (wordless adventures of a man in a miter trying to convert his neighbors), and Ask Jack (Halloween hijinks). The back cover features a drawing of the ocean creature of your choice—as long as your choice is a crab. It's available for $2 from Colin Tedford.
Ars Memoria
The Art of Memory is a new, numbered, limited edition comic by Menton J. Matthews III. It features Matthews' unique artistic vision. Check out his website to see some of his paintings. Ars Memoria includes an epilogue by Tim Hall Rudisill. The book was published by Prudentius Publishing and is available for $10 from the Ars Store.
Bad Mags Two
Tom Brinkmann (Pure Insanity) has just completed the second volume of Bad Mags. He describes the new book on the Bad Mags website: "I have focused on the amusing, sleazy, sexual, violent, and sensational weirdness that found a home in these peripheral and adult mags with occasional excursions into both the tabloid and the main stream press." The first volume is now sold out. You can order the second one for £15.99 from Headpress/Critical Vision Books.
Toy Soldier Guide
Writer and historian Richard O'Brien announced the publication of his latest volume on toy soldiers this week. Researching American-Made Toy Soldiers is a collection of 32 years worth of articles from Old Toy Soldier Newsletter, Toy Soldier Review, Antique Toy World, and Old Toy Soldier magazine. Published by Ramble House the 264-page book is available for $24.99 in print and $8.99 digitally.
Satyr Preview
The ninth edition of Satyr is back from the printer and will be added to the Main Enterprises shop in short order. This week we preview Cup of Coffee by Erik Hendrix and Roger Wilbanks. Stayr #9 is available from Main Enterprises for $5.70 ($3.95 plus $1.70 for USPS). The 40-page magazine-size comic includes some content intended for mature readers only.
Andy Narwhal Returns
Candy or Medicine #7 is out now. Sixteen pages for $1 (plus shipping). It features a wish fulfillment by JB Sapienza, An Ice Cream Story by Adam Wilson, a one-page gag by Morgan Kessler, a four-page space saga by Tyler Stafford, something random from the mind of Carl Alessi, two strips by Ed Keer, a five-person international jam comic, a wild back cover by Alex Chiu and the return of Andy Narwhal by editor Josh Blair.
Watusi's Doghouse Funhouse
Watusi-master Dale Martin released a new 52-page digest this week. Watusi's Doghouse Funhouse #1 features kid-friendly comedy with stories and art by Martin, Tom Cherry, Drew Boynton, Matt Levin, JB Winter, Ivan Martin, Mark Morehouse, and Mike Sullivan & Bill Hook. It's available for $5 directly from Dale Martin / PO Box 442612 / Lawrence, KS 66044
Necessary Monsters Prints
Sean Azzopardi issued two Necessary Monsters prints this week. The A3-size screen prints are reproduced on fine Somerset paper and suitable for framing.
Haywire Originals
Dan Thompson is selling a few original Rip Haywire comic strips on eBay this week. Watch for his handle (danny-boyred) for this and future sales/auctions.
I'd Buy That
If you're not already a fan of Noah Van Sciver's comics, try an issue of his self-published Blammo. His wacky, self-depreciating humor is perfectly matched to his scratchy, loose cartooning. Some of the stories are semi-autobiographical and some are just riffs on a crazy idea that struck his fancy. They're all funny. Blammo #3 is a great read. The fourth issue is out and with any luck there'll be more coming. #1-4 are $4 each from IndyPlanet.
Moxie, My Sweet is a terrific anthology that came out of Seattle's indie comix scene in 2005. Although the artist's styles and subject matter are diverse, what unifies this book is that every tale was written by Mark Campos. His stories are fanciful and inventive with an underlying political/cultural savvy that makes them entertainment with depth. The book is published by Campos' FineComix imprint. You can find Moxie at indie comic shops everywhere or get it online from the Poopsheet Shop for $7.
More reviews from Midnight Fiction:
Kenan Rubenstein's The Oubliette on Poopsheet Foundation
Sophie and Celso's The River and the Sea #3 on Comic Related
July 11, 2009
Aprendiz Four
Adam Suerte has completed the final chapter of his Aprendiz graphic novel. Issue four completes the series about his tattoo shop apprenticeship in Brooklyn, NY. Suerte was interviewed recently on BlogTalkRadio's Homer Fink Show. Copies of Aprendiz #4 are available from Rocketship or directly through Adam Suerte.
String #15
The fifteenth issue of String was released this week from the 7000 BC Collective. I had trouble downloading it, but Bram Meehan was kind enough to email me a copy.
Cartoon Breakfast
The gang at Conspire, the International Cartoonist Conspiracy have produced a massive jam comic called Cartoon Breakfast, All Natural Pet Food and the Struggle Within. The 22-page PDF file is available as a free download comic.
Call for Entries
Also through Conspire: the Minneapolis alt-weekly CityPages is accepting submissions from now through August 5th, for their annual comix issue . See Cartoonist Conspiracy for more detail.
News from Poopsheet
Poopsheet Foundation founder Rick Bradford updated the site's theme this week giving it a cool, new look. Take a peek when you have a moment. And while you're there, if you're not already a member, take a minute to join this hub for mini comic fans and creators.
Meanwhile, in the Comics Distro area of the PoopSheet Shop Rick's added Proto Murk by the extraordinary UK-based artist Zeke Clough. I was unfamiliar with his work until I saw this amazing zine.
As I mentioned last week, Rick and I have been working on a catalog for the Comics Distro and I'm happy to say it's complete. The illustrated PDF catalog can be browsed onscreen using any PDF reader, or printed and stapled if you prefer a hardcopy. It's easy to order items online, but if you prefer to use traditional mail, the last page of the catalog is an order form. Get your copy here: Poopsheet Shop Comics Distro Catalog (July edition 2.5MB).
Satyr #9 Preview
As Jim Main's ninth issue of Satyr nears release, enjoy this week's preview artwork showing a few panels from What Is It? by Jack Bertram and Al and Rick Limacher. Main Enterprises is accepting pre-orders for Satyr #9, just email Jim Main to place yours. The 40-page magazine-size comic will be $5.70 (which includes $1.75 for shipping).
Super Heroic Tales
The 2nd issue of Super Heroic Tales is now available from Age of Adventure. Costumed hero prose adventures starring Devil-Jack and a pastiche that will have LSH fans screaming for more of Megaboy and the Battalion of Heroes. Golden Age thrills with Fly Man and a 4th of July visit from the Liberator! The great Julius Schwartz is profiled and the very first letters page. Plus more Golden Age greats and all new comic adventure to boot.
Mome
Fantagraphics is bundling back issues of Mome. Sets include 6-10 and 11-15 for $50 each, and 6-15 for $100.
I'd Buy That
After the title jolt, Shithole by Corinne Mucha settles down into a wonderful recounting of the story of her first apartment. The book came out in 2007, but I only ran across it recently. During college, Mucha lived in an apartment over an Indian Restaurant with six other women and a cat. It's loaded with great comic anecdotes and Mucha's charming cartoons. The 32-page comic sells for $3.50 at Mucha's Maiden Housefly Shop.
Trubble Club
My first inkling of trubble came in the form of a 24-page pamphlet I found amongst others of similar size and shape. A search engine soon revealed more. A blog and hints of a secret club. The Trubble Club. The site hosts dozens of sample pages of jams and single pages of comix that mean trubble. I think the one I ran across is the debut issue but a recent blog entry reports they've dared to publish a third. Check out the samples, and if this is still your misplaced sense of entertainment get yourself over to Quimby's and join the club. For $3 a shot you won't find a better collection of twisted deviant behavior on paper.
More small press reviews from Midnight Fiction:
Nicholas Breutzman's Yearbooks on Poopsheet Foundation
Ed Choy Moorman's Dark Cloud Comin' on Comic Related
Brian John Mitchell's Lost Kisses #7 and Worms #3 on Comic Related
July 4, 2009
Happy July 4th
This month's calendar image was inspired from a Japanese block print of a strange creature with the body of a shrimp and the head of a bird. My version is less bird-like, but still strange. Download your own 2009 desk calendar. After printing cut out the pages and place them in a CD-style calendar jewel case.
Octopus Pie Originals
Meredith Gran reports her cross-country the trip to Portland was a bit draining. She's put up for sale the original artwork for the story How I Deal in the Octopus Pie Shop. Pages start at $85, and most are under $100 (save a few double-pagers and detailed ones). These are enormous pages done on bristol board, and as always they are completely one-of-a-kind and signed by the artist.
Satyr #9 Preview
Jim Main and Richard Sullivan are one week closer to releasing the next issue of Satyr. The cover is a spectacular piece by Jeff Gaither. It's shown here without the masthead and typography. Satyr #9 isn't listed in the Main Enterprises Shop just yet, but you can email Jim Main to pre-order. The price of this 40-page comic magazine is $5.70 (which includes $1.75 for shipping). You can still pick up a few of the previous issues of Satyr in the Main Enterprises Shop. Also, in the works from Main is the next issue of his popular Comic Fan. Issue #5 features a beautiful Supergirl cover penciled by Jim Mooney, inked by Dave Farley, and colored by Noor Hafizah. We'll have additional coverage when the book releases.
Spring Spinetingler
Editor Jack Getze reports the Spring edition of Spinetingler Magazine is live. This time out the online magazine features short stories by Patrick Whittaker, Anthony Rainone, Phil Beloin, Jake Nantz, Stephen D. Rogers, Mike Sheeter, David Moss, Fiona Kay Crawford, Graham Powell, John Towler, Danien Seaman, Matthew Acheson, as well as interviews, reviews, a book excerpt, and a feature article.
Take My Wife
SPACE Lifetime Achievement Award-winner Tim Corrigan has just published 35th issue of his monthly Comics and Stories. This issue features Mightyguy in a 12-page yarn called Take My Wife . . . Please! It's available for $1.50 or as part of a twelve-issue subscription for $15 from Tim Corrigan's New Voice Media.
News from Poopsheet
New items in Poopsheet's Comics Distro include Yearbooks by Nicholas Breutzman, Beard Growing Contest by Raighne Hogan, Manny + Bigfoot by Meghan Hogan, and Sweat Book #2 by Kevin Scalzo. Poopsheet proprietor Rick Bradford and I are working on a distro catalog that we hope to make available very soon.
2009 Fearbook is Coming
Famous Monsters of Filmland is finally returning to print. They recently announced plans for FMoF Fearbook 2009. Though no official release date has been set, pre-orders will soon be available through Famous Monsters online, and you can bet the instant a date is approved they'll have the information for you.
The book will feature a final editorial by Forry Ackerman written specifically for this Famous Monsters issue. With a forward by Monster Kid royalty, Bob Burns. The book was edited by FM’s very own Robert Aragon and features contributions by Carla Laemmle, Sara Karloff, Bela Lugosi Jr, Janet Ann Gallow, Jane Adams, Kathy Burns and many others.
As an added bonus those who pre-order the Fearbook online will receive an autographed copy. Who will be signing the magazine you ask? The mystery will be revealed along with the release date on the Famous Monsters website.
Sophia Draws
Xeric Winner Sophia Wiedeman reports the release of The Deformitory, a new 52-page mega-mini comic. It's available for $6 now, directly from Sophia Wiedeman and will arrive in comic shops later this year. For preview pages check out Sophia Draws.
Doug Freeman Merch
The Newt Tronztarr shop will carry a variety of items showcasing original comics, traditional and digital artwork by Doug Freeman. Check out a few of Freeman's comics on his ComicSpace page.
Beyer Beware
David Beyer Jr. reports he's just completed two new mini comics. City Under Sand (32 pages) and Casual Sex (20 pages) are available directly from David Beyer for $3 each. Check out his social media pages on LiveJournal, MySpace, and Facebook.
We The People
Creators Rick Villa and Tony Hobdy report We The People will be available August 19th. In reality, the legendary characters of Zorro, Robin Hood, and Sinbad the Sailor are not just the stuff of fiction, but instead, a long lineage of skilled protectors who vow justice for the innocent. Now in 2009 the mask, the bow, and the sea will call out to a new generation, and in the process a group of unlikely heroes will arise, one that promises to clean up a city where the streets have run rampant with corruption and injustice. Written by Jason M. Burns and drawn by Joe Elsma the new 112-page graphic novel is available for $7.99 and can be pre-ordered now from Outlaw Entertainment. (Cover A and B shown.)
I'd Buy That
As my little dot on the interweb continues to attract more visitors, I've begun to see an increase in the number of review copies I (gratefully) receive from small press publishers. I've always given review copies priority (over the small press books I buy) in my review queue, but lately I haven't been able to cover the bought books. (Although I do slip in a few prose books from time to time, like this week's Characters & Viewpoint.)
Since I haven't been able to find the time to review more zines, I've decided to add a new feature to these Midnight Ramblings. I'd Buy That will highlight new (and sometimes older) small press books that deserve more awareness and support, but that I simply don't have time to review. Okay, let's get started.
Rabid Rabbit is a great comic anthology created by comikers in and around New York. The tenth issue is out. I picked up #9 from editor C.M. Butzer at this year's Stumptown Comics Fest. Issue nine was inspired by EC Comics and features a horror theme. The perfect-bound comic is beautifully produced and contains some really solid work by the contributors. Check out Rabid Rabbit for webcomics, issue contributor lists, news, community, and other gory details.
Shuteye #4 by Sarah Becan features a story called Carrefour in which a solitary record store owner finds himself consumed by a recurring nightmare that intrudes upon his waking life. The story continues in the next issue, which is due this summer. This handmade comic is published by Short Pants Press. Check out the listing for preview pages and Becan's Jakze website for more of her work.
Another small press reviews from Midnight Fiction:
Carrie McNinch's You Don't Get There From Here #11 on Poopsheet Foundation
Call for News Items
Got a small, pressing news item? Send your mini comic and small press comic and pulp news to me for next week's Midnight Ramblings.
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