July 2006
Monday, July 31, 2006 11:54 AM
Hey everyone, I've got a mostly (okay, COMPLETELY) negative review of Del Rey's super cute, super bland mermaid series "Pichi Pichi Pitch." As you all know, I got a ton of stuff from Comic Con. One of these things were the Penny Arcade lithographs. I am selling this years lithograph, as well as last years on eBay below:
Cardboard Tube Showdown
Dr. Raven Darktalon Blood
Oh, and you know what else I got at Comic Con? I got a few books of "Rurouni Kenshin" signed by the creator, Nobuhiro Watsuki. And just to let you guys know, I'll be selling one on Friday. Also keep in mind that I will be selling some old issues of Marvel comics soon too. I know, it's terrible that I use my update space to try and make money off you guys. I can't help it, I'm broke. At least I've been updating with reviews again (and there should be another one on Friday). I tell you, it feels good to be writing reviews again. This will be the norm until I get back into writing my book (I've been putting it off since I have to kill someone I don't really want to kill, but have to if there is to be a "pull the trigger" moment). We've also got a couple of interviews lined up, but with who I'll let you know later on. Until then, enjoy the current review, and if you want to bid on those items, feel free to.
Friday, July 28, 2006 5:58 PM
My newspaper reported that M. Night Shamalan's Lady in the Water is a flop and Pirates of the Carribean II was a success. I've seen Lady in the Water, though, and I liked it. I recommend it to anyone who likes fantasy and humor, as the movie is hilarious! As for today's review, Tokyopop for once has an American manga that is good.
Wednesday, July 26, 2006 1:40 AM
Hey everyone, I'm back from Comic Con! I had a great time, got to meet some cool comic and cartoon creators, like Fred Gallagher, Greg Weisman, Aaron McGruder, and Nobuhiro Watsuki. I have several stories about Comic Con I'd like to share, as well as some photos, so I'll update every few days to let you know how the trip was in minor installments instead of huge editorial installments (mainly because the last time I tried the whole editorial style report I never got to day two). Needless to say though, I have some cool stuff I'll be selling soon, and a trip to Comic Con was just what I needed to get some fire in my belly for this site. I still can't promise two reviews a week because of my book I have to work on, but I can promise you at least one a week, seeing as how I just wrote three of them. Also, I'm going to be unveiling a little something extra special I want to do with reviews that get an A+ on this site. Once I work out the details I'll post them on this homepage. In the meantime, enjoy a review of "X-Men 3: The Last Stand."
Wednesday, July 19, 2006 2:21 AM
Oh, one more thing. On Friday, at 10:10pm, you WILL be able to see me at the Regal Theater at 475 Horton Plaza in San Diego, watching the new animated movie "Monster House" in 3D! So if you guys want to watch what is supposed to be a really good movie with me, then that's where I'll be. Okay, later guys, I need some sleep. I'm looking forward to preview night. Penny Arcade, Megatokyo, and Viz Media here I come (as well as Ken Penders and Scott Kurtz).
Tuesday, July 18, 2006 11:19 AM
Hey everyone, Kevin here. Well, I'll be heading out to Comic Con in a couple of days, but I wanted to let you guys know what panels I'm most likely going to be attending at the con. I don't have a booth of my own or anything, but I will be going to the various Q&A panels, so if you see me at one of these, feel free to say "Hi" or something.
Thursday
10:30-11:30 Meet the Voices of Pokémon Season 9!— For the first time ever, fans will get a chance to meet actors behind the new voices of Ash and Brock! Plus you'll find out lots of information for Pokémon: Battle Frontier , the ninth season of the animated series. Representatives will be on hand to answer your questions. Room 2
11:30-12:30 Del Rey Manga— Join the staff of Del Rey Manga as they announce new titles, present their latest manga, and talk about why Del Rey is one of the hottest manga publishers in the market today! Room 8
2:15-3:00 Spotlight on Greg Weisman — Greg Weisman is best known as the creator of the popular Gargoyles cartoon series, which appeared on Disney's afternoon animated lineup in the late 90s. Gargoyles has returned this year as part of SLG Publishing's Disney Comics line. Join Greg as he discusses the Gargoyles comic book series and answers questions about both the comic and the show. Moderated by SLG publisher Dan Vado . Room 9
6:00-7:00 CMX: Mega Manga— They come from Japan: some of the most exciting and captivating comics you'll ever read! Now, DC Comics presents some of Japan's most renowned manga, including Kamikaze Kaito Jeanne, Emma, Densha Otoko, Land of the Blindfolded , and from America, Megatokyo . Join writer/artist Fred Gallagher ( Megatokyo ), WildStorm director of manga Asako Suzuki , and manga editor Jim Chadwick for this trans-Pacific panel! Room 4
7:00-8:30 ASIFA Presents: Dream on Silly Dreamer — On March 25, 2002, Disney Feature Animation announced the death of 2D animation by closing all of its 2D feature animation units. Dan Lund was there with his camera. View his award-winning documentary, followed by a panel of Disney animators with 120 years of combined experience in the field of animation. Panelists include Dan Lund , director Dream on Silly Dreamer and effects animator, The Emperor's New Groove ; Tony West, producer, Dream on Silly Dreamer , effects animator, Lilo & Stitch ; Dorse Lanpher , effects animator, Beauty and the Beas t; John Tucker , effects animator, The Lion King ; Mauro Maressa , animation supervisor, Alien , effects animator Fantasia/2000 ; Kris Heller , clean-up Mulan , breakdown artist, Aladdin ; and Jacki Sanchez , in-betweener, The Prince and the Pauper . Moderated by Larry Loc , ASIFA-Hollywood board of directors. Room 6B
10:15-12:15 CCI:IFF Extra: IFC Presents This Film Is Not Yet Rated — This Film Is Not Yet Rated , an IFC Original Documentary from Oscar-nominated director Kirby Dick ( Twist of Faith ), is an unprecedented investigation into the MPAA film ratings system and its profound impact on American culture. See what Entertainment Weekly calls "an irresistible muckraking documentary that might just shake up the world of movies, which would be good news for movie addicts everywhere," followed by a Q&A with Kirby Dick and producer Eddie Schmidt . Room 6B
Friday
10:30-11:30 TOKYOPOP Manga Industry— Manga is evolving everyday and TOKYOPOP is leading the Manga Revolution. Check out new projects and the latest releases and acquisitions from around the world, as TOKYOPOP editors Rob Tokar , Lillian Diaz-Przybyl , Alexis Kirsch , and Kathy Hilling and marketing reps Jonathan Chen and Josh Pool present the inside info you just have to hear firsthand. Also, special guest Kim Jae-Hwan —creator of the King of Hell and artist for the Warcraft manga—will be on hand to take questions and speak about his work with TOKYOPOP. Room 1B
12:30-2:00 VIZ Media: Anime/Manga— Join VIZ Media representatives Anthony Jiwa (director of marketing, home video and publishing), Cammie AllenMegan Bates (managing editor, Shojo Beat manga), Annette Roman (managing editor, manga) and others as they discuss new acquisitions for 2007, new product releases, and highlights for the rest of 2006, and answer all your otaku questions. Plus, you'll have a chance to win VIZ Media products and prizes! Room 9
2:00-3:00 TOKYOPOP Global Manga— Representatives from TOKYOPOP, the largest English-language publisher of manga in the world, will fill you in on the inner workings of the fastest-growing segment in the publishing industry. Panelists include editors Lillian Diaz-Przybyl , Rob Valois , and Tim Beedle . Editors will also introduce fans to new global manga, including Fool's Gold ( Amy Hadley ), Re: Play ( Christy Lijewksi ), and My Dead Girlfriend ( Eric Wight ), along with insight from fan-favorite artists such as M. Alice Legrow ( Bizenghast ) and Amy Ganter ( Sorcerers & Secretaries ), a special project with the Make-A-Wish Foundation and much much more! Room 9
3:00-4:00 VIZ Media's Shojo Beat featuring Matsuri Hino— Meet Matsuri Hino , the creator of MeruPuri and Vampire Knight , as she helps celebrate Shojo Beat 's first-year anniversary with the editors from both the U.S. and Japan! Find out how she got started as a manga creator, her expectations for Vampire Knight , her new series in Shojo Beat magazine, and take this opportunity to ask your own questions. Plus a chance to win exclusive Vampire Knight pendants! Panelists will also include VIZ editor Yumi Ide , Shojo Beat 's Yumi Hoashi , and others. Room 9
4:00-5:30 Bruce Timm Retrospective/ Legion of Super Heroes — Warner Bros. Animation president Sander Schwartz introduces a retrospective on the creativity of animation legend Bruce Timm ( Batman Beyond , Superman: The Animated Series ). Bruce will talk about his 20-year career, screen selected scenes from his body of work, and take part in a Q&A. Immediately following the Timm retrospective, Warner Bros. Animation presents a sneak peek at Legion of Super Heroes , a new Superman-themed half-hour adventure series inspired by the DC Comics series and set to air Saturdays this fall at 11:00 AM ET/PT in the Kids' WB ! programming block on the new CW. Producers Linda M. Steiner ( Teen Titans ) and James Tucker ( Justice League Unlimited ), story editor Rob Hoegee ( Teen Titans ), and others from the show's creative team will join several of the Legion cast members, including Yuri Lowenthal (voice of Superman), Andy Milder (Lightning Lad), Shawn Harrison (Timber Wolf), and Michael Cornaccia (Bouncing Boy) for a Q&A session and debut of scenes from the upcoming show. Room 20
5:00-6:00 The Boondocks: The Complete First Season — Join creator Aaron McGruder and the cast of Adult Swim's provocative, award-winning comedy series The Boondocks for a panel discussion in celebration of the release of The Boondocks: The Complete First Season on DVD and for PSP July 25. Cast members Regina King ( Miss Congeniality 2 ), Cedric Yarbrough ( Reno 911 ), Gary Anthony Williams ( Malcolm in the Middle ), Jill Talley ( The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie ), and Gabby Soleil ( Johnson Family Vacation ), along with McGruder, will discuss the stories behind the edgy, animated characters, and offer a first-ever sneak peek of the three-disc DVD. Room 6CDEF
8:30-11:30 Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards — The 18th annual Eisner Awards , the “Oscars” of the comics industry, will be given out by celebrity presenters, along with such other prestigious awards as the Russ Manning Promising Newcomer Award and the Bob Clampett Humanitarian Award . This year's master of ceremonies is Bongo Comics' Bill Morrison . Admission to the Eisners is free to all Comic-Con attendees—just be sure to bring your badge. Doors open for pros and VIPs at 7:30 and for attendees at 8:15. Room 20
Saturday
11:30-12:30 Gumby's 50th— He's flexible, dependable, and everyone's favorite green boy of clay: he's Gumby! Celebrate 50 years of magical fun with Gumby creator Art Clokey , as well as his son, Joe Clokey , as they talk about their experiences and answer questions about Gumby along with Robert Thompson, Bob Burden, Rick Geary , and Mel Smith . They'll talk about upcoming projects starring Gumby, including a special announcement you'll hear here first! If you love Gumby, this is the place to be! Room 5AB
1:30-2:30 VIZ Media's Shonen Jump Panel featuring Nobuhiro Watsuki— This panel features the editors of both the Japanese and U.S. Shonen Jump as well as Nobuhiro Watsuki , the creator of the hit series Rurouni Kenshin and the upcoming Buso Renkin ! Two such diverse manga from a single creator—where did these story ideas originate? Also take a sneak peek at the promo animation video of Buso Renkin , never before seen in the U.S. Panelists also include Hisashi Sasaki , original editor and current deputy editor-in-chief of Weekly Shonen Jump ; Takanori Asada , current editor of Weekly Shonen Jump ; Yumi Hoashi , editor-in-chief, Shonen Jump , and others. Room 1A
3:00-4:00 FUNimation— Dragon Ball Z, Fullmetal Alchemist, Samurai 7 — FUNimation is your anime friend. Find out the latest on the company's new shows for this year and info about FUNimation Channel, broadcasting anime 24/7 to a city near you. Come for the news, stay for the prizes. Lance Heiskell , senior brand manager, moderates. Room 1B
Sunday
10:30-12:00 Christian Comics Meeting— Join the CCAS for a Sunday morning time of Christian fellowship and interaction. The meeting will open with song and a prayer, followed by a panel discussion on the role of Christianity in the arts, as seen in the many varieties of Christian comics: educational, evangelistic, allegorical, inspirational, entertainment. Room 4
12:30-1:30 Spotlight on Christopher Paolini — This young author took the fantasy world by storm with his book Eragon , written when he was just 17 years old! Christopher Paolini comes to Comic-Con as a special guest to discuss his "Inheritance" trilogy of fantasy books, including Eragon (soon to be a major motion picture), and Eldest . Paolini will be interviewed by noted fantasy writer (and Comic-Con special guest) Peter S. Beagle . Room 6B
As always, this is all subject to change, as you can never REALLY have a solid Comic Con plan, but these are the panels that are on the top of my list to see. So if you happen to see me there, give me a wave. Just look at the name tags for all the guys wearing a anime themed t-shirt (you might have your work cut out for you) or a Jesus t-shirt (more or less makes finding me a little bit easier). Anyway, I'll try to have an update for you on Wensday before I leave, but if not, I hope to see you at the Comic Con.
Monday, July 17, 2006 12:46 PM
So here is not one review, but one new one and an updated review. It's about time that I've read the fourth and last story in Confidential Confessions. My longest review to date is now going to get even longer. "I've also been reading some of Kevin's old editorials, including the one on comic strips. There's also a six-strip arc in my new Foxtrot collection about how Roger wants to keep a comic strip that was good when he was thirteen. To all our readers: please look at the comics in your newspapers this week and decide which ones should be axed. I'm tired of The Lockhorns and Pardon my Planet should go as well. Once you know which ones should go, do not hesitate to write to your editor. It's time we had new (and funnier) blood in the mix.
Monday, July 10, 2006 0:22 AM
Hey guys, long time no see huh? Yeah, sorry about the lack of updates for this site, something unexpected came up, and I was without a computer for awhile. I'm terribly sorry for this, but now I've got a computer, and updates should continue on a regular basis now (until Comic Con that is). Today I have a second opinion of "xxxHOLiC" from Jaya. Enjoy!