So You Think You Know John Beatty?

Today happens to be the birthday of my best buddy, John Beatty.

Most ZONERs know "Big" John from his appearances on the SZ message boards, but in honor of his birthday, here are:

Some things about John Beatty that you might not know:

* John Beatty was quite an accomplished break dancer in his youth. Rumors abound to this day that he was the first choice to play the role of "Rerun" on "What's Happening?"

* John Beatty invented the "spoiler alert" used on the internet to let folks not that plot points and surprise endings are forthcoming.


* John Beatty is quite a singer. Perhaps most famous for his cover of Elvis tunes, Jim Ivey [noted raconteur, in the Who's Who of the World] continues to say, "It's not Christmas season until Big John sings 'Blue Christmas.'

* John Beatty is an accomplished actor. He appeared as the evil "Patch" in "Nightveil: Witch War" [available on dvd from accomics.com]. Rumors of an action figure are too scary to think about.


* John Beatty is an accomplished pool player. He has been known to repeatedly spot an opponent every ball on the table and still win!


* John Beatty is an accomplished poker player. He's been known to go both ways in a game of high-low five card stud having nothing but an Ace High and a ten low and beat the table where players had better lows and better highs!


* John Beatty was ahead of the curve when it came to home computers. While still in his teens he had work published in several books on computer use!


* John Beatty's comic career is full of highlights: he worked on the first Secret Wars series [which spawned the popularity of the mini-series]; he worked on the first Punisher mini-series [which kicked the backup character to leading man status]; he worked on the first new Batman book in 50 years [which was also the first comic to start the trend of multple covers]. It is also rumored that Big John, while still a child, was the first to utter Alfred E. Neuman's famous, "What, Me Worry?" line.


Although unconfirmed, it is believed that John Beatty was the first to wear the haircut made famous by the lead singer of Flock of Seagals, that Beatty encouraged Brian Setzer to give up glam rock and try something with a rock-a-billy style, that Beatty suggested that James Cameron follow up "Terminator 2" with something "Titanic," that Beatty was the first to suggest the ideas for "American Idol," "Survivor," and "What's Happening Now?"


Many people find it hard to believe that Big John has done so much in just 45 years on this planet. Speculation abounds that he is much older than that. Unverified pictures of someone looking like John Beatty from the civil war era are rampant in conspiracy circles.

Happy, Happy, Big J!

And It Ain't Even the Season Finale

If you haven't seen last night's episode of LOST yet, then you may not want to read any farther..... SPOILERS are coming!

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Still here? Ok... Whoa! What a great surprise ending!

I know my jaw hit the floor when Michael blasted Ana-Lucia in the chest from point blank range. My eyes were probably still buggin' out when he then popped a couple of caps in Libby!

If that had been the season finale, I would have applauded. With a few episodes still to come, I believe that a standing ovation is in order. I knew that Michelle Rodriguez [Ana-Lucia] and Cynthia Watros [Libby] were supposed to be leaving the show. Still, ya gotta give big props for the shocking way that they went.

So, where does that leave Michael? Has he been brain-washed? Is he fully aware of what he's doing? Is Libby really dead? [Poor, poor Hurley!] And did you know about the novel [Bad Twin] that's referenced in the show and written by one of the passengers... but was just released in real life?

Talk to me, folks!

Does He Have Connery Cool?

Bond. James Bond.

Talk about an iconic character.

For my money Sean Connery WAS James Bond. He had the right mix of charisma, playboy attitude and tough guy machismo to pull off the role of 007.

Roger Moore's Bond had his moments but swayed too far over into comedy for my taste.

Pierce Brosnon had the playboy attitude and some charisma but not enough tough guy machismo to reach the levels of Connery cool.

Daniel Craig is the next guy to step into 007's tux and although initial reports were not so hot, this trailer has me thinking that he may do alright.

Why Superman Stands Alone

What are you waiting for?? Click HERE and prepare to be amazed!

Superman Stands Alone

After my last post, Murph had this to say:

"Craig, seems your very selective in your choices for seeing films on the big screen."

Wait til he gets a load of my movie pics for next month...


Surprisingly, after looking at the films that will be released in June, only one made my "see in a theater" list. That movie is Superman Returns.

Most folks who predict this sort of thing are saying that Superman Returns will probably make the most bucks at the box office this year. Who am I to argue? Although I think that The DaVinci Code may just give it a run for it's money. [Pun intended].

Movies that MAY be Worthy

May starts off with a bang. Mission Impossible III opens the summer on May 5th. Despite the bad press Cruise has been getting, I still think that MI3 is going to do big business and I can't wait to see it on the big screen!

Hot on the heals of MI3 is X-Men 3, better known as X-Men: The Last Stand. While I'm a huge fan of the Claremont, Byrne and Austin run in the X-Men comic series, I've yet to see an X-Men movie in a theater. Although this clip looks pretty cool, I'll probably be one of the few who wait for dvd.

The Poseidon Adventure was one of my favorite disaster movies when I was a kid. I can still remember getting together with a few of my friends and catching the bus to go downtown to the movie theater to see it. I think that this updated version, Poseidon, will be good, but I have a feeling that I may wait for dvd.

The Da Vinci Code is going to be HUGE. Based on the best selling book, and starring Tom Hanks with direction by Ron Howard. It can't miss. And this one will get meback to a theater.

Next time we'll take a look at June!

Tarantino - Rourke - "Death Proof"

I thought this post was going to be about the movies coming out this summer that I'm looking forward to, but when I saw the cool title page to Tarantino's "Death Proof" posted over at Ain't It Cool News, I just knew that the summer previews would have to wait... at least until you get a look at this!

Let's Get Ready to Rumble !

A little over a month ago, I told you about Rumble in La Rambla, a comic mini-series that I thought was worth a look.

Writer Felipe Ferreira and artist Rafael Albuquerque have to feel pretty good since Rumble in La Rambla still has another month before the first issue hits the stands, but the positive buzz is spreading like wild fire.

Take a look at this 8 page preview and you'll see why!

Kirk, Spock Are Back, Baby!

The big entertainment news this week is that J.J. Abrams [the creative mastermind behind Lost, Alias, and Tom Cruise's lastest turn in Mission Impossible III ] will produce, direct and cowrite what looks to be a rebirth of the Star Trek franchise Abrams is planning for a big-screen 2008 release which will focus on the early adventures of James T. Kirk and Spock [sorry Bones, no mention of you].

I've got to admit that this news has caught my interest. I was a HUGE fan of Star Trek during it's initial run on tv. Then again, I was just seven years old. Still, Star Trek did capture my attention and I made a point to watch it each week. I was never a Trekie, but I did see and enjoy the Star Trek movies [well... except for the first one] that featured the original cast.

It'll be interesting to see how this plays out.

Liotta is out of Control

Control totally slipped by me... waaaaay under the radar. I don't remember reading anything about it before, during, or even after it's release. [And I'm talking theatrical and dvd]. That's surprising not only because it stars Ray Liotta, Willem Dafoe and Michelle Rodriguez, but also because it's a pretty decent movie.

Ray Liotta plays a sociopath on death row who is given a last minute, and I mean LAST minute, reprieve, if he will participate in an experimental group testing a drug that might be the key to a cure. Given the set up, I thought that the movie might be a preachy "we can cure them" take on the death sentence. Boy, am I glad that it turned out to be much more than that.

Ray Liotta is one of the most underrated actors working today, and Control provides him an opportunity to show his chops. DaFoe and Rodriguez are welcome additions, but it is the script that really works for me. What could have been a really over the top action-adventure is instead so much more.

Control isn't the best movie you'll see this year, but I bet you'll enjoy it if you give it a shot. "Control" rates a B+.

Sharky's Coming Back

Director, Phil Joanou, is set to direct a remake of Sharky's Machine, a 1981 movie that starred Burt Reynolds as a vice cop who puts together a team to bring down a powerful mobster who controls politicians, the city's drug trade, and a psychotic assassin.

Sharky's Machine is my favorite Burt Reynolds movie, so you might think that I'd be upset that it's being remade. You'd be wrong.

The cool thing about re-makes is that they bring new attention to the original movies. It's usually a win-win situation.

If the new movie kicks butt, then fans may decide to check out the original. If the new movie tanks, it doesn't change the fact that people are still going to be talking about the original film and better still, there's a good chance that a new dvd release of the original film with extras will come heading our way in time to celebrate the theatrical release of the re-make.

Now if they'd only remake Nighthawks

3 Really Bad Days or 3 Really Great Years

Kiefer Sutherland has signed on for three more seasons of 24!

Although that means that his character, Jack Bauer, will face three more really bad days, Kiefer will suffer anything but. He's being paid a reported $40 million which makes him the highest paid tv actor in a drama. Kiefer will receive other perks as well. He'll become the executive producer on 24, be set up with his own production company and given a two-year development deal.

Works out to be a sweet deal for Kiefer and a pretty good one for fans of 24.

Soloman & Hunter... Now Thorn

James Byron Huggins is one of my favorite authors. I've enjoyed every book that I've read by him, and two [Cain and Hunter] are all-time favorites. In fact, I've always wished that Huggins would do a sequel teaming the two heroes, Soloman and Hunter, in a new adventure.

Although Sorcerer, Huggins' latest novel, doesn't bring back either Soloman or Hunter, it does introduce us to a new hero, Michael Thorn. Thorn is an ex-cop, ex-Airborne Ranger who, at 45, has opted for early retirement after seeing more than enough action in the military and as a decorated detective. Thorne, his wife, and two children move to a remote New England town where they buy a house in the country.

Any hope for a peaceful retirement is gone when Thorn discovers a hidden room in his basement. In the room he finds a skeleton chained to the wall. The manacles are engraved with an ancient writing. When the skeleton disappears and people start turning up dead, Thorn suddenly finds himself allies with Assassini sent from Rome to do battle with the ancient evil that has returned from the grave!

Huggins has the ability to make a story move, but never at the expense of character development. He also has the talent to make the unbelievable believable. I must admit that before reading the book,. I was worried that the villain would be some kind of wizard like in Harry Potter or King Arthur. Boy, was I wrong. This sorcerer is an ancient evil who dared to challenge Moses himself!

I thoroughly enjoyed Sorcerer and wouldn't mind a sequel. Hmmm... maybe Thorn could team with Soloman and Hunter on a new adventure?

Put Down Your Drink Now

Although I'm not a huge David Spade fan, I was glad that I wasn't drinking anything when I read that he said:

"A spokesperson for Michael Jackson announced the pop star's
2,600-acre ranch will be closed. Now that the ranch is over 15
years old, Jackson isn't attracted to it anymore."

I'm afraid if I had been drinking something, I'd have sprayed.

The Walking Dead - Pick Your Edition

If you've been searching for missing back issues to The Walking Dead, thinking about picking up the graphic novels, or looking for a great starting point to join in on this classic series by Robert Kirkman, Tony Moore and Charlie Adlard; then wait no more.

The Walking Dead: Book One is a 304 page hardcover that reprints the first 12 issues. It's a great bargain since prices for the original comics, if you can find them are through the roof. Of course, if you don't want the hardcover edition, but still crave even more zombie action, you can take advantage of this special and get 4 trade paperbacks collecting the first 24 issues for just $32.23!

Price that low are to die [and reanimate] for!

Scary Batman

DC has been putting out a variety of Batman statues based on designs by some of the best artists to work on their flagship character.

I told you about this one, based on Eduardo Risso's Batman. It adorns a spot on my bookcase. There have been others in the series based on designs by Joe Kubert and Mike Mignola.

Now there's even one on the horizon based on Kelley Jones' Batman. I always liked Kelley's Batman since it played up the horror aspects of the "Dark Knight."

Of course Doug Moench's writing and Big John Beatty's inks played a key role in making Kelley's Batman so cool... and I don't think that they'll have much to do with the statue. ; )

Dan Curtis - Rest in Peace

Dan Curtis, best known as the creative force behind "Dark Shadows" died today at the age of 78. Curtis's career as a producer, writer, and director spanned five decades. Many would say that the high point of his career was in 1983 when he produced, directed and co-wrote the highly successful "Winds of War" mini-series starring Robert Mitchum. But I would argue that his work on "Dark Shadows" is what most folks will remember.

Curtis created a cult classic that was "must see tv" for the five years that it ran. Ok, ok, truth be told, it wasn't until the second year and the addition of Jonathon Frid as Barnabus Collins that the series really took off; but boy did it! "Dark Shadows" spawned two feature films [not as good as the tv series], comic books, novels, trading cards, and more. Even now, as I think back at how all of my friends and I were "into" "Dark Shadows" I have to smile.

Curtis's wife of 54 years died earlier this month. He is survived by his two daughters and a world of fans. Our thoughts and prayers are with them today.

Something Different from Eric Powell

Today's banner looks like something that you might expect in an Eric Powell drawing. As I'm sure most of you're aware, Eric is the creator of the hugely popular The Goon series. The Goon frequently finds himself up against all manner of mobsters and monsters [werewolves, witches, zombies, etc].

So yeah, that's a typical monster from The Goon in today's banner, right?

Wrong.

Actually it's part of this cover that Eric did for Marvel Westerns: The Two-Gun Kid! Although Eric didn't do the enterior art [Eduardo Barreto did], it should still be worth a gander.

Steranko Returns - Kevin Leaves

Steranko is back, baby!

Just take a look at this limited edition cover for Mr. T.

Man, oh man, oh man!

Steranko shows just why he will always be considered one of the best to ever work in comics. If you want to know more about what the art is for, then click HERE.


On another note, it was Kevin Covais who got sent home last night on American Idol. Although he was the person that I felt most deserving to leave, I didn't go with my feelings when I made my predictions and instead went with how I thought America would vote.

Still I did pick two of the bottom three. Bucky should start sweating now.

Zablo out!

Rumble in La Rambla

As I was going through my Previews order this week, I came across a new comic mini-series that you might want to check out.

It's called Rumble in La Rambla from IDW Publishing. I wasn't familiar with the writer [Felipe Ferreira] or the artist [Rafael Albuquerque] so I went to the Rumble in La Rambla website and learned enough to know that I'm pre-ordering it.

Check it out, you may want to order it too.

American Idol - Predictions

It's American Idol and we're down to the final 11. In a few hours it will be 10... so let's see who might be going...

Katharine McPhee did well and looked great. She's safe.

Ace Young was in the bottom three last week and just did "ok" last night. He could be in danger of leaving soon... but not tonight.

Chris Daughtry had the best performance of the night. I loved his take on "Walk the Line." He's safe.

Bucky Covington didn't impress me. I predict the bottom three tonight.

Elliott Yamin can sing but didn't live up to his potential last night. He'll be back next week though.

Kellie Pickler is safe again... but the cuteness factor is fading fast.

Lisa Tucker was one that I initially thought would easily get to the final 4 or 5. She was in the bottom 3 last week [shows what I know]. She didn't impress last night and could be in the bottom 3 again tonight.

Mandisa can sing and has a great personality...if she wasn't the best performer last night, she sure wasn't third... but I still don't think that she'll win.

Paris Bennett has so much talent. She is safe as can be tonight.

Taylor Hicks might have had the third best performance of the night... and the most fun! He's safe.

Kevin Covais had one of his better performances... still I don't think that he should still be around, but I'll bet he's safe for at least another week.

My bottom three for tonight: Lisa Tucker, Bucky Covington and Ace Young.

My prediction for the one leaving: Lisa Tucker [although I'd rather see Kevin or Bucky taking the trip].

Good TV is a Good Thing

This is the best tv season in recent memory.

Tonight Prison Break returns. It has just the right mix of action, romance, drama, and right when it starts to go over the top, reigns it in. It's a fun ride, if you're willing to go with it.

And don't forget that The Shield finale tomorrow night is one and a half hours long. My gut feeling is that a major character [maybe Lem] is going to buy it. I'm glad to report that The Shield will be back for a sixth and possible final season.

I'd like to write more, but there's just too much good stuff on right now.

Scanning the Day Away

Yesterday, James Howell [top left], John Higashi [top right] and I [middle] spent the day at John Beatty's [not pictured - every time I tried to get a pciture, he shot a bird! LOL!] We get together every so often just to hang out, catch up and share a few laughs. We generally arrange a get-together after a comic book convention to scan in our new art acquisitions and to share "con stories" like this one. It's always a blast and yesterday was no exception.

Of course Higashi was the first to arrive [just as he's always first in line at conventions]. I arrived second and Beatty was already scanning away. Higashi has an unbelievable Star Wars art collection, but he doesn't just limit himself to the realm of the Jedi. Yesterday John showed us two really nice Walt Kelly Pogo strips that he'd picked up, as well as a Stan Drake "Julliet Jones" strip.

Finally "The James" Howell rolled in. James needed to get some pieces for his Batman collection scanned. James is always entertaining and yesterday he had us nearly crying as he told us of his recent charity race. In the last several months James has dropped 70+ pounds through exercise, diet, working out and now jogging. He recently decided to enter a charity run, and not only did he finish, but he had an experience with "the runs" during the run. LOL! Luckily there were strategically placed port-o-potties along the way. James also had us dying as he told us about special preparations and clothes needed for longer races! The thought of James "lotioning up" is just not something you want burned in your mind. Then again, maybe it is.

We decided to go to the Ale House for lunch. Big Beatty has lost over 25 pounds and limits himself to a "sloppy meal" every week or so. He had the Chili-Burger with onion rings. The James, ever vigilant had a chicken breast sandwich with no condiments, steamed broccoli instead of fries and a side salad. I normally would have gone for some wings, but since I've been watching my diet, I opted for the Chef's salad. Higashi, who doesn't need to watch his weight, went for the Mushroom burger and fries.

The meal was a lot of laughs. I had to try to get Beatty to talk a bit quieter when he began to loudly share with us what to expect during a colonoscopy. Luckily our meals came and the conversation drifted. We only had one "near incident" and that was when Beatty asked our waitress if he could see her "tat" and I misunderstood his question... luckily she didn't. ; )

After lunch we hit Circuit City. I picked up a couple of DVDs [Antz and the Thief: Special Edition], and Beatty picked up two DVDs [Big Trouble in Little China and Poolhall Junkies] and a cd. Then it was back to Beatty's for more scanning and nonsense.

The James, Beatty and I were cutting up when I looked over to see Higashi had nodded off. How he could do that with all the noise, not to mention funny stories, is beyond me. I've seen Higashi work all day [overtime even], drive through the night and then work [and I mean work] a convention and still have enough energy to stay up late into the night, only to rise before the crack of dawn and do it again. Yet, there he was catnapping! A sixth sense must have alerted him to the fact that our attention had turned to him and he snapped out of it and picked up the conversation as if nothing had happened.

Unfortunately, The James needed to get back to J-Ville, so the party broke up around 5pm. Still, as we were all leaving, we discussed plans to "do it again."

Kevin Dodges the Bullet

Wow! Was I shocked?

When American Idol opened with the annoucement that either Kevin Covais or Ace Young was in the bottom three; I would have bet the house that it was Kevin packing up to go. And, man-o-man, would I have been wrong.

The second shocker was that Lisa Tucker was in the bottom three! I was thinking that she was a lock to get to the later rounds.

The fact that Melissa McGhee got the boot made sense [if it wasn't going to be Kevin] since she forgot her lyrics on Tuesday.

So, Ace and Lisa were on the bubble. I wonder how that will affect their performances next Tuesday. I guess we'll know in less than a week.

Say Goodbye to Kevin

This is, without a doubt, the best season of American Idol yet. We're down to the final 12 and there are at least 4 who have a real shot of winning.

Unfortunately Kevin Covais isn't one of the four. He seems like a nice enough kid and all, but I'm actually surprised he's made it this far.

Let's look at the rest of the group:

Katharine McPhee had the best performance last night and she could go all the way.

Ace Young has the right look and can sing so he has a shot too.

Chris Daughtry can sing, is comfortable on stage and knows "who he is" -- I just wonder if a rocker can actually be the next American Idol.

Bucky Covington seems like a nice down to Earth guy, but I don't think he'll be around much longer.

Elliott Yamin can sing. I mean the man CAN SING. The question is does he have the "it" factor to get enough votes to win?

Kellie Pickler is the country cutie. She's got a great voice for country music. Cute as can be... but that may get old quick. "I feel like I got tarantulas on my eyes! They're not real though!" Arrrgh!

Lisa Tucker is the youngest in the finals and without a doubt, one of the best. She... could... go... all... the ... way!

Mandisa can sing and has a great personality... but I don't think that she'll win.

Melissa McGhee has her moments, but my guess is that she or Bucky will be the next to go.

Paris Bennett could take the crown. Her rendition, a few weeks ago, of "Midnight Train to Georgia" was the best performance that I've ever seen on American Idol. The only thing that could mess her up is that her "cuteness" may wear thin as the weeks drag on.

Taylor Hicks won't win. He'll go far but I just don't see him taking the crown. I love the guy's style and he's a fun performer but I don't see him beating out some of the others. I think I look forward to his performance more than any of the finalists, but he's still a longshot to take the crown.

So, am I on the right track?

They're Coming to Get You, Barbara!

Many of you Zoners, like me, love a good zombie story. You can't get enough of "Night of the Living Dead," "Dawn of the Dead," "The Walking Dead,"... well, you get the idea.

So how does this sound:

An event of nightmarish proportions has begun! The dead are walking the Earth and tearing the living limb from limb in an endless pursuit to quench their insatiable hunger for flesh. Yet not all killers are undead. Eight of the country's most notorious murderers are being transferred across state when their bus enters a town overrun with feasting corpses! Now the town's remaining survivors find themselves fighting a battle on two sides. Five innocents, countless zombies.

If you like the sound of that, then you might want to check out Zombies! a new series from IDW written by Shane McCarthy and art by Chris Bolton. Look HERE, HERE, and even HERE for more about the series.

Checking in with Vin

I'm a big Vin Diesel fan. Yeah, even after "The Pacifier," I'll still admit to being a fan. Yep, even after "The Chronicles of Riddick."

Vin has the ability to own a screen. Watch nearly any scene in "Pitch Black" or the scenes in "Knockaround Guys" where Vin lays out his plan to get the money back and then carries through on it.

Sure, Vin's had his share of misses, but still he's taking chances and trying to build a foundation for a long career. Don't believe me or in him? Then check out this article and tell me what you think.

So What Are You Watching?

In one of the best tv seasons in recent years, 24 continues to shine just a bit brighter than anything else.

Now, that's not to say that I'm not totally digging what's going on with The Shield. I am. Forrest Whitaker is a great addition to the cast. I love how he's tearing apart the strike team as he slowly falls apart himself. Vic Mackey is still the man. So much so that I find myself knowing that he should go down for his past deeds but hoping that he finds a way to save himself and his team.

Lost continues to entertain and intrigue. Michelle Rodriguez was a great addition to the cast, but from all I hear, her days are numbered. Mr. Echo is perhaps the best new character on ANY show this season. I was surprised at how much the last episode gave away... or seemed to.

The West Wing returns tonight with a new episode. There are only a handful left and then it'll be gone. Still, it's been a great run and I look forward to the rest of the journey.

American Idol surprises me that it can remain so popular despite being on three nights a week. Of course, my family watches every episode, so I shouldn't be too surprised. Usually by the time we're down to the final 12, I have a pretty good idea who will win. At this point I still think that any of maybe 4 different performers have a real chance.

And finally, 24. This is my favorite show this season. Jack Bauer continues to be the best "hero" on tv. The writing, direction and acting all continue to be top notch. What takes this season to the next level is that no one is safe. [Former] President Palmer gets assassinated in the first few minutes of the first episode. Tony Almeda's wife dies in an explosion. Edgar Stiles buys the farm last week. [And I have to tell you that I was REALLY thinking that Curtis was going to be blown to bits last week. I would have hated that since I think that it would be cool to see a season focus on him!] I can't wait to see what's going to happen next!

So what are you watching?

Powell and Oeming on The Goon!

I've been singing the praises of Eric Powell's The Goon for more than a couple of years now. If you like great art, comic books, monsters, mobsters, zombies, witches and lots of [sometimes sick] humor, then you ought to give this book a try.

It just keeps getting better and better.

Issue 16 is on the stands now. Of course it features the writing and art of Eric Powell and is a great jumping on point for those who've never read The Goon. Here's a full look at the banner from the top of this point. Purty, ain't it.

As an added bonus, Michael Avon Oeming provides the art for a Goon short adventure written by Tom Sniegoski. Frankie and the Goon decide to rescue a baby held for ransom by a horde of zombies!

I aboslutely love Oeming's art for this. Here's a shot of Frankie and the Goon. Ya gotta love it. Here's a reaction shot that is priceless. Of course you'd understand why I like it so much if you read the story.

So what are you waiting for? It's available at your local comic shop now!

Which 3 do You Prefer?

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

Seems everyone today is talking about the new trailer for X-Men III.

As for me, I prefer the new Japanese trailer for Mission Impossible III.

The Walking Dead Still Rules!

I first talked up The Walking Dead about 2 1/2 years ago when the series debuted. It quickly became my favorite monthly comic and continues to be.

If you're not reading it, you really should give it a look!

The Creature from the Black Lagoon is Back!

As many of you know, I'm a big fan of monster movies. Especially the classic monsters... Frankenstein, Dracula, The Wolfman, and of course, The Creature from the Black Lagoon.

So you can imagine my reaction when I found out that a new series of original novels based on these characters was coming out later this year. You can read about The Creature from the Black Lagoon's novel HERE.

Don't worry, I'll keep you posted on new additions to the series.

MegaCon Report

One of the best parts of attending conventions is meeting up with folks that you don't get to see often enough. MeganCon was no exception. I spent the bulk of the show hanging at the table shared by my best buddy John Beatty and Alberto Ruiz. Now THAT was a blast [and I plan to write about the experience in a seperate blog update].

Directly across from Alberto and Beatty's table, Bob McLeod was set up. Bob's sketch list was full and his new book, Superhero ABC was selling like hotcakes. If you have [or know anyone who has] young kids, Bob's book would make the perfect gift! Heck, I even saw fans without kids buying it for themselves!

Alex Saviuk was set up. Alex is a great guy who's been busy the last couple of years doing storyboards for movies in addition to his comic work. Alex has a true love of film and so it was great to spend a few minutes catching up with him.

Mark Pennington was there on Saturday sketching for fans. Mark had a really cool Conan painting on display. Mark said that it was a commission for a fan and the fan wanted Mark to change it so that Conan was wearing a horned helmet rather than the wolf's head. While I can understand the fan's thought process, I think that the painting would look cooler the way that it is.

Mark was sketching for fans and turning out some really nice pieces. James Howell got a Batman in the rain that was so nice that he went back to get a Joker [also in the rain] so he'd have "bookend" pieces. Matt Hollub also got on board for a piece from Mark. I would have as well, but my reference was with another artist and Mark was only going to be at the show on Saturday. Still, I know just the sketch I'd like to get from Mark, so the next time we're at a show together, you know I'll be in his line.

Although I was on two sketch lists [Adam Hughes and Phil Noto], and Alberto did me three gratis [3!!!] Stallone pieces [more on that later], I wanted to try and pick up a piece of art for a buddy who'd done me some favors.

I thought that Shawn Surface might just be the man for the job, and boy was I right. Shawn has done some work for my buddy, Bill Black's AC Comics, as well as Mitch Hyman's Bubba The Redneck WereWolf. I'd talked to Shawn at a few cons over the years about getting a Stallone sketch from him... but since I wanted to get a piece from my buddy, that had to come first. Shawn was more than up for the task. I really liked the way it turned out. I'd like to tell you that you can click HERE to see the piece, but instead you'll see Shawn and what a Mage sketch might look like. LOL. Ok, ok... it wasn't THAT funny [unless you know James Howell and have read THIS]. Once my pal, Scott sees his piece, I'm sure he'll post it on his site and you can see it there.

Gus Vasquez was there. We talked a bit about the work that he's been doing on an animation feature. I also asked him about his niece, Rosario Dawson. What a year she's had with her involvement in Sin City and Rent. We also discussed the comic, OCT [Occult Crimes Taskforce] that she's co-creating with David Atchison and Tony Shastee. Rosario and Gus will be among the tons of guests at Heroes Con later this year.

Andy Smith was there. When he wasn't sketching for fans, he was looking for something to take back home to his daughter.

Jesse "Cadre" Hansen "the hardest working man" in comics was set up with his crew. I really wanted to spend a few minutes catching up with Jesse, but the time just wasn't there. We did say "hi" a few times as we passed each other though.

MegaCon, like most cons these days, has people showing up in amazing costumes. Sometimes the folks really look like the characters that they're supposed to be.

Thor had a cool helmet and his beard and hair were right. Still I thought Thor would be taller than me. I love Eric Powell's The Goon. And he's a character that people seldom choose to dress up as. Still, I thought The Goon would be bigger than me. A lot of people choose to dress up as Batman. Although, not too many are lucky enough to have Batgirl and Robin [also in great costumes] along for the ride. But I have to admit, I thought that Batman would be taller than me. You might think that I was starting to feel like "the big man in comics" but you'd be wrong... see I met up with the Kingpin!

If you've ever been to a con, you know how much goes on. I'm sure I'm leaving out some stuff... still, I'll post my new Adam Hughes sketch tomorrow [I LOVE IT!] and my thoughts on hanging with Big Beatty and Alberto soon. If you want to see what they had to say, then click HERE or HERE [where you can actually see Alberto drawing my second Stallone sketch!]