Tonight (LIVE! ) on "The Comic Book Novice" Radio show, Join Hassan, Belkis and yours truly as we interview Comic Book Writer Rich Bernatovich (www.Sentinelsonline.com)
9pm est www.am1240wgbb.com
Archives @ www.thecomicbooknovice.com
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Movies
So here's something that I was thinking about the other day. It actually came to me at an I-con . I was attending a Panel featuring Peter David (my favorite writer) and the subject was about favorite comic book movie and why.
Now that honor (at the time) went to "League of Extraordany Gentlemen" (for reasons I'll go into another time. But as the discussion progressed, it occurred to me that it's just not the movie that makes it a great movie, but the circumstanes around that initial viewing that affects the enjoyment of a paticular movie.
For example. a bad day can make an ok movie really crappy, and vice versa. Also age is a factor. I was taklking to a guy and he was telling me that as a kid, he loved "Surf Ninjas". then when he say it the other day, he said it was "so sucky" and can't believe that he loved that movie.
the final straw of my discovery was that really a bad (or good) movie is subjective. No matter how many people like (or hate) a movie what really matters is what YOU think. Sure it's hard to defend a movie that "everyone else" says is bad, or trash a movie which (for some crazy reason) "the masses" deem great. But it's how you felt (or still feel) after watching that movie.
So for me, My top 3 comic book moveis are:
Sin City
Punisher
"League"
Now that honor (at the time) went to "League of Extraordany Gentlemen" (for reasons I'll go into another time. But as the discussion progressed, it occurred to me that it's just not the movie that makes it a great movie, but the circumstanes around that initial viewing that affects the enjoyment of a paticular movie.
For example. a bad day can make an ok movie really crappy, and vice versa. Also age is a factor. I was taklking to a guy and he was telling me that as a kid, he loved "Surf Ninjas". then when he say it the other day, he said it was "so sucky" and can't believe that he loved that movie.
the final straw of my discovery was that really a bad (or good) movie is subjective. No matter how many people like (or hate) a movie what really matters is what YOU think. Sure it's hard to defend a movie that "everyone else" says is bad, or trash a movie which (for some crazy reason) "the masses" deem great. But it's how you felt (or still feel) after watching that movie.
So for me, My top 3 comic book moveis are:
Sin City
Punisher
"League"
Thursday, November 22, 2007
11/22 Thanksgiving day show
Tonight (LIVE!) on "The Comic Book Novice" Radio Show, Join Me, Mark Torres on Thanksgiving day as I talk about the last Big Apple Con (www.bigapplecon.com). If you were there, call in and share your story! 9pm EST www.am1240wgbb.com
archives @ www.thecomicbooknovice.com
archives @ www.thecomicbooknovice.com
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Conventions
So I made it back from the Big Apple Con and while I was sitting there, I noticed some of my neighbors setting up their tables. It reminded me of when I did my first convention and all the things that I should have brought with me but didn't. So here is a brief list of things that one should always bring to a con (if you are setting up a table that is). Keep in mind that some things may not apply to you depending on what kind of table you are having
First you should bring your own tablecloth. Even if you are provided one, you may not like the color/type of cloth.
Tape. More specifically artists (or painters) tape. This is the kind that you can use on almost any surface and when you peel it off at the end of the show, it leaves no mark. Regular tape can (and usually does) damage the paint on the walls. Need to stick up a banner, or hold something down to your table (or tablecloth)? Bring a roll of tape.
A pen. It amazng how often one needs a pen. (and dont forget a small pad to write down stuff on!)
Index cards/post-its. Once again something to write stuff down on. But these items can serve a dual purpose. You can write on these things and then place them on (or near) items you want to sell, or maybe just have information for passer-bys.
One plastic bag. Yep, it's good to have a bag set aside for garbage. The one you get shopping at a grocery store. That way you wont have a mess under the table and you wont have to constantly get up to throw out stuff. Also, a second bag for free stuff. If you plan to network and/or walk around, you'll need something to put all your free stuff in.
Change. If you plan to sell something, it's good to have about $20.00 in singles. Sometimes you can lose a sale if you don't have the correct change.
Buisness card/post card/fliers. Basically something that has your info on it that you can give away to people.
A friend. Man I have to tell you, sitting with someone at a table is waaaay better than if you are there by yourself. Not only do you have someone to talk to, but it gives you the ability to leave your table and have someone watch your stuff. Also comes in handy when packing/unpacking your table.
First you should bring your own tablecloth. Even if you are provided one, you may not like the color/type of cloth.
Tape. More specifically artists (or painters) tape. This is the kind that you can use on almost any surface and when you peel it off at the end of the show, it leaves no mark. Regular tape can (and usually does) damage the paint on the walls. Need to stick up a banner, or hold something down to your table (or tablecloth)? Bring a roll of tape.
A pen. It amazng how often one needs a pen. (and dont forget a small pad to write down stuff on!)
Index cards/post-its. Once again something to write stuff down on. But these items can serve a dual purpose. You can write on these things and then place them on (or near) items you want to sell, or maybe just have information for passer-bys.
One plastic bag. Yep, it's good to have a bag set aside for garbage. The one you get shopping at a grocery store. That way you wont have a mess under the table and you wont have to constantly get up to throw out stuff. Also, a second bag for free stuff. If you plan to network and/or walk around, you'll need something to put all your free stuff in.
Change. If you plan to sell something, it's good to have about $20.00 in singles. Sometimes you can lose a sale if you don't have the correct change.
Buisness card/post card/fliers. Basically something that has your info on it that you can give away to people.
A friend. Man I have to tell you, sitting with someone at a table is waaaay better than if you are there by yourself. Not only do you have someone to talk to, but it gives you the ability to leave your table and have someone watch your stuff. Also comes in handy when packing/unpacking your table.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
11/15 giveaway show
Tonight (LIVE! ) on "The Comic Book Novice" radio show, Join Belkis and yours truly as we go for round two interviewing Everett Soares Creator of Sky Pirates. If that's not all, We will be giving away FREE passes to the Big Apple Con ( www.bigapplecon.com ) all night. So listen, and call in! 9pm EST www.am1240wgbb.com
archives available @ www.thecomicbooknovice.com
archives available @ www.thecomicbooknovice.com
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Up next
I mentioned last time about the changes that are coming to the site and the events that I'm planning to keep this little company going. The next big thing on our calendar is The National Big Apple Con This convention in New York that has been a mainstay for many years and this particular convention (16-18) is going to be his biggest yet.
The thing for me is that I plan to go to the SDCC in 2008 and because of certain finances that were promised have not arrived, I'm going to have to really work on a shoe string budget to make sure that I'm still going to be able to have my book ready for the SDCC AND make it to the con as well.
Normally, the Big Apple Con is something that alot of people take for granted and the past few turnouts have been thin. But this time it is expected to be huge as Mike Carbanaro (the company's head) has pulled out all the stops in making it THE convention to go to. So we are now expecting high numbers. So many, that I am worried that I might be under prepared. It's the same feeling that I'm getting when I think about the SDCC and that is oh-so many months away. I didn't really make anything "new" for this convention (once again a cost issue) and any experiments that I decide to do will have to wait for the SDCC (because to me really that will be my BIG push). So if you are in NYC (or close enough to travel) stop by our table, meet the very attractive Belkis (she does not have a face for radio!), see me and support us!
And on our 11/15 radio show we will be giving away passes to the Big Apple Con for FREE!
The thing for me is that I plan to go to the SDCC in 2008 and because of certain finances that were promised have not arrived, I'm going to have to really work on a shoe string budget to make sure that I'm still going to be able to have my book ready for the SDCC AND make it to the con as well.
Normally, the Big Apple Con is something that alot of people take for granted and the past few turnouts have been thin. But this time it is expected to be huge as Mike Carbanaro (the company's head) has pulled out all the stops in making it THE convention to go to. So we are now expecting high numbers. So many, that I am worried that I might be under prepared. It's the same feeling that I'm getting when I think about the SDCC and that is oh-so many months away. I didn't really make anything "new" for this convention (once again a cost issue) and any experiments that I decide to do will have to wait for the SDCC (because to me really that will be my BIG push). So if you are in NYC (or close enough to travel) stop by our table, meet the very attractive Belkis (she does not have a face for radio!), see me and support us!
And on our 11/15 radio show we will be giving away passes to the Big Apple Con for FREE!
Thursday, November 8, 2007
11/8 show
Tonight (live) on "The Comic Book Novice" radio program, Join Hassan, Belkis, and yours truly as we interview Shawnti Therrien (with Matt Ryan) from www.immortalgothicangel.com. 9pm est www.am1240wgbb.com
archives available @ www.thecomicbooknovice.com
archives available @ www.thecomicbooknovice.com
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
194
The ad is out. Wizard issue #194. My ad, is on page 99. It looks pretty good. I was concerned about the text size of certain things, but it worked out fine. This was a big play. They say the bigger the risk, the greater the gain. So I'm taking a risk here. An ad ain't cheap, and hopefully this will make a return on my investment. it's only 30ish days of advertisement, but it should go through a lot of hands during that time.
The site should be changing in the next few weeks to better receive the traffic that hopefully will come my way.
so in the next month while issue 194 is floating around, I'll know where I stand for the next year.
The site should be changing in the next few weeks to better receive the traffic that hopefully will come my way.
so in the next month while issue 194 is floating around, I'll know where I stand for the next year.
Thursday, November 1, 2007
11/1 radio show
Tonight (LIVE) on "The Comic Book Novice" radio program, Join Belkis, Hassan and yours truly as we discuss the movie "30 Days of night" starring John Hartnett (40 Days 40 nights). That's alot of time! as usual, this will be a free flowing discussion and spoilers may flow.
In addition to that, we will be giving away FREE 3-day passes to the Wizardworld Texas convention
9pm est www.am1240wgbb.com
In addition to that, we will be giving away FREE 3-day passes to the Wizardworld Texas convention
9pm est www.am1240wgbb.com
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
The Story so far. .
So, I was thinking. There is 8 months left before the SDCC (That's the San Diego Comic-con to you who don't know) and that means that I have less than 8 months to get my book out, go to The two biggest comic book conventions, and figure out a way to turn this company into everything I know it can be.
To that extent, I'm looking for someone to sit in for Pete during his hiatus on the radio show, I placed a full page ad in Wizard magazine (due out in November), I even got a new webmaster to keep the site updated (and beyond, he has his own ideas to bring traffic to the site). Also, I'm putting the pressure to make sure I have all my pages ready to go for my book (better to have it sooner than later I say).
There are a few more minor things I am doing, and I hope to have them ready for the next Big Apple con.
rememebr, it only takes 9 months to have a child....not much time at all......
To that extent, I'm looking for someone to sit in for Pete during his hiatus on the radio show, I placed a full page ad in Wizard magazine (due out in November), I even got a new webmaster to keep the site updated (and beyond, he has his own ideas to bring traffic to the site). Also, I'm putting the pressure to make sure I have all my pages ready to go for my book (better to have it sooner than later I say).
There are a few more minor things I am doing, and I hope to have them ready for the next Big Apple con.
rememebr, it only takes 9 months to have a child....not much time at all......
Thursday, October 25, 2007
10/25 giveaway show
Tonight (LIVE!) on "The Comic Book Novice" radio show, Join Belkis, Hassan, and yours truly as we discuss the evolution of the comic book cover. In the past few episodes we have touched on this subject and I felt we should dedicate a whole show to it! Also, we will be giving away 2 FREE 3-day passes to the Wizardworld Texas con! 9pm EST
www.am1240wgbb.com
archives @
www.thecomicbooknovice.com
www.am1240wgbb.com
archives @
www.thecomicbooknovice.com
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
IF
Here's the thing.....and keep this rule as a constant reminder....You will always do the exact same thing under the exact same circumstances. Not similar EXACT. You could argue that there really is no way to test that theory. Because it never will be the EXACT same circumstances. But you can be "close" and with all the other information, logic dictates that my theory (at least) holds some water.
So lets begin with the simple stuff...What did you eat today? whatever the answer, follow it up with this: Why did you eat that? and finally, why would you have eaten anything different? Now here is the trick: you are not allowed to use the word "if" when you answer that last question (or any words which would change the situation). and really the answer is no you would not have eaten anything but what you did eat because of the reasons you gave in your second answer. To go one step further one can argue that at the same point in time you would have always ate what you ate because there is no reason why you wouldn't. Think about it.
lets take bob here (some guy i made up) he's at his job and he's hungry. Now it's 10AM and his lunch break is at 11AM. he could go on an early lunch and eat. and this decision to go early is already decided before he makes it. See everything that led up to that decision will make him choose a certain path. Watch this: "IF" he had taken an early lunch previously and his boss told him to never do it again or he's fired, then he's not gonna do it, unless he wants to get fired. "IF" his is at a job where he can take an early lunch then he might do just that. or "IF" the lunch place doesn't open till 11AM. I could go on but as you can see there are tons of "IFs" one can think of to either have him go to lunch early or not.
Bob doesn't go to lunch early. For whatever reason he doesn't and on that day at that time he will never go to lunch early. why would he? and remember, you can't use the word "IF"
I hope that makes some sort of sense (I tend to find that my theories sound better when I explain them person to person) My mind goes at least 100 times faster than my fingers as i type!)
So lets begin with the simple stuff...What did you eat today? whatever the answer, follow it up with this: Why did you eat that? and finally, why would you have eaten anything different? Now here is the trick: you are not allowed to use the word "if" when you answer that last question (or any words which would change the situation). and really the answer is no you would not have eaten anything but what you did eat because of the reasons you gave in your second answer. To go one step further one can argue that at the same point in time you would have always ate what you ate because there is no reason why you wouldn't. Think about it.
lets take bob here (some guy i made up) he's at his job and he's hungry. Now it's 10AM and his lunch break is at 11AM. he could go on an early lunch and eat. and this decision to go early is already decided before he makes it. See everything that led up to that decision will make him choose a certain path. Watch this: "IF" he had taken an early lunch previously and his boss told him to never do it again or he's fired, then he's not gonna do it, unless he wants to get fired. "IF" his is at a job where he can take an early lunch then he might do just that. or "IF" the lunch place doesn't open till 11AM. I could go on but as you can see there are tons of "IFs" one can think of to either have him go to lunch early or not.
Bob doesn't go to lunch early. For whatever reason he doesn't and on that day at that time he will never go to lunch early. why would he? and remember, you can't use the word "IF"
I hope that makes some sort of sense (I tend to find that my theories sound better when I explain them person to person) My mind goes at least 100 times faster than my fingers as i type!)
Thursday, October 18, 2007
10/18 show
Tonight (Live!) on "The Comic Book Novice" radio program, Join
Belkis and yours truly as we have our rescheduled interview with Comic Book writer Michael Kingston (www.visionarycomics.com). 9pm EST
www.am1240wgbb.com
afterwards leave your comments here
Belkis and yours truly as we have our rescheduled interview with Comic Book writer Michael Kingston (www.visionarycomics.com). 9pm EST
www.am1240wgbb.com
afterwards leave your comments here
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Need a fourth
So looks like I'm going to need another person for the show. The requirements are as follows:
1) The person MUST either have a car OR live near West Babylon, NY
2) The person must be able to not only do the show on a weekly basis, but also be able to attend conventions and other CBN functions.
3) The person must be able to read live copy on the air
4) The person must like comics.
anyone interested send me an e-mail mfc_studios@hotmail.com
1) The person MUST either have a car OR live near West Babylon, NY
2) The person must be able to not only do the show on a weekly basis, but also be able to attend conventions and other CBN functions.
3) The person must be able to read live copy on the air
4) The person must like comics.
anyone interested send me an e-mail mfc_studios@hotmail.com
Thursday, October 11, 2007
10/11 show
Tonight (LIVE) on "The Comic Book Novice" radio show Join Hassan, Belkis, and yours truly as we interview comic book artist Chris Torres. 9pm est www.am1240wgbb.com
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
The only one you know
Something happened the other day. I was talking to this girl about Star Wars. She was young (18) and she said something that just blew my mind. She asked "If the second set of movies were made before the first set, how did they manage to get the guy's face in the last movie?". She was referring to the fact that in the (as I like to call it) "enhanced" version of The Return of the Jedi (only released on DVD) at the end there is the actor who played Vader (in episode II and III) standing along with Ben and Yoda.
It occurred to me that she hadn't seen the original version of Jedi and all she knew was that one. In the original version, there was a completely different actor playing Anakin at the end of the movie (for those who didn't know).
Now I don't know about you, but that is very interesting. It's history changed right in front of your eyes. There is a whole generation (and more to come) that will believe that the Star Wars saga as it is seen now is the only way it was. They do say that the history of a war is written by the winners and I can see an odd comparison to that in this case. I mean if that's all you know then that is your history.
If you go to the video store (or any place that sells DVDs) you may notice that the three Indiana Jones movies are all together. The first one has been renamed Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark. Now it's just a name, and this didn't get as much play as the whole Star Wars thing, but it's the same thing. The history is changed.
Makes more sense (now that one thinks about it) for remakes. People say "why remake something?", The answer is now pretty obvious. This current version may be the only one the audience knows.
It occurred to me that she hadn't seen the original version of Jedi and all she knew was that one. In the original version, there was a completely different actor playing Anakin at the end of the movie (for those who didn't know).
Now I don't know about you, but that is very interesting. It's history changed right in front of your eyes. There is a whole generation (and more to come) that will believe that the Star Wars saga as it is seen now is the only way it was. They do say that the history of a war is written by the winners and I can see an odd comparison to that in this case. I mean if that's all you know then that is your history.
If you go to the video store (or any place that sells DVDs) you may notice that the three Indiana Jones movies are all together. The first one has been renamed Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark. Now it's just a name, and this didn't get as much play as the whole Star Wars thing, but it's the same thing. The history is changed.
Makes more sense (now that one thinks about it) for remakes. People say "why remake something?", The answer is now pretty obvious. This current version may be the only one the audience knows.
Thursday, October 4, 2007
10/4 show
Tonoght (Live!) on "The Comic Book Novice" radio program, Join Hassan, Belkis, Peter Palmiotti, and yours truly as we interview Comic Book writer Michael Kingston (www.visionarycomics.com). 9pm EST www.am1240wgbb.com
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Forces II
This past weekend (besides being my birthday, well, not both days, but you get the picture) we went to The Kohler Kon3, a little collectibles show in Long Island City, New York. I had originally planned to do a live video show there but circumstances made me downsize the idea to just a special episode (live on tape) of "The Comic Book Novice".
I forgot to mention that we were actually invited guests. Mark Mazz (of CAG fame, and he did a show with us) asked us to come and host a panel.
So anyway, we were the... event (I guess you could say). Friday, I get a call from my webmaster (who also happens to be my computer guy/camera man etc...) and he tells me that his computer died and we may have trouble doing the show at the con. But he still had his back up computer and would download all the programs so we can still do the show and panel.
Sunday comes along (the convention is from 10-5pm) and I have to get up extra early to pick up hassan and I needed extra time to stop by my mechanics to fix a broken headlight. So I'm running a bit late (about 20-30 minutes behind schedule, but we werent to start the panel until 11am) and I get a call. It's Pete. Turns out that (althought it was a little after 10) he hadn't even left his place yet! Now to put things in perspective, Pete has to take a ferry and a train to get to the con (estimated 2 hour trip), and he was still home! Then it turns out that the (train) directions (as told to me by not only my webmaster, but every one else who came by train) were really off. so if you were going to come by train, you had a good 20 minute walk ahead of you (and that's factoring in that you know where you are going!). Then (yes there is more) the turn out is very light, (most likely because of hard to find nature of the place). Now despite all that, Belkis, Hassan, myself and my webmaster manage to get there and set up at a decent time.
Here is where the "forces" come into play (as if they weren't already making things difficult). The back up computer started to act up and it was impossible to do any audio recording at all! Because of the light turn out as well as the fact that we couldnt record anything, Mark Mazz decided to cancel the panel. So to recap: We, the invited guests (one of which was super late) and "special event" didn't do a damn thing. Good thing this was just a dry run fr the Big Apple Con in November.
At least I got to see Belkis on another day besides Thursday (she's such a sweetie)....
I forgot to mention that we were actually invited guests. Mark Mazz (of CAG fame, and he did a show with us) asked us to come and host a panel.
So anyway, we were the... event (I guess you could say). Friday, I get a call from my webmaster (who also happens to be my computer guy/camera man etc...) and he tells me that his computer died and we may have trouble doing the show at the con. But he still had his back up computer and would download all the programs so we can still do the show and panel.
Sunday comes along (the convention is from 10-5pm) and I have to get up extra early to pick up hassan and I needed extra time to stop by my mechanics to fix a broken headlight. So I'm running a bit late (about 20-30 minutes behind schedule, but we werent to start the panel until 11am) and I get a call. It's Pete. Turns out that (althought it was a little after 10) he hadn't even left his place yet! Now to put things in perspective, Pete has to take a ferry and a train to get to the con (estimated 2 hour trip), and he was still home! Then it turns out that the (train) directions (as told to me by not only my webmaster, but every one else who came by train) were really off. so if you were going to come by train, you had a good 20 minute walk ahead of you (and that's factoring in that you know where you are going!). Then (yes there is more) the turn out is very light, (most likely because of hard to find nature of the place). Now despite all that, Belkis, Hassan, myself and my webmaster manage to get there and set up at a decent time.
Here is where the "forces" come into play (as if they weren't already making things difficult). The back up computer started to act up and it was impossible to do any audio recording at all! Because of the light turn out as well as the fact that we couldnt record anything, Mark Mazz decided to cancel the panel. So to recap: We, the invited guests (one of which was super late) and "special event" didn't do a damn thing. Good thing this was just a dry run fr the Big Apple Con in November.
At least I got to see Belkis on another day besides Thursday (she's such a sweetie)....
Thursday, September 27, 2007
9/27 show
Tonight (Live!) on "The Comic book Novice" Hassan, Peter Palmiotti, Belkis, and yours truly talk about the new Resident Evil movie. Just with all of our movie shows, this will be a free flowing discussion so spoilers may be mentioned. Seen the movie? Give us a call 631 888 8811 9pm EST www.am1240wgbb.com
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
it's all about money
So, i just returned from staples copy center. I had planned to stop by Wizard after that but it seems that this staples (which is in "Dumpwater, Floridia") doesn't work like those in the great city that is New York. See, I needed some copies made and a hi-res image of a full page ad that will be appearing in the December issue of samesaid magazine (which, I have found out will not be out in December). Anyway, it won't be ready till tomorrow (which is a good thing that I went today...). But that is not what this blog os about.....
What it is about is the fact that I am able to get an ad in Wizard in the first place. Now yes, normally I wouldn't be able to afford it, but my connections have made that possible. However the (once again) samesaid connections have been giving me financial troubles. So they save me money in some instances and in others, they cost me. At the end of the day, all hat matters is that the bills get paid and you have enough (or have the ability to generate) enough money to pay the bills tomorrow. When I incorporated, I budgeted myself for two (well, one at first, but then I recrunched the numbers and now we are at two) years. I'm at the end of the first year and (as i mentioned, do to the new finincial constraints) i think i will still be able to (barley) squeek out another year. This ad is one of tose chances that I jhave to take in order to keep this going beyond the next year. The book is coming out, we are going to the San Diego convention, but after that. who knows?
What it is about is the fact that I am able to get an ad in Wizard in the first place. Now yes, normally I wouldn't be able to afford it, but my connections have made that possible. However the (once again) samesaid connections have been giving me financial troubles. So they save me money in some instances and in others, they cost me. At the end of the day, all hat matters is that the bills get paid and you have enough (or have the ability to generate) enough money to pay the bills tomorrow. When I incorporated, I budgeted myself for two (well, one at first, but then I recrunched the numbers and now we are at two) years. I'm at the end of the first year and (as i mentioned, do to the new finincial constraints) i think i will still be able to (barley) squeek out another year. This ad is one of tose chances that I jhave to take in order to keep this going beyond the next year. The book is coming out, we are going to the San Diego convention, but after that. who knows?
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