Moving the blog.

Yes I know its been a while, and I have no excuse.

With everything going on in the world and the disaster that my life seems to be right now its time for another vain attempt at getting this blog going again.

With that in mind, I am trying to consolidate things that I have started and so this blog will move to the main URL of http://talesfromthelongbox.com/ and I will eventually move the podcast over there as well.

So if you are so inclined update your links to this site over to http://talesfromthelongbox.com/ and hopefully there will be more to come soon

Peter David needs some help…

It’s been a long time since I have posted anything, but I feel like this was worth a few words.

Peter David needs some help if you can spare a few bucks
I sent him a bit since I have been right where he has been and things are pretty good for me right now.

I have always been a big fan of his work and I hope things get better for him

If you are not familiar with him, more than likely you have read or watched something he has written.  You can check that out at these links.

https://www.amazon.com/Peter-David/e/B000APYOHU/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1490976481&sr=8-2-ent

Bibliography

5 Things You Should Read on ComiXology Unlimited – 5/30/2016

Here we are with another edition of “5 Things You Should Read on Comixology Unlimited” Memorial Day Edition

Most people know me for my love of superhero comics, but as I have gotten older I have branched out and read comics of other genres; and found some really great reads.  Here are five in no particular order:

Continue reading “5 Things You Should Read on ComiXology Unlimited – 5/30/2016”

5 Things That You Should Read on ComiXology Unlimited

In case you haven’t heard already, ComiXology has launched a service called ComiXology Unlimited. Similar to the Kindle Unlimited service from Amazon (ComiXology’s parent company), ComiXology Unlimited. “allows you to read freely from thousands of titles, including comic books, graphic novels & manga.”

In the case of CU, you can read anything and everything in the ComiXology Unlimited. catalog for $5.99 a month, after a 30-day free trial.   However not everything is in ComiXology Unlimited..  At the time of launch, just about every major comic publisher has titles to read , except for DC Comics and Marvel.  Now, you might get a lot of varied titles to choose from in the new service, but in a interview with ComiXology CEO, it is revealed that you will only get some of any particular title.  The idea being that if you start on a new title that you like, you would probably be willing to pay to read more.

With that in mind, you are probably wondering if this is a good deal and worth checking out. I signed up myself to check out what was available, and it didn’t take me long to find 5 things that I recommend to read on ComiXology Unlimited.

Here they are in no particular order:

Continue reading “5 Things That You Should Read on ComiXology Unlimited”

[PRESS] The ‘Future’ Is June 4, 2016: Five-Time Emmy Award Winner Michael J. Fox, ‘Caroline in the City’ Actress Lea Thompson To Appear At Wizard World Comic Con Philadelphia

 

The ‘Future’ Is June 4, 2016: Five-Time Emmy Award Winner Michael J. Fox, ‘Caroline in the City’ Actress Lea Thompson To Appear At Wizard World Comic Con Philadelphia

 ‘Back to the Future’ Stars To Make First Wizard World Appearances At Pennsylvania Convention Center

PHILADELPHIA, January 5, 2016 – Hello, McFly! From the Back to the Future franchise to TV hits like “Family Ties” and “Spin City,” Michael J. Fox has thrilled, touched and moved millions with his performances as well as his commitment to the campaign for increased Parkinson’s disease research. And Lea Thompson , who portrayed Marty’s mother in the trilogy in one of her most memorable roles, has appeared in more than 80 films and TV series. Now fans will have the chance to meet two of the most beloved stars of the past four decades as Wizard World, Inc. (OTCBB: WIZD) today announced that Fox and Thompson will attend Wizard World Comic Con Philadelphia on Saturday, June 4 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. Thompson will also appear on Sunday, June 5.

The Edmonton, Alberta, Canada native debuted as a professional actor at 15, co-starring in the sitcom “Leo and Me” on CBC. When he was 18, Fox moved to Los Angeles. He had a series of bit parts, including one in “Palmerstown USA” before winning the role of lovable conservative Alex P. Keaton on NBC’s enormously popular “Family Ties” (1982-89). During Fox’s seven years on “Ties,” he earned three Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe, making him one of the country’s most prominent young actors.

“Spin City” reunited Fox with “Family Ties” creator/executive producer Gary David Goldberg. Together with Bill Lawrence, Goldberg created the series expressly for Fox, establishing it as a joint venture of Dreamworks SKG, Goldberg’s UBU Productions, and Lottery Hill Entertainment (run by Fox and partner Nelle Fortenberry, now a member of the Board of Directors of The Michael J. Fox Foundation).

Fox also had time during his busy TV work to become an international film star, appearing in over a dozen features showcasing his keen ability to shift between comedy and drama. These include the Back to the Future trilogy, The Hard Way, Doc Hollywood, The Secret of My Success, Bright Lights, Big City, Light of Day, Teen Wolf, Casualties of War, Life With Mikey, For Love or Money, The American President, Greedy, The Frighteners, and Mars Attacks!

Though the five-time Emmy Award winner (in addition to the three for “Family Ties,” he also won one for “Spin City” and one for a guest role on “Rescue Me”) would not share the news with the public for another seven years, Fox was diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson’s disease in 1991. Upon disclosing his condition in 1998, he committed himself to the campaign for increased Parkinson’s research. Fox announced his retirement from “Spin City” in January 2000, effective upon the completion of his fourth season and 100th episode. Today the largest nonprofit funder of Parkinson’s drug development in the world, the Foundation has galvanized the search for a cure for Parkinson’s disease, and Michael is widely admired for his tireless work as a patient advocate.

“Michael J. Fox is among the most requested celebrities by our fans, and we couldn’t be more excited that he will make his Wizard World debut at one of our flagship shows, Philadelphia,” said John Macaluso , Wizard World CEO. “His career in film and television has made him a household name and speaks for itself, and his work to benefit Parkinson’s research and to support families battling the disease shows even more the kind of person he is.

“We are also thrilled that he will be paired with his co-star in the trilogy, Lea Thompson,” he added. “Wizard World and its fans will be honored by their presence.”

In addition to playing “Lorraine Baines McFly” alongside Fox, Thompson starred in SpaceCamp, Howard The Duck, Dennis The Menace, Some Kind of Wonderful and numerous other hit films. She has guest starred in many TV series, and had success with the NBC situation comedy “Caroline in the City” in the late 1990s before starring in several Broadway plays.

Fox and Thompson join a select group of celebrities already committed to attend Wizard World Comic Con Philadelphia, including Norman Reedus (“The Walking Dead,” Boondock Saints), Sean Patrick Flanery (Boondock Saints , “Dexter”), Billy Martin (Lead Guitarist/Keyboardist – Good Charlotte, Artist – TMNT New Animated Adventures), James Remar (“The Warriors,” “Dexter”) and Jason David Frank (“Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers”), with many more to be announced.

Wizard World Comic Con events bring together thousands of fans of all ages to celebrate the best in pop-fi, pop culture, movies, graphic novels, cosplay, comics, television, sci-fi, toys, video gaming, gaming, original art, collectibles, contests and more. The ninth event currently scheduled on the 2016 Wizard World calendar, Philadelphia show hours are Thursday, June 2, 3-8 p.m.; Friday, June 3, noon-7 p.m.; Saturday, June 4, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sunday, June 5, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

For more on the 2016 Wizard World Comic Con Philadelphia, visit http://wizd.me/PhiladelphiaPR .

About Wizard World (OTCBB: WIZD)

Wizard World, Inc. (www.wizardworld.com) produces Comic Cons and pop culture conventions across North America that celebrate the best in pop-fi, pop culture, movies, television, cosplay, comics, graphic novels, toys, video gaming, sci-fi, gaming, original art, collectibles, contests and more. A first-class lineup of topical programming takes place at each event, with celebrity Q&A’s, comics-themed sessions, costume contests, movie screenings, evening parties and more. Wizard World has also launched Wizard World Store ( www.shopwizardworld.com), CONtv, a digital media channel in partnership with leading independent content distributor Cinedigm™ (NASDAQ: CIDM), and ComicConBox™ ( www.comicconbox.com), a premium subscription-based monthly box service. Fans can interact with Wizard World on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram and other social media services.

 

The Wizard World 2016 schedule is available at: www.wizardworld.com/wizcon.html .

Comic Review – The Autumnlands: Tooth and Claw Vol. 1

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When I see the words “Kurt Busiek” and “new series” used in the same sentence, I take notice.  Kurt Busiek has been one of my favorite writers ever since I took a chance and read the first Astro City trade, to see what all the fuss was about.  Since then I have really enjoyed just about everything that Busiek has put out since.  The numerous Astro City stories, his run on Avengers with George PerezJLA\Avengers, his work on Superman, and one of my personal favorites Superman: Secret Identity.
His work with Benjamin Dewey on The Autumnlands Vol. 1: Tooth and Claw is no exception.
This is a work of fantasy, with some sci-fi elements as well. This contains issues #1-6 of the first story arc,  and tells a tale of a world whose residents are humanoid animals.  The higher caste of society uses magic like technology to serve their gods, while the “lesser ones” provide all the labor that is need for whatever that magic can’t provide. The tension between the two grows daily.  When one wizard realizes that their magic is fading the faster they use it, she convinces their greatest talents to band their magic together to bring back the Great Champion that legends told brought magic to their lands.  The plan, however; does not go as they wished.
I really enjoyed this series, and read it as it came out originally.  When I saw that the trade that collected the series came out soon after the first arc ended, I had to have in my library.
Once again Kurt Busiek uses his skill at world building to put together an engaging tale that was hard to put down.  The art from Benjamin Dewey is the master stroke that makes this series all the more enjoyable to read.  One of my favorite parts of this series is that somewhere in the beginning of each issue there is a piece of what I assume is painted art, accompanied by a piece of prose that fleshed out some bit of the world that the book is set in.  I am not sure if that has ever been done before, but it really adds a lot to the experience.  At least to me.
I highly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys fantasy, or at the very least the work of Kurt Busiek.  You will not be disappointed.
This is rated R, for language, nudity and violence.  So it’s not really safe for the kids.

Comic Book Review – Black Science Vol. 1

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Black Science Vol. 1

Once in a while I read something that makes my brain buzz with a kind of euphoria its just so good. When it is a comic book it has to be something pretty unique. Such was Black Science Vol. 1 by Rick Remender and Matteo Scalera.

Anyone that knows me knows that my usual MO in comic books is the superhero genre.  However, I am also a big fan of science fiction, and when I read the description of the this book on Comixology during a half off sale; I just had to give it a shot.
Collects BLACK SCIENCE #1-6 Anarchist scientist Grant McKay has done the impossible! Using the Pillar, he has punched a hole through the barriers between dimensions, allowing travel to all possible universes. But now Grant and his team are trapped in the folds of infinity, the Pillar sending them careening through a million universes of unimaginable adventure, sanity-flaying danger and no way home… Presenting the first mind-warping chapter of the critically acclaimed sci-fi epic by superstar creative team of writer RICK REMENDER (Uncanny Avengers, Captain America) and artist MATTEO SCALERA (Secret Avengers).
One thing Comixology has been good at since it started is exposed me to all kinds of different material that for whatever reason I wasn’t exposed to or just never heard of.  I have picked up several good reads over the years in sales like this, and ended up finding books I continued to read past my first exposure.
To say that I was pleasantly surprised with this book is a gross understatement.  Saying that the story grabbed me by the balls and got my undivided attention would be a more accurate description.  Without giving away any of the plot I would call it a cross of the late 90’s TV series Sliders and Game of Thrones TV series.  This series about dimension hopping scientists has a breakneck speed that is completely unpredictable from one moment to the next, and much like Game of Thrones; no character is safe from a horrible fate. Besides the sci-fi elements, it is the raw (almost savage) way that the story is told that left me feeling at times that I was run over a truck, but in a good way. I enjoyed  this book so much, that after reading this in digital format, I immediately ordered Vol. 1 and 2 in print, and preordered Vol 3 so I could add it to my collection.
I highly recommend this book for anyone who is a fan of adult science fiction, and tales of adventure.  For those that do podcast, the guys and I did a read of the first issue, and you can find it here: Episode 197: Spotlight on Image Comics: Black Science #1 (2013)
I give this book (using the movie scale) an R rating for language and violence, so it’s not safe for the kiddies.

Planet Comicon 2015 Trip

I had a great time at Planet Comicon this year, here are the pictures from the trip that I took before my phone died

[PRESS] – DC ENTERTAINMENT ANNOUNCES NEW BOOKS, NEW CREATORS, BROADER FOCUS FOR THE DC UNIVERSE

DC ENTERTAINMENT ANNOUNCES NEW BOOKS, NEW CREATORS, BROADER FOCUS FOR THE DC UNIVERSE

Iconic Super Heroes & Super-Villains Universe is Diversifying

To Make Room for More Types of Storytelling, More Fans.

June Slate of Titles Includes Long-Awaited Return to DCU of Bryan Hitch, Garth Ennis; Gene Luen Yang & Ming Doyle Join Team of Top Talent.

This summer, DC Entertainment launches a bold new direction for the DC Universe (DCU) that is even more inclusive and accessible to a wider group of readers as the publisher continues to evolve comic storytelling for its next generation of fans.  Award-winning, critically acclaimed writers are headlining the June 2015 slate of DC Comics’ new periodicals and graphic novels, including Gene Luen Yang, Bryan Hitch, Garth Ennis and Ming Doyle.

Beginning June 3rd, the DC Comics line of comic books will consist of 24 brand-new series that will begin at issue number one, as well as 25 on-going, bestselling fan favorite series that will continue without a break in the issue numbering.  The total number of periodicals in the DCU will be 49, with additional new titles debuting throughout the year.

“This heralds in a new era for the DC Universe which will allow us to publish something for everyone, be more expansive and modern in our approach and tell stories that better reflect the society around us,” said DC Entertainment Co-Publisher Dan DiDio.  “Whether you’ve been a DC fan your whole life, or whether you are new to comics – there will be a book for you beginning in June.”

DC Comics will be keenly focused on going back-to-basics with its legendary characters, like BATMAN, SUPERMAN and WONDER WOMAN, while also reinventing key characters, such as BLACK CANARY, BIZARRO, CYBORG and STARFIRE, with a new contemporary tonality to ensure a diverse offering of titles.  Top writers and artists, as well as emerging fresh voices, are on board to help create an expansive lineup of comics that appeals to a broad audience of fans.

Depicting some of these iconic characters in a more contemporary light include National Book Award finalist Gene Luen Yang who will join artist John Romita Jr. in the ongoing adventures of SUPERMAN.  Comic superstar artist Bryan Hitch will write and draw new tales of the world’s greatest heroes in JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA. The pitch perfect team of Garth Ennis and John McCrea returns to DC Comics for a limited series called SECTION EIGHT featuring characters from their popular Hitman comic.  VERTIGO creator Ming Doyle will be lending her talents to DC Comics, penning CONSTANTINE: THE HELLBLAZER along with newcomer artist Riley Rossmo.

“More than ever before, DC Comics fans are being exposed to our rich portfolio of characters through multiple sources, including an unprecedented number of highly successful TV shows, video games and upcoming major motion pictures,” said Co-Publisher Jim Lee.  “We are looking to extend that experience within publishing to ensure there is a comic book for everyone.  For example, fans of the ARROW television show may want more stories about BLACK CANARY. Now they can find modern, fresh takes on the character in the pages of her standalone series both in stores and digitally.”

Breakout star, Brenden Fletcher, co-writer behind the all new, highly successful BATGIRL book will also be  writing the new BLACK CANARY series launching in June.  Fan favorites Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti will be the creative team on new titles STARFIRE and HARLEY QUINN/POWER GIRL and will continue to  helm the perennially bestselling HARLEY QUINN.

“Beyond character and creators, the June slate will showcase different styles and approaches to storytelling as we add offbeat, irreverently funny titles such as BIZARRO, BAT-MITE and PREZ,” said Lee.  “Truly there will be something for everybody as we simultaneously celebrate our rich legacy while embracing new voices and concepts.”

A first look at upcoming storylines will be the focus of DC Entertainment’s Free Comic Book Day issue – DC COMICS: DIVERGENCE – available Saturday, May 2, featuring three 8-page previews for the June releases of Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo’s BATMAN, as well as Geoff Johns and Jason Fabok’s launch of the Darkseid War within JUSTICE LEAGUE featuring the biggest villains in the DCU – Darkseid and the Anti-Monitor, and Gene Luen Yang’s DC Comics debut with celebrated artist John Romita, Jr on SUPERMAN.  More than half-a million free issues of the DC Entertainment sampler will be given away at comic book retailers globally.

“In this new era of storytelling, story will trump continuity as we continue to empower creators to tell the best stories in the industry,” said DiDio.

To learn more about the June DC Universe slate, visit www.dccomics.com.

[PRESS] Wizard World, FansTang To Bring Comic Con Pop Culture Event To China, May 30-31-June 1, 2015

Wizard World, Inc. (OTCBB: WIZD), FansTang To Bring Comic Con Pop Culture Event To China, May 30-31-June 1, 2015
Partnership Combines North America’s Largest Comic Con Tour With China’s Largest Localized Western Digital Content and Analytics Business; Location, Guests To Be Announced

EL SEGUNDO, Calif., February 3, 2015 – Wizard World, Inc. (OTCBB: WIZD) and FansTang, wholly owned by China Branding Group Limited, today announced a partnership to produce a pop culture convention May 30-June 1, 2015, in the People’s Republic of China. The event name, city location, venue, guests and additional partners will be announced as they become available.

The event will be the first venture outside of North America for Wizard World, which has scheduled 25 Comic Con events domestically in 2015.

“Producing an event in China offers limitless possibilities,” said John Macaluso, Wizard World CEO. “By partnering with a power player like FansTang we are best able to introduce Wizard World to fans there by producing the best possible event, opening the doors to many more opportunities worldwide.”

“FansTang is pleased to be partnering with WizardWorld on the introduction of Comic Con events in China, which will allow a massive fan base of Chinese and global comic related film, TV, toy and other properties,” said Adam Roseman, FansTang Founder & CEO. “We are excited to work with our local media partners and leverage our extensive reach of over 100 million young Chinese consumers to quickly increase the awareness of the new events coming to China.”

Wizard World Comic Con events bring together thousands of fans of all ages to celebrate the best in pop-fi, pop culture, movies, graphic novels, cosplay, comics, television, sci-fi, toys, video gaming, gaming, original art, collectibles, contests and more.

About FansTang

FansTang, wholly owned by China Branding Group Limited, is the largest provider of localized international live events content, social media content and non-studio Hollywood and related video content into the China marketplace. FansTang also maintains the most robust international content data platform that services a growing portfolio of major clients including studios, Hollywood agencies, international ad agencies and brands.

About Wizard World

Wizard World (OTCBB: WIZD) produces Comic Cons and pop culture conventions across North America that celebrate the best in pop-fi, pop culture, movies, television, cosplay, comics, graphic novels, toys, video gaming, sci-fi, gaming, original art, collectibles, contests and more. A first-class lineup of topical programming takes place at each event, with celebrity Q&A’s, the Wizard World Film Festival, comics-themed sessions, costume contests, movie screenings, evening parties and more. Wizard World also produces socialcon featuring social media stars and will be launching ConTV, a digital media channel in partnership with leading independent content distributor Cinedigm™ (NASDAQ: CIDM).

Wizard World 2015 schedule available at: http://wizd.me/PRSchedule2015.

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