Chris and Tom are joined by Hilary Barta and Branden on an episode that ranges from top comic books picks to Burt Lancaster and beyond. The panel talks about Captain America, I Kill Giants, Iron Fist, Longshot and more.
Continue the conversation at www.aroundcomics.com on our forum, and don’t forget to check out Chicago’s finest comics convention The Windy City Comicon at www.windycitycomicon.com
Around Comics presents
the 1st Annual Windy City Comicon.
Join us for this old-school comic book convention on Saturday Oct. 25th. The only comic convention held within the city of Chicago. Gaming, Vendors, Special Guests and more.
We’ve lined up an incredible array of local area comic book writers, artists and creators. Our guest list includes the likes of Skottie Young, Mike Norton, Tim Seeley, Hilary Barta, Jeffrey Brown and more. With others being annouced every day! Check out our complete list of guests here.
Only the finest Chicagoland comic book vendors and exhibitors were asked to join the 1st Annual Windy City Comicon. Find great deals on comics, trade paper backs, statues, toys and more. See our Exhibitor list here.
The Windy City Comicon will feature HeroClix and Magic Tournaments throughout the day. Tournament judges will be on-site to run all games. Additional passes must be obtained the day of the show in order to join in.Check back here for gaming information as it becomes available.
The Windy City Comicon is a one-day show on Saturday Oct. 25th. Doors open at 10:00am, and close at 6:00pm. The show will be held at The Center on Halsted at 3656 N Halsted, Chicago, IL 60613. Get directions and more information about the center here.
Tickets for this one-day event are only $5.00 per person. Children under 10 are admitted free of charge, with paid adult entry. You can buy tickets in advance on our ticket page. Tickets will also be available at the door (cash only). If you do purchase advance tickets, please be aware that your reciept and/or a picture ID will be required for entry.
Questions, comments or need help? Send us an email from our contact page and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can. If you are an artist, writer, publisher or vendor and wish to contact us about having a table at the show, please email chris[at]windycitycomicon.com directly.
by Brian “Sal!” Salazar
Directors:Mark Osborne & John Stevenson
Writers: Jonathan Aibel & Glenn Berger
Starring: Jack Black, Dustin Hoffman, Angelina Jolie, Ian McShane, Jackie Chan, Seth Rogen, Lucy Liu, David Cross
Plot: Po the Panda is the laziest animals in all of the Valley of Peace, but unwittingly becomes the chosen one when enemies threaten their way of life.
My Take: I took the kids to see Kung Fu Panda on Saturday. Kids matinee at the a great old/new York Theater in Elmhurst, IL. Lots of other parents with their kids, which made for a fun viewing. First, I will say that the animation was terrific. CG animation, for awhile, seemed to have lost a lot of the “cartooniness” that tradition animation offered. But as technology has advanced, so has the ability of animators to refine their characters. I thought this movie had a great blend of the epic and grandiose scenes that would be difficult, if not impossible to do without CG, as well as terrific moments of character definition and design.
All of the characters had distinctive visual designs as well as personalities and body language, which really added to their believability. Jack Black’s buoyant personality was able to come through the pudgy, happy face and body of Po the panda, while Ian McShane’s (of Deadwood fame) fierce energy was equally reflected in the Snow Leopard Tai Lung’s speed and ferocity. While the level of detail and anatomic accuracy was not that of say The Lion King, these animal designs were a bit less bound to reality and more fun.
Probably the most impressive part of the film were the action scenes. Very well choreographed fight scenes, taking into account the unique abilities and physiologies of each animal kung fu master. Just the right amount of speed and slow motion so that the fighting was very perceivable, but still full of action. The bridge fight between the five masters and Tai Lung was a highlight.
As far as the plot, it was a simple enough tale of a very sympathetic “kung-fu fanboy” in Po, who finds himself the unlikely choice to become The Dragon Warrior, even though he doesn’t know any Kung Fu. He must know try and overcome his slacker nature to become a great warrior, hopefully just in time to beat the bad guy. Underneath there were some nice “moral” moments in regards to following your dreams, and never giving up. Also a “don’t judge a book by its cover” theme. Pretty basic stuff, but held together well by the charm and wit of Jack Black as well as the sage presence of Dustin Hoffman as his master. And I can’t forget to mention the terrific performance of Oogway, the grandfater of Kung Fu, voiced by Randall Duk Kim.
Probably my only complaint was the lack of real use of the supporting cast. There were some time given to the talents of Angelina Jolie and David Cross, but the other three masters (Jackie Chan, Seth Rogan and Lucie Lu) were almost forgotten beyond the first 40 minutes.
Overall: 
Universal has bought the Oni Press graphic novel series “The Last Call” and set it up with Barry Josephson to produce through his eponymous banner.”The Last Call,” written and illustrated by Vasilis Lolos, centers on two teens on a joyride who get hit by a train — an interdimensional soul carrier — and find themselves on a quest to solve a mystery that will allow them to return to their regular lives. Series debuted last year.
Evan Spiliotopoulos, who most recently penned “The Box” for Fox, is adapting the series for the screen.
Project will be produced by Eric Gitter through his Closed on Mondays Entertainment, the producing arm of Oni Press. Josephson Prods. exec Alexander Young will co-produce.
‘Last Call’ for Universal, Josephson - Entertainment News, Film News, Media - Variety
When Mike Wieringo abruptly passed away last August, the comics industry lost more than a great artist and creator – it lost a friend. Now, Mike’s family has teamed with the Savannah College of Art and Design to create The Mike Wieringo Scholarship or “The ‘Ringo” to help keep his spirit of generosity alive.
Created by Mike’s brother Matt and his sister-in-law Suzanne, the ‘Ringo is designed to help provide similar help to artists at the Savannah College of Art and Design or SCAD. Domestic and international students with have a minimum 3.0 grade point average who demonstrate financial need and display a serious interest in pursuing comics as a career are eligible. The scholarship will take effect in the artist’s second year of classes, and is renewable for up to two additional years, provided the student continues to meet the criteria.
The recipient will be chosen from three finalists determined by the college in a portfolio review by Matt and Suzanne Wieringo, along with a rotating group. The ultimate goal for the ‘Ringo is to raise enough funds so that it can cover a full year’s expenses at SCAD, approximately $30,000.
Toward this end, a table staffed by Mike’s family and friends will be set up in his traditional spot in Artists Alley at Heroes Con in Charlotte, NC. Heroes was a big part of Mike’s life and career, and was the industry event he most looked forward to every year.
The table will raise funds through donations and the sale of remaining copies of Mike’s sketchbooks, copies of comics featuring Mike’s work, selected pieces of Mike’s original artwork, sketches by Mike’s friends in the industry who will be appearing at the booth, and items donated by other comic professionals. Pros appearing include Jeff Parker, Rich Faber, Craig Rousseau, Todd Dezago, Mark Waid, Cully Hamner, Richard Case and more to be announced.
“SCAD is one of the most impressive programs in the world to focus on the medium of comics,” says Jeff Parker, creator of The Interman and Agents of Atlas, who worked with Mike at Artamus Studios. “I’m pretty sure Mike would have loved to have attended such a place in his student days. It would make an excellent legacy for him if we can grow the Ringo scholarship into a launch pad for the future greats of comics.”
Despite his success on such books as The Flash, Fantastic Four and his own creator-owned Tellos, Mike Wieringo never forgot what it was like to be a struggling creator. For many up-and-comers, Mike served as a mentor and friendly voice, whether it was providing free covers, advice, or just the encouragement to keep going.
With your help, the Mike Wieringo Scholarship can continue to grow and help a new generation of creators get the training and connections they need to start their careers. Mike’s talent, enthusiasm and generosity inspired many in the comics industry to be their best as both creators and as human beings. With your help, Mike will continue to be an inspiration for creators in decades to come.
Thanks,
Andrew Neal
Chapel Hill Comics
412 W Franklin St
(Soon to be 316 W Franklin St)
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
Recently, it was announced that legendary creator, and friend of Around Comics, Gene Colan is having health problems and is struggling to to deal with medical expenses. Gene’s liver has failed him and this is causing many other heath issues. Clifford Meth posted on his blog:
“I’m saddened to announce that Gene Colan has liver failure. While Gene’s wife Adrienne shared this with me some weeks ago, and asked me to keep it private, I received a note from someone else regarding this matter several hours ago, then saw it posted at someone else’s blog. So the news is out and it will spread fast… And with that, there’s no reason not to announce some efforts to help the Colans immediately as they have zero pharmaceutical coverage and are paying crippling prices for meds.
Two weeks ago, Gene approached Marvel with a plea for help. We’ve all been waiting to see if that help is forthcoming. In the mean time, I know of no organized efforts to help the Colans so let me start with this: Purchases of any of my books or comics will be earmarked for Gene’s benefit. I will also seek help from my peers and inform all of you regarding those efforts and how you can help.”
Cliff has taken the point on this cause and is already doing some great things to try and help.
1.) Aardwolf Publishing will be publishing Meth, Colan & Other Theologians, the proceeds of which will go directly and immediately to Gene and Adrienne Colan. The new book will include everything that was in Perverts, Pedophiles & Other Theologians (the short-fiction collection that Gene and Cliff did together for Aardwolf in 1997) plus two never-before-published stories illustrated by Gene. This will be a limited edition (aprox. 100 pages) of only 500 copies, all signed and numbered.You can order it NOW by sending (via PayPal) $20 plus $3 shipping to: sales@aardwolfpublishing.com
2.) Also, numerous artists and writers will be contributing drawings and/or signed books to help Gene and Adrienne Colan with their mounting medical costs. Items will be auctioned by ComicLink.com
This list will be updated regularly. So far, it includes (in alpha-order):
Neal Adams, Norm Breyfogle, Randy Bowen, Ed Brubaker, Adam-Troy Castro, Paty Cockrum, Peter David, Rufus Dayglo, Tom DeFalco, J.M. deMatteis, Pat DiNizio, Harlan Ellison, Mark Evanier, Neil Gaiman, Sam Keith, Joe Kubert, Erik Larsen, Bob Layton, Jim Lee, Stan Lee, Leah Moore, Albert Moy, Michael Netzer, Josh Olsen, James A. Owen, Tom Palmer, Greg Pak, Mike Pascale, Jim Salicrup, Bob Shreck, Dave Simmons, Gail Simone, Walter and Louise Simonson, Jim Starlin, Roy Thomas, Juan Torres, Andrew Wildman, Marv Wolfman and Ash Wood.
3.) And lastly, if you want to donate to help one of the comic book industry’s greatest, the family is suggesting you donate directly to his PayPal account at genecolan@optonline.net.
For updated information, please visit http://www.thecliffordmethod.blogspot.com/
As many of you may know, Gene has been on Around Comics a couple of times, and is personally, one of my favorite people in all of comics. I’ve been lucky enough to sit down with Gene in person, and he is one of the kindest men I’ve ever met. He is a legendary creator who has been a wonderful ambassador for comics with a legacy of amazing work. Please help Gene and Adrienne out as much as you can.
On Saturday at the Emerald City ComiCon, Rick Remender announced that Eric Canete would be the artist for the next four issues of “The End League” while regular series illustrator Matt Broome takes a break. In addition, Remender said he was pleased to announce that “The End League” would begin shipping monthly as of Canete’s debut on issue #5.
This makes Sal happy.
If you aren’t familiar with Eric Canete, you are missing out. His most recent work is on display in Iron-Man - Enter the Mandarin. The trade paperback just came out and I highly recommend it.
Canete’s energy-packed, style amazes me every time I see it and has made start calling him Eric ‘Kinetic’. I am always impressed with the excitement and feeling of motion that Canete gets through in his illustrations. Sometimes I can’t quite believe the way he is able to bend and stretch a characters anatomy, yet somehow make it work.
On Sunday I had the chance to talk with both Eric and Rick about the book, and they even gave me a sneak peak of the penciled pages for issue #5. I could tell they were both very excited about working together, and the pages were absolutely fantastic.
If you haven’t been picking up The End League, or you stopped after a couple of issues, this is definitely the time to jump on, or back on, as the case may be. Canete’s electric style is a perfect compliment to Remender’s frantic, fever-dream writing and the two of them look to take things to the level of “DAMN!”. Order issue #5 today. You’ll thank me in the morning.
-Sal!
6th Annual ECCC :: May 10th & 11th, 2008 :: Seattle, WA
Washington State Convention & Trade Center
Around Comics is the official Podcast of the Emerald City ComiCon. Join us May 10th & 11th as we record from the show floor. Chris, Tom and Sal will be there all weekend - talking with comic pros, celebrities and fans.
The Emerald City ComiCon is taking place May 10th & 11th, at the Washington State Convention & Trade Center which is conveniently located in downtown Seattle, Washington. The main entrance is located at 7th and Pike St.
The Convention Center is easily accessible by automobile and other modes of transportation. On-site parking information can be found here (PDF format).
For more information visit http://www.emeraldcitycomicon.com/
Hey all, just wanted to let everyone know that after two straight years of producing a weekly podcast, we have decided to take a break from the show.
When we started this, comics were just something we did in our free time. We read them, collected them and enjoyed them as a hobby. Creating a comic book podcast changed that in some ways. Comics became a larger part of our daily lives. And not just the reading of comics, but the business of it too. We’ve become so absorbed by the day-to-day of the comic book industry, that it feels as if we are part of it, which we are not (well, other than Skottie). We are just fans of it, and it is something that we do for fun, not work.
But both Chris and I work in a lot of the same ways. If we are going to do something, we do it as best we can. We have tried to do that with the show, the site and everything else. We hope that all of the listeners have enjoyed it, and we have had a lot of fun doing it. But that work can start to get to you after a while. Especially when you are trying to take care of the other things in your life. The things that really matter.
So with that in mind, we have decided to go on hiatus until further notice. We will have an episode this Thursday, and The Club episode next week, but that will be that for now.
Chris, Tom, Skottie and myself would like to thank you all for your continued support and appreciation.
Fear not, true believers, this is not the end.
Beginning January 30th, MySpace Comic Books will feature a special promotion for Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips series CRIMINAL for an entire week, providing a unique new showcase for the acclaimed crime comic that won Best New Series in the Eisner Awards.
During each day of this event, at http://www.myspace.com/comicbooks, readers will be treated to excerpts from the first two Criminal trade paperbacks and previews of the new Criminal Vol.2 1 (arriving in stores this February. But that’s not all—look for behind the scenes extras that include a Criminal noir art talk interview between Eisner-winners Sean Phillips and fan-favorite Daredevil artist Michael Lark, a “Week in the Life” writer’s diary by Ed Brubaker; and a special Artist-to-Artist video featuring Ed Brubaker and Bill Hader (Superbad, Saturday Night Live).
You can look stylish and show your support for The Hero Initiative with two great new T-shirts! These two amazing shirts are available via: at Atomic Comics or direct from Hero at conventions we’ll be attending in 2008.
Tom Scioli, the Kirby-charged artist of Image Comics’ GØDLAND lends his talents to Hero’s new “Lend a Hand” T-shirt available in men’s L, XL and XXL sizes.
For the goddess-lover in you, the lovely and fiery haired Dawn is also available, with art by Joseph Michael Linsner. Dawn comes on gray in men’s sizes L, XL, XXL, or on black in ladies babydoll sizes S, M, L, and XL. This is the first time that Hero is offering a babydoll T-shirt, so all of you ladies that requested this style…don’t miss out!
“I am honored to help out The Hero Initiative, a cause that should be supported by all comic book lovers,” said Dawn creator Joseph Michael Linsner. “Comic creators in need have no one to help them except Hero. Buy one of these exclusive, sexy Hero Dawn shirts for every Goddess-worshipper you know!”
“I was more than happy to craft a design for The Hero Initiative,” said GØDLAND artist Tom Scioli. “I’m really glad there’s somebody looking out for the well-being of the artists and writers who’ve brought us comic fans so much joy.”
All new The Hero Initiative T-shirts are available now for $17.99 each.
The Hero Initiative creates a financial safety net for yesterdays’ creators who may need emergency medical aid, financial support for essentials of life, and an avenue back into paying work. It’s a chance for all of us to give back something to the people who have given us so much enjoyment. For more information, visit www.HeroInitiative.org or call 310-909-7809.
