The 6th Annual Joe Shuster Awards
The Winners were announced at a special ceremony held in Toronto on June 5th, 2010: CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL LIST OF WINNERS!
CBR@FanExpo – Paquette, Udon’s 10th
FAN EXPO: Yanick Paquette on “Batman Inc.”
Yanick Paquette talks to CBR about his return to DC Comics and why working with Grant Morrison, not Batman, was the biggest draw. He also revealed the dynamic duo have another project in the works.
FAN EXPO: Udon Entertainment
At last weekend’s Fan Expo in Toronto, UDON Project Manager Jim Zubkavich explored his Canadian comics collective’s ten years in business, and its future. CBR was there.
Jamie Coville visits FanExpo
Jamie Coville of thecomicbooks.com spent his time at the convention recording various discussion panels. See below:
Drawing Ahead: The Future of Comics (51:36, 47.2mb)
Moderated by Kill Shakespeare co-writers Conor McCreery and Anthony Del Col, Creators Andy Belanger, Ramon Perez, Cameron Stewart, Willow Dawson and Scott Chantler talk about the Future of Comics. More specifically they talk about print comics, digital comics and piracy, the European market, the Direct Market, Digital Markets and middle men, also traditional Comics and Bookstore oriented publishers and they way they market and sell their books.
Stan Lee answers questions from Space Network’s Mark Askwith and the audience. Nuff Said!
Marvel: Pint of C. B. (1:01:38, 56.4mb)
Pint of C. B. is Marvel’s Senior Vice President, Creator and Content Development C. B. Cebulski filling in for Joe Quesada to answer questions for fans. With him is Spider-Man editor Steve Wacker and Manager of Sales and Communication Arune Singh to help answer questions. They make some announcements, particularly concerning Alpha Flight and other books and open up the floor for questions.
Yoshitaka Amano Spotlight (46:01, 42.1mb)
Yoshitaka Amano is an artist/designer who worked on classic anime such as Speed Racer and Gatchaman, influenced by Western Comics (Neal Adam’s Batman among them) he would design characters for anime, movies and video games. He is best known for his work on the Vampire Hunter D franchise. In the US he was the artist for Neil Gaiman’s Sandman: The Dream Hunters and Elektra & Wolverine: The Redeemer (written by Greg Rucka). Through a translator he answers questions about his Manga, Game Design, and working on US Comics. Fan also ask him for his opinions on beauty and how to cosplay his characters.
Hitoshi Ariga Spotlight (45:51, 41.9mb)
Udon’s Managing Editor Matt Moylan interviews creator Hitoshi Ariga through Michelle Hayashi, translator and Japanese Liaison. Hitoshi Ariga works on the Mega Man franchise and is the creator of the Mega Man MegaMix manga series. They talk about all things Mega Man, characters, how he draws gutters for the manga, who would win in a fight between Mega Man and Astro Boy, favorites & least favorite characters and more.
Hobbystar Owner Responds to Fan Expo Canada’s Weekend Issues
A LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT OF HOBBYSTAR MARKETING, INC.
August 31, 2010
Dear Fans,
On behalf of the staff of Fan Expo Canada™ I would like to apologize for the lengthy delays and inconvenience experienced by many at Fan Expo Canada™ this past weekend. We were, quite simply, inadequately prepared for the increased crowds in a venue that was neither familiar to us nor not capable of meeting our collective demands. We recognize and have heard from many of you that this was unacceptable and unfair to our loyal fans.
The staff at Fan Expo have been and will continue to read and act upon the concerns communicated by our fans about Fan Expo 2010. In preparation for Fan Expo Canada™ 2011, we have already confirmed a booking of the entire South Metro Toronto Convention Centre. This will be the largest area ever used for our show and its layout is far better suited to the size and nature of our event. We are also committed to the communication of key practices for ticket purchases, show access and other related logistics effectively and well in advance of the 2011 show. In addition, we intend to engage all of the event stakeholders as we work through the planning process including: staff, fans, venue, security, Fire & Emergency Services, Tourism Toronto and the City of Toronto in this process.
We appreciate the continued support of each fan, and are grateful to have fans who are willing to take the time and effort to help improve the “Fan Expo Experience”. Again we sincerely apologize to the fans that were unable to enjoy the full experience of Fan Expo 2010. Please know that we welcome your feedback and suggestions for how we can improve the fan experience. Please forward your comments to us at info@hobbystar.com.
Sincerely yours,
Aman Gupta and the Fan Expo Canada Team
President and CEO
Hobby Star Marketing, Inc.
Tuesday delivery for retailers is go!
Talk about timing, I wrote the previous post with no idea that Diamond would today confirm Tuesday delivery for Wednesday street date sales.
The key thing to note: Diamond states that retailers can opt-in for Tuesday delivery. So if your biggest concern is that your business is closed on Tuesdays (and that is an interesting thing in and of itself) you don’t need to accept delivery on Tuesday.
I’ll reiterate my position that this is very good for comic retail/brick & mortar businesses in Canada, but I’d still like to hear the thoughts of the retailing community, even if it’s an answer to the question, “why wouldn’t you opt in?”
Further: Should online-only stores receive books early, or should this only be for brick and mortar retailers?
Here is the press release in full:
Effective in January, 2011, Diamond retailers in North America and the UK will have the option of “day-early” delivery of weekly product shipments on Tuesdays for sale on Wednesdays.
Day-early delivery – which was outlined to retailers in the form of a Q&A following Diamond’s Retailer Summit in April — will take effect with shipments delivered on Tuesday, January 11, that have a scheduled on-sale date of Wednesday, January 12.
Please Note: The current industry-wide Wednesday new release day will remain unchanged, and retailers who do not wish to use the new option may continue to receive their shipments on Wednesdays.
“Our decision to proceed with day-early, Tuesday-for-Wednesday delivery resulted from positive discussions with leading publishers and vendors, from retailer requests and feedback, and from retailer responses to our recent survey on the topic,” explained Diamond Vice President of Sales & Marketing Roger Fletcher.
In that survey, retailers were asked how they thought the day-early option would affect their business and the Direct Market. “Of more than 1,000 retailers who responded to the survey,” Fletcher said, “75% believe day-early delivery will benefit their business, while 72% believe it will benefit the entire Direct Market.”
The survey also asked retailers: “If given the choice between Monday delivery for Tuesday on-sale, and Tuesday delivery for Wednesday on-sale, what would be your preference?” Retailers could choose between the two options, or for “Either Monday for Tuesday or Tuesday for Wednesday.”
“The number of respondents who selected Tuesday delivery for Wednesday on-sale and the ‘Either’ option totaled 63%,” Fletcher said, “while those selecting the Monday-for-Tuesday alternative and the ‘Either’ option totaled 38%. This encouraging consensus has convinced us that moving forward with day-early delivery for Wednesday on-sale holds considerable advantages for vendors, retailers, and the industry.”
With the implementation of day-early delivery, Diamond will also initiate a “mystery shopper” program to ensure that participating retailers abide by the industry-wide Wednesday release date for books received on Tuesday.
Fletcher urged retailers to “stay tuned” to Diamond Daily and Diamond Dateline for more details about registering for the day-early delivery option.
Additionally, Diamond has announced that — working in concert with vendors — Diamond will deliver product on its normal Wednesday schedule in December. The first shipment of 2011 will arrive after the New Year’s holiday on Wednesday, January 5. Day-early shipping will commence the following week.
“During the holidays, our retailers and their customers depend upon Diamond to keep the newest and hottest product flowing into stores, and we’d like to thank our vendors for working with us to maintain our regular schedule,” Fletcher said. “We’d also like to thank our vendors and our customers for working with us to get 2011 off to a great start by making the day-early shipping option a reality. We look forward to a smooth transition to what we feel will be a highly beneficial and profitable service.”
Canadian Retailer Update – September, 2010
What is the biggest rumour/bit of news to come down the pipe regarding retailers? The main supplier/distributor of comics, Diamond Comic Distributors, surveyed retailers to gauge interest in Tuesday delivery. Recently, Bleeding Cool reported:
In December (2010) … comics deliveries will be staggered through the month, with a number of comics distributed a week in advance so as to avoid the Christmas skip week of last year. (T)hen, as of January 2011, the word is that all US/Canadian shops will get their comics on the Tuesday, for sale on Wednesday.
Why is this such an issue? Comic shops in Canada typically receive their comics on Wednesday mornings. Yet, as most people are aware, Wednesday is New Comic Day. So retailers are required to receive, sort, count and stock (as well as gather up pull lists) within a matter of hours. [note: the vast majority of stores, 99%, receive Wednesday delivery, while some stores receive Tuesday delivery. This is typically a result of grandfathered distribution deals that date back more than 15 years, to the days of multiple comic distributors.]
Diamond is investigating nationwide Tuesday delivery. While the books would not go on sale until Wednesday, that wouldn’t change, the benefit would be found in the ability of comic stores to properly prepare the inventory, the store and themselves for the sales the next day.
There has also been talk of a $5 service charge added to the bill each week. This money would go towards the hiring of a team who would police the street date of the books. In most other businesses, the magazines, video games, movie dvd’s they sell have a street date: the date that sales are allowed. Retailers are required to adhere to this street date, else they are penalized by the manufacturer/distributor. Diamond will implement the $5 charge as a way to pay for staffers to travel and monitor stores to ensure street date adherence. I don’t know how often other businesses violate street dates, but it seems that comic publishers and distributors don’t believe all comic shops intend to adhere to street dates. I have no real opinion on this likelihood, but I do know that comic retailers, as small business owners and not as club house directors, should be mature enough to follow the rules. It’s that basic. At the same time, a $5 weekly charge is not a lot to pay to ensure across the board fairness in meeting street dates. Further, anyone caught violating the street date should receive harsh penalties.
Here are the results of the recent Diamond survey, of which over 1000 retailers participated:
1. Do you think your business would benefit from receiving products a day early? My business would:
|
Benefit significantly |
52.17% |
|
Benefit modestly |
23.82% |
|
Not benefit |
15.14% |
|
I’m not sure |
5.40% |
|
It would hurt my business modestly |
1.35% |
|
It would hurt my business significantly |
2.12% |
2. Do you think the Direct Market would benefit from receiving products a day early? The Direct Market would:
|
Benefit significantly |
44.65% |
|
Benefit modestly |
28.25% |
|
Not benefit |
13.50% |
|
I’m not sure |
11.38% |
|
It would hurt my business modestly |
0.96% |
|
It would hurt my business significantly |
1.25% |
3. Under this proposal, retailers who elect to receive their shipments a day early would be charged a weekly fee – not to exceed $5 – to help fund 3rd party monitoring of compliance with the new comics on-sale date and associated Diamond costs. I feel that this fee would be:
|
Very reasonable |
30.09% |
|
Somewhat reasonable |
38.28% |
|
Not reasonable |
26.52% |
|
No opinion |
5.11% |
4. Retailers electing to receive their shipments a day early would be required to agree to hold their shipments for sale until 10:00 a.m. on new release day, and – if found in violation – agree to accept penalties ranging from suspension of day-early delivery privileges to complete revocation after three violations. I feel these penalties would be:
|
Very fair |
70.49% |
|
Somewhat fair |
7.62% |
|
Not severe enough |
16.01% |
|
Not sure |
2.70% |
|
No Opinion |
3.18% |
5. One motivation for moving new release date to Tuesday is to get comics in-sync with other entertainment media – such as books, DVDs, and video games – that release new titles on Tuesdays. Do you think your business would benefit from getting in sync with other media? My business would:
|
Benefit significantly |
21.02% |
|
Benefit modestly |
22.47% |
|
Not benefit |
34.62% |
|
I’m not sure |
11.48% |
|
It would hurt my business |
10.41% |
6. How do you believe the majority of your customers would respond to the proposed Tuesday release day? I believe my customers’ response would be:
|
Positive |
37.42% |
|
Negative |
19.09% |
|
Neutral |
35.00% |
|
Not sure |
8.49% |
7. If given the choice between Monday delivery for Tuesday on-sale, and Tuesday delivery for Wednesday on-sale, what would be your preference? I would prefer:
|
Monday for Tuesday |
27.10% |
|
Tuesday for Wednesday |
51.98% |
|
Either Mon. for Tues. or Tues. for Wed. |
10.80% |
|
Neither |
8.20% |
|
Not sure |
1.93% |
8. Would you prefer the status-quo (Wednesday delivery for Wednesday on-sale) over either of the above options if schedules could be adjusted to prevent day-late on-sale for weeks with Monday holidays? (Note FOC and Reship Reorder lead times would still increase under this scenario.)
|
Yes |
29.89% |
|
No |
55.06% |
|
Not sure |
15.04% |
.
I’ve seen a lot of odd comments from US based retailers, quite a bit of hyperbole and, what appears to me, a fundamental lack of understanding as to what the changes will be and what they will mean.
What do Canadian retailers feel about these results and the potential/likely changes? I’d be interested in hearing your opinions.
______________________________________________________________________
Other news, happenings and events at comic shops across Canada:
-
British Columbia
- Gotham Collectibles new Vancouver location is opened and it’s looking good. Their first event is a Transformers night on September 18th.
- Metropolis Comics & Toys have put up photos of their new (and very large) location
- Curious Comics has opened their new location on 844 Goldstream Avenue, Victoria, BC
- The Comic Shop has a new location as of Sept 1, 2010. They can now be found at 3518 West 4th Avenue, Vancouver, BC
- Lucky’s Comics will be hosting John Porcellino and Noah Van Sciver to for a signing, slideshow, and Q & A. Beginning at 7pm on August 31, 2010.
- Warp 1 have posted their 2010 Eisner nominee video.
- 8th Street Comics will be on CTV’s News at Noon on Thursday, September 16th.
- Conspiracy Comics South has moved to a new location, now found at 2388 Fairview St., Burlington, ON
- The Dragon is hosting Kean Soo for a Comics For Kids event at the store on Saturday, Sep 11, 2010. 10 kids will spend time with the acclaimed creator of “Jellaby”! Signing from 12-1, workshop from 1-3. Sign up in store or by email.
- 4 Colour 8 Bit have moved to a new location… 2 doors down. It’s a mirror/Bizzaro move, and none of their customers really notice. See them at: 346 Princess St, Kingston, ON, K7L 1B4
- Lookin’ For Heroes turns 21 on September 1, 2010. Legal to drink in the US of A.
- L.A. Mood, in London, ON, will start selling used vinyl in the near future, as Gord Mood is selling his collection.
- The Gauntlet will be moving to a new location in September, 2010. Find them at 14 Mill St, Orangeville, ON, L9W 2M2
- Paradise Comics will be hosting author Jim Zubkavich on Wednesday, September 22nd, 3:30pm-5:30pm for the launch of Skullkickers #1
- The Beguiling will be hosting author Jim Zubkavich on Wednesday, September 22nd, 7pm-9pm for the launch of Skullkickers #1
- On September 22nd, Jim Zubkavich will be having dinner somewhere between Lawrence Ave and Bloor St. Probably around 5:30-7:00
- Carry On Comics celebrated their 30th Anniversary on August 28th; current owner Andy’s 19th!
- Strange Adventures will award a shopping spree if you to fill out 10 ballots for the ‘Best of Halifax’ poll. One man, one vote is out the window.
Alberta
Saskatchewan
Ontario
Nova Scotia
[note: this information was gathered by perusing the retailers websites, as well as email I've received from stores across Canada. If you have an event to promote, let us know! Send an email to retailers@joeshusterawards.com. And if you have an upcoming event that isn't listed here, then I was not able to find it on your website. If I can't find it, your customers can't find it.]
Fan Expo Canada 2010
This past weekend saw Fan Expo Canada 2010 return to the North building of the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. I don’t really have much to say about it as I’m completely burned out from four days working at the event, and there are certain things I am not in any position to address.
The big story appears to be that the event was packed and attendance certainly appears to be up well over 2009′s ~60K. There are a lot of negative reports about overcrowding, long waits and the Fire Marshall getting involved and shutting down access to the building on Saturday, August 28. Obviously no one is happy about any of this, and the more that we learn our frustration grows. I’ll be expressing my personal concerns at upcoming meetings. The event returns to the South Building in 2011 and that will mean a much better controlled event. The North building should never, ever, be used again as the sole venue for this event.
The Comic Expo guests and exhibitors I spoke to were extremely happy with the turnout and with overall sales. As Robert iterated in his post last week, this event is a major money-making event for Canadians in the comic book industry and by all accounts expectations were exceeded. Sure there was other stuff going on in the other sections of the show, such as the many celebrities there and the Tron preview, but comics is the focus of this site and my focus working at the event and I am overall pleased with how the Comic Book Expo worked out this year (in the event hall that is) for so many and we have a lot of ideas for 2011, and additional suggestions for how things can be improved on the floor for creators and attendees.
Cooke and O’Malley win Harveys.
At the pretty much Canadian-free Baltimore show this last weekend, the Harvey awards were handed out and two Canadians won awards: DARWYN COOKE and BRYAN LEE O’MALLEY each took home a Harvey for their 2009 publications.
BEST CARTOONIST — Darwyn Cooke, “RICHARD STARK’S PARKER: THE HUNTER”, IDW
SPECIAL AWARD FOR HUMOR IN COMICS — Bryan Lee O’Malley, “SCOTT PILGRIM #5″, Oni Press
September 1st, 2010 Releases featuring Canadian Creators
R.E.B.E.L.S. #20 Cover by David Finch
If I have missed any works by Canadian Comic Book Creators, please leave a comment, or send me an email at jason@joeshusterawards.com
1 For $1 Conan $1.00
Dark Horse US$1.00
Artwork and Cover by Cary Nord.
1 For $1: Star Wars Legacy
Dark Horse US$1.00
Colours by Brad Anderson.
5 Days To Die #1
IDW US$3.99
Cover by David Finch.
Astonishing X-Men: Xenogenesis #1 Director’s Cut
Marvel US$4.99
Artwork and Cover by Kaare Andrews.
Proof #28 Cover by Riley Rossmo
Atomic Robo Vol. 4: Atomic Robo And Other Strangeness Trade Paperback
Red 5 Comics US$17.95
Colours by Ronda Pattison.
Avengers: The Children’s Crusade #2
Marvel US$3.99
Variant Cover by Travis Charest.
Preview at Comic Book Resources
Brightest Day #9
DC US$2.99
Cover by David Finch.
Cowboy Ninja Viking #8
Image US$3.99
Artwork and Cover by Riley Rossmo.
Preview at Comic Book Resources
Heroic Age: One Month to Live #1 Cover by Mike Del Mundo
Dark X-Men Trade Paperback
Marvel US$16.99
Artwork by Leonard Kirk.
Do Androids Dream Of Electric Sheep #14
BOOM Studios US$3.99
Colours by Blond.
Fathom: Blue Descent #1
Aspen Comics MLT US$2.99
Cover by David Finch.
Avengers: The Children's Crusade #2 Variant Cover by Travis Charest/
Ghost Projekt #4
Oni Press US$3.99
Artwork and Cover by Steve Rolston.
G.I. Joe: Hearts And Minds #4
IDW US$3.99
Colours by Lovern Kindzierski.
Gorilla Man #3
Marvel US$3.99
Colours by Jim Charalampidis.
Preview at Comic Book Resources
5 Ways to Die #1 Cover by David Finch
Haunt #9
Image US$2.99
Inks by Todd McFarlane.
Hawkeye & Mockingbird #4
Marvel US$2.99
Colours by Nathan Fairbairn.
Preview at Comic Book Resources
Heroic Age: One Month To Live #1
Marvel US$2.99
Artwork and Cover by Mike Del Mundo.
Preview at Comic Book Resources
Cowboy Ninja Viking #8 Cover by Riley Rossmo
I Am An Avenger #1
Marvel US$3.99
Artwork by Tom Fowler. Cover Colours by Dave McCaig.
Preview at Comic Book Resources
The Incredibles: Family Matters Hardcover
BOOM Studios US$24.99
Artwork and Cover by <b.Marcio Takara.
Legendary Talespinners Trade Paperback
Dynamite Entertainment US$12.99
Cover by Nick Bradshaw.
Origins of Marvel Comics X-Men #1 Cover by Mike Del Mundo
Magdalena #3
Image US$3.99
Colours by Dave McCaig.
Preview at Comic Book Resources
Origins Of Marvel Comics: X-Men #1
Marvel US$3.99
Artwork by Nick Bradshaw. Cover by Mike Del Mundo.
Proof #28
Image US$3.50
Artwork and Cover by Riley Rossmo. Colours by Dave Casey. Back-Up Story Written, Artwork and Colours by Kelly Tindall.
Preview at Comic Book Resources
Fathom: Blue Descent #1 Variant Cover by David Finch
R.E.B.E.L.S. #20
DC US$2.99
Artwork by Claude St. Aubin. Cover by David Finch.
Siege: New Avengers Hardcover
Marvel US$29.99
Artwork and Cover by Stuart Immonen. Colours by Dave McCaig.
Star Wars: The Clone Wars Vol. 3: Hero Of The Confederacy Trade Paperback
Dark Horse US$7.99
Cover by Scott Hepburn.
Wolverine #1 Cover by Steve McNiven
Strange Tales Softcover
Marvel US$24.99
Written, Artwork and Colours by Jay Stephens.
Sweet Tooth #13
DC/Vertigo US$2.99
Written, Artwork and Cover by Jeff Lemire.
Preview at Vertigo: Graphic Content
Wolverine #1
Marvel US$3.99
Variant Cover by Steve McNiven.
Preview at Comic Book Resources
Brightest Day #9 Cover by David Finch
The upcoming comic weekend
Toronto is fortunate to have a lot of choice when it comes to comic events: there are a myriad of one-off signings and lectures given in the city; there is the free-to-the-public TCAF event; there is the Wizard comic/media show held in the spring; and of course, the Hobbystar FanExpo show.
There should be no doubt that Aman Gupta has built this event from very humble beginnings into the 3rd or 4th largest comic/media event in North America, and for that he should be heartily congratulated.
Over the past 5+ years there have been a lot of great comic guests coming through Toronto in late August, thanks to the efforts of FanExpo staffers Tiziano DeSantis & Kevin Boyd, and the majority of comic fans in area have been very fortunate to have access to these creators.
I don’t think there is much doubt that this event does a great job of getting paying customers through the door, and a lot of Canadian creators make a lot of money at this event. Would I be wrong to say that FanExpo is the #1 Toronto event for Canadian creators to make money? No doubt in my mind this is true.
FanExpo also provides space to a great number of Canadian creators, the list this year is impressive:
JEFF LEMIRE
DARWYN COOKE
DALE KEOWN
FRANCIS MANAPUL
YANICK PAQUETTE
CAMERON STEWART
DOUG SNEYD
ANDY BELANGER
MICHAEL CHO
ROB COUGHLER
ARTHUR DELA CRUZ
SCOTT HEPBURN
ERIC KIM
BRIAN McLACHLAN
RAMON PEREZ
SALGOOD SAM (aka Max Douglas)
ERIC VEDDER
KEI ACEDERA
ATTILA ADORJANY
SAM AGRO
ADRIAN ALPHONA
KALMAN ANDRASOFSZKY
JASON ARMSTRONG
KELLEY ARMSTRONG
BLAKE BELL
J. BONE
JACK BRIGLIO
KENT BURLES
SCOTT CHANTLER
MICHAEL CHERKAS
BOBBY CHIU
MICHAEL CHO
RICHARD COMELY
WES CRAIG
DAVID CUTLER
WILLOW DAWSON
VALENTINE DE LANDRO
CAMILLA D’ERRICO
LAR DESOUZA
ANTHONY DEL COL
OMAR DOGAN
JASON EDMISTON
RAY FAWKES
AGNES GARBOWSKA
JASON GILMORE
TONY GRAY
LARRY HANCOCK
SCOTT HEPBURN
JANET HETHERINGTON
GREG HYLAND
RAFFAELLE IENCO
ALEX JANSEN
RON KASMAN
LOVERN KINDZIERSKI
LEONARD KIRK
RICHARD A. KIRK
SHANE KIRSHENBLATT
ALVIN LEE
KURT LEHNER
STEVEN CHARLES MANALE
MARVIN S. MARIANO
NICK MARINKOVICH
CONOR MCCREERY
ALEX MILNE
MATT MOYLAN
JOE NG
RICHARD PACE
RICHARD POPLAK
NICK POSTIC
AMY PRONOVOST
GIBSON QUARTER
PETER REPOVSKI
HUGH ROOKWOOD
DAVE ROSS
RYAN SOHMER
STEVE SPRAYSON
KEN STEACY
RONN SUTTON
MARCIO TAKARA
TY TEMPLETON
MARCUS TO
J. TORRES
JAMES TURNER
ALINA URUSOV
JOE VRIENS
ROB WALTON
SEAN WARD
KEN WHEATON
CRAIG YEUNG
RICHARD ZAJAC
JIM ZUBKAVICH
I hope everyone enjoys the weekend.
Interviews: Bryan Lee O’Malley
Chris Randle at the Gutteral Blog sat down with Bryan Lee O’Malley on the eve of the release of Scott Pilgrim Vol. 6: Scott Pilgrim’s Finest Hour. The interview was for the Globe & Mail and was truncated for publication. Scott was able to post the full interview online for your enjoyment.
Happenings: Comix & Stories, Sunday August 29 in Vancouver
Comix & Stories: A day of alternative & small press comics, zines, artwork & culture
Special Guests:
Joey Comeau & Emily Horne (A Softer World)
Featured Artists & Publishers:
Brandon Graham ( King City, Multiple Warheads)
James Stokoe (Orc Stain, Sullivan’s Sluggers)
Steve Rolston (Ghost Projekt, Emiko Superstar)
Marley Zarcone (Forgetless, Madame Xanadu)
Verne Andru (420)
Ken Boesem (The Village)
Robin Bougie (*NSFW* Cinema Sewer *NSFW*)
Ed Brisson (Acts of Violence, Murder Book)
Jesse Davidge (Mathemagick & Mystiphysics) ()
Kelly Everaert (Trilogy of Terror)
Trevor Frick (Centuri Way of the Ninja)
Miriam Libicki (Jobnik!)
Josue Menjivar (Everyday Things, Way Off Main)
Matthew Ocasio (The Matter)
Simon Roy (Jan’s Atomic Heart)
Jeremy Sawatski (Purple Soul)
Sketchrospective (Cowboys, Robots & Dinosaurs)
Jason Turner (True Loves)
Andrea Hooge
Mary Karaplis
Jackie Klobucar
Jim McPherson
Jenna Sokalski
Jeri Weaver
and many more!
Sunday, August 29
11AM to 5PM
Heritage Hall
3102 Main Street
Vancouver, BC
Creator tables: $38
Publisher tables: $75
Admission: $4.00
The Broadcast by Noel Tuazon (with Eric Hobbs)
New in stores today is the The Broadcast, published by NBM publishing, art by Noel Tuazon, written by US-based Eric Hobbes.
What’s it about?
Set in 1938, THE BROADCAST is about a rural Indiana town that loses power halfway through Orson Welles’ infamous radio play having never learned the panic-inducing news bulletins are a hoax. Fearing the worst is upon them, four diverse families band together in an effort to make it through the night. Tensions build, however, as differences surface, and it isn’t long before all involved realize they have as much to fear from each other as they do the “alien invasion” heading their way.
Who’s involved?
The Broadcast is drawn by Noel Tuazon. His work on ELK’S RUN earned a Harvey nomination, and his most recent title, TUMOR, garnered rave reviews when it landed on the Amazon Kindle before being collected by Archaia. Eric Hobbes was involved with the webcomic Awakenings.
Who will be interested?
The Broadcast fills the void between character-driven indy books and the high-concept comics being produced by the big two. It’s perfect for readers who enjoyed Jeff Lemire’s THE NOBODY at Vertigo or the cinematic storytelling techniques used in Darwyn Cooke’s adaptation of PARKER: THE HUNTER at IDW.
The concept behind The Broadcast is great! Orson Welles’ reading of The War Of The Worlds has left it’s mark in history, and creating a comic based around the terror and hysteria that resulted is brilliant. Noel has created moody, evocative pages which capture the spirit of the story.
While your local comic book store may not have a copy, the book can be reordered through Diamond and received within 2 weeks. Be sure to ask for this book, and communicate to your local retailer that kind of comics you’re interested in reading. If you’d like to support local and national creators, tell them about our weekly ‘Releases featuring Canadian Creators‘ feature. These are the ways that you can help guide your local retailer, so they stock more of the interesting and diverse works produced by Canucks.
The Broadcast Trade Paperback
NBM Publishing US$13.99
Artwork by Noel Tuazon.
Diamond Item Code: JUN101062
Diamond Stock #STK421473
ISBN-13/EAN: 978156163590051399
2nd week sees Scott Pilgrim movie slide further
Unfortunately, despite great word of mouth, the second release week of Scott Pilgrim vs. the World saw a significant drop and the movie finished the weekend in 10th place in North America, 9th place in Canada. So far the movie has made back a small percentage of it’s cost to make, earning a total of less than $21 million.
I still think that, like other comic adaptations released this year that underperformed at the box office – namely Kick-Ass and The Losers, dvd and blu-ray sales will see SPvTW turn from a disappointment to a money-earner. A fast box-office slide will probably mean an even faster turnaround to the realm of home theatre. That’s really too bad as this movie plays very well on the big screen.
What does this mean and why even address it here?
In the grand scheme of things this doesn’t mean a whole lot to the medium of comics, but it’s impact on comics to screen adaptations of artistic comics material is probably negative in the long run as studios will hesitate to approve them, which closes a potential revenue stream for creators to sell their concepts to movie studios for adaptation. And hey, our focus is on Canadian creators, and last time I checked, Bryan Lee O’Malley was still a Canadian comic book creator.
Despite this movie disappointment, all six Scott Pilgrim graphic novels are selling briskly with many stores (direct market and bookstores) offering packages of six books to new readers.
Read more…
August 25th, 2010 Releases featuring Canadian Creators
X-Men: Curse of the Mutants: Storm & Gambit #1 Cover by Chris Bachalo
*Note* Next week’s releases list may be late, because there’s a pretty good chance I won’t have this post ready before Fan Expo Canada. I’ll do my best to have it ready for its usual posting time.
If I have missed any works by Canadian Comic Book Creators, please leave a comment, or send me an email at jason@joeshusterawards.com
Action Comics #892
DC US$3.99
Colours by Brad Anderson. Cover by David Finch. Back-Up Story Written by Jeff Lemire.
Preview at DC Universe: The Source
The Broadcast Trade Paperback
NBM Publishing US$13.99
Artwork by Noel Tuazon.
Preview at NBM Publishing
Preview at EricHobbsOnline.com
Dark Wolverine #90
Marvel US$2.99
Cover by Yanick Paquette. Cover Inks by Michel Lacombe. Cover Colours by Nathan Fairbairn.
Preview at Comic Book Resources
Heroic Age: Prince Of Power #4
Marvel US$3.99
Inks by Terry Pallot.
Preview at Comic Book Resources
Iron Saint Vol. 1 Trade Paperback
Image/Top Cow US$14.99
Artwork by Francis Manapul.
Preview at Comic Book Resources
Kade: Red Sun Trade Paperback
Arcana Studios US$14.95
Written by Sean O’Reilly.
X-Men Forever 2 #6 Cover by Tom Grummett
Runaways Vol. 11: Homeschooling Trade Paperback
Marvel US$9.99
Written by Kathryn Immonen.
Superman/Batman #75
DC US$4.99
Written and Artwork by David Finch. Artwork by Francis Manapul.
Preview at DC Universe: The Source
Superman/Batman Vol. 9: Night And Day Hardcover
DC US$19.99
Artwork and Cover by Francis Manapul.
Superman: Secret Origin #6
DC US$3.99
Colours by Brad Anderson
Preview at DC Universe: The Source
Thor #613
Marvel US$3.99
Colours by Jim Charalampidis.
Preview at Comic Book Resources
Dark Wolverine #90 Cover by Yanick Paquette, Michel Lacombe & Nathan Fairbairn
X-Factor #208
Marvel US$2.99
Inks by Pat Davidson. Colours by Chris Chuckry.
Preview at Comic Book Resources
X-Men: Curse Of The Mutants: Blade #1
Marvel US$3.99
Colours by Nathan Fairbairn.
Preview at Comic Book Resources
X-Men: Curse Of The Mutants: Storm & Gambit #1
Marvel US$3.99
Artwork, Colours, and Variant Cover by Chris Bachalo.
Preview at Comic Book Resources
X-Men Forever 2 #6
Marvel US$3.99
Artwork and Cover by Tom Grummett.
Preview at Comic Book Resources
X-Men: Inferno – Crossovers Hardcover
Marvel US$75.00
Artwork and Cover by Todd McFarlane.
Action Comics #892 Cover by David Finch
WHAT: Visitors from across Ontario and around the world have the opportunity to experience the very best of pop culture first-hand at the upcoming 16th Annual Fan Expo Canada™.. The return of the country’s largest combined event which includes The Comic Book Expo, CNAnime, SFX Science Fiction Expo, Festival of Fear Horror Expo and GX- the Canadian National Gaming Expo is the perfect family outing and offers something for all ages and interests!
The Comic Book Expo features a number of industry luminaries who will be participating in autograph and Q & A sessions. There will also be a number of industry experts on hand offering portfolio reviews, tips and suggestions for aspiring future comic book artists.
Happenings: Fan Expo Canada, August 27-29, 2010
As most people know, I work on the Comic Book Expo side of FAN EXPO CANADA (TM). It’s my job*, at the show, to look after the comic book creator guests in the guest area and to make sure the comics programming runs smoothly. Joining me on the Comics Expo team from the JSA is Allison Covey. Other members of the JSA are involved at this event. Robert Haines will be at the Dragon’s table with Jenn Stewart. Chris Owen will be at the Big B Comics booth. Jason Truong will be getting sketches. Tyrone Biljan will hopefully get a chance to say hello to Adam West, Burt Ward, and Julie Newmar. We don’t have a booth this year. As with other events, the JSA Executive uses Fan Expo Canada to strengthen our national NETWORK. We’ll also be looking to make further steps towards finalizing the 2011 location and date for the JSA ceremony.
Fan Expo Canada, like it or not, is the largest Canadian comic book event. Comics (dealers, artists, signing area, publishers) take up the majority of the just shy of 300,000 square feet of the Metro Toronto Convention Centre’s floor space. Many people poo-poo it as a media con, which IT IS… but unlike other media cons Fan Expo keeps comics front and centre with major industry guests brought in for the event, hundreds of Canadian creators from all over the country, a massive Artists Alley with hundreds of creators, a huge comics retailer area supported by stores and national and international dealers, and the largest representation of comics industry publisher booths – yes, more mainstream focused publishers like Marvel and DC, but also other publishers like Boom!, Udon, Archie, Aspen and Zenescope PLUS three days of what I hope is interesting comics programming.
Everything is there. So what if you see a Stormtrooper or a vampire in your walk to Artist’s Alley to visit, say, the guys and gals from Transmission X, or Darwyn Cooke, Ken Steacy, Francis Manapul, Jeff Lemire or any number of the hundreds of Canadian comics creators attending? Last time I checked there are Star Wars, Star Trek, True Blood, and other comics that tie in to these properties from other media. These various aspects of fandom do intersect.Personally — I keep my blinders on comics as do the other organizers of the comic expo.
Yes, it is on the same weekend as the Baltimore Comic-Con, which I’m sure will be a great show, but I would be doing Canadian creators a disservice in not arguing on their, and the show’s, behalf. That some comics websites have not included FAN EXPO as an event they would attend if they were in Toronto is kind of an insult to those great people that are taking time out of their busy schedules to meet the public and network at this massively attended (60,000 attendees in 2009) event. That the two largest American publishers – MARVEL COMICS and DC COMICS have chosen to support Fan Expo Canada (TM) speaks volumes about how important they see the show, and even more importantly, CANADA.
Plus, Stan Lee will be there… and William Shatner does write comics!
FAN EXPO CANADA
AUGUST 27-29
METRO TORONTO CONVENTION CENTRE – NORTH BUILDING
FRIDAY 4-9, SATURDAY 10-7, SUNDAY 11-6
Over the next few days I will be drawing attention to the Comic Book Expo creators and programming here.
* I should make note that it’s a set fee not dependent on attendance or ticket sales.
Free Comic Book Day + TCAF 2011
It’s just been announced that the Toronto Comic Arts Festival 2011 will be held Saturday, May 7th and Sunday, May 8th. As you may be aware, TCAF “exists to promote the breadth and diversity of comics, and what is considered comics, as legitimate medium of literary and artistic worth.” TCAF as an event in 2010 was sponsored by the “Toronto Public Library, Eye Weekly, Owl Magazine, The French Consulate in Toronto, Broken Pencil, The Walrus, HeartsandFlours.ca, and especially The Beguiling Books and Art [with] ongoing financial support.”
Meanwhile, also occurring on May 7th, 2010 is Free Comic Book Day. As the name implies, Free Comic Book Day is a single day when participating comic book specialty shops across North America and around the world give away comic books absolutely free to anyone who comes into their shops. FCBD has always been held on the first Saturday in May each year.
Discuss.
Killing Shakespeare for Fun & Profit
Kill Shakespeare #2 Retailer Incentive Cover by Andy Belanger
Calvin Reid at Publisher’s Weekly delves into the Kill Shakespeare phenom. Kill Shakespeare is a six issue mini-series by writers Anthony Del Col and Conor McCreery, with art by Andy Belanger. The trade paperback collecting the mini-series is planned for November 2010.
In related news, McCreery and Del Col will be moderating a panel at the upcoming Fan Expo entitled Drawing Ahead: The Future of Comics (Saturday August 28th, 11AM, Room 205B) with panelists Ramón Pérez (Kukuburi, Butternut Squash), Andy Belanger (Kill Shakespeare, Bottle of Awesome), Cameron Stewart (Sin Titulo, Batman and Robin), Scott Chantler (Northwest Passage, Two Generals), Willow Dawson (No Girls Allowed), and Max Douglas aka Salgood Sam (Dream Life, Sequential Spiltink).
Here’s the panel description:
While the art and craft of graphic storytelling remains unchanged, there are a variety of new mediums for creators to use to deliver their visions to the world. With the boom in mobile digital devices, paper and print are no longer the limit, and many artists are finding success creating and distributing their work in digital form. Join a panel of leading comics creators to discuss the evolution of comics distribution, the benefits and drawbacks of working with or independently from a publisher, and their current and future projects. A great forum whether you’re an aspiring creator, an established pro considering your options, or a fan interested in new ways of reading comics.
Marvel Comics by Canadians – November 2010 Solicitations
Unlike DC, Marvel doesn’t really have many Canadians working for them, and those that are this month are represented mostly in covers and trade paperbacks.
Exceptions being “Stalwart” Stuart Immonen (New Avengers) and “Leaping” Leonard Kirk (New Mutants).
Not sure what happened to the solicitation for the Tom Grummett illustrated Chaos War: Dead Avengers #1.
CHAOS WAR: ALPHA FLIGHT
Comic Book Resources has the scoop on Alpha Flight’s apparent return in the Jim McCann written, Reilly Brown drawn one-shot spinning out of the third issue of the Chaos War mini-series “event” from Marvel — CHAOS WAR: ALPHA FLIGHT.
joeshusterawards
Jason Truong
Kevin Boyd
Robert Haines
Allison Covey
