NY ComicCon 2009

A pre-Valentine’s Day Mystery

So I get home today and I find an Express Mail package in the mailbox. The package is addressed to me, and — when opened — contains a packet of Spidey Valentines, and a note from my “secret” Valentine. The return address on the package is the next town over, which is unfamiliar to me, as is the handwriting.

Someone is playing me, and has a sense of humor.

So far I’m entertained.

A picture is worth...ewwww

At the risk of burning the sockets out of your eyes, I felt in necessary to post this pic, even as we race forward towards NY Comic Con.

I can’t help but to think that this guy has long since passed “obsession”.

Just when we thought they were done...

...we get dragged back for more!

That’s tight buoys & gulls, there is a fifth variant edition of Amazing Spider-Man #583. I’m thinking that Marvel is going to keep this particular issue in print long after President Obama has left office.

Actually, in an interesting twist on the issue’s collectible value, one store owner to whom I spoke speculated that the later variant editions (with geometrically smaller print runs), might actually be worth more than the initial versions.

Personally, I don't know, but I suppose anything is possible (plus there is the possibility that a complete set of all variants might also increase the value if combined).

Happy Belkis Year! (February)

So, as you all know, 2009 is Belkis year. It is the year that we get to celebrate one of the most beautiful, talented, and entertainingly wonderful women that I (personally) know in this industry. Belkis is the feature pin-up girl of a calendar that was produced by James Rodriguez’s NovaStar Studios. James recruited a number of very talented NY fantasy artists and pulled this thing together in a gorgeous package.

So, at the beginning of each month I’m going to post the image corresponding to the month on the calendar. This month’s image is courtesy of James himself. If you are going to be at this year’s NY ComicCon, then you’ll want to stop by James’ table in Artist’s Ally and pick up one. I know that Belkis will be there so perhaps you’ll not only get to meet her but get her autograph as well.

Anyway, Belkis has a very cool marketing site where she talks about the industry, and her most recent post made me remember that it is a new month, and I needed to let you all know that as well. Now I’m going to go back to staring at my calendar.

Groundhog Day (a day late and a dolar short)

Yesterday (Monday February 2nd) was Groundhog Day. Today the cable network FX is playing the great eponymous 1993 Bill Murray, Andie MacDowell film.

The question I have is why a day late and only once? On Christmas some network was playing that horrible A Christmas Story. Yeah, yeah, I know that some folks swear by that film, but I find it wretched and mean spirited. I’ve never watched it all the way through, and I hope never to watch any more of it than I ever have.

I guess what I’m asking is is why, if A Christmas Story can be played all day on Christmas, and The West Wing can be marathoned all day on election day, and horror flicks play all October, why can’t someone play this film all day on Groundhog Day?

Seems like a natural to me.

It is 2 Weeks ‘till Valentine’s Day!

...And already it is starting!

This was either an early gift from my wife, or a reminder that Valentine’s day is coming. I’m not sure which.