Oh Muse, Where Art Thou?

Well you guys, I BLEW IT! I was supposed to submit this article sometime last week but ye olde writer’s block grabbed me early and never really let go. So are you getting a half-assed article this week? YES! No! Sorta? AGAIN I SAY NO! Well I decided to get a fresh start and hit up a couple of comic shops for back-issues and inspiration and while I didn’t come up with a solid topic to write about this week, I sure as sugar thought a lot about stuff that’s been going on in our little world lately. HERE ARE SOME OF THOSE THOUGHTS!

First and foremost, in Vancouver comics news, ABC Comic and Book Emporium (1539 West Broadway) is having a BIG SEXY BACK-ISSUE SALE. Usually their back issues are 50% off, but right now they’re A BUCK A PIECE! Venus and I went down just to check it out and ended up coming home with the most comics we’ve ever bought in one day. Among assorted others, we’re talking the complete run of Wonder Woman Vol. 3 for Venus and a whole pile of Marvel Knights: 4 for me.

It’s been brought to my attention that the first issue of Chew is worth a whole crapload of money these days. Apparently it’s going to be a television show? Anyhoo, yesterday I remembered my copy is signed by writer John Layman and I got all excited about the amount of cheddar that was sure to come my way. And then, much to my chagrin, today I remember that John Layman is the kind of cat that likes to personalize the stuff he signs. So anyone out there named Ian who would like a signed copy of Chew #1, please let me know and I’ll see what I can do about taking your money. Thanks! In all seriousness though, it’s a great book and I highly doubt I’d ever get rid of the first arc.

Have you been reading Zatanna? You know Justice League’s resident magicienne? Casts spells with backwards talk? Foxy fishnets and top hat? Well I should have included this title in last week’s list of stuff you should be buying because not only did Stephane Roux do covers AND INTERIORS for the first few issues, but his replacements (Chad Hardin and Jesus Saiz) are continuing to KILL IT now that Roux just doing covers. Also, the more I read of Paul Dini’s stuff, the more he’s becoming one of my very favourite writers. His stuff is always clever and fun without being pandering and cutesy.

Oh, that reminds me! I should have also included the new Black Widow series too! Sure, it was probably thrown out there to capitalize on Iron Man 2 hype, but who would have expected it to be such a cool book in its own right? Writer Marjorie Liu and artist Daniel Acuna’s first five-issue run is probably the most compelling story ever written for the Black Widow; a character who has invariably been wasted in almost every story she’s ever been in. But no longer! Even now with a the new team of Duane Swierczynski and Manuel Garcia the title is still a great read with great art. Way to overcome the cash grab guys!

Whoop whoop! Tickets are officially on sale for Seattle’s Emerald City Comicon 2011! Have you made it down there yet?! It’s a great big comic book love-in featuring all of the creators you know and love, and none of the Hollywood bullshit that’s ruining the big Cons. The 2011 show will even be three days long (in the past it’s been two) which is awesome because their guest list is already friggin’ huge and you’ll need the extra time to see everyone. Review 2 a Kill is sending a contingent this year, so expect a GREAT REPORT TO CRY OVER if you miss out!

Guess what?! Guess what?! The first issue of Incognito: Bad Influences came out last week. Anyone who read Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips’ opening arc last year knows this is bound to be one of the biggest and best comics of 2010, so please PLEASE don’t be a sucker! Go and buy this book! And if you haven’t read the original run, pick up a copy of the trade while you’re at it because you won’t be sorry. Synopsis: Zack Overkill is a former super villain who finds himself bored to death in the witness relocation program and starts kicking asses to feel alive again. Cue mayhem. Cue GOOD TIMES GALORE!

Also, I’ve been thinking…you know what Marvel needs to do? They need to get Paolo Rivera back in their stable to make with the paintings. Did you ever read the six one-shots he did for them (collected as Marvel: Mythos)? Basically from 2006 to 2008 he covered the origin stories for Captain America, Fantastic Four, Ghost Rider, Hulk, Spider-Man and X-Men. Rivera is the FRIGGIN’ NORMAN ROCKWELL OF THE COMIC BOOK INDUSTRY and I really, really want to see more interiors by him in the near future.

Lastly, if you missed the premier of The Walking Dead on Sunday night, YOU’RE DOING IT COMPLETELY WRONG! Robert Kirkman’s vision is brought to life in what’s sure to be the best zombie event OF ALL TIME. Mark my words brothers and sisters! I’m prophesizing right now! And if you know what’s good for ya, you’ll check out Piggy Seldon’s excellent article for an in-depth kick in the pants.

– Ian