IT'S A LONG STORY, BUT...

...does anybody want a dog?

This morning, this miniature pinscher (who the kids next door tell me is named "TJ") zoomed past me and into my living room as I was heading out the door and on my way to work.

I caught him, took him outside and checked him out pretty good - played with him for a little while, before taking off. He pretty much hung around outside our house for most of the day, I guess, and as I type this, he's sitting right below my office window... howling. Normally I'd let him in, but I don't think my dog, Argo, is too happy with the little guy, and frankly, she was here first.

Now I'm not sure how this whole thing's going to end, but we know for a fact the dog's been on its own for days, he doesn't have a collar or tag and doesn't seem to know where home is.

So far, we've given him food, water, and a nice spot on our porch to sleep, but the truth is WE CAN'T KEEP HIM.

I've called Project Pet, the ASPCA, +and just minutes ago, talked with the Animal Protection League, and I was a LOT discouraged to find out that none of them could take him... not right now, at least.

But he's an incredible little dog with great dog manners, honestly. He's really low key, obeys commands very well, and loves riding in the car (he rode with me tonight when I went out to grab some Wendy's). Just judging by the way things have gone today, I don't think he's going anywhere, but I can't say for sure... I'd love to find him a home, so if you're at all interested, or know someone who might be, let them and me know.

STATS: I put him at around maybe 3 or 4 years old. Oh, and he has not been neutered, but we can get you free spay/neuter passes if that's an issue.

(803) 731-9049 (home)
(803) 447-4854 (cell)

GUYS, MEET WOLFMOTHER (IF YOU HAVEN'T ALREADY)

Haven't really talked to too many people about these guys (which means I'm probably WAY behind the curve), but I've been meaning to because, DAMN, they're awesome!

You might recognize this song, "Woman", from the Guitar Hero II commercial from a few months back.

Anyway, enjoy...

MARVEL TEST PAGES, PART 1

DANGER ACE FAN ART, PART 2

By (comics superstar on the rise) Johnny Timmons

CRISIS AVERTED (I HOPE)

Yesterday, at San Diego Comicon's DC Nation panel it was announced that the creative team on Final Crisis would be Grant Morrison and J G Jones. Not quite Kurt Busiek and George Perez like my buddy Matt predicted, but we'll take it.

During the panel, in response to the question "What will make Final Crisis different from all the other crises?", Morrison responded in his trademark brogue:

"This one has Anthro the First Boy on the first page,
and Kamandi the Last Boy on the last page."

Damn you, Grant Morrison for actually thinking about stuff and bringing me back into the DC fold.

DANGER ACE PAGE 10, THE ONE WHERE WE BLOW UP A MONKEY

Jerry really outdid himself on this one. Just look at panel 2 and tell me it's not one of the most beautiful drawings you've ever seen.

It occurred to me this morning that I never did a Danger Ace wrap up post, and that's probably because I don't like thinking about it as being over.

Most of you probably already know this, but we didn't win Small Press Idol. We came in 5th place (out of 6) and I honestly thought we would have done a little better. But we've been able to generate a lot of "after show" buzz, which is cool, and I think everyone that pre-ordered a copy of the zero issue will be pretty happy. Everyone in Team Danger Ace will walk away from it with a really nice showpiece, and that's not bad at all.

Out of all the stuff I've worked on and developed, Danger Ace is probably my favorite and I really hope I find somewhere to continue it. I love the characters and the landscape we've built, and I'd be pretty upset if we lose it.

I was looking back over the script and the outline for the 12-pager last night, and I realized just how quick the story is. No matter the page count, I always try and give readers a lot, as I myself feel cheated by comics that don't take more than a few minutes to read. But this one, man, it truck, and while I don't think it's a bad thing, I was just surprised.

Thanks again to everyone that bought a copy, voted for us, emailed us, etc... I enjoyed hearing your comments and suggestions and the whole experience was made easier just knowing you were behind us all the way.

TALES FROM THE SKETCHBOOK

"I DON'T KNOW, I'M LIKE YOUR MAIN DUDE."

I'll go ahead and confess, I'm a sucker for viral marketing. And I know at least some of you have seen Transformers and will know right away what I'm talking about, but for those who haven't seen it, take a minute to watch the trailer below. I'll wait.



And that's it... No name, just a JJ Abrams' producer credit.

In addition to being easily hooked by creative (and sometimes not so creative) marketing, I'm also a fan of BIG monster movies.

A little investigating and a quick Wikipedia search turned up the working title "Cloverfield", but other than a cast listing, that's about all there officially is.

The most popular speculation is, of course, that this is some kind of new arthouse Godzilla, but Toho's (supposedly) retired big-G's franchise until 2010 or something, so who knows... personally, I kind of doubt it, but it could be cool.

Other speculation (which you can read about further at the Wikipedia entry) includes a Cthulu-themed monster, something called The Parasite, a new Rhodan, or a Lost tie-in movie.

Additional Reading:

Entertainment Weekly site reveals the one sheet...

www.slusho.jp, a tie-in site that has a lot of clues...

The "official" site...

ROM IF YOU WANT TO

I swung by the comic shop tonight to pick up a few things, and started talking with the guys about the possibility that the nameless avenger kicking ass in the pages of Annihilation: Conquest: Wraith might actually be Rom, Spaceknight.

It's a rumor that's been circling the interweb for a little while now, but I didn't really pay much attention until tonight.

I think the character probably is Rom, and here's why:

• Marvel recently dropped Toy Biz as their action figure company to sign with Hasbro, who coincidentally own Rom. It's not like I think Rom's so important to Marvel they'd rework a toy-license, but while they're in bed together, why not?
  
• The book's titled Wraith, but the main character doesn't even go by that name/title. But... Rom's greatest enemies were known as the Dire Wraiths. Coincidence? Red herring? Or both?
  
• "Wraith" is a really pale dude, with kind of glowing (almost typed piercing, but I don't love him... yet) red eyes. Rom was a really white/silver cyborg with a red visor/eye.
  
• "Wraith" has a gun that kind of morphs into different weapons and gadgets, including a gun (!), a whip, a sword, etc... it's very similar to the way Rom's weapons had many functions and could just kind of appear out of subspace.
  
• The stories main villains, the recently returned Phallanx, pose as Spaceknights and conquer the Kree. Why Spaceknights, I wonder?

• The Phalanx are a race of aliens with shape changing abilities. The Dire Wraiths were a race of aliens with shape changing abilities.
  
• There's just something very deliberate about "Wriath's" tunic, especially when you look at it from behind (see below).

Anyway, that's all I've got.

So what do YOU think?

Space-knight or Space-not?

DANGER ACE FAN ART

By Keith Jim

THEY DID THE MATH

Newsarama took a look at all the tie-in books and mini-series related to both Countdown at DC and World War Hulk at Marvel, and figured out what you'd have to spend to get everything related to each event.

The results will astound you... or maybe not.

HOW DO YOU SPELL IT

Idea stolen from Phil @ Poptown.

YEAH, OKAY - WHO WOULDN'T WANT TO READ THIS?

Hercules from Radical Comics.

Find out more here!

NEW INTERVIEW AT SILVER BULLET COMICS

I was interviewed this morning for Silver Bullet Comics-dot-com about Round 4, Danger Ace, and just Small Press Idol stuff in general

Check it out HERE.

All for now.

MORE DC TALK - AM I THINKING ABOUT THIS TOO MUCH?

Jason just commented on the previous post.

Here's his comment, and my reply (my apologies to Jason if he doesn't want me sharing).

Jovial1/Jason:

"Brave & the Bold, Chad - Brave & the Bold. The whole series has rocked. Solid stuff from Waid & Perez. "

Me:

"Yeah, that's definitley what I keep hearing, but, y'know... I think I've had my day with Mark Waid and his DC Universe.

I did pick up the first two BatBs, because I wanted to see Perez drawing Green Lantern stuff, and if [DC] collect the series, I'll probably pick up the first trade.

But the whole thing really reeks of the recently-cancelled MARVEL TEAM-UP book by Robert Kirkman. I know, it's a bit of a weird comparison, but I think it works.

Kirkman broke the traditional "Spider-man + (fill in the blank)" formula of previous iterations of the book (which I liked) but tried to add a kind of pass-it-on nature to the book (which I also liked) which kind of lost some people, I thnk. Now, seeing as how I liked that book, what makes me not want to be pick up what is essentially DC's version?

Well, as much as I like the idea, I guess I think books like Team-up, Two-In-One, DC Comics Presents, and, yes, Brave and the Bold should be kind of gateway drug, if that makes any sense. I feel like they should do done-in-one stories with an existing moderately popular character, an A-lister (Batman, Superman, Spider-man, the Thing, but also Wonder Woman, Flash, Green Lantern, Wolverine, Daredevil, Hulk, etc...) if you will, having an adventure with a lesser known or infrequently used character. Again, that's a lot like what's going on, no doubt, but I think what's missing is the done-in-one aspect. What I liked about these books when I was just a little guy was the option of not reading about Lobo if I didn't want to, or had just had enough of him this year (no offense to Lobo, btw), and I still wouldn't miss anything.

As a guy who was "kind of not" reading DC books, I was discouraged about the 3rd or 4th issues of Brave and the Bold when it was Batman teaming-up with the new Blue Beetle. I just realized at that point that I really didn't care about Jaime BB... and not that he's a bad character, but I just kind of don't like what he stands for and is more a result of editorial than creativity.

He may be a great character, and I know you like him a lot, but I just didn't want to be shoe-horned into reading about him when, quite frankly, I just don't care about him, y'know?

And with Brave and the Bold I could just see the pattern starting, and didn't necessarily want to let it continue. And because of the books "ongoing" nature, it almost completely excludes me from kind of reading it only when I want to... which I realize isn't in DC's best interest, but I don't work for DC... I work for TCB!

Sorry for the long winded response, but it's good to vent."

AM I READING DC COMICS AGAIN?

Well, it certainly seems like it.

I bought the last three issues of the Busiek/Pacheco Superman over the weekend, as well as Action Comics #850 (thanks, Matt).

Yesterday, I picked up a copy of The Sinestro Corps., and almost threw a fit when my store didn't have the follow up issue, Green Lantern #21.

In addition to the books above, I never stopped buying Batman and All Star Superman, so, if indeed, I pick up the next issues of all these (yeah, I know Action 851 & 852 are out) I'll pretty much be back on the DC train. Not like I was before, but I think it'll be enough.

Oh, well... I can always quit again when Final Crisis sucks.

WIN!

All right, I had kind of resigned myself to losing this Small Press Idol thing, but last night, I got a nice little pep talk from Scott, my wife, and God in a dream, so y'know what...?

I AIN'T GOING DOWN WITHOUT A FIGHT.

So, if you haven't purchased a copy of Danger Ace # 0 yet, get on it HERE.

What's that? You're worried about not liking it? Yeah, well you'll never know if you will or not unless you order one and find out. But how about this: If you're unsatisfied with the book, I'll happily buy you another comic of equal or lesser value that you do like to replace it. That's a promise.

Just to bottomline, folks - I REALLY NEED VOTES and I NEED 'EM FAST.

There's only four days left of voting and I need at least 18 unique purchases. Honestly, that's not a whole lot in the skeem of things.

I know some of you have had a hard time ordering from the site - no doubt, it's a pain. But at this point, all I've got to say is suck it up. Try until it works, or either email me or the sites administrator, Ian, and let him know what the problem is.

Just so I don't come off sounding like a total dick, I really do appreciate all the support and encouragement you guys have given us so far... and it's not easy asking for my friends' hard earn cash. It means a lot to see you guys rallying around me, Jerry and Matt to help this thing happen. We're not there # 1 yet, but by God, we can be.

WHY?

Because sometimes you just need to be reminded of how awesome Doug Wildey was.

Additional reading:

Doug who...?

More Johnny Quest...

David Wayne Dilley...

WHICH LEGIONNIARE ARE YOU?

You're Andrew Nolan, Ferro!
Take this quiz!

DANGER ACE FAN ART REQUEST

Danger Ace is still working it's way up and down Round 4 of Small Press Idol, and to those of you who've purchased a copy of #0, thanks-a-million. I know it's not the easiest site to navigate and place orders on, but I appreciate you guys getting in there and working through it.

As always, a special thank you to Phil and Jason who've both been pushing Danger Ace over on their own blogs. Your continued support means a lot, fellas.

Round 4 voting / pre-ordering continues all the way until Sunday (July 22) and just judging by the current standings, it's still anybody's game. We could still win, and get the four issue book deal from Dimestore, so let folks know - Danger Ace!

Now, in an attempt to try and stir up some last minute interest, I'm asking anyone who can hold a pencil to submit a piece of Danger Ace fan art to me at thomaschadbowers@gmail.com. I'm not looking for Alex Ross or Neal Adams class work here. I doesn't matter what it looks like, as long as it's Danger Ace related, I'll post it here on the Bad Simian and maybe even a few will see print in the #0 issue.

If you can't remember what Ace looks like, check out a few of my earlier posts and you should be able to get an idea, and again, it doesn't have to be spot on.

Feel free to mention this on your own sites with links back to me here, or to the contest at Dimestore.

Can't wait to see what you send in, gang.

I LOVE THIS SITE!

If you've never been over to Monster Blog!, then what are you waiting for?

Check it out!

DANGER ACE - SPI ROUND IV, THE FINALE

Well, Round 4 kicked off today and judging by several emails and some feedback we've received over in the forums, we should do fairly well... of course, with less than a day under our belts, it's kind of hard to tell so I just might be eating those words, who knows?

Honestly, I wasn't really expecting the $3.50 cover price - that one kind of took my by surprise, and if you're anything like me, you only want to spend your hard earned comics cash on something you're pretty sure about. So, with that in mind, here's a glimpse of what's waiting for you when you decide to snatch up a copy of Danger Ace # 0...

BUY MY BOOK - HELP ME WIN!

(PLEASE)

TALES FROM A SKETCHBOOK

FRIDAY NIGHT FIGHTS

"Now maybe you'll listen.

Now, as I was sayin -- um, hello?

Rise from the floor - your king demands it!

Uh-oh"

(Bahlactus, help.)

THE DOCTOR'S NEW COMPANION

Okay, well, it's official... Catherine Tate, AKA Donna Noble in last year's Doctor Who Christmas Special, The Runaway Bride, will return in series 4 as the Time Lord's newest "fulltime" companion.

Tate's really big in the UK, and it's apparetnly a pretty big deal that they've gotten her to come on the series. When I first saw The Runaway Bride, I didn't really like her, but I guess that's kind of the point. But having let it settle a little bit, I do think she's going to be great for the series.

I loved Martha Jones, and think Freema Agyeman did a great job. I'm guessing mine wasn't the general concensus since she's not coming back for Series 4... well, not for the whole series at least (she's supposed to be in several episodes and a few Torchwoods). As much as I liked her, I do think she was maybe a little too Rose-lite, despite trying all kinds of things to make her something else...

Anyway, if you've never seen the show, Series 3 premieres tonight on SciFi at 8PM, I think... They're showing both The Runaway Bride, and Smith and Jones, so you can see both Donna's and Martha's first appearances and decide for yourself.

THE GREATEST COMIC YOU'LL NEVER READ

Most of you already know this, but I'm not very happy with the current state of DC comics, and haven't been for quite some time now.

Not really sure why this did it, but today, I was reading some reviews of THE SINESTRO CORPS and COUNTDOWN, and I started thinking about Alan Moore's TWILIGHT, and how it's a shame we'll probably never get to read it.

If you didn't already know, sometime in 1987, Alan Moore pitched a mini- series to DC called Twilight of the Superheroes, but shortly after having pitched it, Moore had a pretty severe falling out with DC and broke ties with the company and scrapped any and all plans for future works.

And while I don't guess it's exaclty fair to say Twilight would've been the most incredible thing DC ever published... it would've been, and if you don't believe me, here's the pitch.

Just read it, and tell me I'm wrong.

Also, take note of just how on the money Moore's introduction is about the pitfalls of event comics... and think about how DC operates today.

DC VILLAIN TEASER

Today, DC put out another indecipherable "teasers", this one from the villains POV.

For those you familiar with the master painters, you'll probably recognize some similarities right off the bat.

What's it all mean?

Well, obviously Lex Luthor is Jesus of New Earth.