This blog has moved

This blog is now located at __FTP_MIGRATION_NEW_URL__.
You will be automatically redirected in 30 seconds, or you may click here.

For feed subscribers, please update your feed subscriptions to
__FTP_MIGRATION_FEED_URL__.

URSULA WILDE GETS NEW ARTIST!

Ape Entertainment's upcoming Ursula Wilde comic, originally penciled by creator/writer Steve Bryant (Ape's Athena Voltaire, IDW's 24: Cold Warriors), will now be home to a new artist for the series: Jun Bob Kim. Over on the CGS forum, original artist and Ursula Wilde creator Steve Bryant posted this message:

"Back at CGS Episode 300 ... I mentioned that I would be drawing both Athena Voltaire and Ursula Wilde concurrently. I looked at my schedule and realized that I just can't do both. So I won't be drawing Ursula (aside from a teaser in the Ape Comics Free Comic Book Day offering). However, I'm thrilled to announce that none other than JunBob Kim will be replacing me on the book!! I can't express how excited I am about this collaboration."


Listeners of the CGS podcast that have attended their live episode events for episodes 200 and 300 will recognize Jun Bob as the artist for the Episode 200 giveaway poster (at left) and as artist of a double page spread inside the Episode 300 cover (seen below).







Jun Bob Kim, one of many longtime CGS listeners, was also the artist chosen to grace the cover for the premiere issue of Comics Now! Magazine featuring Nova the Human Rocket (in celebration of the character's critically acclaimed series published by Marvel - in case you didn't know) as seen here in its penciled stage:


Congrats to Jun Bob Kim, Steve Bryant and Ape Entertainment. We here at CGS look forward to grabbing Ursula Wilde off the rack!

- the Speakers of Geek

BRYAN INTERVIEWED AT SEQUENTIAL TART!

Lisa Lopacinski of Neptune Comics interviews Bryan about Comics Now! Magazine #1 for Sequential Tart. Here's a preview: 

ST: What are some of the big challenges you face putting together this magazine?

BD: I think the biggest challenge is finding an audience. There is a lot of product out there. People have limited budgets. It's hard to decide what to spend your money on. You could buy more comics with the money you would spend on our magazine. So we have to make it worthwhile for the reader. I try very hard to select content for the magazine that I feel is quality and informative. You can find almost any information you need on the Internet. To compete with that, we have to give the user more than just raw information; we have to put it all together into something meaningful.

You can read the rest here.

Comic Foundry looks at Comics Now!

Tim Leong, the man behind Comics Foundry magazine, writes a blog post reviewing the first issue of Comics Now! Magazine. Here's just a clip:

"Editorially, they open with a 12-page cover story about Nova, who, to the best of my knowledge, doesn’t have a book and is not currently in any books."

If you can get past that comment, the rest is here.

KATIE COOK TALKS CGS!

Freelance illustrator and cartoonist Katie Cook talks about her WonderCon'08 experience and talks up CGS! Included is a picture of her and Bryan where she reveals:

"Bryan was such a nice guy and i was, admittedly, a little star struck (by a podcaster... ha!)..."

You can read about the rest of her adventures, including a photo tour through ILM, here. And listen for a future CGS episode featuring Katie as a guest!

CGS ON THE PRIVATE UNIVERSE!

Our first CGS Debates episode on Star Trek vs Star Wars continues to get feedback. The episode was featured over on the Private Universe. Here's just a snippet:

"...but for comic-based humour and knowledge (and sheer entertainment value) Comic Geek Speak has it all."

BRYAN QUOTED IN NEWSARAMA ARTICLE!

Bryan Deemer was quoted by writer Karl Keily for a Newsarama article covering the Isotope afterparty for Darwyn Cooke during WonderCon weekend. You can read it here.

COMICS NOW! MAGAZINE ON COMICS WORTH READING!

Johanna of Comics Worth Reading takes a look at Comics Now! Magazine #1. Here's just a portion of the review:

"With the lack of information on graphic novels and the focus on DC, Marvel, and serialized genre indy comics, I’m not the target for this, but I still think it’s handsomely produced and shows potential. My overview may sound harsh, but I wouldn’t bother pointing out room for improvement if I didn’t think the publication had a chance for a promising future."

We really appreciate the coverage! You can read the rest of the review here.

CGS ON SUPERMAN HOMEPAGE!

Our recent Spotlight On Superman: the Golden Age episode was mentioned on the Superman Homepage. The Homepage is an excellent source for all things Superman - comics, TV, movies, cartoons and more. If you're a fan of the character, bookmark that site for frequent updates!

CGS ON DAFIXER'S HIDEOUT EP.47!

The Dafixer's Hideout Podcast has picked CGS Ep.371: Top Five Couples as one of their Best in Podcast for that week. Other mentions in previous episodes include our CGS Debates: Stan Lee vs Jack Kirby and our Special Report on One More Day/Brand New Day. CGS was also one of five podcasts they chose as Best Podcasts of 2007. Yay! And while it's awesome to hear their feedback on our episodes (and they don't always agree with us either!), it's even more fun to hear their thoughts on the subject. In response to our Top Five Couples, Dafixer challenges his co-hosts to come up with the Top Five Black Couples in comics. The results are interesting, informing and even a little eye-opening. Give it a listen.

The best thing about their Best in Podcast segment is the sense of community they bring to their discussions. The Hideout hosts listen to tons of podcasts and they are one of the very few 'casts that make it a point to showcase their fellow podcasters as much as they can in each episode. For that, we say Bravo!

Dafixer's Hideout Ep.47 direct download.
Dafixer's Hideout Forum.

CGS ON HEROIC TIMES!

Our recent episodes with artist Simone Bianchi and "Uncle" Sal Abbinanti were chosen as some of the Best Podcasts This Week over at Heroictimes.com.
Check it out!

CGS 2008 CONVENTION TOUR SHIRT!!!

Here are the preliminary designs for our 2008 Convention Tour Shirt! The front, featuring Puppet Rios, was designed by forum member Big Jim and the back was designed by forum member Coma Robot. Once a few touches are added, we'll be making the shirts available! You can pick them up at any of the conventions we'll be attending. We'll also have them up on our Swag page if you want them shipped (shipping charge will be extra). We really appreciate the ongoing support of our listeners in helping to keep the podcast going strong!

CGS ON SUPERNAUT BLOG!

Comic Geek Speak gets listed as one of Supernaut's favorite podcasts commenting that we "know our shit". To read the rest of the Supernaut blog post on Comics2Film as well as thoughts on podcasting as the "next step in the evolution of fandom" go here.

INDIE CHALLENGE FOR FEB'08!

The following three comics from the current February Previews (for books potentially shipping in April) are our picks for this month's Indie Challenge. Each are discounted from the original cover price. Pre-order your copies (and a few for your friends!) at Discount Comic Book Service to receive the discounts or ask for them this month at your local comic shop.

BIZARRE NEW WORLD: POPULATION EXPLOSION GN (Ape)
by Martin, Provencher, Dzioba and Rodriquez
The worldwide populations suddenly gains the ability to fly! A desperate phone call from his son forces Paul Krutcher to run the gauntlet of insanity to get to Arizona; but with chaos ripping across the planet and everyone airborne, the journey through California won't be easy. Previews page 216. 52 pages. FC. Cover price $6.95, DCBS price 50% off. And check out the contest on their page to see how you can win a free custom lightsaber. You can get more info here.

GNOME ONE-SHOT (Superreal Graphics)
by Dave Dwonch
Gnomes are real! Believed to be simple yard decorations, these "Garden Gnomes" once roamed the Earth as its greatest protectors. Long ago a curse was laid upon them, petrifying them until the day they were needed to protect the Earth once more. In 1956, the world was in peril - and one lonely gnome answered the call! Previews page 342. 64 pages. FC. Cover price $6.99, DCBS price 45% off. DCBS customers will also receive a free sketch from Dave with your pre-order. You can get more info and a preview here.

WILD CARDS: THE HARD CALL #1 (of 6) (Dabel Bros.)
by Martin, Abraham and Battle
In 1946, an alien virus was unleashed that changed the world forever and people who were affected made their draw. Most drew the Black Queen and died horribly. Almost everyone who survived drew the Joker and became deformed, broken, hated and feared. But a handful drew the Ace, and gained super powers that allowed them to achieve almost anything the mind can conceive - both in dreams and in nightmares. Sixty years later, an ace named Croyd Crenson, better known as "the Sleeper", is framed for the murder of a young nurse in Jokertown. And as it turns out, the killer is another ace, with the ability to walk through walls! Meanwhile a group of teenagers in Colorado accidentally activate the dormant Wild Card Virus, causing the entire town of Whiteoak to experience the effects of the virus. Set in the world of the long-running series of popular Wild Card novels and featuring beloved characters from the original stories, this six issue series also introduces us to an entirely new generation of aces and jokes sure to change the Wild Card universe forever. Previews page 266. 32 pages. FC. Cover price $2.99, DCBS price 45% off. You can get more info here.


Help support these comics as they enter the marketplace and listen to an upcoming episode which will feature interviews with all three creative teams. Any DCBS customer that wants to add the books to their pre-existing order can e-mail DCBS. Thanks!

CGS BEST OF 2007 WINNERS ANNOUNCED!

The submissions have been compiled from our listeners and the results are in for the CGS Best of 2007! Congrats to all the winners announced on Episode 368.

BEST NEW HERO OR TEAM: Orson Randall (Immortal Iron Fist, Marvel)

BEST NEW VILLAIN OR TEAM: Sinestro Corps (Green Lantern, DC)

BEST NEW COMIC: Booster Gold (DC)

BEST LIMITED SERIES: The Umbrella Academy: Apocalypse Suite (Dark Horse)

BEST SINGLE ISSUE OR ONE-SHOT: Green Lantern: Sinestro Corps Special (DC)

BEST CLIFFHANGER OR MOMENT: Death of Captain America (Captain America 25, Marvel)

BEST STORYLINE IN A SERIES OR MULTIPLE SERIES: "Sinestro Corps War", Green Lantern/Green Lantern Corps/Tales of the Sinestro Corps (DC)

BEST SLEEPER OR SURPRISE HIT: Immortal Iron Fist (Marvel)

BEST ONGOING COMIC: Captain America (Marvel)

BEST REPRINT COLLECTION: Mouse Guard Fall 1152 HC (Archaia Studio Press)

BEST ORIGINAL GRAPHIC NOVEL: the League of Extraordinary Gentlemen: Black Dossier (America's Best Comics)

BEST PUBLICATION ABOUT COMICS (print only): Back Issue! the Ultimate Comics Experience (TwoMorrows)

BEST WRITER: Geoff Johns (Green Lantern, Booster Gold, Justice Society of America, 52)

BEST ARTIST: David Aja (Immortal Iron Fist)

BEST WRITER/ARTIST: Darwyn Cooke (the Spirit)

BEST INKER: Dexter Vines (Civil War)

BEST COLORISTS: Morry Hollowell (Civil War)

BEST LETTERER: Chris Eliopoulos (Thor)

BEST EDITOR: Eddie Berganza (Sinestro Corps War)

BEST COVER ARTIST: J.G. Jones (52, Countdown)

BREAKOUT TALENT: Matt Fraction (Immortal Iron Fist, the Order, Casanova)

BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT OF 2007: "One More Day" storyline in the Spider-Man books

BEST COMICS PROJECT IN ANOTHER MEDIUM: 300 movie

MOST IMPORTANT NEWS OF 2007: Death of Captain America

MOST ANTICIPATED FOR 2008: DC's Final Crisis

CGS BEST OF 2007 NOMINATIONS ANNOUNCED!

The end of the year has come and gone, so that means it's time for the annual CGS Best Of awards! We've compiled the Speakers of Geeks' nominations for each category along with the most popular suggestions from the listeners and now it's time to put it all to the final vote! Send your choice from each category below by February 2 to peter@comicgeekspeak.com. One submission per person! Thanks!

BEST OF 2007 NOMINATIONS:

BEST NEW HERO OR TEAM:
Kazuhiko Amamiya (MPD Psycho, Dark Horse)
Orson Randall (Immortal Iron Fist, Marvel)
Avengers Initiative (Marvel)
the Umbrella Academy (Dark Horse)
Dynamo 5 (Image)
Renee Montoya as the new Question (52, DC)
Thor (Marvel)

BEST NEW VILLAIN OR TEAM:
the Hood's Organization (New Avengers, Marvel)
Mr. Mind as a Hyper-Fly (52, DC)
new Injustice League of America (Justice League of America, DC)
Sinestro Corps (Green Lantern, DC)
Red Crow (Scalped, Vertigo)

BEST NEW COMIC:
Booster Gold (DC)
Thor (Marvel)
Scalped (Vertigo)
Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 8 (Dark Horse)

BEST LIMITED SERIES:
White Picket Fences (Ape Entertainment)
Black Adam: the Dark Age (DC)
Fallen Son: the Death of Captain America (Marvel)
The Umbrella Academy: Apocalypse Suite (Dark Horse)
Nightly News (Image)
Annihilation Conquest: Star Lord (Marvel)
Freddy vs Jason vs Ash (Wildstorm)
Thunderbolts Presents: Zemo - Born Better (Marvel)

BEST SINGLE ISSUE OR ONE-SHOT
52 #37 (DC)
Punks the Comic Summer Special (Digital Webbing Presents)
Fantastic Four: Isla De La Muerte (Marvel)
Moonstone's Holiday Super Spectacular (Moonstone)
Green Lantern #25 (DC)
Green Lantern: Sinestro Corps Special (DC)


BEST CLIFFHANGER OR MOMENT:
Mr. Mind revealed as the villain (52 #51, DC)
Death of Captain America (Captain America 25, Marvel)
the end of Strangers of Paradise (Abstract Studios)
Warren Mears returns (Buffy the Vampire Slayer 3, Dark Horse)
the Sinestro Corps Guardians and Heralds revealed (Sinestro Corps Special, DC)

BEST STORYLINE IN A SERIES OR MULTIPLE SERIES:
"the Death of the Dream", Captain America 25-30 (Marvel)
"the Last Iron Fist Story", Immortal Iron Fist 1-6 (Marvel)
"Escape from Bizarro World", Action Comics 855-857 (DC)
"Sinestro Corps War", Green Lantern/Green Lantern Corps/Tales of the Sinestro Corps (DC)
"the Good Prince", Fables 60-68 (Vertigo)

BEST SLEEPER OR SURPRISE HIT:
Scalped (Vertigo)
The Umbrella Academy: Apocalypse Suite (Dark Horse)
Captain America (Marvel)
Sinestro Corp War crossover (DC)
Thor (Marvel)
Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 8 (Dark Horse)
Immortal Iron Fist (Marvel)
the Spirit (DC)
Booster Gold (DC)

BEST ONGOING COMIC:
Fables (Vertigo)
the Lone Ranger (Dynamite Entertainment)
Justice Society of America (DC)
Green Lantern (DC)
Casanova (Image)
Captain America (Marvel)
Immortal Iron Fist (Marvel)

BEST REPRINT COLLECTION:
Immortal Iron Fist: the Last Iron Fist Story HC (Marvel)
Superman: The Amazing Transformations of Jimmy Olsen vol.1 (DC)
Captain America Omnibus vol.1 (Marvel)
Jack Kirby's Fourth World Omnibus collections (DC)
Elk's Run complete (Villard)
Essential Moon Knight vol.2 (Marvel)
Mouse Guard Fall 1152 HC (Archaia Studio Press)
the Absolute Sandman HC vol. 2 (Vertigo)

BEST ORIGINAL GRAPHIC NOVEL
the League of Extraordinary Gentlemen: Black Dossier (America's Best Comics)
Jetta, Tales of the Toshigawa: Revelations (MAW Productions)
Essex County vol.1: Tales from the Farm (Top Shelf)
the Professor's Daughter (First Second)
Awesome! the Indie Spinner Rack Anthology (Evil Twin)

BEST PUBLICATION ABOUT COMICS (print only):
Back Issue! the Ultimate Comics Experience (TwoMorrows)
the Overstreet Price Guide (Gemstone)
Image Comics: the Road to Independence (TwoMorrows)
Comics Buyers Guide (Krause)
Comics Gone Ape! the Missing Link to Primates in Comics (TwoMorrows)

BEST WRITER:
Geoff Johns (Green Lantern, Booster Gold, Justice Society of America, 52)
Bill Willingham (Fables, Jack of Fables, Shadowpact)
Matt Fraction (Immortal Iron Fist, the Order, Punisher War Journal)
Ed Brubaker (Captain America)

BEST ARTIST:
Dale Eaglesham (Justice Society of America)
Marko Djurdjevic (Daredevil)
Ethan Van Sciver (Sinestro Corps Special, Green Lantern)
Mark Buckingham (Fables)
George Perez (Brave and the Bold)
Mike Norton (All-New Atom)
David Aja (Immortal Iron Fist)
Dan Jurgens (Booster Gold)

BEST WRITER/ARTIST:
Darwyn Cooke (the Spirit)
David Petersen (Mouse Guard)
Terry Moore (Strangers in Paradise)
Steve Bryant (Athena Voltaire: Flight of the Falcon)
Jim Starlin (Death of the New Gods)
Matt Kindt (Super Spy)

BEST INKER:
David Petersen (Mouse Guard)
Bob Wiacek (Brave and the Bold)
Rodney Ramos (52, Countdown)
Norm Rapmund (Booster Gold)
Rachel Dodson (Wonder Woman)
Dexter Vines (Civil War)

BEST COLORISTS:
Morry Hollowell (Civil War)
Tom Smith (Brave and the Bold)
Moose Bauman (Green Lantern)
Laura Martin (Thor)

BEST LETTERER:
Chris Eliopoulos (Thor)
Jeff Smith (Shazam: Monster Society of America)
Faryle Dalrymple (Omega the Unknown)
Todd Klein (Fables)

BEST EDITOR:
Michael Siglain (52)
Joe Quesada (Marvel)
Warren Simons (Immortal Iron Fist)
Karen Berger (Vertigo)
Eddie Berganza (Sinestro Corps War)

BEST COVER ARTIST:
Adam Hughes (Catwoman)
J.G. Jones (52, Countdown)
Jo Chen (Buffy the Vampire Slayer)
Marko Djurdjevic (Daredevil)
Simone Bianchi (Detective Comics, Wolverine)
James Jean (Fables, the Umbrella Academy: Apocalypse Suite)
David Finch (Moon Knight, World War Hulk)
Alex Ross (Justice Society of America, Justice)

BREAKOUT TALENT:
Jonathan Hickman (Nightly News)
Gerard Way (the Umbrella Academy: Apocalypse Suite)
Brian Reed (Ms. Marvel, Captain Marvel)
Matt Fraction (Immortal Iron Fist, the Order, Casanova)

BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT OF 2007:
Spider-Man 3 movie
Comics Now! not shipping in 2007
"One More Day" storyline in the Spider-Man books
Spider-Man Debacle (Spider-Man 3, "Back in Black", "One More Day")
Tales of Sinestro Corps: Anti-Monitor one-shot shelved
Civil War #7
Countdown

BEST COMICS PROJECT IN ANOTHER MEDIUM:
300 movie
Heroes TV show
Comic binding
the Batman cartoon
DCU Build a Figure toyline
Marvel prose novels

MOST IMPORTANT NEWS OF 2007:
Marvel's Digital Comics Unlimited announced
acceptance of lateness of comics from buyers
short Drawer Boxes
the return of DC's Multiverse
Marvel's exposure in the mainstream media
comics going digital (Wowio, Pullbox online, Slave Labor Graphics, DC's Zuda, Marvel's Digital Comics Unlimited)
Death of Captain America

MOST ANTICIPATED FOR 2008:
Comic Geek Speak SuperShow
Marvel's Secret Invasion
more comic movies
DC's Final Crisis
Iron Man movie and merchandise

INDIE CHALLENGE FOR JANUARY'08!

It's the return of the CGS Indie Challenge! The following three comics from the current January Previews (for books shipping in March) are our picks for this month's Indie Challenge. Each are discounted from the original cover price. Pre-order your copies (and a few for your friends!) at Discount Comic Book Service.


COMIC BOOK COMICS #1 (Evil Twin Comics)
By Fred Van Lente and Ryan Dunlavey. The creators of Action Philosophers and the publishers of the Awesome! Anthology are back! You only think you know comic history. The epic and insane story of comic books, manga and graphic novels, told as a comic, in the inimitable, irreverent and award-winning Action Philosophers style begins here! Before there could be comics, there has to be newspaper strips, animated cartoons, and pulp magazines. Thrill to publishing giants William Randolph Hearst and Joseph Pulitzer duking it out over the Yellow Kid! Tremble at the war between Walt Disney and Max Fleischer for animation domination! Follow the bizarre trail of Siegel and Shuster's first superhero from sci-fi pulp to comic strip to the birth of a new medium! Plus the early years of Kirby, Eisner, McCay and Joe Simon! 40 pages, b-n-w. Cover price $3.95. DCBS price $2.17 (45% off). Previews page 290, product code JAN083612. For more info, check out http://www.eviltwincomics.com/cbc.html

DAMNED: PRODIGAL SONS # 1 (of 3) (Oni)
By Cullen Bunn and Brian Hurtt. Eddie has the unfortunate gift of never staying dead. It has come in handy as Eddie walks a tight line between different Prohibition-era mob families, between the demonic and the human, and between our world and the dark afterlife. Yet after years of playing every side in this world of crime and violence, there are those that are determined that Eddie stays dead this time around. B-n-w. Cover price $3.50, DCBS price $1.75 (50% off). Previews page 322, product code JAN083820. For more info, check out http://www.thedamnedcomic.com and http://www.onipress.com/display.php?type=se&id=19

NIXON'S PALS OGN (Image)
By Joe Casey and Chris Burnham. What's worse than being a super-villain in Los Angeles County? Being their parole officer, of course! Meet Nixon Cooper and his colorful cast of parolees at large, hanging on by their fingernails in the morally ambiguous underbelly of LA. But who's got it worse - the criminals who're struggling (and often failing) to live the straight life? Or Nixon himself, struggling to keep up with all of them? And who the hell is sleeping with Nixon's wife? A crime story like you've never seen before! Elmore Leonard meets Jack Kirby. 120 pages, b-n-w.Cover price $12.99. DCBS price $6.49 (50% off). Previews page 152, product code JAN082057. Estimated due date March 26. For more info, check out http://www.chrisburnham.com


Help support these comics as they enter the marketplace and listen to Episode 353 which features interviews with all three creative teams. Any DCBS customer that wants to add the books to their pre-existing order can e-mail DCBS.

Primanti Bros. Fun

CIMG0297.jpg
Originally uploaded by comicgeekspeak.

The CGS crew and a bunch of listeners went to dinner at Primanti Bros. on Saturday after the con. We had great food and even better conversation.

The gang at the booth

The gang at the booth
Originally uploaded by comicgeekspeak.

Her's the CGS crew at their booth at the 2007 Pittsburgh Comic Con.

Pittsburgh Trivia Showdown

If you're planning to come to the Pittsburgh Comicon this weekend, leave time in your schedule to attend the CGS Comics Trivia Showdown, Saturday at noon (room TBA). It's your chance to see the Geeks in person, show off your comics knowledge, and win some free stuff all at the same time! Our M.C., the celebrated Peter Rios, will be armed with a fresh batch of trivia questions, ready to stump all comers! No advance registration necessary; just show up at noon. We're preparing for a large-bracket tournament, so everyone who wants to play should get the chance. The more the merrier!

BOMC Encore

Now available on the Episodes page: the first of a new CGS episode format, Book of the Month Encore, in which the Geeks take the time to read and review comic texts that are closely related to past CGS Books of the Month. Since our BOMC picks are often brief excerpts from much larger stories or series, this format is a great chance for us (and you) to revisit and expand our understanding of these graphic masterworks in a broader context.

First up: as a follow-up to our discussion of "Cerebus: High Society," we look at "Cerebus: Church and State." With special guest DAVE SIM. Don't miss it.

CGS Episode 300

For your convenience, this year we are announcing our annual celebratory get-together event well in advance: Comic Geek Speak Episode 300 will be recorded the weekend of September 22, 2007, at the Fairgrounds Square Mall near Reading, Pa., so make plans NOW to attend! We're expanding the festivities to two days, with the recording session on Saturday and trivia games on Sunday. There will be more guests, more giveaways, and more time to get to know your fellow CGSers! (There will also be a $15 admission fee, to help cover the cost of the added attractions.)

Full details will be available soon; keep checking the "Episode 300" link on the main CGS website!

Pink Raygun reviews CGS!

In a creative and fun approach, Pink Raygun reviews the Comic Geek Speak podcast. You can read it here.

Just what is Pink Raygun? Here's their About Us info:

"Pink Raygun is a webzine for the modern fangirl. It's a smart and savvy place to discuss and read about science fiction, fantasy and horror in all of their forms, be it television, movies, books or comics. It's Starlog meets Glamour, Babylon 5 meets Coupling, Isaac Asimov meets Helen Fielding. Pink Raygun is everything you'd expect from a genre news site, but girly.Every day at Pink Raygun, you'll find interviews with the women (and some men) who make genre film and television awesome: writers, costume designers, hair and make-up artists, and special effects crew. We'll also talk to women (and some men) who are working in manga, comics and fiction.

Other features of Pink Raygun include genre news, a message board forum, opinion pieces addressing issues within scifi, fantasy and horror and an extensive section dedicated to reviews of print and visual media, events, websites and music."

Check it out!

INDIE CHALLENGE FOR MARCH'07!

The following four comics from the current March Previews (for books shipping in May) are our picks for this month's Indie Challenge. Each are discounted from the original cover price. Preorder your copies (and a few for your friends!) at Discount Comic Book Service.


BLACK DIAMOND 1 of 6 (AIT/PLANETLAR)
By Larry Young and Jon Proctor. Fifty years from now, an elevated highway spans the nation. Initially a response to international terrorism, the US government grounds commercial airline flights and builds the Black Diamond, a dangerous road full of gearheads and misfits, drug runners and grey-market tech heads, all driving illegal 1970s muscle cars in a nomadic, breakneck existence. But when the government decides to clean up the Black Diamond heading east and his wife is taken hostage by forces loyal to the road, Dr. Don McLaughlin has to borrow his brother-in-law's illegal 1973 Mercury Cougar to get on the highway and rescue his wife... 150 feet above and 100 miles-per-hour faster than anything he's ever known! 32 pages. FC. Cover price $2.95, DCBS price $1.62 (45% off). Page 222, previews product code MAR073085. For more info check out http://www.ait-planetlar.com/blackdiamonds.shtml

DEATH AND THE MAN WHO WOULD NOT DIE 1 of 4 (SILENT DEVIL)
By Patrick, Se7enhedd & Ringuet. Someone has stolen something very valuable from Death, and he will do almost anything, go almost anywhere, and make a deal with almost anyone to get it back! This sequel to one of 2006s' best books follows Death and his horse as he chases a man who won't die through the body-laced badlands and revenge-driven towns of the West. 64 pages. FC. Cover price $2.99, DCBS price $1.64 (45% off). Page 327, previews product code MAR073678. For more info check out http://www.silentdevil.com.

JOHNNY HIRO 1 (ADHOUSE BOOKS)
By Fred Chao. This fantastic first issue finds Johnny Hiro dating the daughter of a 1970s Tokyo Action-Girl. Unfortunately, Gozadilla is out for revenge! The excitement never ends, even though Johnny Hiro really wants it to. Fans of Godzilla, Voltron, and other Japan imports will dig this indy homage, by hot newcomer Fred Chao! 32 pages. B&W. Cover Price $2.95, DCBS price $2.07 (30% off). Page 218, previews product code MAR073077. For more info check out http://www.adhousebooks.com/

WHITE PICKET FENCES 1 of 3 (APE ENTERTAINMENT)
By Anderson, Hutchins & Farritor. The worlds of Leave it to Beaver and The Day the Earth Stood Still collide in the first issue of this exciting new series! When young Charlie Hobson uncovers Martian weaponry hidden deep within his town, he ignites a world threatening conflict between the American military and the eerie alien menace! 32 pages. FC. Cover price $3.50, DCBS price $1.92 (45% off). Page 229, previews product code MAR073140. For more info check out http://www.comicspace.com/white_picket_fences/


Help support these comics as they enter the marketplace and stay tuned for an upcoming episode featuring interviews with the creators and creative teams. Any DCBS customer that wants to add the books to their pre-existing order can e-mail DCBS.

And don't forget to check out Indie Challenge picks from previous months:
OCTOBER SEPTEMBER AUGUST JULY JUNE MAY APRIL MARCH FEBRUARY

NY Comic-Con: CGS Trivia Panel

The Geeks' beachhead at the 2nd Annual New York Comic-Con is expanding! The guys will be hosting their own panel--in the form of a comics trivia contest, just like our panel at the Pittsburgh Con--at 1:00 P.M. on Saturday (room TBA). If you're planning to be at the NY Con, stop in and test your trivia mettle against questions concocted by CGS's resident quizmasters--or, just come and watch!

Mutants & Masterminds: A CGS Role-Playing Experience!

Recently, a few of the CGS guys (plus a couple of ringers) decided to try their hand at superhero role-playing. Now, you can follow our progress at a special blog dedicated to CGS's (mis)adventures in gaming! Thrill to our bravery! Marvel at our incompetence! Kill some time at work! The power is yours!!

You can find it here:

http://cgsrpg.blogspot.com/

CGS Best of 2006: The Definitive List!

This is it! We've collated the Geeks' nominations for each of this year's "Best of" categories with the most popular suggestions from the Forum, and now it's time to put it to the final vote! Here's the official slate of nominees:

NEW HERO or TEAM:
Black Coat
Athena Voltaire
new JSA
Batwoman
Agents of Atlas
Shadowpact
Secret Avengers (Civil War)
Nextwave

NEW VILLAIN OR TEAM
Solomon Grundy (Justice League of America)
Superboy-Prime (Infinite Crisis)
Bugs in Exterminators
Secret Six
Pro-Registration Side (Civil War)
Skeets (52)
Iron Man (Civil War)

NEW COMIC
Jonah Hex
Justice Society of America
Elephantmen
Moon Knight
Shadowpact
Casanova
Batman/Spirit

LIMITED SERIES
Daughters of the Dragon
Mouse Guard
Black Coat
52

MOMENT or CLIFFHANGER
reveal of the sixth Secret Six member (Secret Six)
Superman Returns Opening music
who picked up Mjolnir? (Fantastic Four)
Barry Allen returns in Civil War 4
Superboy-Prime defeated in Infinite Crisis 7
Spider-Man reveal in Civil War 2

STORYLINE
"War in Home" (Amazing Spider-Man)
"Devil in Cell Block D" (Daredevil)
Checkmate 1-6
Ralph Dibny in 52
"Up Up & Away" (Superman)

ONGOING COMIC
Fables
Wasteland
Strangers in Paradise
Daredevil
Y the Last Man
Teen Titans
the Phantom

SLEEPER OR SURPRISE HIT
Mouse Guard
success of 52
Irredeemable Ant-Man
Mystery in Space
Onslaught Reborn
discovery of Pulp Heroes in comics
the Escapists

PUBLICATIONS ABOUT COMICS
Comics Buyers Guide
All-Star Companion vol.2
Daily Bugle pamphlets
Back Issue!
TwoMorrows Companions overall

COLLECTION
Absolute New Frontier
Essential OHOTMU
Absolute Dark Knight Returns
Absolute Sandman vol.1
DC's Absolutes overall
Complete Peanuts Collection

WRITER
Geoff Johns
Brian K. Vaughan
Keith Giffen
Justin Gray/Jimmy Palmiotti
Ed Brubaker

ARTIST
Phil Jimenez
Tom Grummett
Mike Norton
John Romita Jr.
Ivan Reis
Terry Moore
Darwyne Cooke
Ed Benes
J.H. Williams III

INKER
Jesus Merino
Dexter Vines
Freddie Williams II
Jimmy Palmiotti
Butch Guice

COLORIST
Morry Hollowell
Jamie Grant
Alex Sinclair
Soto's Jay Brown

LETTERER
Chris Eliopoulos
Todd Klein

EDITOR
Karen Berger
Steve Wacker
Michael Siglain
Wacker/Siglain

COVER ARTIST
Buzz
Alex Ross
J.G. Jones

BREAKOUT TALENT
Greg Pak
Charlie Huston
Simon Oliver
David Petersen
Freddie Williams II
Steve McNiven

DISAPPOINTMENT
Battle for Bludhaven
Smallville
no regular series for Mike Norton
Publisher hype
success of 52
the new Flash
the new Justice League of America
Civil War

COMIC RELATED PROJECT IN ANOTHER MEDIUM
Superman II Donner Cut
Superman Returns
DC Stamps
Heroes
New York Comic Con

IMPORTANT NEWS OF 2006
Civil War sales
expanding of comics outside of Direct Market
Civil War delays
Jamal Igle on Nightwing
becoming a part of CGS
Shazam: Monster Society of Evil
Sam Raimi to develop pulp hero movies

ANTICIPATED FOR 2007
post-Civil War Marvel Universe
Return of Thor
Mike Norton on a series
Wizard World Philly vs. Heroes Con
end of 52
Buffy Season 8 comic
more Athena Voltaire


Please e-mail your votes for the overall winners in each of the above categories to Peter at: peterjohnrios@gmail.com!
*Note: DO NOT post your votes on the Forum--please e-mail them directly to Peter!!

Best of 2006

It's that time again! In the near future, the CGS guys will record their year-in-review episode, in which they will present and discuss their views on the high and low points of the comics industry's 2006 output--and YOU are invited to join in the debate! Here are the categories the Geeks will be using to evaluate the comics-related goings-on of 2006:


BEST NEW HERO OR TEAM
BEST NEW VILLAIN OR TEAM
BEST NEW COMIC (#1 was in 2006)
BEST LIMITED SERIES
BEST MOMENT/CLIFFHANGER
BEST STORYLINE (story within an ongoing series)
BEST ONGOING COMIC (doesn't have to start in 2006)
BIGGEST SLEEPER/SURPRISE HIT
BEST PUBLICATION ABOUT COMICS
BEST COLLECTION
BEST WRITER
BEST ARTIST
BEST INKER
BEST COLORIST
BEST LETTERER
BEST EDITOR
BEST COVER ARTIST
BREAKOUT TALENT
BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT (comic, news or other media)
BEST COMIC RELATED WORK IN ANOTHER MEDIUM (TV, movie, book, toy, etc)
MOST IMPORTANT NEWS OF 2006
MOST ANTICIPATED FOR 2007


Watch the Forum for an official discussion thread (courtesy of Peter), where you can weigh in with your own choices for each of these categories. (Remember, only comics cover-dated March 2006 through the present are eligible!)

CGS Book of the Month: Manhunter

This month, the Geeks (with an able assist from the Forum's own Stewart "WetRats" MacWilliam) tackle a masterpiece of Bronze Age action/adventure storytelling, Goodwin/Simonson's "Manhunter" strip. Why is this worthy of the News page, you ask? Four words: SPECIAL GUEST WALTER SIMONSON. What are you waiting for? Download it already!

CGS #203

CGS Spotlight On: The Legion of Super-Heroes! Dr. Peter Calder, a veteran of the Reading geek scene, joins us for an analysis of the Legion's popularity and a recap of the significant milestones in the 50-year history of DC's super-teens of the future. PLUS: "The Anime Report" is back with a vengeance, as Ian Levenstein makes up for lost time with a quadruple-helping of late-breaking entertainment news from Japan!

CGS #202

A CGS first: in this episode, the Geeks welcome a real live penciller into the studio! Current ROBIN artist Freddie Williams II, accompanied by CGS fan-fave Chuck "Markosia trades for the house!" Satterlee, drops by Reading to chat about ROBIN, his innovative digital penciling, and his first visit to the comic fan's Shangri-La that is the DC Comics offices in New York! Plus, cameos-by-phone from Adam Beechen and Jeff Smith. Check out the Forum to see some of Freddie's pictures of the DC offices and to get info on the latest CGS "Easter egg" to worm its way into a mainstream comic...

INDIE CHALLENGE FOR OCTOBER!

The following four comics from the current October Previews (for books shipping in December) are our picks for this month's Indie Challenge. Each are discounted from the original cover price. Preorder your copies (and a few for your friends!) at Discount Comic Book Service.


MAGNITUDE #1 (Ape Entertainment)
By Waller & Gimenez, cover by Byrne. Earth's greatest hero has gone rogue and launched a full-scale global war against mankind, and now the greatest hero in the war-ravaged future must travel back in time to stop him. Magnitude puts the 'Hero' in 'Superhero'. 32 pages, full color. Preview Page 226, product code: OCT063121. $3.50 cover price, DCBS price $1.92 (45% off). Estimated Ship Date: 12/27/06. For more info go HERE.


MAINTENANCE #1 (Oni Press)
By Jim Massey and Robbi Rodriguez. You think your job is bad? Doug and Manny have you beat! These guys are janitors! But they're not your typical custodial crew - no, sir! They're the guys who keep things shiny and clean at TerroMax, Inc., the world's biggest and best evil science think tank! When they're not dealing with toxic spill monsters and talking man-sharks, they still have to worry about mad scientists, crazy would-be dictators, and the cute girl who works at reception! Fresh talent Jim Massey and Robbi Rodriguez have created the funniest, most outlandish Oni Press series since Barry Ween! Mature Themes. 32 pages, B & W. Previews page 309, product code OCT063599. $3.50 cover price, DCBS price $1.75 (50% off). Estimated Ship Date: 12/06/06. For more info go HERE.


OKKO: CYCLE OF WATER #1 (of 4) (Archaia Studios Press)
By Hub. The Cycle of Water, Part One; Far from the fields of battle, Okko the ronin heads a small group of demon hunters, wandering the realms of the Pajan Empire. When a young fisherman's sister, Little Carp, is kidnapped by pirates, the man enlists the group's help in finding her. Every quest has its price, and this quest leads the four heroes much farther afield then they'd ever imagined. Mature Themes. 32 pages, full color. Preview Page 226, product code: OCT063130. $3.95 cover price, DCBS price $2.17 (45% off). Estimated Ship Date: 12/27/06. For more info go HERE.


UTOPIATES #1 (of 4) (Bloodfire Studios)
By Josh Finney and Kat Rocha. In the near future, science is able to distill human personalities into a drug-form. Called Utopiates, these drugs allow users to swap personalities with the "mental imprints" of other people. Each is a user of Utopiates for their own reasons, but all learn the cost of soul swapping is extremely high. At its core, this series is an unflinching portrayal of human behavior at its most extreme. Issue #1, "A Moment of Clarity", follows a street kid and his journey down a dark and slippery path. 32 pages, B & W. Previews page 248, product code OCT063242. $2.95 cover price, DCBS price $1.62 (45% off). Estimated Ship Date: 12/27/06. For more info go HERE.


Help support these comics as they enter the marketplace and stay tuned for an upcoming episode featuring interviews with the creators and creative teams. Any DCBS customer that wants to add the books to their pre-existing order can e-mail DCBS.

And don't forget to check out Indie Challenge picks from previous months:

SEPTEMBER AUGUST JULY JUNE MAY APRIL MARCH FEBRUARY

INDIE CHALLENGE FOR SEPTEMBER!

The following pair of comics from the current September Previews (for books shipping in November) are our picks for this month's Indie Challenge. Each are discounted from the original cover price. Preorder your copies (and a few for your friends!) at Discount Comic Book Service.


LOST BOOKS OF EVE #1 (Viper)
By Josh Howard. Journey back to a time when magic still thrived, dragons and fallen gods roamed the earth and man was just a myth. The Garden of Eden was a place of perfect peace and tranquility. That is, until its keeper, Adam, went missing. Now, his newly created wife, Eve, must venture outside the safety of the Garden for the first time to go in search of her husband, all the while battling monsters, beast men, wizards, demons, and even the gods themselves. 32 pages, full color. Preview Page 349, product code: SEP063625. $3.25 cover price, DCBS price $1.78 (45% off). For more info go HERE.


NIGHTLY NEWS #1 (of 6) (Image)
By Jonathan Hickman. "I'm mad as hell, and I'm not going to take this anymore!" As an act of violence spirals out of control to encompass the entirety of the news media, a cult emerges from the errors and retractions that have ruined careers, marriages and even lives. Under direction from his cult master, the Hand leads an army of followers committed to revolution, willing to die for their cause. 32 pages, full color. Previews page 140, product code: SEP061787. $2.99 cover price, DCBS price .74c (75% off - limit 2). Estimated ship date: Nov. 1.


PLEASE RELEASE #1 (Top Shelf)
By Nate Powell. This book collects four autobiographical stories, each linked by a series of open questions on work, mental disorders, aging, punk rock, developmental disabilities, horror movies, and a little unrequited love to boot. Recognized for his publications Tiny Giants and It Disappears, as well as his signature dream-like, luscious, and meticulous illustrations (reminiscent of Craig Thompson and Farel Dalrymple), this is Nate Powell's most direct and concrete work to date - guaranteed to engage your brain and dazzle your senses. 40 pages, B & W. Previews page 348, product code SEP063611. $3.95 cover price, DCBS price $2.17 (45% off). For more info go HERE.


RUSSIAN SUNSET #1 (of 5) (Desperado)
By Ron Marz, Mirko Colak and Bart Sears. Crime story and espionage thriller meet head on! Nik is a soldier for the Russian mob in Brighton Beach, Brooklyn - a strong arm when there's dirty work to be done. His latest assignment sends him back to mother Russia, where he'll be drawn into a web that includes brutal gangsters, seductive spies, fanatical terrorists and a stolen nuclear warhead. But even surrounded by such intrigue, it's Nik himself who harbors the most shocking secret of all. 32 pages, B & W. Previews page 142, product code SEP061789. $3.99 cover price, DCBS price $1.99 (50% off). Estimate ship date: Nov. 15. For more info go HERE.


Help support these comics as they enter the marketplace and stay tuned for an upcoming episode with the creators of each pick. Any DCBS customer that wants to add the books to their pre-existing order can e-mail DCBS.

And don't forget to check out Indie Challenge picks from previous months:

AUGUST JULY JUNE MAY APRIL MARCH FEBRUARY

INDIE CHALLENGE FOR AUGUST!

The following pair of comics from the August Previews (for books shipping in October) are our picks for the Indie Challenge. Each are discounted from the original cover price. Preorder your copies (and a few for your friends!) at DCBService.



the KILLER #1 (Archaia Studio Press)
By Matz & Luc Jacamon. A professional. A man of few scruples, nerves of steel, and a steady trigger finger. A man whose crimes might be catching up with him. A man on the verge of cracking. ASP presents THE KILLER, a hardboiled 10-issue noir series chronicling one man’s journey through some seriously bad mojo. Mature Readers. Contains graphic violence, nudity, and strong sexual content. Preview Page 232, product code: AUG063010. $3.95 cover price, DCBS price $2.17 (45% off). Estimated Ship Date: 10/25/06. For more info go HERE.


the DAMNED #1 (Oni Press)
By Cullen Bunn & Brian Hurtt. During the prohibition era, gangsters grew rich on our vices, and rivalries between criminal organizations resulted in open war. But unknown to the masses, a more sinister power controlled the crime cartels, using greed, gluttony, lust, and other sins to fuel a much more lucrative trade: mortal souls. Three demon families—the Aligheris, the Roarkes, and the Verlochin—control soul-trafficking within the city, capitalizing on “the rackets” to lead unfortunates into their grasp and poor Eddie is caught in the middle. Double-sized issue. Previews Page 328, product code: AUG063487. $3.50 cover price, DCBS price $1.75 (50% off). For more info go HERE.



Help support these comics as they enter the marketplace and stay tuned for an upcoming episode with the creators of each pick. Any DCBS customer that wants to add the books to their pre-existing order can e-mail DCBS.

And don't forget to check out Indie Challenge picks from previous months:

JULY
JUNE
MAY
APRIL
MARCH
FEBRUARY

INDIE CHALLENGE FOR JULY!

The following four comics from the July Previews (for books shipping in September) are our picks for the Indie Challenge. Each are discounted from the original cover price. Preorder your copies (and a few for your friends!) at DCBService.


CROSS BRONX #1 (Image)
By Michael Avon Oeming & Ivan Brandon. Oeming returns to full art duties in violent noir fashion with a twist of the paranormal as the Cross Bronx shows you NY at its highs and lows. When an assassin targets dozens of low-level gangbangers all over the city, Detective Ortiz must look to a comatose girl for the answers.Featuring a fully painted variant cover by Esad Ribic. 32 pages, Full Color. Previews Page 132, product code: JUL061675. $2.99 cover price, DCBS price $1.49 (50% off). Estimated Ship Date: 09/13/06. For more info go HERE.


E-MAN RECHARGED #1 (Digital Webbing)
By Cuti, Staton & Webb. E-Man, the pure energy being from the stars, returns to comics in this all-new, full-color, extra-sized story. The original creators reunite E-Man with his girlfriend Nova Kane and their arch-nemesis, the Brain from Sirius. It's all-out action, adventure and fun in the proud E-Mn tradition. 32 pages, full color. Preview Page 272, product code: JUL063100. $3.99 cover price, DCBS price $2.19 (45% off). For more info go HERE.


MONSTER PARADE #1 (Fantagraphics)
By Ben Catmull. Creator Catmull creates a fantastical comic world where all manner of creatures great and small co-exist with humans like a force of nature. In this first issue, a young boy witnesses a series of giant monsters bringing forth a great rain. Later, a crotchety old professor has the limits of his patience and personal safety tested on board a train in "Monster Express". Then, in "Civilization Studies Illustrated", a provincial town deals with a host of insect and bird creatures as well as nightly bear floods. Rendered in lovely two colors! 32pages. Preview page 277, product code: JUL063132. $3.95 cover price, DCBS price $2.17 (45% off). For more info go HERE.


SPECIAL EDUCATION #1 (National Press)
by David Dwonch. What happens when a powerless teenage boy gets sent to a superhero high school? He gets sent to the remedial class, of course! Under the tutelage of the reformed evil mastermind Doctor Zero, Ed Warble and Co. learn just what it means to be heroes - one misadventure at a time! 32 pages. Previews page 306, product code: JUL063132. $2.99 cover price, DCBS price $1.64 (45% off). For more info go HERE.



Help support these comics as they enter the marketplace and stay tuned for an upcoming episode with the creators of each pick. Any DCBS customer that wants to add the books to their pre-existing order can e-mail DCBS.

And don't forget to check out Indie Challenge picks from previous months:

JUNE
MAY
APRIL
MARCH
FEBRUARY

Guess a panel contest

Here's the deal. You have until August 15th to figure out the comic, issue, and paget that the following panels are from. What do you get for your trouble? If you can successfully figure out all 10 panels then you will be the lucky recipient of a copy of Collectorz.com Comic Collector, valued at $39.95. It's a great way to keep track of your comic collection on your computer.

So get cracking and dig through your collection and find those panels!

Note: if more than one person successfully figures out all 10 panels, the winner will be chosen randomly.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.