WEEKLY COMIC REVIEWS 
Written by Chris McNair
 
 
Just want to do my part and remind everyone theMay 1st free comic book day.  Comic books titles that can be expected are Iron Man, Shrek, Super Man, Simpsons, DC Kids, Archie,  and Toy Story.  Check out this link for more information and promotion
 
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I have blogged about this topic before, and find it fascinating how much emphasis is put on the potential of the Ipad to either boost or destroy the comic book industry.  Mainstream news articles tout that the IPAD is seen by the major comic book industries as a way to give a new rebirth to modern comics.

I just want to inject at this point.  First of all, I hope that IPAD comics don't replace comic book stores, which is another theme found in these article.   And furthermore, I highly doubt that the comic book store will be hurt or effected by the IPAD for one reason: comic book stores have a hell of a lot more that comic books.  They have past issues, graphic novels, toys, quarter comics, posters, 6 foot tall statues, and life size cutouts of comic book characters.  The experience of the comic book store would be missed as well.  Not to mention that strange yet intriguing conversations I have had in comic stores.

Another point I would like to make is that changing the medium doesn't change the comics.  If the comic book industry wants to have a rebirth, they need new comic books.  When you compare modern comic books to bronze age comic, you find that new comic books don't compare.  I would like to boldly state that the new comics in the last ten years have been horrible.  The only good thing about the comic industry in the last ten years that has been good has been the movie adaptations (Spider Man and DareDevil), which are based on older comic book characters.
 
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Reading comics on a portable computer or tablet????  That is still a foreign idea to me.  I prefer the written, wrinkled, and beat up paper format of the classic comic books.  But I am old school.  There has been a lot of talk, news articles,and blogging about apps on the new Apple Tablet computer that could change the way we read comic books.  Some blogs discuss how ipad technology can change how we view comics, and how people could begin to pirate comic books on the internet, similar to how napster stole the music industry from musicians by allowing downloads on the internet.  Other articles are stating that comic books will be cheaper on the ipad, and will affect business to the already hurting comic book stores in our country.  Personally, I think people are getting hyped up for nothing......I hope everyone is wrong about this.
 
Here is a link of the names of the comics that will be offered on Free Comic Book Day   This is a list of the comics to expect on the greatest day of the year.....make sure you call in sick to work on that day.
 
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I thought that this would be an interesting mention to the blog readers.......the Lake County Captains, whihc is a class A team affiliated with the Cleveland Indians, will be giving out a comic book on May 1st in commemeration of Free Comic Book Day.  The first 1000 will get a copy of this comic.   The book is collector's material (only 1000 printed!?!?!?!?).  Check out the pic.
 
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I stumbled upon an article from the LA Times that describes some of the roots of modern day comic heroes, including HellBoy, Spiderman, Robin Hood, Valkrie,  and Thor.  The article traces back modern heroes to an Opera from the 19 century that can be seen live  in LA, Wagner's Ring.  Ring is a series of Operas by Richard Wagner.  Pics in the article show characters in the live opera that look shockingly similar to modern day comic heroes.  The writer of this artcile, David Ng, traces back the roots of modern comic heroes even further back, stating that Richard Wagner and his work was influenced by  12th century Germanic poem entitled,  Nibelungenlied.  I am fascinated to learn that the roots of comic books are so deeply rooted in culture and history.   Please view the article at this link to the LA times.
 
On march 29, 2010, the Action Comics comic book #1 went for over one million dollars.  Look at he video below to learn more.   This is the first action comic, and is also the first appearance of Superman.  The comic professional in this video goes on to say that comics are a good investment on certain levels.  I say that comics won't even exist some day, so any comic will be worth a lot.
 
Don't forget to score a free comic at you local comic book store on May 1st......I love freebies.
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