Tampa Comic & Toy Convention

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This Saturday, I’ll be joining my buddy, John Beatty at Tim Gordon’s Tampa Comic Book and Toy Convention.  If you’re a regular ZONE reader, then you’ve probably read about Tim’s shows  many times.  We try to attend as many as possible because they’re always a blast.

This one should be no exception.  In addition to Big Beatty, you can also meet Todd Nauck, Billy Tucci, Tommy Castillo, Dick Giordano, Alex Saviuk, Gene Gonzalez, “Leaping” Lanny “The Genius” Poffo, Santa Claus, and a whole bunch of other talented folks.  There will be a film room, give-a-ways, artists sketching and more.

Isle of the Dead

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It’s no secret that I’m a fan of movies and books which focus on a small band of people who find themselves up against incredible odds in a life or death struggle. That’s one of the reasons that zombie stories appeal to me. Not because of the gore, but how much more outnumbered and against it can you be then when you’re fighting a world of dead beings?  That’s why I love really good zombie stories like the original “Night of the Living Dead”, the remake of “Dawn of the Dead” and the comic series “The Walking Dead”. 

Of course the “bad guys” don’t have to be zombies.  The could be aliens [“Aliens”], nazis [“The Dirty Dozen”],  Mayans [“Apocalypto”], but there’s just something about zombies that kick things up a notch.  Maybe because they want to eat you and maybe because anyone in the group could become one.  At any rate…

Earlier this year Miguel Insignares told me about a project that he’s putting together called “The Rufnex: Isle of the Dead”.  It was such a cool concept that I wanted to start talking it up right away, especially after seeing some of the prelimiary art and names attached to the project.  Yesterday Miguel’s Isle of the Dead site went live.  If you go there, you’ll learn more about the project as well as see the names already attached.  You’ll even learn how you could become a zombie in the comic.  What could be better than that?

Steven King’s American Vampire

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Steven King is going to write a five issue arc of Scott Snyder’s “American Vampire” series which is set to premiere in March of 2010.  The main character, Skinner Sweet, became a vampire in the days of the old west.  Skinner is a new breed of vampire and Steven King has made him a  “bottomless pit of evil”.

If this sounds like something you’d like, then let your local comic retailer know.  Until then, here’s the full article about Steven King and “American Vampire”.

Florida SuperCon Helps HeroesCon

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I’ve been going to Heroes Cons for years. Heroes is without a doubt one of the best run, most loved and finest conventions you could ever find. It’s put on by good people, always has great guests, and has something for everyone.  Heroes Con 2010 will be the 28th year of the show and surprisingly, the event was in danger of not happening.   Shelton Drum, who runs the show, discovered that the only date that he could book the Charlotte Convention Center was the same weekend as Florida SuperCon.  Shelton didn’t want to infringe on the SuperCon and so his options were to go to a smaller venue on a different date or cancel the show for 2010.  Neither was a good option.

So Shelton contacted Mike Broder [who runs the Florida SuperCon] and told him of the conflict.  Surprisingly, Mike said that he thought he would be able to change the date of his show and after a little research, did just that.  How often do you hear of “competitors” helping each other out?

I guess I shouldn’t be surprised.  Mike Broder also puts on a great show and has always come across as a straight shooter who truly loves comics, art and conventions.  I was able to attend his show last year and had a blast.  I planned to attend again next year.   After reading about his willingness to help Heroes Con, not only do I plan to attend, but will encourage everyone to join me!

Top 50 Cartoon Characters

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Recently About.com posted a piece about the TOP 50 Cartoon Characters.  Like all lists, this one is sure to create some controversy.   I definitely think that several characters that somehow didn’t make the cut, should have been on it.

Still, I enjoy playing around with lists, so, using just the characters on their TOP 50, here is my TOP 10 [in alphabetical order] with comments:

Batman: has always been a favorite comic character and I’ve enjoyed all of the different cartoon versions as well.

Bugs Bunny: was always best in small doses. I also enjoyed the supporting cast [Daffy Duck, Elmer Fudd, etc.]
 
Charlie Brown: If you were a kid growing up in the 60’s, you have to be a fan of Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the rest of the gang.  Holidays still aren’t complete without at least knowing that Charlie Brown is playing somewhere.
 
Fred Flintstone: is a simple concept – transport “The Honeymooners” to the stone age!

Mighty Mouse: I’ll admit it.  I used to put on a cape and play Mighty Mouse.  Yeah, laugh now, but if you needed me to save the day, you’d be singing a different tune.

Pink Panther: A great theme song and a fun cartoon.

 Popeye: I probably watched more hours of Popeye than any other cartoon. I especially loved the oldest version with Bluto, Wimpy, the Sea Witch…

Space Ghost: When it first ran, I thought Space Ghost was pretty cool. I watched some episodes years later and thought “not so much”.

Tom and Jerry: Who doesn’t love the old Tom and Jerry cartoons. They were so much fun.

Wile E. Coyote: I was a huge fan of The Road Runner cartoons.  My wife doesn’t like ‘em since they’re all the same.  But that’s the beauty of it.  How many different ways can ole Wile E. screw up?

Okay, now that that’s done… how could Jonny Quest not make the list?

Robbi Rodriguez’s Rocky

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I first saw Robbi Rodriguez’s art at a convention. Robbi was set up selling his sketches, and sketchbooks. I didn’t have a clue who he was, but I really liked his art. Since my sketch budget was already shot, I couldn’t hit Robbi up for a sketch. I decided if I ever saw him at another show, I’d definitely try to get on his list.

Lucky for me, Robbi was at this year’s Heroes Convention. Luckier, still was that he agreed to do a Stallone piece for me. I really love the loosenes of Robbi’s style. The kid is talented. You can see more of Robbi’s art here and hopefully again here at the SZ in the future.

Live & In Person

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I just want to remind everyone that at about 11am EST, John Beatty will be drawing live $10 head shots.  Not only can you watch as he creates ’em, you can even order your own to be drawn as you watch. I’ll be in the luxurious JBI studio to co-host the event.  It will be a blast.  Hopefully you can drop in, even if you don’t plan to order a sketch or five. I’m on board for at least two! Full details are here.

I also want to remind ZONErs that John and I will be guests at Tim Gordon’s November 7th TampaCon.   Tim’s Tampa show is always a blast and this one will be no exception.

Tim has put together an anthology Christmas comic with the proceeds going to charity.  John and I did a three page story for it [which John pencilled, inked and colored] and we’ll be there with about 2 dozen guests including: