My Heroes Convention 2014 Report!

The annual Heroes Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina has come and gone for another year. As usual, I had a great time and even enjoyed a few surprises. Two popular cosplayers were in attendance, and I had no prior knowledge that they would even be at the show this year, but their identities will have to wait until this Friday (when they will be jointly featured on "gal" Friday).

Cons aren't without their snafus, and unfortunately I totally bollixed the start time for the Inkwell Awards and got to the hall moments after the event had concluded, it was the first time that I had missed out on seeing the awards presented. Bummer! I've not been taking in too many panels in recent years, but I did sit in for the Jim Starlin panel, with Andy Smith (lots of fun) and also took in the very packed cosplay panel with Riddle, Valerie Perez, DJ Spider and Katie Cosplays. They are awesome women, they each have a great sense of humor, and all of them really seem to enjoy what they are doing with costuming.

My purchases included a full run [minus two issues; 34 out of 36] of Marvel Classics Comics at a terrific price. Those classic novel adaptations were originally published between 1976-1978, and I also found two high end issues that I had long sought: Captain Marvel #25 (now signed by Jim Starlin) and Marvel Premiere #50 featuring Alice Cooper. TwoMorrows set me up with a fantastic hardback Matt Baker: The Art of Glamour, which I highly recommend if you are a fan of this golden age great. Charles Vess signed a copy of his hefty volume Drawing Down the Moon; The Art of Charles Vess; again highly recommended. I bought a single page of original art from Kevin Maguire, from a Metal Men story for DC Comics and grabbed a lovely commission from Stephanie Gladden. Other than that, I took a few comics and original art pages to get signed by creators in attendance, ate some good grub at favorite places, ogled a bakers dozen or so cute gals dressed as their own favorite characters, and chatted up some old friends, dealers & pros with whom I'm famililar. T'was a fun, fun weekend same as always.

Remember to check back at the end of the week for visual evidence that goddesses were also present at this years show, but even before "gal" Friday blows into town; please stop by tomorrow for a sneak peek at an upcoming web comics series based upon a classic Edgar Rice Burroughs property.

Dopsy Durvy in "Prefabricated" (Star Publications; 1949)

Today the Catacombs presents the last impromptu comics story chosen in an arbitrary fashion in anticipation of the annual Heroes Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina [which gets under way tomorrow morning]. I will be packing it in after this post and heading that way post haste, so hope you enjoyed this much more regular series than what I’ve been fielding lately. Keep your fingers crossed for some spiffy cosplay photos upon my return, provided that the young ladies will accommodate me (despite the copious amount of drooling that will probably be occurring). Today you get a nice anthropomorphic-funny animal story starring Dopsy Durvy in a previously untitled short that I've dubbed "Prefabricated" from Frisky Fables #v5#4 [38] Oct-Nov.1949; originally published by Star Publications. There are no creator credits to speak of, so you’re out of luck on that. The Catacombs acknowledges "Comic Book Plus" as the source of this classic comic story. Note: The copyright for this issue, its contents and artwork belongs to the original publishers and/or the creators and is reproduced here solely for entertainment purposes. Enjoy!

The Black Knight in "Search for the Sheriff" (Toby; 1953)

Let’s continue our series of classic comics stories chosen in an arbitrary fashion in honor of this weeks annual Heroes Convention with today’s pick. “Search for the Sheriff” which is taken from The Black Knight #1 (May 1953); originally published by Toby/Minoan and illustrated by Ernest Schroeder. Sir Robert of Denhope, the Black Knight was a rich man before he left for the Crusades, but when he returned to England, he found himself a pauper, pawning the souvenirs he had collected during his adventures. He eventually became a mercenary knight, fighting in feudal battles.

The Black Knight was also an extraordinary sword fighter and horseman. He wore distinctive black armor, which was well known to all. Sir Robert believed that his intelligence and his faith in his lord would make him more successful than listening to the prophecies of druids and observing old superstitions. This issue of the Black Knight was reprinted in 1963 by I.W. Publishing.  The Catacombs acknowledges "Comic Book Plus" as the source of this classic comic story. Note: The copyright for this issue, its contents and artwork belongs to the original publishers and/or the creators and is reproduced here solely for entertainment purposes. Enjoy!

Doctor Frost in “The Underwater Graveyard” (Feature/Prize; 1942)

In honor of the annual Heroes Convention which begins later this very week in Charlotte, North Carolina, I’m continuing to present comics stories chosen completely arbitrary with little thought in advance. Today legendary champion Doctor Frost stars in “The Underwater Graveyard” from Prize Comics #18 (Jan.1942); originally published by Feature Publications and illustrated by Ben Thompson. Mysteriously hailing from the Great Arctic North, Doctor Frost could project intense cold beams from his hands, freezing objects (such as weapons), creating ice sleds on water, or enveloping himself in a sheet of ice so thick that it could withstand strong explosions. His ice powers could not work in hot or dry environments, but even without these powers he was a formidable fighter. Doctor Frost had no secret identity or given name.  The Catacombs acknowledges "Comic Book Plus" as the source of this classic comic story. Note: The copyright for this issue, its contents and artwork belongs to the original publishers and/or the creators and is reproduced here solely for entertainment purposes. Enjoy!

Abbie an' Slats (St. John; 1947)

The annual Heroes Convention begins later this very week in Charlotte, so you're getting a free week of comics which begins with a totally arbitrary choice starring Abbie an' Slats from A Treasury of Comics #4 (Sept.1947); originally published by St. John. Street-wise Aubrey Eustace Scrapple, aka Slats, recently orphaned in New York. Arriving by train in a small town of Crabtree Corners, where he was met by his older cousin, the spinster Abigail Scrapple, aka Abbie. Slats joined the household that also included Abbie's sister, the prim and proper Sally. Slats made an enemy of skinflint Jasper Hagstone when he drove into Hagstone's limousine while trying to avoid running over a dog. However, Hagstone's daughter, Judy, became the object of Slats's affection. Later, Becky Groggins became Slats's sweetheart. Becky's father, J. Pierpont "Bathless" Groggins, eventually became the central character of the popular Sunday newspaper strip (from which this is serialized). This chapter was likely written by original co-creator Al Capp [“who knows”], but it for darn certain was illustrated by Raeburn Van Buren. The Catacombs acknowledges "Comic Book Plus" as the source of this classic comic story. Note: The copyright for this issue, its contents and artwork belongs to the original publishers and/or the creators and is reproduced here solely for entertainment purposes. Enjoy!

"Gal" Friday! Ms. Inkwell

In just two short weeks the annual Heroes Convention will return to Charlotte, North Carolina from June 20-22, 2014. Heroes Con has been my primary summer show for it's entire run (beginning way back in 1982). In fact I regularly attended the mini-cons that preceded the inaugural convention, while I was still in high school. This year Bob Almond brings back the 7th Annual Inkwell Awards to the Queen City of the Carolinas, with Bill Sienkiewicz announced as Guest of Honor for the ceremony. Since today is "gal" Friday, I'm sure you won't mind if I post a photo of one of two featured "Ms. Inkwell" models that will be in attendance to greet fans and professionals alike. Anna White is merely one of a number of lovely lasses to wear the black & white ensemble of the awards spokescharacter, so come out and say hello to her while supporting the talented artists whose finishing work helps those pencils pop right off of the comic book page.

If that ain't enough ot an enticement, take a look at just a few of the attending professionals set to appear at Heroes Con this year: Arthur Adams, Mark Brooks, Cliff Chiang, Kelly Sue DeConnick, Kevin Eastman, Matt Fraction, Ramona Fradon, Gilbert & Jaime Hernandez, Kevin Maguire, Steve Niles, Eric Powell, Mark Schultz, Jeff Smith, Jim Starlin, Ben Templesmith, Charles, Vess, Mark Waid and Bernie Wrightson. Folks that is literally just the tip of the iceberg, many more well-loved pros will be in Charlotte (again, in a mere two weeks). Come join those of us who've long known that this is one of the most fun cons of the summer season.

Anna White as "Ms. Inkwell"

"Gal" Friday! Abby Dark-Star

Praise the maker!!!!

I borrowed this photo from her Facebook fan page, and can claim no ownership. I know that it's got a cute kid and everything, but dear friends ...... brace yourselves and behold the cosplay wonder of San Francisco based Abby Dark-Star (as Frank Cho's Shanna) from the recent Big Wow ["which seems appropriate"] Comicfest. This talented young lady is one of the best of the army of fetching lady costumers making the rounds at far too many comic cons and shows for me to attend. I have apparently missed her at those venues where I'm sure we both were in attendance, so I definitely plan to say hello in person the very next time that I have an opportunity to do so. I think that she's married, which breaks my heart (not that I had a shot anyway, but one can fantasize). It is cosplay after all! Abby is this weeks official "gal" Friday, and trust me ..... she moves straight to the top of my personal favorites list. Enjoy!

Space Patrol in "The Cannibal Monster of the Pygmy Planet" (Centaur; 1940)

Here is a fantastically titled Space Patrol adventure called “The Cannibal Monster of the Pygmy Planet” from Amazing Mystery Funnies #24 (Sept.1940); originally published by Centaur and written & illustrated by the always interesting Basil Wolverton. This was the final issue of the series, and it is the kind of fun, wonky stuff that simply makes for great comics reading ! The Catacombs acknowledges "Comic Book Plus" as the source of this classic comic story. Note: The copyright for this issue, its contents and artwork belongs to the original publishers and/or the creators and is reproduced here solely for entertainment purposes. Enjoy!

Safari Cary in "The Plot!" (Fox Features Syndicate; 1948)

Safari Cary stars in “The Plot” from Dagar Desert Hawk # 19 (Aug.1948); originally published by Fox Feature Syndicate. Canadian artist Edmond Good is responsible for the artwork on this tale. The Catacombs acknowledges "Comic Book Plus" as the source of this classic comic story. Note: The copyright for this issue, its contents and artwork belongs to the original publishers and/or the creators and is reproduced here solely for entertainment purposes. Enjoy!

Free Comic Book Day 2014!

By this point most fans know that Free Comic Book Day is an annual promotional event held by the comic book industry that takes place on the first Saturday of May to help bring new readers into independent comic book stores. Depending upon the level of investment made by the individual retail locations, customers can experience quite a variety of often party-like store events. Some stores allow customers to select one of each available free comic, and others limit the quantity (as for the stores, these books are not free at all; they must purchase these volumes to some extent). Adding to the overall fun, most host locations feature established industry guest talent or regional favorites to sign their books or sketch for attendees. No matter how you slice it, FCBD is well worth standing in line for some good clean fun!

I really would have liked to have gotten the 2000 AD magazine, but my shop didn’t offer that one and since they limited attendees to seven items, I lost out on getting the Walt Disney Uncle Scrooge & Donald Duck issue once I made my picks which included: Archie Digest #1 from Archie Comics; Bongo Free-For-All from Bongo Comics; Future’s End from DC Comics; All Rocket Raccoon from Marvel Comics; Magic Wind from Epicenter Comics; the Archaia Hardcover Anthology (featuring Mouse Guard) from Boom Entertainment and the Sonic the Hedgehog/Megaman flipbook also from Archie Comics. As you can see, my choices lean towards all-ages fare. Most years I go for the Bongo, Archie, Walt Disney stuff as they are a nice break from what typically floods into stores most weeks throughout the year. This was the second year that a Mouse Guard hardcover was offered, so kudos to Boom for that nice volume, and I was very pleased with Magic Wind (a western with a horror twist). DC Comics tied their release into an upcoming event, and I'm glad to have had a chance to see this sneak peek, so that I won't waste my time with this mess any further.

Thanks to all the publishers, retailers, distributors and creative talent that played a part in bringing the 2014 books to our grubby little hands.

In Memorium: Dick Ayers

Hall of Fame artist Dick Ayers passed away on May 4, 2014 at the age of ninety.  Although his career began in the golden age, he was best known for his silver age work as one of Jack Kirby's regular inkers during the late-1950s and 1960s, including some of the earliest issues of Marvel Comics' The Fantastic Four. He was the primary artist on Sgt. Fury and his Howling Commandos, drawing it over a 10-year run, and he was co-creator of the 1950s Western-horror version of the Ghost Rider, a character he would draw again for Marvel in the 1960s.

Ayers other notable work includes Adventures into Terror, Astonishing, Journey into Mystery, Journey into Unknown Worlds, Menace, Mystery Tales, Mystic, Strange Tales, Uncanny Tales, Amazing Adventures, Journey into Mystery, Strange Tales, Tales of Suspense, Tales to Astonish, Rawhide Kid and early appearances of Thor and The Incredible Hulk.

I 'm very glad to have to spoken with Mr. Ayers in person two or three times over the years and he was always very nice to his fans. The Catacombs extends its condolences to his family, friends and fans.


Sgt. Fury and His Howling Commandos #23 [Oct. 1965]

In Memorium: Al Feldstein

Industry legend Al Feldstein passed away on April 29, 2014 at the age of 88. As a writer, editor, and artist, he best known for his classic work at EC Comics on their New Trend group including Weird Science, Weird Fantasy, Tales from the Crypt, The Haunt of Fear, The Vault of Horror, Shock SuspenStories, Crime SuspenStories, Panic and Piracy; and later [1956 to 1985], as the editor of the satirical magazine Mad. After retiring, Feldstein concentrated on American paintings of Western wildlife.  

After industry and government pressures had forced Bill Gaines to shut down most of his EC titles, Feldstein was only briefly separated from the company. When Harvey Kurtzman left Mad in 1956, Gaines turned to his former editor Feldstein, who spent the next 29 years at the helm of what became one of the nation's leading and most influential magazines. Circulation multiplied more than eight times during his tenure, peaking at 2,850,000 in 1974, although Mad declined to three quarters of that figure by the end of his time as editor.

Many new cartoonists and writers surfaced during Feldstein's editorship as the magazine came to rely on a steady group of contributors. Feldstein's first issue as editor (#29) was also the first issue to display the twisted work of cartoonist Don Martin. A few months later, he hired Mort Drucker, who quickly established himself as their premier caricaturist on movie satires with Angelo Torres drawing the TV parodies. By 1961, with the introduction of Antonio Prohías and Dave Berg, he had fully established the format that kept the magazine a commercial success for decades.

The Catacombs extends its condolences to his family, friends and fans. I count myself lucky to have had a chance to meet him just a few years ago.