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Terry Hooper-Scharf

Thursday 27 September 2012

Bearpit Zine & Comic Event -Cafe Kino



Hooper is on his way to a zine event….the excitement is just killing him!
____________________________________________________

As it happens all the omens were there…I fell down very slippery steps in Cafe Kino but, apparently, so did two other people. Note to owners:HAND RAIL and MATTING to avoid slipping on wet and greasy metal edges to steps.

I may write a report on the event but at the moment I am too tired and my leg hurts!


Below: Warning 1

Below: Warning 2:”Relentless optimism” says it all.

Below: I thought this was a funny walk routine but it’s the way they normally walk….Northall’s is a classic “mince”.

Well, it was a cold, wet and very dismal day, as I’ve already written. I woke up feeling that I ought not to go but stay home and finish off a couple of books.  However, Simon and his mates at the Bearpit zine crew had gone to the trouble of organizing the event and it being local I felt I had to support it.

A case of putting myself forward in support or shut up about the lack of comic events in Bristol!

Greeted at Café Kino, in the Stokes Croft area, we were ushered downstairs to a nice space that I thought might be a bit too large for the event but I would be proven wrong.
_____________________________
Below: setting up at Cafe Kino

Still setting up….


Things were going quietly once we’d set up and the Berlin police interrogation room lighting was a bit depressing…or that may have been us!  Two old farts hoping to sell zines. My own attempts to sell vintage zines from the 1980s/1990s were hindered greatly by the bastard with us who kept butting in as people were looking and basically described them as tatty old school.

I was surprised to an extent that the people attending seemed to know nothing about comics. I had some original appearance Burglar Bill comics by Paul Grist. I pointed this out to a few people who stared blankly.

“Paul Grist –created Jack Staff?”

Blank.

“More recently the Mud-man comic?”

Blank.

“They’re both published by Image Comics…?”

Blank.  “Sorry –who?”

“Image Comics. American independent publisher…?”

Blank. Shrug.
_______________________________________________
Below: Mr Brown tries on the hat and gets no respect. Bless him, he looks happy….or he’s going to be sick…?




During a lull Mr Brown shows me a problem he’s having. I point out that it should NOT be that colour or scabby but that he ought to put it away as ladies were present.



Highpoint of the day was meeting Liz Lunney and we talked David Bowies…it was just bound to happen!  Gave her a few zines for an exhibition she’s putting on and got a few in return –reviews coming up.

Good to see regular Dave, now sporting a beard!  Also to meet Ross, ready to leave the UK and live in Finland.  Oh, and Jess Bradley who schlepped her books and badges to the event –a review of one book to come.

I watched as usual and discovered what I’ve been saying for a long time is true.  Usually it is a friend(s) going to see a friend who is a publisher or goes with a friend of the zinester. They buy there, look around and it’s a social event more than business which is what makes it hard on old sock sucking cynical business types like…me.

Nice young people who looked rather worried that the old fart with the long beard might just suddenly start asking where he was.
____________________________________________
It’s started kicking off! Things get a go-go!


______________


The Bearpit zine event, if all goes according to plan, should be an annual event and that’ll be good and next time I get a table by myself and away from certain hinderances.  Or one hinderance in particular. Yes, Mr. Brown will have to take one for the non-existent team!

So, next year, I’ll go.  I’ll lock the doors and no one will leave until they buy my books.  Old school.
____________________________________
Below:Hooper House where all the action is!



Let me tell you: this is the second small venue event I’ve been to and it is generally more friendly and definitely NOT “make money! Make money!” people there.

To find people looking back at you blankly when you mention Image Comics or some other comic thing that comickers generally know is refreshing (BUT frustrating if you are trying to sell).

I had one fella rub his whispy whiskered youth face and say -”You’re a legend aren’t you?” To which I SHOULD have responded: “Yes, son. Yes, I am. And you are what this is all about” (Cue theme from The Green Berets).He did tell me his name but the cacophany of the event and permanent tinitis do not mix. So, young whiskered guy with the slight dreadlock-thing going on: Thank you.

It is sad that they have no idea about the history of the Small Press or Undergrounds BUT in a way it means they are making their own little circle of zinesters and not getting corrupted by Marvel or DC. But, oh boy, did some of them have their 21st Century Youth “PC” hats on. “Johnny Condom? Seriously -Johnny Condom?”
I was THE oldest man there. My companion is in his late 40s but next time I get a t-shirt:”My Name Is Methuselah”!!

Cinebook The 9th Art: Blake & Mortimer – The Curse of the 30 Pieces of Silver Part 2



Blake & Mortimer – The Curse of the 30 Pieces of Silver Part 2
Authors: Aubin & Van Hamme
Full Colour
64 pages
Size: 21.7 x 28.7 cm
Age: 10 years and up
ISBN: 9781849181303
Price: £7.99 inc. VAT

Publication: 2012

Captured and then abandoned by Olrik, Mortimer is now lost at sea with no provisions. Fortunately, he can always count on Blake. Once reunited, and with the help of some old friends, the two British gentlemen continue their dangerous mission to stop Von Stahl from resurrecting the Third Reich using the evil power of the 30 pieces of silver… a mission that will take them throughout Greece and into the very Kingdom of Hades!

What can I say without spoiling someone’s read of this book?  Well, obviously, it’s part 2 of the story and things are far more “Go! Go! Go!” than the pages below indicate.  Commandoes, gun fights, mysterious caves and a lovely ending in those caves for….oops. That would be telling.

The story-telling is spot on as always and the art a gem. Edgar P. Jacobs would be happy!

Dare I write “one of the best Blake and Mortimer stories to date”? Well, I just did. Buy the book and see what you think…I’ve read it twice so far!


Cinebook The 9th Art: The Grand Vizier Iznogoud



The Grand Vizier Iznogoud
Authors: Goscinny & Tabary
Full colour
48 pages
Size: 21.7 x 28.7 cm
Age: All ages
ISBN: 9781849181310
Price: £6.99 inc. VAT

Publication: August 2012

Iznogoud is still trying to get rid of Caliph Haroun al Placid so he can take his place. He’s even kept a journal of his previous failed attempts. But, never discouraged, he will once again come up with new ways to entertain us through his failures: genies, kidnappings, lookalikes, diplomatic incidents… and even the Mongol horde! When it comes to becoming Caliph instead of the Caliph, all’s fair to Grand Vizier Iznogoud!

I love that cover. Lots of background and, of course, Iznogoud (“is no good”) uh, smiling…?  I mention how the name is pronounced because people still ask me –I give up.

If you’ve not seen  Goscinny and Tabary’s  there are visual gags and lots of lovely comic strip cartooning that could teach a lot of wannabies “how to”.   This is a series that youngsters as well as old ‘youngsters’ will enjoy. If even I chuckle it must be okay!
And this is the NINTH album in the series!



Cinebook The 9th Art: Lucky Luke 36 – The Daltons Redeem Themselves



Lucky Luke – The Daltons Redeem Themselves
Authors: Morris & Goscinny
Full colour
48 pages
Size: 21.7 x 28.7 cm
Age: 8 years and up
ISBN: 9781849181327
Price: £5.99 inc. VAT

Publication: August 2012

When a senator comes up with a probation program to redeem criminals in the USA, the Supreme Court offers him a chance to prove the feasibility of his idea… by trying it out on the worst Old West villains ever: the Daltons. As usual, it’s up to Lucky Luke to keep an eye on the terrible four during their month-long trial period. If they can refrain from any crime during that time, they will be set free as good citizens…

Volume 36! The most complete Lucky Luke series ever published in the English language. That is some achievement and one Olivier Cadic and Cinebook ought to be proud of…and I’m sure they are!

I was never a big Luke fan and that changed with these books, the classic stories and, naturally, the art. I’ve been told by more than one adult that they’ve the whole set so far published and can’t wait for the next book…and kids love the books, too!

I sat down and read. The end of an era.  Yes, the Dalton’s redeem themselves and go on to become good, honest citizens.

You aren’t believing this, are you?

Saddle up yer horse an’ setcher pitcher o’ milk down. You’ll like this one.


Titan Books: The James Bond Omnibus Volume 4



Ian Fleming, Jim Lawrence, Yaroslav Horak
Illustration detail: B/w newspaper strip
Dimensions: 230 x 190mm
Paperback: 288pp

ISBN: 9780857685896
Publication date: 12 October 2012

£14.99

The daring James Bond is back in a definitive bumper edition collecting the second period of Jim Lawrence’s celebrated run in comic strip form! Includes nine of Bond’s most thrilling and dangerous missions: Trouble Spot, Isle of Condor’s, The League of Vampires, Die With My Boots On, The Girl Machine, Beware of Butterflies, The Nevsky Nude, The Phoenix Project and The Black Ruby Caper.

I only ever saw a few of the James Bond newspaper strips because the local library had all the dailies.  Daily Express was not allowed in our house –only the Daily Mirror!  One thing I can write is that the strips I saw were never all well reproduced as in this omnibus (Titan have a lot of the Bond strips in book form and three other omnibus editions).

If you know nothing about the artist, Yaroslav Horak or his stripwork then all I can say to you is this: Shame on you!

I’ve just gone over this collection three times and LOVE the art. True style. Again, a book with art that could teach many of those wanting to get into comics how to  draw. Horak also drew comics including The Mask:The Man of Many Faces. The only way to describe the art here –luscious.

Oh, and the stories are good.  The secret agent Bond and not the old over-laden with gadgets movie Bond. probably one of Bond’s best lines in Isle Of Condors:  “I couldn’t care about what you look like in the flesh! Though, if you like, I’ll be glad to provide a testimonial!” Yes! And look at those titles –oozing 1960s spy-noire.  A book you can’t do anything but recommend.

below: pages from The Nevsky Nude

Halloween Classics: Graphic Classics Volume 23




Halloween Classics: Graphic Classics Volume 23
Full Colour
144 pages
US Graphic Novel format
£9.94 UK  $17.95 US
ISBN: 978-0-9825630-5-2

Thrills & Chills for All-Hallows’ Eve

Five scary tales in the EC Comics tradition, presented by your horrible host, Nerwin the Docent.


• The Legend of Sleepy Hollow -
The classic New England ghost story by Washington Irving,
adapted Ben Avery and Shepherd Hendrix

• A Curious Dream –
Mark Twain’s comic tale of ghosts and corpses,
adapted Antonella Caputo and Nick Miller

• Lot No. 249 –
Arthur Conan Doyle’s murderous mummy,
illustrated by Simon Gane

• Cool Air –
A mad scientist conquers death in the H.P. Lovecraft tale,
adapted Rod Lott and Craig Wilson

• The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari –
The great silent film, adapted to comics form,
and illustrated by Matt Howarth

• Each tale is introduced in comics by renowned
horror author Mort Castle, illustrated by Kevin Atkinson

• With a terrifying cover by Simon Gane, plus illustrations by
Jeffrey Johannes and EC Comics great Al Feldstein

The quality of the Graphic Classics series has never faltered and this treat for horror fans is no exception.  Great art and story adaptions.  My favourite has to be The Legend Of Sleepy Hollow -I saw the animated film when I was a kid and ever since tried to check out any movie or comic adaptions and this one is spot on!

The Mark Twain story I’ve not read so cannot comment on regarding adaption but it is good. I wonder what Twain would say if he knew he’d become a pop culture icon and be seen in Claymation adaptions of his work -in Star Trek:TNG and, uh, beyond?

Lot No. 249 is drawn in a nice style and colour almost in sepia style. Lends it a nice atmosphere.

Let’s face it -if you are a horror comic fan or fan of horror in general you’ll want this book and there are others in the series you’ll probably find of equal interest -all orderable from the Graphic Classics web page:

http://www.graphicclassics.com/pgs/gc23.htm

An excellent present for yourself or a loved one with a penchant for horror.

You can find links to artists web pages and more on the Graphic Classics page so it’s worth visiting.

Contraband Comics -JACK RABBIT #1 DEBUTS AT 99¢




JACK RABBIT #1 DEBUTS AT 99¢

Booze. Broads. Demons… And Dead Kids.
Contraband Comics Explores
Supernatural-Noir In Newest Title.

September 26th, 2012, Tempe, AZJack Rabbit #1 is an all-new supernatural-noir thriller from creator-owned comic book publisher, Contraband Comics. Set in 1930’s Los Angeles, the story follows ex-boxer-turned-private detective, Jackson “Jack Rabbit” Quaid, as he navigates a seedy and increasingly surreal underworld of the occult.

Available digitally in both a FREE 11-page preview and a $0.99 24-page Standard Issue release, Jack Rabbit #1 is Contraband Comics’ newest release through their exclusive digital partnership with iVerse Media. The premiere issue in a five-part limited series from writer, Jon Goff (Spawn, Halo Evolutions), and artist, Jim Hanna (Philly) can be downloaded through the Comics Plus digital comic book app for iOS, Android and desktop viewing, HERE.

“Each of Contraband’s titles are a blend of genres. With Jack Rabbit, Jim and I are mixing a heavy dose of noir with a variety of elements from horror and the supernatural to a touch of sci-fi and even a bit of a POP sensibility,” Contraband Comics founder, Jon Goff said. “The end result, we hope, is an experience that drags the reader through the muck of Jack’s life, but in an occasionally cringe-worthy, ultimately entertaining manner.”



About Contraband Comics
Formed in 2012, Contraband Comics is a creator-owned, independent comic book publisher with a focus on providing quality titles across multiple genres. Founded by writer/artist, Jon Goff, and featuring a talented line-up of comic book creators, including Travis Sengaus, Marat Mychaels, Jim Hanna, Fco Plascencia, Comicraft and more, Contraband’s only goal is to entertain. Contrabrand Comics are available exclusively on iVerse Media’s ComicsPlus digital platform. Learn more about Contraband Comics on their Website: http://www.contracomics.com

About Jon Goff
Jon Goff has developed content for comic books, action figures and video games while working with many of the top companies across the entertainment industry, including The McFarlane Companies, 343 Industries, Microsoft Game Studios, Marvel Comics, MEGA Brands, Gentle Giant Studios, WETA Workshop, ABC Studios, Tor Books, DK Publishing, Prima Games and more. Jon’s credits include Tor Books’ Halo-themed anthology, Halo Evolutions, the monthly Spawn comic book title and The Adventures of SPAWN online comic. Follow Jon on Twitter: @Jonathan_Goff

About Jim Hanna
Jim Hanna is an artist/writer based in Mesa, Arizona. He has provided art for Arcana Studio, Upper Deck, Red 5 Comics, Cryptozoic Entertainment and Marvel/The Hero Initiative. Jim’s newest project is the creator-owned title, Jack Rabbit, part of Contraband Comics’ initial wave of titles. Follow Jim on Twitter: @jimhanna

About iVerse Media. LLC
iVerse Media (http://www.iversemedia.com) is a digital content distributor focused on the world of comics and popular culture. Founded in 2008, the company was one of the first to launch digital comics on Apple’s iOS platform. As of April 2012, over 12 million products in the iOS App Store have been downloaded that are powered by iVerse, making the “iVerse Engine” one of the most popular and widely used platforms for reading digital comics in the world. The company is principally located in Waco, TX.
For more information, and to download comics, visit www.comicsplusapp.com.

Tuesday 25 September 2012

NEW Black Tower 2012 D-Gruppe Annual


D-GRUPPE ANNUAL 2012
Terry Hooper-Scharf
Paperback
A4 (Album size)
56 pages
black & white
Price: £7.00
Ships in 3–5 business days
 
For D-Gruppe, Germany’s first and only super team, things seem to have gone quiet since the Cross-worlds Zeitgeist event. However, Tarot, the mystic, detects a great evil below D-Gruppe’s very own HQ. The ultimate evil has returned and this time it isn’t just a question of whether D-Gruppe can stop it but how many of them will die trying?
 
 
Note:
New material. This story covers what would have been issues 5-7 of the series that were included in the now cancelled Complete D-Gruppe Collection.

Black Tower: New Edition Of Return Of The Gods On The Way!


Yes, it was THE sensation of Black Tower Comics publishing history and reactions were incredible.  However, there is going to be a new and up-dated edition in October.

New art pages will be added to the Return Of The Gods:Twilight Of The Super Heroes story but there is more. The final three pages literally had readers gasping and some asking questions that included: “HOW can you possibly follow this up??”  Well, the new edition will include the entire Dr Morg Trilogy which bridges ROTG and those final pages. In total the book will have in excess of 200 pages of art.

But there is more.

If you have not followed Black Tower in the last 28 years or so jumping into this book might be a little daunting so there will be added text features to explain some of the trickier aspects.

As ROTG and the major follow-up, Green Skies, will be Terry Hooper’s comics swansong be prepared for a few surprises.

Bearpit Zine & Comic Event -Cafe Kino


Hooper is on his way to a zine event….the excitement is just killing him!
____________________________________________________
As it happens all the omens were there…I fell down very slippery steps in Cafe Kino but, apparently, so did two other people. Note to owners:HAND RAIL and MATTING to avoid slipping on wet and greasy metal edges to steps.

I may write a report on the event but at the moment I am too tired and my leg hurts!


Below: Warning 1

Below: Warning 2:”Relentless optimism” says it all.

Below: I thought this was a funny walk routine but it’s the way they normally walk….Northall’s is a classic “mince”.

Well, it was a cold, wet and very dismal day, as I’ve already written. I woke up feeling that I ought not to go but stay home and finish off a couple of books.  However, Simon and his mates at the Bearpit zine crew had gone to the trouble of organizing the event and it being local I felt I had to support it.

A case of putting myself forward in support or shut up about the lack of comic events in Bristol!

Greeted at Café Kino, in the Stokes Croft area, we were ushered downstairs to a nice space that I thought might be a bit too large for the event but I would be proven wrong.
_____________________________
Below: setting up at Cafe Kino

Still setting up….


Things were going quietly once we’d set up and the Berlin police interrogation room lighting was a bit depressing…or that may have been us!  Two old farts hoping to sell zines. My own attempts to sell vintage zines from the 1980s/1990s were hindered greatly by the bastard with us who kept butting in as people were looking and basically described them as tatty old school.

I was surprised to an extent that the people attending seemed to know nothing about comics. I had some original appearance Burglar Bill comics by Paul Grist. I pointed this out to a few people who stared blankly.

“Paul Grist –created Jack Staff?”

Blank.

“More recently the Mud-man comic?”

Blank.

“They’re both published by Image Comics…?”

Blank.  “Sorry –who?”

“Image Comics. American independent publisher…?”

Blank. Shrug.
______________
_________________________________
Below: Mr Brown tries on the hat and gets no respect. Bless him, he looks happy….or he’s going to be sick…?



During a lull Mr Brown shows me a problem he’s having. I point out that it should NOT be that colour or scabby but that he ought to put it away as ladies were present.



Highpoint of the day was meeting Liz Lunney and we talked David Bowies…it was just bound to happen!  Gave her a few zines for an exhibition she’s putting on and got a few in return –reviews coming up.

Good to see regular Dave, now sporting a beard!  Also to meet Ross, ready to leave the UK and live in Finland.  Oh, and Jess Bradley who schlepped her books and badges to the event –a review of one book to come.

I watched as usual and discovered what I’ve been saying for a long time is true.  Usually it is a friend(s) going to see a friend who is a publisher or goes with a friend of the zinester. They buy there, look around and it’s a social event more than business which is what makes it hard on old sock sucking cynical business types like…me.

Nice young people who looked rather worried that the old fart with the long beard might just suddenly start asking where he was.
____________________________________________
It’s started kicking off! Things get a go-go!


______________


The Bearpit zine event, if all goes according to plan, should be an annual event and that’ll be good and next time I get a table by myself and away from certain hinderances.  Or one hinderance in particular. Yes, Mr. Brown will have to take one for the non-existent team!

So, next year, I’ll go.  I’ll lock the doors and no one will leave until they buy my books.  Old school.
____________________________________
Below:Hooper House where all the action is!










Let me tell you: this is the second small venue event I’ve been to and it is generally more friendly and definitely NOT “make money! Make money!” people there.

To find people looking back at you blankly when you mention Image Comics or some other comic thing that comickers generally know is refreshing (BUT frustrating if you are trying to sell).

I had one fella rub his whispy whiskered youth face and say -”You’re a legend aren’t you?” To which I SHOULD have responded: “Yes, son. Yes, I am. And you are what this is all about” (Cue theme from The Green Berets).He did tell me his name but the cacophany of the event and permanent tinitis do not mix. So, young whiskered guy with the slight dreadlock-thing going on: Thank you.

It is sad that they have no idea about the history of the Small Press or Undergrounds BUT in a way it means they are making their own little circle of zinesters and not getting corrupted by Marvel or DC. But, oh boy, did some of them have their 21st Century Youth “PC” hats on. “Johnny Condom? Seriously -Johnny Condom?”

I was THE oldest man there. My companion is in his late 40s but next time I get a t-shirt:”My Name Is Methuselah”!!