Guy LeCharles Gonzalez

Buzzscope: Friends Like These

Post author:Guy LeCharles Gonzalez
Post published:October 14, 2005
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My latest "Establishing Shots" column is up:In my inaugural column two weeks ago, I brazenly declared Buzzscope to be “the best goddamn comic book web site around!” I qualified that statement a little bit, offering that, even if we actually aren’t yet, we will be, and went on to give some of the reasons why I believe that to be true. A couple of days after, I received a “Welcome” email from the publisher of one of one of the smaller comic book magazines (not one of the three I mentioned in the column) and he offered an interesting assessment…

A Rare 2005 Political Moment

Post author:Guy LeCharles Gonzalez
Post published:October 14, 2005
Post category:Uncategorized
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In the 2004 Presidential election, Bush wasn't the only winner. Apathy struck a critical blow, too, in the non-action of the 40% of those eligible to vote who chose not to. Pretty much broke my spirit, even with accepting that not voting can be considered a vote in and of itself, as opposed to the more cynical "silence = consent."Anyway, I received an email this morning from the Working Families Party, asking members to support Fernando Ferrer's bumbling Mayoral run the old-fashioned way...with cash. Of course, I wasn't terribly pleased...--- "Dan Cantor, WFP" wrote:This time, we urge you to directly…

Link: Infinite Crisis 101

Post author:Guy LeCharles Gonzalez
Post published:October 13, 2005
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I'm still gathering my thoughts about Infinite Crisis #1 - didn't love it, didn't hate it - but thanks to Troy Brownfield's excellent WHO WAS THAT CAPED MAN? A SPOILER HEAVY LOOK AT INFINITE CRISIS #1 article over at NEWSarama, I feel like I have a much better understanding of where it's coming from - and where it's possibly headed - and the final page reveal now has a lot more of an impact for me. Kind of ridiculous that it takes something extracurricular like this to make it work for all but the most anal-retentive of DC fanboys, but…

On The Shelves: 10/12/05

Post author:Guy LeCharles Gonzalez
Post published:October 11, 2005
Post category:Pop Culture Reviews
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Support GOOD Comics! Try something new EVERY month!My weekly look at select comic books being released tomorrow, 10/12/05. The full shipping is list available at ComicList.[NOTE: Not all of these titles will actually arrive in all stores. If your LCBS offers a pre-ordering service, be sure to take advantage of it. If not, find another one; or try Khepri.com or MidtownComics.com]DARK HORSE COMICS Goon 25 Cent Comic, $0.25 Tony Millionaire Little & Large HC, $7.95The Goon is one of those internet favorites I've yet to check out, so I'll pick this preview up and see what the deal is. The…

Buzzscope Reviews: 10/5/05

Post author:Guy LeCharles Gonzalez
Post published:October 10, 2005
Post category:Personal Pop Culture Reviews
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Cranked a few out this week, including our first "Staff Picks" entry...Amazing Fantasy #13With the underlying concept of superpowered humans who eschew capes and tights – and are inherently more dangerous as a result – Karl Kesel quickly establishes a credible setting that begs for elaboration, while teasing just enough information to pique the readers interest.Conan and the Demons of Khitai #1 (of 4)Editor Scott Allie has proven to be a worthy steward of Robert E. Howard’s storied barbarian, and with Demons of Khitai, it looks as if he’s once again caught lightning in a bottle as Akira Yoshida and…

Industry Buzz #3: Flawed Diamond?

Post author:Guy LeCharles Gonzalez
Post published:October 7, 2005
Post category:Personal Pop Culture
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There was some interesting buzz last month about Diamond Comic Distributor's policy of canceling orders for comic books that don't reach certain thresholds, a move which, long story short, primarily affects small press titles selling under 1,500 copies/issue, and it's led to the inevitable speculation about the eventual demise of independent publishers. The fact that Diamond pretty much owns the North American Direct Market means they have an inordinate amount of control over what makes it to retailers' shelves and, ultimately, into readers' hands.This month, Industry Buzz takes a closer look at Diamond and the direct market, and asks: is…

CBC Quickees: 9/28/05

Post author:Guy LeCharles Gonzalez
Post published:October 7, 2005
Post category:Pop Culture Reviews
Post comments:4 Comments

My To-Read pile is getting out of hand...Black Panther #8: Sigh. Hudlin totally let me down here. After defending the first four issues of his controversial reimagining of the Black Panther, he abruptly wrapped up his first arc without ever answering the primary question his story posed, "Who is the Black Panther?" Then, last issue's pointless, though admittedly entertaining, House of M tie-in, and now this internal continuity confusing crossover with the X-Men, whom he's inexplicably met before and even had some sort of a relationship with Storm!?!? Storm, whom strips down naked and takes to the skies posing as…