Guy stuff.

Holy Cow!

Just finished polishing off the first draft of my first official paper of the semester, for my Schooling in America class. Like 5 minutes ago, at 1:45am, when the last of 9 pages came out of the printer. Because I tend to edit as I go along, and do most of my research as I'm writing (thank god for Google!), it's really more like a second or third draft. We'll see what I think about it in the morning (well, later this morning) when I read it through with fresher eyes to see if it all makes sense, but I…

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Buzzscope Reviews: 10/5/05

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…

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Industry Buzz #3: Flawed Diamond?

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…

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Buzzscope Reviews: 9/28/05

Black Widow: The Things They Say About Her #1 (of 6)The combination of a regular dose of Bill Sienkiewicz' art and Richard K. Morgan's intriguing, globe-spanning spy-noir tale made their first Black Widow volume an unexpected treat last year, and they succesfully pick up right where they left off without alienating new readers.Be sure to check out this week's Review Roundup, including Action Philosophers! #3, one of my personal favorites. Also, there's brand-spanking new What A Girl Wants and Comics You Should Own columns, ripping Brian Pulido and praising Aztek, respectively. Check 'em out!

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Walk Now Update

Just a final reminder about Saturday's WALK NOW, and a huge THANK YOU to everyone's who's donated so far. We're just under $1800 right now, which is pretty damn incredible, but wouldn't it be great if we broke $2000? Does this help? :-) Seriously, though, even $5 makes a difference, so if you can swing it, please do.

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On The Shelves: 9/28/05

Support GOOD Comics! Try something NEW!My weekly look at select comic books being released tomorrow, 9/28/05. 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]COMIC BOOK LEGAL DEFENSE FUND CBLDF SPS 2005 Anthology, $12.95For a great cause, and from what I've heard, there's some good stuff in it.DARK HORSE COMICS Revelations #2 (Of 6), $2.99Didn't love the first issue, but it was intriguing. Probably pick it…

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Buzzscope Reviews: 9/21/05

...and a couple of other things below, including a "big" announcement.ShadowHawk #5Recommending this as a jump-on point, which under normal circumstances it would be perfect as, comes with a huge caveat because of the upcoming changes that will supposedly represent "a complete 180."In the Scope: Beckett’s New Image ExaminedJeff Amano and Gabriel Benson reflect on the past and offer a peek into the future, including a sneak peek at the cover of their first new release for 2006.The Comics Shrew once noted that I make a "habit of trying to herd cats," in reference to my Industry Buzz column over…

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