Comics, Gaming and plenty of RockStar!!!

Heroes on NBC

2006-09-25T22:29:00.000-04:00

First off, thank you Nissan for limited commercial interruptions. With the advent of Tivo, I rarely watch live TV and Nissan help lessen the pain. Thanks Nissan

On to Heroes. I am curious to see the official verdict. I truly hope the show is given the chance to develop, because I liked what I saw. The show started off a little slow, it is hard to develop 5 plus characters and how they intertwine, but they managed to keep it rolling. As the show hit the first of two commercial breaks it began to gather steam. We got a glimpse of the teleporter from Japan, who was also the comic relief, the stripper from Las Vegas who has a "friend", and indestructible cheerleader from Texas, a future painter from New York and two brothers who can or cant fly.

Beside the heroes, we have a supporting cast of good and evil. An Indian professor who's father is mysteriously killed and the man with the glass who more than liklely has something to do with it. The show had a little bit of a feel of the X-Men movies, Smallville(which starts this week), Dead Zone and even a little of Lost. There is a TON of potential and I hope they allow us the opportunity to watch the character develop. The previews for the upcoming episodes have definitely made it easy for me to add it to my TIVO. Thanks for listening.

Slacking and Star Wars Lego II

2006-09-19T07:40:00.000-04:00

It has been a couple of weeks since a post, but lots has been happening. The new fall television season is coming time to play catch up. Smallville Season 5 came out on disk last week and quickly playing plowing through the episodes. If you watch the trailer, it looks like it is going to be a roller coaster. Brainiac, Jimmy Olsen and the Green arrow flashed on the screen during the trailer. The cape will have to come soon. Can't Wait.

I have mixed reservations about the new Legion of Superheroes featuring Superman. It looks super cheesy. But that is what I said about Teen Titans, now I am pining for the days fo Beast boy and Tofu pizza. Tivo is setup and ready to go. Another show that seems to have some potential is Heroes. 9 normal people find out the have extrodinary powers. I am keeping an open mind on this one. Jericho, mid season cancel. Still a huge fan of DeadZone; still a fun, smart and well written show. I just watched an episode of the 4400, it looks like a great show have Netflixed the first season. I am hoping is as solid as all the fanboys are saying.

I am all over the place this morning; coffee hasn't kicked. I almost forgot Star Wars Lego II. I am buying this for my son, or at least that is what I told the cashier. Like all sequels they tried to outdo themselves. They have created a huge world probably twice as much to open up and explore as in the original. If you want to complete the game. You will be replaying it several times. The story is as fun as ever the cut scenes and intros scene will make you laugh, but like with all sequels the original game excitement is just not quite there. Cant explain it but the excitement is just not there as it was with the first game. That let down feeling is something I am feeling more and more with games and movies. Sorry going off topic. Star Wars Legos II is a fun game and a great addition to the Star Wars Legos family. Give it a play. Next up Godfather with addtional XBOX 360 gameplay.

How Comics are like rent to own places

2006-09-08T14:10:00.000-04:00

I'd never really noticed how much I spent for a big summer comic book event until my friend, Aaron brought it to my attention. I knew how much I spent every week at the Local Comic shop but I didn't look at how much a mini series or maxi series cost. If you really think about it, comics are a lot like rent to own places. Take a look at DC's big event this year 52, so yes, Mr. Obvious there are 52 issues. They will probably add "must have" titles before it's over.

52 issues at 2.50 each is $130.00 for every issue.

Now I'm not a frugal guy but $130 for 1 series is a chunk of change. If it came out in one book with a $130.00 price tag would I buy it???? NO. (unless it had an original sketch by Neal Adams) But if they break it up into 52 easy payments of only $2.50 will I??? Absolutely. What does a rent-to-own place do to you?? They charge you twice as much for a tv but they break the payments into small increments.

I know that DC and Marvel need to make money but not THAT much.

Lost candy bar?

2006-09-01T16:15:00.000-04:00

There are television shows that you like to watch, there are shows you LOVE to watch, then there's LOST. In my family and with my friends LOST is mandatory. I've actually said, "No you can't come over tonight, LOST will be on soon." Calling my phone during Lost will get you nothing but a voice message. (commercial calls are ok, if short and concise) If you're a Lost fanatic then you know what Lost has done this summer. Throughout the internet they've hidden clues, video clips and all types of craziness to keep the fans rabid.
Their latest stunt is to give away candy bars that appeared on the show, the Apollo candy bar. http://www.apollocandy.com/ They only appear in select cities and only for a short time. Here in Indianapolis, it was a 1 hour deal. We got 4 candy bars. As you can see from this link, Bryan from ComicsPriceGuide got his picture with one.
http://www.whereisalvar.com/ (look at Indiana then "retro007")
I'm sure that years from now we will laugh and say "that was so stupid". But for now, it's an intriguing puzzle. (especially those stinkin video clips) If I ever saw that dude from the Hanso Foundation "I'd jump on him like a spider monkey".

The comic book Community

2006-08-26T07:10:00.000-04:00

The first time I ever went to a Big comic book convention I thought the purpose was to buy comics. Conversation was a means to buy more comic books. "How much?", "Got any Out There or Incredible Hulk comics?" I raced from booth to booth trying to see every issue from every vendor. I racked my brain trying to remember prices, issue numbers and my want list. Not exactly sure if I noticed anyone else at the convention besides the paid models who dressed up in superhero outfits. People were a hinderance to my sworn mission PROCURING COMICS and I completely ignored the artist area.

Now after years of attending conventions I have a different perspective. It's become much more social. For example this year I spoke with the creator/artist of Mouse Guard, Christopher Jones from Batman Strikes, Greg Horn who is working on Ultimate Fantastic 4 and many other lesser known artists. Hung out with some of the great people from www.ComicsPriceGuide.com like Murray, Shadow, Jeff. I never knew how much I liked Marshall Rogers until these guys talked about him. Classic work by Marshall Rogers A convention for me is much more about meeting and talking to people than racing to the next line for an exclusive toy to sell on Ebay. Think about it the next time you're waiting in a line. Collecting comics is much more enjoyable when you make it about learning from fellow collectors instead of hoarding pages of colored paper that have been stapled together. In the end, Bryan is right it's about the community.

Big Brother All Stars, Star Wars Maquettes and Burnt Carmel Apples

2006-08-24T20:57:00.000-04:00

Be forewarned I am all over the place tonight, hopped up on a burnt caramel apple. Just so you know if the caramel is burnt while dipping the apple, the caramel becomes a nearly impenetrable shell.

I tell you this so when your local chocolate shop vendor offers you a caramel apple at a steep discount, run! I am over an hour behind schedule trying to tear into the apple that was hiding smuggly behind beneath the caramel.

On to the cool stuff, Gentle Giant announced several sweet pieces this last week in their animated line. The CP3O Jawa piece (pictured) and the Luke Skywalker Maquette both standing over 8 inches tall will be awesome additions to the line. I personally own all the Animated Clone Wars except one Padme. (Please email if you are willing to part with her, at a reasonable price). It looks like early 2007 could be a great year or statue collectors. Bowen Designs has solid statues on the horizon and some awesome albeit obscure busts. And DC direct is continuing to put out some solid pieces in their Batman:Black and White and Superman:Cover to Cover series. As an avid collector I cant wait.

I am the pop culture geek of the group so I have to mention Big Brother All-Stars. I don't consider it "Reality TV" , but I do have to say it is my guilty pleasure. My wife, a confessed reality show addict, got me hooked on it early in the season. Dr. Will and Boogie from season two crack me up. I am saying it right now CBS needs to sign them on for their own sitcom or talk show. Dr Will/Boogie if chill town needs a manager give me a call. I think I can negotiate a solid deal for you guys.

One last thing, Marvel knocked it out of the park(Sports reference) with the Ultimate's 2 Cartoon feature. As a cartoon fan still mourning the loss of JLU and the Teen Titan this is a solid watch. If you don't fan boy it is a good ride. Good action, well drawn and even some humor. Give it a watch.

I gotta run, there are Zombies that need slaying.

The DVD and Comic Affect!!!

2006-08-21T10:03:00.000-04:00

V for Vendetta topped both the DVD sales and rental charts in the week following its home video release on August 1st. The film, which is based on the graphic novel by Alan Moore and Dave Lloyd, earned $70.5 million at the domestic box office earlier this year(from Neilson Video Scan and ICv2.com).

If you haven't seen the movie, I would highly recommend it. Solid adaption, great visual and solid acting. If you havent read the graphic novel, I would also say give it a viewing. Visit comicspriceguide.com for the pricing of the first print of the 10 book series. Go and get the Trade, the story is awesome and the art fits the mood of the book, remember reading is FUNdemental. GOTTA RUN!!!!!

Vertigo's Deadman #1

2006-08-20T00:07:00.000-04:00

If any of you thought it was going to be DC's superacrobatic supernatural superhero "Deadman". Well just push that right out of your head. This is Vertigo and its gonna be different. Much different.

Writer Bruce Jones has really done it this time, and I don't mean it in a negative sense. This book has everything that a #1 book should have. Building excitement for the characters and for what is coming on the next panel.

Just to digress a bit here, I get tired of reading those "anticipated #1's" only to be let down in the middle muttering to yourself, where is this going? Much like this here blog.

Ok. back on track here. Jones did a great job letting you know where this book was going. As the title states...The lead character (Brandon Cayce) is going to be a dead man. And the journey to getting there isnt as easy as you might think it should be. Brandon has to choose where he wants to be maybe alive, maybe dead? You wanna know what he chooses?...

Does the phrase "Dead man walking" help any here.

That being said, I really liked the concept. I know its not a unique one, but the way Jones it going about it...It's gonna be a great read.

Let me know your thoughts.
Cheers,
Bry

Civil Discontent.

2006-08-18T13:03:00.000-04:00

Civil War is Delayed!

Tell me how in the world Marvel's Civil War can be delayed???? Did they forget that issue 3 would be followed by issue 4? Was it a surprise that it lasted this long? Really. If this is the biggest event in Marvel this year how could it possible be late? It's gotten great press for the whole Spiderman revealing his identity and the storyline that can be read a couple of different ways (superhero and political). The idea behind this story is solid and worth reading which makes this delay all the worse.
A quick glance over at DC shows that they are publishing their big event EVERY WEEK. Come on Marvel we want to like this story but delays are the best way to kill excitement. Just a thought.
Ron

Dead Rising

2006-08-10T11:33:00.000-04:00

Dead Rising, where to start. The concept is awesome, zombie(THOUSANDS of them), you and and an array of odd weapons. Starting the game it feels like you are a part of a John Romero classic. Great music, cheesy capcom dialogue, tension, plenty of bloody gore and even a few laughs. Then it happens, you come upon the saving feature, a term used loosely. One SAVE! You can either save or start over. Granted when you start over you keep the stats you at your previous save, which can help you speed through the parts you have mastered. It is basically groundhogs with zombie and no cute young Andie Mcdowell.

The has so much potential, I am praying for a patch from capcom. PLEASE Capcom, give us a reasonable saving system. I am currently learning the map and what each weapon does. Love the soccerball, hockey stick and the Chain saw. Tonight I will be hunting for the Kitana and the machine gun(Alright, I googled the Dead Rising walkthrough, just for a couple of hints). Looking forward to playing so enough of me typing. I am off to battle the dead. Give it a rent.

Back alittle late.

2006-08-05T20:12:00.000-04:00

I thought i would have time to write around lunch time, however it is now a few minutes away from dinner(Looks like it will be bone-in ribeye's at Gibsons). I will try to not listen to the grumblings in my stomach and talk alittle about the show. Friday's show seemed a little light attendance wise, but the dealers I talked to said their sales were brisk for new books and trade paper backs.

Saturday was crazy as usual, The aisles and booths were filled with the usual suspects. I will have pictures up as soon as I can get the camera connected to the Mac.

Sales on Saturday were more than brisk, the popular booths did not have enough people collecting money, most people were waiting in decent size lines just to pay. Kirkman's hard cover Walking Dead Volume 1 and Invincible TPB's were flying off the shelve's at DCBS booth. Also it appears alot of the inexpensive Marvel Showcase's were disappearing quickly from the racks as well. Comic wise, if a creator, writer or artist was signing the book was moving. From an independant book standpoint, Petersen's MouseGuard series were all over the place and his booth had a steady flow of autograph seekers. The biggest suprise would be the line for Liefeld's line was insanely long for the entire day. Overall I would think the vendors and talent were pleased. Back in a bit.

Wizard World Chicago:Day one-Flat Tires and not much floor time.

2006-08-05T11:04:00.000-04:00

We arrived in Chicago about 9:30 Thursday night, just in time to get Geno's Pizza and some pre-show chat time. We woke up early and arrived at the show about 30 minutes before the official start time. I am will be writing more at downtime today. I will be getting more information and pictures on the site, today at lunch.

On the Road

2006-08-03T14:50:00.000-04:00

Well off to Chicago. I can't wait to see what is going on at the show. I will keep you posted over the weekend. Will have 3 to 4 hours on the road to start debating the main points of the show and make sure the comic universes are in alignment. I will try to get some exclusive scoops and who knows maybe some interviews.

Peace
LVZ

Wizard World Chicago and consistent Blogging.

2006-08-02T10:23:00.000-04:00

Before I start quoting Grandma's Boy. We are about 2 days away from Wizard World Chicago. The cooler is cleaned, rockstar is on ice, laundry is almost done and I have been scouring ebay for current pricing of comic collectiables. It appears the Women of the DC unverse bust will be a good long term investment, currnet pricing for the first in the series(Wonder Women)is trending like the black and white batman series. I will be coming home with several of Wonder Women, if some poor, non-internet based, mom and pop comic store ordered a large batch of them.

As for Bowen statues and busts, not sure what I will be doing. Most of the newer busts and statues are more obscure or secondary Marvel characters. It will be quite a while before you see good margins on any of them. I am still surprise at the ability to get Scarlett Witch, Ghost Rider and Vision below MSRP. Logan, Juggernaut and of course Silver Surfer are really starting to take off. Still shocked about how much The Vindicator is going for. I think the Limited Edition Frankie Ray will be a good buy. I will also be snagging all the Old Warner Brother store stuff, as long as the pricing is reasonable.

Wow I did not think I would be speculating today, but there you have it. I hope I dont throw the market out of whack. Well I promise we will focus on getting more post up and more consistently. XBOX 360, Kids and Summer have thrown me off. I will make sure I will play less G.R.A.W and ZUMA and focus more on keeping the blog current.

WOO!!! That Game is fun, What is high score mean? New High score is that bad? Did I Break it?

Off to Xbox Live Arcade and Street Fighter-Hyper Force. Peace!!!

Slacker

2006-04-18T22:50:00.000-04:00

So I am off to a slow start with consistent and engaging bloggs. I have been very busy and lazy. Biggest time leeches have been ebay (Which is good) and Elder Scroll Oblivion(which is bad). Thanks to those who actually emailed me to recommend Elder Scroll's, I have been sucked in for the last couple of weeks. Question of the day is should I become a vampire? I will try and spend more time one the board and less time in Morrowind.

Ebaying has shown me a couple of things in the last few weeks. SilverAge comics are a very good investment you should try to thing to hunt down at your local comic store, flea market or local paper. Always make sure you check the books over closely and use a dependable source for the values. Being a biased blogger make sure you check out www.comicspriceguide.com for your pricing. Our guys keep a close eye on ebay and talk with people one a daily basis on trends and pricing.

Movies, Games at a quick glance(and I do mean quick).

When you get a chance check out Robot Chicken Season one, you will love it(If you are a male and have a sense of humor). Feel the wrath of skeletor's breakfast burrito!!!!

Stay away from Oblivion for the Xbox 360 it is the black hole of time. If you like to watch strippers wrestling RumbleRose will make you smile. Playing RumbleRose is like watching latenight Cinemax, you know you shouldn't but you can't stop.

I have to run gotta level. I mean Ebay.

PEACE

Star Wars the TV show and Atomik Mike (Comicspriceguide Variant) New DVDs and Elder Scroll Oblivion

2006-03-22T00:51:00.000-05:00

It is late So this will be short. I got alittle excited today when it was announced that George Lucas has run out of cash and will be putting Star Wars the TV show into production. With a guarantee of 100 episodes it is sure to be a great ride. I can already see a Star Wars Holiday Special on the horizon. We have 2 years to wait which in Lucas time is a little more than a week. For more information check out http://filmforce.ign.com/articles/695/695654p1.html

On a more personal note Comicspriceguide has achieved one if it goals, our name is on a comic book. Atomik Mike #1 Comicspriceguide Variant. The book is written by a friend of CPG's Stephan Nilson, the president of www.acrossthepondcomics.com. We will be offering a CGC and CGC Exclusive on our site for the next 30 days or so. Go to https://www.comicspriceguide.com/promotion.asp if you would like to reserve your copy today. (Shameless ComicBook Plug).

One last thing before bed, Big purchase day for comic DVD's, We must purchase Justice League, Season 1, Batman Beyond, Season 1, South Park Season 7 (Metro Sexual, The Crips are classics) and Chicken Little(favorite of my son). Definitely a Day to Break the Piggy Bank.

Ok one more last thing if anyone has played the new Elder Scrolls Oblivion for the XBOX 360, drop me an email and let me know if it worth the price of your arm, leg and first born.

Outta Here... LVZ

What I found out at my local comic shop today

2006-03-21T15:48:00.000-05:00

Ok, just my two cents...

I really miss the days where back issues smothered my LCS's walls. Today, all I see are Trade Paper Backs everywhere. Now, don't get me wrong; I love trades, they are usually the only thing I bring on any vacation.

As a collector, I am in the market for back issues of my favorite titles. It seems to me as if todays local comic shops are not in it for the collector and only for the reader. This is extremely fair, because everyone has the right to make money. But, are ebay or Comic websites the only way for someone to pick up the elusive back-issue.

Maybe this is just a sign of the times. I am just a nostolgic person longing for comics to have exagerated cover art of the story inside...not just a person standing heroic, Continuity in all titles and the love of collecting to be back and prominate in the Local Comic Shop. Maybe it is that way where you live and all I can say is, "where is that store at?. My bags are packed and I am ready to go.

Cheers
Bry

V for Vendetta, first post and huge storm...

2006-03-21T00:17:00.000-05:00

Hello, you have stumbled onto the official comicspriceguide blog, we are excited to have an official CPG blog. So Welcome friends and fellow Geeks. For those of you not familiar with CPG, we are the boys that bring you www.comicspriceguide.com (we like to thinks it is the premiere online priceguide and comic community) Also our friends from www.comicbookgeeks.com will be here to keep the blog up to date and share their Top Ten and industry interviews.

Ok I dont have much time to write tonight, because we are getting ready to get hit with 8 to 10 inches of snow and I need to get to bed in order to get up and shovel. First day of spring, EH?

V for Vendetta

I did not think we were going to get out this weekend to see V, with everything going on around CPG, but we snuck out late Sunday night for the 2 hour and 12 minute movie and I couldn't me more happy. Ok, not going to compare the comic book to the movie, I will let the pro's do that. However the Matrix boys made an engrossing and thought provoking movie. Good mix of action and story. Mr. Smith was both funny and poignant, Padme has pretty good range(never given the opportunity to shine in the Lucas films) and Fergus's (If you can figure out this reference without IMDB, I will be impressed) approach to the inspector very grounded and subdued. I will go into more detail tomorrow if snow permits. Until then, Spooon!!!!!!!!!!!!! LVZ