
                   " C O M I C   B O O K   E - M A G "
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                   Issue 3 - Volume 1 - March 27, 1995

     "Brought to you from the fine folks at the COMIC BOOK Network!"

                   Editors: Ed Dukeshire & Mike Imboden
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                    T A B L E   O F   C O N T E N T S
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       [-1-] The 25th Hour ...................... Mike Imboden
       [-2-] Reviews
              Agents of Law #1 and #2 ........... David Leblanc
              James Kochalka Superstar .......... Chris Oarr
              Optic Nerve #1 .................... William Hughes
              Optic Nerve mini #7 ............... William Hughes
              Private Beaches #2 ................ William Hughes
       [-3-] NatToys ............................ Nathan Bredfeldt
       [-4-] CSNsider ........................... David Leblanc
       [-5-] Comicunications .................... Ryan Brewster
       [-6-] Feedback ........................... Readers
       [-7-] BBSes Linked into CBN .............. CBN Staff

__________________________________________________________________________
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/--[-1-]--/  THE 25TH HOUR  /--------------------------------------------/

 
  "THE 25TH HOUR" - by Mike Imboden
 
 
  Hey, bet you were expecting me to rant and rave about the whole Marvel/
  Heroes World/DC/Diamond/"death of the industry as we know it" fiasco,
  huh?
 
  Surprise. I've decided to just sit back and let the whole mess sort
  itself out before I go off on any more anti-Marvel diatribes. I AM
  fully prepared to boycott the big "M" if need be and my latest order
  is a reflection of that as I drop all Ultraverse titles except Mantra
  and Ultraforce, and drop Fantastic Four, Avengers and Captain America
  from the Marvel line up. Will I manage to find the kahunahs to drop
  the Spidey books? The X-Men books? If the rumors are true, I may not
  have an option. But, oh, see? I'm starting to do what I wanted to
  avoid. Best to be moving along into what I wanted to talk about this
  go 'round.
 
  Actually, heh, I don't have anything planned. :)
  So we're gonna wing it. Humor me here, ok? Thanks....
 
  Ever think how neat it would be if some comic books had soundtracks?
  I mean, comics are more or less little two-dimensional movies for the
  most part. It seems logical for them to have soundtracks. Heck, it's a
  fun game that you can have hours of fun playing. In fact, save me the
  trouble of writing a future column and send me some examples. I'll
  run a couple of the better ones I get, assuming anyone sends one in.
 
  Does Stephen Spielberg really know Nick Fury?
  (I love this stuff!)
  Stephen has made at least one appearance in Tiny Toons. Babs and Buster
  Bunny have made a cameo in a Yakko, Wakko and Dot cartoon. The Warner
  Brothers (and the Warner sister) have seen Godzilla face to face. The
  Big G was once chased around the country by Dum Dum Dugan and a whole
  slew of SHIELD operatives. Nick Fury was Dugan's boss. Therefore, the
  possibility exists for Spielberg to have met Nick Fury.
 
  Am I the only one who is almost to the point of not really caring what
  happens in "The Kindly Ones" anymore after all of the delays in this
  latest SANDMAN story arc? I'm gonna have to dig all of the previous
  issues out just to refresh my memory when the next part comes out.
 
  Do you live in the Washington, DC metro area? Can you just pack a bag
  and make a trip to the Nation's capitol if you wanted to? Well, on
  June 23rd Bethesda, Maryland (a suburb of D.C.) will be host to the
  second annual Small Press Expo. If you're tired of contributing to the
  pockets of the fat cats playing chicken with your childhood heroes, why
  not throw your support behind the "little guys" in the industry? The
  Small Press Expo is an ideal forum to meet the folks that produce some
  of the most entertaining books available today. I'll relay more details
  in the coming weeks as guests are confirmed. But start making plans to
  attend right now. Heck, for anything you'll get to meet yours truly. :)
 
  Before I turn control of the E-mag back to everyone else, I wanted to
  list a few comics that have started sneaking up my list of "faves" in
  the past few months. Some have been out awhile, some are brand spanking
  new. ALL are not superhero books, with the exception of one which to
  call it a superhero book is, well, using it for lack of a better term.
  STRAY BULLETS, PREACHER, STRANGERS IN PARADISE, STARMAN, PRIVATE BEACH,
  COLORS IN BLACK, THB (I'll admit, this is based upon what I've seen -
  I'm jumping on board a wee late on this one).
 
  That's it for this time. I'm also waiting for Halloween costume ideas
  that I asked for in Issue #2. Remember, there's a prize waiting for the
  best one.
 
  Next time I hope to be able to offer my take on the Marvel situation.
  Until then,
 
  Plastic Bubble Wrap!
 
 
-= /\/\!ke =-
mike.imboden@f748.n109.z1.fidonet.org
Fido -> 1:109/748     CBN -> 23:403/2

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/--[-2-]--/  REVIEWS  /--------------------------------------------------/


   Title(s): AGENTS OF LAW
Reviewed by: David Leblanc


AGENTS OF LAW - #1 & #2 - Dark Horse (Dark Horse Heroes)
 
Review adapted from letter of comment - 2/18/95
 
Agents of Law replaces Catalyst: Agents of Change as Dark Horse restarts
the Comic's Greatest World titles in a new direction.  Grace, the leader
of Golden City went off to The Vortex leaving behind the ruins of
battle.  As the story opens LAW, last seen in Division 13, approaches
the city and begins his rise to power.
 
 Actually, as I read it again it is more of a tease than a review.Guess
you'll just have to buy it to figure out what I'm talking about!
 
*8^)
 
 
 
 
SPOILER ALERT
 
 
 
Before I start, let's handle the obligatory, Name The Letter Page
Contest right up front.  You have got to go with LETTER OF THE LAW.
Is there really any other choice?
 
Once again I had a pleasant surprise waiting for me this week in the
mail that had piled up for a few days while I was away earning a living.
Always a pleasure to see the Dark Horse logo on the envelope but this
time it was not one but a TWO issue preview of Agents of Law.  That evil
grin staring at me as I slipped it out of the envelope let me know that
this was going to be a fun.  Actually, I have been looking forward to
this series since catching the few pages in Previews recently.  It
looked to be pretty intense and one thing I hate is boring comics.
 
Lawlis and Akin are a great team on the artwork for this book.  Right
from the cover page all the way through it conveys every emotion and
action flawlessly.  The cameos by the other members of Comics Greatest
World was a treat I hadn't expected.  I hope it is an omen of things to
come, especially if we get to see Law tangle with X at some point.  If
you do it must be needed and not contrived.  Steven Grant's characters
are best when they stay true to their nature.
 
Now as to the story, well all we need say is Keith Giffen and we know it
will be a fun ride.  Right from the get go we know this Law guy has big
plans and maybe it is just a bit too convenient that he happens on a
poor soul that fits those plans very well.  Well, for the sake of
starting the story we can overlook that, or chalk it up to some kind of
willingness on others to let any hope fill the vacuum left behind when
Grace left so the question of the body being authentic is never brought
up.  A minor point in the plot but in real life the identification
process would have to be carried out and then where would Law be?  Maybe
this will be touched on later.
 
After that the story moves forward in fine fashion.  The choosing of
sides, the mistrust of some, the manipulations and betrayals, all make
for a great read that is over too soon.  Now I see why you sent 2 issues
worth for a preview.  The ending of book #1 has a lot of impact and I
can just picture those fans waiting eagerly for #2, trouble is now I
have a longer wait for #3!  I really enjoy the plots and twists they
take; the sudden killings to force Mecha's hand and especially the
pondering of the aid at the terminal deep within the citadel.  I don't
know what to expect next, especially after seeing who is kicking
around the vortex at Cinnabar Flats.
 
If this is representative of the re-tooling of the CGW titles then I
think you will be going in the right direction. I've enjoyed the titles
so far, but this is definitely more bang for the buck!  Thanks for
letting me in early.
 
 
 *David LeBlanc>
     ComicBkNet@AOL.COM
 
 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------/

   Title(s): JAMES KOCHALKA SUPERSTAR
Reviewed by: Chris Oarr


Minicomics are a lot like college radio.  There's so much to hate, but
every now and then you might run across something completely great that
you just aren't going to find anywhere else.  Those few pearls make up
for all that grit, if only just barely.
 
JAMES KOLCHALKA SUPERSTAR is one such pearl, a mini that exhibits
all of the virtues particular to minicomics.  Personal, experimental,
and strangely affecting, JKS is a well-crafted and immediately
accessible piece of work.  I wish more comix were this good.
 
Most of the stories in JKS are autobiographical, but don't let that put
you off.  Whether he's using his "Magic Boy" stand-in or portraying
himself "as is," Kolchalka always has a story to tell.  Some may
be better than others, but most have a strong narrative structure, and
almost all of them have some kind of closure.  These are missing
ingredients in a lot of autobiography these days, especially in
minicomics.  Kochalka is no wisened sage, but at least he has thought
through what he wants to say, and usually it's worth reading.
 
A couple stand out stories come to mind.  "Satan's Walk" (JKS #3)
follows our hero's thoughts as he walks home from work.  One thing
that makes it interesting is a critique of NANCY artist Ernie
Bushmiller, of all things.  This one's been reviewed just about
everywhere that follows minicomics (in fact, it was an excerpt from
"Satan's Walk" in Comics Journal that prompted me to send away for a few
issues of JKS).
 
My personal favorite is "Magic Boy and Girlfriend" (JKS #4), a story in
which both Kolchalka and his anthropomorphic alter ego appear side by
side.  Sexcapades, voyeurism, and copycat behaviour propel the story.
Kolchalka's sense of distance and a final judgement make it worthwhile.
And it's funny to boot.
 
What does JKS look like?  B&W in the "fat" mini format (8.5" x 5").
Thick paper covers with a second color thrown in for laughs.  Between
the covers the art is strong. That's the best word for it. Kolchalka's
clean, thick lines are easy on the eyes, and the simple, uncrowded
panels are an anomaly in a field overrun with "ugly art syndrome."
It ain't fancy, but it sure is bold.  Even zipatone doesn't muddy the
compositions. Simple figures and a good sense of black give the pages a
strength and balance you don't usually see in minis.
 
There are only six issues of JKS, and there won't be any more.  I
understand Kolchalka has a "full-sized" comic in the works, but I don't
remember when it's supposed to come out.  If it's half as good as the
minis, though, it'll be twice as good as most comix.
 
Until then, check out this fine homespun effort.  Every issue's still
in print.  Ordering information is below.
 
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
JAMES KOLCHALKA SUPERSTAR is a minicomic from Burlington's own James
Kolchalka, P.O. Box 8321, Burlington, VT  05402.  $2.00 a pop, postage
paid.  Collect all six!  (And if you're too damn cheap, ask for #3 and
#4, in that order.)

-------------------------------------------------------------------------/

   Title(s): OPTIC NERVE #1
Reviewed by: William Hughes

OPTIC NERVE by Adrian Tomine is causing talk amongst the comic world.
He's had a successful run of mini comics by the same name, and this is
the most talked about debut in the comics world recently.
 
The book is made up of short stories about people. Not people in
costumes rushing off to save the world, not about giys with swords, or
vampires. Just people. And, to make it a bit more out of the ordinary,
Tomine seems to purposely end each story wide open, leaving the reader
to decide how the tale ended; or what the story was really about in the
first place.
 
SLEEPWALK is the first short story, and it's about one crappy day in the
life of a guy. It reads like a journal entry, as the lead character,
Mark prepares for his birthday dinner with his ex-girlfriend. It's
almost like watching a car wreck in slow motion, as Mark falls into that
deadly moment of rejection that we sense will fall upon him. Tomine
shows anxiousness, the false hope, and the crushing despair so well I'd
guess it had happened to him recently.
 
ECHO AVE. is my personal favorite, and it's about a couple that discover
they can see into an apartment across the street, and how they instantly
turn into voyeurs, enjoying the thrill of watching their kinky neighbors
having sex. The appeal of the story is in the ending, however, as the
husband abruptly stops this practice, and refuses to let his wife watch
any longer after he sees something while she is out of the room. He
refuses to tell her what he saw, but Tomine gets the point across.
Something happened that disturbed him. What? Who the heck knows, the
story is over!
 
As weird as it may sound, I kind of like the way the story ends, because
it's up to the reader to draw his own conclusions. Was it a
Hitchcock-esque scene of murder? Was it something in the sex that
offended him? Or perhaps he came to the realization that they were
getting too into watching? Who knows. Tomine paints an intriquing
picture, but leaves it up to you to decide what it is he's painted. I
like that.
 
Other short stories include LONG DISTANCE, DROP and LUNCH BREAK. All of
interesting points to them, but I don't want to over-analyze the book.
It's an interesting book, and I recommend it, if for no other reason,
it'll help spark debate over the deeper meanings of each story!
 
Bill Hughes!!
Email Address: william.hughes@p3.f744.n109.z1.fidonet.org.
 

-------------------------------------------------------------------------/

   Title(s): OPTIC NERVE mini #7
Reviewed by: William Hughes


This is the final issue of the mini comic that made way for the regular
version that I posted about last week. This comic was made available via
PREVIEWS, so much for Diamond being anti-small press, eh?
 
Anyway, I got a kick out of seeing the book that spawned the full size
OPTIC NERVE, but I'm glad that the regular version is now available.
Mini's seem too fragile to me, I wouldn't want to get into the habit of
reading them.
 
Other than the paper quality and smaller size, the mini isn't alot
different than the full sized kin. Same type of writing technique from
Tomine as well. The stories weren't as cool for me as ECHO AVE in the
full size, but enjoyable nonetheless. My favorite for this issue is
titled "SLEEP=WASTE" and is a rant by the author about how much he could
do if he didn't have to sleep. Very cute. I also enjoyed the last page,
where Tomine announces that this is the last issue of the mini by
depicting himself being heckled by his fans with slurs like, "sell-out"
and "Bourgeois scum!" I found Tomine's self-depiction in both
SLEEP=WASTE and the last page to be quite humourous, in fact I thought
it was the most enjoyable part of the book!
 
Oh, one last note: Anyone who felt a kinship with the character of Mark
in the first issue of the regular comic should check out Tomine's
STAMMER for another example of Tomine's "Every Man" storyline. Whos
hasn't gone thru this as well?
 
 
Bill Hughes!!
Email Address: william.hughes@p3.f744.n109.z1.fidonet.org.
 

-------------------------------------------------------------------------/

   Title(s): PRIVATE BEACHES #2
Reviewed by: William Hughes


Even though I put in a re-order for this book, when I saw it on the
stands I couldn't resist. So I bought two copies. Label me a fanboy! <g>
 
So far Sharona is my favorite character simply because she doesn't take
sh*t from anyone she encounters, especially liason's bent on destruction
of personal property. Her revenge scheme on Todd- ACK! That's every
hair-farmer's nightmare!
 
Seems to be alot of subplots starting to form, with George's crush on
Trudy, Sharona vs Todd, and the introduction of Violet. Lloyd and Trudy
also begin to plan how to snatch the Visa Fetish.
 
The book also has another chapter of Hahn's super-hero work, which
doesn't do a whole lot for me. I'm not sure if he's serious or making
fun of the genre, and since I can't tell, that doesn't bode well for
whichever it is.
 
Also a funny one-page Trudyverse story called MALL WATCHING that was
quite humourous, with Trudy and Sharona making fun of mall shoppers as
the walk by.
 
This is a light-hearted series in the same vein as STRANGERS IN PARADISE
with an odd twist of para-dimensional beings. (heh!) Check it out!
 
Bill Hughes!!
Email Address: william.hughes@p3.f744.n109.z1.fidonet.org.
 

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/--[-3-]--/  NATETOYS REVIEWS  /-----------------------------------------/

 NATETOYS (Action Figure Reviews)
 By Nathan Bredfeldt

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

            FIGURE:  Zealot (From Playmates' WildCats line.)  
             PRICE:  $6
      AVAILABILITY:  Good
 EQUIPMENT/WEAPONS:  Five cheapie blades, and a walkie talkie.  Most fit
                     into one hand or the other, without much fuss.

            EXTRAS:  A big stand and a trading card.  Trading cards suck,
                     and the "one in every 500 signed by Jim Lee!" contest
                     is stupid, because anyone can look down into the
                     package, and see if the card is signed, or not.  The
                     large base for her to stand on implies that she's to
                     be looked at, not played with, which the design of
                     this figure seems to confirm.

  SPECIAL FEATURES:  None.
        DURABILITY:  Fairly durable, except those fins in her back.

        PLAY VALUE:  Very little.  Her arms and legs bend, but her knees
                     and elbows don't.  Neck moves with difficulty.
 
            RATING:  *.5, 2.75 out of 10, 26%, and D-
    RECOMMENDATION:  Stay away from this whole line, unless you're a big
                     WildCats fan, or you can find them on sale!  These
                     are not worth $6, maybe not ever $5!

       FINAL NOTES:  Against my better judgement, I will seek out a
                     Grifter figure for purchase, but only because I like
                     him so much.  I'll regret it later, but that's ok,
                     because I'm young.
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

            FIGURE:  Clown Violator (From Toddy Mc's SPAWN line)
             PRICE:  $6 
      AVAILABILITY:  Fair to poor.  (Seen about 10 since December)
         EQUIPMENT:  Big club/turkey leg, with bite taken out of it.  Very
                     amusing and sturdy, but I don't use it.

            EXTRAS:  Comic book!  Not too bad.  Worth about a dollar,
                     maybe 50 cents.  Appropriate (nutty) art, and a plot
                     meant as little more than an intro the the character.
                     Smart marketing move on Toddy's part!  REAL HAIR!  It
                     really is real!  Where's my hair spray?

  SPECIAL FEATURES:  Flippin head!  Switches between clown and a
                     sinister cross between human and violator...  
        DURABILITY:  Lookin good!  I dropped him, right after I got him,
                     and he's still holding up well!  The arm that is used
                     to flip his head comes loose easily, but is just as
                     easily fixed.

        PLAY VALUE:  Lots and lots!  This guy is great lookin, and even
                     without bending feet, the play value is obvious.  No
                     problem standing him up, or keeping his arms in place.  
 
            RATING:  ****.5, 9 out of 10, 91%, and A
    RECOMMENDATION:  This is the ultimate fat bald guy figure!  You must
                     have it!  I don't like the Spawn comic, and I still
                     like this guy!  He may be hard to find for $6, but
                     he's not nearly as rare as Overkill and Tremor.  

       FINAL NOTES:  Sadly, the rest of the Spawn line dosen't fare so
                     well.  Spawn and Tremor are pretty bad, Violator
                     isn't worth the plastic used to make it, and I bet
                     I'll like Midevil and Overkill, but haven't been able
                     to get them, yet.  Can't wait to get an Angela, and
                     get a perverted fight scene going!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

            FIGURE:  Rouge (From Toy Biz's X-Men line)
             PRICE:  $5, if you're lucky.  Otherwise $6.
      AVAILABILITY:  Varies.  I've seen very few, but some have seen
                     oodles.
 EQUIPMENT/WEAPONS:  Nada.

            EXTRAS:  Trading card.  Stupid and bad art.  I didn't even
                     bother getting it out of the package.

  SPECIAL FEATURES:  Uppercut.  Not too bad.  Better than:  "Twist waist
                     and watch him punch" or "Fast draw action!" (Neither
                     of which I can get to work correctly) The button's a
                     little tough to press, but no biggie.
        DURABILITY:  Toy Biz usually makes pretty feeble figures, and
                     just feeling the small frame of this one, I can
                     predict that this is no exception.

   OVERALL QUALITY:  Quality?  From Toy Biz?  Surely you jest!  Sorry
                     face job, no extras, mold lines on the hair, and
                     low availability kill this one.  Plus the fact that
                     she can barely stand on her own, and I usually have
                     to lean her against Guido.  However, it is one of
                     Toy Biz's best.

        PLAY VALUE:  Well, it's pretty articulate, and the punch is easy
                     and potentially useful, so as long as you don't
                     drop it, you could have some fun with it.
 
           RATINGS:  B, 73%, ***, 7.5  
    RECOMMENDATION:  Pass.  90% of everything from ToyBiz sux, and the
                     other 10% is mediochre at best.  Plus, you should be
                     boycotting those fools at Marvel.

       FINAL NOTES:  Spend the extra dollar and get a Spawn Figure.  I'll
                     personally guarantee that more effort was put into
                     each Spawn figure than was put into five ToyBiz
                     figs...
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

            FIGURE:  Big Beast (Toy Biz's X-Men line)
             PRICE:  $10
      AVAILABILITY:  Once since Christmas, once before.  Not too good, is
                     it?  Better than small Beast, I guess...
 EQUIPMENT/WEAPONS:  A hanging bar that you can suction cup to a wall, and
                     hang Beast from.

  SPECIAL FEATURES:  Nope.
        DURABILITY:  Being a full 10 inches, this is more durable than any
                     ToyBiz carp I've ever seen.

   OVERALL QUALITY:  No cheezy wind up arms, no buttons on the back, no
                     multi-electric joints, just a figure.  Hallelujah!

        PLAY VALUE:  How could this not have loads of it?  It's big, its
                     blue, it's Beast, and it has no cheezy actions to get
                     in the way.  Yup, this is figure of the year.  Ignore
                     that suction cup hanging thing.  Beast is too heavy
                     to stay on it, anyhow.

           RATINGS:  95%, 10, A+++, and ****.5!
    RECOMMENDATION:  Beast or X-Men fans:  Buy me!  Casual collectors:
                     Find me on sale, and BUY ME!

       FINAL NOTES:  This is the exception that proves Toy Biz sux.
                     Sadly, Beast is so hard to find, and stores are
                     hesitant to buy a lot of Giant Sized figures, because
                     they don't sell well.

__________________________________________________________________________
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/--[-4-]--/ CSNsider /-------------------------------------------------/

 CSNsider 407
 by David Leblanc


This is the CSNsider from CSN #407, which will be in shops on 4/5/95.
It is reproduced in its entirety with the expressed permission of
Comic Shop News.
 
George Perez reports that his debut on the Silver Surfer title has been
pushed back to at least Silver Surfer #110; but he does have another
Surfer project to keep him busy, namely the Silver Surfer/Superman
crossover that he'll be writing, with Ron Lim and Terry Austin handling
the art...
 
While Blackball Comics is no longer publishing, that doesn't mean an end
to Mark Wheatley's Radical Dreamer; the series will continue under the
Mark's Giant Economy Size Comics imprint...
 
Malibu has announced a delay in the debut of its Star Trek:  Voyager
series; while a new release date hasn't been set yet, Malibu hopes to get
everything back on track sometime this summer...
 
The upcoming X-Files reprint volume from Topps will include the first
three issues for a bargain $3.95-$4.95 price tag...
 
Now Comics has cancelled their Married With Children and Speed Racer
titles in a company-wide cutback, but will continue to release issues of
Green Hornet and Syphons...
 
The return of The Outer Limits to television has renewed negotiations to
bring The Outer Limits to comic books as well, although nothing has been
signed yet...
 
Five new episodes will air this fall when The Adventures of Batman & Robin
returns to Fox's afternoon program schedule; including a wonderful Jonah
Hex episode written by Joe R.  Lansdale...
 
Is it true that Fox is considering a new Doctor Who series?...
 
Paul Dini and Bruce Timm, the masterminds behind the Batman & Robin
animated series, are already at work on plans for a Superman animated
series, probably for Warner Bros...
 
Caliber Press's upcoming Power Cards collectible trading card game will
initially feature characters from the Sky Comics Universe; later releases
will feature other Big Bang, Kabuki, and UN Force characters, along with
some surprises.  The starter cards are now slated for April release...
 
Steven Grant and Gil Kane are already doing preliminary work on the return
of His Name Is...Savage, the 1968 Gil Kane hard-edged adventure comic
that'll fit right in with today's crime comics...
 
Are you ready for Unity II?...
 
George Perez will also be illustrating Isaac Asimov's I-Bots for
Tekno-Comix, with Howard Chaykin handling the concept development and
Steven Grant doing the scripting for the series...
 
Monogram/Revell will offer inexpensive model kits of the Batmobile and
other Bat-vehicles from Batman Forever...
 
Iron Man gets a major revamp in a time-travel storyline beginning later
this year...
 
Following the success of The Mask on CD-ROM, some of the bigger players in
the comic book marketplace are also considering reissuing some of their
books on CD-ROM...
 
Extreme looks way into the future of Image with Extreme 3000, a new line
of books that will feature four Image titles set a millennium in the
future...  Comico has plans to bring back The Elementals at long last this
summer...
 
CSN #407 features a cover feature on the Rune/Silver Surfer team-up from
Marvel and Malibu, as well as more news and the April Hot Picks.
 
The only way to get Comic Shop News is to visit a shop that carries CSN.
The publication costs the shops just $.10 each and is generally free to
customers.  If you shop doesn't carry CSN, nag 'em until they do.  After
all, isn't your business and satisfaction worth a dime a week?
 
Visit our WWW site!
http://www.actwin.com/csn
 
Ward Batty   wardo@jupiter.netdepot.com
Cliff Biggers   cliffbig@jupiter.netdepot.com
 
(c)1995 CSN, Inc.
 
 *David LeBlanc>             ComicBkNet@AOL.COM
 david.leblanc@gaquatic.iii.net  RIME->5179  FIDO 1:322/518
 

__________________________________________________________________________
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
/--[-5-]--/  COMICUNICATIONS  /------------------------------------------/

 Comicunications 1.10
 by Ryan Brewster

                                               
                    
                        
                                           
                               
  ---The Comic Book Net's Kinda Weekly Comics Journal---------- 
                       

Marvel/Heroes' World Announces Terms:
 
First things first. The Discount Structure... :) What everyone wants to 
know.  Heroes' World's TENTATIVE Discount Structure:
 
 $   300 -    999         40%
    1000 -   1332         42
    1333 -   1999         46
    2000 -   2666         47
    2667 -   3332         49
    3333 -   4166         50
    4167 -   4999         51
    5000 -   6666         52
    6667 -   8332         53
    8333 - 16,666         54
  16,667 & up             55
 
There are also 'incentive programs', such as:
 
- 2% extra off if you order at least 5 copies each of 75% of the 
Marvel/Malibu line.
 
- 3% extra off if you meet the 'sales growth bonus' goal... i.e, if the 
goal is 5% growth, and you've ordered $1000 of books this month, you need 
to order $1050 of books next month to get an extra 3% off.
 
- Still 2% more off if you exceed the sales growth bonus goal or participate 
in merchandising/display of specific Marvel projects, around 1 a week.
 
With this structure, one could hypothetically get up to 62% off...
 
Additionally, in July, Marvel will automatically give the first two bonuses 
to ALL retailers regardless of whether they meet the criteria.
 
The basic returnability goes unchanged. Mis-Solicitations, books that are 
more than 30 days late, etc. Products over 90 days late will be cancelled 
and re-solicited.
 
Co-ops are strictly prohibited.
 
There are 3 delivery methos. UPS, local pick-up and local delivery to 
place for pick-up by retailers. Retailers pay UPS charges...
 
Credit will be offered to customers who meet credit approvals. Those who 
don't meet credit approval pay COD.
 
HW Will have regional centers in Toronto, NY, Ft. Lauderdale, Chicago, 
Dallas, San Francisco, Los Angeles and London, England.
 
While some concern was expressed that the $300 minimum wouldn't curtail the 
co-op programs ("weekend warriors"), however, a Marvel spokesperson said 
that if an account was suspect, they would require a picture of the 
storefront. They said that 'We will do more than we've ever done before to 
try to stop people who are mere collectors.'
 
I'm offended.
 
Also, the co-op ad program is shut down.
 
Marvel will also attempt to publish sell-through data. Says a spokesperson, 
"We will work with an independent firm who will ask key retailers to submit 
their sell-through data so that we can publish a chart of sell through data 
in order that retailers will know what's selling in the industry on a 
national basis.
 
The re-order fee will drop from 5% to 2%, and order increases AND decreases 
will be permitted.
 
 
Joe Monks proposes Independent Coalition:
 
From Mr. Joe Monks of Cry For Dawn Publications:
 
It would seem that in the past three days enough significant
events have taken place, enough conversations have gone on,
and enough agreements have been made for me to make this
post.  This might run a little long, but so be it. 
With the changes in the direct market threatening the
existence of many small retailers, small distributors {and
one large one perhaps}, and the entire group of publishers
who fit the category of "Independent" - the suggestion of a
coalition of small publishers/indies has been brought to a
head.  This concept, is nothing new.  In the past, I know of
several who have tried, and failed miserably.  The elements
of trust, money, timeliness, greed, jealousy, and simple
petty actions have served to undermine such endeavors every
time I have seen them.  Right now, I am willing to enter
into such a coalition, as are several other publishers, both
because of necessity, efficiency, and opportunity.  The
invite is being made right now, to all the independent
publishers who feel they want to participate on an equal
playing field regardless of financial situation, size of
company, number of titles, etc., to become involved.  The
man who has volunteered for the headaches of being in charge
is Rod Underhill, probably the most accessible man on
compuserve.  What we will be looking to do, is the
following: 
 
Form a coalition where every publisher retains autonomy. 
Keep the politics out of it.  There are people in the
industry I do not like, nor do they like me.  Fine.  I can
put aside my differences with anybody if it's going to
result in a healthier market for independent publishers as a
whole, make Rod's job easier, and benefits the coalition as
result in a healthier market for independent publishers as a
whole, make Rod's job easier, and benefits the coalition as
a whole.  If there are people you cannot deal with you had
better be able to put aside differences before you get
involved.  I'm all for having Rod run this thing, but I'm
about to give up a good amount of my time to help and make
sure we bring Rod a package that makes him want to do this. 
I'm not going to suggest this and drop it in his lap and
watch it fall apart because of stupidity.  That would be
unfair to Rod, to myself, to everybody involved.  I'm not in
this to waste time - this industry isn't going to allow for
that and none of us can survive much less grow if we're
counterproductive.  Nuff said. 
We are going to be looking to negotiate better printing
prices for volume orders.  Timeliness will now be a bigger
factor than ever. 
Press releases and information will most likely be funneled
through one centralized location.  This would entail getting
the information to the center of operations early and have
through one centralized location.  This would entail getting
the information to the center of operations early and have
it released from there. 
There will be an umbrella "logo" involved.  All companies
retain autonomy but will be represented in purchases,
advertising, etc, by the umbrella representative. 
We will be discussing short, concise contracts to guarantee
that no company has to rely on another where billing is
concerned.  We get better prices in volume, but everybody
pulls their own weight, is responsible for their own bills. 
Nobody's neck gets stuck out here - coalition or not,
there's nothing that says who's in charge is on the firing
line. 

These are the loosest outlines thus far.  In the next few
days I plan to be speaking to Rod {and everybody who's
posted me} about putting the wheels in motion as quickly as
possible.  The plan to draw up some sort of organizational 
guidelines for all of us will have to follow.  
I have no doubt that the coalition can, and will work, with
cooperation, support, and some hard work.  Cooperation is
sometimes the hardest thing to come by, and it will
necessarily be the biggest requirement for any company which
wishes to become involved with this.  This is not meant to
sound ominous, but it's the truth:  Don't even call or post
if you don't think you can handle working within the system. 
 Nobody will stand for it.  It will not be tolerated.  We're
going to set up some very easy to deal with parameters which
will benefit us all in the long run.  That's the hope, and
the goal.  I've got a deskful of papers towards that end.  
My address for posting is above.  Watch for more information
in the next few days.  I'm taking the weekend off for a
convention and to prepare some of the things necessary to
get the ball rolling and to make an offer that's fair to
Rod.  Being a c-serve idiot, I have no clue how to cut and
paste this message elsewhere, so I'd appreciate somebody
grabbing the ball and rolling it into some other alleys for
me. 
See, I'm asking for cooperation already :)
But it's much appreciated.  Let's get together on this,
folks, I don't think you'll be sorry at all, and I really am
certain that we've chosen the right man to put in place at
the helm. 
 
Joe Monks
CFD Productions 
 
 
Marvel buys Suicide Squid:
 
Marvel Pres. Terry Stewart announced that they have purchased the rights to 
DC's character Suicide Squid for an undisclosed sum.
 
The Marvel Suicide Squid title is tentatively due for release in late July, 
with Dan Chichester and Terry Kavanaugh being named as possible writers. 
No word yet on who would be the artist. 
 
 
Archie Signs with HB:
 
Archie Comics will be doing comics based on Hanna-Barbera characters. Among 
the popular cartoon stars adapted to the comics medium will be The 
Flinstones, The Jetsons, and Scooby-Doo, (monthly) and Hanna-Barbera All-
Stars and Hanna-Barbera Presents (bimonthly).
 
 
Slave Labor Graphics announces First Amaze Ink Title:
 
The Replacement God will be the first title for Slave Labor Graphics' new 
superhero imprint Amaze Ink. 
 
They described the title as a charming, lovable tale modeled after Disney. 
A young boy is prophesied to take a dying god's place and bring down a 
tyrannical king in a magical kingdom.
 
Zandor Cannon will write & draw the book, and it will carry a $2.95 price 
tag.
 
 
Big Entertainment Begins Toy Development:
 
The first TeknoToys based on Tekno-Comics will be based on the characters 
Primaster, Prisar and Zeerus, of the Primortals comic book.
 
 
Todd Toys goes Interactive:
 
Todd Toys has signed a deal with Sony Imagesoft to develope a Spawn video-
game, to be available on SNES, Sega Genesis, MPC and Macintosh-based CD-ROM 
platforms.
 
 
Kitchen Sink sells Film Rights:
 
Terry Hayes, author of the new Planet of the Apes screenplay, will write the 
screenplay for Touchstone Pictures' adaptation of Alan Moore & Eddie 
Campbell's graphic novel series From Hell, a fictionalized reenactment of 
the Jack the Ripper Murders in Victorian England.
 
 
The CRUMB Film Release Schedule follows:
 
New York, NY           Film Forum       4/21/95
W. Los Angeles, CA     Nuart            4/28/95
New Haven, CT          York Square      5/5/95
Brookline, MA          Coolidge Corner  5/5/95
Salt Lake City, UT     Tower            5/5/95
Portland, OR           Cinema 21        5/5/95
Los Angeles, CA        Sunset           5/12/95
Austin, TX             Dobie            5/26/95
San Diego, CA          Guild            5/26/95
San Francisco          Castro           5/26/95
Berkeley, CA           UC               5/26/95
Washington, D.C.       Key              5/26/95
Sausalito, CA          Marin 3          5/26/95
Berkeley, CA           Act III          6/2/95
Palo Alto, CA          Aquarius         6/2/95
Santa Rosa, CA         Lakeside         6/9/95
San Francisco          Lumiere          6/9/95
Rochester, NY          Little Theatre   6/16/95
Seattle, WA            Varsity          6/16/95
Denver, CO             Mayan            6/30/95
Buffalo, NY            Amhurst          7/7/95
Dallas, TX             Inwood           7/7/95
Houston, TX            River Oaks       7/7/95
Sacramento, CA         Tower            7/7/95
Cleveland, OH          Cedar Lee        7/14/95
Minneapolis, MN        Lagoon           7/28/95
 
__________________________________________________________________________
Legal Stuff: Copyright (c) Ryan Brewster. Distribute in ENTIRETY.

__________________________________________________________________________
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/--[-6-]--/  FEEDBACK  /-------------------------------------------------/

 From: Dave Drew                             Date: 03-11-95 21:05
   To: Chris Oarr                            Msg#: 6460
Subj.: Comic Book E-Mag

  I've finally been able to download CBEM001 off the FIDO E-Mag feed. When
I saw your comments on the Poison River review, I went back to read it. It
certainly was insipid. I think Anne Rubenstein touched on the use of 
Luba's point of view, but only just. She did seem to reiterate the point
that it should be read carefully. 

  The _I Never Liked You_ review in the same issue of TCJ was fine but
I've gotten to the point where I look for certain names and know not to
bother reading their reviews. 

  Crash looks like it's off to a good start. I often disagree with what
they have to say, but there is some intelligent reasoning behind their
reviews rather than just being another gushing fan-zine. Heck, it took TCJ
a while to realize that Frank Miller's writing left something to be
desired.

  I hope that Destroy All Comics will garner a decent following. A third
major voice will make the scene that much better. I've read one issue of
Indy and I can't say I saw much promise. Maybe some decent writers will
answer Mason's solicitation for new contributors and improve its quality.

  Anyhow keep up the work on CBEM!

  While we're on the subject of feedback, I'd like to see some short
reviews letting your readers know about some nifty comics they might have
missed.


//// FEEDBACK RESPONSE by CHRIS OARR /////////////////////////////////////

Thanks for the kind words, Dave.  I think you're right about a lot of
things, including the need for more reviews.  Hopefully, you'll see more
in upcoming issues of the CBN E-Mag, although we need more people like
yourself to make submissions (hint, hint).

I've only seen one issue of INDY (I think it was #3), and I lost that
copy halfway through Sim's review of Very Vicky, a title that I'm fond
of.  Maybe I was premature in my praise, but it's tempting to hype
anything dealing primarily with non-mainstream titles.  Years of reading
The Comics Journal have inured me to bad writing...

CRASH (Crash Communications) is the best journal of comix criticism
being published today. As you say, it is provocative and sometimes
infuriating---I was totally put off by the pan of Paul Pope's brilliant
BALLAD OF DR. RICHARDSON in the second issue.  Nevertheless, it
possesses a level of quality and panache that the Comics Journal has
always lacked.  One hopes it will be around for some time.  It can and
probably will improve with time.

The current incarnation of DESTROY ALL COMICS! (Slave Labor) is a hoot.
Levine and his corps of angry young cartoonists call 'em like they see
'em.  DESTROY isn't very nice or even fair.  Fortunately, it doesn't
pretend to be.  These guys have a very narrow aesthetic, but at least
they're consistent.  I enjoy a rant when I know it's genuine, which is
one reason I love DESTROY ALL COMICS and a big part of what I hate about
the Journal.

Anyone looking for added insight into the best of small press should
consider sampling these two great magazines.  If you can't find them at
your local shop, write for them at the addresses below.  Both have only
two issues out, and back issues are available.

CRASH---The Quarterly Comic Book Review        DESTROY ALL COMICS!
Crash Communications                           Slave Labor Graphics
601 Markham Street                             979 S. Bascom Avenue
Toronto, Ontario  M6G 2L7  CANADA              San Jose, CA
4 issue subscription: $16 (Can$20)             1-800-866-8929

//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

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 Send feedback to:

               America Online .... ComicBkNet@aol.com
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__________________________________________________________________________
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/--[-7-]--/  BULLETIN BOARDS LINKED INTO THE COMICBOOK NETWORK  /--------/

 +----------------------------+
 |  The ComicBook Network !!  |  A message network devoted to Comic
 +----------------------------+  Fans, Collectors, and Professionals!
                                 ----  ----------      -------------

  Here's the most up-to-date node listing for the COMICBOOK NETWORK

 - 6 new systems have linked in since the last issue!

  Mail transfer method:  F=FIDO    Q=QWK    B=Both     *=Major HUB

  NOTE: Most of these systems offer a means for the casual user to
        log on and QWK the messages for offline reading. Give one a
        call and join in on the conversations!

 F  Montmorenci Express    Montmorenci   SC  803-641-9090  Lloyd Vanfossen
 F  The Agency BBS         Davenport     IA  319-381-2906  Bill Liebbe
 Q  Oak Street BBS         Ft. Walton    FL  904-244-7434  Michael Fischer
 F  Young Blood            Killeen       TX  817-699-2254  T.J. Gohl
 F  Enigma BBS             Rochester     MA  508-763-5579  Chris Ferreira
 B  U.S.S. Saratoga BBS    New Bedford   MA  508-984-1212  Justin Campeau

 F* Longview On-Line!      Longview      WA  206-577-7358  Jeanne Lejon
 F  House Atreides         Garland       TX  214-494-3702  Wayne LeMonds
 B* FIAWOL/MSConnections   Irving        TX  214-790-6472  Bobb Waller
 F  Star Streams           Waxahachie    TX  214-938-7115  Michael Rudolf
 B  The Dog's House        Gaithersburg  MD  301-216-0637  Andrew Ohnstad
 Q  Highlander's Inn       Brandywine    MD  301-579-2776  Eric Moon
 B  Zoneland BBS           Gaithersburg  MD  301-601-9731  Bob Hair
 B* The Daily Planet BBS   Frederick     MD  301-831-8057  Mike Imboden
 Q  Megabyte BBS           Gaithersburg  MD  301-977-0791  Matt Abrams
 F  Intl. Comic Network    Dearborn Hgts MI  313-565-8464  Anthony Palacio
 F  LetsPC BBS             Oklahoma City OK  405-672-0615  Hyun Nam
 F* The Black Hole BBS     Oklahoma City OK  405-728-7960  Craig Smith
 F  Flamingo               Melbourne     FL  407-253-0782  Genie Bohn
 Q* DJ Dave's Domain       Agawam        MA  413-789-6533  David Scarpa
 F  3D Art Forum Canada    Etobicoke     ON  416-778-6652  Gord Davis
 F* Karate & Comics & ...  Russelville   AR  501-968-3910  Robert Wood
 F* Arkham Asylum          Haverhill     MA  508-372-2258  Ed Dukeshire
 F  Performance Plus       Methuen       MA  508-688-5209  Brian Morison
 B  Keystone BBS           Shrewsbury    MA  508-753-3767  John Harris
 B  Call Again Soon        Worcester     MA  508-791-1281  Joe Johnson
 F  Global Aquatics BBS    Worcester     MA  508-798-5647  John Murphy
 F  HellFire BBS           S. Dartmouth  MA  508-979-8930  Brock Cordeiro
 F  Muskrat & Heatwave     New Bedford   MA  508-984-5321  Dennis Racine
 F  Metropolis BBS         New Bedford   MA  508-994-4687  Bob Racine
 F  Archives BBS           Acushnet      MA  508-995-0085  John Viera
 B  Asgard.TW BBS          West Islip    NY  516-422-4225  Tom Pemberton
 Q  Medics Meeting House   Hinsdale      NH  603-256-6931  Doug Munson
 F  Venom's World          Rollinsford   NH  603-743-4188  Ira Locke
 F* The Menagerie          Kalamazoo     MI  616-349-9438  Rick O'Dell
 B  Crystal Aerie          Arlington     VA  703-415-0134  Spencer Greenwald
 F* The RASTER Line        Houston       TX  713-568-0825  Jeff Watts
 Q  Modem Connection       Bronx         NY  718-893-7553  Sixto Saez
 F  Nature Coast BBS       Weeki Watchee FL  904-596-6234  Kim Breckenridge
 F  The Congressional      Warner Robins GA  912-929-3762  Jeff Floyd
 F  Starbase : Red Dwarf   Saugerties    NY  914-247-9601  John Dragun
 B  Gotham City BBS        Spring Valley NY  914-426-3029  Gerald Schranz
 F  Orion BBS              Odessa        TX  915-530-2712  Dennis Brown
 F  Diamond Hobbies        Broken Arrow  OK  918-258-7022  Daniel Pickel
 F  Snart's Dreamland      Collinsville  OK  918-371-0980  Jeff Bennett
 F  Electronic Hangover    Durham        NC  919-286-4542  Richard Lee
 F  Psychotronic           Durham        NC  919-286-7738  Richard Lee
 F* TI-Raliegh Maximus     Raliegh       NC  919-833-3412  Walter Tietjan
 F  Crystal Winds          Raliegh       NC  919-870-9785  Mike Gurkin
 F* Allied Group           Kresgeville   PA  *MAIL ONLY!*  Robert Zellers

__________________________________________________________________________
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
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DISCLAIMER: This electronic magazine may be freely distributed in this
current unmodified form only.  All articles contained within are written
and copyrighted to their authors.
__________________________________________________________________________
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-EOF- .. in TWO Weeks!!

