MIKE PELLERITO, was recently named the new Managing Editor of Archie Comics. In addition to looking over the Archie universe he also editÃs some of Archie Comics most popular titles,
This column came about after having very few avenues to promote and find out about All Ages and Younger Reader Comics and Graphic Novels. Most knowledge seems to be passed along by word of mouth, so this is in the sprit the column is written. Now, sit back and join in the conversation!
To learn more about any of the above-mentioned projects please visit Archie Comics.com
The Award Goes To?
IF IT WAS AWARD-WINNING WOULD YOU READ IT? IF YOU VOTED FOR IT WOULD YOU RECOMMENDED IT? IF IT IS SOMETHING GOOD DOESN’T IT DESERVE A LITTLE CREDIT?
Last Tuesday's column mentioned an idea whose time had come has, well, come. We live in a world where an award for everything exists. Halls of Fame exist for everything under the sun. However, in comics here in the states we seem to give an award to All Ages material almost as an afterthought. Just about every award in comics has some mention for all ages but usually in just the one category. All Ages has so many genres and wonderfully different characters and creators that it is a real loss and even embarrassing for the comics industry. How are All Ages comic supposed to compete? Certainly most people can appreciate a good cover, but a comparing a great Stan Goldberg Betty cover to a beautifully painted Alex Ross Justice League cover is like comparing apples and oranges. Both are good but as far removed from each other as you can get. Maybe it is time for the All Ages genre to have their own awards. 
In a world where video games, books, toys and everything under the sun caters to kids it is about time comics started taking notice and care of its younger audience. Maybe some recognition for the hard work that goes on behind the scenes might help to get some recognition for the great comics that are entertainment for every age.
So how do we do this? No clue here. You have any ideas? We could try to petition one of the big industry awards to expand its All Ages coverage. Or we could look into creating one here. Not sure how that would work but if you guys are interested maybe we could do it. Put up some categories, have submissions, maybe name judges, or maybe have online votes here. All Ages has action/adventure, comedy, romance, collected editions, reprints, original graphic novels and lets not forget manga, anthologies, and more. We could have multiple awards in each category. Best Cover Artist for action/adventure, comedy, or romance. Best comic for girls! Maybe even best All Ages column or Editor awards. Who could win those? Or even better All Ages editor who write an All Ages column Award!
What do you think? Love to hear it: MikeP@SilverBulletComicbooks.com
Well, as far as All Ages comic deserving of more recognition the series of One-Shots form Marvel featuring the son of the Fantastic Fours’ Mr. Fantastic and The Invisible Woman - Franklin Richards ranks among the most deserving. Young Franklin along with his nanny the robotic, comedic sidekick H.E.R.B.I.E. get in all sorts of trouble using ("misusing" maybe be a better term) all the wonderful, maybe even fantastic inventions his farther, Mr. Fantastic has just lying around.
There are lots of great gags that are a real blast to read. And of course as the cover hints an alternate universe giant turkey tries to eat Franklin and H.E.R.B.I.E. for Thanksgiving. What Thanksgiving special is complete without giant man-eating turkeys? Set up similar to a typical Archie Comic with a series of several 4-5 pager stories all with loose if any continuity to worry about. In other words check it out for a good laugh. Even better if you know a kid who likes to laugh (don’t they all?) give it to them. A certain “love” scene in the comic is guaranteed to make them snort.
While you’re at the store picking up Franklin Richards: Happy Franksgiving! and other snort inducing comics look for another Marc Sumerak written All Ages comic- Avengers And Power Pack Assemble Digest TP. While slightly more serious Marc has been really making The Power Pack, a group of kid brothers and sister actually fun and interesting to read. Really great group dynamics and the Pack believably hold their own with The Avengers, Marvels premier super team. A quick check on www.sumerak.com reveals just about everything Marc has written, all good by the way, with one of the best and most informative websites in all of comics. Oh, and best part it is All Ages friendly! 
(SEP062112) FRANKLIN RICHARDS: HAPPY FRANKSGIVING! $2.99
Story: Chris Eliopoulos & Marc Sumerak
Script: Marc Sumerak
Artist & Letterer: Chris Eliopoulos
Colorist: Brad Anderson
Asst. Editor: Nathan Cosby
Editor: Mark Paniccia
Editor Emeritus: Mackenzie Cadenhead
Website – Marvel.com
Ok be back here next Tuesday for if All Ages Awards is a winner a few reviews and probably another rant.
As always thanks for reading, and feel free to send your comments and recommendations (especially any thing I missed) to: MikeP@SilverBulletComicbooks.com
In the meantime here are some new All Ages reads on sale this week:
SEP060261 KRYPTO THE SUPER DOG #3 (OF 6) $2.25
SEP060265 SCOOBY DOO #114 $2.25
JUL058232 SUPERMAN IN THE FIFTIES TP $19.99
SEP062171 AVENGERS AND POWER PACK ASSEMBLE DIGEST TP $6.99
SEP062121 MARVEL ADVENTURES AVENGERS #7 $2.99
SEP063073 ARCHIE DIGEST #230 $2.49
SEP063077 BETTY & VERONICA #222 $2.25
SEP063313 MICKEY MOUSE AND FRIENDS #295 $2.95
SEP063459 PHANTOM #13 $3.50
SEP063166 SIMPSONS COMICS #124 $2.99
SEP063084 SONIC X #14 $2.25
Entertainment for Every Age is © Mike Pellerito 2006-
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