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
Entertainment For All Ages: Special Edition
By Ian Flynn
Greetings one and every-peoples! This is Ian Flynn, head writer for Sonic the Hedgehog. The boss man needed somebody to step in for a moment so you fine folks didn't go without a column for the week. Since writing for the masses is what I live for, who was I to refuse?
I owe a lot to Mike. The only things I had going for me when I applied to Sonic were an encyclopedia-like familiarity with the material and a pretty decent writing ability. I was still in school and I hadn't had any professional experience, so taking me on was a gamble. He didn't put me at the helm at first, obviously, but rather took the time to show me the ropes. I wanted to write for Sonic more than any other book out there, so I was sure to put my full attention into each project. This was infinitely easier thanks to Mike. He was both supportive and critical of each piece. If it worked, it worked. If it didn't, it didn't and here was why. I learned more in my year behind-the-scenes than I had in the years of English classes before.
Now I'm virtually swimming in Sonic-related material! Sonic the Hedgehog has been receiving flatteringly excellent press since I debuted back in March of 2006. Part of this came from all the great material I had to build off of, and part came from excellent direction. I'll even go so far as to say I can share some of that credit. We're gearing up for huge events early this year as we approach the big #175. Last December's #170 was the perfect hop-on point for new readers, so I recommend you get into the book now - sooner rather than later. When folks are talking about it you'll want to be in there with them!
I've also had the great chance to contribute to the anime-inspired sister comic Sonic X. The Valentine's Day themed SX#16 and St. Patrick's Day themed SX#17 will be upon us soon and they are fun, silly stories. Pick up Sonic the Hedgehog for your action-adventure and then relax with a light bit of Sonic X reading while you digest the former's deeper plots and long-lived characters. You'll feel like a gourmand of comics.
So why sell these books so hard? Because I honestly want everyone to pick it up and enjoy it. I'm not earning an extra dollar off it, I promise you. I've always been a storyteller at heart and it gives me a thrill every time I see someone else enjoying my writing. What's even better about both Sonic books is they're ready for everyone to pick up and read.
There's about a dozen titles I'm picking up right now, most of them under the big publishers. They're all really great reads for various reasons, but the single common element about nearly all of them is that I'm hesitant to hand them over to my youngest brother. That arc of bloody spittle might be just what I've been waiting for, that racy joke might be hilarious, or that look at the harder side of life might really give me pause and make me think - but does a nine-year-old need to have all that in his head? He'll find them out in his own sweet time with real life; why "spoil the surprise?"
All that being said, don't shy away from Sonic the Hedgehog for fears of it being "too tame." I pride myself on making the book accessible to all ages by all connotations, but I'm also one for pushing the envelope. Just how far can that go, you ask? You'll just have to pick up the book and see what I mean. You may be pleasantly surprised. And if the plot and dialogue don't grab you, the gorgeous page art by our art team (usually manned by penciller Tracy Yardley, inker Jim Amash, letterer John Workman and colorist Jason Jensen) ought to catch your eye. And even if you, personally, don't take to it your younger sibling, relative or students might. That's how I was brought into the fold.
While Sonic is a blast to write for and I'm quite content to work on it from now until time's end, there are other stories to tell. I'm slowly working on my own material that will be pushed through my web space: BumbleKing Comics.com. And what a coincidence! There's a forum there dedicated to Sonic-talk. It's one-stop shopping! Feel free to contact to me directly at ianpotto@bumbleking.com if you are so inclined.
Thank you all kindly for joining me for the week, and thanks to Mike for letting me do my little song and dance for all of you. I've tried to follow the trend and list this week's upcoming family-friendly reads, but I may have missed a book or two. Don't be shy! Ask your local comic shop folks to point you in right direction. There's some great material out there.
Mike will be back next Tuesday, rested up and talking about some of the best comics that spark the imagination.
Check out some new All Ages reads on sale this week:
NOV060251 BATMAN STRIKES #29 $2.25
NOV060254 CARTOON NETWORK ACTION PACK #9 $2.25
NOV062277 AMAZING SPIDER-GIRL #4 $2.99
OCT063146 TALES FROM RIVERDALE DIGEST #17 $2.49
OCT063149 VERONICA #177 $2.25
Entertainment for Every Age is © Mike Pellerito 2006-
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