The Tenth Draft
By Alan Donald Welcome to The Final Draft, SBC's magazine insert. We've got the Panel, a selection of Cool Sites and some Online comics for you along with a bustling Noticeboard.
Read on dear surfer...
The Panel
Very different people from different parts of the comicbook industry, with different experiences and ideas on the industry come together to answer your questions. Jock, the New Boy he's hurtled from 2000AD to Vertigo; Peter David, the Old Boy, Captain Marvel, Supergirl, Star Trek novels and so bloody much more it makes my head spin; Evil Rick Shea, the Retailer, nobody knows more about what the fans as a whole think than the retailers and Rick's one of the biggest and best; Karen Bojeffries, the fan, she supplied this week's question; Shawna Ervin-Gore, the Editor, a woman in comics! My goodness, I'm all a flutter; Joe Quesada, the Publisher, the top artist is now Marvel's top man; Lee Dawson, the Publicist, Star Wars, Buffy, Sock Monkey and all the rest of Dark Horse's stable, there's only one man to ask about them and he's it; Craig Lemon, the Hack, SBC's second-in-command, he edits loads of columns and runs one of the most respected review sections in the industry; and me, The Columnist because since decided that I'd had enough of ATR I (apparently) haven't been opinionated enough.
This week's question is:
"What is your opinion on the portrayal of religion in comicbooks?"
New Boy: Jock is currently losing a fighters deadline...sorry fighting a losers deadline.
The Old Boy: "Ah...Well, I'm hardly unbiased on this one, since religion was a major theme for much of my "Supergirl" run. Basically, for the most part religion is treated as simply another source of characters, both demonic and angelic. Rarely do we
see heroes (or even villains) making decisions or stating opinions rooted in religious upbringing...which is kind of a shame, considering religion informs so many things that are said and done in every aspect of society, up to and including government."
The Editor: "I had to laugh when I first read the question because I work for the company that's published GRENDEL and Bryan Talbot's HEART OF EMPIRE, which both feature scathing commentary on the politics behind organized religion. But like most other mediums, I think there's a broad variety of depictions of religion in comics -- everything from quietly profound and respectful, to cheesy, thinly veiled preaching disguised as superhero comics, to the more biting commentary against established religious concepts. I just picked up Scott Morse's VISITATIONS, which Oni just re-released, and it's shaping up to be a really lovely study of how people come to develop personal spiritual beliefs. Will Eisner's CONTRACT WITH GOD is a classic, of course, and I think it's a great example of how comics can be a really great narrative form to depict a very personal, internal conflict, like doubting your faith.”
The Publicist: "I enjoy seeing religion portrayed in comics. Regardless of what one's personal beliefs are, it's a thought provoking and rich subject matter. The extremes presented are particularly interesting, from Preacher to Murder Mysteries to Hellblazer to Sandman and on...They all present a unique take on the subject matter that seems both reverent and irreverent at the same time. I think anyone who creates art, in any form, finds addressing it irresistible at some point or another. As long as it's thought provoking, I say bring it on!"
The Retailer: "Just like any other topic, creators are free to have their characters throw down their own opinions on religion. As long as something doesn't get too preachy, I'm always willing to give it a chance. Like it's evil twin Politics, Religion automatically scares away some people because it's something that some folks don't want to talk about or hear other's views. Preacher clearly had religion as the focus of the story, but totally surprised anyone that thought they had even the faintest clue about what a "religious story" could accomplish."
The Hack: "Aside from a few select independent titles, Thor taking a look at it for Marvel but being completely ignored in all their other books, Promethea taking it all a bit seriously, and the reprints of Grendel: God & The Devil from Dark Horse, there's bugger all portrayal of religion in comics. And after Church & State in Cerebus took it to the cleaners, who cares?"
The Fan: "I think they are all heathens and will burn in Hell for all eternity for their sinful ways, all comics are evil (except Cerebus which teaches us to honour God and that all women are second class citizens) [You see know why I ask you to send in your questions 'cause if you don't we're stuck with weirdos like this - Alan]. "
The Columnist: "I find it quite odd to be frank over in Marvel we've got a Norse God running round as a superhero yet claiming to be a God. Over in DC we've got demons as baddies and a whole planet full of Gods... I think that with some major exceptions religion has been handled very badly in comics with the very term God being cheapened and tarnished (whilst both companies simultaneously create characters who act in ways that espouse the values of most major religions (aside from the whole beating people up thing)). Perhaps the best exception to the rule is the Sandman by Neil Gaiman (and co-creators). Gaiman managed to bring in all the Gods of history and DC's continuity and yet he managed to produce a good balance. More than this (though Gaiman disputes this reading of his work) I found the Sandman to be an incredible work that fitted in wonderfully with my belief in the JudeoChristian God (the creator of the Silver City, in my reading of it anyway).
The Preacher was a blasphemous pagan work, yet very enjoyable. Even more blasphemous is Battle Pope but I believe God has a sense of humour.
I have no problem with other religions, or other facets of my belief being portrayed in comicbooks. I found parts (and probably the parts most people didn't have a problem with, conversely I didn't have a problem with and quite enjoyed the parts many people did complain about) of Preacher to be offensive but I except it and move on.
Bloody hell was that a witter or what? I guess what I'm trying to say is I have no problem with religion in comics, any religion. I have no problem with works like the Preacher and in fact I prefer them over my big bugbear... The cheapening of God, of religion. The two major companies have loads of 'Gods', if character isn't a hero or a mutant then they are classified as a God... it's cheap, overused and deeply, well, offensive."
Digging Deeper
This is an occasional column where I dig a little deeper into a story from the last month or so.
Ok, this week we would have had part 2 of Bill Rosemann's interview, instead we have the results of 12 hours of intensive brainwashing:
Bill Rosemann: "Must...answer...Alan's...questions!"
It's going well but I don't know if he'll be any use to Crossgen when I'm done with him.
Bill's interview will be here soon...(like I said last week he's a busy man, cut him some slack).
Online comics
This one's up to you. Send me your favourite webcomic and I'll give you some publicity, we love free comics here at SBC.
First is http://www.stripteasecomic.com/ This is strangely compelling. Light, College based with some of the teen banter familar from Buffy and Smallville (without the superheroics). I was quite confused by US college system with mentions of frats etc. it all seems very sad really when a University in the Uk is where one studies and learns to stand on ones own feet (and to get very drunk and stoned but that's by the by, what the hell is this gibberish about frats? You wonder why you've got a gang problem in the US (and then all the silly stuff to get into them, geez get a life you're at Uni now you're supposed to be adult). Then there's the whole room sharing thing, what the fuck?! The US is so big that your homes are huge, then you go send your kids to uni to share a room! Well that's gonna help you grow up (I don't think)). Um...sorry, back to the site. The strips were very quick loading even on my crappy laptop and very easy to navigate round.
Next is http://www.voicesinmyhand.com/ This is not a running strip like above but a series of single panel jokes. Quite Far Side in style, very funny, they should do greeting cards.
Finally http://www.onlinecomics.net/ Which has Loads of online comics listed by genre.
Thanks to Brokin on the SBC Messageboard who suggested people check these out.
Cool Sites
This is an infrequent feature where I look at the cool websites you've sent into me. Email me on AlanWJDonald@aol.com with your suggestions.
http://www.rathergood.com/
Suggested by Richard (Dr Ripper's Multiplex) Nairn. Viking Kittens want to take you to a gay bar. Very strange, very odd but sure to appeal to many readers.
Oh and then there's this one:
“It is my site which is a gallery for my art, if you check it out and like it I would be very happy to recieve a bit of publicity. We struggling artists need all we can get.”
Here it is...
http://members.tripod.com/~pencilman2000/index.html
Noticeboard
From the biggest comicon to a signing in a shop the size of a postage stamp by the guy who edits a self published magazine on wanking printed on toilet paper, we'll promote them all. All you have to do is email me to let me know. The noticeboard will be here every week to promote your events.
A few things are pinned to the noticeboard this week so I'll get right on down to it:
First up is Comicon Baltimore (http://www.comicon.com/baltimore/)
Contact Marc Nathan cardscomicscollectibles@yahoo.com phone: 410-526-7410
Which is on: September 20 and 21, 2003
At the: Baltimore Convention Center
HOURS: SATURDAY: 10am-6pm, SUNDAY 10am - 6pm
GUESTS INCLUDE:
Jim Lee Michael Kaluta Dean Haspiel Brad Meltzer Marty Baumann George Perez Mark Waid Geoff Johns Judd Winick Michael Avon Oeming Neil Vokes Frank Cho Top Shelf Greg Horn Billy Tucci Scott Kurtz Adam Hughes J.M. Linsner Steve Conley Alternative Press Jeff Mason Jimmy Gownley Brian Stelfreeze Karl Story John K. Snyder Marc Hempel Mark Wheatley John Gallagher Rich Henn
Next is the: Big Apple Comic book convention
bigapplecon@earthlink.net.
Tickets Tickets are only $7.00!!
All kids under 12 admitted FREE!!
FRIDAY JULY 25TH( 12-8P )
SATURDAY JULY 26TH (10A-7P)
BACK AT THE ST.PAUL CHURCH AUD
59TH AND 9TH AVE. / COLUMBUS NYC
Joe Linsner ( DAWN )
Many More Guests TBA
Next: The New York international Sci-Fi and Fantasy creators convention 2003
Madison Square Garden
The BIGGEST Comic and Fantasy Convention in New York!
June 27-29 2003!
Fri- 3:00-7:00 PM
Sat-10:00AM-7:00PM
Sun-10:00AM-6:00PM
Admission Price - $15.00 per day available through Ticketmaster by calling (212) 307-7171 or at the Madison Square Garden Box Office. Note: There is a small surcharge added onto the ticket price by Ticketmaster and Madison Square Garden.
AIR FARES: The least expensive require a 21 day advance purchase. On top of that, we have several airlines that are offering an additional 10% to 15% discount. Whenever possible, all tickets are set up as electronic/ticketless reservations. Please reserve early for best availability and fares.
[Discounted airfares for con attendees, you kidding? - Alan]
HOTELS: The following area hotels are offering discounts to NY Comic & Fantasy Creators participants. For Discounted Hotel Rooms contact The Hotel Pennsylvania at (212) 736-5000
Ext. 8460 and mention the convention.
And the guests:
Nichelle Nichols starred in the original Star Trek television series opposite William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy bringing the character of Uhura to life for millions of viewers. She was one of the strongest female role models of the time and also broke racial boundaries. She went on to reprise the role in six major motion pictures and to this day is probably one of the most recognized women in the Sci-Fi world. Most recently she has starred opposite Cuba Gooding Jr. and James Coburn in Disney's Snow Dogs and has written two of her own science fiction novels, Saturna's Child and Saturna's Quest.
Lou Ferrigno is best known for his role as The Incredible Hulk both in the television series and movies. He also starred in Pumping Iron, the acclaimed documentary on bodybuilding as well as the sequel Stand Tall. He's appeared in numerous other features as well including Hercules, Cage and Desert Warrior. He has had roles on the television shows Trauma Center and The King of Queens and has a cameo in this years' summer blockbuster movie Hulk.
Richard Hatch has had a busy career from his early days of starring as Phillip Brent on All My Children, opposite Karl Malden in The Streets of San Francisco and as Capt. Apollo in Battlestar Galactica(for which he was nominated for a Golden Globe award). He is currently producing , writing and directing a new epic space adventure series entitled, The Great War of Magellan for his company Merlin Quest Entertainment. He has written numerous Battlestar Galactica novels and comic books and is currently starring in The Dragon/The Ghost on cable television.
Dirk Benedict is probably most well known for his role as Tempelton Peck AKA Face Man in the hit television show The A-Team. He also starred as the ace pilot Starbuck in Battlestar Galactica. He has appeared with Charlton Heston in the motion picture Alaska and on yet another television show Chopper One. He has recently authored two books, Confessions of a Kamikaze Cowboy and And Then We Went Fishing.
Virginia Hey is beloved by fans all over the world for her portrayal of Z'haan on the hit Sci-Fi Channel show Farscape. Early in her career she starred opposite Mel Gibson in the classic Road Warrior motion picture as the memorable Warrior Woman. She appeared in the motion pictures Prisoner of Cell Block H and The Living Daylights with Timothy Dalton as 007.
David Barclay is a world renowned Effects Supervisor and Puppeteer. He assisted Frank Oz with the operation of Yoda in The Empire Strikes Back and operated and appeared as the infamous Jabba The Hut in The Return Of The Jedi. He has supervised the effects on numerous motion pictures including Lost In Space, Labyrinth, The Dark Crystal, Cats and Dogs and Stuart Little 2.
…and a huge list of others.
Next: Megacon (http://www.megaconvention.com/)
4023 Tampa Road Suite 2400
Oldsmar, Florida 34677
(813) 891-1702 Ext. 263
info@megaconvention.com
March 5th - 7th, 2004
Orange County Convention Center
9800 International Drive
Orlando, Florida
Hours
Friday 12:00pm - 7:00pm For attendees who purchase Advance tickets.
Friday 1:00pm - 7:00pm For attendees who purchase tickets at the door.
Saturday & Sunday 10:00am - 6:00pm
One child 10 and under free with one paid adult
Tickets purchased at the door:
$18 per day or $40 for a weekend pass
Tickets purchased online:
$15 per day or $35 for a weekend pass
Tickets can be purchased all three days of the show, at the Orange County Convention Center ticket windows, located in the lobby outside the doors to Hall C.
Ticket window hours:
Friday, March 5th 12:00pm - 6:30pm
Saturday March 6th 8:30am - 5:30pm
Sunday, March 7th 9:00am - 5:30pm
Another bloody one: http://www.midohiocon.com/
Hilton Columbus at Easton Town Center, November 29 & 30, 2003
CONTACT INFO
Do you have any questions, want to send us some cool stuff,
or have an urge to send fan mail? Here's how to get our attention.
Mid-Ohio-Con
P.O. Box 3831
Mansfield, OH 44907
Mon. - Fri., 9am - 4pm EST
Voice: (419) 526-1427
Fax: (419) 730-0602
info@midohiocon.com
ATTENDING GUESTS
Watch for more exciting guest announcements as we get closer to the show!
MEDIA STARS
Walter Koenig
"Commander Chekov" from Star Trek
"Bester" from Babylon 5
Andy Hallett
"Lorne, The Host" from the WB series Angel
Saturday Only
Brad Dourif
"Wormtongue" from Lord of the Rings
Also from Star Trek: Voyager, Babylon 5, Aliens 4, and the voice of "Chucky"
June Lockhart
"Maureen Robinson" from Lost in Space
"Ruth Martin" from Lassie
Yvonne Craig
"Batgirl" from the Batman TV series
"Marta" from Star Trek
Kathy Garver
"Cissy" from Family Affair
"Firestar" from Spider-Man and his Amazing Friends
Robyn Griggs
"Stephanie Hobart" from One Life to Live and "Maggie Cory" from Another World
Also from Abattoir, Ghost Tour, The Urn, and other sci-fi and thriller films.
Angela Melini
Playboy's Miss June 1992
Helena Antonaccio
Playboy's Miss June 1969
COMICS SUPERSTARS
Brian Michael Bendis
Powers, Ultimate Spider-Man
David Mack
Daredevil, Kabuki
Christopher Golden
Buffy, Dr. Fate
Mike Avon Oeming
Powers, Hammer of the Gods
Mark Waid
Fantastic Four, Kingdom Come, The Flash
Mark Verheiden
Producer, writer of Smallville
Kevin Eastman
Creator, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Courtesy of The Laughing Ogre
Bill Willingham
Fables, Patheon, Elementals
Courtesy of The Laughing Ogre
Jim Mooney
Silver Age Supergirl artist
Mike W. Barr
Star Trek:Gemini, Batman:Son of Demon
Guy Gilchrist
"Nancy" cartoonist
ALSO...
Heather Ashley George Broderick, Jr. Joe Corroney Jan Duursema GW. Fisher Bob Ingersoll Tony Isabella Justin Lisa Lubera Logan Lubera Tom Mandrake Nutopia Don Pedicini Jr. Andrew Pepoy Robin Riggs Ethan Van Sciver Paul Storrie Sean Wang Mark Wheatley Chris Yambar Thom Zahler
And more to be announced!!
COMIC FESTIVAL Bristol: May 29 & 30 2004 Winter Special - London: Nov 1st 2003 http://comicfestival.co.uk
Remember I need you to be sending in your announcements, signings, events and such like to pin up on the Board. Meanwhile you should check out previous week's Notice Board as many of the announcements on there will still be current.
That's it for another week, thank you for reading. And a prize if you’ve read this far.
TTFN - Alan Donald signing off from an island that is far too hot for a fat bastard like me.
The Final Draft, it's contents, it's style and the concept in general are the intellectual property of Alan Donald (though as my sarcastic editor pointed out last week some of the features do pay tribute to the work of others, this has never been denied). All contributions remain the property of the contributors who have given Alan Donald permission to use them in this format. The views expressed herein by contributors are theirs alone and not necessarily those of SBC nor the columnist. Conversly the views expressed by the columnist are not necessarily shared by the contributors, SBC or even the columnist himself. Not even all the spelling mistakes in this end-piece, which I’ve left in for once, just because I don’t believe anybody reads this bit – after all, did you spot “sausages” a couple of weeks ago? Or last week’s one? I don’t think so!
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