Robots Are Invading Star Clipper!

Ok, so not really. But unless you've been living under a rock (or perhaps in a cave in Montana) for the past couple of years, you know the effect robots have on us. I mean, seriously...Terminator, I Robot, A.I., etc etc...that stuff can really happen!! And what are humans going to do when we are suddenly faced with a rebellion of the very things we have created?

We will turn to Daniel H. Wilson, the enigmatic writer (and robot expert) of How to Survive A Robot Uprising. Wilson, a robotics engineer with 2 masters and a PhD to his name, litters his book with useful information (such as designating a safe place -- that is, a place that is free of technology that could turn on you.

How to Survive A Robot Uprising, whilst funny in nature, provides actual facts of robotics and shows you a rough timeline of technology and where it could lead. Flipping through this book can show you how much technology makes up of our lives. Although it's filed under humour, perhaps it's best to keep your mind open when it comes to robot attacks. After all, robots
can survive most bullet attacks.

As for me, I love the illustrations (done by Richard Horne), which shows survival booklets can be visually stimulating...but I guess that wouldn't matter if I was in the middle of getting run over an Unmanned Vehicle, now would it?

Wilson's witty and informational book has found a home here at Star Clipper, and when those nasty little vacuum cleaners that clean without human support come after you, you are going to wish you had this pocketbook.

-Evey

Second Annual Clowes Update

So there is not much new in the world of Daniel Clowes that I haven't already reported in the last Clowes update. There is still talk of a collaboration between Clowes and director Michel Gondry to make "Master of Space and Time" into a feature film, and there is still no news of a new "Eightball" comic coming
out anytime soon. But what has changed is that my favorite "Eightball" issue "The Death Ray" is being scripted by Clowes now and is suppose to be produced by Jack Black's Black and White Productions.

If you're looking for his artwork though, you are just going to have to settle on his cover art for Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, published through Penguin Classics. Yes, drawing Frankenstein all sweety and neurotic seems oddly fitting nowadays and we can thank Clowes for the updated look.

As always, I'll keep you updated on Clowes if there is any breaking news, but for now if you haven't read Clowes' "David Boring" go read it.

-Jon

The Gallery is Almost Here!

All of the wall work is finished! The paint goes on Monday and we should have the floors in by Thursday...of course we're already a week behind schedule, but at least nothing will interfere with our inaugural show: the 2007 Star Clipper Munny Show! Woot! Check out the contruction...

We have some serious artists lined up for this show - and it's going to be one of the coolest art events St. Louis has seen in a long time. So make sure you come out - free food, beer, wine, etc. Friday, May 18, 2007. The blind figure swap starts at 6 and the Munny show starts at 7.

And speaking of gallery shows - do you have a suggestion for a good show? Drop it to may AT starclipper DOT com, or post a reply here. The gallery is meant to be enjoyed by all!

-b

Meow Baby!

Jeffrey Brown's newest book "Cat Getting Out of a Bag" is absolutely purr-fect for both comic readers and cat lovers. Sorry for the corny play on words, but if you familiarize yourself with Brown's heart-on-his-sleeve style you would forgive my vernacular. Brown stormed into the indie comic scene in 2002 with his magnificent debut "Clumsy," a true and harrowing reflection on past relationships, which anyone going through heartache should be obligated to read. Since "Clumsy," he has put out a number of books including "Bighead" and "Every Girl is the End of the World to Me," giving him a rather impressive resume for such a new comic talent.

If you're a cat owner or you are looking for a present for a fellow cat lover " Cat Getting Out of a Bag" is the book to get. Brown describes it himself in an interview with Newsarama as "just these little observations of things that cats do and why cat people like them." His modesty aside, Brown captures cat ownership spot-on. My personal favorite strip is a kitty liter gang about how much of a mess cats make when there "indispose." Why anyone would put up with these unpleasantries is clearly a mystery to non-cat owners, but to us cat lovers, and there are a lot of us at Star Clipper, its just more to love.

This blog is dedicated to my cats Gonzo and Pocketru.

-Jon

More Computer Goodies

As I've said before, I am a big fan of the DC wallpapers they have for download on dccomics.com. Marvel has a bunch, but you have to register and have an account. Bah. But this week they do have some very cool free ones for all of us heathens and Spider-Man 3 lovers alike. About 20 images, some pulled directly from the movie, some promo shots, are on Marvel.com for download. I don't know how long they will be there, so make with the clicky! Check out the image for a small sample.

-Dan

Friends WIth You - 100% Handmade Friends!

Yes, they look like futuristic toys suffering a bad acid trip! Yes, they are adorable!

YES! THEY ARE FRIENDS WITH YOU!

These 100% handmade friends are designed by art school buddies Christoper Lee Boon, Sam, and Tury. They have designed limited edition toys, sets, and apparel for the past five years, and have recently moved into the realms of installation and music. Even with their explosive rise to fame, they have stayed true to their craft, and choose to assemble their products by hand. And it shows!

Visit their Myspace page for more trippy goodness and listen to their minimalist tunes!

Oh and yes, we have a few Malfys left in stock for you!

-May

Star Clipper Totes!

We're now carrying these super sweet tote bags designed by local super-genius Dan Zettwoch! Feel free to grab one (for free) to use around the store while you shop. Think of it as a shopping basket. Or, if you can't get enough of their coolness and want to buy one, they're only $14.99.

The bags are huge, with a 5 inch gusset along the bottom and are made of recycled cotton canvas from Eco-bags. They have sturdy 22-inch handles and can carry a lot of weight - I got to test one out in Vegas, and stuffed it with binders, books and toys. I'm thinking I'll be using it as a grocery bag, too.

We've already got international buyers for these bags...way to go Dan! I think he had fun making it - and working with Dan was awesome, as usual. He blogged about making them.

Anyway, next time you come in, they're right by the front door. Take one off the rack and try it out as a shopping bag so it's easier to carry those stacks of comics and trades. That's right, we've got your back.

-b

Painkiller Jane Hits Friday Night TV!

I am a comic newbie, new to the side of comics that doesn't really involve business. I've been working at Star Clipper for around 2 months now, and I've learned a lot from the staff and the regulars who frequent the store. I've even begun to read comics on a regular basis. (Congrats to me!)

One of my new favourites is Painkiller Jane, the story of a woman who is "hard to resist and harder to kill." She is Agent Jane Vasco, a former DEA agent who joins a covert government agency who tracks down and contains "neuros." If you've no idea what neuros are, simply put, neuros are humans who have neurological powers and can influence other innocent people. If that isn't enough, Jane is extremely hard to kill (she's yet to die for real in the comic series), but she can feel pain. Hence, the
clever name - Painkiller Jane.

Whilst I'm a big fan of the comic series (written by Jimmy Palmiotti and illustrated by Lee Moder), the tv show (produced in part by the star) leaves something to be desired.

Painkiller Jane debuted on the SciFi channel (Friday nights at 10/9c after Stargate: Atlantis) on April 13, 2007. Because of the fantastic response to the Painkiller Jane movie (which was an original SciFi movie released in 2005) and various re-runs, Jane Vasco has come to life on the silver screen once again.

The show stars Kristanna Loken (of Terminator 3 and Bloodrayne fame) as the irrestible Jane Vasco. In addition to starring in the show, Loken is also executive producer. The show follows Vasco and the team (one of which has trained under the master of Bruce Lee in real life!) whilst they track neuros, one by one. While the story has a long plotline over the season, each show can be watched on its own...sort of like CSI or Law & Order.

Sigh...and here comes the review. The show is lacking (unfortunately) in explanations. For example: The neuros. Okay, so they raise people from the dead and make people fall out of 46-story windows. But why is it that they are always doing something wrong? Don't tell me that these neuros don't have feelings or compassion. And they never really say what they do with (or to) the neuros. It could be just really confused writing (which happens), or just something they will explain later.

The dialogue is always a big issue with me. I have to have non-sappy, very direct, always-on-top-of-your-game dialogue. Painkiller Jane is a show whose dalogue could use a tuning up. There is absolutely no reason for Painkiller Jane to state the obvious in a hard-core tone, especially when it's happening as she is saying it.

Apart from the plot being a little weak (but I give it a little lee-way cos the series is on it's second show of the season), the dialogue being a bit corny, and the acting having a very rehearsed and akward feel to it...I must say. The photography is INCREDIBLE. I have no idea who is doing the photography for this show, but dammit...someone give them an Oscar...Emmy...Golden Globe. Something. The show takes on a documentary-type feel in the first show and turns colour into an element in the second show.

I'll keep tuning into because a) I really think the show will get stronger with time and b) The photography is very rare on a television show and I get a kick out of how different things look with different techniques.

My advice? If you like beautiful women who kick ass, can take a bullet to the chest, and still get the bad guy...tune in. It'll be a great ride.

Evey

Ace & Ion Have Landed!

Star Clipper is excited to carry the new Ace & Ion toys designed by renowned painter and illustrator Tara McPherson!!! This set is McPherson’s vinyl toy debut, and includes a raygun, pickaxe and their fuzzy pet dragon on a leash! Former Assistant Manager, Elizabeth divulged the set’s irresistible surprise accessories: a coloring book and puffy stickers! She loves them! And I do, too! And you should, too!

These critters are characters featured in McPherson’s illustrations, and can be seen in such publications as Lonely Heart: The Art of Tara McPherson (Dark Horse Press). As her most recent book, this catalogue features beautiful color reproductions and vellum inserts.

As a former intern at Rough Draft Comics, McPherson worked on Matt Groening’s Futurama series during college. Her current project consists of a painted graphic novel called DONOR, written by Stephen T. Seagle for DC/Vertigo Comics. She has quickly become the art world’s new design darling, by creating limited edition toys and publications for Kidrobot exclusives. Get into it!

-May

I'm A Junkie

I'm a total Warren Ellis junkie. I read his newsletter, go to his website, read the comics, basically anything that comes out of his head. But this month he has three new projects in Previews, and you should order them while you can. Ever the helpful shop keep, I bring you synopses of the three, a limited series, an original graphic novel, and Ellis' first novel.

The limited series, BLACK SUMMER, is a super-hero book. Kind of. More aptly a book about the ethics of super-heroes. If it's ethical for someone to put on a mask and fight crooks, what else is it ok for them to do? Fight a corrupt city hall and cops on the take? Fight corporations that pollute the environment or release dangerous products? Could you fight the federal govt. if you felt they had colluded in a criminal war? One man, John Horus is about to find out. Check out Ellis' super-hero revolution this June with BLACK SUMMER #0, a 16pg $.99 preview. For more, you can checkout blacksummer.net

Also on the way in June from Avatar is CRECY, a 48pg original graphic novel. Not a big GN, about the size of two comics, but at $6.99 at least it's priced reasonably. CRECY is the first OGN from the Apparat line, which you may remember from the one shots they did a couple years back. Ellis has been slow to get material out for this line, but considering the wealth of material he's put out for other companies, I forgive him. In 1346 the battle in Crecy, France was the beginning of the end of chivalry. The English, with newly developed tactics and weapons, handed the French a crushing defeat, and changed the way wars would be fought. Noble men were now just as likely to be killed from a peasants bow as an opposing nobleman in armor. This battle crippled the French army for nearly ten years and killed an estimate third of the French nobility. I'm not sure what Ellis is planning to do with the story, but for any Briton, this battle evokes the same national pride that Lexington, Concord, or Trenton does for Americans. Check apparat.co.uk for more.

Last up is CROOKED LITTLE VEIN. CLV is the first novel to be put out by Ellis, but surely not the last as he already has the next one planned to release next summer. I don't know a lot about this book, other then it's supposed to be a tour of the dark underbelly of America. Here's what they said in the Previews solicitation: A burned-out detective is enlisted by an army of presidential goons to retrieve the U.S. Constitution... the real one! Now I don't know about you, but I'm pretty sure I know all about the dark underbelly of America. The casual cruelness, the unthinking stupidity, reality-tv, cults of celebrity, religious fanaticism, sensationalist media, and the political ideologues. Really all the stuff that Ellis already covered in Transmet. That doesn't mean I'm not gonna read it, in fact just the opposite. It's the only way I know I'm not alone against the bastards.

Dan

Gallery Construction Underway

Construction of the Gallery has begun in earnest. If you make it into the store, you can see the entire west side of the south wall has been knocked down, revealing the layout for the new space. We've settled on a bid for the bamboo flooring that we'll be laying when it's all done.

Basically, all the framing is complete and we're in a holding pattern on the electrical. That should be finished by Tuesday, which means the walls go up Wednesday, then taping, sanding, finishing and painting. After that, the floor goes in. If all goes according to plan, we'll be finished by May 5. The first show is the St. Louis Munny Show on May 18. Should be a good one!

We have a nice slate of shows scheduled for 2007, and it's proving to be pretty easy to get some terrific artists in to show off their stuff. If you have any ideas for a show, I suggest you send them to the gallery manager, May Tran (may AT starclipper DOT com). We're open to any and all suggestions! Think of this space as a gallery for not only cool urban art and vinyl shows, but sketch and pencil shows, panels shows, you name it. St. Louis should be getting some sweet talent through this space and we look forward to bringing our customers the very best.

And by the way, if you want to follow the image diary of the gallery construction, go check it out.

-Ben

Go See GRINDHOUSE now!!!

Alright Star Clipper blog readers, its now your official responsibility to go see GRINDHOUSE, and if you've already seen it, go see it again. That's what you get for reading my blog, ordered to see a movie. You didn't know I had that power to do that did you? But this is no ordinary movie, its a double feature, with the ultra gory zombie flick "Planet Terror" directed by Robert Rodriguez and the terrorizing hot-rod spoof "Death Proof" directed by Quentin Tarantino showed back to back for your film going enjoyment. GRINDHOUSE may even get the highest Star Clipper rating out of any film reviewed on the blog, since I'm now giving it 174.75 Clippies out of 200 Clippies. Wowee Zowee!!

So why is GRINDHOUSE so great? Well, here are but a few reasons. Rose McGowan has a assault rifle grafted to her leg! Tarantino has some "important" body parts melted off his body! Their are fake movie trailers by Rob Zombie, Edgar Wright and Eli Roth! Horrible trampoline accidents! Gore, gore and more Gore! The craziest car chase scene ever! An unexpected cameo by my main man Nicolas Cage! Fergie has her brain ripped out, though this happen long before this movie! And most importantly: Kurt "Escape from New York" Russell!

Kurt Russell may be the New Nic Cage!

So after you visit Star Clipper this week head over to the Tivoli and see GRINDHOUSE. I command it!

-Jon

Star Clipper St. Louis Munny Show 2007

Due to popular demand Star Clipper will be hosting another ST. LOUIS MUNNY SHOW this May! Last year’s show was a huge success, and we hope to make 2007 even bigger and better! View pictures from last year’s show through bbor62's post!

MUNNY is a 7-inch tall, customizable vinyl action figure designed by renowned toy trendsetter and retailer Kidrobot. MUNNY can be drawn on, painted, dressed or even molded, and its versatility has inspired a creative movement among toy lovers and art world celebrities alike. Artists and designers from across the country will create custom vinyl pieces using MUNNY and other “platform” vinyl toys for this unusual exhibition. Any DIY vinyl toy (QEE, TREXI etc.) is also welcome!

We are proud to feature MUNNYS from several talented national designers this year, including Neil Burke and Jason Kochis!

This year’s event will also include a toy swap before the formal opening of the show!

FRIDAY, MAY 18, 2007
Blind Package Toy Swap 6 PM
Opening Reception 7-10 PM
Show runs until May 31, 2007

Those of you interested in showcasing your talent in a unique local toy exhibition should register today!!! Application forms are available at the store, and can also be downloaded through munny.starclipper.com.

Call 314.725.9110 or email show AT munny dot starclipper dot com for more information.
BE SURE TO "FRIEND" US THROUGH MYSPACE!

May

Back from Vegas...and lots to do!

Sorry for the lack of posts lack week and the late posting today.

Vegas ended up being a real whirlwind of a trip. I had hoped to spend at least a couple more nights getting sauced and hitting a couple of tables for a little blackjack. But it wasn't meant to be. The first annual meeting of ComicsPRO ended up being far more productive than I think anyone expected. We were in meetings from the early morning until late at night. Thursday night we were in meetings until about 1 AM, and Friday ended a little earlier, but I had to catch a flight back to STL at 4 AM. Holy crap! Remind me to never do that again.

As for ComicsPRO, I think the members were impressed and excited by what was accomplished and we're all looking forward to what the organization can accomplish over the next year.

An interesting thing happened: much to my surprise I was elected to the Board of Directors of ComicsPRO. I have to say I was caught with my guard down, but I'm really looking forward to bringing whatever I can to the table and hope we can use this organization to bring our industry to the highest levels of organization and professionalism. And work has already begun - my e-mail this morning was flooded with ComicsPRO matters.

So in addition to working hard for ComicsPRO we are beginning the renovations to the south end of Star Clipper. Yes, big changes are coming. If you ever wondered what was going on behind the little green door in the back of the store, wonder no more. That entire wall should be down by the end of the day. The construction on the art gallery will begin in earnest. We'll also be adding a door where we currently have a curtain hanging between the sales floor and the stockroom. And we're closing up the hallway going to the employee lounge and staff bathroom - so you won't be able to sneak back there anymore (you know who you are!).

The art gallery is going to be fantastic. Details to follow...

-Ben

Hello Las Vegas!

I'm posting this from my hotel room at the Orleans Casino in Las Vegas, where I'm currently attending the first annual
ComicsPRO meeting. For those of you who aren't aware of what ComicsPRO is - and didn't click on the link - it's a trade organization of comic retailers, formed to inform and enhance retailers around the country. The group has incredible potential, but really needs to expand it's member base.

Right now, there are anywhere from 2500 to 3000 independent comic retailers in the United States. ComicsPRO has about 90 members. So there is room to grow. Luckily, the membership currently includes from of the best comic shops in the nation and a very respectable chunk of buying power. And publishers and distributors are taking it seriously. Last night I was up until 2 a.m. getting completely smashed in a hospitality suite sponsored by Image Comics. Thanks Image!

Of course, being an organization in its infancy has its disadvantages...the most obvious being that our conference is being held at the Orleans...which isn't on the strip and is surrounded by strip clubs - yes, I know I'm in Vegas. Next year, it't the Bellagio (I hope).

Haven't gambled yet, but I expect to hit the crap tables and blackjack tables at some point tonight.

-ben

NANOSPORE x CUPCO = SNOITON MADNESS!

Designers Paul Hwang & Benjamin Lee’s new joint venture as NANOSPORE, LLC has captivated the vinyl toy community with their tubby designs. The creative force behind these bulbous figures is the theory that “Nanospores were sent to Earth to be sapians’ demise.” Since their introduction in 2005, these spore-based creatures have infiltrated the world in a variety of designs, including a rice-cooker, aerosol can, and calculator.

Star Clipper is proud to offer their latest figure NANOMON, designed by Nanospore and Japan’s Devil Robots for a two-figure series called Devilmix. These otherworldly little creatures are approaching SOLD OUT status on the west coast and NYC, so snatch them up while you can!

Unfortunately, the GLOW-IN-THE DARK NANOSPORES have been sold out since winter. Only a scarce 96 sets of these blind assortment figures were cast, with a measly 48 sets made available to the United States!

For those of you traveling to the West Coast soon, don’t forget to check out SNOITON!: a two entity show between Cupco and Nanospore on display at the Giant Robot 2 gallery (GR2) in L.A. The entire venue has been aesthetically overhauled with felt dolls, silkscreen paintings and experimental apparel inspired by themes of deconstruction/reconstruction, war, and the outer worldly. Whoa.

-May

Amano's World

Yoshitaka Amano's newest book "Worlds of Amano" is now available at Star Clipper. Amano is best known for his concept and character design for the hugely popular video game series Final Fantasy and his illustrations for Vampire Hunter D. More recently, he illustrated Neil Gaiman's "Sandman: Dream Hunters", earning him a nomination for a Hugo Award in 2000, and "Elektra and Wolverine: The Redeemer" for Marvel. "Worlds of Amano" encapsulates dozens of his paintings and sketches that inspired his various projects.

Like most people familiar with Amano's work, I remember him best from his character designs for the Final Fantasy series. In fact, Final Fantasy is the only video game that I can think of that is worth buying for the cover art alone, which should say a lot for Amano's quality. I have to admit that I still have the game boxes stored away just because of his art, but I'm a huge pack rat so thats forgivable, right?

Anyway, If you're looking to get a full overview of his work "Worlds of Amano" is a perfect place to start. So find a Chocobo and walk the world map down to Star Clipper to discover the amazing work of Yoshitaka Amano!

-Jon

Best Week of Comics *EVER*

Ok, so maybe not ever, but damn, there's a ton of stuff coming out this week. While we usually don't post next weeks books here, there were so many cool things coming that I felt you'd want to know about. And it's not just comics either, there are some really cool toys, and some of the best trades to come out yet this year. So lets jump right to it, shall we?

New Graphic Novels

All Star Superman HC
Civil War TP
Crisis Aftermath: The Spectre
Death Note Vol 11
Ferro City Vol 1
Fullmetal Alchemist Vol 12

AND

Fullmetal Alchemist Vol 13 (How lucky are you!?)
Inu Yasha Vol 29
Spider-Man Reign HC

New Comics

52 #49 (only 1 week till WW3!)
All Star Superman #7
BPRD Garden of Souls #2
Fables #60
Fell #8
Green Arrow #73
Green Lantern Corps #11
Iron Man #16
Loners #1
New Avengers #29
NewUniversal #29
Nightly News #5
Nova #1 (I read the preview copy, it's really good!)
Teen Titans #45
Thunderbolts #113
Trials of Shazam #6
Uncanny X-Men #485
Wonder Woman #7 (They're really trying to make up for lost ground quick!)

New Toys

Hellboy Animated PVC Set
Monty Python Rabbit Hand Puppet (Yeah! Death puppets!)
Superman Batman Series 4

Now that's not everything, just the coolest of the cool. We've got a ton more stuff coming in, especially manga, we're getting tons of new manga this week too. Not to mention you get TWO new trades of Fullmetal. That's awesome. Now if only Scott Pilgrim would do the same.

FYI

Did you know that Rob Liefeld originally pitched Youngblood as Team Titans to DC? Or that Kevin Smith killed Mysterio without talking to the Spider-Man office?

No? Neither did I. Why do you care? I don't know, but it looks like you do.

These, and other interesting tidbits of comic trivia can be found at a major feedsite near you. Comic Book Resources, I go to Newsarama personally, has a neat little ongoing forum, page, list..., something. It's awesome and it's called Comic Book Urban Legends Revealed History.

A Little wordy.

But it's still awesome; full of things you would never have even thought of. Did you know that the original villain in the first X-Factor arc, that's original series not the current one, was supposed to be The Owl, not Apocalypse. Age of the Owl. Heh.

-Dan

Help Defend Fantagraphics!

If you haven't heard, Fantagraphics is going through a rather serious lawsuit with science fiction writer Harlan Ellison. For more details on the lawsuit and what you can do to support Fantagraphics, visit the Fantagraphics blog.

In other happier Fantagraphics news, Tony Millionaire's The Drinky Crow Show premieres May 13 on Adult Swim. So don't forget to tune in. As a bonus, here is a link to the first thirty seconds of the show, which should wet your whistle.

Finally, Peter Bagge has a new online comic called "BUMS" for reason magazine. As always, it's hilariously depressing. So go check it out now!

Now, I'm giving myself the award for blog with the most links. Hurray!

-Jon

World War Hulk

This is the pump up for WORLD WAR HULK! Yes, I have read the end of Planet Hulk, and The Hulk is going to SMASH some seriously deserving asses over the next couple of months. It's fun seeing a bunch of the regular Hulk cast showing up on all kinds of Marvel covers in a couple of months. Most importantly, The Hulk is coming back to get the Illuminati. But I know which WWH books I'm getting, do you? Here for you convience then is the list, for once, copied right off Marvel's website. I don't get how they did one for this and not Civil War though.

-Dan

MAY
WORLD WAR HULK PROLOGUE: WORLD BREAKER #1
INCREDIBLE HULK #106

JUNE
WORLD WAR HULK #1
INCREDIBLE HULK #107
INVINCIBLE IRON MAN #19
GHOST RIDER #12
HEROES FOR HIRE #11
WORLD WAR HULK X-MEN #1
WORLD WAR HULK: GAMMA CORPS #1
WORLD WAR HULK: FRONTLINE #1

JULY
AVENGERS: THE INITIATIVE #4
IRREDEEMABLE ANT-MAN #10
WORLD WAR HULK #2
GHOST RIDER #13
WORLD WAR HULK: FRONTLINE #2
INVINCIBLE IRON MAN #20
HEROES FOR HIRE #12
WORLD WAR HULK: GAMMA CORPS #2
WORLD WAR HULK #3
WORLD WAR HULK: X-MEN #2
WORLD WAR HULK: FRONTLINE #3
INCREDIBLE HULK #108

AUGUST
INCREDIBLE HULK #109
WORLD WAR HULK YOUNG AVENGERS #1
WORLD WAR HULK GAMMA CORPS #3
WORLD WAR HULK FRONTLINE #4
WORLD WAR HULK #4
WORLD WAR HULK X-MEN #3
HEROES FOR HIRE #13
WORLD WAR HULK FRONTLINE #5

SEPTEMBER
WORLD WAR HULK GAMMA CORPS #4
WORLD WAR HULK #5
HEROES FOR HIRE #14
INCREDIBLE HULK #110
WORLD WAR HULK FRONTLINE #6

A Bit of Bondage

Although I never cease to be amazed by the startling illusions created by modern magic practitioners such as Criss Angel, I am pleased to see a return to a focus in the visual arts on past prestidigitators. Christopher and Jonathan Nolan transformed The Prestige into a captivating look at magical rivalry from the tedious Christopher Priest book. Of course, any film with a David Bowie cameo has my vote. Also, the pairing of Nolan and Christian Bale seems a naturally charmed progression after Batman Begins. [Their future projected collaboration for The Dark Knight might see subsequent blog exposure]. The
brilliant adaptation of The Illusionist from the overlooked short story by Steven Millhauser captures the essence of mystery and marvel from days when motion pictures and illusions equally mystified audiences.

Riding this deluge of magical images, Jason Lutes and Nick Bertozzi offer an impressive display of legerdemain in their lovely graphic novel Houdini; The Handcuff King. Jason Lutes previously explored the relationship between magician and mentor with Jar of Fools, a graphic novel that was so cool that Sherman Alexie (Smoke Signals) extolled its virtues. Last Halloween, a new biography emerged shedding new light on the extraordinary qualities of Houdini. For more information on the master escape artist, look at Houdini Tribute.

Whilst perusing Lutes and Bertozzi’s tome at Star Clipper, explore Neil Gaiman’s The Books of Magic which still proves to fascinate with its fantastic boy’s adventure tale of Timothy Hunter’s coming of age as a magician and its gorgeous artwork by John Bolton.

-TL

The Incredible Planet Hulk

Planet Hulk comes to a close this week. The final issue of this 14 issue epic by Greg Pak is something I have been looking forward to. Not it ending, but HOW it was going to end.

A couple of years ago, a friend convinced me to give Bruce Jones' run on The Incredible Hulk a try. After the end of that, I really didn't want to have anything to do with The Hulk anymore. And, by the way, it is The Hulk. It's a title, not a description.

Any-who, I got sucked right back in a few issues later when I saw The Hulk, wearing gladiator armor, fighting the Silver Surfer, similarly attired. The Surfer was even using his board as a giant shield! Ok, that got my attention. I picked up that issue along with the two or three others that had already come out. Fantastic!

A lot of people who have been reading comics a lot longer then I have have told me that The Hulk went through something like this before actually. Which, they did allude to in the comic, but only briefly.

I bet the original pitch was some thing like this, "How can we make The Hulk into Conan?"

Yeah, Conan. But it worked. It worked great. Here's how you do it. Toss The Hulk into DEEP space. Now Hulk's mad, madder then ever before! A wormhole opens up and dumps Hulk on an alien world. Hulk Smash! Except the first two alien soldiers who show up beat the crap out of him and throw him in the slave pits. Or straight in to the gladiator arena, I forget exactly. And what happens? Hulk gets MADDER! And for the past year or so The Hulk has been getting madder and madder and madder! He is now to that planet what he was to the Earth when he left. And now he has a mission, get back at all the people for putting him on that planet in the first place. The Illuminati.

Now this isn't a pump up for WW Hulk. This is about Planet Hulk. Many of you have been saying how much you want to read this, but were waiting for the collection. The wait is over. PLANET HULK HC, $39.99, collecting issues 92-105, is in the brand new Previews. If you order now, you can pick it up before World War Hulk starts and go into that all caught up.

In Flux

Lots of changes are going on at Star Clipper right now - changes I think are going to push the store up to the next level. But it's having a couple of side effects - most notably today an absence of pre-written blogs for me to post up here. But not to worry, that should all get back to normal this week.

So what kind of changes are underway? First, you all know that Elizabeth, our former intrepid assistant manager, decided it was time to make an exit from retail. We'll miss her immensely, as I'm sure anyone who ever needed her help will agree. She was a terrific manager and we wish her the best.

You may have already met Elizabeth's successor - Tina-Louise (or TL). We're going to have a lock on two letter acronym staff members pretty soon...we've got AJ, TL, JC...I digress. TL will be terrific, and she'll be working Elizabeth's former shifts, so you should all get a chance to meet her soon.

We've also hired a new full-timer - May Tran. You won't see as much of May, at least not initially. She's in charge of our designer toy section, art gallery and PR. Yes, Star Clipper now employs a desk jockey.

And you probably noticed the comment I snuck in there about the art gallery. Indeed, we have a 400 square foot art gallery coming soon. Construction starts on Monday, April 16 and will last about 2 weeks. We'll be open for business as usual, but the back of the store will be under construction. If you've ever wondered was was behind the door on the back wall, you'll soon know. The back wall is coming down and you'll be able to easily access the new space with its sweet bamboo floor. Anyway, you'll see it soon enough. We've already got a couple of shows booked for it, so watch out!