Comics For Kids

In researching my latest blog, I stumbled upon a couple of articles that talked about comics’ role in getting reluctant boy readers to pick up a book. The articles really got me thinking about my childhood and my issues with reading.

I was a terrible reader for most of elementary school and read only a steady diet of comics and choose your own adventures. I enjoyed the stories I found in books, but did not enjoy reading. I found the process of reading to be a difficult and especially slow process. Comics offered a great alternative to books. I could get exciting and complex stories, but they didn’t possess the level of difficulty I found in books.

Regretfully, my comics reading did not get much support from teachers at school (although my parents were excited that I was reading anything). These days, teachers use comics to encourage reading and libraries have extensive selections of titles. When I was young, I could only get newspaper strip collections like Garfield or a handful of superhero titles like Marvel Origins and Bring on the Bad Guys. Now, there is the Education Resources Information Center online that has sources for teachers on how to use comics in the classroom. Meanwhile, there is an ever-growing selection of comics for kids being published.

In the comic market of the 80s and 90s, we saw the number of titles with a young target audience shrink. Superhero comics moved slowly away from being aimed at all ages to skewing to an older audience. There would be the odd well intentioned but ill conceived all ages superhero title, but consistent quality titles evaporated from the shelves. Outside of the realm of superheroes, frequently the latest issue of Bone stood out as the lone good all ages title.

As some comics creators aged and began to have kids of their own, they have moved to creating works for their children to enjoy. Andi Watson has moved form slice of life romance titles to the fantasy adventures in Glister while James Kacholka has created Johnny Boo. Meanwhile, newer talents like Shaun Tan or Kazu Kibuishi have been creating all-ages friendly works like the Arrival or Amulet respectfully. A lack of quality kids comics lead Francoise Mouly to first create the Little Lit line of books and now she is launching Toonbooks, a line of Little Lit for readers 4 and up. The line will boast such talent as Art Spiegleman and Dean Haspiel.

When I look at all the quality kids comics being created now, much of which contain the kinds of stories I enjoyed as a kid, it makes me wonder how I would have faired given the quality and quantity of comics accessible to young readers these days.

-Nick

Lockwood and Summit

As many of you might know, when I started at Star Clipper, I was also working at my other favorite retailer in St. Louis, Euclid Records. Unfortunately, when I started as the Clipper manager, I had to say goodbye to all my friends at Euclid, so I could to take on my new managerial schedule. However, I'm still a familiar face around Euclid Records, and last time I was there they had just started their new Blog Lockwood and Summit. So, to help get the word out I thought I would give you the low down on those Euclid Bloggers.

Lockwood and Summit keeps you updated on everything in the world of Euclid Records, and features opinions and reviews by the awesome staff including my friends Darren Snow, Steve Pick and Jack Probst. Darren is the host of Rocket 88 on KDHX and has an awesome comic strip he puts on his myspace page. Steve Pick hosts Sound Salvation and knows a hell of a lot about Silver Age comics. Jack Probst is a buddy of mine and a fellow Webster University student. He was responsible for turning me onto Jeffrey Brown. Read all their post and be hip!

-Jon

Michael Cera’s Precious Little Life?

Recently, it was announced that actor Michael Cera (Juno and Superbad) will star as Scott Pilgrim in the film adaptation of the graphic novel series. In the few days since the casting announcement, there has been a lot of hubbub about the choice for the role. The outstanding adventure, romantic comedy series Scott Pilgrim has inspired a loyal fanbase, many of who have strong opinions on the casting choice. Even here at Star Clipper the topic has created some heated discussions.

Jon and I have decidedly different takes on the casting, resulting from our different interpretations of the character of Scott. Before talking to Jon about it, I took it for granted that everyone shared my interpretation of Scott as lovable loser and slacker. My conversation with Jon reminded me how much of comics, like their cousin prose, leave to the imagination. The reader fills in the moments between panels while their own thoughts and feelings color the words and actions played out across the page. Most movies seem to provide a less subjective experience, where the interpretations of the actors and the vision of the director play a significant role in forming a more predefined experience.

While I love Michael Cera form his days on Arrested Development, I think I wouldn’t know if he makes a good Scott or not until I see the movie. I will say that it is a casting that I would never have thought of on my own and that I’m curious to see how it plays out.

You can check out what little series creator Bryan Lee O’Malley has to say on the subject at his blog.

-Nick

Hellboy II - The Golden Army

Everyones favorite kitten-loving hero from hell, Hellboy, will return in his second big screen feature Hellboy II - The Golden Army on July 11. Ron Pearlman will be reprising his role as Hellboy, with the majority of the original cast returning to their roles as well, including Selma Blair as Liz Sherman and Doug Jones as Abe Sapien. Acclaimed Pan' s Labyrinth director Gullermo Del Toro will be directing this sequel to his original 2004 Hellboy movie.

The screenplay, by Del Toro and Hellboy creator Mike Mignola, is not based on any specific source material from the comic, and it follows a new dictator from the Invisible Realm of the Fantastics Broken who sets an army of devilish creatures lose on earth. Of course, it will be up to Hellboy, a protagonist misunderstood both on earth and in hell, to save the day. Aided by the BPRD (Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense), Hellboy, Liz, Abe, and Johann will travel between worlds to face the new threat.

Del Toro's visual brilliance is always stunning, and makes The Golden Army one of the most anticipated films, as well as comic adaptations, of the year. For daily updates from Gullermo Del Toro check out the Hellboy movie production site.

The current Hellboy related comics on the shelves includes the five-part Abe Sapien: The Drowning, following Abe's first adventure to retrieve a dead warlock in the 80's, and B.P.R.D. 1946, telling the tale of Professor Trevor Bruttenholm founding of the Bureau. Check em out before the movie.

-Jon

A Look Over Star Clipper's Last 20 Years (2 of 2)

 In the second of two posts looking back on where Star Clipper's history, we're now going to cover the latter half of her colorful story. I personally missed out altogether on the events of the first post. I was a SoCo kid and we didn't get out much to the Loop-- I didn't even know where it was-- but after I moved to the area after college, destiny brought Star Clipper and I together. Forever!!!

So what happened next?

• 1996: The Denbows sell Star Clipper to Scott Thorne of Castle Perilous in Carbondale, IL. Hello Scott! We don't see enough of you.

• 1997: A.J. Trujillo commences working as Star Clipper Manager in August. Hi there!!! You see too much of me.

• 1999: Star Clipper wins the Eisner Spirit of Retailing Award , an honor shared with Dreamhaven Books of MI.

• 2001: Ben and A.J. Trujillo buy Star Clipper from Scott Thorne in May.

• 2002: A new proprietary database and point-of-sale system called MOBY™ is introduced to Star Clipper. FYI: We developed-- and continue to develop-- this system in partnership with a third party as part of an independent LLC, and market it to other stores.

• 2004: Star Clipper moves back to the University City Loop , more than doubling the size of the 379 North Big Bend location. The move to 6392 Delmar Boulevard takes place on July 14, 2004.

We are thrilled to be celebrating 20 years in business. We couldn't have done it without the hard work of our faithful friends and associates or the support of our patrons, past and present. If you haven't visited us in a while, please come back and see what's new; if you're a regular, demand a foot rub from Ben. Aha!! 

-A.J. 

A Look Over Star Clipper's Last 20 Years (1 of 2)

 In the first of two posts looking back on where Star Clipper has been, we're going to reminisce about the very earliest days of its inception: when Star Clipper was just a twinkle in the eyes of its founders, Sonny and Carol Denbow. Many of you out there remember their Golden Age with fondness. They're still out there, folks, and their legacy lives on in our daily mission! Want to give them a shout-out? We'll be sure to forward any comments to them.

Let's take a look at the chronology:

• 1980: University City, MO: Sonny and Carol Denbow open The Shire, a gaming store and comic book shop two doors west of The Tivoli Theatre on Delmar in early summer.
• 1982: The Shire closes its doors at the end of May.
• 1988: On September 15, the Denbows open the first incarnation of Star Clipper at 612 North and South Drive in University City, MO. It begins as a science fiction bookstore.
• 1991: Star Clipper moves to a bigger, more favorable location at 8134 Delmar Boulevard on July 2, changing its emphasis to comics and trade paperbacks.
• 1992: Star Clipper wins its first Riverfront Times Best of St. Louis Award for Best Comic Book Store.
• 1994: A second Star Clipper location opens and, tragically, folds in Olivette, MO.

Looking over the above, one can see just how connected we have become to the University City community. Plenty of you still come in today and say you "remember when" we were back at one of the former locations. Thanks for your loyalty, folks. Although some things have changed, it seems like a lot has stayed the same.

-A.J. 

James Jean Hits the Runway!

Comic fans might notice artist James Jean’s work from the covers of series like Fables or Umbrella Academy. His illustration work in and outside of comics has grown quite the following, leading books like his incredibly popular Process Recess series to sell out quickly. In his career, he has worked for clients like Target, Time Magazine, and Playboy.

Recently, James Jean was hired by Prada to create wallpaper for the Soho and Los Angeles stores. This design work lead to a short film, Trembled Blossoms being made and eventually to him being involved in the Spring 2008 Prada collection. According to a National Post article, Jean’s work for the mural was so well liked that he was hired to design fabric used in the collection. The fabric then influenced the rest of the collection.

When you jump to Prada’s website, your eyes are hit right way with James Jean influenced Prada. If you want a greater scoop on this high fashion turn, check out this detailed story at Chris Butcher’s site Comics.212. It was all the links and photos you need to feast your eyes on Jean’s Prada work from mural to runway.

I have to say it all looks pretty rad.

Nick

Paul Pope Designs DKNY Jean’s Future!

Not only yesterday that I find out that James Jean was in involved with the Spring Prada line that today I discover that Paul Pope is designing a line of 15 items for DKNY Jeans. While Pope has previously work with Diesel creating a screen print and a store
display for the clothing line, this is his first time designing a clothing line.

According to the press release, the clothing line will be called 2089. The line fuses “…the world of comics and fashion by creating a cohesive narrative which emerges through prints and graphics on clothing to create a truly unique application of this art form.” The setting for narrative is New York a hundred years after DKNY’s founding in 1989.

Paul Pope has expressed an interested in fashion in clothes throughout most of his comic creating career. The Pope faithful
among us may remember fashion inserts he did of DC Comics teen superheroes back in. His comics have also had shorts on where his characters clothing and fashion magazine-style spreads with info on the clothes the characters are wearing.

As to the process of making the line, the Wall Street Journal has an article on Pope and the clothing line. When things like this and the James Jeans Prada thing happen, it can't but make me think that we live in an exciting time for comics. Nylon currently has an exclusive first look at some of the clothing in
the line (including the hoodie pictured above). While the clothes my not really be my style, I have to say that seeing a hoodie covered in Paul Pope comics still makes me all excited.

-Nick

New Spider-Man Cartoon Swings onto Kids WB

The new Spectacular Spider-Man cartoon has finally hit the airwaves after months of hype. Marvel cartoons have lived in the shadow of animated shows based on DC Comics properties ever since Batman: the Animated Series was broadcast in the mid nineties. Could the new Spider-Man finally be the standout show that Marvel needs? After watching the first two episodes, I have to say that it has potential.

Show runners Greg Weisman (Gargoyles) and Victor Cook (Hellboy Animated: Blood and Iron) basically give us a classic high school age Peter Parker in the first moments of his web slinging career. People believe the Spider-Man to be a myth and J. Jonah Jameson has the Daily Bugle chasing after its first photo of ol’ Webhead. Peter struggles to meet his responsibilities to the people he loves like Aunt May, as well as his school and job. Classic villains like Vulture and Electro are making their first appearances and others like Marko Flint (aka Sandman) or Norman Osborn (the Green Goblin) have yet to even don a costume.

However, not everything is as classic in the cartoon Spider-world. Gwen Stacey, a main cast member, feels more like the science-loving Mary Jane of Ultimate Spider-Man than the classic Gwen. Villains like previously mentioned Electro and Vulture have origins that neatly ties into Peter Parker’s life unlike their funny book origins. Other characters like the Enforcers have been reworked, giving them a feel similar to Weisman’s previous show Gargoyles.

The animation for the show is decidedly the best for a Marvel series. While there are a few elements to the style that don’t sit well with me yet, they may grow into charming quirks in time. The character designs are clean and to the point. When moving on screen, the characters are fairly fluid. I found the backgrounds for the show especially pleasant to look at. Overall, the animation is pretty sharp.

The voice acting, on the other hand, did not really stand out to me. I will admit that I was not a fan of the casting for Peter Parker/Spider-Man. Some of the other characters, like Harry Osborn and Curt Connors were a little to closer character. Unlike Batman: The Animated Series and the X-Men cartoon from the early 1990s, none of the characters’ voices seemed to hit me as immediately embodying the essence of a character. Plus they don’t have Stan Lee narrating.

The episodes, even if they were a mixed bag, were enjoyable to watch. It should be interesting to see how the show grows and its parts come together. You catch the show 10 am on Kids WB, and you can follow this link to catch out a trailer for the show.

-Nick

Mixtape - The Art of Jim Mahfood

Cult artist and St. Louis native Jim Mahfood has just released his first art book Mixtape Volume One - Food One Mahfood Art from Image Comics. Mahfood has made a huge variety of explosive art for everything from comic books to CD covers and concert poster designs. In fact, Mahfood is even designing the flyer for this years Star Clipper St. Louis Munny Show, pictured below:




To many, especially in the St. Louis area, Mahfood is best known for his self-published 40 Oz Comics, however he has provided comic art for everything from GRRL Scouts, Stupid Comics, and Kevin Smith's Clerks. Mahfood recently did art for his brothers group Earthworms and the most current cover of Scud the Disposable Assassin. Here are a few more examples of his style from Mixtape:




Mixtape is now available at Star Clipper. For more on Jim Mahfood check out his website and blog.

-Jon

Who Do You Distrust Contest

The Marvel Universe is a tricky place these days. Ever since Civil War, Marvel’s heroes have been hunting each other down, running from the government, or wishing a World War’s worth of revenge on each other. Then, the New Avengers discovered that one of Marvel’s heroes was a Skrull which has lead them to distrust each other more than they all ready have.

Marvel comics has been asking readers in their Secret Invasion ad campaign, “who do you trust?” Well, Star Clipper wants to know who you distrust. We’re having a contest to root out these Skrull infiltrators. The person to guess the identity of the first Marvel hero revealed to be a Skrull imposter in the Secret Invasion miniseries will take home the prize. If you need a refresher on whose been reveal to be a spy in the build up to the invasion, check out the Secret Invasion wikipedia page.

When you have your guess, you can send it in an e-mail titlted “Who Do You Distrust? Contest” to nkuntz@starclipper.com. You can also drop off your guess at the contest display at Star Clipper.

* The 1st place winner will receive a copy of the Secret Invasion #1 Steve McNiven variant edition.

* 2nd place will receive a $5 Star Clipper Gift Certificate.

* 3rd place will receive a free copy of Secret Invasion #1.


The contest will end on 04/01/08.

-Nick

Thanks Meester!

 A very warm Star Clipper thank-you to Matt T. for giving me a Munny zipper pull that he bought. I am trying to increase my flare with tiny accessories and this adorable zipper pull was just the thing. Thanks Matt!!

 

I really have my eye on that carrot. I am after all a carrot-top, and I believe the carrot says "I am health-conscious and f-u-n!" There are also those who are going to participate in our third Star Clipper St. Louis MUNNY Show that will be incorporating the zipper pulls into their work. Can't wait to see the variations in scale: standard, mini- and micro-MUNNY. I only regret that we don't have the mega-MUNNY to accompany them. Yet...

 -AJ

Dark Tower - The Long Road Home

Fan favorite comic The Dark Tower has returned with a brand new series The Long Road Home. Overseen by series creator Stephen King, Dark Tower - The Long Road Home will reunite the creative forces of writers Robin Furth and Peter David, and artists Jae Lee and Richard Isanove. This all new story, not taken from the original novels, follows gunslinger Roland Deschain's further adventures after the death of his love Susan Delgado. Unfortunately for Roland, he is in a coma. The Big Coffin Hunters, the group responsible for burning Susan at the stake, are now in deathly pursuit of Roland, and it is up to his ka-tet mates Cuthbert and Alain to escape with their comatose friend into the desert.

Even with a retailer exclusive midnight release on Wednesday, March 5, (Star Clipper unfortnately did not participate) this highly acclaimed series has gone under the radar of many hardcore Dark Tower fans. Pictured below are writer Peter David and Artist Jae Lee at the midnight signing at Midtown Comics in Time Square, Manhattan.



If you were a fan of the original comic The Dark Tower - The Gunslinger Born, don't miss The Long Road Home. Star Clipper is well stocked, so come on down gunslingers.

-Jon

Praise for Vertical

 Thank me later for trying anything, anything at all from Vertical Publishing . Their high-class manga line, beautifully designed by Chip Kidd and in-house designers with balls, is curated by someone with taste (presumably company founder Hiroki Sakai) and reprints mindblowing fare from manga grandaddy Osamu Tezuka, female shojo pioneer Keiko Takemiya (read her extraordinary sci-fi epic Andromeda Stories, in stock now) and the unchallenged King of Cute, Aranzi Aronzo.

I am pausing to write in the middle of reading their solicitation for Osamu Tezuka's Dororo Vol. 1:

"Dororo is Tezuka's classic thriller manga featuring a youth who has been robbed of 48 body parts by devils, and his epic struggle against a host of demons to get them back.

Daigo Kagemitsu, who works for a samurai general in Japan's Warring States period, promises to offer body parts of his unborn baby to 48 devils in exchange for complete domination of the country. Knowing the child to be deficient, Kagemitsu orders the newborn thrown into the river.

The baby survives. Callling himself Hyakkimaru, he searches the world for the 48 demons. Each time he eliminates one, he retrieves one of his missing parts. Hyakkimaru meets a boy thief named Dororo, and together they travel the countryside, confronting mosters and ghosts again and again."

Outstanding. I understand that the manga inspired two anime series, a 2007 live-action movie (poorly received) and two video games, one released in English as Blood Will Tell. But

I'm not alone in believing that Vertical's books are a cut above. Several of their books were singled out last year for "Best-of" picks of all stripes. Check out the list below:

Apollo’s Song - New York magazine’s Best Comics of 2007

Apollo’s Song - Focus Knack magazine’s Top 5 Comics of 2007

Apollo’s Song - Salon.com’s Most Notable Comics of 2007

MW - Seattle Weekly’s Best of the Best of 2007

MW - Publishers Weekly’s Top 10 Manga of 2007

Now You’re One of Us - Fearsmag.com’s Best Books of 2007

To Terra… - About.com’s Top 12 New Must-Read Manga Released in 2007

I'd like to add that their "book books," such as Now You're One of Us by Asa Nonami, BOY by the venerable Takeshi Kitano, or Ashes by Kenzo Kitakata are superb additions to your reading pile. Vertical is to be praised for taking exceptional care in growing their catalog; not a bad apple in the barrel. Bravo!

-AJ 

Who Costumes the Watchmen?

In general, I have sworn off comic movie news. Too may times in the past, I would find some bit of news about a comic movie that would kill my interest in it or develop false expectations for it. These days, I like to know a movie is going to happen and whose is involved and that is it. With that in mind, I can truly say that I stumbled across shots of five of the main Watchmen characters earlier today. I have to say that they leave me with mixed feelings.

While nit picking over costumes feels a little silly to me, I do have to say that I find superhero costumes to be one of the great things about them. A good costume goes a long way in establishing the feel of the character plus I think their fun to look at. In checking out these Watchman duds, some of them left me real cold. They seemed really wrapped up in the aesthetic of modern superhero movies like the Batman franchise or X-Men rather than having their own look. I have to admit, though, that seeing the designs for the Comedian and Rorschach make me feel like I am looking at Alan Moore and Dave Gibson’s comic classic come alive.

What will really matter in the end is how good or bad the movie turns out. While Alan Moore comics have a poor track record of being translated to film, there’s always a chance that this one could be different. There is about a year until the films March 9, 2009 release date. Until we can find out for ourselves about it, we can always check out things like the official Watchmen blog and use the few clues we get to guess away at the movies quality.

-Nick

Hottt New Title From DC's Minx

Ben just got his hands on a preview of the new Minx title Burnout, and it is my favorite of the bunch. The entire Minx line is a godsend to teenage
and even preteen girls looking for something to read/those looking to buy something for that demographic/people like me who are bi-comicurious readers (read manga and other).

Synopsis: When Danni and her mom move in with her mom's alcoholic boyfriend, Danni develops a fierce crush on Haskell, her implicit stepbrother and a diehard environmentalist. Desperate and confused, Danni wrestles with what she's willing to sacrifice as she confronts first love, family secrets and the politics of ecoterrorism set against the lush backdrop of the Pacific Northwest.

This Minx title is a good, meaty, uncompromising read with few tidy resolutions by its conclusion. To the line's credit, most of the books are mature enough for adults and teens to enjoy. I felt the art in Burnout was particularly refreshing, although Jim Rugg's work on Plain Janes was likewise outstanding.

 Playwright/screenwriter/director/singer/author Rebecca Donner has also written Sunset Terrace and contributed to On the Rocks: The KGB Bar Fiction Anthology and artist Inaki Miranda's clean, adept illustrations have appeared in Fables and 2000 A.D. Pick it up at Star Clipper June 4, 2008!

-AJ 

Trinity

Starting the first Wednesday of June will be DC's new ongoing weekly Trinity. The year-long series will focus on DC's big three, Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman, and will feature the same creative team of writer Kurt Busiek and artist Mark Bagley for the whole 52 issue run. Learning from Countdown's mistakes, Trinity will work as a stand alone series and will not directly tie into DC's big summer event Final Crisis. However, DC's executive editor Dan DiDio explains in Comic Shop News, "What happens in this series will have ramifications within the DCU as a total. This is a story that tells the importance of Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman in the DCU."

Trinity will be the first major work at DC for artist Bagley. Coming from a record breaking run with Marvel's Ultimate Spider-Man, Bagley explains his choice to move to DC, "The opportunity to make my DC debut with a project of this magnitude using their biggest characters, was too much for any artist to pass up."

I can't help but think this series is an absolutely genius move on DC part. Putting out a weekly comic featuring their three most popular characters, if not the three most recognizable super-heroes in comic history, looks to be a gold-mine. Seriously, what comic with Batman in it isn't popular?

Trinity is shaping up to be a new-reader friendly book, unlike an event like Final Crisis, and will be a perfect jumping on point for DC's top 3 characters. For more on Trinity, check out this interview with Dan DiDio.

-Jon

No Jokes This in this Post!

Thanks to Byron Kerman for forwarding me CNN's video coverage of international reaction to a new graphic novel about the Holocaust. Although German schools already make a big effort to give pupils a thorough education about the Nazi era, racist violence remains a problem, and the revival of Germany's Jewish community has brought a rise in anti-Semitism. Berlin officials are now turning to the comics medium to teach German youth about the Holocaust.

The graphic novel Die Suche (The Search) was recently introduced
on the 75th anniversary of Adolph Hitler's ascension to the German chancellory. The 61-page book, already available in various European languages, will be used alongside worksheets in history classes at secondary schools in Berlin for six months, after which the project hopes to go nationwide. But the well-intentioned endeavor is hampered by two problems: apathetic German teens, tired of being reminded of their forefathers' sins; and those outraged by the indignity of Holocaust atrocities appearing in the funny pages.

I'm sure we're all asking ourselves the same question: why didn't art spiegelman's Maus raise this kind of stink when it came out? It got a Pulitzer Prize instead.

The graphic novel, drawn by artist Eric Heuvel and distributed by the Anne Frank House museum, conveys the essential facts about the Holocaust through the story of the fictitious Jewish Hecht and Canter families through a surviving narrator, Esther. Historians collaborated on the project to ensure accuracy and many of the drawings were inspired by historical photographs. 

The Anne Frank museum found that using comic books as teaching tools was not uncommon in the classroom. "There was no initial scepticism about the comic-book format for this purpose," spokeswoman Julia Franz said. "In fact, it turned out that many teachers we spoke to had already used Astérix in their history lessons."

I had always been led to believe that Europeans were very progressive when it came to recognizing comics as a valid art form, much
less a means of communication. Obviously the subject of the Holocaust is a tender one, but the backlash comes as a genuine surprise. It's still words and pictures, so why has illustration become the bastard stepchild of photography? Naysayers must feel the vérité of the topic is diminished, but that is a point of view I cannot share.

Kudos to the Anne Frank museum for their efforts; be sure to check out their website for an interview with the creators about the book, as well as information on their other graphic novel about World War II, A Family Secret.

-AJ 

STAR CLIPPER MUNNY SHOW 2008

Call for Artists! Show opens FRIDAY, APRIL 18!

Star Clipper was originally founded in University City, Missouri in 1988 as a gaming and science-fiction bookseller. We have since grown to become the region's premier independent retailer of graphic novels, import & domestic comics, toys, manga, pop culture collectibles & merchandise.

ST. LOUIS MUNNY SHOW 2008

Recognizing Our 20 Years At the Show In case you hadn't already heard, Star Clipper is hosting our third St. Louis MUNNY Show on Friday, April 18, celebrating the phenomenon of vinyl toys as well as our 20 Year Anniversary!

This year Star Clipper is introducing a theme to our MUNNY Show: THE FUTURE! We are soliciting custom vinyl toys that commemorate our two decades of history as we ask: What does the future mean to you?

We can't wait to see everyone's interpretations! Is your vision of the future bright? Dystopian? Filled with Tribbles? Show us with your custom MUNNY or other vinyl DIY toy. A Special Prize will be awarded to the MUNNY that best epitomizes Star Clipper's future-forward spirit!

Contact the Organizers

Visit Us on MySpace

VINYLICIOUS

Mini MUNNY's and More Welcome Burning to enter the show, but can't get your hands on a standard white MUNNY? Never fear, we are eagerly accepting DIY platform toys of all kinds!

The new Mini MUNNY's and Mini MUNNY Mobiles are in stock at Star Clipper now, as well as glow-in-the-dark MUNNY's, black MUNNY's, and MUNNY markers and crayons. Qee's, Trexi's or your favorite DIY brand of vinyl toy are always welcome at the show!

Star Clipper St. Louis Munny Show 2008

SIGN UP NOW!

We Want Your Submissions Star Clipper is calling for entries from around the globe! Forward this email to your design-minded friends and be sure to download an application form and receipt (see links below, you'll need a PDF reader) or pick one up from us if you're in town.

The schedule for the Show is as follows:
March 28, 2008: Application Forms due.
April 11, 2008: Accepted work due.
April 18, 2008: Opening reception.
April 18-May 30: Exhibit duration.

We've addressed most every other detail in the Application or the Receipt. Still have questions? Call Ben or A.J. at (314) 725-9110 or email us!

Download the Application

Download the Receipt

DC Tips the Scales Towards Villainy

When DC Comics released the solicitation for Final Crisis #1, it revealed that the plot of their summer crossover blockbuster would feature a character named “Libra” as a key villain. The question is, who is Libra? Some may remember the Marvel Comics character and Zodiac member of the same name, but the DC Comics character is a little more obscure. He doesn’t even have his own Wikipedia page. You have to find out about him here on the Injustice Leagues’ page.

It turns out that this mystery villain is the original founder of the Injustice Gang of the World. He graces the pages of only one comic, Justice League of America #111, where he tricks the Injustice Gang into transferring a part of different heroes’ powers to him. His desire for power eventually causes him to chase godhood, only to lead him to the path of destruction. By the end of the issue, his essence has dissipated into the universe and he hasn’t appeared in another since.

With him at the center of Final Crisis, it would appear that Grant Morrison has a big year planned for this one-hit wonder. You can check out a reprint the first appearance of Libra in May’s DC Universe Special- Justice League of America to get the scoop on a truly obscure arch-villain.

Nick

Quick Bit Movie News

A lot of comic related movie and television news has been released in the past couple of weeks and here is a recap that should help catch you up on what you might have missed.

First, the film X-Men Origins: Wolverine has confirmed casting for three new X-Characters: Deadpool, Gambit, and John Wraith. Ryan "I always show my ripped chest in movies" Reynolds will appropriately be playing loud-mouth Deadpool. Taylor Kitsch will play Cajun bad boy Gambit. It's about time Gambit got a big screen debut, but with the no Rouge there will definitely be something missing with his character. Black Eye Pea rapper will.i.am will portray 90's Weapon-X flunky John Wraith. Hugh Jackman will return to his role as Wolverine, with Liev Schreiber as Sabertooth and Danny Huston as Coll. William Stryker already cast. Wolverine will be directed by Gavin Hood.



In other X related entertainment news, one of my all time favorite bands Foo Fighters are sueing Marvel Entertainment for copyright infringement. newsarama reports that "substantial experts" of Foo songs "Best of You" and "Free Me" were used in teaser trailers for the upcoming animated series Wolverine and X-Men with out permission from the band or Roswell Records Inc. who own the master recordings.

Director David Fincher (Se7en) will direct the adaptation of Charles Burns' disturbing graphic novel Black Hole. The creative team behind 3D flop Beowulf, Roger Avary and Neil Gaiman, will be writing the screenplay. If you have not read Black Hole, nows your chance with the recent release of the affordable soft cover edition. Fincher has quite a task in adapting Burns' cult classic. Burns' mastery of negative space in his art is quite impressive and I think Fincher will have to equally the beautiful adaptation of Sin City to truly satisfy fans. Black Hole deals with a group of 70's teens being physically mutated by a mysterious new STD.



Finally, animated feature Chicago 13 will see a St. Louis premiere at the Tivoli on March 28. The film mixes distinguished animation and archival footage of the Chicago Conspiracy Trial of 60's radicals Abbie Hoffman, Tom Hayden, Jerry Rubin, Bobby Seale and others. It is looking to be one of the best animated films of 2008, so don't miss it.



-Jon

Finally Final Crisis News

ince Infinite Crisis ended in 2006, DC comic fans have been waiting for the next crisis to hit. The event had two weekly comic series over two years pushing the DC Universe towards its start. There have been hints and red herrings as to what this Final Crisis could be, but now there are answers starting to be unveiled.

DC Comics' solicitations for May reveal that the series will hinge on the villain Libra (original Injustice gang leader) uniting an army of DC universe bad guys to execute some unknown plan. Meanwhile, two Newsarama interviews with the creative of Grant Morrison and JG Jones that shed more light on the epic miniseries. In Morrison's interview, he states plainly that, “This [Final Crisis] is doomsday for the DC universe.” He goes on to say, “...isn’t about a reboot, it’s about creating a big, epic storyline for the whole DCU. “

Most DC fans, this one included, thought that Final Crisis would be similar to previous crises and would be an event centered on the continuity of the DCU. The events at the end of 52 and those in Countdown to Final Crisis all seem to focus around continuity and the multiple earths of DC Comics. Instead, it seems that Morrison and company are going to deliver an epic battle of good verses evil that drags in characters from all corners of the DCU.

For months we've been seeing promo art for Final Crisis with Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, the Flash, Green Lantern, and Hawkman, While such A-List characters will be front and center in the series, expect some obscure favorites as well. Pages have already been posted online featuring Anthro and Metron while characters like Sunny Sumo, Kamandi, the Human Flame, Mary Marvel, and Frankenstein will also find a place in the comic.

While there is still very little information as to what Final Crisis exactly is, the news we do have has already delivered some twists and turns from the basic premise of the series to the characters that will play a role in the epic conflict. You can find out what more surprises await in the pages of Final Crisis when the first issue hits stands May 28.

-Nick

Spector Club Roundup!

Star Clipper reprazented at February 17th's Spector Club Show at the American Legion Post #111 in Shrewsbury. Ben and I had a really good time getting to meet some of the area dealers that we hadn't before, and connecting with others we hadn't seen in a while. We sold some comics too, but mostly it was a good excuse for dealers to move product around to one another, and Star Clipper was virtually giving it away. TIP: This was due in part to my math being poor, so always be sure to have A.J. ring you out at shows!!! Wink!

Here's a rogue's gallery of folks we saw:

Mark Farace of Mo's / All-American:

Todd Hignite, Comic Art magazine and In the Studio (both in stock at Star Clipper!):

Todd from Comic Relief:

 

Bruce, the original Mo of Mo's:

and Brian Lan of all things Japanese in the Lou.

 

 There's plenty more where that came from but I don't have the pix. We're really looking forward to going back, and you need to come, St. Louis! It's a fun scene, definitely old school and there are both amazing bargains and priceless gems to be found. You won't find them if you don't come out! The Spector Club rocks from 10 AM to 2:30 PM on Sundays and admission is $2.00. Here's the schedule for 2008, just so you don't have an excuse.

• March 16
• April 20
• June 8
• July 20
• Sept 14
• Oct 19
• Nov 23
  

See you there, true believers.

-AJ 

Ghost World 10th Anniversary Special Edition

Coming early summer 2008 from Fantagraphics is the Ghost World 10th Anniversary Special Edition by Dan Clowes. This edition will be nearly 300 pages and collect the original graphic novel, the Academy Award-nominated screenplay, and almost 50 pages of supplementary material. Included in the extras will be a new introduction by Clowes to the original graphic novel and annotations throughout the story. Plus, several new strips featuring Enid and Rebecca were created just for this edition. It will be a deluxe hardcover.

For those not yet familiar with Ghost World, I strongly suggest catching up, as it is essential post-underground comic reading. The lose plot follows the lives of main protagonist Enid Coleslaw and her sidekick Rebecca, two recent high school graduates who are not sure what they are going to do with the rest of their lives. Satirical and cynical, the dark and critical humor helped define Gen-X comics and inspired the Ghost World film, starring Thora Birch and Scarlett Johansson.

Ghost World is an amazing way to introduce non-comic readers to comics, and the special edition will be great for both new and old fans alike. Don't miss this amazing edition of Dan Clowes' definitive masterpiece.

-Jon

Lapham and Moore Return!

2008 seems to be filled with comic self-publishing stars from the 1990s returning to the ongoing comic series. Leaders of the self-publishing movement like Jeff Smith and Dave Sim have new books in the works. This week, two more big names of that era return to the shelves with new books: Terry Moore and David Lapham.



Even though Strangers in Paradise is over, Terry Moore is going to continue on self-publishing with his new series Echo. The series will be a science fiction thriller starring a young photographer named Julie Martin. According to an interview with Comic Book Resources, Moore gives a more detailed series description saying, “Julie becomes the unwilling host to a symbiotic nuclear weapon, then decides to run rather than return it to the corrupt scientist who wants it back…” Like his previous self-published work, Echo will be a black and white comic. He plans for an issue to be released every six weeks and to collect the issues first trade paperbacks containing six issues. Later, pocket books similar to the ones released for Strangers in Paradise will be released containing twenty issues.



While Terry Moore has to not only create each issue of Echo but also develop its publishing plan, David Lapham only has to worry about the creative end of his new series Young Liars. This ongoing comic series is not going to be released under Lapham’s publishing company El Capatin, but instead will be published through DC Comics’ imprint Vertigo. According to the DC Comic’s webpage for Young Liars, the series will follow “…the disturbing relationship between Danny Noonan, a habitual liar and crap guitar player from Texas, and Sadie Dawkins, the object of his desire.” The first six-issue story arc will tell how Sadie ended up with a bullet lodged in her head as well as the ramifications that it has on the people around her. David has the series planned out for the first two story arcs, which will include the first twelve issues of Young Liars.

Hopefully, the two series will deliver the same quality of stories found in their previous self published work. In the past, these creators have branched out to work outside their name making series and received mixed reviews from their fans and critics alike. Both the Comic Book Resources’ interview with Terry Moore mentioned earlier and an interview at Newsarama with Lapham contains preview pages of the new series. You should check them out and get an idea of what these two series will be like.

-Nick

Maximum Bloggage

Lately, no matter how many blogs I write, I feel like I'm always picking my brain for blog ideas. So, in order to just get something up for your blogging enjoyment, here are a quick few updates on some good online comics, and a "momentary diversion" for me to come up with some more blog ideas.

First, my favorite strip Achewood, just had a great valentine's strip where Roast Beef forgot to get anything for Molly. Nothing out of the ordinary, but this year I actually forgot it was valentines day as well, and had quite an interesting experience none-the-less. I feel ya Roast Beef.

Next, Daniel Clowes recently finished his strip mister wonderful for the New York Times. Click here to browse through the archives of mister wonderful.

Finally, P. Bagge just put up a new strip for Reason online called The War On Fornication which happens to be hysterical. I especially like the disgruntled sperm and the myriad of moronic statements from average commentators, with thoughts such as, "I say all illegal aliens should be Aborted!"

To make this blog more fun, please feel free to post any other good online strips you've read. Maybe, I'll just steal one of your ideas!

Thanks

-Jon