Every so often on a Tuesday night in the summer months between semesters at Algonquin College, instructor Rich Lauzon holds forth in B Building's Rotunda/Portable Feast room, inviting animation, game design and other arts students past and present to get together and sketch whatever suits'em.

I happened to be there for the session the night before Canada Day 2009.

If you're an artist yourself, and the Algonquin Campus off of Baseline Transitway Station's within easy reach for you on the right night of the month in the summer, you might want to have a look.

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=12032267235

We managed to get back from the farmer's market with only four varieties of cherries, and having spent only about five minutes singing along with the busker who was doing Amazing Grace to the tune of House of the Rising Sun, Blind Boys style.

Good times.

And now it's just me, a sofa, a laptop, a cup of strawberry peppercorn tea, a Saturday, and forty student manuscripts.

Excelsior.

(348 miles to Isengard.)

As you may have heard, this morning, HIGH MOON was nominated for two Harvey Awards. The Harveys are a prestigious award within the comics industry. As you vote for the Harvey Awards, please consider voting for HIGH MOON in these respective categories: BEST ONLINE COMICS WORK and BEST NEW SERIES

You can download the respective ballots here:
.pdf Nomination Ballot
.txt Nomination Ballot

While you are voting, please also consider Bobby Timony for BEST NEW TALENT.

Ballot Deadline: August 28,2009

Ballots may be sent to:
By E-mail: harveyballots@hotmail.com
By Snail Mail : Paul McSpadden ; Administrator Harvey Awards ; 605 West Arapaho Road ; Richardson, Texas 75080

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Ordering HIGH MOON: What You Need To Know

Heya folks,

As some of you may have heard, the solicits for HIGH MOON were released last week. If you are interested in ordering the trade directly from your comics retailer, you can do so by using the following code Diamond: JUL09 0259

To find you local area comic shop, we suggest using the Comic Shop Locator!

You may also order the series through your online retailers via the links below -

Amazon: www.tinyurl.com/highmooncomic
Barnes and Noble: www.tinyurl.com/highmoonbook
Borders: www.tinyurl.com/highmoonGN

The book hits comic shops on October 7.
It arrives in bookstores on October 13th - right before HALLOWEEN!

It's a whopping 192 pages for under $15 dollars American.

We think you'll love it!

 

Wishing my friends in the American Union all the best of the day, and much enjoyment of many, happier returns to come!

This is the nicest picture I have ever taken with my iPhone.



No reason for this. I just liked it.

http://comicsworthreading.com/2009/07/04/high-school-debut-book-9/

http://comicsworthreading.com/?p=7607

It’s time for that staple of shojo high school manga, the sports festival. Since Haruna and Yoh are in different grades, this will be the only time they get to share a school activity. In addition to the sports competitions, they’ll also be part of a cheerleading group, a behavior that’s uncomfortable for the reserved Yoh.

Haruna, on the other hand, is full of enthusiasm, and friends speculate that her energy might break Yoh out of his shell a bit. The two have fun together practicing and planning, until Yoh gets nominated for grade captain, a school-wide election to pick group leaders. His increased duties mean more time and work away from her, as well as the kind of outgoing display uncharacteristic of him. There are also increased possibilities for jealousy, as the couple is thrown in with different people.

I didn’t enjoy this volume quite as much as I did previous ones because of the increased emphasis on school activities and the mechanics of such. It’s all very plausible, and the events are used to shed more light on the couple’s personalities and interactions, but … it didn’t seem quite as special to me. Plus, this book is all setup, with the festival presumably happening in the next installment.

I did appreciate the way it showed Haruna helping Yoh out, instead of the other way around, but it didn’t have the emotional punch I was hoping for. Maybe my expectations are just too high after so many excellent volumes so far; a merely good one suffers by comparison.

(A complimentary copy for this review was provided by the publisher.)

Similar Posts: *High School Debut Book 5 — Recommended § *High School Debut Book 7 — Recommended § *High School Debut Book 8 — Recommended § *High School Debut Book 2 — Recommended § *High School Debut Book 4 — Recommended

http://comicsworthreading.com/2009/07/04/scooby-doo-the-mystery-begins-promises-origin-of-scooby-gang/

http://comicsworthreading.com/?p=7608

On September 22, Warner Home Video will release Scooby-Doo: The Mystery Begins direct to DVD. This new movie combines live action and CGI to tell “how Scooby Doo, Shaggy, Fred, Daphne, and Velma joined forces for the first time”.

I like Fred’s updated look (although shouldn’t he be blond?), and while I miss Velma’s orange, her new outfit seems a lot more modern and better suited to her personality. The gang will come together to form Mystery Inc. when their high school is thought to be haunted, and the voice of Scooby-Doo will be provided by animation great Frank Welker.

The DVD will list for $27.95 and includes the following extra features.

Coolsville Yearbook – The actors who play Fred, Velma, Daphne, and Shaggy reveal even more of their character’s back-story including what they do in their spare time, their favorite foods, what they want to do when they grow up, and a secret time capsule message for the future that can be solved by finding clues hidden within the DVD enhanced content.

Velma, Daphne, Fred, or Shaggy? Personality Quiz – Are you a brain, a drama queen, a jock, or a lovable nerd? By navigating a series of questions, you can decide which member of the Mystery Inc. gang you are most like.

Extras – Behind-the-Scenes, Shout-Outs, and Outtakes.

The movie will also be available on Blu-Ray for $35.99. That version includes the DVD and digital versions, as well as a pop-up track in which “Velma gives scientific and trivia factoids, Daphne gives stylish and dramatic interpretations, Fred flexes his muscles, and Shaggy, well everything reminds Shaggy of food.” That’s the feature that sounds most interesting to me; shame it’s Blu-Ray only.

The movie will also air on Cartoon Network and be supported by national ad campaigns and promotional tie-ins with Amtrack (sweepstakes), Keebler Graham Cracker Sticks (rebate), and Wendy’s (kids’ meal).

Similar Posts: The Richie Rich/Scooby Doo Show Volume 1 § New Live-Action Scooby-Doo Straight to Cable/Video § Another Example of Pushing Customers to Blu-Ray: Bolt Release Staggered § Shout Factory Has Complete Transformers § A Fish Called Wanda

The Couscous Collective reviews Happy Birthday Michael Mitchell

I might also mention that the article's author Leia Weathington is a particularly brilliant essayist (not to mention comics writer), and has been detailing her most recent exploits in writerly form on her blog.

I've been following these essays since day one, and I admit to loving them like a fat kid loves cake. They're frank, witty, and never cloying. Leia's planning to collect these into one volume, but for now they're all free on her blog. Enjoy!

I loved the dream I had last night. It would make an interesting novel, or a RPG setting.

( Read more... )

http://comicsworthreading.com/2009/07/04/sundome-book-5/

http://comicsworthreading.com/?p=7601

Review by Ed Sizemore

**Warning: Sundome is an adult rated series. This review contains some frank sexual language.**

This volume continues to explore the dysfunctional relationship between Hideo and Kurumi. At the same time, we see Kyouko and Katsu continue fumbling toward becoming a couple themselves.

The best word to describe this book is tenderness. Mind you, this is Sundome we’re taking about, so it’s tenderness relative to the prior volumes. However, this book marked a significant shift in tone for the series.

Absent from this volume is Kurumi asking Hideo to perform some crazy stunt or pass some test of obedience. Instead, we see them interact as normally as a couple can in this series. In the opening chapter, Hideo gets sick with a severe cold, and Kurumi shows up at his house to nurse him. Later, Hideo goes over to Kurumi’s apartment to help her change light bulbs. They actually have conversations about their relationship, and Kurumi hints that she may have feelings for Hideo.

What fascinates me in this volume is Kurumi’s openness. She reveals a couple of facts about her family and her past. She initiates kissing and scenes of intimacy. She actually even masturbates in front of Hideo. Kurumi is beginning to reciprocate Hideo’s affection. It appears that he has proven the sincerity of his love and devotion. Kurumi has realized that Hideo isn’t attracted to every girl; he is attracted to her. She is the only one he wants and wants unrestrainedly.

I get a sense that Kurumi’s openness comes from a new-found acceptance of her own body. Throughout the series, Kurumi has struggled with a mysterious illness. She is frail (almost anorexic), prone to nosebleeds, and gets sick often. It would be normal for her to come to despise her body. It has caused her great suffering and at times embarrassment. Hideo doesn’t see frailty or sickness; instead, he thinks that every inch of her flesh is wonderful. Quite literally, every part of her body turns him on.

I can understand why Kurumi is suspicious of Hideo’s desire. She is the new girl, and he knows nothing of her, let alone her physical ailments. How could find ‘this’ body appealing when there are so many other prettier and healthier girls to choose from? And not just attractive, but how can he find ‘this’ body erotic? How can he get so easily turned on by looking at her?

Yet, despite rebuffs and Job-like tests, Hideo’s erotic fervor never waivers. He desires Kurumi despite, and in the face, of everything she puts him through. Hideo’s ardor makes Kurumi rethink her own negative body image. In this volume, she begins to accept that her body is both beautiful and erotic. This self-affirmation tears down her own resistance to Hideo and his love. Now she is ready to express, and explore, her own sexual desires and romantic feelings.

Another joy in this volume is seeing the continued personal growth of Kyouko. At first, Kyouko came to the Roman club to get away from bullying boyfriends. Here, she could be the bully. However, we learn her choice of clubs wasn’t as random as she would have us believe. It turns out that she is actually a devotee of the paranormal and supernatural herself. She is also a video game junkie. These were aspects of her personality she wasn’t permitted to express when she was hanging out with the cool and dangerous kids. Now, she quickly jumps into discussions on the latest TV show exploring UFOs, haunted houses, urban legends, etc. Also, we see her asking for help in getting to the next level on the newest video games. It’s a pleasure to watch her come out of her shell and just be another fangirl.

Also, I get a kick out of watching Kyouko and Katsu awkwardly, and with glacial speed, becoming a couple. They are both attracted to each other, but neither wants to admit it. Katsu is too shy and uncertain for such a confession; Kyouko still isn’t ready to embrace her inner geek that completely. As is standard in most manga, their attraction to each other is obvious, they just have to overcome their personal reservations and fears. I love the scene where Katsu is showing Kyouko how to get to the next level of a game. It’s refreshing and cute to see them bond like that.

This is still Sundome, so fetishes abound. If bodily fluids make you squirm, then this volume won’t be to your liking. There are a wide variety of secretions to be found. There is even some toe-sucking action at the end. As always, this series is not for the faint of heart or weak of stomach. There are scenes I have to read quickly to make it through.

Okada’s artwork continues to communicate desire effectively. He makes passion tangible. As usual, there is a LOT of fanservice. There is no outright nudity, but plenty of wet shirts, loose shirts, and camel toe to leave little to the imagination. A couple of scenes are definitely softcore.

This volume really caught me off guard. I’m used to be conflicted and twisted up after reading Sundome. However, this time I actually enjoyed myself, without the self-loathing. Those following the series will find this volume a welcome change of pace. As usual, given the disturbing nature of the relationships in this series, I can’t recommend it, even though I continue to read it. You can read my previous reviews to see why.

Similar Posts: Sundome Book 2 § Sundome Books 3 and 4 § Sundome Book 1 § Omaha the Cat Dancer Volume 6 § Girl Genius 5: The Clockwork Princess

Just got back from a really delightful Clarion West Party, and I have realized over the course of a wonderfully social day that I am still thinking--and telling people--about gregvaneekhout's debut novel Norse Code. I was talking with friends today about something that the book does really well, which is that it gets a peculiar and wonderful aspect of Norse mythology: Einsteinian time. Time as a navigable dimension,as it were (and I love that he has Fenrir, among others, explaining this.)

Essentially, in Norse mythology, all events are inevitable because they have already happened and are eternally happening. A wyrd or fate is not an inalterable future, so much as a part of the present we have not yet experienced. It's a tremendously fatalistic worldview, it's true, and so inimical to modern American culture that it's rare to see it done well in English-langage fantasy, or even touched upon--acknowledged--at all.

Greg does a great job with it, and that delighted me, and I meant to mention it before.

What's also tremendously cool about Norse myth is the way things are both symbolically and literally their names. So Thor (as an example) can be an individual--the god of thunder, who carries a hammer which strikes like a thunderbolt (which IS, in fact, a thunderbolt, Mjollnir that smashes...); and he can also symbolically be the god of thunder, a personification of random violence and flash-fire temper; but he is also, all at the same time, quite literally, thunder in his own person.

Ahem.

Anyway, it's really really cool.

The Smart ForTwo Passion

We are in love. Don't try to stop our forbidden passion! The Honda Fit tried and failed to separate us due to its chintzy interior (although it was a smoother, quieter ride).

Joe and I went out car-trying today. I started out at Carmax with the mini coop from BMW, and it was fun but cramped. Then we moved on to more conservative cars: a Nissan Versa, a Honda Civic Hybrid, and a Honda Fit. The Honda Fit stood out as the best of them all, so we trotted over to the Honda dealer to try a standard shift (as I abhor automatics--I'd like to keep that extra three miles per gallon, thank you).

On our way to Honda, though, Joe got excited at the sight of the Smart Car dealer growing like a tumor off the side of Mercedez and wanted us to take one for a spin. The little bumble bee cars made me giggle, they were so wee!

Then I got to drive one.

It gets 40 mpg on average, the highest non-hybrid MPG you can get.
It has a hybrid transmission that works like a manual, only the car controls the clutch.
It has no back seat, which I never use! Hoorah!
It is made with a high percentage of recycled materials and is mostly (if not all) recyclable itself.
Mercedez quality and safety. Sweet.
RED INTERIOR UPHOLSTRY. I mean, do I need to say more?

Two of them fit in a parking space! They are so cool!

And it costs about as much as a Fit.

After our little adventure, we got back to Honda, and I tried a beautiful red standard-shift Fit. And it was just lovely. Only, after driving the little Smart car around... I just couldn't fall in love again. It felt cheap inside, and bigger than it needed to be. In short, it didn't feel like a Mercedez.

There is a hiccup, though.

Although the awesome dude at Sears got Ruby's spark plug out AND retapped the socket (I love him for this and am so glad I left her over night) and she is running again, she's running rougher than she did. I worry about her failing me again, as she has been nothing but trouble for the past three months. I fear a repeat of this debacle. Coworkers and bosses can be but only so patient and sympathetic.

So it behooves me to get this baby now. They have the one I want in Raleigh, waiting for my beckoning. But...

We are house shopping. We want to buy a house in the next 90 days. We will eed to secure a loan. Joe is a veteran, so he's very sure the Veteran's Association will make it so we cannot be turned down, but the the advisor at the bank told me making such a large purchase so close to house buying would be a bad thing to do. The man at Honda countered that such a purchase would not be visible on my records for 30 days.

So I don't know what to do? Bite the bullet and take the plunge, ensuring my safe travels? Or cross my fingers that Ruby hangs in there and keep going until we close on a house? What to do? I want a damn car that I know isn't going to strand me 45 minutes from my home or work!

And Car Max appraised Ruby for $300. Her tires are worth more! Yeah, she's going to NPR. At that price, I'd rather give her away and bless the whole transition with good karma.

Le sigh!

I survived the flu / virus. I was back at work after missing a single day. Turns out that I wasn't the only person dealing with it.

This is the first week of the 4/10 work week at the District. It was neat driving into the parking lot on a Friday and seeing both employee parking lots empty.

Feeling fuckin nauseous again. wtf is wrong with my body this week???

This morning, I went climbing with a friend of the mighty Kij's (just bouldering, as we were pressed for time) at Seattle's Stone Gardens climbing gym. The bouldering was good--no idea how many problems we attemped, but I found most of the v0s and v1s doable, and I even tried a v2 or two. Sadly, I do not have a lot of courage for bouldering, but I am doing better than I was, and it was really, really good to get out and climb. I'm going to try to go out at least one afternoon next week, because my students will like me much better if I get some exercise around the pedagogy.