I mentioned on my Facebook page that I recently “accidentally” found out about the untimely loss of writer, artist, producer Dwayne McDuffie - one of the founders of Milestone Media. He was only 49 years old. Even though he has worked in various capacities for Marvel and DC comics, I mention Milestone Media first because that’s when I discovered him.
I was blessed to be able to attend the NY Comic Con ‘09 convention at the Jacob Javits Center, this past weekend February 6-8. It was an awesome time, with attendence in the thousands.
My primary reason for attending was to seek out artists and illustrators to work with me on my new book, SpeedSuit Powers. My secondary reason was because I love comic books. The outcome of the weekend proved to be extremely beneficial (despite my being physically exhausted from walking around for three days); providing contacts with artists, illustrators, writers, novelists and a noteable television personality. I even hired artist/illustrator Shawn Alleyne to drawn his version of the main character from my novel, based on my concept drawings. They came out great!
The last two weeks have been historic in the world of comics (at least to me they have). Before I tell you why, let me give you a very brief history.
A VERY BRIEF HISTORY…
I grew up on comic books. But, as much as I enjoyed them (a lot) I noticed that there weren’t many characters who looked like me and stood for truth and justice.
Fast forward to 1993 where Milestone Media, owned and operated by Dwayne McDuffie, Denys Cowan, Michael Davis and Derek T. Dingle made history by launching four comic book titles which had African American and other ethnic characters (Icon, Hardware, Static, and Blood Syndicate). DC Comics was their distributor and eventually, additional character storylines were created as well (Shadow Cabinet, Xombi, Heroes, etc…)
I had a chance to do an audio interview with my friend - Demetrius Veasy II - at the 2008 NY ComicCon Convention, back in April. Demetrius is the creator of the Lions 12 comic book series. I’ve added music and visuals to the interview, which you can watch below. Demetrius and his manager are the ones who ‘twisted my arm’ and forced me into My BIG PROJECT Challenge .
Do you have one of those projects that you’ve been thinking about for a long time? Maybe you’ve been saying for years that you would get around to it and now it seems like forever? I remember a quote I read a while back, "Most people talk about their dreams, very few actually go out and do them."
I’ve got some projects that I’ve been holding onto for several years, but there’s one in particular that I’ve carried around with me for at least 10 years. I would always talk about it and even did some illustrations and technical schematics. But all I did was talk.
FINALLY! The Iron Man DVD is here! Just released today! I’ve been waiting for the DVD since Opening Day back in May. I’ve been saving my change for months and picked it up on my lunch break. It helps when there’s a Bestbuy right across the street. (Although it takes a lot of discipline to stay away from those un-necessary purchases. But I”m making it, thanks for asking.)
What is the power of the Saiyan? Why does it draw men? I don’t know about you, but I get a thrill when Goku or Vegeta or Gohan power up to Supersaiyan – especially when Goku powers up to Super Saiyan 3! The raw power is tremendous! And let’s not talk about the fight scenes against Majin Buu or Brolly!
But I just had a realization about a major draw – if not THE major draw of the series. It’s a deep-seated urge that most of us men may not even realize unless we take the time to think about it: it is an epic saga about Fathers and Sons . It’s a story about Mentorship .
If you watch the hit television show Heroes,(now in it’s 3rd Season) then I want to hear from you! What is it about the show that draws you and keeps your interest? How far does your fandom go? Just leave your comments below. I hope to write a series of posts about the show, people’s responses and comic book ideology - relating it to our everyday lives - so you don’t want to miss it.
