Comic Writing is similar to other forms of art work/writing, such as: Prose Writing, Drama Writing, Poem Writing; the distinguishing factor being the medium and mode of communication and information dissemination. Comic Writing is more humorous and funny, where as all the other forms are a bit serious and sober.
In Comic Writing, comical characters, objects, scenes with comical background etc, are used to effectively communicate with the reader and audience.
What is Comic Writing?
Comic Writing is a form of writing, which makes use of comical characters, objects and tools to portray an idea; it is also a humorous work of art whereby comical characters are effectively used as earlier stated.
Who is a Comic Writer?
A Comic writer on the other hand is a talented writer of comics, with a good ability to interplay comical characters and objects to develop his context and writing.
What does Comic Writing entail?
Comic Writing entails a high level of focus, skill, talent, a full attention, as it is highly demanding, time-consuming and also energy-sapping.
Over the years, comic writing has experienced improvement in terms of recognition, socialisation with the populace, these days, people associate more with comics compared to what was obtained some years back. Comic scripts are now used to develop TV gigs, so also in developing and the creation of TVs (TV commercials), and even for full-length movies, with complete comical development and background.
Writers are being respected accorded due honour, for their work, especially the exceptionally outstanding ones, gone are the days when comic writers are seen as 'lunatics' and never-to-do-well people who are not to be mingled with, neither should they be looked upon as models. The Comic writing field is a viable and formidable aspect in the entertainment, with a multitude of money-making opportunities.
Here are some rudiments of comic writing which will enable you hit the roof-top:
1. Have the natural talent: natural talent is the ability to carry out an activity with relative ease and less work. Having the natural talent of comic writing will actually help in making you a success in comic writing, because you will with ease churn out tones of write-ups from which you can choose your most preferred for publication and promotion. Deficiency in the aspect will hamper the progress of a comic writer, since comic writer takes a lot of skill and technique.
2. High level of creativity: comic writing to a large extent involves a great deal of creativity. A comic writer with a high level of creativity can transform an ordinary and passive story line into dynamic and intriguing one.
Take for instance, a story concerning a playful cum hardworking young student, who does all his studying and learning in the house before and after school activities and plays roughly in school, with this he makes a good degree. That's a good but ordinary story line, but with a highly creative writer compiling this story, he'll add a little bit to it, like the said young student had a friend who mimicked him wrongly, without the knowledge that he studies at home, makes the lowest grade, thus fails-out of school, that's a little bit more interesting; or what do you think?
3. Have a good command of English: having a good command of English language, with it being reflective in the writing, earns such author and work a great deal of recognition and accolade. Readers will be zest to view and read the work, while also reviewing editorial teams will find the work, a fulfilling to edit.
4. Have passion for comic writing: having passion for comic writing will you to churn out massive write-ups every now and then. The presence of the love for comic writing can keep going when you lose inspiration and motivation.
5. Do constant practice: a Comic writer needs to engage in constant and regular practice, to further sharpen his skill and improve himself and present himself a better and refined writer with modern skills for the modern day. With constant and regular practice, hidden previously unknown facts will be revealed to the writer.
6. Do well refined research: a comic writing which lacks in-depth research and facts will lack recognition and this will undermine the chances of success.
A factual and research filled comic writing will gain recognition, as it does reveal & educate the reader & improve its chances of being a big hit.
7. Have knowledge of other comic writings: having a good knowledge of other authors and writers will improve your work output. A solid knowledge of other good authors' works will proffer you with the option of reviewing the writing to see what's right and what's wrong in the work in order for you to make amendments to your yet-to-be-released writing.
8. Be very realistic & explanatory: majority of comic writers lack the ability to make their story very realistic and down-to-earth. Some Comic writers prefer writing unimaginable story, with the thought that it will get people fascinated and zest to view the work. They write with the mindset of creating an "out of this world" work.
For instance, a comic writer with a story thus:
A young girl who lost her parents at a very early age in her, and has to be brought up by people she knew not. Fortunately for her she grows up to be a successful girl, achieving success in all her endeavours, from education to work, to marriage and so on, will find the story easy to explain.
Compared to another writer with a story thus:
A boy of seven (7) years aspires to be a great football legend, due to his exceptional skills, he is grouped among players between ages 21-28 to play alongside them, and he turns out to be the best player, beating them to every ball and in every race. How easy would such a writer find it to explain and describe? Or rather, how realistic is this story line?
Above are some of the perceived rudiments essential for the success of a comic writer.
Senin, 21 Agustus 2017
Senin, 07 Agustus 2017
The Whole Marvelous Super Ultra Cosmic Magical Comic Book Universe
The forge of creativity & business that was Marvel Comics was a synchronic chord sounded by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko and all the authors and artists and inkers and colorists who worked there. It all started during the early 1960's when the Fantastic Four and Spider-man and the X-men (The Uncanny X-Men) were formed from the imagination of Stan Lee and Jack Kirby.
X-men was a box office smash last summer. I'm sure you also remember the highly successful Hulk TV show.
The earliest X-men consisted of Jean (Marvel Girl) Grey (who later became the extremely popular Phoenix), Professor X (Xavier), Cyclops (Scott Summers), the intelligent Beast (Hank McCoy), and Iceman (Bobbie). Mutants born with special "super-mutant" abilities.
Later came the New Mutants with younger characters possessing mutant powers that sometimes seemed to possess them (the only type of comic book story I don't like).
These characters from X-men including (Nightcrawler, Wolverine, Storm, Banshee, Kitty) evolved with the advent of the creativity of John Byrne (starting in issue #108 of X-men) and Chris Claremont (Giant Sized X-men #1 and Uncanny X-men #94 now valued at $500. up in "mint" condition. The most popular character was the main star in the X-men film--Wolverine. There is sure to be a sequel for this box office smash.
X-men Comics taught kids that prejudice is evil. People who live in fear and thus greed try to destroy that which they don't understand.
Interesting that both the most recent Star Wars film and X-men film took a hard look at politicians (Congress). If power corrupts absolutely is it possible our system is absolutely corrupt? The Senator in the X-men film learned his lesson a little late.
Spider-man--the new Marvel film in the works--is about a kid who with usual teenage angst (bullies beating him up, not getting any babes, acne and so forth is mild stuff compared to today's school experiences--such as not getting shot & killed while going to or attending school or being seduced by a deadly drug or infected by a killer disease) is merely bitten by a radioactive spider (radical stuff for the early 1960's).
This gives Peter Parker super powers--insect powers--if amplified a man could lift a truck and carry it 20 miles as ants do. (Don't get me started talking about Henry Pym the Antman who became Giant Man in the Marvel's Avengers ((Capt. America, Thor the Thunder God etc.))). Add to that Peter Parker was also a brilliant student who was able to invent a web shooter and other great inventions. And Spider-man was born as a bi-product of the bi-product known as radioactive material (which Science still doesn't know how to get rid of). (Try telling that to the Bush administration). Everything is energy! Remember Tesla coils.
But Marvel was not the only place parading superpowered characters.
D.C. Comics (Time Warner), too, utilized mythology and stories of Biblical proportions to entrain, energize and excite generations of teenagers, kids and adults from the 1940's to present.
Some characters such as Superman, Atom, Flash, Batman, Green Lantern, JLA and others & even D.C.'s version of Capt. Marvel may have been inspired by spiritual literature which told of Hindu Gods and Goddesses and even Biblical personages who could stand in fire etc.
Scripts & Wit
Super Heroes: originating through human imagination and from literature, mythology, religion.
Though probably comic creators just made up their wondrous stories.
Once when I interviewed Gerry Conway for the Comics Journal he admitted to me that he had researched some of the comics he wrote. Conway's friend partner Roy Thomas no doubt researched Conan and Thor and other material while writer & editor at Marvel. They worked together on the great animated Fire and Ice film. (Ralph Bakshi/Frank Frazetta).
And initially Thomas got the Conan property over to Marvel from Edgar Rice Burroughs in Tarzana, CA. (Tarzana--Tarzan...get it? Yep, it too is a comic.)
Older folk know and love the countless Films and TV shows and serials featuring these and other favorite colorful characters: Buck Rogers, Flash Gordon, Commander Cody (which may have inspired the Rocketeer comic and film).
COMIC BOOKS -- Born by the sheer exhurberance of the Universe itself through the vehicle of the Human Being!
The Comic Industry is a metaphor for life. A cosmic drama unfolding. But not to put old wine into new bottles: Many times in the past Marvel and D.C. have teamed to do specials that benefits the play of creativity. I first met Stan Lee while I was the manager of a Comic Book Store in Studio City, California in the 1970's.
Or, more accurately, I met him through his works at Marvel Comics -- his extraordinary scripts & wit in 1961.
Very clever interaction with the fans through clubs and letter columns in the good old days made one feel as though one was a part of something. With Merry Marvel "we belonged."
Stan Lee's stories contained real life character's, complete with dilemmas and the germ of great new ideas and principles for living a good life.
As when Spider-man didn't stop a Burglar -- the same Burglar who later killed his kind Uncle--Peter Parker (Spider-man) got the message -- serve mankind. With great power comes responsibility.
And responsibility is the ability to respond.
Exciting fictional stories full of adventure and excitement with morals. Illustrated profusely.
Marvel Super characters were at first looked on by society as bad guys. Even after saving human butt thousands of times.
J. Jonah Jameson (cheap Editor of the Daily Bugle newspaper) has hated Spider-man for over 30 years. Jameson actually tried to destroy Spider-man by becoming a super villain.
Daredevil (blind Attorney yet Batman-esque in abilities & physical strength and agility--but with heightened senses) the Man without fear was often branded a villain too at first.
As was the ever popular Incredible Hulk -- first immortalized as a comic book during the 1960's. Who ranged from dull and stupid to near genius depending on the decade in which this enduring character is read.
What we fear we often regard as evil.
Comics have tried to teach us that the means are as important as the ends they produce.
What we do along the way determines the end result we will get. Comics are published because a word sounds good to the publisher. But some of these new young independent publishers need to know more about the meaning within these words (and so do their customers). But more power to these enterprising youngsters.
What is Yoga, Meditation, Tai Chi, Mantra? What is Zen? (One young upstart publisher of "Zen -- intergalactic Ninja" had never heard of Alan Watts -- great promoter of Zen until I told him Alan Watts was a famous and popular theologian turned beatnik Philosopher & Author (one of many) responsible for introducing Eastern Religions to the spiritually starved West--often heard on KPFK radio. Alan Watts is possibly the foremost promoter of Zen. Watts' book " The Wisdom of Insecurity," mentions, of all things, Comic Books. What are Chakras? The Tao means what? When kids grow up and learn about Meditation will they be tainted by our stupidity and greed?
Buzz words usually lower consciousness and cause confusion. Of course when I use to publish stuff as a youngster I made up names that sounded good but had little or no meaning such as: Beyond Infinity, Eon the Magazine of Graphic Illusions. I know less now than I did then. What is craft, art, Love, Truth?
I held several autograph parties with Stan Lee and Jack Kirby in the 1970's and 1980's. I threw over 50 successful autograph parties with many wonderful comic book artists and writers. I'd host the event, provide refreshments, do all the advertising, graphic art, press releases, etc. It was an exhilarating experience. It was fun to interact with pros and fans. I gave away a lot of free promo stuff.
Ninth Nebula's first autograph party was held with Stan Lee, publisher of Marvel Comics. For ten years my shop endured in North Hollywood, CA next door to the world's oldest Science Fiction Club (a built in audience of friends and fans and computer fiends).
The Stan Lee event evoked long lines of Comic Book fans of all ages drooling for Stan's signature on the splash page of their old and new comics. Nowadays professionals sign comics on the cover of their title en mass which I don't approve of. (But who listens to me).
Comics forms are often abused by aspiring young publishers who use several unnecessary full page splashes when the effect could be achieved in a tiny panel -- waste of money, ink and paper if you ask me. Unlike the good old days when Steve Ditko gave us our money's worth in the form of about 6 panels per page -- he in his way was like a Zen Master -- the precision of his work rivaled the art of Chinese Calligraphy (see his unique style in old Atlas Comics from the 1950's). Some of the recent experimentation's by Frank Miller & other talents have all done exceptionally creative work too.
Stan Lee's arrival in a Limosine exemplified the style and pizzazz in which he lived his life. He was the spokesperson, promoter and Publisher of Marvel Comics at the time.
Stan has more energy than many men half his age. Did you catch the Hitchcock-like cameo in the awesome recent excellent X-men film where he was a Hot Dog vendor (on the beach).
Ninth Nebula was a context for many things but few know it was my 2nd book shop. My first store was opened in 1978 in the Santa Monica area and was called Beyond Illusion: New Age Book and Comic Shop. But comic books paid the rent even back then.
From 1985 through most of 1986 I threw over 19 successful mini Comic book Conventions (the San Fernando Valley Comic Book Convention). This show allowed me to open Ninth Nebula--the Complete Comic Book Store. Small in size, yet packed with all the best stuff.
Jack Kirby appeared at one of my autograph events too. Kirby was Lee's partner on all the important Marvel titles in the early 1960's when they were formed such as Fantastic Four, (Strange Tales) Nick Fury Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D., Hulk, X-men, Daredevil, Avengers, Journey Into Mystery) Thor, (Tales to Astonish) Ant-Man, (Tales of Suspense) Iron-man, Capt. America, etc.
Around 1961 Amazing Fantasy #15 was issued which is the first appearance of Amazing Spider-man and if in perfect shape could fetch $20,000 or more. Check your price guides.
Comics were serious business until the Death of Superman (and then it exploded further) which created new problems and opportunities as the comic industry began new birth pangs in 1993.
I gave 100% service & attention to all my customers at all times. I had to become innovative since often the store became overflowing and I could not mention all the new titles. I'd push a button on my tape recorder when people said "what is new." Then the many fans and readers would get an audible list of every last detail of the new comics that had just come in. I was busy ringing sales with other customers so this made it possible for me to sell more comics. When shipments were bumped due to mail I'd say put my comics in some coffins -- I need 'em now (Capital City never did). When I lived on the premises I had a buzzer so I was the first 24 hour comic store that I know of.
As a kid I'm proud to have collected and owned several complete mint sets of every Marvel Comic Book (1961 to present).
In fact I feel the Lee, the Ditko and the Kirby are three awards the Comic Industry should create (I said this loudly prior to 1984). Though as often as I try to turn him into one of his characters (such as Doctor Strange the occult master of mystic arts) Stan remains a human being -- a man, down to Earth -- courageous and kind. But I'm sure it was Stan's business savvy that made and kept Marvel such a colossal success for many years.
Long may Vishnu (Hindu God of preservation) bless the best that the "Comics Industry" has brought forth in creative inspiration down through the decades.
With comics you get to read and enjoy them over and over again and someday they will be worth something. Sure the overproduced over hyped stuff may be valueless, but if you buy what you enjoy you can't lose.
Comics have proven themselves over the last 60 years as a legitimate American art form. Comic Book audiences are growing faster than in any other hobby form including electronic games & virtual reality. It isn't over yet. In fact, one could say we are at the beginning.
("He who knows, knows, they who say they know, don't." --Lao Tsu). Like Meditation, you won't know what it is unless you try it.
There are many Star Trek and Star Wars Comics from Marvel and D.C. that have been issued and I collected in the past all of which are very popular. These use to be issued by Gold Key in the 1960's. Shatner co-created TEK comics. Spielberg and Lucas were influenced by the Comic Book genre. Roger Corman is cashing in with his Cosmic Comics. Even Leonard Nimoy has a successful Comic out. Other comics sport logos from deceased Isaac Asimov & Gene Roddenberry.
In the 1960's, Underground Comix & Fanzines made the scene. One could say this was the beginning of the Independent line of comics. Vaughn Bode' (Cheech Wizard) kids have emulated this sadistic character through their Graphitti on the walls of washes in the past for years) Rick Griffin, George Metzger are but a few of dozens of innovative Philosopher/Artists whose work not only represents the 1960's but whose originality rivals the Will Eisner's (The Spirit), Harvey Kurtzman's (MAD ), Milton Canniff (Steve Canyon), AL Capp (Lil Abner) of their day. Though sex and drugs were the order of the day, during the 1960's, Underground's did not and do not represent mainstream comics--which are clean and not usually politically or spiritually sophisticated. Though political cartoonist Ron Cobb punched the unrightous right wing in their gut when necessary during the 1960's.
If you know where to look one can find incredible literary treasures in this unique American art form--The Comic Book, now worldwide in acceptance, popular in every country (indeed, as a teaching tool one could learn other languages).
Fanzines and Underground's contain some of the earliest and most bizarre art by today's seriously great Comic Creators.
A successful new film has been released a few years ago about the life of Robert Crumb creator of Fritz the Cat. Robert Crumb also created Zap and Mr. Natural (I've seen original Mr. Natural artwork prominently displayed framed on my best friend's Fathers' wall. (A Psychiatrist by profession in the early 1970's).
Gerber's four volume Photo Journal Guide To Comics is a masterpiece chronicling comics history with full color photos of the covers of old back issue comics from the 1940's--1970's loved by many generations of people who wished their mother hadn't thrown them away so they could retire in style today. I explain it is never too late to begin again as gems are published weekly and the selection is enormous.
Many Doctors, Lawyers, Film People, Teachers, Musicians, Computer Experts, Politicians, Artists & Authors people from all walks of life still all read comics & or collect them. I've sold comics to Clint Eastwood and his son. Robin Williams once roller skated into my first Comic Store in 1978 and bought Art Books & material related to the Comic Book genre. My friend reminds me that when I threw a mini comic con Leo DiCapprio worked for me briefly (I bought Underground comics from his Dad George).
Social Relevance
Comics indeed, teach art and story writing skills by their very nature. And are used by storyboard artists in making films, doing animation and more.
At my suggestion Marvel and D.C. issued Hunger Awareness comics in the late 1970's with proceeds going to charity. Various talents offered their artistic skills as a donation. Marvel and D.C. have done other promotional activities for charities protecting wildlife, anti-drug campaigns etc.
Other social issues Marvel has utilized in their Comics: Scientist/Inventor Tony Stark wrestled with his own inner demons as an alcoholic with heart problems who is kept alive by his suit as Iron Man (see the new film coming up).
The blind Daredevil fought the (Kingpin) Mafia & Crime with his supersenses. Radioactivity and a spider created Spider-man.
A nuclear test created the Hulk.
As I read Dr. Strange (one witnesses a 30 year battle with Dr. Strange that sadly and finally ends as the villain Baron Mordo dies of Cancer--fully forgiven by Dr. Strange all the evil rendered unto him.
World War two vet Nick Fury (Secret Agent) dies just after his creator Jack Kirby passes away.
I discovered new worlds in micro dimensions and negative zones in the Fantastic Four (Human Torch lives) back in the early 1960's.
Marvel Lee/Kirby even created the Black Panther at the same time as Black Panther's were active in America--and this tie in with history and comics is not an unusual thing. This version of the Black Panther was a Chief from Africa with super powers of a sort.
In the 1980's Aids Awareness comics were issued (Ninja high School). And a major character also died from Aids in Marvel's (Canadian Mutants) Alpha Flight.
Some Comic Books teach Science or even other languages. Ms. Mystic by Neal Adams and Green Arrow by Mike Grell and Hawkmistress by yours truly (ask to see the script) often tackled environmental issues. Am I preaching to the converted.
Kids like to read & try their hand at creating comics. Classes (including Distance Learning internet classes on comics and other themes are available around the nation. In other words people can get credit and training without leaving their homes.
X-men was a box office smash last summer. I'm sure you also remember the highly successful Hulk TV show.
The earliest X-men consisted of Jean (Marvel Girl) Grey (who later became the extremely popular Phoenix), Professor X (Xavier), Cyclops (Scott Summers), the intelligent Beast (Hank McCoy), and Iceman (Bobbie). Mutants born with special "super-mutant" abilities.
Later came the New Mutants with younger characters possessing mutant powers that sometimes seemed to possess them (the only type of comic book story I don't like).
These characters from X-men including (Nightcrawler, Wolverine, Storm, Banshee, Kitty) evolved with the advent of the creativity of John Byrne (starting in issue #108 of X-men) and Chris Claremont (Giant Sized X-men #1 and Uncanny X-men #94 now valued at $500. up in "mint" condition. The most popular character was the main star in the X-men film--Wolverine. There is sure to be a sequel for this box office smash.
X-men Comics taught kids that prejudice is evil. People who live in fear and thus greed try to destroy that which they don't understand.
Interesting that both the most recent Star Wars film and X-men film took a hard look at politicians (Congress). If power corrupts absolutely is it possible our system is absolutely corrupt? The Senator in the X-men film learned his lesson a little late.
Spider-man--the new Marvel film in the works--is about a kid who with usual teenage angst (bullies beating him up, not getting any babes, acne and so forth is mild stuff compared to today's school experiences--such as not getting shot & killed while going to or attending school or being seduced by a deadly drug or infected by a killer disease) is merely bitten by a radioactive spider (radical stuff for the early 1960's).
This gives Peter Parker super powers--insect powers--if amplified a man could lift a truck and carry it 20 miles as ants do. (Don't get me started talking about Henry Pym the Antman who became Giant Man in the Marvel's Avengers ((Capt. America, Thor the Thunder God etc.))). Add to that Peter Parker was also a brilliant student who was able to invent a web shooter and other great inventions. And Spider-man was born as a bi-product of the bi-product known as radioactive material (which Science still doesn't know how to get rid of). (Try telling that to the Bush administration). Everything is energy! Remember Tesla coils.
But Marvel was not the only place parading superpowered characters.
D.C. Comics (Time Warner), too, utilized mythology and stories of Biblical proportions to entrain, energize and excite generations of teenagers, kids and adults from the 1940's to present.
Some characters such as Superman, Atom, Flash, Batman, Green Lantern, JLA and others & even D.C.'s version of Capt. Marvel may have been inspired by spiritual literature which told of Hindu Gods and Goddesses and even Biblical personages who could stand in fire etc.
Scripts & Wit
Super Heroes: originating through human imagination and from literature, mythology, religion.
Though probably comic creators just made up their wondrous stories.
Once when I interviewed Gerry Conway for the Comics Journal he admitted to me that he had researched some of the comics he wrote. Conway's friend partner Roy Thomas no doubt researched Conan and Thor and other material while writer & editor at Marvel. They worked together on the great animated Fire and Ice film. (Ralph Bakshi/Frank Frazetta).
And initially Thomas got the Conan property over to Marvel from Edgar Rice Burroughs in Tarzana, CA. (Tarzana--Tarzan...get it? Yep, it too is a comic.)
Older folk know and love the countless Films and TV shows and serials featuring these and other favorite colorful characters: Buck Rogers, Flash Gordon, Commander Cody (which may have inspired the Rocketeer comic and film).
COMIC BOOKS -- Born by the sheer exhurberance of the Universe itself through the vehicle of the Human Being!
The Comic Industry is a metaphor for life. A cosmic drama unfolding. But not to put old wine into new bottles: Many times in the past Marvel and D.C. have teamed to do specials that benefits the play of creativity. I first met Stan Lee while I was the manager of a Comic Book Store in Studio City, California in the 1970's.
Or, more accurately, I met him through his works at Marvel Comics -- his extraordinary scripts & wit in 1961.
Very clever interaction with the fans through clubs and letter columns in the good old days made one feel as though one was a part of something. With Merry Marvel "we belonged."
Stan Lee's stories contained real life character's, complete with dilemmas and the germ of great new ideas and principles for living a good life.
As when Spider-man didn't stop a Burglar -- the same Burglar who later killed his kind Uncle--Peter Parker (Spider-man) got the message -- serve mankind. With great power comes responsibility.
And responsibility is the ability to respond.
Exciting fictional stories full of adventure and excitement with morals. Illustrated profusely.
Marvel Super characters were at first looked on by society as bad guys. Even after saving human butt thousands of times.
J. Jonah Jameson (cheap Editor of the Daily Bugle newspaper) has hated Spider-man for over 30 years. Jameson actually tried to destroy Spider-man by becoming a super villain.
Daredevil (blind Attorney yet Batman-esque in abilities & physical strength and agility--but with heightened senses) the Man without fear was often branded a villain too at first.
As was the ever popular Incredible Hulk -- first immortalized as a comic book during the 1960's. Who ranged from dull and stupid to near genius depending on the decade in which this enduring character is read.
What we fear we often regard as evil.
Comics have tried to teach us that the means are as important as the ends they produce.
What we do along the way determines the end result we will get. Comics are published because a word sounds good to the publisher. But some of these new young independent publishers need to know more about the meaning within these words (and so do their customers). But more power to these enterprising youngsters.
What is Yoga, Meditation, Tai Chi, Mantra? What is Zen? (One young upstart publisher of "Zen -- intergalactic Ninja" had never heard of Alan Watts -- great promoter of Zen until I told him Alan Watts was a famous and popular theologian turned beatnik Philosopher & Author (one of many) responsible for introducing Eastern Religions to the spiritually starved West--often heard on KPFK radio. Alan Watts is possibly the foremost promoter of Zen. Watts' book " The Wisdom of Insecurity," mentions, of all things, Comic Books. What are Chakras? The Tao means what? When kids grow up and learn about Meditation will they be tainted by our stupidity and greed?
Buzz words usually lower consciousness and cause confusion. Of course when I use to publish stuff as a youngster I made up names that sounded good but had little or no meaning such as: Beyond Infinity, Eon the Magazine of Graphic Illusions. I know less now than I did then. What is craft, art, Love, Truth?
I held several autograph parties with Stan Lee and Jack Kirby in the 1970's and 1980's. I threw over 50 successful autograph parties with many wonderful comic book artists and writers. I'd host the event, provide refreshments, do all the advertising, graphic art, press releases, etc. It was an exhilarating experience. It was fun to interact with pros and fans. I gave away a lot of free promo stuff.
Ninth Nebula's first autograph party was held with Stan Lee, publisher of Marvel Comics. For ten years my shop endured in North Hollywood, CA next door to the world's oldest Science Fiction Club (a built in audience of friends and fans and computer fiends).
The Stan Lee event evoked long lines of Comic Book fans of all ages drooling for Stan's signature on the splash page of their old and new comics. Nowadays professionals sign comics on the cover of their title en mass which I don't approve of. (But who listens to me).
Comics forms are often abused by aspiring young publishers who use several unnecessary full page splashes when the effect could be achieved in a tiny panel -- waste of money, ink and paper if you ask me. Unlike the good old days when Steve Ditko gave us our money's worth in the form of about 6 panels per page -- he in his way was like a Zen Master -- the precision of his work rivaled the art of Chinese Calligraphy (see his unique style in old Atlas Comics from the 1950's). Some of the recent experimentation's by Frank Miller & other talents have all done exceptionally creative work too.
Stan Lee's arrival in a Limosine exemplified the style and pizzazz in which he lived his life. He was the spokesperson, promoter and Publisher of Marvel Comics at the time.
Stan has more energy than many men half his age. Did you catch the Hitchcock-like cameo in the awesome recent excellent X-men film where he was a Hot Dog vendor (on the beach).
Ninth Nebula was a context for many things but few know it was my 2nd book shop. My first store was opened in 1978 in the Santa Monica area and was called Beyond Illusion: New Age Book and Comic Shop. But comic books paid the rent even back then.
From 1985 through most of 1986 I threw over 19 successful mini Comic book Conventions (the San Fernando Valley Comic Book Convention). This show allowed me to open Ninth Nebula--the Complete Comic Book Store. Small in size, yet packed with all the best stuff.
Jack Kirby appeared at one of my autograph events too. Kirby was Lee's partner on all the important Marvel titles in the early 1960's when they were formed such as Fantastic Four, (Strange Tales) Nick Fury Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D., Hulk, X-men, Daredevil, Avengers, Journey Into Mystery) Thor, (Tales to Astonish) Ant-Man, (Tales of Suspense) Iron-man, Capt. America, etc.
Around 1961 Amazing Fantasy #15 was issued which is the first appearance of Amazing Spider-man and if in perfect shape could fetch $20,000 or more. Check your price guides.
Comics were serious business until the Death of Superman (and then it exploded further) which created new problems and opportunities as the comic industry began new birth pangs in 1993.
I gave 100% service & attention to all my customers at all times. I had to become innovative since often the store became overflowing and I could not mention all the new titles. I'd push a button on my tape recorder when people said "what is new." Then the many fans and readers would get an audible list of every last detail of the new comics that had just come in. I was busy ringing sales with other customers so this made it possible for me to sell more comics. When shipments were bumped due to mail I'd say put my comics in some coffins -- I need 'em now (Capital City never did). When I lived on the premises I had a buzzer so I was the first 24 hour comic store that I know of.
As a kid I'm proud to have collected and owned several complete mint sets of every Marvel Comic Book (1961 to present).
In fact I feel the Lee, the Ditko and the Kirby are three awards the Comic Industry should create (I said this loudly prior to 1984). Though as often as I try to turn him into one of his characters (such as Doctor Strange the occult master of mystic arts) Stan remains a human being -- a man, down to Earth -- courageous and kind. But I'm sure it was Stan's business savvy that made and kept Marvel such a colossal success for many years.
Long may Vishnu (Hindu God of preservation) bless the best that the "Comics Industry" has brought forth in creative inspiration down through the decades.
With comics you get to read and enjoy them over and over again and someday they will be worth something. Sure the overproduced over hyped stuff may be valueless, but if you buy what you enjoy you can't lose.
Comics have proven themselves over the last 60 years as a legitimate American art form. Comic Book audiences are growing faster than in any other hobby form including electronic games & virtual reality. It isn't over yet. In fact, one could say we are at the beginning.
("He who knows, knows, they who say they know, don't." --Lao Tsu). Like Meditation, you won't know what it is unless you try it.
There are many Star Trek and Star Wars Comics from Marvel and D.C. that have been issued and I collected in the past all of which are very popular. These use to be issued by Gold Key in the 1960's. Shatner co-created TEK comics. Spielberg and Lucas were influenced by the Comic Book genre. Roger Corman is cashing in with his Cosmic Comics. Even Leonard Nimoy has a successful Comic out. Other comics sport logos from deceased Isaac Asimov & Gene Roddenberry.
In the 1960's, Underground Comix & Fanzines made the scene. One could say this was the beginning of the Independent line of comics. Vaughn Bode' (Cheech Wizard) kids have emulated this sadistic character through their Graphitti on the walls of washes in the past for years) Rick Griffin, George Metzger are but a few of dozens of innovative Philosopher/Artists whose work not only represents the 1960's but whose originality rivals the Will Eisner's (The Spirit), Harvey Kurtzman's (MAD ), Milton Canniff (Steve Canyon), AL Capp (Lil Abner) of their day. Though sex and drugs were the order of the day, during the 1960's, Underground's did not and do not represent mainstream comics--which are clean and not usually politically or spiritually sophisticated. Though political cartoonist Ron Cobb punched the unrightous right wing in their gut when necessary during the 1960's.
If you know where to look one can find incredible literary treasures in this unique American art form--The Comic Book, now worldwide in acceptance, popular in every country (indeed, as a teaching tool one could learn other languages).
Fanzines and Underground's contain some of the earliest and most bizarre art by today's seriously great Comic Creators.
A successful new film has been released a few years ago about the life of Robert Crumb creator of Fritz the Cat. Robert Crumb also created Zap and Mr. Natural (I've seen original Mr. Natural artwork prominently displayed framed on my best friend's Fathers' wall. (A Psychiatrist by profession in the early 1970's).
Gerber's four volume Photo Journal Guide To Comics is a masterpiece chronicling comics history with full color photos of the covers of old back issue comics from the 1940's--1970's loved by many generations of people who wished their mother hadn't thrown them away so they could retire in style today. I explain it is never too late to begin again as gems are published weekly and the selection is enormous.
Many Doctors, Lawyers, Film People, Teachers, Musicians, Computer Experts, Politicians, Artists & Authors people from all walks of life still all read comics & or collect them. I've sold comics to Clint Eastwood and his son. Robin Williams once roller skated into my first Comic Store in 1978 and bought Art Books & material related to the Comic Book genre. My friend reminds me that when I threw a mini comic con Leo DiCapprio worked for me briefly (I bought Underground comics from his Dad George).
Social Relevance
Comics indeed, teach art and story writing skills by their very nature. And are used by storyboard artists in making films, doing animation and more.
At my suggestion Marvel and D.C. issued Hunger Awareness comics in the late 1970's with proceeds going to charity. Various talents offered their artistic skills as a donation. Marvel and D.C. have done other promotional activities for charities protecting wildlife, anti-drug campaigns etc.
Other social issues Marvel has utilized in their Comics: Scientist/Inventor Tony Stark wrestled with his own inner demons as an alcoholic with heart problems who is kept alive by his suit as Iron Man (see the new film coming up).
The blind Daredevil fought the (Kingpin) Mafia & Crime with his supersenses. Radioactivity and a spider created Spider-man.
A nuclear test created the Hulk.
As I read Dr. Strange (one witnesses a 30 year battle with Dr. Strange that sadly and finally ends as the villain Baron Mordo dies of Cancer--fully forgiven by Dr. Strange all the evil rendered unto him.
World War two vet Nick Fury (Secret Agent) dies just after his creator Jack Kirby passes away.
I discovered new worlds in micro dimensions and negative zones in the Fantastic Four (Human Torch lives) back in the early 1960's.
Marvel Lee/Kirby even created the Black Panther at the same time as Black Panther's were active in America--and this tie in with history and comics is not an unusual thing. This version of the Black Panther was a Chief from Africa with super powers of a sort.
In the 1980's Aids Awareness comics were issued (Ninja high School). And a major character also died from Aids in Marvel's (Canadian Mutants) Alpha Flight.
Some Comic Books teach Science or even other languages. Ms. Mystic by Neal Adams and Green Arrow by Mike Grell and Hawkmistress by yours truly (ask to see the script) often tackled environmental issues. Am I preaching to the converted.
Kids like to read & try their hand at creating comics. Classes (including Distance Learning internet classes on comics and other themes are available around the nation. In other words people can get credit and training without leaving their homes.
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