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The Bastard's Blog
Sunday, 18 November 2007
Wizard World Texas - Day Three
Topic: Wizard World Texas

Heading out for the last day of Wizard World Texas this morning was a bitter sweet affair.  I was looking forward to sitting in on Michael Golden's panel and harvesting a wealth of last-day-of-the-con blow out items, but was sad to see the dawn WWTX's final day.  But I had both my blog entry here and at Newsarama to write.  I needed to be about my work.

I manned-up, heading off for the comic book show.

TV's Supergirl was at the show today.  I hadn't planned on attending the Laura Vandervoort panel.  I haven't watched Smallville in several years and, to be honest, few actors hold much facination for me.  Still, rumors had abounded on the interweb all week that a JLA movie casting announcement would be made.  So, I went in the very slight chance that there might be something newsworthy.

She annoyed me right of the bat, though (surprise).  As the featured speaker, you'd think she'd use the lectern.  Nope.  She sat over on the left side.  So, anyone sitting up close on the right - such as myself - couldn't see her.  I scurried to the other side of the room so that I could take pictures. 

I was further annoyed (another surprise) that Ms. Vandervoort's handler started the session off by stating that they would be cutting the panel short so that Supergirl could get over to the autograph session.

Now, I could give a damn about either the autograph session or Ms. Vandervoort's panel.  But Wizard advertised that the panel would be an hour.  It is wrong to adjust that in the interest of another Wizard World event.

Despite my annoyance, I found the actress to have a warm, friendly personality.  She seemed genuine in her appreciation for the adoration heaped upon her by the fans.  

As it was, the Last Daughter of Krypton didn't have much to say.  After all, she hasn't been on the show that long.

I had some difficulty getting this picture of Vandervoort.
She kept facing the other direction. 
I almost raised my hand to ask, "Can you say Cheese?" 

Kal-El asks a question of his cousin Kara: "Can we be kissing cousins?"

No JLA movie announcement was made at WWTX. 

Yesterday, I sought out Michael Golden to see how much he'd charge for a sketch.  I had big hopes of getting a Baron Karza complete with exploding nipple missles.  I was stunned to learn that Golden's "show special" was $175.   Most artists I've seen charge anywhere from $20  to $60.  Apparently, a comics legend doesn't come cheap.

I shared this story with a buddy.

He shook his head, "Golden's always been a jerk."

And of course, this summer's past episode of jerkishness is well documented.

Still, I have always thought well of Golden's art - and he's not been an ass to me, so I  wanted to give him the benefit of the doubt.

I don't think I'll be ordering any art from him anytime soon, though.

Golden adopted a professorial arrogance in his presentation at the Wizard School session on "Storytelling in the Visual Medium."  Honestly, the first half of the class was excruciating, it was so dull.  I was stifling yawns when Golden finally hit his stride engaging those gathered. 

We went all the way up to the buzzer.

Honestly, I think the man's a jackass.  That's probably why I like him. 

On the dealer floor, I found this cache of Marvel Heroes slurpee cups.
I still haven't found those elusive Legion of Superheoes Slurpee Cups
for Mike Shadburn.  I'm not letting mine go, Mike! 

 

 
"If you want to leave this con early, you'll have to go through us!" 

 

The crossover event you demanded...
Black Bastard Meets Evil Bastard!
(This one's for you, Mr. Silkotch) 

I've updated my Flickr account with more WWTX images.  Take a look! 

I bought tons of stuff.  I've got more books than I could possibly read between now and Christmas.  

Writing for Newsarama was a hoot.  Thanks for that opportunity guys!

And introducing myself as "Aron Head, Bastard's Blog" was sublime!

Gonna have to do more of this.

You know the con's over when Supergirl heads outside to wait for her ride.

 

 

Aron Head
www.EvilBastard.net 

 


Posted by Aron Head at 11:14 PM CST
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Wizard World Texas - Day Two
Topic: Wizard World Texas

Saturday was another great day at Wizard World Texas!  I mean, check it, the Green Lantern Corps was there.  Anytime an orange woman crams herself into spandex, you know there's gonna be a good time!

(Blogger's note: despite the crankiness documented below, I had a great time Saturday...

Below, I quote from my Newsarama article as I want to provide some additional commentary that's not exactly  appropriate for a news site such as 'rama.  Since this is the Bastard's Blog, you'd be foolish to suspect that I won't be snarky here - and I know you're no fool.

So on we go...

"I started the day by attending the 'Web Comics: Development and Marketing' panel comprised of DJ Coffman (cartoonist, Hero by Night and Yirmuhmah!) and  Christian Beranek (writer, 20%) among others.  The subject of the forum, developing and marketing webcomics, was explored based on personal experience..."

Now Coffman, Beranek and the others all seem like very nice guys, but let me tell you they don't know dick about copyright law.  The question was asked about how the panel of web comic creators protect themselves against copyright infringement.  I'm no lawyer, but I do own seasons 1 through 3 of Boston Legal on DVD - so I consider myself an expert. 

I chafed at the erroneous nature of the answer provided.

They had no real answer to the question beyond "I certify mail myself a copy of the work and never open the envelope."  Otherwise known as the Poor Man's Copyright, it is a practice widely discredited by legal experts and - in fact - often deemed inadmissable by courts as a self-serving declaration.  

Always nice to get bad advice from reputed "Professionals." 

Denny Crane. 

One nice thing I will say about the panel is that it was moderated.  I haven't been to a moderated panel in YEARS.  I miss the format of someone leading the discussion and keeping things on task.  Would that we saw more of that.

Another comment about panels, Wizard World really missed an opportunity here.  In addition to a Web Comics panel, it'd have been great to see a panel on comic blogging and podcasting.  The place was lousy, I'm sure, with bloggers and you had the guys from Radio Free Metropolis on hand, plus I saw Fanboy Radio's Scott Hinze prowling about.  It was a missed opportunity.  Thus, no shortage of experienced folks to sit on the panel.   With a little coordination up front, this could have been pulled off with ease.

Really, I just want more panels.  I bitch about the Web Comics panel, but I enjoyed that it was different from the others.  Plus, I like Coffman and Beranek. 

After the web comics panel, I had queued up to see Angel Medina over in Artist's Alley.  It was a long line (Go, Angel!).  Several minutes passed when the most noxious odor hit me.  It was the undeniable fetid stench of a loaded diaper. 

I'm talking about a number two here, folks.  And it must have been on par with a grizzly bear.

Now, I have the weakest stomach on the planet.  One has only to mention  poop and I will yak. 

Just writing this?  I'm getting the spits.

The woman behind me in line held the bearer of bad odor in her arms. 

I had trouble with the odor.  I tried.  I tried to go to my happy place (where I am Baron Karza crushing insurrections with my deadly nipple missiles!) but even these pleasant daydreams could not help me escape the foulness of Little Miss Craps Herself.

Finally, I leaned as close as I dared to the woman. 

"Ma'am, you don't know me," I said with as much earnestness as I could muster while trying to hold back my churning belly of partially digested breakfast, "But you must believe that when I throw-up -- and I will -- I won't be puking on the floor.  I will be vomiting on your child." 

She seemed horrified at the truth I communicated.  Even so, she excused herself from the line to manage her child's hygiene.

I began to wonder... if that baby were in a comic book, what would her superhero name be?

Poopy Pants?

Crapgirl? 

The Shitter?

I think I smell a web comic!  I'm gonna write that up and certify mail it to myself so that somebody doesn't steal my shitty idea.

I've loaded lots of pics from Saturday to my Flickr account.  Be sure and check 'em out... 

Also, do not forget... Today being the last day of Geek Week and - by sheer coincidence - it's your last opportunity to enter for your chance to win fabulous prizes in the Geek Week Giveaway!  All you have to do is send an email to wodyn@yahoo.com with GEEK WEEK GIVEAWAY in the subject header and in the body of the message state your favorite thing about Geek Week.  One lucky winner will be chosen on Monday.

Aron Head
www.EvilBastard.net
 

 


Posted by Aron Head at 12:01 AM CST
Updated: Sunday, 18 November 2007 7:32 AM CST
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Saturday, 17 November 2007
Wizard World Texas - Day One
Topic: Wizard World Texas

Yesterday was the first day of Wizard World Texas.  You can read all about the panels I attended in the Newsarama article I wrote last night.

Usually Friday is a lightly attended affair, but as you can see in the image above, there were lots of folks.

If you've followed my entries from previous years, you know that I have had issues with WWTX's line management.  My experience has been that the volunteers just don't know what the hell they're doing and as a result confusion ensues.  

When I entered the con yesterday morning, I inquired where I needed to be presenting the volunteer with my three day pass.  "Where do I register?"

"You need to register?"

"Yes, please."

She directed me to one of at least four lines I observed.

Looking at the people who were in the line, I was at once convinced that she put me in the wrong place.  They were mostly teenagers.  I had a gut feeling that these folks were registering as volunteers.

I grabbed the volunteer who directed me to the line.

"Are you sure I'm in the correct line.  I have a 3-day pass."

"Yes, sir."

Still concerned, I decided to pull the trigger on my new resource.

"I'm also Press.  I need to register at the Press desk as well."

"Oh!"  Her eyes widened.

She immediately fetched a paid WWTX employee who quickly informed me that I was in the wrong line.  "This is for volunteers."

He walked me to the Press Desk where I gathered up my my press credentials.

"I've also got a 3-day pass," I showed the guy.  "Where do I go to register that?"

He walked me to the appropriate line.  I tell you, a boy could get used to this! 

Moving through the crowd, I approached a rather large lady with an awfully unattractive haircut standing between me and where I needed to be.

"Excuse me," I said politely squeezing by and making eye contact, "Ma'am?"

He provided me a rather annoyed glare.

I really don't think that men with manbreasts do themselves any favors wearing their hair long.  Dude had a great rack, though.  Seriously.

I have uploaded yesterday's WWTX pics to my Flickr account

I'll be posting more tonight and tomorrow both here and at Newsarama.  Stay tuned!

Aron Head
www.EvilBastard.net

 

 

 


Posted by Aron Head at 9:21 AM CST
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Geek Week Giveaway!
Topic: Sci-Fi

In the spirit of Geek Week, The Bastard's Blog is proud to announce its very first prize giveaway!  One lucky person will win the following:

The SciFi Channel Original BATTLESTAR GALACTICA: THE MINI-SERIES DVD

The Pacesetter role playing game TIME MASTER: Adventures in the 4th Dimension complete with original box, Travellers Manual, Guide to the Continuum, Timetricks, Whom the Gods Destroy, Terrible Swift Ford, and  Timestorm.

And a number of items from Free RPG Day 2007 including Little Orc Wars, Wilderlands of High Adventure: Imperial Town of Tell Qa, Castles & Crusades Quick Start Rules, Tunnels & Trolls (featuring Goblin Lake Solitaire Adventure), Dungeon Crawl Classics #51.5: The Sinister Secret of Whiterock, and Changeling: The Lost (quick start rules)!

That's a ton of free stuff to stroke your geek bone!

Please note, all items come from my personal collection.  Everything's in good condition, but bear in mind that I bought TIME MASTER back in 1984 - so it shows some wear.  Particularly the box.

 

 

THE RULES: 

  1. To enter, send an email to wodyn@yahoo.com with the subject header "GEEK WEEK GIVEAWAY." 
  2. In the body of your email, tell me what you love the most about Geek Week!
  3. Entries must be received by Sunday, November 18th at 5:00 pm Texas Time.
  4. One winner will be selected at random.
  5. Only one entry per email address.
  6. Eligible entrants must reside in the continental United States as items will only be shipped within the 48 states (I'm not speaking to Alaska or Hawaii these days).
  7. No member of the EvilBastard.net staff or member of the EvilBastard.net staff's family is eligible to win.  And what the hell are they doing reading the blog when they should be working?!?
  8. Zombies are not eligible to win.  Ever.  Damn zombies.
  9. The winner will be announced here on the blog Monday, November 19.

Aron Head
www.EvilBastard.net


Posted by Aron Head at 12:01 AM CST
Updated: Saturday, 17 November 2007 6:47 AM CST
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Friday, 16 November 2007
EvilBastard Like Me
Topic: Personal Commentary
So the Wife was thinking that after the first of the year, she'd like to invite her friend, Stacy, and her husband over for dinner one evening.  Suzanne and Stacy have been friends since they were children, but I've only ever met her husband the one time, briefly, at his daughter's wedding. 

So Stacy mentions this to Gary and he tells her that it sounds good, but he's not sure.  

He tells her that he's really an SOB.  He's not much fun; he's always been that way; and doesn't think at this stage in life he's going to change. 

Stacy tells him... "Gary, Aron's website is EvilBastard.net." 

Gary burst out laughing and says, "Aron and I may have more in common than I realized."

It's always good to make new friends.

Aron Head
www.EvilBastard.net 


Posted by Aron Head at 9:17 AM CST
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Thursday, 15 November 2007
Wizard World Texas Eve
Topic: Wizard World Texas

...it's finally here!

Tomorrow begins three amazing days of  geek wonder.  That's right.  Wizard World Texas rolls into town tomorrow!

And now a few updates...

...Stuart Sayger has taken ill and will not be attending WWTX...

...Gaia Gold cards will be given away at the WWTX Gaia Gathering...

...DJ Coffman is on the fence about charging for sketches.  I say charge *something*, Deej, and last but not least...

...Blogs@Newsarama.com announces that Aron Head will be their man on the floor at Wizard World Texas.  That' right, yours truly actually has a press pass. 

I know, I'm surprised, too.  I can't wait to not divulge my sources!

I've actually gotten phone calls from folks wanting to give interviews.

Pretty freakin' cool.

I will be posting daily summaries over at the Newsarama site.  You'll also find some additional "color" back here.  So keep an eye on both sites for lots of sweet, funnybook goodness. 

Is this the best Geek Week or what?

And don't forget about the big Geek Week Giveaway! 

Aron Head
www.EvilBastard.net

 


Posted by Aron Head at 10:35 PM CST
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Geek Week - A Visit from I.T.
Topic: Personal Commentary

Geek Week continues with the traditional visit from IT.  "Gary," as his ID badge declared, responded to my HelpDesk inquiry only five hours after my initial request.

A new record.

While he configured my upgrade, he nattered on about his general disdain for proprietary software telling me "open source is where it's at" and that anyone who doesn't know perl "is a moron."

Always a joy having the IT guy over.

Always.


Aron Head
www.EvilBastard.net


Posted by Aron Head at 10:01 PM CST
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Geek Week Giveaway! Don't Forget!
Topic: RPGs

All this could be yours!

Enter to win before it's too late! 

Aron Head
www.EvilBastard.net
 

 


Posted by Aron Head at 12:01 AM CST
Updated: Wednesday, 14 November 2007 8:49 PM CST
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Wednesday, 14 November 2007
Geek Week and Hannah Montana

Because there has been some confusion, I felt it important to clarify that tonight's Hannah Montana concert in Fort Worth is not an approved, Geek Week event.

Aron Head
www.EvilBastard.net


Posted by Aron Head at 12:01 AM CST
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Tuesday, 13 November 2007
Star Trek: The Menagerie - Another Great Geek Week Event!
Topic: Star Trek

Tonight, the boys and I went to the big event - the theatrical presentation of STAR TREK original series episodes "The Menagerie," parts one and two.  The shows have been digitally remastered into the HD format complete with enhanced special effects and cinema surround.  Also featured were an introduction by Eugene "Rod" Rodenberry as well as behind the scenes footage.

As I had anticipated, it was a sold out house.  Contrary to last night's Razor presentation, this was not a free event.  I gladly paid $12 for my ticket!

Remember how they told us there was no market for Trek anymore?  That Trek is fatigued and needs a rest?  Well take a look at the evidence presented - a sold out theater on a week night. 

It was a sight to see.

Eat my shorts, Rick Berman, and all you other miserable sons-of-bitches who've tried to kill Trek with your mediocrity!  

Now, I won't review the episodes themselves, since we all know what THE MENAGERIE is about.  What I will say is that on the big screen, the image seemed a little dark.  Also, while the sound was adequate - I wasn't dazzled.  Frankly, I think I get better sound out of my home entertainment center.

Seeing the show in such a format reveals some things that are easy to forget... for instance, how beautiful Majel Barret is in this role.  I'm so used to her bottle blonde Christine Chapel, that I'd forgotten how stunning she is as the enigmatic Number One.  Susan Oliver's Vina is likewise breathtaking though the digital enhancements make her seem a bit tarted up.

Something else, it seems to me that TOS is much better at sexy than any of the other Trek shows.  The sexual tension in the original series is organic, whereas it always seemed awkward in the subsequent shows.  Remember the TNG episode "Justice" where the locals are all scantily clad?  That was beyond awkward.  It was creepy!

But I digress.

It was an excellent experience.  We had a blast.

SCOOP: I have it from a reliable source that once Paramount is finished with the digital enhancements to all the original series episodes, they plan on taking a crack at TNG.  For instance, all season one episodes will be provided with actual scripts.

The Boys after the show.
Left to Right: Gary, Jamie, and Me!
(not featured, Rodger who took the pic)
 
Geek Week continues on tomorrow with the release of Wonder Woman #14.  And don't forget about the big Geek Week Giveaway!
 
Aron Head
www.EvilBastard.net
 

 

 

 


Posted by Aron Head at 11:18 PM CST
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