Summer Reading week 1

Now to start of this bi-weekly series of graphic novels , I decide to chose a book that is simple but very enjoyable.

Scott Pilgrim Vol. 1 - Scott vs The world.
(written and drawn by Bryan Lee O'malley)



For Fans of : Video Games, Rock Music, Relationship drama and comedy.

This Book is the first volume of a 6 volume series, this digest size book (which means it's smaller than a regular book) and is drawn in black and white but that shouldn't stop you from picking up this up, it's book that will have you wanting to read it all in one sitting.

the story is about a 23yr old guy bass player in a rock band who meets the girl of his dreams, but a current girlfriend and a slew of evil ex-boyfriends of hers are standing in their way.

Along the way you get to meet an array of characters and locations in Canada where the book takes place.

Volumes 1 through 4 are out now with vol 5 and 6 coming in the near future and with the recent announcement of it being pick up to be made into a movie written and directed by Edgar Wright (Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz).

See you in two weeks for the next volume of Summer Reading.

No T.V. to watch....read a graphic novel.

With the summer upon us and nothing new to watch on TV, I'm here to introduce you to a new and exciting stories for you to read, i want to introduce you to an amazing medium called Graphic Novels.

Each Week I will be introducing you to a different graphic novel that you will hopefully enjoy, even if you have been reading since you were a kid or picking up a graphic novel for the very first time

But first a little introduction to what is a "graphic novel" or "trades" are for those who may not know.

A graphic novel is a combination of a comic book and a novel it usually has complex storyline and are often aimed at mature audiences. It also encompasses comic short story anthologies, and in some cases bound collections of previously published comic-book series.

Graphic novels are typically bound in longer and more durable formats than comic books, using the same materials and methods as printed books.

My Collection of trades and graphic novels is extensive as you can all see for yourself,





So Join me in the next couple of weeks will we read thru graphic novels as fun as Scott Pilgrim to critically acclaimed novels like Watchmen and The Dark Knight Returns.

WW Chicago: a Convention, a remembrance and a couple of signatures.

Wizard world Chicago was this past weekend and as always we had a great time,
three days of enjoyment from the world of comics.



Everyone that went with me each had a special moment at the convention, either was meeting one of their favorite creators or getting a awesome sketch by someone famous or even getting a great deal on merchandise.

Before any of that i would like to say something on a sad note,
The convention was saddened on Saturday when the news was announce on the passing of Michael Turner (Aspen founder & Comic Artist),
Michael Turner (age 37) died on Friday night after an 8 year battle with cancer.



I have met Michael Turner several times at past conventions and he was a great person, he was never too tired to say hello or to give a sketch,
he was a wonderful human being and will be missed by his many fans and friends.

This year we were a smaller group that previous years, with some of our friends not being able to either have time go or afford to make it, and one who decided to go to Disney world instead
(your loss, Louie).


My girlfriend Elaine and I Stood in line most of the weekend to get autographs from some of my all-time favorite creators like Brian Michael Bendis, C B Cebulski and Skottie Young.



I was able to get Greg Rucka's (Queen & Country, Checkmate) autograph



and David Petersen's autographs (both on the book and on the figurines of Mouse Guard)



My Brother Tony was able to complete some of his Comic book runs like fantastic four and Exiles



My sister Nancy was around getting anyone and everyone to sketch in her sketchbook with the grand prize being a sketch of Runaways' Molly punching Wolverine by Humberto Ramos



Not to mention all the books I bought and the Awesome Spider-man and batman figures i got .



Overall this was a fantastic weekend a little sad to see a great artist pass away before his time,
but we will continue to enjoy his work and the work of many others to come.
Next year Wizard World Chicago will be in August 6-9, 2009
hope to see many more people there.