Blackest Night putting retailers in the black
WORD BALLOONS
DC Comics announced this week that it has sold out of “Blackest Night” No. 1, which kicked off the zombie-thriller superhero tale by Geoff Johns.
A second printing will be in stores Sept. 16, along with “Blackest Night” No. 3. “Blackest Night” No. 2 is in stores now. Local stores say the issue is moving well from their shelves as well.
“It’s our bestselling comic,” said Brian “Buck” Berlin of New World Comics in Oklahoma City. He said the black ring promo, which allowed stores to order a plastic “Black Lantern” ring with every issue, helped raise awareness of the series.
“We’ve ordered more of it than any other comic, and we’re still selling out of it,” said Eric Neal, an owner of Second Chance Books and Comics in Warr Acres.
Earth 2 celebrates grand opening
Earth 2 Comics is celebrating the grand opening of its Northridge, CA, store in grand style today, as co-owner Geoff Johns has invited friends in the industry to create a mini-convention atmosphere.
On hand are Tulsa native Sterling Gates, pictured above, writer of Supergirl, along with such luminaries as James Robinson (”Starman”), Mark Waid (”Kingdom Come”), Brian K. Vaughan (”Y: The Last Man”), Jeph Loeb (”Batman: The Long Halloween”) and more! Check it out as it happens in a live blog from Comic Book Resources.
This is the second “Earth 2″ location for owners Carr D’Angelo and Jud Meyers, whose Sherman Oaks store is a winner of the Eisner Spirit of Retailing Award. The Northridge Earth 2 was previously part of the Golden Apple chain.
Looks like a great time is being had, and if you’re in the area, you should definitely stop by.
- Matt Price
Reminder: Comics on Thursday
Due to the Memorial Day holiday, comic books are shipping to comic-book stores on Thursday of this week. So, you’ve got another day to wait for your new comics. They are expected to include the conclusion of the long-delayed “Ultimate Wolverine Vs. Hulk” and the shipped-out-of-order “Wolverine” #72, however.
- Matt Price
Canadian retailer joins ComicsPRO board
Calum Johnston
Comic book retail organization ComicsPRO welcomes its first-ever Canadian director with a recent change to its board.
Calum Johnston, owner of Strange Adventures in Halifax, Nova Scotia has been selected to fill a board vacancy of the direct-market comic-book retailer trade association.
Chris Powell, general manager of the Lone Star Comics chain in the Dallas metroplex, resigned from the board. Gary Dills, co-owner of The Laughing Ogre, with stores in Virginia and Ohio, has been named vice president of ComicsPRO, taking on the post left vacant with Powell’s departure.
“It’s great to welcome Calum Johnston to our board as the first ComicsPRO director from north of the border, ” said Joe Field, ComicsPRO President and owner of Concord CA’s Flying Colors Comics & Other Cool Stuff, in a release. “I’ve known and admired Calum’s work as a retailer for many years and I’m sure he’ll bring new energy and a fresh perspective to the ComicsPRO board. This should also send a message to comic specialty retailers everywhere that ComicsPRO is serious about about representing the interests of all our retailing brethren.”
Johnston worked as a disc jockey, graphic designer and bartender among other jobs before starting Strange Adventures in 1992. Johnston received the prestigious Will Eisner “Spirit of Comics” Award for retailing excellence in 2001.
“I’m very honoured to be asked to join the board,” said Johnston. “The aims of the group are to help comic book retailers and I will do my best to help the board and the membership anyway I can.”
Outgoing board member Chris Powell served on the ComicsPRO Board of Directors for the last four years and was recently named President of the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund. He said in a statement:
“It’s become clear in the weeks since I ran for re-election that the stresses of running seven stores and a mail order business during ‘interesting’ economic times, plus being on the Boards of Directors of two non-profit organizations is just too much for me. I will remain an active member of ComicsPRO, available to help out on the mentoring forum and other projects. I love what this organization has done, and am very optimistic about what it will accomplish in the future.”
For more information about ComicsPRO, visit www.ComicsPRO.org.
– Matt Price
Ridiculously good week for comics
If you can’t find a comic book this week, you’re not trying hard enough.
It’s simply a great week to buy comics. Let’s look at some of the highlights.
Like classic comic strips? New collections of “Little Orphan Annie” and “Dick Tracy” hit stores today.
Like well-written, literary comics? There’s a new “League of Extraordinary Gentlemen” by Alan Moore.
Best value of the week? The first issue of “The Unwritten” by Mike Carey and Peter Gross. It’s just $1 for 48 pages! This was probably my favorite Vertigo first issue since “Y: The Last Man” #1. If you like intelligent comics, there’s no reason you shouldn’t at least try it out for $1. Like I said after reading a preview copy at the ComicsPRO meeting in Memphis: “The Unwritten” looks to be a must for Harry Potter fans over the age of 17.
In the mood for a big superhero crossover? “Fusion” features the Avengers, the Thunderbolts, Cyberforce and Hunter/Killer.
Want a mystery? Mark Waid’s new “Unknown” is said to be in the vein of his award-winning mystery series “Ruse.”
How about a thriller? The third “un” title of the week is Mark Sable’s “Unthinkable” about a writer tasked to come up with doomsday scenarios for the government — that later end up coming true.
Want a collection of one of the most brilliant comics of the modern era? Fantagraphics has released a collection of Gilbert Hernandez’s “Luba.”
Want an action-packed superhero adventure? Check out “Superman: New Krypton” (partially written by OU graduate Sterling Gates)!
Want a jumping-on point for a popular Marvel hero? Marvel’s provided just that in “Wolverine” #73. (Just don’t ask about #72. It’s complicated. It’ll be here eventually.)
Want to read one of the most ridiculous crossovers in human history? Check out the omnibus to “Secret Wars II.”
Looking for a new comic written by Ivan Brandon, writer of the buzz book “Viking”? His “Final Crisis Aftermath: Escape” hits this week.
How about a nostalgic trip to the 1980s? Archie is reprinting its first “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” issues.
Seriously. Go to your comic-book store this week. It’s a great week for comics.
– Matt Price
Forged check for Spider-Man comic leads to jail sentence
The Oklahoman’s Jay Marks points out this link to me from the Chicago Tribune, in which a forged check was used to buy a copy of “Amazing Spider-Man” No. 2 for $980.99 at Graham Crackers Comics in Naperville. Scott Meherg, 28, now faces a 7-year prison sentence.
You don’t see a lot of this, and I think most stores would be really hesitant to take a near-$1,000 check these days. Still, it’s something for comic-book shops to be aware of. The comic has never been recovered, according to the story.
- Matt Price
Live-blogging Free Comic Book Day
For the second year in a row, I’ll attempt live-blogging the comic-book holiday, Free Comic Book Day, from Speeding Bullet Comics in Norman, OK.
(Full disclosure note: I am one of the owners of Speeding Bullet.)
NewsOK Comics Podcast co-host Kyle Roberts will be shooting a Free
Comic Book Day video at Second Chance Books in Warr Acres. Second Chance Books is a sponsor of Nerdage and of the NewsOK Comics Podcast, and I look forward to seeing what kind of a fun video Kyle brings back.
If you haven’t seen Kyle’s video from the Warren Theatre prior to the X-Men Origins: Wolverine midnight screening, you should check that out!
If you need to find the closest participating comic-book store to you, you can visit www.freecomicbookday.com.
10 a.m.: The doors open and the line surges in! There’s a crowd ready and waiting for Free Comic Book Day. Lots of kids, some adults as well.
10:15 a.m. - There are so many people surged around the Free Comics table that it’s difficult to get to them. That hasn’t happened much. Some stores will move a line through, but there’s always been enough space in Ricochet Cafe before to handle surges. It’s a little crowded. There are 3 tables – all ages, teens, and adults, and the kids table is being surged around like the Wiggles are standing there.
10:30 a.m: The Geoff Johns-written “Blackest Night” 0 has been exceptionally popular with the comic-book fans through the door so far. I can also tell the all-ages “Wolverine” comic has taken a hit.
10:45 a.m.: There’s been near-constant movement since the doors opened. Good news for sales, the guys at the register seem really busy as well. Free Comic Book Day isn’t free for the retailers, and it’s nice to see people making purchases as well, though it’s certainly not required.
10:46 a.m.: The rains hit Norman. It’ll be interesting to see over the course of the day if the rain slows down people coming in. In the first 45 minutes, definitely not. It’s been more busy than expected, even. But if it really starts pouring down, will people get out? That’s what we’ll have to see. Going to check www.newsok.com/weather to see what might be expected the rest of the day.
11 a.m.: Quite a bit of discussion about Wolverine and people looking 
through the Wolverine display. Not as much discussion as there was last year about Iron Man, I don’t think, though. Then again, Iron Man was a completely new thing, whereas Wolverine’s been in 3 movies before.
11:15 a.m.: A few more people talking about “Green Lantern.” It’ll be interesting to see how that continues to develop as the “Green Lantern” movie seems to be coming closer to reality. Comic-book fans have known about Geoff Johns’ run on “Green Lantern” for a while — maybe “Blackest Night” and movie hype will get additional attention for the property.
11:30 a.m.: According to the guys on staff, the reprint of the first 
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles issue has been a popular choice. I think this is one of my favorites of the free issues this year as well, and I hope it leads to a comprehensive reprint of the original Eastman-Laird Turtles.
11:45 a.m.: Response to the “Wolverine” film is mixed among the fans filtering in for FCBD. Most of them are excited about “Star Trek,” which has comic-book tie-ins from IDW but nothing specifically for Free Comic Book Day. Probably the fact that Colin Warde, who worked in Los Angeles on the Star Trek auctions, is appearing here this afternoon, is adding to the Star Trek buzz at this location.
Noon: While there has been rain here and there in the first two hours, so 
far it doesn’t look like the rain is keeping anybody away. Still hasn’t been much of a letup of people since the doors opened at 10 a.m.
12:15 p.m.: I know a lot of Nerdage readers are also Sterling Gates fans — he’s signing today with Geoff Johns at Atomic Comics in Arizona. Atomic knows how to put on an event, so those guys should have quite a turnout.
1 p.m.: There hasn’t been much of an opportunity to catch a breath, here, but it’s been great to see so many people coming through and having fun.
1:15 p.m.: Unscientifically, I’m saying “Blackest Night” 0 is the hit of the day so far, but will try to get more scientific data on that. (Day-after update: Top 3 book giveaways for the day were 1. Blackest Night, 2. Avengers, 3. Wolverine.)
1:45 p.m.: A tip for those who may be looking for “Wolverine” material for their younger kids – “Wolverine: First Class” is an excellent choice.
2:15 p.m.: Word comes from MTV Splash Page that “Wolverine” did $35 million over Friday, and could have a $90 million opening weekend. In FCBD news, bodies through the door here have already surpassed last year, I’m told.
2:30 p.m.: “Star Trek” props expert Colin Warde is in the house. He’s got some neat logos and accessories on hand, as well as lots of photos of “Star Trek” items.
3 p.m.: Still quite a crowd, between people shopping, people getting free comics, and people talking “Star Trek.” Lots of people think next week’s “Star Trek” movie is going to be a big hit.
3:15 p.m.: As far as indies go, it’s worth it to check out Oni Press’ 
“Resurrection.” You can get the FCBD issue of “Resurrection” and then add the trade paperback collection for just $6.
3:30 p.m.: Mostly kids still coming in for free comics. Colin is entertaining a crowd with tales of “Star Trek.”
4 p.m.: Probably the slowest it’s been so far today for free comics-specific people. Still a good “Trek” crowd though, learning lots of inside baseball on what certain props were made of, how they were created, etc.
4:15 p.m.: Hearing good things from other retailers about FCBD nationwide; people giving away more comics than they ever had before, more people in the door, etc. The thing to do over the next few weeks is figure out why it worked! The new Geoff Johns comic? The Wolverine movie? Press coverage? Something else?
4:30 p.m.: BAM is in the house, checking out some free comics. She’s consistently one of NewsOK’s most popular bloggers, and she shared some “Star Trek” info with me, as well. Next week we’ll likely shift into full-on “Star Trek” mode here at Nerdage, bringing you some interviews, background and behind the scenes stuff.
5 p.m.: Colin is wrapping up his “Star Trek” demonstration, so I’m going to wrap up live-blogging and go get some food shortly. Speeding Bullet will remain open, giving away Free Comic Book Day comics until 7; other area stores will be open for a while longer as well, so you still have some time to make your own FCBD trek. It’s been exciting to get to talk to so many comic-book fans in person today. I’ll try to share some reports from across the nation in the coming days as well. Happy Free Comic Book Day, everybody!
- Matt Price
Wolverine, Green Lantern highlight Free Comic Book Day
WORD BALLOONS
As “X-Men Origins: Wolverine” is released, local comic book stores will give away a “Wolverine” comic book as part of the eighth annual Free Comic Book Day.
Thousands of comic book stores worldwide will give free comic books to patrons Saturday as part of the annual celebration.
Free Comic Book Day was the idea of California comic book retailer Joe Field, and it is implemented through comic book distributor Diamond Comics.
Diamond Comics estimates more than 2 million comic books will be given away worldwide.
DC Comics will kick off its largest 2009 event, “Blackest Night,” with a free “zero” issue on Free Comic Book Day. The issue includes a lead story that leads directly into “Blackest Night” No. 1.
“The first half is by me and Ivan Reis,” Johns said at the recent ComicsPRO annual meeting in Memphis. “It’s a 12-page story that’s a lead-in to the DC Universe through Hal Jordan (Green Lantern) and Barry Allen (Flash).” The second half of the issue is by artist Doug Mahnke and Johns, and is a guide to the different organizations that will play into the “Blackest Night” storyline.
Other comics will feature Disney/Pixar’s Cars, the Avengers, Star Wars, Transformers, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
Giveaway books may vary by location and are available while supplies last.
In addition to the participating comic book stores, Metro Library Systems will participate in Free Comic Book Day.
For more information, go online to www.freecomicbookday.com.
By Matthew Price
From Friday’s The Oklahoman
Local stores participating in Free Comic Book Day
Metro-area stores participating in Free Comic Book Day include the following:
All-Star Comics, 6900 N May; 842-7800.
Atomic Comics, 6006 S Western; 632-2848.
Atomik Pop, 918 W Main, Norman; 329-9695.
Atomik Pop II, 7884 S Western; 635-0848.
Bibliotech, 123 E Main, Shawnee; 275-9494.
New World Comics, 6219 N Meridian; 721-7634.
New World Games and Comics, 4435 SE 29; 677-2559.
Second Chance Books & Comics, 3909 N MacArthur, Warr Acres; 603-7151.
Speeding Bullet Comics, 614 N Porter, Norman; 360-6866.
Ultimate Heroes, 1316 N Kelly, Edmond, 715-0001.
Wizard’s Games, 749 Jenkins, Norman; 292-4263.
Comics Q&A: Free Comic Book Day
Comics Q&A: What is Free Comic Book Day? Kyle Roberts and Matt Price answer questions about Free Comic Book Day, which is Saturday, May 2.
