Redartz: Greetings and salutations to one and all! No lecture today, class. And don't worry, nobody will get called up to the blackboard. It's time for a little 'pop quiz', so we can learn a bit about each other and what we'd like to see. Fear not: it's not a lengthy quiz, and there will be no grade (we have a generous curve). Answers to the questions are at your option, just spill whatever you're comfortable with. After all, we're all easygoing here. So grab a number 2 pencil (or a keyboard, or a touch screen...); here we go:
1. What was the first comic book you remember reading, and what was the most recent one you read?
2. What was the most recent book (yes, actual book) you read?
3. What was the last film you saw?
4. What do you do for a living (and to pay for those comics, cds, dvds,etc.}?
5. How many birthdays have you had?
And for extra credit: Name a subject we haven't discussed here yet that you would like to see addressed.
We wouldn't ask anything of you that we wouldn't do ourselves, so in the spirit of full disclosure:
Redartz:
1. The first comic I ever read was a Casper's Ghostland giant from 1967, I only remember it had a bright yellow cover. The most recent one read was Alpha Flight 5: a recent pickup at Half-Price Books.
2. The most recent book I have read was "Will Eisner: A Spirited Life". I recommend it highly.
3. The last movie I saw was "Hell or High Water", at the theater "La La Land".
4. I manage the framing for an art gallery.
5. Currently 56 years old (but don't feel a day over 26).
Martinex1:
1. The first comic I ever read was either Avengers #69 with the Growing Man and Kang or Iron Man #21 with the "I Quit" cover. At least those are the comics I remember at a very early age. We received a large box of comics from a cousin; and I have a recollection of those particular issues first but read too many at that time to really discern.
2. The most recent book I have read was "Moo" by Jane Smiley. Or I may count "The Big Joke Game" by Scott Corbett which I read with my son.
3. The last movie that I saw was "The Faculty," the 90's alien body-snatching movie; I watched it in Spanish as I tried to follow along and learn; I did better than I expected. At the theater I most recently saw "La La Land."
4. I oversee Research and Development and Tech Services for a food production company.
5. I turn the big 5-0 in 8 months.
OK, your turn! And no copying off your neighbor...
46 comments:
Fine idea, fellas-- liking the opportunity to become a bit more familiar with all ya's without having to get downright nosy about it. Middle-Aged water-cooler busybody, that's me---
1. What was the first comic book you remember reading, and what was the most recent one you read?
It was either a Hot Stuff comic or an Archie comic (Hmm-- where the gang finds a big broken-up "ancient stone tablet" that ends up spelling "NO PARKING ZONE" when assembled by Jughead) that a baby-sitter left at our house. Or possibly an enormous Disney Special with the Mickey & The Beanstalk adaptation included-- at about 4 years old I managed to read it to my little sister in the bathroom in the middle of the night when we couldn't sleep on Christmas Eve (!!).
2. What was the most recent book (yes, actual book) you read?
Up to 1972 in INSIDE OSCAR right now. (Delightful chronological history of the Academy Awards.)
3. What was the last film you saw?
Don't get to theaters much anymore at all. Watched "Mr. Holmes" at home night before last, and really, really loved it-- even w/ a few weaknesses. Man, FORCE AWAKENS may be the last time I was in a movie theater!
4. What do you do for a living (and to pay for those comics, cds, dvds,etc.}?
Technical Director (build the sets) for what is effectively the smallest of the Large Professional Theatres in the DC theatrical community. Basically, the smallest of the established Equity houses.
5. How many birthdays have you had?
56-- and realized a couple of days ago that I'm actually older than Archie Bunker. Geeze, and I always thought of him as an Old Guy-! I do think I'm young for my age though--heh--
And for extra credit: Name a subject we haven't discussed here yet that you would like to see addressed.
Welllllll, don't know how much universal interest it would generate amongst us, but I've always had a fondness for a number of older (and newer) comic strips. Currently I'm delighting in the second volume of Pogo's complete syndicated strips and LOVING it-! But Peanuts, BC, Wizard of Id, Dennis the Menace-- those were all particular childhood favorites. Hmmm-- or how 'bout those MAD paperback books? Surely several of us latched onto those as well?
HB
1. What was the first comic book you remember reading, and what was the most recent one you read? It was either Avengers #19 or the Marvel Triple Action reprint. Judging by when the MTA came out, I think I must have gotten my 5-year old mitts on an original copy. No idea how, though! A Walt Disney digest is also in that timeframe, but I can't recall much about it now.
It's sort of ironic, but the last comic I read was yesterday and it was Avengers #24. Be assured, however, that it really didn't take me 45 years to get from #19 to #24. I recently purchased the Avengers Epic Collection "Once an Avenger", which reprints most of the Kooky Quartet years, issues 21-40. I'm also dabbling in SHIELD by Lee and Kirby: the Complete Collection.
2. What was the most recent book (yes, actual book) you read? As I've plugged here a couple of times, Magical Mystery Tours: My Life with the Beatles by Tony Bramwell. Currently reading Tarzan and the Foreign Legion, and then it will be on to In the Garden of Beasts by Erik Larson.
3. What was the last film you saw? I split up my On Demand viewing of Avengers: Age of Ultron whilst on the treadmill last week, and have started CA: Winter Soldier. In the theater recently it was La La Land.
4. What do you do for a living (and to pay for those comics, cds, dvds,etc.}? I am in my 28th year of teaching high school. I am the dept. chair for social science at a 2200-student HS in the very far south suburbs of Chicago. I also do contract work for the education dept. at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, DC.
5. How many birthdays have you had? I have had 50 --heading toward #51 as summer dawns!
Doug
1. Swamp Thing 7, but coverless. Like Marti a cousin brought it over. I never knew what the cover looked like until much later. Newest: Steve Rogers 9, its ok, kinda tries to hard.
2. Currently "The Friends of Eddie Coyle"
3. Psycho, the original, my wife had never seen it.
4. I own a home electronics company, TVs, automation etc
5. 48
Bonus: What creators did you follow through titles and companies? For me it was George Perez. Started in Avengers thru Titans run and back again in vol3 Avengers.
Greetings!
1) No idea which one I first read, though I have hazy recollection of Torch and Thing around 1967ish at my cousin's. First one I ever deliberately bought was Spiderman 86 "Beware the Black Widow" and still have it. Last one I read was D.C.'s "Suicide Squad" #7 a few months ago. Quit there due to JLA crossovers and just bought #12. It's a pretty entertaining series.
2) Last book I read was last week, the non-fiction "The End of the Soviet Empire" by Helen d'Encausse. (HINT: Ronald Reagan and Star Wars had zero, zip, nada to do with it.) Thank God this is the Bronze Age Blog and you guys know there was a Soviet Union which died 25 years ago. My kids have only a notion of the USSR, the Cold War, and such.
3) La La Land was the last film at the theater and quite enjoyed it. Wife and I have a hard time watching a movie at home on Netflix as we usually fall asleep after an hour. Ha!
4) Budgeting /Finance /Payroll is my current gig for a 2,000 person company.
5) 55 forking years old and I am heading to the orthopaedic due to a blow to the right knee from my soccer game yesterday. I am so, so, so sick of getting older.
Bonus: I never followed a creator, just enjoyed or suffered the changes to the comics I read.
Thanks for asking!
1. What was the first comic book you remember reading, and what was the most recent one you read?
As a huge fan of the 1967 H-B Fantastic Four cartoon, the first 'comic' I read was the 1968 Big Little Book "Fantastic Four in the House of Horrors." Along with that, I'm sure I had a mix of Archies, Disney's Scamp and some TV comics series, such as Dark Shadows.
2. What was the most recent book (yes, actual book) you read?
The 38th in the Xanth series, "Board Stiff" and the 4th collection of the current Star Wars comics by Marvel. I'm currently in the middle of the collection of Batman and TMNT.
3. What was the last film you saw?
In the theatre, my wife and I saw La La Land. Going to see Hidden Figures and Lion tomorrow for Valentine's Day.
4. What do you do for a living (and to pay for those comics, cds, dvds,etc.}?
I'm a retired Civil Engineer, after 30 years with the same company. Enjoying traveling and being with family, but will settle into a more creative second career soon.
5. How many birthdays have you had? 55, coming up on 56 in two months.
Bonus: Favorite candy, soda and repeat toy (example: every trip to Woolworth's or Ben Franklin, I'd pick up a model kit and a balsa wood flier) growing up.
1. What was the first comic book you remember reading, and what was the most recent one you read?
First I recall was the Steranko Captain America 113.., which my Dad had purchased when I was sick with the flu. After being fanatic for the Marvel Superhero Cartoons, Spidey and FF cartoons, I must confess Cap's death was pretty weird, especially with Steranko's rendition. Hulkie 114 was in the bag as well, so it was a bit more straight forward, his fight with Sandy and the Mandarin. Great Trimpe art. Of late I've been filling my bronze Avenger holes, yet collecting up old Swan WF and Superboy comics. Great fun, with stellar covers.
2. What was the most recent book (yes, actual book) you read?
Haven't had the time for books of late, but I pickup 'Wars of Watergate' every so often. For those like me who think they knew all the ins-and-outs of Watergate, it was still a compelling and complete revisit with excellent commentary as to all the political ramifications, both past (starting with the Chennault Affair which helped the Dems lose back in '68) to future legislation and political landscape. Can't recommend it enough.
3. What was the last film you saw?
Enjoyed "The Last Man On the Moon" a stirring and engaging documentary on Gene Cernan, recently departed. For fiction, I recommend 'Chef' (2014), written/directed/staring Jon Favreau. A nice feel-good movie about a head chef quiting his high-end chef job and buying a food truck to reclaim his creativity. Having both Scarlett Johansson and Sofia Vergara co-star is like ICING on the cake, gentlemen.
4. What do you do for a living (and to pay for those comics, cds, dvds,etc.}?
I work for the federal govt doing medical imaging up here in Milwaukee, hoping to reap the retirement benefits from that, coupled with my 32+ years of military service. In the Reserves I was an Army Inspector General, but now leading division-level logistics for training today's troops.
5. How many birthdays have you had? Seeing the great 5-4 in three months, feeling much older at times, yet enjoying my enormous geek collection, as somewhat reflected in my 'cube tour' y'all got to see last year.
Bonus: Favorite candy, soda and repeat toy..? Staving off sweets for the most part, it's hard to resist Hostess Apple Fruit Pies and Cherry Twizlers. Like Nancy Sinatra, I strongly prefer a nice Coke with ice over any liquor, but I partake only sparingly. :)
Pssst...: Ok ok, as Doug knows I have an impressive Hank Pym figure collection, plus it's always hard to pass up a early '60s GI Joe. My current battalion's up to about 60+ figures now... Sheeeesh.
1. What was the first comic book you remember reading, and what was the most recent one you read?
There were a bunch, but probably Invaders #15. I read British humour comics before this - Buster, Dandy, Whizzer & Chips etc. But they didn't have the same impact.
I most recently read Peter Parker Spectacular Spider-Man #66 "Electro Is Back!"
2. What was the most recent book (yes, actual book) you read?
Go Set a Watchman by Harper Lee
3. What was the last film you saw?
Storks - with my daughters.
4. What do you do for a living (and to pay for those comics, cds, dvds,etc.}?
Librarian - specifically, Service Development Manager with a UK public library network.
5. How many birthdays have you had?
46
Tie-breaker - possible topics - how about a Marvel UK day including scans of UK letters pages, adverts, special features etc. to introduce our American friends to a different growing up experience?
DaveB: SIXTY-PLUS GI JOES?? And you're talkin' about the 10", fully-articulated guys w/ the scar on their cheek? Oh, that is the coolest thing EVER! Man, it could be a whole post/discussion all its own. . . !
(Did you also experience the universal problem of the feet eventually becoming so loose in their sockets that they just came right off in the boot all the time? Or just fell off? And didn't keep him upright?)
(Life-like hair and beard!!!)
HB
Those GI Joes were the best!
Colin, and Colin (should he come along later) - I would welcome a peek inside the comics of your youths. Please set those wheels in motion if at all possible.
Doug
1) The earliest comic book I can remember was a digest that my mom bought me at the grocery store, probably a Dennis the Menace or a Walt Disney. The earliest comic book from what I remember was Detective Comics 381 from 1968. I was a huge Batman & Robin fan from the Saturday cartoon. The most recent one I've read was The New Frontier graphic novel. I haven't read a real comic book since Moby Dick was a guppy.
2). I just finished reading Dispatches From Pluto, about a British reporter and his girl friend moving to the Mississippi Delta from NYC. Very interesting. Will soon be reading a book about the Memphis music scene in the 60's.
3) The last movie I saw in the theatre was Doctor Strange. The last movie I saw on TV was Big Jake.
4) I am a civil engineer, specializing in materials and pavement design for my state's DOT. I have been working there for almost 31 years.
5) I have had 53 birthdays so far. Should have been 54, but I was sick one year.
1. What was the first comic book you remember reading, and what was the most recent one you read?
Earliest superheroes were the 20 cent comics-- Flash and JLA for DC, Captain America and Avengers for Marvel.
Latest: THE FADE OUT, comic about 1940s post-war Hollywood. Fantastic! Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips have consistently put out the best comics of the last 15 years.
2. What was the most recent book (yes, actual book) you read?
I AM OZZY-- Ozzy Osbourne's autobiography. Very entertaining!
3. What was the last film you saw?
LALA LAND. Had mixed reaction to it. Great in parts, not great in others. I'll watch it again sometime.
4. What do you do for a living (and to pay for those comics, cds, dvds,etc.}?
Teach art and play in rock band.
5. How many birthdays have you had?
48.
Comics I'd like to see reviewed: Swamp Thing, Warlord, Jon Sable, Howard the Duck, Power Man & Iron Fist, Moon Knight, Tarzan, Kamandi, New Teen Titans. And since I'm into him now...more THOR! Especially Kirby and Buscema versions. I like the variety of topics you guys have been putting out and all the images!
1) First comic I remember reading was Marvel Tales #79, a reprint of part 2 of the "Drug Trilogy" from Amazing Spider-Man; I doubt if that's actually the first comic I read, but it's the oldest one I recall reading as a kid. Latest comic would be something for one of my blog reviews ... probably Jonah Hex #2.
2)I'm about halfway through Naomi Novik's "Uprooted"--great book. I've also been going through some old Pathfinder RPG books, if that counts.
3)I caught Princess Bride on TV the other night for the umpteenth time ... still one of my favourites. There's no cinema here, so I don't see a lot of new movies until they're out on DVD or TV.
4)I do handyman-type work: painting, repair jobs, yard stuff; I guess I'm a jack-of-all-trades.
5)I'll be 45 in a couple of months.
I want to step up on the soapbox and state publicly, in echo of Garett's last comment, that BitBA is a wonderfully fresh place. Sure, to an extent it's an extension of what these guys and Karen and I had crafted at Bronze Age Babies. But as I've come by here each day I have never - ever - NOT had the sense that this was new and exciting. I'll be the first to admit (as if you didn't already know) that we were falling into a rut more and more often at the BAB. This ain't that. So kudos to the boys and to all of the commenters new and old. This space is its own brand of fun.
Doug
I also saw "Lion" recently. I highly recommend it. Much different than "La La Land" obviously, and I'd say on scale I liked it better, especially the first half of the film.
Oh yes - like you HB I had the same problem with my GI Joe's feet. There were a lot of boots with the feet still inside.
1. What was the first comic book you remember reading, and what was the most recent one you read?
I have vivid memories of reading a Disney digest. How vivid? I remember the typo in a Gladstone Gander word balloon! Later, I realized this Donald Duck story must have been a Carl Barks story. There was also a Mickey Mouse story that was the last part of a serial about a bog monster. I also clearly recall the O'Malley the Alley Cat story, maybe because we share the name.
The comic I read most recently, I haven't read any recent comics,was Saga of the Swamp Thing #22. My wife asked to borrow some Swamp Things to read the Alan Moore stories, so as she finishes them I pick them up and read them myself!
2. What was the most recent book (yes, actual book) you read?
On my own, "Packing For Mars," by Mary Roach. Reading aloud to my daughter, "The Three Investigators and the Secret of the Silver Spider." Currently I'm reading "Bobby Kennedy; The Making of a Liberal Icon," by Larry Tye, and to my daughter "The Chronicles of Prydain," by Lloyd Alexander. My first time with these stories!
3. What was the last film you saw?
On TV from start to finish, "42nd Street." At the cinema, "The Force Awakens."
4. What do you do for a living (and to pay for those comics, cds, dvds,etc.}?
I am a science educator at the Museum of Science in Boston. (I make lightning!) I also teach music to non-neural typical people. Sometimes I sing and act for pay.
5. How many birthdays have you had?
I am at that stage in life where I don't always remember, so I have to do the math. 52. I often feel younger, though! Playing in a band helps, doesn't it, Garrett?
I love the idea of a discussion about comic strips! Also, look into the life of the British comics fan in the old days! If I had the time to construct a topic for a fill-in BITBA, I would explore the phenomenon of Disco in super-hero comics, and/or the overlooked, I feel, run of Batman and Detective comics written by Gerry Conway. Illustrated by Gene Colan and Don Newton, we were treated to an ongoing Bat-story twice a month! Conway wove a bunch of intriguing sub-plots through these books. I think that they deserve attention.
(Don't know if this is the right time to inquire...)
Doug, Colin, Colin, Steve, and all other UK folks... I'm just curious if you had exposure to Dandy, Beano, Dennis the Menace, etc. before you saw regular comic books? My family tree has a Scottish branch and we were gifted those huge, hard-cover annuals every Christmas.
It could make for an interesting post here, at some future date?
Excellent responses, everyone! "A"s all around! Many great suggestions as well.
And if our responses so far are any indication, "La La Land" is looking pretty strong...
HB- love your story about reading to your sister on Christmas Eve! And a fine choice of reading material, too. At 4? Very well done, sir. And you may see one of your topics addressed in this space sooner than you think.
Doug- Avengers 19; pretty impressive way to start in comics! And at five years old, no less! Which actually reminds me, waaaay back when I was five, my younger brother and I had to stay with family friends for a few days as we had chicken pox and my sister was just home from the hospital. Those family friends had a teenage daughter who babysat us, and one evening she sat us upstairs. Where, if my (rather hazy) memory serves, she let us look over some early Marvels, including Spiderman 31 and Fantastic Four 45. At that age I didn't even know what a comic book was, but I remember those covers.
Luther- Swamp Thing 7; a great book to start out with, cover or no. Bet you liked that cover when you saw it...
Charlie Horse 47- Yes, explaining the Soviet Union to our kids is an interesting experience. At least they have an interest in history!
Disneymarvel- those Xanth books are loads of fun! That might make a good topic in itself one day.
david_b- Your GI Joe collection sounds amazing. Also amazing that you kept yours; so many of us parted with ours in, let us say, unwise ways. So what takes up more room, your comics or your Joes?
Colin Bray- excellent, excellent suggestion for a topic. We will definitely look into that. I would love to learn about the UK comic scene.
Graham- "New Frontier" was one of the best books I've read in a long while. Darwyn Cooke's passing still hurts. And the Memphis music scene is another fascinating area; my wife and I visited Memphis a few years ago for just that reason (she being a huge Elvis fan, wanted to hit Graceland- I was stoked for Beale Street).
Garett- so glad to hear we have an art teacher in our midst! And a musician as well; fantastic.
Garrett, I stopped doing gigs a few years back, but still play a bit of classical, some jazz and blues up-and-down the neck.
Yeaaah, I may have peaked on the Joe collecting this last year, just running out of room. My guys are strictly pre-kungfu-grip: A quarter of 'em being early '70s Adventure Team, the rest are all early '60s painted heads with those cool 'raccoon-eyes' (heavy eye-liner). Only a dozen vehicles in my motor pool, primarily from the UK's sister line 'Action Man' (those groovy '70s Adventure Team yellow vehicles, but molded in military 'olive drab' color..).
Throw in some Major Matt Mason and boxed Captain Action figures and you have my 2nd floor 'library' -- Not as impressive a library as Doug's, mind you, but will work on shelving this year.
Redartz, easily (EASILY) the Joe motor pool and figures are dwarfin' the 8 small boxes I have. For example, look up the vintage 'Action Man' Scorpion Tank for two figures..., that thing's huge.
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3063/2387640451_3241fe1564_z.jpg?zz=1
But with that recent purchase of a dozen Silver Age Swan issues down in Elmhurst.., it's heating up.
Oh, as for those feet getting stuck in boots..? A needle nose pliers is an adult-geek's best friend, let me tell you. :)
My one rule is NO FEMALE SOLDIERS. Nope, none, nada. Sorry, no dames, regardless of well-meaning they may seem at first.
Yeaah, my guys may be true-blue gentlemen-heroes, totally above reproach, but sometimes you just never can tell. It'll just lead to fights breakin' out, the bearded guy doing stoooopid-stunts with the Adventure Team helicopter, just don't need the stress. Let 'em all tangle with the Pygmy Gorilla in Africa somewhere, sheeesh.
1. What was the first comic book you remember reading?
The first comic I ever actually remember reading was an Amazing Spider-Man #74. Not sure if it was the original or a Marvel Tales reprint though. (I would have only been 4 years old when the original was on the racks).
And what was the most recent one you read?
The most recent comic I read was Amazing Spider-Man #140. I have just started reading the "Original Clone Sage" TPB that I picked up cheap at my LCS.
2. What was the most recent book (yes, actual book) you read?
The last "real" book I read was quite a while ago to be honest. It was "Hardcourt Confidential" by Patrick McEnroe. And I think that was about a year or so ago.
3. What was the last film you saw?
The last movie I watched at home was "Kubo And The Two Strings", the last movie I saw in the theater was "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story".
4. What do you do for a living (and to pay for those comics, cds, dvds,etc.}?
I am a graphic designer/web designer. I've been doing that for about 25 years. I currently work for myself. My company name is BC Art & Design, Inc.
5. How many birthdays have you had?
I have had 51 birthdays (number 52 is coming in May ahhhhggg).
And for extra credit: Name a subject we haven't discussed here yet that you would like to see addressed.
OK, "What were the best (or just your favorite) 2-part stories ever?" Every time I think back on some of my favorite comic book stories a lot of them seemed to be 2-parters. Such as Amazing Spider-Man #260-261, Avengers #183-184, Captain America #253-254, Marvel Premiere #47-48, and etc. I think that might be an interesting topic of discussion.
Yep, those hardcover Christmas annuals were a rite of passage. Dandy and Beano in particular. Marvel UK and DC too. I still have a few of my faves...how did you find your imported copies? Did the humour/humor translate?
Hi Colin B, The Dandy and Beano humor translated quite well. We had no particular exposure to the UK, having grown up in Gary, Indiana.
My great aunt had some connection to the relatives from Dundee, Scotland, which is how we received them every Christmas. I then eventually bought them for my kids from D.C. Thomson's "Annual Christmas Catalog" that they would mail out in October / November.
The cover to Beano 1973 Annual still has me laughing. It just "says it all" about Dennis, no???
All that being said, I now really dig Oor Wullie and the Broons, but the Scottish dialect is a little tough on me sometimes! "Hep Me Boab!!!"
My favorite two-parters to this day are still FF 138/139 for pure sentimentality sake and some of the best FF Buscema/Sinnott Bronze Age art, and of course, the jaw-dropping ASM 121-122,
..which was followed by the ultra-cool Luke Cage fight in ish 123 as frosting-on-the-cake. 'Nuff said, True Believers.
Charlie, I had a lot of exposure to the comics you mentioned. I remember being a regular reader of The Beano, The Dandy, Sparky, Whizzer and Chips, Shiver and Shake and The Victor.
The first comic I can remember ever reading was the March 20th 1971 issue of Cor! I remember that because it featured a character called Gus Gorilla encountering ghosts in a haunted house and I remember asking my dad and sister what a word in it said. They told me it said, "Gorilla." Looking at that issue's cover online, its main points of interest to me now are that it displays its price in both decimal and pre-decimal currency and, at the bottom of the cover, it lists its recommended retail price in various parts of, "The Empire," such as, "Rhodesia," "Malaya," and, "East Africa." It's a veritable snapshot of a country in transition from a former age into the present one.
I had the 1971, 1973, 1974 and 1975 Beano Annuals, the 1974 Sparky Annual and the 1973 Victor Annual.
Despite all this, I must admit I always preferred American comics to British ones, preferring their slam-bam action to British comics' humour.
Ha, that is a good '73 cover Charlie!
Steve, I have those very ones on a shelf! Well comparing Beano to Spider-Man is apples and oranges for sure!
Hard to say after all these years, but the first comic I remember having, maybe at age four or so, was Srooge McDuck. He was always swimming around in his money vault.
Oh, and the Beagle Boys! Remember them? They had those little masks and were always running around with money bags with a dollar sign on 'em.
M.P.
Redartz, Memphis is one of my favorite places. I'm partial to Beale Street, too, but there is such a wide variety of music there....something for everyone. There are a lot of great books out there about the city and the music. I've read a few, and actually have a couple more in the stack. My wife is a big Elvis fan too, and she improved my appreciation of him over the years.
1) First comic book I read? Probably one of the Superman titles that my two slightly older sisters had (Action, Adventure, Jimmy Olsen, Lois Lane). First one that I remember owning myself? It was an 80-page Giant of World's Finest reprints from the 1950s, published in October of 1965. I am fairly certain that I also owned Avengers #20 when it came out (also 1965).
2) Recent book: Helen of Troy by Bettany Hughes. Great non-fiction perspective on Ancient Greece. I recommend her book, but you should also check out her BBC documentaries on the ancient world on YouTube.
3) Most recent movie: "Arrival." It was good. Sadly, I missed Dr. Strange and will have to wait for the DVD to come out.
4) I do desktop publishing for a scientific association -- InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, HTML/CSS, etc.
5) I just recently turned 59. Although I quit buying new comics in 2011 thanks to DC's "New 52," I still hope to see the original JSA return as this alleged "rebirth" thing proceeds. Still reading (and buying) back-issues. At this point, I don't think I'll ever grow out of the comics thing....
P.S. I enjoyed reading all of the other comments here today. Glad I'm not THAT much older than some of you. But where are the female comics fans? (actually, I've been asking that question since my sisters outgrew their Archie collection).
1) My first comic was Nova #12. I got it because Spider-Man was on the cover. That cross-promotional stuff works!
Most recently I read New Teen Titans #7, circa 1981 (I'm re-reading the first ten issues, partly inspired by the Teen Titans Go! cartoon).
2) Last book I read was Fellside by M.R. Carey, better known to comic book fans as Mike Carey. It was great (also recommend Girl with All the Gifts by Carey). Currently in the middle of the fourth Harry Potter book just 'cause it feels like a series I should have read by now.
3) Last film was "Hereafter" with Matt Damon, directed by Clint Eastwood. An excellent, quiet, moving drama. Pleasant surprise, that one.
4) I'm a writer/actor.
5) I've had 44 birthdays (or 45? does the day you're born count?
6) A topic I'd like to see is people naming their favourite absurd conventions found in superhero comics. My favourite example: superhero teams that hang portraits of themselves (in costume!) around their headquarters. Avengers and X-Men have a lot of these. My favourite was seeing a framed Hulk photo on the wall of Avengers Mansion. When did he pose for that?
Take care,
david p.
Ward Hill Terry- Disney (or Gold Key, as it were) made some great digests. Disney Comics Digest 5 stood out; had a great Donald Duck story which actually was the last new Barks story printed.
William- "Kubo and the Two Strings"- what did you think of it? It's up for an Oscar for best animated film. We enjoyed it thoroughly.
Anonymous- You were off to a good start- those DC 80 page giants were a lot of reading enjoyment for your quarter. And Avengers 20- classic, classic book. Oh, and you'll love Dr. Strange...
david p.- "Teen Titans Go" ; fun viewing. I like it too. And thanks for the comment; great topic suggestion...
david_b- meant to say earlier- hats off and a big "thanks" for your years of service. And to all those who served, my gratitude and admiration.
Loads of promising suggestions today, thank you one and all! Look for many of these to show up in the weeks and months to come. Thanks also to all of you for sharing about yourselves today; it's been heartwarming and and greatly enjoyable. Now if only Edo would check in...
Incidentally, it is interesting how many of us have roots in the arts to some extent or another. Possibly to a greater percentage than the general population; but I certainly am no expert on the demographics...
Hiya,
1. Well, the first comic book that I can remember reading, and I'm going to exclude all the Harvey and Disney books because I can't remember a specific title or story, is X-Men 35, and as this was a crossover event it was also the first time reading an obscure hero called Spider-mensch or something like that.
What ever happened to that character?
2. Bella Poldark by Winston Graham. This is the last of the Poldark series and I really didn't want to get started on it till now. It's sad to say goodbye to characters that have been with you for the greater part of your life and you know that, in this media, dead means dead.
3. Star Wars, Rogue One. As I was saying, dead means dead. Now that we've had two different directors try and, in my opinion, fail to pick up from where Lucas left off can we please have a moratorium on Lucas's failings as a creative. They do exist, but not to the extent that fanboys like to maintain.
4. Currently in the shipping industry, good pay, great benefits and time to work on individual projects . . . like grilling the perfect steak.
5. I have seen 57 winters. 56 too many.
Question I would like to see debated? Do we raise the bar too high for the creatives to possibly meet? I remember when one critic said, and I quote; "If anybody else directed this film I would have called it great, but since it was Spielberg I'm just going to say it was good!"
One of the reasons I would like to see this discussed is that I'm preparing a submission to this site dealing with my reactions when respected creatives returned to titles or characters and the results were less than impressive.
Seeya:
pfgavigan
1. What was the first comic book you remember reading, and what was the most recent one you read? As I've said before, when my Dad would to me on base, the GIs would let me read their books. I don't think I was reading then. I have memories of a Haunted Tank story and a Kamandi story, but owing to the fact that by 1970, we were no longer living in Killeen, I could not have read a Kamandi story before that!!! Most recent would be Fantastic Four 243.
2. What was the most recent book (yes, actual book) you read? The first volume of Robert Remini's Andrew Jackson biography.
3. What was the last film you saw? The Force Awakens at the theatre, Prometheus on my iPhone. I have my daughters' old 5s and I keep movies on there at watch them at work. I keep 20 something movies on there and just watch them until I get tired and then put new ones on!!!
4. What do you do for a living (and to pay for those comics, cds, dvds,etc.}? I've worked at the Post Office (USPS) since 95, just started expediting on the docks last September. We move a lot, A LOT, of chicks. Chicks, man!!! In the down time in between trucks I edit my comic scans on my Dell Venue. And I can't help but read as I do that!!! See most recent above.
5. How many birthdays have you had? 52, some good, some bad, some happy, some sad.....
(Josie's on a vacation far away
Come around and talk it over
So many things that I want to say
You know I like my girls a little bit older
I just wanna use your love tonight
I don't wanna lose your love tonight
I ain't got many friends left to talk to
No one's around when I'm in trouble
You know I'd do anything for you
Stay the night but keep it undercover
I just wanna use your love tonight, whoa
I don't wanna lose your love tonight
Try to stop my hands from shakin'
Somethin' in my mind's not makin' sense
It's been awhile since we were all alone
I can't hide the way I'm feelin'
As you leave me, please, would you close the door?
And don't forget what I told you
Just 'cause you're right, that don't mean I'm wrong
Another shoulder to cry upon
I just wanna use your love tonight, yeah
I don't wanna lose your love tonight
Yeah, I just wanna use your love tonight
I don't wanna lose your love tonight
I just wanna use your love tonight
I don't wanna lose your love tonight
(Lose your love)
(Lose your love)
Tonight (Lose your love)
I don't wanna lose (Lose your love tonight)
I don't wanna, I don't wanna, I don't wanna (Lose your love tonight)
No, no (Lose your love tonight)
(Lose your love tonight)
No, no (I don't wanna lose your love tonight)
(Lose your love tonight)).
Oh, what a GREAT bunch o' breeze-shootin' today-! Yeah? Yeah?
It reminds of, like, a cast-party after a show. . . or a reception after a concert. . . or even getting together with family and friends at a cookout, y'know?
Doug, I'm gonna come to your defense (from your own self, even!), and say that I for one wasn't noticing the drop-off in quality that you and Karen were experiencing. . . but my guess is that the toll it was taking on you guys to maintain your standards had to be just brutal. Perhaps a good geek-y analogy for the previous-Bronze Age to current-Bronze Age comparison is that BAB's might be considered STAR TREK:TOS, and BitBA is boldy taking us onward like STAR TREK: NG (& DS9 and VOYAGER. . . ). Or heck-- You & Karen are the beloved "Classic" Dr Who, and Red & Marti have stepped in with the "Modern" Dr Who-- or. . .or. . . Original X-MEN and ALL NEW, ALL DIFFERENT X-MEN-!
How'm I doin'? The point, of course, is that our community here has had the extraordinary good fortune to be able to experience both change/growth AND continuity of experience all at the same time. Well-done, all of ya's-!
HB
1.Hmm according to my very fuzzy memory the first comicbook I recall reading was either X-Men #12 featuring the very first appearance of the Juggernaut, or an issue of Iron Man duelling with the Mandarin, with art by Gene Colan. Don't ask me for any more details than that 'cause it was a very, very long time ago!
2. Right now I'm alternating between an old book and a more recent one - Writers for the 70's: JRR Tolkien by Robley Evans and How Not to be Wrong: The Power of Mathematical Thinking by Jordan Ellenberg. I'll eventually get around to reading the other 20 plus books I've accumulated, oh maybe in a few years' time!
3. Rogue One! Definitely one of the better Star Wars movies. Loved how they really tried to tie it directly into A New Hope as well as all the nods to the original movies. Oh, Lucas why did you have to make those prequels?
4. Assistant Retail Business Manager. Think Mr Dithers (Dagwood's boss) from the Blondie comic strip but in a retail setting!
5. Lessee now ... I've celebrated 46 birthdays so far, December the 6th will be my 47th!
Bonus - which Bronze Age artist's style changed the most drastically over time? I understand Barry Windsor-Smith started off as a Kirby clone early on, but his later Conan artwork showcased his individual style!
- Mike 'gosh I felt like I just filled out a form for the IRS!' from Trinidad & Tobago.
The Outfield lyrics busted me up! Well done
Ward Hill Terry, I agree playing music makes you feel younger! I feel 20 years younger after starting to perform again. Gigs, jamming, songwriting-- it all pumps me up!
David B, good to hear you're still playing guitar. Jazz/blues/classical, nice! You can always explore something new on guitar, it's great.
Mention back to Mike on Barry Smith, I actually loved Smith doing his Kirby influence, as I've mentioned before.
It was a beautiful 'love-child' of both Kirby and Steranko influences, especially his early Avengers work depicting the 'brooding Vision'.
Cold and scary stuff but uber-cool panel work, perfect for capturing Vish's untapped spirit.
david_b... I'm a huge fan of Barry Smith's earl work too. I love those Daredevils (50-52) + X-Men #53. Luverly stuff!!
1. What was the first comic book you remember reading, and what was the most recent one you read?
Possibly a Gold Key Yogi Bear was the first, circa 50 years ago. Haven't really read a comic for years, but skim through lots of them.
2. What was the most recent book (yes, actual book) you read?
Marvel Essentials are books, right? OK, so one of those (again, just skimming)
3. What was the last film you saw?
That last Star Wars one.
4. What do you do for a living?
Editor and comic artist + website guy and musician (OK, I only make money from two of those things).
5. How many birthdays have you had?
I can't count that high, but wherever being born in 1962 would place me now, I guess. Still have exactly the same interests as when I was 14 though -- Silver Age Marvel (Kirby, Ditko, Smith, Adams, Steranko), dinosaurs, wildlife, Lost in Space, Hanna-Barbera, '60s rock, and older women (although there are fewer of the latter these days.
Again, thank you everyone for your great comments!
PFG- looking forward to your submission with great anticipation!
Prowl- scanning all those books is a chore (a fun chore, but still a chore). What program do you use for editing the scans?
Dr. Mike Davison- thanks for commenting, and welcome! Pretty cool career list you have. Also, a pretty cool list of interests!
Doug, HB and all- thank you so much for the kind words on the blog. It's been fun, and educational- between post research and reading responses, there's something new to learn daily! And HB, I echo your comment to Doug- in my eyes, the ol' BAB never faltered!
Just getting back here.
HB and Redartz -- thanks very much for the kind words. Nice to know that we kept up "outward appearances"! I'll make a comment here that many, many folks have made to me over the years: "How in the world do you come up with these topics every day?"
As I said above, BitBA is fresh and thoughtful each day. There is talent on display and the conversations are rich. It's a nice place to be.
Doug
First comic, DC Jimmy Olsen, The Jimmy From Jupiter. Marvel Thor, The Tomorrow Man
Most recent book, Clive Cussler Dirk Pitt. He's a James Bond scuba diving adventurer. Highly recomended!
Last movie, Lego Batman Movie. I have grandkids.
Job, I was a Senior Tech for a chemical company, but now retired.
Age 66
Welcome Nick Fury 1015. Glad to have you here. Cheers!
Thanks for joining in, Nick! Good to hear from you. Clive Cussler is good reading, haven't read Dirk Pitt though.
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