LET'S LEVEL WITH LEE!

oh thank heaven

2009-07-13T23:10:00.000-07:00

My daughter Sophie was all fired up about "Free Slurpee Day", and was telling me about it for days. It took place Saturday, so I drove her and a friend 2 miles down the road to the nearest 7-11. I was worried that there would be a big crowd for such a great free treat, but there was no line. I was also worried that it was the wrong day, or that they would say that they ran out of cups, or the like. There was only 1 other person in the store. I asked the clerk about the free Slurpee. With obvious embarrassment he handed me 3 cups. These were no ordinary cups. They were Lilliputian in size. The things were barely the size of my palm.

Great. It's been years since I've been to a 7-11. I used to love their Slurpees. Back in the 1970s I would buy my comic books, and spend the last of my hard-earned money on a Slurpee. They had a series of cups with the DC heroes on them, and later with Marvel Characters. I loved those cups, and still have many happy memories of collecting them.

Lee's Favorite Slurpee Cup, featuring Jim Steranko's Nick Fury.

If you are a small business man like myself, you may think that you cannot compete with the huge companies. Think again. Just treat your customers well, and you will have a distinct advantage over most corporations.

Corporations think they are really smart when they think of new ways to trick their customers. Some genius at the 7-11 corporation (or whatever conglomerate owns the place) thought it would be a great idea to make July 11th (7-11, get it?) free Slurpee Day. Now instead of giving you a regular small size Slurpee, (12 ounces), which would be entirely acceptable, and within everyones expectations, they come up with a really nifty way to short change the customer. They make a special tiny cup. But this is no ordinary size. It's 7.11 ounces! It's like they are shining up a turd and telling you it's Almond Rocca!

Apparently 7-11 does not want you to drink deep. They just want to give you enough to whet your appetite, so you'll have to buy more on the spot just to quench your thirst. But hold on. This is not, free sample day. It's supposed to be free Slurpee day. Mrs. Fields gives away little tiny pieces of cookies every day. Does she call it "free Cookie Day?". I guess Costco should call every day "Free Food Day" since they hand out little tiny samples. The gelato shop I go to should announce "free gelato Day" since they offer a tiny spoonful for you to taste.

My philosophy is to treat each customer as a friend. When our industry has free comic book day, do you get a tiny comic book? Do you get a page, or a panel? No, you get a full-size comic book! At my store you get 2 of them. 4 if you bring in a coupon. The comic book dealer pays for these free samples in order to get new faces in the door. Each of these "free" comics we give away costs us 25¢ and up. Just how much would a regular sized Slurpee set back the 7-11 owner? I would be shocked if it was a nickel. But that's still too much, so they have to produce a tiny size cup, which likely cost more money to make than the Slurpee costs. All in the name of bilking the suckers that come through the door.

If it was free popcorn day at the movie theater you would expect at least a standard small size popcorn, right? Not a tiny size bag with 5 kernels in it! 7-11 went and produced a special tiny cup, slightly over half the size of the smallest drink that they sell. Shame on the corporation for thinking so little of it's customers to do this! I also blame each individual branch. If I owned a 7-11 I would have been giving out normal sized Slurpees, even if I had to pay for them out of my own pocket. You just don't treat your customers (your friends, remember) that way.

My plan was to get the free ones for the people in my group, and to buy more for the people at home. When I saw the crummy little insult of a shot they were giving out, I swore that I would buy nothing. It's going to be a very long while before I set foot in a 7-11 again. Shame one you 7-11. It's no wonder you are ridiculed as the "Quickie Mart" on the Simpsons. Your reputation for being a shoddy rip-off is well-earned. You had a chance to make a lot of new friends on July 11th, but instead you put greed first.

Shot-glass size free Slurpee. Is that any way to treat a guest?

NEW ARRIVALS

2009-07-13T15:31:00.000-07:00

LEE’S COMICS SHIPMENT
On sale 07-15-2009

DC
ACTION COMICS 879 $3.99
AIR 11 $2.99
ASTRO CITY THE DARK AGE TP BOOK 1 $19.99
BATMAN SPECIAL EDITION 608 $1.00
BATMAN STREETS OF GOTHAM 2 $3.99
BATMAN WHATEVER HAPPENED TO THE CAPED CRUSADER HC $24.99

BLACKEST NIGHT 1 $3.99

BLACKEST NIGHT TALES OF THE CORPS 1 $3.99
BLACKEST NIGHT TALES OF THE CORPS VAR 1 PI
BLACKEST NIGHT VAR 1 PI
BLACKEST NIGHT VAR SKETCH 1 PI
BRAVE AND THE BOLD 25 $2.99
DMZ 43 $2.99
FABLES 86 $2.99
FABLES PETER & MAX PREVIEW 1 $1.00
FINAL CRISIS AFTERMATH ESCAPE 3 $2.99
FROM EROICA WITH LOVE VOL 14 $9.99
JSA VS KOBRA 2 $2.99
LIGHT BRIGADE TP NEW PTG $19.99
MADAME XANADU TP VOL 1 DISENCHANTED $12.99
PREACHER HC BOOK 1 $39.99
RED ROBIN 2ND PTG 1 $2.99
SCALPED 30 $2.99
SUPER FRIENDS 17 $2.50
SUPER FRIENDS CALLING ALL SUPER FRIENDS TP $12.99
SUPERMAN AND THE LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES TP $14.99
SUPERMAN BATMAN 62 $2.99
TITANS 15 $2.99
VIGILANTE 8 $2.99
WEDNESDAY COMICS 2 $3.99
WORLD OF WARCRAFT 21 $2.99
YOUNG LIARS 17 $2.99

To see all the new DC Covers and info go here.

MARVEL
AGENTS OF ATLAS 8 $2.99
ALL SELECT COMICS 1 $3.99
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 599 $2.99
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN VAR 599 PI
ANNIHILATION CLASSIC TP $24.99
BETA RAY BILL GODHUNTER 2 $3.99

CAPTAIN AMERICA 601 $3.99

CAPTAIN AMERICA 2ND PTG 600 $4.99
CAPTAIN AMERICA B&W VAR 601 PI
CAPTAIN AMERICA VAR 601 PI
CAPTAIN BRITAIN MOORE DAVIS OMNIBUS HC DM ED $99.99
DARK AVENGERS 7 $3.99
DARK AVENGERS VAR 7 PI
DARK REIGN MISTER NEGATIVE 2 $3.99
DEADPOOL 12 $2.99
DEADPOOL SUICIDE KINGS 2ND PTG 1 $3.99
DEADPOOL SUICIDE KINGS 2ND PTG 2 $3.99
DEADPOOL SUICIDE KINGS 2ND PTG 3 $3.99
DEADPOOL VAR 12 PI
DOCTOR DOOM TP MASTERS OF EVIL GN $14.99
ENDERS GAME PREM HC BATTLE SCHOOL $24.99
ENDERS SHADOW PREM HC BATTLE SCHOOL $24.99
ESSENTIAL MARVEL TWO IN ONE TP VOL 3 $19.99
FRANKLIN RICHARDS SCHOOLS OUT $3.99
GUARDIANS OF GALAXY PREM HC POWER STARHAWK $24.99
GUARDIANS OF GALAXY PREM HC STARHAWK VAR ED 26 $24.99
INCOGNITO 5 $3.50
INCREDIBLE HERCULES HC SMASH TITANS $29.99
IRON MAN ARMORED ADVENTURES $3.99
IRON MAN ARMORED ADVENTURES YOUNG VAR PI
LOCKJAW AND THE PET AVENGERS 3 $2.99
MARVEL ADVENTURES AVENGERS 38 $2.99
MARVEL ART OF MARKO DJURDJEVIC HC $49.99
MARVEL ILLUSTRATED TP THREE MUSKETEERS $14.99
MIGHTY AVENGERS 27 $2.99
MIGHTY AVENGERS VAR 27 PI
NEW MUTANTS 3 $2.99
NEW MUTANTS 2ND PTG 2 $2.99
NEW MUTANTS 50S DECADE VAR 3 PI
NEW MUTANTS VAR 3 PI
PUNISHER 7 $2.99
SPIDER-MAN PREM HC TORMENT $19.99
SPIDER-MAN PREM HC TORMENT VAR ED 27 $19.99
THUNDERBOLTS PREM HC BURNING DOWN THE HOUSE $19.99
TIMESTORM 2009 2099 3 $3.99
WAR MACHINE PREM HC VOL 1 IRON HEART $19.99
X-FACTOR 46 $2.99
X-MEN FOREVER 2ND PTG 1 $3.99

To see all the new Marvel covers and info go here.

DARK HORSE

CREEPY COMICS 1 $4.99

CREEPY COMICS VAR 1 PI
STAR WARS CLONE WARS 7 $2.99
STAR WARS KNIGHTS OLD REPUBLIC 43 $2.99
WEREWOLVES ON THE MOON VERSUS VAMPIRES 2 $3.50

To see all the new Dark Horse covers and info go here.

IMAGE
DEAD AT 17 AFTERBIRTH 2 $2.99
DESCENDANT 1 $3.50
OLYMPUS 3 $3.50

WALKING DEAD 63 $2.99

To see all the new Image Covers and info go here.

MISC PUBLISHERS
2000 AD PACK JUNE 2009 $18.00
ALL STAR COMPANION TP VOL 4 $27.95
ANGEL AFTER THE FALL HC VOL 4 $24.99
ARTESIA BESIEGED 3 $3.95
BETTY & VERONICA SPECTACULAR 90 $2.50
BUCK ROGERS 2 $3.50
BUCK ROGERS VAR 2 PI
COMICS BUYERS GUIDE 1657 $5.99
DAN DARE OMNIBUS TP VOL 1 US ED $19.99
DILBERT TP FREEDOM IS JUST ANOTHER WORD $12.99
DO ANDROIDS DREAM OF ELECTRIC SHEEP 1 $3.99
DOCTOR WHO ONGOING 1 $3.99
DOCTOR WHO ONGOING VAR 1 PI
DOG EATERS 3 $3.99
DOMINO LADY 1 $3.99
DR WHO MAGAZINE 410 $7.99
DREAMER TP VOL 1 CONSEQUENCE OF NATHAN HALE $19.99
FALL OF CTHULHU TP VOL 5 APOCALYPSE $15.99
FALLEN ANGEL REBORN 1 $3.99
FALLEN ANGEL REBORN VAR 1 PI
FARSCAPE DARGOS LAMENT 4 $3.99
FATE STAY NIGHT GN VOL 4 $10.99
GET FUZZY IGNORANCE THY NAME IS BUCKY TP $12.99
GI JOE MOVIE ADAPTATION 3 $3.99
GI JOE MOVIE ADAPTATION TP $17.99
GI JOE TP VOL 1 $19.99
INCREDIBLES FAMILY MATTERS 4 $2.99
INU YASHA TP VOL 38 $8.95

JEFF SMITH LITTLE MOUSE GETS READY HC $12.95

JUDGE DREDD MEGAZINE 286 $10.99
KILLER 9 $3.95
LAST RESORT 1 $3.99
LEES TOY REVIEW 200 $5.95
LOST GIRLS HC $45.00
LOUDEST WHISPER UWASA NO FUTARI GN VOL 1 $12.99
MODERN MASTERS SC VOL 21 CHRIS SPROUSE $14.95
MUTTS TREASURY STOP & SMELL ROSES SC $16.99
NEXUS SPACE OPERA ACTS 3 & 4 $4.95
NON SPORT UPDATE VOL 20 4 $5.99
PALS N GALS DOUBLE DIGEST 133 $3.99
PHANTOM GENERATIONS 3 $3.99
POE 1 $3.99
RASL 5 $3.50
RED RIVER GN VOL 26 $9.99
RESURRECTION VOL 2 2 $3.99
RICHARD STARKS PARKER THE HUNTER HC $24.99
ROBOTIKA FOR A FEW RUBLES MORE DOUBLE-SIZED $4.99
ROTTEN 2 $3.99
SHERLOCK HOLMES 3 $3.50
SIMPSONS COMICS 156 $2.99
SOULFIRE NEW WORLD ORDER GUNNELL 3 $2.99
SOULFIRE NEW WORLD ORDER HERRERA 3 $2.99
STARCRAFT FRONTLINE GN VOL 3 $10.99
SWALLOWING THE EARTH GN $24.95
UNKNOWN 3 $3.99
UNTHINKABLE 3 $3.99
WAR STORIES GRAPHIC HISTORY SC $24.99
WELCOME TO FOREST ISLAND HC $30.00
YAKITATE JAPAN TP VOL 18 $9.99
YEN PLUS MAGAZINE VOL 2 8 $8.99
YOKAI DOCTOR GN VOL 1 $10.99
ZEKE DEADWOOD ZOMBIE LAWMAN 1 $3.95

SPECIALTY ITEMS
HEROES OF THE DCU DARKSEID BUST $65.00
JLA COME JOIN GRY T/S XL $19.99
MARVEL SELECT MOVIE WOLVERINE AF $19.99
MTG TCG 2010 CORE SET BOOSTER PI
MTG TCG 2010 CORE SET INTRO DECK PI
YU GI OH TCG RAGING BATTLE SE BOX PI

PRINCE VALIANT

2009-07-09T22:15:00.000-07:00

PRINCE VALIANT Vol. 1: 1937-1938
Fantagraphics Books, Hardcover $29.95

My favorite comics work ever is Prince Valiant by Hal Foster. Years ago, Foster's entire cannon was released by Fantagraphics, one year's worth of material at a time, in oversized softcover volumes. These volumes are now long out of print, and command collector's prices. It's a shame that such vital material was so expensive and hard to find.

Now Fantagraphics has begun a new series of volumes that are a great improvement over the previous ones. They are hardcover with better reproduction and coloring. The previous volumes were in soft cover, which, due to the oversized format, was easy to damage. The hardcover format is a much better way for this timeless material to last through the ages. The coloring and reproduction are much improved as well. There is now 2 years worth of material in each volume, double what the previous volumes had. The first volume includes several pages of nicely illustrated historical Hal Foster articles and interviews.

A glance at Foster's Prince Valiant will show you how beautiful and masterful the illustrations are. Foster starts off nicely, but after around 18 weeks, he really hits his stride. Where the pages were previously done generally on a 12-panel grid, they now open up with much larger vistas of sprawling castles, armies marching, and action scenes. All are rendered with singular beauty, flair and realism. It's the work of an absolute master, working at the height of his powers. Upon reading it, the amazing discovery is that the stories are even better than the art! All of Foster's incredible panoramas are there in service of a thrilling saga. Prince Valiant is a man of action, but he is also quite cunning and strategic. He is bold, strong, and well trained, but more frequently he out-thinks his opponents. You can't wait to see what happens on the next page.

This beautiful volume belongs in any comic book fan's library. I have read these stories many times over the years, and I have loved them each time. I am reading this volume at home right now, savoring a few pages each night. This is absolutely fantastic material. It's my Desert Island graphic novel. If I could only keep one Graphic Novel, this would be the one. It's available at the stores right now. Buy yours today!

NEW ARRIVALS

2009-07-06T17:13:00.000-07:00

LEE’S COMICS SHIPMENT
On sale 07-08-2009

DC
100 BULLETS TP VOL 13 WILT $19.99
ALL STAR SUPERMAN SPECIAL EDITION 1 $1.00
BATMAN 688 $2.99
BATMAN AND ROBIN 2ND PTG 1 $2.99
BOOSTER GOLD 22 $3.99
CARTOON NETWORK ACTION PACK 39 $2.50
CHUCK TP $19.99
GO WEST VOL 3 $9.99
GREEN ARROW BLACK CANARY 22 $3.99
GREEN LANTERN 43 $2.99
GREEN LANTERN VAR 43 PI
HOUSE OF MYSTERY 15 $2.99
JUSTICE LEAGUE INTERNATIONAL TP VOL 2 $17.99
NOBODY HC $19.99
NORTH 40 1 $2.99
PROTOTYPE 4 $3.99
REBELS 6 $2.99
RED ROBIN 2 $2.99
SCOOBY DOO 146 $2.50
SHOWCASE PRESENTS BATLASH TP $9.99
STORMWATCH PHD 22 $2.99
SUPERMAN WHATEVER HAPPENED TO MAN OF TOMORROW HC $24.99
SUPERMAN WORLD OF NEW KRYPTON 5 $2.99
SUPERMAN WORLD OF NEW KRYPTON VAR 5 PI
TOM STRONG SPECIAL EDITION 1 $1.00
UNWRITTEN 3 $2.99
UNWRITTEN 2ND PTG 1 $1.99
WARLORD 4 $2.99

WEDNESDAY COMICS 1 $3.99

To see all the new DC Covers and info go here.

MARVEL
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN ANNUAL 36 $3.99
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN BY JMS ULTIMATE COLL TP BOOK 1 $34.99
ANITA BLAKE LC NECROMANCER 3 $3.99
DARK X-MEN BEGINNING 1 $3.99
DARK X-MEN BEGINNING VAR 1 PI
GENEXT UNITED 3 $3.99
HULK BROKEN WORLDS TP $15.99
HULK RED AND GREEN TP VOL 2 $15.99
MARVEL 70TH ANNIVERSARY TP $24.99
MARVEL ADVENTURES SUPER HEROES 13 $2.99
MARVEL ILLUSTRATED ODYSSEY PREM HC $24.99
MMW WARLOCK HC VOL 2 $59.99
MMW WARLOCK HC VOL 2 VAR ED 119 $59.99
MOON KNIGHT PREM HC VOL 5 DOWN SOUTH $19.99
MS MARVEL 41 $2.99
MS MARVEL VAR 41 PI
NEW WARRIORS CLASSIC TP VOL 1 $24.99
PRIDE & PREJUDICE 4 $3.99
PUNISHER FRANK CASTLE MAX 72 $3.99
RUNAWAYS PREM HC TEENAGE WASTELAND $19.99
SKRULL KILL KREW 3 $3.99
SKRULL KILL KREW VAR 3 PI
STAND AMERICAN NIGHTMARES 4 $3.99
THOR TALES OF ASGARD BY LEE & KIRBY 3 $3.99
UNCANNY X-MEN FIRST CLASS 1 $2.99
WAR OF KINGS WARRIORS 1 $3.99
X-MEN FOREVER 3 $3.99

X-MEN LEGACY 226 $2.99

X-MEN SHATTERING TP $34.99

To see all the new Marvel covers and info go here.

DARK HORSE

BPRD 1947 1 $2.99

NGE SHINJI IKARI RAISING PROJECT TP VOL 1 $9.95
PIXU TP VOL 1 MARK OF EVIL $17.95
SINFEST TP DARK HORSE ED VOL 1 $14.95

To see all the new Dark Horse covers and info go here.

IMAGE
BACK TO BROOKLYN TP $14.99
DARKNESS 78 $2.99
ELEPHANTMEN WAR TOYS YVETTE $3.50
PROOF TP VOL 3 THUNDERBIRDS ARE GO $14.99

STRANGE ADVENTURES OF HP LOVECRAFT 3 $4.99

To see all the new Image Covers and info go here.

MISC PUBLISHERS
ANGEL NOT FADE AWAY 3 $3.99
ARCHIE & FRIENDS 133 $2.50
ARCHIE DOUBLE DIGEST 200 $3.99
ARMY OF DARKNESS 22 $3.50
AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS HC $14.99
ASTERIOS POLYP GN $29.95
BRICKJOURNAL 6 $8.95
CHOCO MIMI GN VOL 1 $7.99
CLASSIC MARVEL FIGURINE COLL MAG MANDARIN 94 $12.00
CLASSIC MARVEL FIGURINE COLL MAG SHOCKER 91 $12.00
COMIC BOOK DESIGN ESSENTIAL GT CREATING GREAT COMI $24.95
DC SUPERHERO FIGURINE COLL MAG SCARECROW 13 $14.00
DC SUPERHERO FIGURINE COLL MAG SPECIAL BANE $26.00
DEAN KOONTZS NEVERMORE 2 $3.99
DIVINE MELODY GN VOL 3 $9.95
DRAFTED ONE HUNDRED DAYS ONE SHOT $5.99
ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO GI JOE VS COBRA SC $25.00

FROM THE ASHES 2 $3.99

FRUITS BASKET GN VOL 23 $10.99
FURRLOUGH COLOR SPECIAL $5.99
G FAN 88 $5.95
GAME X RUSH GN 1 $10.99
GHOST WHISPERER THE MUSE TP VOL 1 $11.99
GI JOE BEST OF STORM SHADOW GN $19.99
GI JOE MOVIE ADAPTATION 2 $3.99
GI JOE MOVIE PREQUEL TP $17.99
GI JOE ORIGINS 5 $3.99
GI JOE ORIGINS VAR 5 PI
GIRLS OF GAMING VOL 5 $12.95
GUARDIAN HEARTS GN VOL 2 $14.99
HERO SQUARED TP VOL 3 LOVE & DEATH $12.99
HONEY HUNT TP VOL 2 $8.99
I AM LEGION 4 $3.50
JUNGLE GIRL SEASON 2 5 $3.50
KADE RISING SUN 3 $3.95
KIMIKISS GN VOL 1 $10.99
KUROHIME TP VOL 12 $7.99
MAN WITH NO NAME TP VOL 1 SINNERS & SAINTS $19.99
MANGALICIOUS TICK 1 $3.95
MORE DIGRESSIONS NEW COLL OF BUT I DIGRESS COLUMNS $24.95
NANA TP VOL 17 $8.99
NARUTO TP VOL 45 $7.95
NEGIMA GN VOL 23 $10.99
NG LIFE GN VOL 2 $10.99
NO HERO DESIGN SKETCH INCV 6 $6.00
NO HERO WRAP CVR 6 $3.99
PRESIDENT EVIL $3.99
PRINCE OF TENNIS GN VOL 32 $7.95
RASL COLLECTORS ED HC $50.00
ROBERT JORDANS WHEEL OF TIME EYE O/T WORLD 1 $3.99
SA GN VOL 11 $8.99
SHAMAN KING TP VOL 23 $7.95
SHONEN JUMP AUGUST 9 $4.99
SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 202 $2.50
SPIDER JUDGEMENT KNIGHT $9.95
STAR TREK CREW 5 $3.99
STAR TREK CREW VAR 5 PI
STAR TREK TNG LAST GENERATION TP $19.99
STRAWBERRY 100 % TP VOL 9 $7.99
STREET FIGHTER II TURBO A CVR 7 $3.95
STREET FIGHTER II TURBO B CVR 7 $3.95
SUNDOME GN VOL 5 $12.99
SUPER-ZOMBIES 5 $3.50
THE GOOD THE BAD & THE UGLY 1 $3.50
TOYFARE 145 $4.99
TRANSFORMERS MAXIMUM DINOBOTS TP VOL 1 $19.99
TRON TP VOL 1 GHOST IN THE MACHINE $19.95
TSUBASA GN VOL 22 $10.99
WASTELAND 25 $5.99
WE WERE THERE GN VOL 5 $8.99
WORLD WAR ROBOT TP VOL 2 $11.99

SPECIALTY ITEMS
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #600 BY ALEX ROSS POSTER $8.99
BARACK THE BARBARIAN POSTER $5.99
BATMAN BLACK & WHITE STATUE PENGUIN $75.00
DARK X-MEN POSTER $8.99
GREEN LANTERN FIRST FLIGHT DVD MAQUETTE $89.99
MARVEL COLLECTION STORM FINE ART BUST $79.99
MARVEL SELECT WOLVERINE ACTION FIGURE PI
MOJO MINI-BUST $55.00
NGE REI AYANAMI MAID ANI-STATUE $59.99
SIF EX IKKI TOUSEN SONSAKU FIGHTING REPAINT FIG $74.99
WOW TCG FIELDS HONOR BOOSTER PACK PI
X MEN ARCHIVES T/C PI

BORN ON THE FOURTH OF JULY!

2009-07-06T16:25:00.000-07:00

To celebrate my Niece Shannon's birthday, my Sister-In-Law, Barbara, invited my family and a bunch of other people for a cruise on the San Francisco Bay to see the fireworks.

We left from the Port of Oakland. Our ship was the USS Potomac, which had been Franklin Roosevelt's Presidential yacht, known as "The Floating White House". It was really exciting to travel on such a historic vessel. It's a small craft, and can accommodate no more than 125 people. They had plenty of drinks and snacks available, and docents on hand to tell passengers about the historic details of the ship. I must say, this was one of the most spectacular independence day celebrations that I have ever experienced!

Here's a vintage picture of F.D.R. enjoying himself on the ship. You can almost feel his presence, as all the little details have been re-created.

Connie and I.

The Bay Bridge.

Daughter Hannah, who plans to live in San Francisco when she grows up.

Sophie, Cousin Sarah, and Hannah on the fantail.

Sister in-law Rebbecca, Grandma, Birthday Girl Shannon, Sophie, Sarah, and Hannah.

"Pardon me, have you any Grey Poupon?"

Some of those aforementioned fireworks.

"A 3 hour tour!" It's Cousin Justin.

2009-06-16T09:45:00.000-07:00

LEES COMICS SHIPMENT 06-17-2009

DC
ACTION COMICS ANNUAL 12 4.99
AIR 10 2.99
BATMAN STREETS OF GOTHAM 1 3.99
BATMAN STREETS OF GOTHAM VAR 1 PI
BATMAN THE BLACK CASEBOOK TP 17.99
BRAVE AND THE BOLD 24 2.99
CARTOON NETWORK BLOCK PARTY 58 2.5
COMIC BOOK COVER PORTFOLIO DCU BRIAN BOLLAND 3 49.99
DOROTHEA VOL 5 12.99
EX MACHINA 43 2.99
FINAL CRISIS AFTERMATH DANCE 2 2.99
FINAL CRISIS AFTERMATH ESCAPE 2 2.99
FLAT EARTH EXCHANGE VOL 4 9.99
GEARS OF WAR SOURCEBOOK 3.99
GREEN ARROW BLACK CANARY 21 2.99
GREEN LANTERN SINESTRO CORPS WAR TP VOL 2 14.99
HELLBLAZER 256 2.99
JACK OF FABLES 35 2.99
MYSTERIUS THE UNFATHOMABLE 6 2.99
OUTSIDERS 19 2.99
OUTSIDERS VAR 19 PI
POWER GIRL 2 2.99
QUESTION THE FIVE BOOKS OF BLOOD TP 14.99
SLEEPER SEASON 1 TP 24.99
STARMAN OMNIBUS HC VOL 3 49.99
SUPERGIRL 42 2.99
SUPERMAN BATMAN 61 2.99
TINY TITANS 17 2.5
VIGILANTE 7 2.99
WILL EISNERS SPIRIT ARCHIVES HC VOL 26 59.99
WORLD OF WARCRAFT 20 2.99
YOUNG LIARS 16 2.99
To see all the new DC Covers and info go here.

MARVEL
ALL NEW SAVAGE SHE-HULK 3 3.99
ALL NEW SAVAGE SHE-HULK VAR 3 PI
AMAZING SPIDER-GIRL TP VOL 5 MAYBREAK 16.99
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN FAMILY 7 4.99
CABLE 15 2.99
CAPTAIN AMERICA 600 4.99
CAPTAIN AMERICA MAN WITH NO FACE PREM HC 19.99
CAPTAIN BRITAIN AND MI 13 14 2.99
DARK REIGN FANTASTIC FOUR 4 2.99
DARK REIGN HAWKEYE 3 3.99
DARK REIGN MISTER NEGATIVE 1 3.99
DARK REIGN YOUNG AVENGERS 2 3.99
DARK TOWER THE FALL OF GILEAD 2 3.99
DARK TOWER THE FALL OF GILEAD VAR 2 PI
DESTROYER 3 3.99
FANTASTIC FORCE 3 2.99
GENEXT UNITED 2 3.99
INCOGNITO 4 3.5
INVINCIBLE IRON MAN 14 2.99
INVINCIBLE IRON MAN VAR 14 PI
LOCKJAW AND THE PET AVENGERS 2ND PTG 1 2.99
MARVEL ADV AVENGERS 37 2.99
MARVEL ADV AVENGERS TP VOL 9 DIGEST 9.99
MARVEL PETS HANDBOOK 3.99
MARVEL TRIPLE ACTION 3 5.99
MARVEL ZOMBIES 4 3 3.99
MARVEL ZOMBIES 4 VAR 3 PI
MIGHTY AVENGERS 26 2.99
MS MARVEL TP VOL 6 ASCENSION 14.99
POWER PACK CLASSIC TP VOL 1 29.99
PUNISHER 6 3.99
PUNISHER YEAR ONE TP 12.99
SPIDER-MAN LOVES MARY JANE SEASON 2 TP 14.99
SPIDER-MAN NEW WAYS TO DIE TP 19.99
THE IRREDEEMABLE ANT-MAN TP 34.99
THOR TRIAL OF THOR 3.99
ULTIMATE ORIGINS TP 19.99
ULTIMATUM SPIDER-MAN REQUIEM 1 3.99
WAR MACHINE 7 2.99
WAR MACHINE VAR 7 PI
WAR OF KINGS ASCENSION 3 3.99
WOLVERINE 2ND PTG 73 2.99
WOLVERINE ORIGINS 37 2.99
WONDERFUL WIZARD OF OZ 7 3.99
X-INFERNUS HC 24.99
X-MEN LEGACY 225 2.99
X-MEN LEGACY VAR 225 PI
X-MEN ORIGINS GAMBIT 1 3.99
X-MEN PREM HC PHOENIX RISING VAR ED 25 19.99
YOUNG ALLIES COMICS 1 3.99
YOUNG ALLIES COMICS VAR 1 PI
YTHAQ PREM HC FORSAKEN WORLD 24.99
To see all the new Marvel covers and info go here.

DARK HORSE
BRIDE OF THE WATER GOD TP VOL 3 9.95
CONAN LEGACY FRAZETTA COVER 3 5.99
REX MUNDI DH ED 18 2.99
STAR WARS KNIGHTS OLD REPUBLIC 42 2.99
To see all the new Dark Horse covers and info go here.

IMAGE
AMBER ATOMS 4 3.5
BODY BAGS TP VOL 01 FATHERS DAY 14.99
BOMB QUEEN PRESENTS ALL GIRL COMICS 3.5
DEAD AT 17 AFTERBIRTH 1 2.99
ELEPHANTMEN 20 3.5
INVINCIBLE 63 2.99
MADMAN ATOMIC COMICS 16 3.5
MICE TEMPLAR TP VOL 1 17.99
OLYMPUS 2 3.5
PHONOGRAM 2 3 3.5
RED MASS FOR MARS 3 3.5
T RUNT HC 12.99
To see all the new Image Covers and info go here.

MISC PUBLISHERS
ACTRESS AND THE BISHOP 1 3.99
ANGEL 22 3.99
ANGEL 10 COPY VAR 22 PI
ANGEL 25 COPY VAR 22 PI
AP HOW TO DRAW TRANSFORMING ROBOTS PKT MANGA TP 12.95
ARMY OF DARKNESS TP VOL 8 HOME SWEET HELL 14.99
ATOMIKA 8 2.99
BARACK OBAMA THE ROAD TO THE WHITE HOUSE 1 3.99
BETTY & VERONICA 242 2.5
BETTY & VERONICA DIGEST 195 2.69
BORIS VALLEJO & JULIE BELL ULTIMATE ILLUSTRATIONS 19.99
BOYS HEROGASM 2 2.99
CAPED 3 3.99
CINEFEX 118 12.5
COMICS BUYERS GUIDE 1656 5.99
COMPLETE JUST A PILGRIM TP 24.99
DC SUPERHERO FIGURINE COLL MAG LEX LUTHOR 11 14
DC SUPERHERO FIGURINE COLL MAG RAS AL GHUL 10 14
DC SUPERHERO FIGURINE COLL MAG SINESTRO 28 14
DEMON CLEANER 3 3.99
DETROIT METAL CITY GN VOL 1 12.99
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT IRIS 1 2.99
FALL OF CTHULHU NEMESIS 3 3.99
FART PARTY GN VOL 2 13.95
FAT CHUNK GN VOL 2 ZOMBIE 12.95
FUSHIGI YUGI VIZBIG ED GN VOL 2 17.99
GAKUEN HEAVEN NAKAJIMA GN 14.99
GEEK MONTHLY JUL 2009 5.99
GEORGE SPROTT HC 24.95
GESTALT GN VOL 1 8.99
GI JOE COBRA 4 3.99
GI JOE COBRA VAR 4 PI
GOLD DIGGER 107 2.99
GOLD DIGGER SWIMSUIT SPECIAL 2009 4.99
GOLD DIGGER TECH MANUAL 4 3.95
GRAVITATION COLLECTION GN VOL 1 14.99
GROOM LAKE 3 3.99
JUGHEADS DOUBLE DIGEST 151 3.99
LEGACY 14.95
LOST OFFICIAL MAGAZINE 23 6.99
LOW MOON 24.99
LUCKY STAR GN VOL 1 10.99
MAGIC TRIXIE GN VOL 3 MAGIC TRIXIE & THE DRAGON 7.99
MAMOTTE SHUGOGETTEN GN VOL 5 14.99
MAN WITH NO NAME 11 3.5
MASQUERADE 4 3.5
MR STUFFINS 2 3.99
NAOKI URASAWA 20TH CENTURY BOYS GN VOL 3 12.99
NEGIMA GN VOL 22 10.99
NEXUS AS IT HAPPENED TP VOL 1 9.99
PEACE MAKER KUROGANE GN VOL 2 10.99
PROJECT SUPERPOWERS CHAPTER TWO 0 1
RASETSU GN VOL 1 8.99
RED SONJA HC VOL 6 24.99
REQUIEM LE CHEVALIER VAMPIRE COLLECTION TP 19.95
REX LIBRIS TP VOL 2 BOOK OF MONSTERS 17.95
ROBOT GALAXY 1 3.99
ROBOT GALAXY 2 3.99
ROD ESPINOSA PRINCE OF HEROES CHAPTER 2 3 3.99
SABRINA VOL 2 103 2.5
SALEMS DAUGHTER 1 2.99
SALEMS DAUGHTER VAR 1 PI
SEX LIES AND PRIVATE EYES 16.95
SHOJO BEAT JULY 09 5.99
SIMPSONS COMICS 155 2.99
SIZZLE 42 5.95
STAR TREK MAGAZINE 19 9.99
STAR TREK WRATH OF KHAN 2 3.99
STAR TREK WRATH OF KHAN VAR 2 PI
STAR WARS INSIDER 110 5.99
SUPERNATURAL MAGAZINE 9 6.99
TAIL OF THE MOON PREQUEL TP VOL 1 8.99
TALES FROM WONDERLAND CHESHIRE CAT ONE-SHOT 3.99
TALES OF TMNT 59 3.25
TRANSFORMERS SPOTLIGHT CLIFFJUMPER 3.99
TSUBASA GN VOL 21 10.95
WARCRAFT LEGENDS GN VOL 4 10.99
WASTELAND TP VOL 4 DOG TRIBE 11.95
WHATEVER HAPPENED TO WORLD OF TOMORROW HC 24.95
WONTON SOUP GN VOL 2 11.95
ZORRO YEAR ONE TP VOL 1 TRAIL O/T FOX 19.99

SPECIALTY ITEMS
LEGENDS OF THE DARK KNIGHT BOX SET PI
STAR TREK TNG ENTERPRISE D SHIP 50.00
WORLD OF WARCRAFT SER 4 FIGURES PI
WOW TCG DEATH KNIGHT DELUXE STARTER PI
X-MEN MARVEL COMIC BOOK COLL DVD VOL 2 14.99
YU GI OH TCG 5DS 2009 ED STARTER DECK PI

ARCHIE GETS MARRIED?

2009-05-28T21:35:00.000-07:00

I really enjoy the Rachel Maddow show on MSNBC. Today she had a segment on the upcoming "Marriage of Archie."

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Hey, did you notice that Rachel's correspondent, Kent Jones, looks a whole lot like a grown-up Archie Andrews. As you can see, Jones says that Archie is going to marry Veronica. As it turns out, he's going to marry Betty too, but both stories are going to be imaginary stories. It all stars with Archie #600, where imaginary Archie of the future proposes to Veronica. This runs to issue #602. In issues #603-605 future imaginary Archie marries Betty. Poor Jughed, he gets left out in both imaginary scenarios. And he's none too happy about it, as you can see on this cover:

I don't have any inside information, but I would speculate that the world or Archie will return to normal shortly after these issues run their course. Archie Comics is a conservative company, and they are not going to change their successful 70 year old formula. It's going to quickly return to a teen love triangle between Archie, Betty and Veronica, never to be definitively resolved. But, in the meantime, Archie is getting a boatload of free publicity with this "Imaginary story".

I wonder if Marvel's rumored return of a certain shied slinging hero will garner the same.

SUPERCON

2009-05-17T11:30:00.000-07:00

I didn't set up at this year's WonderCon in San Jose, but I traveled there with my friend Mark Arnold to hand out Lee's Comics coupons. Actually I didn't have to travel far, since I live in San Jose.

There was a nice, long line of advanced ticket holders. I walked the line, and gave out my coupons. I saw several of my regular customers in line.

Here's the view from the inside.

Here's Michael V. Bennett, who I call "Wild Kirby Guy." He paints incredible day glow originals in the Jack Kirby style, which he sells for a very modest price. Right now, he has a show at the Super7 Store in San Francisco. Check it out!

Here's one of the all-time greats, Howard Chaykin, creator of American Flagg. Howard is a fascinating, animated, and personable fellow. He talked to me about his admiration for Harvey Kurtzman. Howard is kindly holding up the Lee's Comics coupon.

Here's Jane Wiedlin of the Go-Gos with my friend Bill Morrison of Simpsons Comics fame. Jane did a great interview on the Ronn Owens program on Friday at 11:00 am to Noon. It was a very entertaining interview, and she plugged the SuperCon a bunch of times. If you hurry, you can listen to the interview, or download it.

Here is K.D. Boze with his book, the Virgin Project. This is a very compelling book about various people's first time. You can buy it at Lee's Comics, or online. There's going to be a 2nd volume, so you'll have a chance to submit your story. I'll post details about that later, when I find out.

Here's the great cartoonist Sergio Aragones of Mad Magazine and Groo fame, along with your humble retailer. Forget about the guy in the beer commercials, Sergio is the most interesting man in the world!

Mark and I cut out after about 4 hours, but we had a great time. The SuperCon continues today (Sunday). Hopefully the air conditioning will hold out, as temperatures are expected to reach triple digits today.

HOOKED ON CLASSICS

2009-05-15T21:32:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wanted to enjoy fine Classical Music while getting down with the boogie? If so, this is for you:

WONDER WOMAN OF THE SPHERES

2009-05-11T09:03:00.001-07:00

I found this terrific piece of art on a Worth 1000, a website where people create a Photoshop rendering based on a suggested theme. This time, it's cartoon characters in classic art.

FREE COMIC BOOK DAY 2009

2009-05-04T21:05:00.000-07:00

This year's Free Comic Book Day was an overwhelming success at both locations! I worked the Mountain View store. After some deliberation I decided to give away the free comics outside like I have done on previous years. The deliberation was due to the light drizzle that was coming down. Drizzle or no, I want ahead and set up outside. I really like to be set up on the sidewalk out in front of the store in our busy complex as it features a Costco, a Pet Club, a Krispy Kreme, and other popular stores. There are one thousand five hundred parking spots in our center, and most of them are filled on a busy Saturday, so it's bustling with people. I like to think that by being out front, we create just a few new comic readers. Lucky for me the drizzle abated by 11:00am. I noticed that the crowds of shoppers inside the store were huge this year. The store was so packed that we we almost had to have people wait in line outside for their turn to go inside. For the first time ever, we completely ran out of free comics to give out, even though we ordered larger quantities than ever.

We sent out Postcards to the 2,500 people on our mailing list. The postcard offered 2 extra free comics (for a total of 4), and 4 free comics from our bargain section. Our bargain books are regularly 50¢, but we had them on sale for 25¢. The bargain books were so popular that it was hard to get near them. In the afternoon, I had a good idea, and I brought several boxes of choice old bargain books outside for customers to pick through. That way, they could choose their free bargain books without having to fight their way to the bargain bins inside.

Sales were up a whopping 30% this year! (We were quite happy with last years sales too!) Not too shabby for being right in the middle of a recession. I guess people really like the free!

The bargain bins are not for the timid!

A view from the back of the store.

Customers lining up at the register.

More interior shots.

A view from the front door.

Set up outside to hand out the free comics. Mark Arnold mans the booth. Note that the ground is wet from the light rain.

Back inside.

People getting their free books.

The fellow I'm talking to here is Chris Pedrin. It's been a few years since I saw Chris. You may remember him as the creator of the Fortress, a heavy duty clear holder for valuable comics that came out before CGC came along. Chris brought along his two boys. He's got a few more kids at home.

I always like to see parents bring their delightful kids to Free Comic Book Day!

Free Comic Book Day is a party for all ages! See you again, the first Saturday in May!

JACK MEETS MAC

2009-05-04T14:34:00.000-07:00

I was amazed to see a picture of Paul McCartney meeting Jack Kirby. Jack's daughter Lisa talks about the meeting on her Blog.

As you may or may not know, the Beatles were comic book fans. Paul McCartney has a song called Magneto and Titanium Man.

The Beatles Photo Blog posted pictures of the meeting along with the scan of an original drawing that Jack presented to Paul. There was also a picture of Iron Man #22, which might be the inspiration for the Magneto and Titanim man song. This is really neat stuff for this massive Beatles and Jack Kirby fan.

I found out about this on Heidi MacDonald's Beat.

WOLVERVINE MITT

2009-04-24T15:26:00.000-07:00

Wolverlee

"I'm the best at what I do, and what I do isn't pretty. I sell comic books."

Yesterday we received 4 huge Federal Express boxes. They were all full of over-sized foam wolverine mitts just like the one pictured. Evidently the movie studio sent them out to promote the upcoming movie. Hurry on into your local Lee's Comics and pick up your very own, absolutely fee of charge, while supplies last. Make sure to wear yours to the premiere! That's a mitt that just screams "We're number one!"

NETFLIX

2009-04-24T00:45:00.000-07:00

I'm not much for My Space and Facebook, and I definitely don't Twitter. They all seem like a big waste of time to me, plus, there is WAY too much spam. Everybody is trying to sell you something. Just what this world needs. More ads!

I did join Netflix recently. My goal is to finish seeing the films that are generally recognized as the best ever. Right now I am working off the list from the internet movie database. They have a list of the top 250 films as chosen by their readers.

I looked over the list, and made a list of the films that I have not seen, and added them to my netflix cue. I have been watching these movies. I must say that the results are very good. I am seeing a much higher percentage of films that I really like, rather than by choosing films that look good at Blockbuster, or Comcast on Demand.

I just finished a really thought provoking and challenging film. It's "Requiem For a Dream." I recommend it highly, but must warn you, it's not for the squeamish. I had to stop watching it, and I returned to it the next day. It was just too disturbing. I found out that it was directed by Darren Aronofsky, who also directed "The Wrestler". He also directed the movie "PI", which is also highly regarded. Since I like the director's work, I added PI to the top of my cue. I'll get that in a couple of days, since I am returning "Requiem" tomorrow.

The funny thing about Nexflix is that my cue of movies is getting longer and longer. You would think that it would get shorter as I exhaust the great films. One great film leads to another as you discover another great Actor, Writer, or Director.

If you are interersted in finding out which movies I rate most highly, you can become my Nexfix friend. Just click on the link. Right now, I just have hundreds of ratings, but I will start writing reviews as well. If you like my taste in movies, I might like yours as well.

This seems like a decent purpose for social networking.

Better than "Twitter My Face Dot Com". (KGO Radio Traffic Man Stan Burford came up with that one yesterday.)

CHRISTOPHER WALKEN ON GENE KELLY

2009-04-22T22:27:00.000-07:00

Looking at these Scopitons makes me think of my very favorite practitioner of flimed singing and dancing.
That would be the inimitable Gene Kelly.

My favorite film is "Singing in the Rain", starring Gene Kelly.
It is as close to perfection as anything man has yet created.
Kelly made scores of great films. Some of my other favorites are "The Pirate", "An American In Paris", "Cover Girl" and "On the Town". If you are not yet a fan of Gene Kelly, this AMC tribute by Christopher Walken will make you one.

ONE MORE SCOPITONE

2009-04-22T22:06:00.000-07:00

Here is one more Scopitone. It stars the Kessler Sisters. It's fun, elegant and classy. It's like something you would see in a Gene Kelly movie.

SCOPITONE MANIA!

2009-04-19T23:16:00.000-07:00

I attended the KFJC Psychotronix Film Festival on Saturday, and had a grand time. For those not familiar, the film festival features interesting and unusual 16mm short films. Saturday's program featured musical shorts.

The first few films almost knocked my and my friends out of our chairs. I had never seen anything like them. During intermission, I asked the organiser, Robert Emmett about them. It turns out that they are called "Scopitones." They were made for special video jukeboxes in the early 1960s. The Scopitone jukeboxes were expensive, and they never really caught on. There were only 500 of these sets made. The Scopitone videos were only made for a few years. They started in France, but made their way to America.

I bet that very few people know about these today.

Most of the videos centered around women that were curvy and easy on the eyes. The color and sound are vivid, and the dancers grin gleefully. A typical one is below. Keep in mind, these have much bigger impact on a larger screen, but the You Tubes will give you the general idea of what a Scopitone is like.

Here's a really outstanding one that's a little different:

Here's a neat one:

I hope you enjoyed these. I love them! If you want to see more on You Tube, just search under Scopitone, or click on the link.

If you want to order some Scopitones on DVD to watch at home, go to the Scopitone web site.

As I mentioned at the top, I just discovered these yesterday, and they are my new mania.

AINT THE INTERNET GRAND?

2009-04-19T13:01:00.000-07:00

There has been much debate about Microsoft Comic Sans lately.
I am not a fan of this font, as you will see, if you follow the links.

Heidi MacDonald (The Beat) published an article about the creator of this font, and I posted a comment.

The very next day, my comment was reprinted on Letterer extraordinaire Todd Klien's blog. He went on to do a detailed analysis of the many failings of Comic Sans.

Its really gratifying to put forward a view on a certain subject, and the very next day receive a detailed examination by one the world's leading authorities in that field.

The subject of Microsoft Comic Sans might not be life changing or earth shattering, but by gum, I was thinking about it, and now I know all about it.

That's one of the really cool things about the internet. Most of the time we just waste time on it, so we forget what an awesome resource it is. You get instant access to a vast universe of information and expert analysis. You could even, theoretically, use it to get info about something important! Not on my blog, though, I deal strictly with trivia and ephemera. That's how I make my living, too. I don't sell a single item that you need. Just stuff that you want. None of it is vital for your survival, but somehow it makes life more fun and interesting.

VIRGIN PROJECT

2009-04-06T17:37:00.000-07:00

The Virgin Project is a new graphic novel project by K.D. Boze and Stasia Kato. It's a whole bunch of true stories about different people's first sexual experiences. The names have been changed to protect the formerly innocent.

This is a surprisingly engaging collection, and it grabbed me immediately. The stories are quite democratic. There are sad stories, happy ones, funny ones, straight, and gay. Regardless, they all touch on something universal in all of us. Truth is stranger than fiction, especially when it comes to the bedroom, or the backseat of a Caddy.

This material is for mature audiences, but not what I would call pornography. As a parent, you might even want your children to read it. Perhaps they could avoid some of the situations depicted therein.

The Virgin Project is a 142 page Trade Paperback, Color and Black and white. It sells for $25. It has not yet been widely distributed, and we bought our copies from the publisher. It's on sale now at both Lee's Comics locations. For those of you that can't make it to the store, you can order by mail.

I recommend this book highly.

OSCAR SEASON!

2009-03-26T21:37:00.000-07:00

One more photo from Wonder Con, on the right it's award winning photographer and bon vivant Oscar Benjamin, spotted with an unknown female on left.

CATS THAT LOOK LIKE HITLER

2009-03-17T18:46:00.000-07:00

This is my sister-in-law Barbara's cat, Pooty.

Of course, I don't call him Pooty, I call him "Schickelgruber", or "the Führer".

Barb let me know about a website called: Cats that Look Like Hitler.
They call them "Kitlers".

RUSH HOUR

2009-03-14T14:07:00.000-07:00

There is a new Website that allows you to post a quick automated apology to Rush Limbaugh.

It should prove to be quite a time saver for busy Republicans.

BUY! BUY! BUY!

2009-03-12T22:03:00.000-07:00

This is a follow-up post to my previous item about the "wisdom" of comic book retailers that no longer engage in the business of buying and selling back issues.

Sometimes the fates come along to help buttress my argument. Today was an example of this.

As it happens, today I had the good fortune to buy the original owner comics collection pictured above. Most of them are from World War 2 era. They are wonderful golden age books, and it's a real pleasure to have them. These are the books that made America great, put the Axis on the run, and won the war for the Allies. Looking at these will make your pulse quicken whether you collect comics or just read them.

The most amazing thing about these books from a preservation standpoint is that they all have white paper, even though they are seventy years old. If you are a collector, you know how truly rare that is. Comics books, until recently were printed on newsprint, and were made to last only a month 'till the next issue came out. To see fresh looking 70 year old comics is truly shocking. It's rare that I get to buy original owner collections this nice, so it's always a treat for me.

By original owner, I mean that they were all bought by the same person or family, and they were kept together and never re-sold until today. I am very fond of original owner collections because they have not been displayed by dealers before, so they have bright, vivid, and glossy covers

I'll be pricing and scanning these comics over the weekend. They should be on sale in the stores, and on my online store by Monday. I won't be turning away books like this, until I'm pushing daisies.

BYE BYE BACK ISSUES

2009-03-11T22:40:00.000-07:00

I just read a very entertaining article by a comics dealer who is eliminating back issues from his store.

I disagree with his premise, but I found the article and comments thought provoking. His main qualm with back issues seems to be that they encourage the viewing of comics as collectables. Not necessarily so. Most of our back issues are cheap reading which costs less than a new comic!

Also, I think of the great independent record stores such as Amoeba records and Rasputin. They carry new stuff, cheap stuff, and collectors items all in one store. Every department seems to do well, and they have survived and thrived where new only record stores like Tower Records have gone under. When I go to an independent record store, I buy from all categories. I don't want to limit myself, and I certainly don't want to limit my own customers. It amazes me how so many otherwise progressive retailers paint themselves into a corner by turning their back on profitable product lines.

The really neat thing about back issues, is that as a dealer you can buy them for your own price. They can be very profitable if done correctly.

Lee's Comics will continue to carry back issues. We will continue to make an offer on just about any collection. It might not be a LOT of money, but you will get an offer (unless it's REALLY bad!)

Here's a hypothetical question. You are a dealer. You don't carry back issues. You don't buy back issues at all from customers. Someone brings in a low grade, unrestorerd Amazing Fantasy #15 valued at $2,000. They are willing to sell it for $1,000. You know you could sell it within 3 days and make a 1,000 profit.

If so, you DO buy and sell back issues, you are just very selective about what you buy.
If not, you are turning down ready profit in hard times.

I will keep selling back issues.
They help keep me in business.

I also like to have a vast selection of New Comics and Graphic Novels. I don't mind selling comics supplies, toys, T-shirts and novelties. I am all in favor of expanded choices, rather than diminished ones.

WATCHING THE WATCHMEN

2009-03-10T22:41:00.000-07:00

I arrived at the parking lot of Eastridge Shopping Center in San Jose on Friday at 9:00 am. I wanted to see the first theatrical showing of Watchmen. After all the hype and hoopla, I wanted to see it before anyone had a chance to color my judgement with their appraisal.

I hadn't been to this shopping center many times before. I had never driven there on my own, only as a passenger. When I reached the sprawling center at that hour, it looked like a huge, vacant warehouse. I parked right up in front of where I presumed the theatre entrance was. There were only one or two cars in the parking garage. The structure looked vast and seedy. It probably looked better when it was filled with cars. Without the cars, you could see all the wear, trash, cracks in the pavement, weeds growing through the cracks, and painted over graffiti.

I made my way to the entrance, and walked inside. The place was empty, but the lights were on. The stores hadn't opened yet. That was going to happen in an hour. Theoretically. For now, I felt like I was in the middle of "Dawn of the Dead", the zombie movie that takes place in a shopping mall. I just looked it up online to fact check. Here's a fun fact that I found, and I should have known. Zack Snyder, the director of Watchmen directed a re-make of Dawn of the Dead in 2004. Walking around in a vacant mall is the perfect way to warm up for a Zack Snyder picture.

I've never been to an early showing. Not this early at least. The show was scheduled to start at 9:45. There was not a soul waiting at the Theatre. The gates were closed. I killed some time walking around the mall. I saw some very nice super-hero hats on display at a hat place. I checked out the Gacha Ball kiosks and compared the selection with my own.

Finally I wandered in to see the movie at 9:30 am. The following contains spoilers, do don't blame me if you read anyway.

The movie starts over very handsomely with a montage of previous events. This is done quite artfully and it sets a nice tone for the movie. This film is beautiful to behold. There are many scenes in this film that defy expectations for a costumed super-hero film. At the same rate, there is plenty of action to please fans of this genre. Generally, things are tastefully done, and the Rorschach, Comedian, and Dr. Manhattan characters are very well played.

The opinions on this movie seem split. I think it's a better film than 300. I normally don't like Super-Hero movies. You might say that this is not a super-hero movie. There is much to like about this film. Perhaps I benefited by not having a very fresh memory of the series. The last time I read it was twenty years ago. I do remember it wall enough to note that the filmmakers changed the ending, but I don't recall any other changes. There were probably a bunch. I wonder if some of the people that didn't like the film were comparing it to the comic series. I believe that a movie should stand on it's own merits, just like a book or comic book should. This film held my attention, and I would like to see it again some time. I give it 3 out of 4 stars. Definitely worth seeing.