The View from Flying Colors

Coming Soon: DC Trinity!

2008-05-13T17:20:00.000-07:00

One of the BIG events in comics this year will be TRINITY, the weekly series featuring the big guns----SUPERMAN, BATMAN & WONDER WOMAN--- of the DC Comics Universe.
Couple the star quality of the series with the stellar creative team of writer Kurt Busiek (ASTRO CITY) & Mark Bagley (ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN) and surely the result will be great comics.

Take a look at the trailer here---and be sure to let us know if you'd like us to hold a copy for you when the first issue hits the racks on Wednesday June 4.

Peace!

FlyCoJoe

FCBD Winners!

2008-05-10T16:32:00.000-07:00

A quick mention here of the names drawn as winners at our FREE COMIC BOOK DAY event.

Cory Joseph, Walnut Creek
Mark Colbert, Castro Valley
John Wood, Walnut Creek
Chris Wang, Danville
Sam Taylor, Antioch
Nathan Buford, Orinda
Grant Tudor, Walnut Creek
Carrie Holiday, Concord
Jonathan Villegas, Concord

Within the next week or so, each of these winners will be receiving official notification by mail, with details of which prizes each has won. Be watching you mail box!

Peace 'n' Prizes!

FlyCoJoe

FCBD Photo Parade!

2008-05-06T15:28:00.000-07:00

Another FREE COMIC BOOK DAY is in the books.
And it sure was fun!

Here are a few pix from the day. We'll be posting more photos in the "FCBD" section of the Flying Colors web-site in the coming week or so (hopefully!).

Before the doors opened to the waiting crowd seeking this year's stash of FREE comics, the entire Flying Colors' crew and our professional guests took a moment to read the brand new "FLYING COLORS 20th Anniversary Special Edition". Seated from left to right are our FCBD guests--- writer Cliff MacGillivray, artists Adrian Rivero, Chris Mendoza and writer/artist Jeff "JayBee" Bonivert.

FlyCo Retailing Brigade members Andy and Leticia prepare for the marathon of comic book giveaways with a full spread of delicious FCBD editions. Flying Colors gave away more than 5000 comic books last Saturday!

Speaking of delicious, a most welcome addition to this year's FCBD festivities at Flying Colors was provided by long-time FlyCo Faithful "BJ", a culinary arts student who baked pies, spice bars, mini banana cream pies and peanut butter, chocolate and walnut cookies. All excellent additions to Libby's legendary Creme-de-menthe brownies. Here BJ treats those waiting in line to his homemade spice bars.

IRON MAN was the big winner at the weekend movie box office---and it comes as no surprise that the best place to score some classic IRON MAN stories is at Flying Colors Comics & Other Cool Stuff!

Long-time FlyCo Faithful Curtis Yuen (he's been shopping here since our humble beginnings in 1988) and his lovely bride Lillian represented the day very well with their custom Flying Colors and FCBD shirts.

Mike Fantastic, the all-time record holder for FlyCo Retailing Brigade members, was on register duty most of the day on FCBD---and he was still smiling. All of us here at Flying Colors would like to deeply thank all of wonderful supporters who come in week in and week out for bushels of comics & other cool stuff.

The always-cool Sir Alfred of Napa checks out all the FCBD editions before he makes his choices for new (and free) reading material. Alfred is among the many folks who travel from quite a distance to get to the comics' nirvana that is Flying Colors.

I was quite pleased to see that some real live Super Heroes also made the time to attend FCBD. Thanks for coming, FLASH! I am honored you chose to run through our big event!

Flying Colors on FCBD: Come for the free comics, stay for the sweets and socializing in our all-ages friendly section.

Nearly 1000 people came to Flying Colors for Free Comic Book Day on Saturday May 3, 2008. Lots of families and lots of kids---which means many were discovering the fun of comics for the first time. Like these two kids who enjoyed the Kid Houdini and Transformers Animated FCBD special editions.

For more than 160 of the attendees at Flying Colors for FCBD, it was their very first time here. I hope you all come back to get the full view of everything Flying Colors offers---when things are bit less hectic around here.

Finally, here's a few of the FlyCo Faithful flashing their comics and smiles for the camera.

If you'd like to see a couple of the feature stories done in the local press about FREE COMIC BOOK DAY at Flying Colors, check out the Contra Costa Times and the East Bay Business Journal.

More cool stuff is on the way!

Peace 'n' Comics!

FlyCoJoe

Flying Colors Plans Big Party for FREE COMIC BOOK DAY!

2008-04-23T12:29:00.000-07:00

(Official News Release)

CONCORD, CA – On May 3rd, Free Comic Book Day will bring millions of new comic books to the hands of readers of all ages at participating stores in the United States and more than 30 other countries. And, as the name implies, the comics are FREE!

Joe Field, owner of Flying Colors Comics in Concord, California, and the founder of Free Comic Book Day will be celebrating May 3 in grand fashion. This year marks the 20th anniversary of his retail store, which has become known as one of the premier comic book specialty stores in the world.

To celebrate, Field is releasing "Flying Colors 20th Anniversary Special Edition" – a limited-edition comic book filled with new comics by Northern California artists and writers, and more. Published and edited by Field, the publication features art by Concord native Ken Hooper, and J.B. Bonivert of Oakley, Chris Mendoza of Vallejo, and Adrian Rivero of Alamo, and a back cover image of Mt. Diablo by Walnut Creek native Daniel Brereton. The pieces are written by J.B. Bonivert, Joe Field, and Humanitas Prize winner Cliff MacGillivray of Danville.

The first 500 attendees at Flying Colors Comics in Concord on Free Comic Book Day will receive the Flying Colors 20th Anniversary Special Edition for FREE (cover price is $2.99). Artists Bonivert, Mendoza and Rivero will be signing copies of "Flying Colors 20th Anniversary Special Edition" from 11am-3pm on Saturday May 3 during the Free Comic Book Day event.

"Because Free Comic Book Day celebrates the tremendously diverse medium of comic books, the best way to mark the event and celebrate our anniversary is to present this new comic book by local and very talented artists and writers," said Joe Field.

ABOUT FLYING COLORS 20TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL EDITION
The Flying Colors 20th Anniversary Special includes the following original stories:

"Captain Four Color Saves New Comics Day!" by cartoonist J.B. Bonivert (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Graphic Classics). Something strange has hijacked Flying Colors' new comic shipment! And what mystery does the majestic Mount Diablo hide?

"Reg'lar Joe" written by Joe Field and illustrated by Chris Mendoza and Adrian Rivero. It's 1925 and a boy dreams of playing for his favorite baseball team, the Kansas City Blues. This is the baseball origin story of major league pitcher Joe Bowman, partially adapted from Jack Etkin's 1987 book "Innings Ago."

"Toshiro Hundred Horses" written by Cliff MacGillivray and illustrated by Ken Hooper (Star Trek, Indiana Jones). On the Nebraska plains in the 1850s, the locals are terrorized by a creature the likes of which has never been seen before. Who---or what--is Toshiro Hundred Horses?

In addition, Flying Colors 20th Anniversary Special includes rare and previously unseen sketch art from comic industry stars Jim Lee, Daniel Brereton, Grant Morrison, Terry Austin, Jeff Johnson and Ken Hooper. Plus news, notes, photos and nostalgia with a look back on the 20 year history of Flying Colors Comics & Other Cool Stuff.

ABOUT FREE COMIC BOOK DAY
On May 3rd, simply walk into one of the 2,000 participating stores, including Flying Colors, to pick up your free comic book – it’s that easy. More than 40 publishers are participating by releasing special edition comic books for Free Comic Book Day. For more information, and the location of a store near you, visit FreeComicBookDay.com.

Joe Field brainstormed the concept of Free Comic Book Day in 2001. With the release and the attendant publicity of the first Spider-Man movie in May 2002, the first Free Comic Book Day put the spotlight on Hollywood’s favorite source medium---comics! Designed to reach new readers, call back former fans and thank current fans, the kickoff event marked another industry first - the first time comic book retailers, publishers, and Diamond Comic Distributors (the industry’s largest distributor), came together to promote comics to a wider audience. Their efforts were helped by comics’ broad appeal, and the day has grown each year.

"Free Comic Book Day is quickly becoming something like a holiday for an original American art-form," Joe Field said. "Comics can entertain, inspire and teach, and comics are the genesis of all visual entertainment, while also a great medium for telling smaller, more intimate stories. This truly is a Golden Age for comic books and graphic novels."

ABOUT FLYING COLORS COMICS
With something for everyone, and a newly remodeled interior that’s attractive and accessible, Flying Colors Comics is recognized as one of the world’s great comic book stores. Since opening the store in 1988, Joe Field has been an industry analyst and columnist, is an honored recipient of the "Will Eisner Spirit of Comics Retail Award," and serves as president of ComicsPRO, the Comics Professional Retail Organization, an industry trade and advocacy group.

Flying Colors Comics & Other Cool Stuff is at 2980 Treat Blvd. (at Oak Grove Rd.) in Concord, (925) 825-5410

A few teaser images...

2008-04-14T13:37:00.000-07:00

Been a little too quiet 'round here...and for that, please allow me to apologize. I haven't been updating this blog nearly as regularly as I'd like.

There are a host of good reasons, but even good reasons quickly start to sound more like excuses.

Were you thinkin' maybe I'd gone all
Skrully on you?
Not likely...so let's just move on.

Instead, I want to show you a few images for your viewing intrigue. I won't tell you where they're from or who drew them--- yet! But I will tell you something special is going on. And you won't want to miss it.

Oh, yeah, please remember to lock in this info:

FREE COMIC BOOK DAY is Saturday May 3 at Flying Colors Comics & Other Cool Stuff--- and at nearly 2000 other comic book specialty stores in 35 countries.

More than 2,000,000 comics are available to be given away on that day, featuring art and stories for readers of all ages and interests--- and they are FREE!

Word to the wise--- this year, FCBD is a must!

Peace 'n' comics!

FlyCoJoe

Free Comic Book Day is on the way!

2008-03-31T10:57:00.000-07:00

Saturday May 3 is the 7th Annual Free Comic Book Day.

Two thousand comic book stores in 30 countries will be participating...and of course, Flying Colors Comics & Other Cool Stuff will be doing things in a big way!

Here's the national TV spot for FCBD:

Stay tuned for more details about special happenings here at Flying Colors!

Peace!

FlyCoJoe

Happy 8th, Mike Fantastic!

2008-03-14T18:26:00.000-07:00

Saturday March 15, 2008 marks the 8th anniversary of Michael Eriksson's tenure on staff here at Flying Colors Comics & Other Cool Stuff.

And like most Saturdays, Mike will be in the store all day, talking comics and pop culture with anyone who'll listen. He'll also be preparing our weekly reorder list, so if there's something comics-related and special you'd like us to get back in stock next week, be sure to visit the store and give Mike Fantastic your special request.

And thanks for 8 solid years, Michael!

Peace 'n' Comics!

FlyCoJoe

View these, Wisely!

2008-03-08T19:41:00.000-08:00

Been pretty crazy around here over the last six weeks. That's one lousy excuse why there haven't been any updates to this blog.

So here, at long last, are some shots from our in-store "House" concert, featuring Cindy Field and WISELY!

These shots were taken by long-time Flying Colors' Faithful and stalwart photographer Adam Kubokawa.

It was a fun event to kick off the New Look at Flying Colors.

If you haven't been by the store in the last month and a half, come on by soon to check out the new layout.

More news coming soon.

But for now, be sure to save the date, SATURDAY MAY 3rd is FREE COMIC BOOK DAY!

Peace!

FlyCoJoe

WISELY: Live Friday Night @ FLYING COLORS!

2008-02-06T18:13:00.000-08:00

Huge reminder: Friday February 8 is our in-store concert featuring WISELY!

Who is this WISELY guy? And why are we making such a big deal about this event? Please check out his new album streaming at the Evocative Pop web-site. In addition to good music, we just want to do something new and different in our new store setting.

Over the years here at FLYING COLORS, I've introduced a lot of people to some cool music with the stuff we play on the store's sound system. WISELY's tunes have been played here for years. When we used to retail some great music from the premier power pop label, Not Lame Recordings, one of my favorite CDs was WISELY's "Parador". We sold several copies here simply on my recommendation. Anyway, WISELY's new self-titled CD is available through OGLIO Entertainment, which does get distribution into Best Buy and other chain music stores.

Friday night, we'll let WISELY's music speak for itself. And with my youngest daughter Cindy (and her band-mate Andrew) opening the show, plus the HOUSE WINE and snacks, it's looking like a good time.

In other news:
Sorry it's been almost two weeks since I've posted anything new here. Things have been crazy with the new lay-out for FLYING COLORS. The whole staff here has worked some very long hours to make the new look of the store something special.
We worked long hours on Sunday January 27 to unload the whole store so the contractors coming in the next day could do their thing. Then the crew was back for Tuesday night to re-load the store and get things ready for the new stuff on Wednesday.

Big thanks to the whole crew that helped. In the photo here, from left are: Jon, Marty, Dave, Mike, Andy, Kat and Cameron.

It's been only eight days since the new FLYING COLORS debut. We're still working our way out of some less essential boxes, tweaking displays and filling empty spaces. For those of you who've been asking, we'll be doing a fairly major re-stock of our back issue bins over the next few weeks.

Photos and more coming soon!

Peace!

FlyCoJoe

Flying Colors Will Be CLOSED Monday & Tuesday for Remodeling!

2008-01-24T18:19:00.000-08:00

After several years of wondering if we'd ever get to this point, my long-delayed plans to remodel FLYING COLORS are finally happening.

To pull off this huge job, FLYING COLORS store will be CLOSED on Monday January 28 and Tuesday January 29. We're open regular hours until then---and again starting on Wednesday January 30 (Hey! That's New Releases' Day!)

That's Marty (Merry Marvel Movin' Man) Messner in the photo to the right. Notice some of the walls and racks are looking a little less full of cool stuff than usual. Rest assured, we still have TONS of cool stuff in stock and ready for sale in the store this weekend.

Come Monday, contractors will be here before the crack of dawn (apologies, Mr. Linsner) to begin the job. Sunday will be a moving day for us. We'll be open regular hours, and while we're here (and maybe long after we close for the night) we'll be moving our huge inventory of in-stock comics & other cool stuff into two pods that have landed in the parking lot outside FLYING COLORS.

To the right is a photo of one of the currently near-empty pods. When the contractors are done with their work (hopefully sometime late Tuesday), it'll be our turn to move everything back into place inside the store.

I've had a number of people ask why we're doing these changes---and it's my experience as a small business owner for nearly 20 years that if you aren't trying to make progress you're probably falling behind. When finished (and really, no vibrant and viable small business is ever 'finished'), we hope to have a new look that is even more organized and user-friendly than ever.

Hope to see you soon in FLYING COLORS!
Peace!

FlyCoJoe

A Word about WISELY!

2008-01-16T12:06:00.000-08:00

Save the date: Friday, February 8th.
All systems are GO! We're getting ready to unveil an updated look for FLYING COLORS Comics & Other Cool Stuff.

To mark the event, we're throwing a party and concert featuring WISELY. His new self-tited CD has just been released from Ella Records on the OGLIO label. The new CD is streaming
HERE! Give it a listen!

Also, be sure to check out
WISELY's new video for his song "Through Any Window" featuring the lovely JENNA FISCHER (from NBC-TV's The OFFICE and The DEWEY COX STORY: Walk Hard!).

WISELY, besides being a world-class songwriter and performer, has appeared in the HBO series SIX FEET UNDER and was also in Mike Meyer's AUSTIN POWERS: GOLDMEMBER movie, among many other credits.

So you may ask what does WISELY's "evocative pop" have to do with a comic book store? Well, I love WISELY's music and want to pass that on so more people can enjoy it, too. Cool tunes are even better when shared, y'know?

This will be one of a number of events we're planning to tie in with our 20th Anniversary. I've also noticed there's a strong connection between comic book and graphic novel aficionados and fans of independent pop music. And it's a chance to hear some good music, enjoy a glass of wine courtesy of HOUSE WINE (we'll also have cheese & crackers and a few desserts).

I hope you can join us. Should be a lot of fun.

Peace!

FlyCoJoe

Wednesday Means the Return of NEW RELEASES' DAY!

2008-01-08T19:42:00.000-08:00

Don't get me wrong...I love the Holiday season, from Thanksgiving all the way through to the New Year.

But as a comic book specialty retailer and life-long comics' fan, I live for each week's rhythm that includes all the new Comics & Other Cool Stuff hitting the racks every Wednesday. The holiday schedule royally messed with that Wednesday coolness, but as of January 9, I'm happy to say we're back into the regular Wednesday groove. Woo-Hoo!

Be here for the cool stuff!

Peace!

FlyCoJoe

BIG Things are Happening in Flying Colors

2008-01-08T17:18:00.001-08:00

The New Year is taking off in huge ways at FLYING COLORS!

Over the next few weeks, our store will be under-going some transformation, as we are doing a partial remodel to make our displays a bit more vibrant and better organized. Hopefully, the remodeling will be done by February 1. The store will be closed on for two days (January 28 & 29) to get the job done, so stay tuned for all the details.

Once finished, we're doing something really special!

Friday Night February 8, 8PM-9:30PM
An after-hours in-store live concert debuting the new CD from Oglio Entertainment recording artist WISELY!
Wanna get a listen of this cool new pop CD? Click the pic and it'll stream right to you.

Check out the videos on WISELY's page to see a special guest appearance from JENNA ("The Office") FISCHER.

Opening the show for WISELY will be CINDY FIELD, marking her second in-store live show at FLYING COLORS.

The concert event is FREE and is co-sponsored by HOUSE Wine, from the Magnificent Wine Co.

Save the date--- Friday February 8th ---and plan to be here!

Peace!

FlyCoJoe

New Comics & Calendar for New Year

2008-01-03T17:46:00.000-08:00

Friday January 4 is the first NEW RELEASES' DAY of 2008!

The photo here shows Michael Eriksson (aka "Mike Fantastic")posing with the brand-new exclusive FLYING COLORS Comics 2008 Calendar/Poster.

Designed by the ultra-talented Jeff "JB" Bonivert, known to FlyCo Faithful for his cool and quirky comics posted HERE!.

The new calendars commemorate 20 Years of Comics & Other Cool Stuff at FLYING COLORS with lots of Silver Age weirdness and a guide to all of 2008's NEW RELEASES' DAYs.

The calendar/posters are 11" x 34" and are suitable for hanging in the Louvre Museum (I wonder if they like comics there?).

Best of all, the calendar/posters are yours FREE when you visit Flying Colors Comics & Other Cool Stuff.

See you soon!

Peace!

FlyCoJoe

We've Got Your Cool Gifts Right Here!

2007-12-21T15:33:00.000-08:00

did you read the article in the Contra Costa Times on Wednesday about the growing popularity of comics compilations and graphic novels?

FLYING COLORS Comics & Other Cool Stuff features Contra Costa's deepest and widest selection of comics, graphic novels and related "cool stuff"---including action figures, busts, statues, posters, t-shirts and more.

The photo to the right shows some incredibly cool bargains available right now, including our Holiday Sportscards box featuring 20 packs of baseball, football and basketball cards along with a collector's guide and box for only $19.99. Check out the huge discounts on selected statues and busts (shown here).

FLYING COLORS hours:
Friday December 21 11am-7pm
Saturday December 22 11am-7pm
Sunday December 23 12noon-7pm
Monday December 24 11am-5pm
CLOSED CHRISTMAS DAY Tuesday December 25

Open again
Wednesday December 26 11am-7pm
Thursday December 27 11am-7pm
Friday December 28 11am-8pm (It's NEW RELEASES' DAY!)

Peace!

FlyCoJoe

New TV Ads now up on YouTube!

2007-12-20T16:02:00.000-08:00

Check out our new TV ads, now posted at YouTube.com, by clicking HERE!

The ads were produced by the fine folks at Adams Digital Media. If you're looking to do a TV commercial for your business, I recommend their services.

On one of the ads, we borrowed some images from the very cool postcard book from Denis Kitchen Publishing called "READING COMICS". The postcard book makes a nice stocking stuffer (hint, hint). The other new TV spot features some young members of Flying Colors' Faithful. Thanks for "pitching" in and helping, everyone.

Peace!

FlyCoJoe

I've Got a Forum!

2007-12-15T17:21:00.000-08:00

As many of you know, for the last ten years, I've been moonlighting as a columnist for for a trade magazine called Comics & Gamer Retailer, published by the same fine folk who produce the venerable Comics Buyer's Guide.

Well, all good things must come to an end, and C&GR is doing just that. However, my publishers recently opened forums (fora?) for me and some of the magazine's other columnists. I want to invite you to Joe Field's Big Picture forum by clicking HERE!.

I'd love to get your feedback there.

Peace!

FlyCoJoe

More from Renee Montoya's Dossier

2007-12-01T18:04:00.000-08:00

Word has spread through the investigative comics' community that several facsimiles of Renee Montoya's (aka The Question) journal have been leaked to the public via sites like this one.

From what I've see online, there are some differences between the copies of the journal and the artifacts contained within the journal. And from what I've learned, this is NOT a publicity gimmick sponsored by DC Comics, but rather it's the careful dissemination of clues to a deepening mystery from writer Greg Rucka.

Want to get to the bottom of this? Then pick up 52 AFTERMATH: THE CRIME BIBLE issues 1 and 2 now at Flying Colors Comics.

There is always a Question remaining to be answered.

Peace!

FlyCoJoe

A Mystery and a Question

2007-11-28T19:02:00.000-08:00

So what is this strange notebook I received yesterday?

Something is going on in the DC Universe...and this package has lots of clues.

If you'd like to see it, ask me when you visit the store next. New comics 7 other cool stuff hot the racks Thursday morning November 29.

Be here---and get into the mystery and the Question.

Peace!

FlyCoJoe

Happy Thanksgiving!

2007-11-20T18:09:00.000-08:00

At Flying Colors, we're taking a low-key approach to "Black Friday". Why?
Even as early as Halloween, we were already being bombarded with Christmas-themed commercials.

There's even "news" coverage of all the day-after Thanksgiving sales. They call it BLACK FRIDAY like it's some menacing creature we all have to face in some horrific way. It actually can be a real horror if you get caught up in the 4AM or 6AM mega-store openings.

There is another way.

Away from the crowded malls and corporate chain operations, you can enjoy your Thanksgiving with family. And you can sleep in on Friday.

Really.

There's time to shop later, in a more relaxed way.

At FLYING COLORS, we'll be closed to celebrate the Thanksgiving Holiday on Thursday. We'll be open our regular hours on Friday from 11am-7pm.

No crazy 4AM, 5AM or 6AM opening hours for sales that are only good until 8AM or 9AM.

FLYING COLORS has New & Cool Stuff arriving several times a week...many items you just won't find at any of the mega-chain stores. Cool stuff you'll love to give---and those on your list will love to get.

And FLYING COLORS Team of Friendly Comics-Lovers will be here to help answer any questions you might have, while helping you find just what you want in a more relaxed atmosphere that will take the stress out of your holiday shopping.

FLYING COLORS
2980 Treat Blvd at Oak Grove Rd
in the same center as a spacious Trader Joe's with lots of FREE and easy parking.

Enjoy your Thanksgiving--- and thank you for making FLYING COLORS a part of your life!

Peace!

FlyCoJoe

A League of Extraordinary Comics

2007-11-12T12:29:00.000-08:00

At long last, Alan Moore and Kevin O'Neill's LEAGUE OF EXTRA- ORDINARY GENTLEMEN: THE BLACK DOSSIER will make it into the store Wednesday November 14.
Please note: Veterans' Day does NOT cause a delay in the shipping of comics this week.

In addition, there are a host of fan-favorite titles hitting the racks this week, including:
All Star Superman #9
Avengers Initiative #7
Countdown to Final Crisis #24
Green Arrow/Black Canary #2
Mice Templar #2
Thor #4
World of Warcraft #1
World War Hulk #5
These and more than 100 other new titles will be here Wednesday!

And if that isn't enough, you can still get in on some great deals on back-issue comics. We've set up a separate section of back issues for just $1 each---or save even more by getting 15 for $10.

Be here!

Peace!

FlyCoJoe

BLOWN OUT!!

2007-10-31T19:25:00.000-07:00

Halloween craziness at FLYING COLORS!
This is the 20th Halloween we've been open here---and it's the first time I was coerced into costuming for the day. Just for the record, the last time I was in costume for Halloween was back in 1968. I might have been a pirate then, I can't remember...it was that long ago.

But since we've also been in the midst of the biggest back-issue BLOW-OUT in FlyCo history, and it's also New Releases' Day...well, let's just say it was a classic Triple Witching Hour.

Check out these pix from the day...visits by a wide array of the World's Greatest Super-Heroes...and a couple of villains, too.
Maybe the oddest costume choice came from long-time FlyCo Faithful Paul Klepacz...who dared to bring his FlyCoJoe mask. It was truly frightening!
We've blown out thousands and thousands of back issue comics here over the last week. Rest assured, this was an event to simply clear the decks, stir the pot, have some fun (at our expense) and to blow out some stock so we could refresh it in the days and weeks ahead.

FLYING COLORS is here for the long haul..and we hope you will be, too.

Thanks---and Halloween Peace!

FlyCoJoe

GENESIS Pix!

2007-10-23T16:37:00.000-07:00

Now that my web-guru Alan Alvaro has solved the Mystery of the Blog Drag, I can finally show you these pix from the recent GENESIS concerts Libby and I took in at the HP Pavilion in San Jose and Arco Arena in Sacramento.

These shows were a big deal for us as long-time fans of the world's most successful progressive rockers (and pop meisters).

Being the first live performances by GENESIS with Phil Collins in nearly 15 years, the shows were a big deal for fans all over the world, as the sold-out tour will attest (more than half million tickets sold!)
The stage set-up was brilliant---the sound system, especially in San Jose, was powerful and sparkling.

And the set list featured a strong mix of old ('70s) and newer ('90s) songs to satisfy everyone.

Peace!

FlyCoJoe

NOCTURNALS Event: Sat Sept 29th 1-4pm

2007-09-28T11:55:00.000-07:00

The World Premier of Daniel Brereton's NOCTURNALS Volume One: Black Planet & Other Stories is Saturday September 29th from 1-4pm at FLYING COLORS Comics & Other Cool Stuff, 2980 Treat Blvd, Concord CA.

Need directions? Call us at 925-825-5410.

Making the event even sweeter, we've added a bonus to the premier of the NOCTURNALS' book. Get either a FREE copy of Dan Brereton's IMMORTAL IRON FIST Annual (with some art shown here) or get a FREE Nocturnals poster signed by artist Dan Brereton with the purchase of the NOCTURNALS Volume One hardcover.

(Bonus items will be available only while limited supplies last.)

See you Saturday!

FlyCoJoe

FlyCoJoe & Dan Brereton Look Back at the Early Days

2007-09-27T17:27:00.000-07:00

The 19th Anniversary of the opening of FLYING COLORS Comics & Other Cool Stuff is upon us---and we're celebrating with a special event with artist Dan Brereton and the World Premier of NOCTURNALS Volume One: Black Planet & Other Stories, this Saturday September 29th from 1-4pm. I really hope you can join us.

Since Dan was one of our Flying Colors' Faithful all the way back to the beginning, I asked him to share some of his insights into those early days. I've added some art and photos to Dan's recollections, and I'll be interjecting the photo credits and a story or two of my own.

DAN:"I not only shopped at Joe's store, a big part of my career took wing there. I met Stan Lee there when Stan did a very exclusive appearance at Flying Colors just prior to an early WonderCon."

FlyCoJoe: Most FlyCo regulars know that every week we post all the New Releases and Staff Picks on two erasable white-boards. Back in '89, Dan was in the store at the time we were changing the New Releases' board ---and he did this special BLACK TERROR art. I hated erasing that one!
DAN:"Joe introduced me to people from Diamond in his store the month my first painted book, THE BLACK TERROR hit the stands. He made me feel like a real professional then. In fact, Joe treated me like a pro long before I'd ever been published, and he was very supportive of many local talents such as Jeff Johnson and Ken Hooper, who also shopped at FLYING COLORS."

FlyCoJoe:Dan did a number of official in-store signing events, starting with the debut of the BLACK TERROR series from Eclipse Comics in '89. Pretty regularly, though, when Dan would come in to get his weekly comics, he'd ask me for something to draw on. That's how I came to own some pretty unique Dan Brereton art, like this watercolor "sketch" of the Abomination enjoying a new HULK comic book.

DAN:"While I was illustrating the first Nocturnals graphic novel, Joe let me use his office to photograph two of his then employees, who modeled for a scene which appears in Nocturnals Black Planet #1."

FlyCoJoe: Here's another great example of Dan's watercolor art. After I became used to having Dan ask for something to draw on---and he'd use pens or sharpies of whatever markers we had laying around here, the idea hit us that maybe we should have a set of watercolors and a brush on hand, so Dan could really cut loose. This BATGIRL painting on a comic backer board is one of my favorites.

DAN:"Later, when I would come into his shop, Joe would be across the room selling a customer on my latest book, and then send the guy over to get a signature from me--- and I was only there to pick up the latest EIGHTBALL or something."

FlyCoJoe: This last photo was taken in 1990 when then Amazing Spider-Man artist, and soon to be Image Comics' founder Erik Larsen was at Flying Colors for a signing. Dan was there, too... he's on the right, Erik is in the center---and that long-haired guy on the left is an earlier model of FlyCoJoe.

That's our stroll down Memory Lane for today. I want to thank Dan for contributing to the history and the health of Flying COlors Comics & Other Cool Stuff.

Please accept my invitation to join us on Saturday September 29th from 1-4pm for the World Premier of Dan Brereton's NOCTURNALS Volume One: Black Planet & Other Stories.

Peace!

FlyCoJoe