Scott Saavedra's Comic Book Heaven

Brand-Man: The Untold Story!

2009-09-04T13:50:00.000-07:00

This link is making the rounds today, but in case you missed it: A fellow by the name of Tom McAlister was looking for a job and came up with a cute gimmick for his resume. He had an artist draw an illustrated resume in the style of an old DC comic (more or less). You can see the result here. The comic resume didn't directly lead to a job (though he did get one) but I asked Tom what kind of reaction he got to his creativity and he wrote back to tell me:

I printed out hard copies of Brand Man for in-person interviews: color copies on thick paper stock. 50 cents per side, so they cost me exactly $1 apiece, and I got bags and boards to hold each "issue" because I wanted to sell the retro comic-ness of it all.

Inevitably, I would hand over the (bagged) comic in an interview, and people would look up and ask -- "Is it okay if I take this out of here?" Like, if it was old and valuable they didn't want to mess it up by putting their fingers on it.

Tom also reports that working on the details of the design of Brand-Man with artist Sina Grace was "fanboy heaven."

And that, as they say, is the rest of the story.

The Brooklyn Superhero Supply Catalog

2009-07-20T14:13:00.000-07:00

Yes, this is a real catalog for a good cause. (via Lovely Package)

Checking In

2009-07-05T23:32:00.000-07:00

You've probably heard about both Bat-Manga by Chip Kidd and Jiro Kuwata and Supermen! by Greg Sadowski. I'm currently reading Bat-Manga and, while I'm not a huge manga fan (I dislike reading right to left), it's strange and fun (and beautifully designed). Supermen! is a must-get. For me, Greg Sadowski is the gold standard for vintage comic book reproduction and his taste in material is excellent.

A quick plug for myself: If you don't mind reading something that isn't about old comics, I've got the first few pages of my revamped web comic, Java Town, up at the SLG Publishing site. It's a work in progress and new pages will be posted as I get the chance.

The Angry Red Planet

2009-03-30T18:39:00.001-07:00

I watched the B-movie-sci-fi-cult-classic-psychotronic-film The Angry Red Planet last night. As is usually the case with these types of movies bad acting, giant plot holes, and primitive special effects can have a certain charm (well, for me anyway) and in that regard The Angry Red Planet is very charming. But CBH isn't a blog about such things so I'll share some comic book-related details from the film. Joe Kubert cohort Norman Maurer (a personal favorite underated artist) is one of the Executive Producers of the film. Alex Toth is credited as the storyboard artist (and I would guess the designer of the weird rat-bat critter seen above in my favorite sequence from the movie -- it certainly looks like something out of a Jonny Quest episode). And the lead actor, Gerald Mohr, voiced Mr. Fantastic for the late sixties Fantastic Four cartoon program while doing the same for the Green Lantern on The Superman/Aquaman Hour of Adventure. It's just a comic book world.

You can read a funny review of The Angry Red Planet here.

You can watch the entire movie online or just watch the trailer here (I have no idea how long this link will be good).

Fanzine Round-Up!

2009-03-13T15:10:00.000-07:00

It warms my heart that even in this digital age you can still get print zines.

Ditkomania #71 (!) - Steve Ditko was one of the first artists I ever took a shine to. I know everyone loves his Spider-Man and Dr. Strange work but for me it's those early Marvel mystery and suspense stories that I adore. Rob's been sending me this handsome and heartfelt ongoing tribute to Ditko for several issues now and I certainly appreciate it. Send $2.50 (includes postage) to Rob Imes, 13510 Cambridge #307, Southgate, MI 48195.

Comic Effect #47 - Another long-running zine. This issue is devoted to Julius Schwartz and the comics he edited. Another very handsome, upbeat, nostalgia-driven fanzine. Send $3.50 (includes postage I think) to Jim Kingman, Comic Effect, PO Box 2188, Pasadena, CA 91102-2188.

It's A Fanzine #50 - And yet another long-running zine! I don't actually have this issue but I do have several earlier issues sitting around here someplace. It's also a fine, handsome fanzine. You can email Gene Kehoe for more info at iaf1952(at symbol)yahoo.com or just go ahead and send him $5.00 (includes postage) at 2265 Byron Ave., Waterloo, IA 50702.

One Reason the Fail Blog is a Daily Win

2009-03-12T20:19:00.000-07:00

SEE: Wolverine image placement Fail.

Michael Jackson IS Batman!

2009-03-03T22:42:00.000-08:00

Offered for sale by Michael Jackson (via Julien's Auctions) is a life-size Batman costume worn by a life-size Michael Jackson statue. Words fail. Currently, four of the five auction catalogs are online but I can't link to the exact page of the catalog where I found the above image but you can start here, enter the page number (73), and see the whole image for yourself along with all the other fanboy/manboy toys and such. The auction estimate is in the $200-$300 range (how affordable!).

Comic Book Heaven:LIVE! Canceled

2009-02-27T17:31:00.000-08:00

I really, really hate to say this, but I won't be able to give my CBH:LIVE! presentation at tomorrow's WonderCon. Complications from my recent surgery have left me still a bit wobbly. I apologize to anyone who was looking forward the panel -- I was looking forward to doing it (probably my only opportunity to do so this year as I don't expect to be at Comic-Con this summer) -- but I just can't make it this time.

Comic Book Heaven: LIVE! at WonderCon

2009-02-18T18:28:00.000-08:00

It's time once again for WonderCon to host my Comic Book Heaven: LIVE! presentation (this is, I think, my fifth or sixth year there). Here's the official information blurb:

11:30-12:30 Comic Book Heaven: LIVE!—If you've ever wondered which superhero sleeps in his uniform, where the rudest place to shoot a giant space monster can be found, and what you really got when you ordered junk from ads found in old comic books, you'll love Comic Book Heaven: LIVE! Scott Saavedra (Java Town) shines a bright and affectionate light on some of the strangest stories and most twisted moments found in vintage comic books. Comic Book Heaven: LIVE! is like Scott's Comic Book Heaven blog (comic_book_heaven.blogspot.com) but without all the tedious pointing and clicking. Room 236/238

Hope to see you there.

Health Update and CBH News

2009-01-31T15:33:00.000-08:00

When I last posted post surgery I was feeling pretty good all things considered. That lasted about a day. Unfortunately, there were some complications from the surgery (I had an allergic reaction to the anesthesia which made so itchy that it was nearly impossible to sleep for a week) and after that I started to really feel the effects of Uremic Poisoning (a result of my kidney failure) which, believe it or not, also made me so itchy that it was nearly impossible to sleep. So, that was my December (Christmas was nice, though). I've started dialysis which has made me feel much better but it's been a bumpy road there too and complications have forced me into more surgery next week (Hoo. Rah.). But it's apparently that or having a shunt thrust into my neck for emergency alternate dialysis (trust me, I'm trying to leave out as many ghastly details as I can). I'm frustrated that things have not gone more smoothly and I'm impatient to get on with my life (altered as it will be but better). I don't expect to continue with these Health Updates because I don't want to be The Sick Guy anymore. And to that end...

Comic Book Heaven: LIVE! returns to WonderCon in February. I'll put up a proper reminder a bit later but if you plan to go to the con keep Saturday (Feb. 28) morning open for some CBH-style fun (by the way, I will be fine by then so don't plan on seeing me hooked up to an oxygen tank and wheeled in by a nurse or anything like that -- I will be a comic book comedy beast and ready to roll).

Health Update: Surgery!

2008-12-05T22:23:00.000-08:00

Since I've made my recent health issues part of this blog I thought I'd update everyone on my situation (don't worry, I will get back to talking about comic books again eventually). I had surgery today and since I'm typing this you can probably guess that I've survived (and I have). I feel a bit like someone punched me in the gut but I'm back home and my wife just handed me some hot cocoa so all is well (well, all is better). I begin dialysis in a couple of weeks and expect to be feeling lots and lots better and a whole lot more productive. So, thank you all again very, very much for the many good wishes and the help and the care packages. You've done me a good turn that I can not adequately repay and I am quite grateful.

CBH Golden Age Sale Part Three!

2008-12-02T16:46:00.000-08:00

These auctions I'm running have been pretty successful so far. It makes me wish I focused more on buying Golden Age stuff than I did. Well, a fresh batch of stuff has been put up and you can see all of the current auctions right here.

ON A RELATED NOTE: Last summer my son interned at eBay. They were looking for interface/user experience input from Young People. A couple of ideas my son concocted (developed at home but credit is shared with his workgroup) turn up on the eBay homepage. Of course, having an idea is one thing and actually implementing it is another (kudos to the programming brains at eBay) but I'm pretty proud to see my boy's creativity turn up -- albeit anonymously -- in such a public place.

CBH Golden Age Sale Part Two!

2008-11-24T16:12:00.000-08:00

Good Gravy. Look at that swell cover to Frankenstein #20. I really like that Dick Briefer version of The Monster. Very insane stuff and not as celebrated as it should be (a quality color collection would be nice). As mentioned before I'm selling off some of my Golden Age comic books via the eBay. A fresh batch of stuff has been put up and you can see all of the current auctions right here.

CBH Golden Age Sale Part One!

2008-11-19T18:38:00.000-08:00

It wasn't long after becoming a comic book fan that I fell in love with Golden Age comics. For the most part I had to content myself with inexpensive reprints but I did manage to grab a golden oldie or two over the years. Nothing too spectacular (and almost all of them are in lousy condition), mind you, but I accumulated a nifty little overview of books from those early comic book days. Over the next few weeks I'll be having a few auctions to send these tattered beauties to new homes. You can find the first batch offered up here. I'll announce the next batch soon.

Oh, My Goodness

2008-11-11T00:42:00.000-08:00

Last Friday night I wrote a post announcing that I was ill. Due to mounting medical bills I asked folks who've enjoyed my various efforts over the years to maybe buy a book or one of my t-shirts via the links on this page. As almost an afterthought I added a Paypal donation button to the post. Other blogs have the buttons -- I don't like to bug people for money -- but I thought that this one time I would do it.

I didn't anticipate two things: One, that I would upset long-time friends who I don't see often with news of my illness and Two, that more than one or two people would use the donation button.

So to my friends who weren't aware of my illness I want to apologize for causing you to worry. It just wasn't something I wanted to bring up (after all, major organ failure is a gigantic buzzkill). I'm deeply sorry for upsetting you all. The treatment is going to be a bit of a bother but I will feel tons better once it begins and I'm looking forward to that. My ability to laugh, love, create and enjoy my life and family will only improve.

To the generous people (friends and strangers alike) who sent in donations: thank you. I'm writing to everyone personally but I can't say it enough. My thanks also to all who helped spread the word including Evan Dorkin, Dan Vado & Jennifer de Guzman at SLG, Dirk Deppey at Journalista!, Chris Mautner at Newsarama, Landry Walker and/or Eric Jones at a Tron message board (sorry, I've lost the url), Mike Sterling (truly a sterling fellow) and Tom Spurgon whose post last Saturday at The Comics Reporter almost made me cry. If I've missed anyone I do apologize. I'm embarrassed to be the focus of so much goodwill and quite addled by it as well but it all helps my family enormously and so I'm grateful too. My thanks to all.

A brief commercial: I'm going to be selling some Golden Age comics on eBay soon. Nothing high grade but some neat stuff. So if you're looking for affordable vintage comics keep an eye on this page.

UPDATE: A special thanks to everyone who ordered my t-shirts, mugs, and cards (hope you like them) and bought stuff via the Amazon.com ad. I have no way of knowing who you are so I can't thank you personally as I have those who have used the donation button but please know that your actions are appreciated as well. Thank you.

My Secret

2008-11-07T16:36:00.000-08:00

All the best comic book heroes have secrets. Secret identities, secret hideouts, secret desires. I have a secret too.

My kidneys are sick and failing. For most of the time that I've lived with my illness (Polycystic Kidney Disease) this hasn't impacted me too much so I've not shared that information with anyone but some friends and family. However those days are rapidly ending and I'm feeling the effects of my disease more and more. I expect to be on dialysis by around the end of the year and will need to be hooked up to a machine for hours each day to live (until -- and if -- I can get a kidney transplant) -- a sobering thought.

On the plus side, I'm otherwise in good health (my doctor tells me I have a "wonderful body") and I do have health insurance (it's not great by any means but it'll help with the bills of which there will be plenty).

I mention all this for two reasons: One, I suspect I won't be posting for a long while as I simply do not have the energy right now (I have to focus on family and work. I still plan to do CBH:LIVE! at WonderCon next year and finish up a new Comic Book Heaven book by 2010 but will put off deciding on what to do about the CBH blog until early next year). And two, I'd like to ask for a little help (even with insurance my illness will be expensive).

You'll notice to the left and right of the main center column there are an Amazon.com ad featuring comic related books I like and an ad for a Zazzle gallery of stuff I've designed. Ordering products via either would be greatly appreciated as I'm paid a small amount per order. I realize that these are difficult times for everyone but if you've gotten any enjoyment from the magazines, blog, or presentations that I've done over the past decade this would be a really, really good time to thank me in a solid way. And if you can't buy something but perhaps have a buck to spare I've added one of those fancy Paypal donation buttons below:

Thanks for your time. I look forward to more CBH style fun in the future. In the meantime, I'm not just sitting around feeling sorry for myself. I'm making comics! Be sure to check out my latest effort (updated every Wednesday): Java Town.

Kid Frankenstein

2008-09-06T20:51:00.000-07:00

I'm a total sucker for fake comic book covers especially one as nice as this. The art is by Paul Conrad and you can see more of his excellent work at Super Robot Monster.

Cartoon Laffs

2008-09-05T21:13:00.000-07:00

Because I suddenly feel like it I'll be posting some odds and ends over the next week or so that will all relate to cartooning in general but maybe not to comic books -- as is the norm around here -- specifically. Above is the cover to Cartoon Laffs (mentioned here recently), a collection of gag panels and humor from the pages of True, the Man's Magazine. While spousal abuse hasn't disappeared it's use as a basis for "laffs" has dropped off a bit in recent years. Art by Virgil Partch (VIP) whom I'm sure loved his wife very much.

A Word of Thanks and Stuff

2008-09-02T17:28:00.000-07:00

My thanks to those who continue to stop by this blog even though posting has been light lately. Work and family have kept my attentions elsewhere but that's only part of the story. I've been going through one of my periodic feelings of, oh, disenchantment I suppose is the right word with the whole blogging thing. I haven't lost interest in the fundamental mission of Comic Book Heaven (having fun with old comic books) it's just that the charm of blogging waxes and wanes for me. If I could do my live presentation on a more regular basis I would probably stop the blog completely. The immediate reaction of the audience is a rush. The silence following a blog post, not so much. I have a little experiment in mind for a digital version of CBH and I am currently noodling around with that. If I'm happy with the results I'll post it here. If not, it'll be business as usual before too long. In the meantime, I encourage you to have a look at my Java Town webcomic or take a peak at my recently updated webpage at www.scottsaavedra.com.

Proof of LIVE!: Comic-Con Video

2008-08-22T17:36:00.000-07:00

SLG Publishing put up a three-part video record of July's Comic-Con. Included in the third part are bits from my Comic Book Heaven:LIVE! presentation. I can't bear to watch myself on video so I've only checked to see where it begins (somewhere around 4:34 mark) and how much of the 40 minutes -- we got a late start -- show up on tape (about 1). But if you didn't get to Comic-Con and are a reader of this here blog you may enjoy it. Or not. All three parts can be found here.

Early Dennis

2008-08-13T15:26:00.000-07:00

Seeing this collection of pre-Dennis the Menace Hank Ketcham cartoons reminded me that I stumbled upon this cartoon a while back:

I found it in Cartoon Laffs (Fawcett 1952), a paperback collection of cartoons from True, the Man's Magazine. The cartoon, part of the "It's Only Your Imagination" series, appears to feature a Dennis prototype. Detail:

I've seen other Ketcham panels that featured similarly drawn kids but this one looks the most "Dennis-y" to me (Experts on Ketcham what say you?). But even if my "find" is not the most developed proto-Dennis ever Hank Ketcham sure did some fine cartooning and it's always a pleasure to see.

For still more pre-Menace work there's Fantagraphics' handsome Where's Dennis.

The Road to Richies

2008-08-04T16:48:00.000-07:00

Oh, if only real life worked this way. Harvey Comics house ad detail circa 1962.

From the Sketchbook

2008-08-02T15:00:00.000-07:00

Hulk v Thing. A doodle from, oh, I guess about a year ago.

The Chicken-Hearted Killer!

2008-08-01T00:26:00.000-07:00

REVIEW: "The Chicken-Hearted Killer" from Crime Does Not Pay #50 (Mar. 1947)

Howard “Sonny” Potts loves his chickens. So much so, that he thinks about his chickens at work (“Curse this job which keeps me away from them!”). He thinks about them on his way to the bus. He thinks about them while on the bus. He thinks about them so much that he starts to get real sweaty. At home, Howard treats his wife Muriel shabbily, smacking her with a broom and slapping her in the head. Muriel, for some crazy reason, doesn’t understand the whole chicken thing. She wants money to buy food and a new coat. Howard isn’t keen on either suggestion (“I’ll decide where the money goes in this house – and none of it goes to you!”). Even though Howard, the genius, doesn’t give his wife money to buy food he demands to be fed so Muriel cooks up Mr. Corn, a favored rooster. This outrage causes Howard to use the business end of an axe on Muriel and bury her body next to the chicken coup. Big mistake, as the chickens come home to roost and begin to dig Muriel’s body out of her (presumably) shallow grave in front of a wandering cop. Howard’s goose is cooked (so to speak) and he’s sent to the gas chamber where he utters his final words, “COUGH. I love chickens more than anything else! COUGH.”

Above: Howard's chickens make him sweat. Art by George Tuska.

Java Town

2008-07-30T16:28:00.000-07:00

I've probably mentioned more than a few times on this blog that I actually made comic books before I got into the "business" of making fun of comic books. I stepped away from the writing and drawing of comics for a long while to focus on graphic design (another long-time love of mine). But the irrational urge to return to creating my own comics has resurfaced and so now I'm doing it the Modern Way, as a webcomic. My first effort, Java Town, is spun off of a comic book series I did late in the last century. Java Town is about desire and coffee with a mid-century sheen. It is also about laffs. One warning: we (SLG Publishing and I) jumped into this before we were 100% ready so the debut was a bit rough. We're still working out navigation and other issues (the website template really isn't made for what we're attempting). However, over time I expect to smooth over the rough spots and plan on doing at least one more Java Town story for the web. After that, we plan on publishing a Java Town print collection. That should come out sometime in 2009.

You can begin reading the free Java Town webcomic here.