Surviving the Third Floor

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I live on the top floor of a three-story building in Studio City. I’ve lived here with my girlfriend and my cat for close to a year now. On the surface, it’s a pretty great arrangement. Studio City is nice, we have good Italian food and tacos within walking distance, the neighbors here are friendly, our apartment manager kind of reminds me of Lou Reed… All good things. At first, being on the top floor felt like being on top of the world a bit, or at least at the top of the apartment social ladder. We could stand outside our front doorway, which opens above the courtyard, or from our back balcony and look down on our kingdom and all who lived within it, like some sort of minor lord in a Hawaiian shirt.

And then summer hit.

All of you who live in upper level apartments in warm areas know what I’m talking about. Every evening, the sun sets, the world cools and the Southern California weather turns brisk. By early morning, there’s dew on the grass and a sweet, kale-scented breeze in the air. (Everything in LA smells like kale. Haven’t you heard?) It’s mild and comfortable. Except for in our apartment, where it’s a balmy 85 degrees and has been since the prior afternoon.

Look, I know hot air rises. Everyone knows that. But what I didn’t expect was for this apartment to hold onto that heat like a tea partier holding on to outdated ideals. There are about five different windows in this place, and opening them doesn’t seem to make much of a difference at all. Fans don’t seem to help move the air around. Short of moving our bed out onto the balcony, there doesn’t seem to be much that works when it comes to cooling the place down.

Of course, there IS the air conditioner. We do have one. I always feel guilty about turning it on, though. I’m not an overly guilt prone person, but there are two things that seem to do it to me. One is eating greasy, unhealthy food. The other is turning on the air conditioner. The first has everything to do with my high cholesterol, but my guilt over air conditioning can almost entirely be pinned on an ex.

A few years ago, I dated a woman who was heavy into environmentalism. Now, before anyone gets started, I’m a firm believer in environmentalism. I try to impact the environment as little as possible, but I’m not perfect about it. I know I could be doing a lot more and for some reason, all of that guilt has decided to target my use of indoor climate controls. I resist turning the air on until all of us here are on the brink of passing out, and when I finally do, it’s with thoughts of how disappointed my mother would be and how I’m a terrible, terrible father for leaving my son and his children a Mad Max world to inherit. (Let’s face it. As much as you may love Mad Max, you don’t really want him as a son.)

I know it’s stupid. I’ve even brought it up with my therapist a few times, and how much it makes me dread the heat every year. He didn’t tell me it was stupid, but I certainly felt dumb after realizing I had just dropped $20 to spend an hour literally talking about the weather.

So stupid or not, the air conditioner isn’t going on until the heat becomes intolerable, and currently the heat’s not there yet. But it’s enough to make living at the top of the world not seem like such a great thing anymore. More often than not, I find myself getting out of my home and castle to mingle with the masses in an air conditioned movie theater or café, leaving my cat to look down on our kingdom since she’s the only one of us who doesn’t seem to mind the heat. I suspect one of her ancestors may have belonged to a Pharoah or some other renowned Egyptian. In fact, if the cats in Egypt handled the heat as well as she does, I think I understand why the Egyptians revered them. My cat’s ability to tolerate the hot weather is worthy of admiration, and I can totally seeing that leaping up to worship if the temperature were to hit 120 degrees with any regularity. So yeah, maybe the Egyptians were on to something. Maybe instead of turning cats into memes and viral videos, we should be seeking their wisdom for dealing with the heat.

They’d probably just tell us to turn on the damn air.

Clearing the Cobwebs

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There was a time, not that long ago, that I used to edit comic books. I started as a staff editor at the now defunct Tokyopop, then entered the world of freelance contract editing. Which, as it turns out, isn’t much of a world. It’s more like a small town in south Kansas. But I made my home there for a few years, working on fun comics like Fraggle Rock, Dark Crystal and Labyrinth until my financial obligations required me to move on to something else.

There was a time, also not long ago, that I used to blog here pretty regularly. But as you can see by the date in the entry below this one, I haven’t done that in quite some time. In this case, however, I haven’t stopped blogging. In fact, I’ve been blogging quite a bit. I’ve just been doing it on a much higher profile site. For those who don’t know, I’m currently the full-time content editor for the DC Comics and Vertigo blogs, which means that instead of editing comics, I’m now editing and writing site features. You can see some of my more recent entries here, if you’re curious.

If you know all this, you may think I’m filling space by stating the obvious, but there seem to be a good many people who don’t know what I’ve been doing. That became clear to me a couple of months ago when I finally added my current job—which I’ve been at for over two years now—to my LinkedIn profile. I must have received at least three dozen messages congratulating me on the gig. If you were one of the people who sent one, don’t worry. You were in really good company.

This didn’t surprise me. This is partly because you can’t add so much as a comma to your LinkedIn profile without it blasting it to all of your connections, but mainly I don’t expect anyone short of my parents to follow my career. You have your own life to worry about. I don’t expect any of you to give two shits about mine. But if you’re reading this, then you must enjoy my blogging or my writing in general, and I feel I owe it to you to explain why this place has gone without an update for over a year. Which brings us back to my job.

Let’s just say it keeps me busy at a level that took some getting used to. I’ve worked long hours in the past, but this is the first time that almost every single one of those hours has been spent tapping on a keyboard. Hey, writing is what I do, it’s what I enjoy and it’s what I’m best at, but it can certainly tire you out. I come home mentally drained fairly regularly and the last thing I want to do is spend more time in front of a computer.

But that’s a problem because while I enjoy the writing I do for DC (and it really is a lot of fun), it’s not MINE. It’s theirs and more to the point, it’s largely promotional. I try to take a creative or informative approach, but when you get right down to it, I’m part of their marketing team. So I’m making an effort to carve out at least a little time each week for writing that’s strictly for me. For now, it’ll be primarily blogging, but who knows where it’ll go from here. There are more comics, prose and plays within me, and they’ve been screaming to get out for a while. And they’re really fucking irritating, at times. Seriously, if I can get them to shut up for a few weeks, that alone will be worth it.

So yes, I’m clearing out the rats and spiders who have taken residence here since I left it to stagnate. (I actually like spiders and have kept rats as pets, but neither are interesting blog subjects.) Instead, I’ll be writing about movies, TV, sports, life in Los Angeles, relationships, single parenthood, health, spirituality… Basically, whatever interests me on a given day. I’ll also continue to write about comics and the industry as a whole. These past few years certainly haven’t made me any less opinionated or frustrated at the mistakes I see made time and again in the comic book industry and community.

I’ll do my best to make it all interesting in hope that you’ll do your best to stop by here every once in a while. But whether you do or not, I’m determined to keep this blog a lot fresher than it’s been because while there may have been a time I edited comics and updated this site regularly and it may not have been all that long ago, it doesn’t matter. What matters, is what I do with it now.

Some Thoughts on Space Shuttles and Sunsets

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Today, I watched with much of my office as the space shuttle Endeavor flew over our building in Burbank. It was an undeniably cool moment. Certainly an exciting one, but there was also a little sadness mixed in there for me.

Not many people know this, but as a young child, I lived for a couple of years in Lompoc, CA. My father found a job in the town, and we moved there with him at the very tail end of the 70s. If you’ve been there, you’ll know that there’s really not much in Lompoc. It’s largely a military town, and my family isn’t a military one, so it was strange that we moved there. But as a very young boy on the brink of the Reagan years, it was about the coolest place on earth.

The reason is that Lompoc is only a few miles away from Vandenberg Air Force Base, which is why it’s a military town. And Vandenberg, for those of you who don’t know, was a huge part of our nation’s then very thriving space program. I remember being woken up by my father on more than one occasion back then to watch various rockets taking off and missiles being launched (which when you’re four years old, is pretty darn cool). I could see them from my bedroom window. From my window! Admittedly, I don’t remember much else from that early in my life, but I remember that.

At such a young age, I had no basis of comparison when it came to things like rocket launches. For all I knew, watching rockets enter space from your bedroom was something that every kid did in the morning, as common as eating breakfast. I didn’t know that this was something that was pretty rare until I got a bit older, and by then we had moved away.

Outside of the various launches, I really only remember one more thing about that time in my life, and it’s largely why I wanted to see the shuttle today. In the seventies, Vandenberg was selected to become the west coast’s launch and landing site for the space shuttle. As far as I can tell, it was never used as such, but at one point while I was living there, they had one of the space shuttles—I’m assuming Columbia, though I can’t say I know for sure—at the base. And at one point, people of the community were invited to come down and see it.

Now, when I say see it, I don’t mean see it from a distance. I mean, go right on up to it and take a look inside, the same way you might look in an old WWII bomber at an air show. The memory’s a bit hazy, but I can recall being held up to get a good peek inside by one of my parents, and I was surprised by how small everything was inside.

Yes, friends, I’ve actually been in the space shuttle, and my reaction was being slightly underwhelmed. I did mention being young and having no perspective, right?

The point is that now I do. I realize that was something fairly rare. Something that by any standard is pretty darn cool. I realize that I was lucky to be there at that point in time, just as I was lucky to be in a place where I could see the Endeavor fly by overhead today. Seeing the space shuttle so up close and personal as a tyke is one of my earliest memories, and while I never harbored serious dreams of becoming an astronaut, I do attribute those early years for my love of science fiction and appreciation and support of our space program.

Soon, it sounds like everyone will have a chance to see the space shuttle the way that I did, and I hope people take advantage of it. But it’ll be a look back in time, not a look forward, which is what it was when I was a child. These things matter when we’re talking about exploration. The point of exploration is to chart new territory. We should always been looking forward when it comes to space.

I realize things change, and privatizing space exploration and travel makes sense. I’m all in favor of it if it’ll get up back up in space. But the space shuttle’s been flying almost as long as I’ve been alive, so seeing it take one last flight is an emotional thing for me. It’s been a very rough flight at time, but it’s always been our link to the stars. It’s been the closest thing we have to an Enterprise or Millenium Falcon, and now it’s gone.

So goodbye, Endeavor, and farewell, space shuttle program! Yes, you didn’t literally fly off into the sunset, but that’s okay. I think when you’ve been to outer space, that’s no longer necessary.

And the new Dark Crystal: Creation Myths writer is…

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Yes, I do realize that it’s been months since I’ve updated my blog. I can’t imagine there’s anyone out there who cares all that much, but if I’m wrong, then allow me to offer my apologies. I’ve been extremely busy lately. To tell the truth, I still don’t have much in the way of free time, but it occurred to me that if I don’t start posting updates again every now and then, my blog would start qualifying for Forgotten Friday.

And of course, I wouldn’t be around here to write Forgotten Friday anymore. Quite frankly, I can’t think of something sadder than that.

So what’s been keeping me so busy? Well, there’s a lot I’m not able to talk about right now, but one thing that I can discuss is Dark Crystal: Creation Myths vol. 2. We’re just a little less than halfway through it right now, and I have to say, I think we may outdo the first volume with this one. Vol. 2 deals with the second conjunction, the darkening of the crystal and the emergence of Mystics and Skeksis. We’re telling the story that gives the entire franchise its name and that sets in motion all of the events that lead up to the film. It’s some powerful, dramatic stuff, and fortunately, we have an amazing writer onboard to help us realize it.

Yeah, we have a new writer on this volume, and while it’s been announced, I think it got a little overshadowed by some of the other Archaia news that’s hit this past month. Starting with Vol. 2, Joshua Dysart, the Eisner-nominated writer of Unknown Soldier, BPRD, Conan and Swamp Thing is taking over writing duties, and considering the balance of social themes and action that’s prevalent in our next two volumes, I think Josh is the perfect man for the job. Trust me, you’re going to love what he’s been doing.

Also, on a complete fluke, I came across this review of Vol. 1 earlier today.

First, I certainly can’t take issue with the reviewer’s opinion of the book. If he didn’t care for it, he didn’t care for it. I can’t change that. I believe we’re producing a headier book than many people expect from licensed comics, playing with the idea of mythology and its role in shaping and defining society, and if you’re expecting something more action-oriented, this first volume might come off as a bit slow moving. I get that, and it was something we realized going in. Vol. 1 covers over a thousand years of events, so we knew the reader was going to be somewhat removed from it since there are only a couple of characters who appear in all the segments.

I think we did a good job compensating for that, but you’re all free to disagree. However, what I really don’t agree with in this review, at all, is the idea that comics can’t capture puppetry. It’s a different medium to be sure, but puppets take to comics every bit as well as anything else. Certainly, seeing the work of Jim Henson and his team come to life onscreen is something amazing, and we’re never going to be able to reproduce that, but we’re not trying to. We’re trying to tell a good story through the medium of comic books that just happens to take place in the world of the film. That’s the essence of all licensed comics, and if the creative team’s hearts are all in the right place, it’s successful. It’s not the same experience as watching puppets on film, it’s a different, equally enjoyable experience. If the reviewer didn’t find it as enjoyable as the movie, that’s his opinion and he has every right to it. But it’s not because the medium’s incompatible with puppetry. Trust me, I’ve spent the last eight years bringing the creations of Jim Henson to comics, and the popularity and critical acclaim those books have received is more than enough to prove otherwise.

I should hopefully have some cool new announcements to make here soon, along with some art from Dark Crystal Vol. 2. I also have some recent prose stories that I may be posting. We’ll see. Has anyone actually read the prose stories that are on here?

Have a happy Passover and/or Easter, folks!

Jim Henson’s Labyrinth returns to comics…

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So, any Labyrinth fans out there?

I can finally announce that Archaia’s new Labyrinth graphic novel will be hitting stores in 2012. It’s written by the imaginative duo of Ted Naifeh (Courtney Crumrin, Polly and the Pirates) and Adrianne Ambrose (Fangs for Nothing, Confessions of a Virgin Sacrifice). Bringing Jareth and the Goblin Kingdom to life through his amazing watercolors will be Cory Godbey (Flight). I greatly enjoyed working with both Cory and Adrianne on Fraggle Rock, and I’ve been wanting to work with Ted for years now, so this is all quite exciting.

Also, if you’re a Labyrinth fan, you’ll definitely want to get your hands on Archaia’s 2012 Free Comic Book Day offering. They’re releasing a free hardcover (yes, you read that right, a free HARDCOVER) that contains original stories from some of their biggest releases, including Labyrinth.

Their press release is below, if you’d like more information on the upcoming FCBD book. For more information on the Labyrinth graphic novel, stay tuned…

ARCHAIA ANNOUNCES AN ORIGINAL GRAPHIC NOVEL HARDCOVER FOR FREE COMIC BOOK DAY IN 2012

48-PAGE, FULL-COLOR BOOK CONTAINING ORIGINAL MATERIAL FROM ‘MOUSE GUARD,’ ‘JIM HENSON’S LABYRINTH,’ ‘CURSED PIRATE GIRL, ‘RUST,’ ‘COW BOY’ AND ‘DAPPER MEN’ TO BE OFFERED COMPLETELY FOR FREE

Los Angeles, CA (December 2, 2011) – On May 5, 2012, Free Comic Book Day Gold Sponsor Archaia Entertainment will make history when it offers an all-ages, original graphic novel hardcover completely for free to fans who flock to their local comic book stores. The 6” x 9”, 48-page, full-color book will contain all-original stories—not reprints or excerpts from upcoming releases — from Mouse Guard, Jim Henson’s Labyrinth, Cursed Pirate Girl, Rust, Cow Boy and Dapper Men, announced Archaia President and CEO PJ Bickett.

Officially titled Mouse Guard, Labyrinth and Other Stories, the offering will be a shining example of Archaia’s commitment to produce high-quality graphic novels, despite its free price tag.

“We’ve offered single issues for past Free Comic Book Days but Archaia’s specialty is producing beautiful, hardbound collections,” said Bickett. “Offering a hardcover book for Free Comic Book Day is our way of helping to drive more potential customers to comic book stores on what has historically been their busiest sales day of the year. But it’s also a way to educate readers on what Archaia is all about: high-quality graphic novel collections of stories they can’t get anywhere else.

“On Free Comic Book Day, be sure to get to your local comic book shop early because this special book is guaranteed to run out fast and become an instant collector’s item!” said Archaia Marketing Manager Mel Caylo.

Below is the complete solicitation for Archaia’s 2012 Free Comic Book Day offering:

MOUSE GUARD, LABYRINTH AND OTHER STORIES
Original Graphic Novel Hardcover
2012 Free Comic Book Day
Retail Price: Free
Page Count: 48 pages
Format: Hardcover with no dust jacket (paper over board), 6” x 9”, full color
UPC: 811514010689 00311
Country: U.S.

Written by Jeremy Bastian, Nate Cosby, Royden Lepp, Jim McCann, Ted Naifeh and David Petersen
Illustrated by Jeremy Bastian, Chris Eliopoulos, Cory Godbey, Janet Lee, Royden Lepp and David Petersen
Cover by David Petersen

This Free Comic Book Day, Archaia offers readers the chance to experience history in the making with a FREE, gorgeous, 48-page, 6” x 9” full color hardcover original graphic novel featuring all-new material! David Petersen returns with an all-new Mouse Guard tale that’s guaranteed to tug at your heartstrings! Lose yourself once again in Jim Henson’s amazing world of Labyrinth, featuring a fantastical story from Eisner Award nominee Ted Naifeh (Courtney Crumrin) and Cory Godbey (Fraggle Rock). Get a new perspective on Jet Jones in Royden Lepp’s critically acclaimed Rust, with a short story seen through the eyes of younger brother Oswald Taylor. Jeremy Bastian’s acclaimed Cursed Pirate Girl hits the high seas in this whimsical, swashbuckling tale of wonderland journeys and unimaginable dangers. Nate Cosby (Pigs) and Chris Eliopoulos (Franklin Richards) present Cow Boy, a comedy/western that tells the tale of a young bounty hunter determined to send his entire outlaw family to jail. And Jim McCann and Janet Lee follow up their Eisner Award-winning Return of the Dapper Men with an all-new short story that leads into the upcoming sequel, Time of the Dapper Men. Witness the origin of a new, major character! And…the return of 41?!

About Archaia Entertainment

Archaia Entertainment is a multi-award-winning graphic novel publisher with more than 50 renowned publishing brands, including such domestic and international hits as Mouse Guard, Return of the Dapper Men, Gunnerkrigg Court, Awakening, The Killer, Days Missing, Tumor, Syndrome, Artesia, The Engineer, and an entire line of The Jim Henson Company graphic novels, including Tale of Sand, which is based on an unproduced screenplay discovered in the Henson Archives. Archaia has built an unparalleled reputation for producing meaningful content that perpetually transforms minds, building one of the industry’s most visually stunning and eclectic slates of graphic novels. Archaia was named Graphic Novel Publisher of the Year according to Ain’t it Cool News, Graphic Policy, and Comic Related, and was honored with nine 2011 Eisner Awards nominations. Archaia has also successfully emerged as a prolific storyteller in all facets of the entertainment industry, extending their popular brands into film, television, gaming, and branded digital media.