While shopping at the local grocery store, I saw something that struck me as very cool. I saw a family, a mother and four kids shopping for their groceries. One of the kids was sitting in the grocery cart, his nose and attention fully stuck in what I believe was to be a copy of Jeff Smith's Bone. I didn't want to get to close so as to seem nosy, but the point was that this kid was immersed into this comic. It was awesome to see this young person's attention completely in that comic, even while being wheeled around.

I remember some of my "comic bliss" moments. One that comes to mind is when I found a copy of Watchmen at my local library while in college. I sat and poured through that book from cover to cover instead of studying. When it was over, the only way I can describe it is, "Whoa." I hadn't seen many comics like that before with its detail and intricate storyline, not to mention the sophisticated themes throughout It totally had me.

Another was in finding a copy of Astro City Vol. 2 #3, which would complete my collection of that run. It was honestly a bit overpriced, but I had to have it. The elation of finding that elusive item (a bit before the eBay craze) that I had been looking for was high and strong. It was like a piece of the puzzle had finally been put into place and I could almost hear an audible click.

Those moments are great and when you can find them, savor them for all their worth.

What about you? What has been some of your comic bliss moments?

Exclusive!

Bluewater Productions is announcing the latest of the Female Force line of bi-monthly comic books with Caroline Kennedy in the spotlight this time.

From the Press Release:

CAROLINE KENNEDY TO BE FEATURED IN FEMALE FORCE COMIC SERIES

As part of its continuing series to feature influential and iconic women, Bluewater Productions unveiled the next subject for it Female Force comic series: Caroline Kennedy.

The daughter of President John F. Kennedy and current aspirant for Hillary Clinton's soon-to-be-vacated U.S. Senate seat, Kennedy, an accomplished author, attorney and education advocate, will be featured in the June issue of the bi-monthly series.

Bluewater chose Kennedy as its next comic book subject before the news broke of her interest in New York politics. “She was on the short list before all the hype about the Senate seat. She is an amazing person who has done a lot for education,” said publisher Darren G. Davis.

“I hope readers enjoy my rendition of one of the most influential families in political history,” said artist Vinnie Tartamella.

The latest addition to the Female Force series follows the biographies of Sen. Clinton, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin and Michelle Obama, announced earlier this year. Female Force comic books showcase influential women who are making and shaping modern history. The “Sarah Palin: Female Force” comic book is available for order through Diamond Distributors, order code DEC083826.

About Bluewater Productions:

Bluewater Productions, Inc., is one of the top independent production studios of comic books, young adult books and graphic novels. Its extensive catalog of titles includes the bestsellers 10th MUSE, VSS and THE LEGEND OF ISIS. Bluewater publishes comic books with legendary filmmaker Ray Harryhausen and soon will launch a series in conjunction with sci-fi icon William Shatner. Bluewater aims to unite cutting-edge art and engaging stories produced by its stable of the publishing industry’s top artists and writers. For more information, visit www.bluewaterprod.com.

High-resolution images and interview opportunities are available upon request.

For more information, please contact:
Jason Schultz, Bluewater Productions
(360) 828-1696
jason@bluewatercomics.com
www.bluewaterprod.com

The political frenzy that has held America the past year or so has been an interesting ride. I for one, am glad to see all the campaigning, especially the negative ones, go back onto the shelf for another few more years. That being said, it has been cool to see the comic books that have come out of this political storm. I've liked to see this run of comics, especially as they don't seem to have an agenda, but rather look to point the spotlight on some strong and independent women who have worked so hard for what they believe in.

Image Copyright Bluewater Productions

Become A Member Of The Hero InitiativeThe Hero Initiative has recently announced that you can now become a member of the organization to help support their work to help those comic book creators in need. The Hero Initiative is a great organization that educates creators on how to prepare for the future, gives aid to those that can't take care of themselves, and works to make the lives of creators better everywhere.

From The Press Release:

"The Hero Initiative announced today that annual memberships for the organization are now available for purchase. There are four levels of membership: Bronze, Silver, Gold and Excelsior!

A Bronze membership costs $29 and includes: a personalized membership card (which will arrive approximately 4-5 weeks after you sign up), a quarterly newsletter and a Hero Initiative sketch card from a randomly selected artist. Artists include Mike Bencic, Dan Brereton, Dick Giordano, Bob Hall, Dan Jurgens, Mike Mayhew, George Pérez, Joe Quesada, John Romita Sr., Dave Simons, Jim Valentino, Carly Wagner, Bob Wiacek, Richard Zajac and more!

A Silver membership costs $99 and includes: all of the Bronze perks, plus a Hero Initiative T-shirt (your choice of Dawn or Hero Hand), a copy of the Marvel Then and Now DVD and a copy of The Unusual Suspects graphic novel.

A Gold membership costs $250 and includes: all of the Silver perks, plus invitations to Hero Initiative VIP Members-Only parties at 2009's Wizard World Los Angeles and Wizard World Chicago.

An Excelsior! membership costs $500 and includes: all of the Gold perks, plus your flat item (maximum size 11” x 17”), signed and personalized by the one and only Stan Lee."

I've always liked the philosophy of The Hero Initiative, where they don't just ask for donations, but rather give something back instead. Each of the memberships listed above has "perks" that give the comic fan something back for their contribution. This is a great way for fans to give and get in the new year.

Image Copyright Hero Initiative

I saw a great childrens book this weekend called The Wall by Peter Sis. The thing that drew my attention to it was that it wasn't like most traditional books for children, as it also had elements of a comic book. The content was another aspect that was different. The Wall tells the story of how Sis grew up in Communist Czechoslovakia, loving to draw and trying to find a voice in a world where his artistic expression was confined and constrained, forcing him to find secretive ways in which to display the creativity that burst within him. It is a touching book that helps to illustrate censorship, intellectual freedom, following your true self. If you get a chance, you might pick one up from you library or book store to check out. I found it to be a great read. If you are into autobiographical comics then I'm sure you or your little one will enjoy this book.

The Wall ©2007 by Peter Sís. Used with the permission of Farrar, Straus and Giroux.