Comic Geeks Kickstarter Project 15 Days Left

This web series kickstarter could use your donations. Also while I am a recurring actor in the show I will not be getting any of the funds they need. So please tweet, blog, or share this kickstarter with others.

An Interview With Cos-player Cara Nicole/AZ Powergirl

I met Ms. Nicole at C2-E2 this year and she was kind enough to agree to this interview. If you want to learn more about her after reading this check out her site at http://azpowergirl.com/ or facebook.com/azpowergirl. She is also on Deviantart.com and modelmayhem.com/azpowergirl.

1.     Do you think cos-play should be considered a form of acting?

It could be. Some people just want to wear the costume while others want to embody the character. It really depends on the intention behind the cosplay.

2.     What companies have you done promotion work for?

Pop Culture Experience, Marvel Comics, Bianca Thompson, Crucidel Productions, 183 Degree Studio (before I became part owner),  Funco Mania, Big City Comics, Vigilante Project, Radiobox, I’m on the cover of some books for author Michael Bradley, Many,  many conventions including Rapture Horror Expo which I helped run, I’ve done media work for Geek News Network, Geeksociated Press, and WGTR. That’s all I can think of right now. There is always more.

Oh yea, I’m also on a Magic Card and in D&D Magazine

       3. Which is the best convention for people starting out in cos-play?

Whatever convention is close to home. You can always go back and make repairs and if it becomes overwhelming you have your own people and place to go back to.

4.     Any advice for actors who are looking for a niche to show off their abilities? Example being your use of cos-play at conventions.

Do what you love. If you’re happy on stage go for theatre and if you prefer a camera do that. People always need extras as well. I love being on the fly and interacting with people so cosplay is great for that. 

5.     Where does cos-play fall on the geek hierarchy in your opinion?

So far I haven’t been shoved into a locker or been given a swirly so I think it’s pretty good.

6.     Finally do you have any film or convention appearances coming up that  people should know about?

 Motor City Comicon May 17,18,19

Phoenix Comicon May 23,24,25,26

Denver Comicon May 31-June 2

Albuquerque Comic Expo June 21-23

Roswell Cosmicon June 28-30

Twitter Option

If you want to see my interests and thoughts I now have a twitter account @rippersspot though I will keep updating this blog in my irregular way.

Brief Rant about Kids Comics

     Let's face it we need more comics like Adventure Time, Sonic The Hedgehog, or something along the lines of a new Classics Illustrated to be available to kids. These comics also have to be accessible either digitally or in print, but preferably digitally for kids to read. Schools also need to allow these kid friendly comics to be provided as an option for any reading lists elementary kids do for rewards like pizza.

    Why do I think this is important well look at test scores and literacy rates. Not to mention that every child learns differently and for some comics are an answer. There is also the factors of promoting art, art appreciation, a love of reading, and a stronger vocabulary in children's lives and minds.

Last of the First Wizard World Saint Louis Series Of Posts

This is just going to be brief bullet point opinions about the John Shea And Dean Cain Panel:

Jai Nitz needs to in the future ask shorter questions.

John Shea is a great storyteller when describing past events.

Dean Cain is not as memorable in his storytelling, but one can now use video reminders of panels to remember what he said.

As a whole it was a great panel.

Also this past wednesday I was filmed by Joshua Coppenbarger for a documentary he is doing the on St. Louis comic community. Hopefully I will make it past the editing process.

Neiljam comics creator Neil Fitzpatrick Interview

This interview was conducted via e-mail with Neil Fitzpatrick the creator of Neiljam comics. The answer are after each question.

Q) When did you decide you wanted to be a comic creator?

I don't think there was a light switch moment when I suddenly "knew."  I got a lot of inspiration when I attended my fist couple of comic conventions while in high school.  I picked up a lot of great self published comics that to me were as good, if not better, than anything I'd ever read by the "big" publishers.  I suppose not long after that I came up with the basic foundation of what would ultimately become the comics universe I've been fiddling with ever since.


Q) For those out there considering making their first comic what advice would you give them?

Just do it!  Your first endeavor may not turn out as great as you hoped, but you'll learn a lot as you go and will only improve as you move forward.  Also, you have to be open to criticism-- Not only for the sake of improving, but because it will always be there.  So you might as well get used to it.


Q) Any thoughts on digital versus print in regards to getting recognition for independent comics?

Generally speaking, I think the line between print and digital is getting more and more blurred. Personally, I am of the mind to do it all.  I put stuff up online with the intent of repurposing it into books.  I suppose each creator has to find his or her own ideal path.


Q) Do you think media stereotypes regarding a lack of female comic fans affect how women creators view male creator? (A simple yes or no will do for an answer here.)

That is a rather complicated questions.  So instead of a yes or no, I think I will opt for "I have no idea."


Q) If you were to have an action figure or board game based on one of your characters, whom would you prefer?

Well, I think Jerry, my all encompassing bird character, would work best for a board game.  He can take on any role, which I think would serve him well in having an entire board game based around him.  As for an action figure, I'm not so sure a diminutive little bird like Jerry would work for that.  I think I'd opt for Me as an action figure.  I am now a character in my comics universe, and feel like I have what it takes to make for a good action figure.  I ooze action!

Wizard World St. Louis and My Opinions

I must say I was a little surprised that most of the advertising for Wizard World St. Louis was, for the most part, a last minute blitz of ads. I have to wonder what the degree of communication for marketing to advertising was and if this was done on purpose.

In regards to the attendance it was a little light on sunday due to the rain and snow but overall a healthy enough turnout. The amount of people was so good that a second Wizard World St. Louis is planned for next year. I am looking forward to future versions of this convention.

The Walking Dead WWSTL convention exclusive was pretty much stolen by several retailers offering 5 to 20 dollars for something people could turn around and sell for more on online.