I went to see Judith Owen play in downtown Los Gatos last night for their weekly "Jazz on the Plaz" Summer concert series. She was good and funny, but the real treat for me was the appearance of her bassist, the actor/voice artist Harry Shearer, best known as the voice of Mr. Burns and Smithers on "The Simpsons".
Shearer was very good on the bass and took everything seriously, until the intermission when he was handed the microphone to read the concert sponsors. One of the sponsors was Alameda Funeral Home. Shearer proceeded to read the list in the voice of Mr. Burns, and when he got to the funeral home listing, he said, "I will be seeing you soon!". He also did a bit of Smithers.
After the show, people crowded around Ms. Owen to buy her CDs and to get her autograph. I was more enthralled with meeting Harry. I went up and called to him and spoke with him a few minutes about "Spinal Tap" and "A Mighty Wind". He said that they are working on another "Spinal Tap" reunion.
Harry was very nice and then I asked for his autograph. Not having anything for him to sign, I pulled out one of my business cards and he signed the back. I thanked him and shook his hand.
I told this story to my friend Lee, and he asked if I got a photo. I said no, and now I am kicking myself because I just purchased a new cell phone that has better photo capabilities than my old phone. I've got to get into the habit of taking photos when the situation presents itself.
Anyway, it was a very fun evening.
PS: I just discovered that Harry Shearer has been married to Judith Owen since 1993, so no wonder he tags along to her concerts.....
Thursday, August 07, 2008
Saturday, August 02, 2008
Re: [Richie Rich's Vault] Harvey Art Show Report
Here's a link to more photos! These were taken by Lee Hester...
http://s131.photobucket.com/albums/p299/Leescomics/August/
-Moderator Mark.
At 10:39 AM 8/2/2008, you wrote:
http://s131.photobucket.com/albums/p299/Leescomics/August/
-Moderator Mark.
At 10:39 AM 8/2/2008, you wrote:
I'm happy to report that the Harvey Art Show Opening Celebration was a success.
I drove up with Aaron Carnes (a friend of mine who shot video footage) and Lee Hester of Lee's Comics in my car and got to the Cartoon Art Museum in San Francisco about 6pm. Andrew Farago and Summerlea Kashar of the museum greeted us while they were setting up the tables with food and drink in the gallery.
The gallery looked pretty much the same as I had seen it in early July, but now my pieces of text about Harvey Comics were professionally mounted on boards instead of the simple paper printouts pasted on the wall. Also, there was a nice banner of the same image from the postcards of all the Harvey characters flying into the sky in the front window and in the gallery itself was a huge stencil on the wall featuring the title of the show utilizing the original "Richie Rich" and "Wendy the Witch" logos.
(Incidentally, for those who have asked, the reason for using Richie Rich and Wendy in the title is to give a male/female representation as well as the fact that "Rich" and "Witch" rhyme.)
As we weren't really needed to set up (besides bringing some cider and copies of my book and "THFT!"), Aaron, Lee and I decided to get a quick bite at a Chinese restaurant a couple of doors down. I'm glad we did, because during the show, there was really no time for me to eat. In fact, the only time I ate, was when we served cake and at the end of the show when I finally got a drink.
Aaron, Lee and I had a good meal, and waltzed back in at around 7:05, five minutes after the show was scheduled to start. Although I had at least two guests with me, I was so happy to find probably 15-20 people milling about the gallery.
I made my way to the back of the room and behind the scenes where I saw the cake provided by Goldilocks, a bakery located next to Lee's Comics in Mountain View. (BTW, to give you scale for those living outside the Bay Area, Lee's Comics is about 40 miles south of San Francisco.)
The cake had a silk-screened sugar layer picturing the Harvey Art Show postcard and my book, "The Best of The Harveyville Fun Times!" in full color on the top. It was pre-sliced and looked great. (Tasted good, too!)
Dave Holt spotted me and yelled (in his normal quiet and reserved way), "MARK, WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN?!" I explained that we were eating next door and that we were waiting for the show to begin before we made our appearance. We also met up with Lee's 6'7" son, Lee the 4th, commonly referred to as "the boy" by Lee, Sr. and me.
Just then, I saw Linda Rose (wife of Skeet Rose and owner of Goldilocks) in a back room suiting up as Richie Rich. She said that she would do it if we couldn't find anyone else. Linda's sister was suiting up as Casper. Skeet (who owns the RR and Casper suits as well as a lot of the art pages in the show) was helping them suit up. Linda and Skeet's daughter was there as well.
Soon, they were ready and walked out. I, and many others snapped photos of the two and with the two. I would say the crowd was probably around 30 or so by this time.
I peered around the corner and saw my dad (David) and his friend Janice, and I got them to come to the back and pose with Richie and Casper. My dad was impressed that I was able to pull this off, which is quite a remarkable statement as he usually doesn't give two figs about all the art and writing projects I do.
After many, many, many photos, we finally walked Richie Rich and Casper into the main room where the food, cake and artwork was all displayed. Everyone in the room turned and smiled at their appearance and many more photos were taken.
I started to look around to see if I could spot anyone that I knew. A few people approached me that I knew of but had never met face-to-face in this world of ComicSpace, Facebook and the Richie Rich's Vault Yahoo! group. I'm mention them briefly here as JG Book, Jeff Plotkin and Alex Schumacher. Of course, I met many other people but I either didn't exchange names or (horrors!) I didn't remember their names!
Anyway, a few comic book notables did make their way to the show, for which I am eternally grateful. You never know when you set these things up and promote them who's going to attend. So, I was very happy to see Dark Horse's Shawna Gore there with her husband (who flew out from Oregon especially for this show!) I also saw and spoke with Trina Robbins and Steve Leialoha, Fantagraphic's Gary Groth, and "Emily the Strange's" Rob Reger. I hope I'm not leaving anyone out.
Everyone was chit-chatting about and the crowd peaked at possibly 50 or 60, maybe more. I couldn't tell, nor did I do an official count. People could roam about the entire museum which included exhibitions on the late Phil Frank of "Farley" fame and Keith Knight of "K Chronicles" and "(Th)ink" fame. There is also a fourth room of random artwork from various eras owned by the museum and a room with very rare animation cels and a flatscreen TV that was playing the disc I provided of old public domain Famous Studios cartoons from 1945-1950 that feature Harvey characters like Casper, Little Audrey, Herman and Buzzy.
Around 8 or 8:30 or so, Andrew got everyone into the Harvey Art space and made a quick speech of thanks to Dave Holt, Skeet Rose and myself. I think Dave said a few words of thanks, but I, for whatever reasons did not really say a thing. I kind of wanted to but the moment passed and it would have been hard to get everyone's attention back, so I let it go.
Had I said something, I would have thanked everyone for attending and pointed out some of the people I am mentioning on this write-up, but it worked out all right. I proceeded to "cut" the pre-sliced cake and hand it out to everyone. As I was wearing a suit, I didn't want to mess myself up, so I only did a row of about six or seven slices before I went back to shmoozing. The last cake I sliced, I ate.
After this short ceremony, people slowing began to leave. I decided to take this opportunity to film and opening and the closing to the show for the video version, so Lee, Aaron and I went out to film this. It took a little longer than I thought and when I got back in, many people thought I had left my own show. I explained about the footage we had just shot.
Aaron was good about getting coverage of everything including close-ups of each piece of artwork and brief soundbites from Trina and Shawna and others.
While shooting this stuff, my friend Cristina Ramirez showed up. She had previously told me she would be coming late, but she did show up and I was grateful. I'm always happy when any friend shows up.
Everything was winding down. A few copies of my book and "THFT!" were purchased as well as a few copies of the Dark Horse collections, all of which were available in the bookshop. I signed a couple of copies as well. At this time, my Art Director for "THFT!" S. Eddy Bell showed up with his wife and we took more photos. I didn't recognize him at first as he was not wearing his glasses.
I said my goodbyes as people slowly filed out, took more photos, and soon it was just Lee, Aaron, Dave, Cris, Cris' friend (sorry, I forgot your name!), "the boy", S. Eddy, his wife (sorry here, too), and the Cartoon Art staff. It was about 9:30 at this time.
Everyone parted ways and I took Aaron, Lee and "the boy" back down to Lee's and eventually home.
I uploaded a number of images from the Cartoon Art Museum Opening that I took at Photobucket at http://s218.photobucket.com/albums/cc49/thft_2007/Harvey%20Art%20Show%20Opening%20Reception/
There is a lot of video footage as well and other photos I didn't take. More soon.
Regards,
MARK ARNOLD
Fun Ideas Productions - P. O. Box 2616 - Saratoga, CA 95070
_________________________________________________________
Please click on my web sites:
Fun Ideas Productions - http://funideas.home.att.net
Beatles Blog - http://beatlesbook.blogspot.com/
The Harveyville Fun Times! - http://thft.home.att.net
Richie Rich's Vault - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/richierichsvault
Mark's Rare Comics - http://rarecomics.home.att.net
So Rare! Collectibles - http://sorare.home.att.net
Food Shop - http://foodshop.home.att.net
Blog - http://fun-ideas.blogspot.com
Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=629368169
MySpace - http://www.myspace.com/fun_ideas_productions
ComicSpace - http://www.comicspace.com/mark_arnold/
Buy my Book: "The Best of The Harveyville Fun Times!" -
http://www.amazon.com/Best-Harveyville-Fun-Times/dp/1847283683
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Harvey Art Show Report
I'm happy to report that the Harvey Art Show Opening Celebration was a success.
I drove up with Aaron Carnes (a friend of mine who shot video footage) and Lee Hester of Lee's Comics in my car and got to the Cartoon Art Museum in San Francisco about 6pm. Andrew Farago and Summerlea Kashar of the museum greeted us while they were setting up the tables with food and drink in the gallery.
The gallery looked pretty much the same as I had seen it in early July, but now my pieces of text about Harvey Comics were professionally mounted on boards instead of the simple paper printouts pasted on the wall. Also, there was a nice banner of the same image from the postcards of all the Harvey characters flying into the sky in the front window and in the gallery itself was a huge stencil on the wall featuring the title of the show utilizing the original "Richie Rich" and "Wendy the Witch" logos.
(Incidentally, for those who have asked, the reason for using Richie Rich and Wendy in the title is to give a male/female representation as well as the fact that "Rich" and "Witch" rhyme.)
As we weren't really needed to set up (besides bringing some cider and copies of my book and "THFT!"), Aaron, Lee and I decided to get a quick bite at a Chinese restaurant a couple of doors down. I'm glad we did, because during the show, there was really no time for me to eat. In fact, the only time I ate, was when we served cake and at the end of the show when I finally got a drink.
Aaron, Lee and I had a good meal, and waltzed back in at around 7:05, five minutes after the show was scheduled to start. Although I had at least two guests with me, I was so happy to find probably 15-20 people milling about the gallery.
I made my way to the back of the room and behind the scenes where I saw the cake provided by Goldilocks, a bakery located next to Lee's Comics in Mountain View. (BTW, to give you scale for those living outside the Bay Area, Lee's Comics is about 40 miles south of San Francisco.)
The cake had a silk-screened sugar layer picturing the Harvey Art Show postcard and my book, "The Best of The Harveyville Fun Times!" in full color on the top. It was pre-sliced and looked great. (Tasted good, too!)
Dave Holt spotted me and yelled (in his normal quiet and reserved way), "MARK, WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN?!" I explained that we were eating next door and that we were waiting for the show to begin before we made our appearance. We also met up with Lee's 6'7" son, Lee the 4th, commonly referred to as "the boy" by Lee, Sr. and me.
Just then, I saw Linda Rose (wife of Skeet Rose and owner of Goldilocks) in a back room suiting up as Richie Rich. She said that she would do it if we couldn't find anyone else. Linda's sister was suiting up as Casper. Skeet (who owns the RR and Casper suits as well as a lot of the art pages in the show) was helping them suit up. Linda and Skeet's daughter was there as well.
Soon, they were ready and walked out. I, and many others snapped photos of the two and with the two. I would say the crowd was probably around 30 or so by this time.
I peered around the corner and saw my dad (David) and his friend Janice, and I got them to come to the back and pose with Richie and Casper. My dad was impressed that I was able to pull this off, which is quite a remarkable statement as he usually doesn't give two figs about all the art and writing projects I do.
After many, many, many photos, we finally walked Richie Rich and Casper into the main room where the food, cake and artwork was all displayed. Everyone in the room turned and smiled at their appearance and many more photos were taken.
I started to look around to see if I could spot anyone that I knew. A few people approached me that I knew of but had never met face-to-face in this world of ComicSpace, Facebook and the Richie Rich's Vault Yahoo! group. I'm mention them briefly here as JG Book, Jeff Plotkin and Alex Schumacher. Of course, I met many other people but I either didn't exchange names or (horrors!) I didn't remember their names!
Anyway, a few comic book notables did make their way to the show, for which I am eternally grateful. You never know when you set these things up and promote them who's going to attend. So, I was very happy to see Dark Horse's Shawna Gore there with her husband (who flew out from Oregon especially for this show!) I also saw and spoke with Trina Robbins and Steve Leialoha, Fantagraphic's Gary Groth, and "Emily the Strange's" Rob Reger. I hope I'm not leaving anyone out.
Everyone was chit-chatting about and the crowd peaked at possibly 50 or 60, maybe more. I couldn't tell, nor did I do an official count. People could roam about the entire museum which included exhibitions on the late Phil Frank of "Farley" fame and Keith Knight of "K Chronicles" and "(Th)ink" fame. There is also a fourth room of random artwork from various eras owned by the museum and a room with very rare animation cels and a flatscreen TV that was playing the disc I provided of old public domain Famous Studios cartoons from 1945-1950 that feature Harvey characters like Casper, Little Audrey, Herman and Buzzy.
Around 8 or 8:30 or so, Andrew got everyone into the Harvey Art space and made a quick speech of thanks to Dave Holt, Skeet Rose and myself. I think Dave said a few words of thanks, but I, for whatever reasons did not really say a thing. I kind of wanted to but the moment passed and it would have been hard to get everyone's attention back, so I let it go.
Had I said something, I would have thanked everyone for attending and pointed out some of the people I am mentioning on this write-up, but it worked out all right. I proceeded to "cut" the pre-sliced cake and hand it out to everyone. As I was wearing a suit, I didn't want to mess myself up, so I only did a row of about six or seven slices before I went back to shmoozing. The last cake I sliced, I ate.
After this short ceremony, people slowing began to leave. I decided to take this opportunity to film and opening and the closing to the show for the video version, so Lee, Aaron and I went out to film this. It took a little longer than I thought and when I got back in, many people thought I had left my own show. I explained about the footage we had just shot.
Aaron was good about getting coverage of everything including close-ups of each piece of artwork and brief soundbites from Trina and Shawna and others.
While shooting this stuff, my friend Cristina Ramirez showed up. She had previously told me she would be coming late, but she did show up and I was grateful. I'm always happy when any friend shows up.
Everything was winding down. A few copies of my book and "THFT!" were purchased as well as a few copies of the Dark Horse collections, all of which were available in the bookshop. I signed a couple of copies as well. At this time, my Art Director for "THFT!" S. Eddy Bell showed up with his wife and we took more photos. I didn't recognize him at first as he was not wearing his glasses.
I said my goodbyes as people slowly filed out, took more photos, and soon it was just Lee, Aaron, Dave, Cris, Cris' friend (sorry, I forgot your name!), "the boy", S. Eddy, his wife (sorry here, too), and the Cartoon Art staff. It was about 9:30 at this time.
Everyone parted ways and I took Aaron, Lee and "the boy" back down to Lee's and eventually home.
I uploaded a number of images from the Cartoon Art Museum Opening that I took at Photobucket at http://s218.photobucket.com/albums/cc49/thft_2007/Harvey%20Art%20Show%20Opening%20Reception/
There is a lot of video footage as well and other photos I didn't take. More soon.
MARK ARNOLD
Fun Ideas Productions - P. O. Box 2616 - Saratoga, CA 95070
_________________________________________________________
Please click on my web sites:
Fun Ideas Productions - http://funideas.home.att.net
Beatles Blog - http://beatlesbook.blogspot.com/
The Harveyville Fun Times! - http://thft.home.att.net
Richie Rich's Vault - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/richierichsvault
Mark's Rare Comics - http://rarecomics.home.att.net
So Rare! Collectibles - http://sorare.home.att.net
Food Shop - http://foodshop.home.att.net
Blog - http://fun-ideas.blogspot.com
Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=629368169
MySpace - http://www.myspace.com/fun_ideas_productions
ComicSpace - http://www.comicspace.com/mark_arnold/
Buy my Book: "The Best of The Harveyville Fun Times!" -
http://www.amazon.com/Best-Harveyville-Fun-Times/dp/1847283683
I drove up with Aaron Carnes (a friend of mine who shot video footage) and Lee Hester of Lee's Comics in my car and got to the Cartoon Art Museum in San Francisco about 6pm. Andrew Farago and Summerlea Kashar of the museum greeted us while they were setting up the tables with food and drink in the gallery.
The gallery looked pretty much the same as I had seen it in early July, but now my pieces of text about Harvey Comics were professionally mounted on boards instead of the simple paper printouts pasted on the wall. Also, there was a nice banner of the same image from the postcards of all the Harvey characters flying into the sky in the front window and in the gallery itself was a huge stencil on the wall featuring the title of the show utilizing the original "Richie Rich" and "Wendy the Witch" logos.
(Incidentally, for those who have asked, the reason for using Richie Rich and Wendy in the title is to give a male/female representation as well as the fact that "Rich" and "Witch" rhyme.)
As we weren't really needed to set up (besides bringing some cider and copies of my book and "THFT!"), Aaron, Lee and I decided to get a quick bite at a Chinese restaurant a couple of doors down. I'm glad we did, because during the show, there was really no time for me to eat. In fact, the only time I ate, was when we served cake and at the end of the show when I finally got a drink.
Aaron, Lee and I had a good meal, and waltzed back in at around 7:05, five minutes after the show was scheduled to start. Although I had at least two guests with me, I was so happy to find probably 15-20 people milling about the gallery.
I made my way to the back of the room and behind the scenes where I saw the cake provided by Goldilocks, a bakery located next to Lee's Comics in Mountain View. (BTW, to give you scale for those living outside the Bay Area, Lee's Comics is about 40 miles south of San Francisco.)
The cake had a silk-screened sugar layer picturing the Harvey Art Show postcard and my book, "The Best of The Harveyville Fun Times!" in full color on the top. It was pre-sliced and looked great. (Tasted good, too!)
Dave Holt spotted me and yelled (in his normal quiet and reserved way), "MARK, WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN?!" I explained that we were eating next door and that we were waiting for the show to begin before we made our appearance. We also met up with Lee's 6'7" son, Lee the 4th, commonly referred to as "the boy" by Lee, Sr. and me.
Just then, I saw Linda Rose (wife of Skeet Rose and owner of Goldilocks) in a back room suiting up as Richie Rich. She said that she would do it if we couldn't find anyone else. Linda's sister was suiting up as Casper. Skeet (who owns the RR and Casper suits as well as a lot of the art pages in the show) was helping them suit up. Linda and Skeet's daughter was there as well.
Soon, they were ready and walked out. I, and many others snapped photos of the two and with the two. I would say the crowd was probably around 30 or so by this time.
I peered around the corner and saw my dad (David) and his friend Janice, and I got them to come to the back and pose with Richie and Casper. My dad was impressed that I was able to pull this off, which is quite a remarkable statement as he usually doesn't give two figs about all the art and writing projects I do.
After many, many, many photos, we finally walked Richie Rich and Casper into the main room where the food, cake and artwork was all displayed. Everyone in the room turned and smiled at their appearance and many more photos were taken.
I started to look around to see if I could spot anyone that I knew. A few people approached me that I knew of but had never met face-to-face in this world of ComicSpace, Facebook and the Richie Rich's Vault Yahoo! group. I'm mention them briefly here as JG Book, Jeff Plotkin and Alex Schumacher. Of course, I met many other people but I either didn't exchange names or (horrors!) I didn't remember their names!
Anyway, a few comic book notables did make their way to the show, for which I am eternally grateful. You never know when you set these things up and promote them who's going to attend. So, I was very happy to see Dark Horse's Shawna Gore there with her husband (who flew out from Oregon especially for this show!) I also saw and spoke with Trina Robbins and Steve Leialoha, Fantagraphic's Gary Groth, and "Emily the Strange's" Rob Reger. I hope I'm not leaving anyone out.
Everyone was chit-chatting about and the crowd peaked at possibly 50 or 60, maybe more. I couldn't tell, nor did I do an official count. People could roam about the entire museum which included exhibitions on the late Phil Frank of "Farley" fame and Keith Knight of "K Chronicles" and "(Th)ink" fame. There is also a fourth room of random artwork from various eras owned by the museum and a room with very rare animation cels and a flatscreen TV that was playing the disc I provided of old public domain Famous Studios cartoons from 1945-1950 that feature Harvey characters like Casper, Little Audrey, Herman and Buzzy.
Around 8 or 8:30 or so, Andrew got everyone into the Harvey Art space and made a quick speech of thanks to Dave Holt, Skeet Rose and myself. I think Dave said a few words of thanks, but I, for whatever reasons did not really say a thing. I kind of wanted to but the moment passed and it would have been hard to get everyone's attention back, so I let it go.
Had I said something, I would have thanked everyone for attending and pointed out some of the people I am mentioning on this write-up, but it worked out all right. I proceeded to "cut" the pre-sliced cake and hand it out to everyone. As I was wearing a suit, I didn't want to mess myself up, so I only did a row of about six or seven slices before I went back to shmoozing. The last cake I sliced, I ate.
After this short ceremony, people slowing began to leave. I decided to take this opportunity to film and opening and the closing to the show for the video version, so Lee, Aaron and I went out to film this. It took a little longer than I thought and when I got back in, many people thought I had left my own show. I explained about the footage we had just shot.
Aaron was good about getting coverage of everything including close-ups of each piece of artwork and brief soundbites from Trina and Shawna and others.
While shooting this stuff, my friend Cristina Ramirez showed up. She had previously told me she would be coming late, but she did show up and I was grateful. I'm always happy when any friend shows up.
Everything was winding down. A few copies of my book and "THFT!" were purchased as well as a few copies of the Dark Horse collections, all of which were available in the bookshop. I signed a couple of copies as well. At this time, my Art Director for "THFT!" S. Eddy Bell showed up with his wife and we took more photos. I didn't recognize him at first as he was not wearing his glasses.
I said my goodbyes as people slowly filed out, took more photos, and soon it was just Lee, Aaron, Dave, Cris, Cris' friend (sorry, I forgot your name!), "the boy", S. Eddy, his wife (sorry here, too), and the Cartoon Art staff. It was about 9:30 at this time.
Everyone parted ways and I took Aaron, Lee and "the boy" back down to Lee's and eventually home.
I uploaded a number of images from the Cartoon Art Museum Opening that I took at Photobucket at http://s218.photobucket.com/albums/cc49/thft_2007/Harvey%20Art%20Show%20Opening%20Reception/
There is a lot of video footage as well and other photos I didn't take. More soon.
MARK ARNOLD
Fun Ideas Productions - P. O. Box 2616 - Saratoga, CA 95070
_________________________________________________________
Please click on my web sites:
Fun Ideas Productions - http://funideas.home.att.net
Beatles Blog - http://beatlesbook.blogspot.com/
The Harveyville Fun Times! - http://thft.home.att.net
Richie Rich's Vault - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/richierichsvault
Mark's Rare Comics - http://rarecomics.home.att.net
So Rare! Collectibles - http://sorare.home.att.net
Food Shop - http://foodshop.home.att.net
Blog - http://fun-ideas.blogspot.com
Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=629368169
MySpace - http://www.myspace.com/fun_ideas_productions
ComicSpace - http://www.comicspace.com/mark_arnold/
Buy my Book: "The Best of The Harveyville Fun Times!" -
http://www.amazon.com/Best-Harveyville-Fun-Times/dp/1847283683
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
2008 San Diego Comic Con International Report
I went to Comic Con International for the third and possibly final time with Lee Hester of Lee's Comics. We left on Tuesday, July 22, when Lee informed me on the ride down in his large white van that this would be his last show after 22 appearances at the show. His reasons were numerous but mainly due to three things, little return on investment (although Lee's has shown a growing profit each year at the show, this profit is always paid back to the Con to reserve space for the following year), Hollywood's continued takeover of the Con (effectively pushing out the little guy, like comic book dealers), and the Convention Hall making much tighter restrictions on how and when people can bring in and remove their wares.
As we left at 6am, the drive was without incident and after a couple of stops, we arrived at the Con about 2pm, making very good time. At the convention, we met up with the incomparable Ron Murry, the nomadic comic book dealer that has been sharing Lee's booth with us for the past few years.
After three or four trips, we moved all of the stuff inside the Convention Hall and started to shape the booth. We left around 7pm and I was already exhausted, but had a great meal at Filippi's Pizza Grotto ( www.realcheesepizza.com), a great Italian restaurant that has meatballs the size of your fist, and family style meals that you can buy with $15 per person or less. Usually less.
We also checked into our hotel at Little Italy, La Pensione ( www.lapensionehotel.com), the last San Diego hotel bargain during the Convention at a little over $100 a night.
Filippi's was so good that we also ate there on Wed. and Thurs. nights. It's also a hit with other Con goers as we saw Marv Wolfman and Jim Valentino there, among others. Jerry Boyd joined us on the Thurs. night meal.
After a good night's sleep, we went back to the Con (usually walking or via Taxi) and shaped up Lee's booth. This literally took all day, but we were ready in time for the "Early Bird" show that last from approximately 6-9pm on Wed. evening.
Lee brought a lot of cool stuff. He brought his stock of Pure Hero shirts ( http://www.purehero.com/) that has been the hit of the show for the last couple of years. He also brought Duck & Cover buttons and stickers (also very successful) and a goodly amount of 50% off comics (comics Lee has had since 2006 that haven't been selling) and his $2.00 comic selection from the "Hey Kids Comics" spinner rack that features choice stuff in great condition from the 50s to the 80s (a REALLY good deal). He also had a brand new stock of recent acquisitions for sale at full price, but always at a fair price and fairly graded. (Lee's is one of the best in the business in this regard. He also does mail order.) Check out www.lcomics.com for more details or visit his shop on Ebay.
Jerry Boyd, Jerry Beck, Maggie Thompson, Grant Geissman, John Lustig, and Amy Lumet among others, all visited the booth.
Thursday morning was the BIG DAY. Long day, too. I met up with Dark Horse Comics, Scott Shaw!, Dan Parent, when I had the chance to sneak away from the booth, but it was a busy, busy day.
Friday was more of the same, but I found out this day that the Charles M. Schulz Museum was giving away buttons with rare "Peanuts" characters. A customer (I forgot her name) who told me about them, was nice enough to go there and try to get me a "Charlotte Braun" button, but they were out. She did get me a "Jose Peterson" on Saturday, and I got my own "Shermy" on Sunday. Incidentally, the Wed. button was "Violet & Patty" and the Thursday button was "3 & 4", but those were LOOONNNNG gone as they only pressed 1000 of each button. They will probably auction off a complete set on Ebay if anyone is interested.
I finally got the Cartoon Art Museum postcards for my Harvey show and began distributing them. EVERYONE who saw one was impressed.
That evening Lee and I dressed up for the Eisner Awards. The presenters included Sergio Aragones, Al Jaffee, Samuel L. Jackson, Jackie Estrada, Joe Ferrara, Joe Field, Paul Dini and his lovely wife Misty, and the festivities were MC'd by Bill Morrison and his lovely wife Kayre.
Saturday I finally made it across the room to the Artist's Alley. I ALWAYS complain that the Artist's Alley is completely at the opposite end of the room from the comic books that they work on with the impassable Hollywood section in the middle. Anyway, I did get across and met up with Pat and Shelly Block, Jorge Pacheco, Jerry Robinson, and others.
Meanwhile, while I was away, Lee gave space to R.S. Rhine of "Girls and Corpses" magazine ( www.girlsandcorpses.com) for a signing, but this really cut into our sales that day, much to Lee's chagrin. Meanwhile, Richard Dreyfus and Peter David were doing a signing one row over from us and I snapped a couple of pictures.
Later, Ron, his friend and helper Ken, Lee, Tom Orzechowski and I went to a different Italian restaurant (forgot the name) and had a nice meal.
Sunday I went over to John Morrow of Two Morrow's Publication to say hi. I am currently writing for Michael Eury's "Back Issue" magazine, that John publishes.
The show was over at 7, but then the real work began of the deconstruction of the booth, but we made it out of there in record time, less than two hours, with Ron and Ken's help. We then ate at yet another Italian restaurant and called it a night.
Lee and I got up relatively early on Monday morning, and headed home. Though Lee was kind of tired, we did make it with a few stops in about the same amount of time that it took to get there, about seven hours, arriving home about 3pm.
I will have to restructure the way I do San Diego should I continue to go as Lee will not be having a table. An early idea is to work for Ron (who is continuing to do the show) and Graham Crackers Comics (who is assuming the rest of Lee's old space), but I have about 355 days to think about it. Lee and I did reserve the hotel for next July at La Pensione and I will either stay with him or other friends, depending on what Lee wants to do, or if he even goes as a spectator. He will not have a booth.
Overall, I had a great time, but as always because of working at the booth, didn't see nearly as much as I could have, had I not been "chained" to a booth. This was a minor issue, as I did get around as much as I could, and made good contacts.
You can see all of the images that I took at the Con (save for a couple of bad takes) on my Photobucket account at http://s218.photobucket.com/albums/cc49/thft_2007/San%20Diego%202008/ . Permission is given for anyone to use these images, just please give me credit on any photo used.
MARK ARNOLD
Fun Ideas Productions - P. O. Box 2616 - Saratoga, CA 95070
_________________________________________________________
Please click on my web sites:
Fun Ideas Productions - http://funideas.home.att.net
Beatles Blog - http://beatlesbook.blogspot.com/
The Harveyville Fun Times! - http://thft.home.att.net
Richie Rich's Vault - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/richierichsvault
Mark's Rare Comics - http://rarecomics.home.att.net
So Rare! Collectibles - http://sorare.home.att.net
Food Shop - http://foodshop.home.att.net
Blog - http://fun-ideas.blogspot.com
Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=629368169
MySpace - http://www.myspace.com/fun_ideas_productions
ComicSpace - http://www.comicspace.com/mark_arnold/
Buy my Book: "The Best of The Harveyville Fun Times!" -
http://www.amazon.com/Best-Harveyville-Fun-Times/dp/1847283683
As we left at 6am, the drive was without incident and after a couple of stops, we arrived at the Con about 2pm, making very good time. At the convention, we met up with the incomparable Ron Murry, the nomadic comic book dealer that has been sharing Lee's booth with us for the past few years.
After three or four trips, we moved all of the stuff inside the Convention Hall and started to shape the booth. We left around 7pm and I was already exhausted, but had a great meal at Filippi's Pizza Grotto ( www.realcheesepizza.com), a great Italian restaurant that has meatballs the size of your fist, and family style meals that you can buy with $15 per person or less. Usually less.
We also checked into our hotel at Little Italy, La Pensione ( www.lapensionehotel.com), the last San Diego hotel bargain during the Convention at a little over $100 a night.
Filippi's was so good that we also ate there on Wed. and Thurs. nights. It's also a hit with other Con goers as we saw Marv Wolfman and Jim Valentino there, among others. Jerry Boyd joined us on the Thurs. night meal.
After a good night's sleep, we went back to the Con (usually walking or via Taxi) and shaped up Lee's booth. This literally took all day, but we were ready in time for the "Early Bird" show that last from approximately 6-9pm on Wed. evening.
Lee brought a lot of cool stuff. He brought his stock of Pure Hero shirts ( http://www.purehero.com/) that has been the hit of the show for the last couple of years. He also brought Duck & Cover buttons and stickers (also very successful) and a goodly amount of 50% off comics (comics Lee has had since 2006 that haven't been selling) and his $2.00 comic selection from the "Hey Kids Comics" spinner rack that features choice stuff in great condition from the 50s to the 80s (a REALLY good deal). He also had a brand new stock of recent acquisitions for sale at full price, but always at a fair price and fairly graded. (Lee's is one of the best in the business in this regard. He also does mail order.) Check out www.lcomics.com for more details or visit his shop on Ebay.
Jerry Boyd, Jerry Beck, Maggie Thompson, Grant Geissman, John Lustig, and Amy Lumet among others, all visited the booth.
Thursday morning was the BIG DAY. Long day, too. I met up with Dark Horse Comics, Scott Shaw!, Dan Parent, when I had the chance to sneak away from the booth, but it was a busy, busy day.
Friday was more of the same, but I found out this day that the Charles M. Schulz Museum was giving away buttons with rare "Peanuts" characters. A customer (I forgot her name) who told me about them, was nice enough to go there and try to get me a "Charlotte Braun" button, but they were out. She did get me a "Jose Peterson" on Saturday, and I got my own "Shermy" on Sunday. Incidentally, the Wed. button was "Violet & Patty" and the Thursday button was "3 & 4", but those were LOOONNNNG gone as they only pressed 1000 of each button. They will probably auction off a complete set on Ebay if anyone is interested.
I finally got the Cartoon Art Museum postcards for my Harvey show and began distributing them. EVERYONE who saw one was impressed.
That evening Lee and I dressed up for the Eisner Awards. The presenters included Sergio Aragones, Al Jaffee, Samuel L. Jackson, Jackie Estrada, Joe Ferrara, Joe Field, Paul Dini and his lovely wife Misty, and the festivities were MC'd by Bill Morrison and his lovely wife Kayre.
Saturday I finally made it across the room to the Artist's Alley. I ALWAYS complain that the Artist's Alley is completely at the opposite end of the room from the comic books that they work on with the impassable Hollywood section in the middle. Anyway, I did get across and met up with Pat and Shelly Block, Jorge Pacheco, Jerry Robinson, and others.
Meanwhile, while I was away, Lee gave space to R.S. Rhine of "Girls and Corpses" magazine ( www.girlsandcorpses.com) for a signing, but this really cut into our sales that day, much to Lee's chagrin. Meanwhile, Richard Dreyfus and Peter David were doing a signing one row over from us and I snapped a couple of pictures.
Later, Ron, his friend and helper Ken, Lee, Tom Orzechowski and I went to a different Italian restaurant (forgot the name) and had a nice meal.
Sunday I went over to John Morrow of Two Morrow's Publication to say hi. I am currently writing for Michael Eury's "Back Issue" magazine, that John publishes.
The show was over at 7, but then the real work began of the deconstruction of the booth, but we made it out of there in record time, less than two hours, with Ron and Ken's help. We then ate at yet another Italian restaurant and called it a night.
Lee and I got up relatively early on Monday morning, and headed home. Though Lee was kind of tired, we did make it with a few stops in about the same amount of time that it took to get there, about seven hours, arriving home about 3pm.
I will have to restructure the way I do San Diego should I continue to go as Lee will not be having a table. An early idea is to work for Ron (who is continuing to do the show) and Graham Crackers Comics (who is assuming the rest of Lee's old space), but I have about 355 days to think about it. Lee and I did reserve the hotel for next July at La Pensione and I will either stay with him or other friends, depending on what Lee wants to do, or if he even goes as a spectator. He will not have a booth.
Overall, I had a great time, but as always because of working at the booth, didn't see nearly as much as I could have, had I not been "chained" to a booth. This was a minor issue, as I did get around as much as I could, and made good contacts.
You can see all of the images that I took at the Con (save for a couple of bad takes) on my Photobucket account at http://s218.photobucket.com/albums/cc49/thft_2007/San%20Diego%202008/ . Permission is given for anyone to use these images, just please give me credit on any photo used.
MARK ARNOLD
Fun Ideas Productions - P. O. Box 2616 - Saratoga, CA 95070
_________________________________________________________
Please click on my web sites:
Fun Ideas Productions - http://funideas.home.att.net
Beatles Blog - http://beatlesbook.blogspot.com/
The Harveyville Fun Times! - http://thft.home.att.net
Richie Rich's Vault - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/richierichsvault
Mark's Rare Comics - http://rarecomics.home.att.net
So Rare! Collectibles - http://sorare.home.att.net
Food Shop - http://foodshop.home.att.net
Blog - http://fun-ideas.blogspot.com
Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=629368169
MySpace - http://www.myspace.com/fun_ideas_productions
ComicSpace - http://www.comicspace.com/mark_arnold/
Buy my Book: "The Best of The Harveyville Fun Times!" -
http://www.amazon.com/Best-Harveyville-Fun-Times/dp/1847283683
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Airplane Animation Cel Help!
This is a scan of an animation cel I purchased about 20 years ago, dating from the 1940s. I've asked a great many animation experts including Jerry Beck what film this animated airplane is from and I have literally stumped the panel.
I can tell you that it is NOT from Tex Avery's "Little Johnny Jet", nor is it from Disney's "Pedro" from "Saludos Amigos".
I have been told that it is probably from a Walter Lantz cartoon, but I have no idea if this is correct or if correct, what title?
I own quite a few cartoon collections and have yet to find a scene with this airplane. Please help!!!
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
Looney Tunes Volume Six Cartoon List Revealed
Well, it's another year and another year for me to be disappointed, but even less so, as quite a few from my list of 66 two years ago has dwindled down to 44. Here are the remaining cartoons I would like to see on DVD before I die! BTW, if you want to know what IS on Volume 6, check it out at
http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/Bugs-Bunny-Looney-Tunes-Comedy-Hour-Volume-6/10016
My wants:
1. The Village Smithy
2. Egghead Rides Again
3. Porky's Hero Agency
4. Cinderella Meets Fella
5. Hamateur Night
6. Porky's Picnic
7. Porky the Giant Killer
8. The Timid Toreador
9. Porky's Cafe
10. Fresh Hare
11. The Impatient Patient
12. Coal Black and De Sebben Dwarfs
13. Tick Tock Tuckered
14. Daffy Doodles
15. Hot Cross Bunny
16. Daffy Dilly
17. A Lad in His Lamp
18. The Bee-Deviled Bruin
19. Mutiny on the Bunny
20. Hare We Go
21. Rabbit Every Monday
22. Ballot Box Bunny
23. Thumb Fun
24. The Hasty Hare
25. Fool Coverage
26. Hare Trimmed
27. I Gopher You
28. No Parking Hare
29. Beanstalk Bunny
30. Hare Brush
31. This is a Life?
32. Dime to Retire
33. The High and the Flighty
34. Rabbitson Crusoe
35. Bedevilled Rabbit
36. Piker's Peak
37. Ducking the Devil
38. Hareway to the Stars
39. Bonanza Bunny
40. From Hare to Heir
41. Wet Hare
42. Bill of Hare
43. Mad as a Mars Hare
44. Dr. Devil and Mr. Hare
The best news is "It's Hummer Time", "A Ham in a Role" and "Chow Hound" are ALL going to be on volume 6. Happy day!!
http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/Bugs-Bunny-Looney-Tunes-Comedy-Hour-Volume-6/10016
My wants:
1. The Village Smithy
2. Egghead Rides Again
3. Porky's Hero Agency
4. Cinderella Meets Fella
5. Hamateur Night
6. Porky's Picnic
7. Porky the Giant Killer
8. The Timid Toreador
9. Porky's Cafe
10. Fresh Hare
11. The Impatient Patient
12. Coal Black and De Sebben Dwarfs
13. Tick Tock Tuckered
14. Daffy Doodles
15. Hot Cross Bunny
16. Daffy Dilly
17. A Lad in His Lamp
18. The Bee-Deviled Bruin
19. Mutiny on the Bunny
20. Hare We Go
21. Rabbit Every Monday
22. Ballot Box Bunny
23. Thumb Fun
24. The Hasty Hare
25. Fool Coverage
26. Hare Trimmed
27. I Gopher You
28. No Parking Hare
29. Beanstalk Bunny
30. Hare Brush
31. This is a Life?
32. Dime to Retire
33. The High and the Flighty
34. Rabbitson Crusoe
35. Bedevilled Rabbit
36. Piker's Peak
37. Ducking the Devil
38. Hareway to the Stars
39. Bonanza Bunny
40. From Hare to Heir
41. Wet Hare
42. Bill of Hare
43. Mad as a Mars Hare
44. Dr. Devil and Mr. Hare
The best news is "It's Hummer Time", "A Ham in a Role" and "Chow Hound" are ALL going to be on volume 6. Happy day!!
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Superdad Review
I was going to write a review of this "dopey" Disney comedy, but this reader review on IMDB hit the nail on the spot. I agree with it 100%. It says:
"This film is every bit as entertaining as any of the other Disney films of the 1959-1979 period. What do you want?
You got your high jinx. You got your love story. You got your Kurt Russell. You got classic Bruno Kirby. You got your Bob Crane (Colonel Hogan, and unfairly slammed as an actor). You got your mad cap caper. You got your teenage conflict with authority. You got little kids laughing.
Why are we looking for dramatic depth in a Disney kids movie?
I watched this movie several times as a Disney movie of the week in the 70's. We even rented the 16mm version for display at youth conferences. All I have are fond memories and a wish for the video to be added to the other Disney Classics.
Lighten up and go with the flow, man!"
Leonard Maltin gives this film a BOMB rating. There are worse films and even worse Disney films that even he ranks higher, even from the same vintage. Try watching "King of the Grizzlies" for example or "The Legend of Lobo". If you want to compare it to Disney comedies, I can watch this any day over "Moon Pilot" or "One Little Indian", comedies that Maltin gives 3 stars and 2 1/2 stars respectively.
I consider this film as one of the "Dexter Riley" films in disguise, especially since it has Kurt Russell and Joe Flynn.
The official Dexter Riley films are "The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes" (1969), "Now You See Him, Now You Don't" (1972) and "The Strongest Man in the World" (1975). "Superdad" (1973) and "The Barefoot Executive" (1971) should belong on the list.
"Superdad" is finally available on DVD only through the Disney Movie Club, though you might also find it on Ebay.
"This film is every bit as entertaining as any of the other Disney films of the 1959-1979 period. What do you want?
You got your high jinx. You got your love story. You got your Kurt Russell. You got classic Bruno Kirby. You got your Bob Crane (Colonel Hogan, and unfairly slammed as an actor). You got your mad cap caper. You got your teenage conflict with authority. You got little kids laughing.
Why are we looking for dramatic depth in a Disney kids movie?
I watched this movie several times as a Disney movie of the week in the 70's. We even rented the 16mm version for display at youth conferences. All I have are fond memories and a wish for the video to be added to the other Disney Classics.
Lighten up and go with the flow, man!"
Leonard Maltin gives this film a BOMB rating. There are worse films and even worse Disney films that even he ranks higher, even from the same vintage. Try watching "King of the Grizzlies" for example or "The Legend of Lobo". If you want to compare it to Disney comedies, I can watch this any day over "Moon Pilot" or "One Little Indian", comedies that Maltin gives 3 stars and 2 1/2 stars respectively.
I consider this film as one of the "Dexter Riley" films in disguise, especially since it has Kurt Russell and Joe Flynn.
The official Dexter Riley films are "The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes" (1969), "Now You See Him, Now You Don't" (1972) and "The Strongest Man in the World" (1975). "Superdad" (1973) and "The Barefoot Executive" (1971) should belong on the list.
"Superdad" is finally available on DVD only through the Disney Movie Club, though you might also find it on Ebay.
Sunday, June 08, 2008
Robert C. Sproul and Cracked
Whatever happened to Robert C. Sproul, the longtime publisher of "Cracked" magazine (or "mazagine") from 1958-1985? Is he dead or just retired?
If anyone knows of his current whereabouts, I'd be keen to know. An extensive Google search has turned up a little information about him, but not what he's been up to since 1985.
Please email me here or thft@att.net
If anyone knows of his current whereabouts, I'd be keen to know. An extensive Google search has turned up a little information about him, but not what he's been up to since 1985.
Please email me here or thft@att.net
Sunday, June 01, 2008
Harvey Art Exhibit at Cartoon Art Museum in San Francisco
I helped out putting on a Harvey Art Exhibit at the Cartoon Art in San Francisco. Please stop by and see it if you are in the area between June and November 2008.
-Mark.
From Richie Rich to Wendy the Witch:
The Art of Harvey Comics
Cartoon Art Museum Exhibition: June 28 - November 30, 2008
The Cartoon Art Museum proudly presents a visual history of one of the most popular comic book publishers of all time: Harvey Comics. From Richie Rich to Wendy the Witch: The Art of Harvey Comics celebrates the art and characters created and/or popularized by Harvey including Casper, The Friendly Ghost; Wendy, The Good Little Witch; Richie Rich, The Poor Little Rich Boy; Hot Stuff, The Little Devil; Sad Sack; Joe Palooka; Little Dot; Little Audrey; Little Lotta, and many more. The exhibition includes original art from various Harvey comic books and merchandise by stalwarts such as Warren Kremer (1921-2003), who along with animator Steve Muffatti (1880-1968) defined the “Harvey” look.
Harvey Comics was founded in 1941 by Alfred Harvey (1913-1994), with a digest-sized comic book called Pocket Comics that put the company on the map with their line-up of superheroes that included The Black Cat. Various artists and writers who eventually achieved greater success elsewhere got their start at Harvey, including Jack Kirby, Joe Simon and Jim Steranko. By the end of the 1940s, Harvey transitioned to publishing comic books featuring popular comic strips of the day that included Joe Palooka, Dick Tracy, Blondie, Mutt & Jeff and Sad Sack. By the 1950s, romance and horror titles came into the mix.
An inspired bit of licensing in 1952 led to the 1957 purchase of Casper and several other animated cartoon characters created by Paramount Pictures’ Famous Studios, with Baby Huey, Buzzy the Crow, Herman & Katnip and Little Audrey among them. The enormous popularity of these characters spelled the end of the other genres at Harvey, and the company became solely a producer of children’s comics during that era.
Various newly created characters, such as Richie Rich, Little Dot and Little Lotta, followed the same house style to become a group affectionately known as the “Harvey World,” Though various ownership changes have occurred since the original Harvey shut its doors in 1982, the characters have never ceased to be influential, with hit movies like Richie Rich (1994), starring Macaulay Culkin, or Casper (1995), starring Christina Ricci, or the current five-volume series of Harvey Comics Classics published by Dark Horse Comics.
This exhibition runs through November 30, 2008, and features artwork by Warren Kremer, Ernie Colón, Sid Couchey, Howard Post, Fred Rhoads, Ham Fisher, Dom Sileo, Marty Taras, and many more. Details regarding the opening reception and other upcoming Harvey events will be announced shortly.
Cartoon Art Museum € 655 Mission Street € San Francisco, CA 94105 € 415-CAR-TOON € www.cartoonart.org
Hours: Tues. - Sun. 11:00 - 5:00, Closed Monday
General Admission: $6.00 € Student/Senior: $4.00 € Children 6-12: $2.00 € Members & Children under 6: Free
The Cartoon Art Museum is a tax-exempt, non-profit, educational organization dedicated to the collection, preservation, study and exhibition of original cartoon art in all forms.
-Mark.
From Richie Rich to Wendy the Witch:
The Art of Harvey Comics
Cartoon Art Museum Exhibition: June 28 - November 30, 2008
The Cartoon Art Museum proudly presents a visual history of one of the most popular comic book publishers of all time: Harvey Comics. From Richie Rich to Wendy the Witch: The Art of Harvey Comics celebrates the art and characters created and/or popularized by Harvey including Casper, The Friendly Ghost; Wendy, The Good Little Witch; Richie Rich, The Poor Little Rich Boy; Hot Stuff, The Little Devil; Sad Sack; Joe Palooka; Little Dot; Little Audrey; Little Lotta, and many more. The exhibition includes original art from various Harvey comic books and merchandise by stalwarts such as Warren Kremer (1921-2003), who along with animator Steve Muffatti (1880-1968) defined the “Harvey” look.
Harvey Comics was founded in 1941 by Alfred Harvey (1913-1994), with a digest-sized comic book called Pocket Comics that put the company on the map with their line-up of superheroes that included The Black Cat. Various artists and writers who eventually achieved greater success elsewhere got their start at Harvey, including Jack Kirby, Joe Simon and Jim Steranko. By the end of the 1940s, Harvey transitioned to publishing comic books featuring popular comic strips of the day that included Joe Palooka, Dick Tracy, Blondie, Mutt & Jeff and Sad Sack. By the 1950s, romance and horror titles came into the mix.
An inspired bit of licensing in 1952 led to the 1957 purchase of Casper and several other animated cartoon characters created by Paramount Pictures’ Famous Studios, with Baby Huey, Buzzy the Crow, Herman & Katnip and Little Audrey among them. The enormous popularity of these characters spelled the end of the other genres at Harvey, and the company became solely a producer of children’s comics during that era.
Various newly created characters, such as Richie Rich, Little Dot and Little Lotta, followed the same house style to become a group affectionately known as the “Harvey World,” Though various ownership changes have occurred since the original Harvey shut its doors in 1982, the characters have never ceased to be influential, with hit movies like Richie Rich (1994), starring Macaulay Culkin, or Casper (1995), starring Christina Ricci, or the current five-volume series of Harvey Comics Classics published by Dark Horse Comics.
This exhibition runs through November 30, 2008, and features artwork by Warren Kremer, Ernie Colón, Sid Couchey, Howard Post, Fred Rhoads, Ham Fisher, Dom Sileo, Marty Taras, and many more. Details regarding the opening reception and other upcoming Harvey events will be announced shortly.
Cartoon Art Museum € 655 Mission Street € San Francisco, CA 94105 € 415-CAR-TOON € www.cartoonart.org
Hours: Tues. - Sun. 11:00 - 5:00, Closed Monday
General Admission: $6.00 € Student/Senior: $4.00 € Children 6-12: $2.00 € Members & Children under 6: Free
The Cartoon Art Museum is a tax-exempt, non-profit, educational organization dedicated to the collection, preservation, study and exhibition of original cartoon art in all forms.
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Saturday Night Live Complete Season Reviews
I am checking out the reviews to the now three seasons available of the "Complete Saturday Night Live" and am amazed at how many reviewers are upset about the omission of the commercial break bumpers and more importantly of the video quality.
For people who "poo poo" the shows due to that have got to remember that video tape before 1980 on network television was considerably worse than in the 1970s. It's also more difficult (though not impossible) to make the video quality better.
It's a lot of complaining for nothing. Imagine if it was kinescopes.
The bumpers are an unfortunately loss, but at least they have the final one before the goodbyes.
For people who "poo poo" the shows due to that have got to remember that video tape before 1980 on network television was considerably worse than in the 1970s. It's also more difficult (though not impossible) to make the video quality better.
It's a lot of complaining for nothing. Imagine if it was kinescopes.
The bumpers are an unfortunately loss, but at least they have the final one before the goodbyes.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull Review
I saw "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull" and have to say that the final result seems like there has not been a 22-year gap between the third film in the series and this one.
Many people thought Harrison Ford really old, because of his age (65), but I think he looks great. Ford always looked a bit haggard, even in "Star Wars" because of his big bent nose and various scars. He looks better at 65 than many of the "Star Trek" actors looked at 65 reprising their roles.
Even Karen Allen, reprising her Marion role not seen since the first film still looks hot!
Without giving too much away, this is obviously a revitalization of the series in order to make Shia LaBeouf ("Holes", "Disturbia", "Transformers") the "new" Indiana Jones.
The final assessment is that this film ranks as an equal to the third film in the series "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade" (1989) and much, MUCH better than the second film in the series "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom" (1984).
It is not as good as "Raiders of the Lost Ark" (1981), but that film is so classic, it would be so hard to duplicate its success.
Overall, the film is not an embarrassment and is a good addition to the franchise.
Monday, May 19, 2008
Clyde Flipside
I was reading an old issue of "Cracked" #52 (June 1966) and they had a four page article about "The Flipsides" featuring a cartoon janitor named Clyde Flipside. It says that it was to be a series airing soon produced by Krantz Films.
In doing extensive searches on the Internet, I couldn't find anything further about this film or series, yet Clyde Flipside looks REALLY familiar, like "The Flipsides" came out under a different name. Clyde resembles a cuter, more cartoony version of "Cracked's" mascot, Sylvester P. Smythe.
There is also a vampire character named Count Flipside, a singer named Flip Flipside, and a director named Cecil B. Flipside.
In looking up Krantz, all I could find was info about "Spider-Man", "Rocket Robin Hood", "Max, the 2000 year old Mouse", but nothing about this series.
Please help.
Saturday, May 17, 2008
William Castle Films
I love William Castle films. I never really paid attention to him until John Waters wrote an essay about him about 20 years ago in one of his books. Most of his films are pretty stupid, but they seem to hold my interest better than say, the Roger Corman films.
The gimmicks were all fun too like the Punishment Poll in "Mr. Sardonicus", and the Ghost Viewer in "13 Ghosts" and the vibrating seats in "The Tingler".
Even without the gimmicks, Castle films are great fun like "House on Haunted Hill" or even Castle's later "straight" films like "Rosemary's Baby" or "Bug".
I haven't seen "Homicidal" or "Strait Jacket" or "I Saw What You Did" (or if I did, I saw them a looooonnnnngggg time ago, so I don't remember what happens.), but I plan to eventually.
The majority of Castle's films are available on DVD, but not easily, so you probably have to order off of Amazon.
The gimmicks were all fun too like the Punishment Poll in "Mr. Sardonicus", and the Ghost Viewer in "13 Ghosts" and the vibrating seats in "The Tingler".
Even without the gimmicks, Castle films are great fun like "House on Haunted Hill" or even Castle's later "straight" films like "Rosemary's Baby" or "Bug".
I haven't seen "Homicidal" or "Strait Jacket" or "I Saw What You Did" (or if I did, I saw them a looooonnnnngggg time ago, so I don't remember what happens.), but I plan to eventually.
The majority of Castle's films are available on DVD, but not easily, so you probably have to order off of Amazon.
Friday, May 16, 2008
Superman with George Reeves
I recently watched a couple of episodes of the George Reeves "Superman". It's still as cheesy as I remember and it got me to thinking, why doesn't anyone do a superhero movie the way they used to do these shows. Superheroes used to be treated as really campy stuff.
Take for instance "Batman Begins". Everyone loved it because of how faithful it was to the latter day "Batman" comic books. I found it excruciatingly dull. Where are the big telephones? Where's King Tut?
Anyway, the Reeves "Superman" is quite stupid and quite entertaining in its stupidity.
Take for instance "Batman Begins". Everyone loved it because of how faithful it was to the latter day "Batman" comic books. I found it excruciatingly dull. Where are the big telephones? Where's King Tut?
Anyway, the Reeves "Superman" is quite stupid and quite entertaining in its stupidity.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Uncle Sam Magoo Review
Mr. Magoo has had a lengthy career from theatrical cartoons in the 1940s and 50s to three different TV series: "Mr. Magoo" (1960), "The Famous Adventures of Mr. Magoo" (1964) and "What's New, Mr. Magoo" (1977). There was also a theatrical animated feature "1001 Arabian Nights" (1959) and a lousy live action film starring Leslie Nielsen. Sandwiched between all of this were a couple of primetime TV specials, one which is excellent "Magoo's Christmas Carol" (1962) and one not so excellent "Uncle Sam Magoo" (1970). The only thing going for it is it is the last new Magoo show to be produced by UPA ("What's New, Mr. Magoo" was produced by DePatie-Freleng). The biggest problem with it is, although somewhat historical, it is also quite boring. The best moments are at the beginning when Magoo is arriving at the UPA studios. As usual, Jim Backus voices, but it is not enough to perk up the proceedings. Check out "Magoo's Christmas Carol" instead.
Monday, May 12, 2008
The Creeping Flesh Review
I bought "The Creeping Flesh" on DVD awhile back and finally got around to watching it. It is a horror movie made in 1972 and stars Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing, but it is not by Hammer.
It's actually quite good, but may seem quaint by today's standards. It has a good twist ending which I partially predicted, and that's why it was fun.
Cushing and Lee are always fascinating together and I am trying to get all of their appearances together. Usually they were Van Helsing and Dracula, but the non-Dracula films like "Horror Express" or "Hound of the Baskervilles" are much more interesting.
It's actually quite good, but may seem quaint by today's standards. It has a good twist ending which I partially predicted, and that's why it was fun.
Cushing and Lee are always fascinating together and I am trying to get all of their appearances together. Usually they were Van Helsing and Dracula, but the non-Dracula films like "Horror Express" or "Hound of the Baskervilles" are much more interesting.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Humor Magazines
I am exchanging emails with a person who collects humor magazines as I do. I got to thinking if I was to recommend the cream of the crop to a novice to humor magazine collection, what would I recommend?
Here are my choices:
Mad - 1952-1980
Crazy - 1973-1976; 1980-1983
Sick - 1960-1968
Cracked - 1969-1980
National Lampoon - 1970-1980
Help! - any issue
Trump - any issue
Humbug - any issue
Snafu - any issue
Bananas - any issue
This is not to say I don't like other stuff, this is what I find to be the best. I still buy and read "Mad" to this day, but really only for Sergio Aragones and Al Jaffee and the fact that it's the only one left. Incidentally, I started reading "Mad" in 1974.
Here are my choices:
Mad - 1952-1980
Crazy - 1973-1976; 1980-1983
Sick - 1960-1968
Cracked - 1969-1980
National Lampoon - 1970-1980
Help! - any issue
Trump - any issue
Humbug - any issue
Snafu - any issue
Bananas - any issue
This is not to say I don't like other stuff, this is what I find to be the best. I still buy and read "Mad" to this day, but really only for Sergio Aragones and Al Jaffee and the fact that it's the only one left. Incidentally, I started reading "Mad" in 1974.
Friday, May 09, 2008
Archie Fan Club Button, Part 2
Here's my first experience adding an image to my blog. This is a quickie photo taken with my webcam that shows the three different Archie Fan Club button designs. I'll try to do a photo more often with my blog posts. Enjoy!
Thursday, May 08, 2008
Golden Wonder Crisps
Well, you learn something every day. On a recent DVD of "Little Britain", a joke was made about Golden Wonder Crisps. Being a true American, I had never heard of that brand, so I looked it up.
On www.goldenwonder.com, they talk about the products history and how it developed from 1947 to the present and have some adverts from the past. Great stuff!
Anyway, I guess we're just stuck here with Pringle's and Lay's in the good ol' USA!
On www.goldenwonder.com, they talk about the products history and how it developed from 1947 to the present and have some adverts from the past. Great stuff!
Anyway, I guess we're just stuck here with Pringle's and Lay's in the good ol' USA!
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