Column Archives
Odds and Ends
The Dreaded "Odds and Ends" Curse
First, a warning: the last two times I did a column called, "Odds and Ends," the site folded. Probably a coincidence but just in case I never see you again, now you know why.
You've Got Suggestions
A quick update on the "What Should I Be Reading?" column from a few weeks back. I've got over 200 graphic novel recommendations from you guys, not counting duplicates. Out of those, there are about five dozen of your suggestions that I don't already own, so the next time I say there's nothing good to read, I'm pretty much full of it. I'm preparing my 2001 want list from these and I'll begin buying, reading and reporting back to you by the first of the year. A personal note: I am deeply disappointed that not a single one of you was a big enough suck-up to put either Static Shock: Trial By Fire, or Icon: A Hero's Welcome on your lists. I had a prize all picked out for you, too. C'mon, people, think!
You've Also Got a Rather Personal Suggestion
I'm going to be doing a "Virtual Mailbag" column soon, where I'll be answering your mail, as soon as you send some. But since I've got a little space to kill, I'll speak to a recurring theme in my mail. Apparently, I've offended some of you. I say that because one of your more popular suggestions was that I should go, ah, plug myself. Okay, nobody actually said "plug" but this is just the sort of wilful misunderstanding that makes a smooth segue possible. So, I'm plugging away. Static Shock: Rebirth of the Cool #2, with script by me and art by John Paul Leon, will hit the stores a week late on December 20th. Several Milestone characters make their first appearance in years and Virgil almost gets a haircut. Check it out. Speaking of Static Shock, the animated version just got picked up for a second season on the Kids WB. Apropos props to the talented folks at Warner Animation, who brought you Batman, Superman and Batman Beyond before turning their attention to Static and company. Finally, Super Models, the animated flash comedy I write for, has only two more episodes left this season. Thanks to the wonders of the Internet though, you can watch the entire season any time at Icebox.com.
Department of Graft
As regular readers of my various columns know, when it comes to free stuff, you can call me Dwayne McRoundheels. Despite my open (and frankly desperate) appeals to publishers to send me free stuff in return for shameless, thinly veiled plugs, I'm hardly getting anything anymore. Last year, I got so much free stuff that I didn't have to buy any Christmas presents at all, I just rewrapped the gimmies and swag and gave it away to my loved ones. This year, I actually have to go to the mall and buy things. To be honest, I'd have to go and buy a couple of things anyway. My mom didn't at all enjoy the Lady Death trade paperback I gave her last year, even though I explained to her that the blood-drenched naked lady on the cover was a positive female character she could be proud of. What was my point? Oh yeah, send me more free stuff.
Kid's Comics Are Much Too Complicated: A Correction
Twisted evil genius, writer of stunningly entertaining comics (Xombi, X-Files, Scooby-Doo) and former friend John Rozum has earned my eternal wrath by embarrassing me in public. He dropped me an e-mail recently, pointing out that when I referred to Cartoon Network comics editor Joan Hilty as a former Disney Adventures editor, I had confused her with Heidi MacDonald, a former Cartoon Network comics editor who was, in a previous life, the Disney Adventures comics editor. This is the first mistake I've ever made in my entire life. Now I know how the rest of you must feel. In any case, Heidi used to be the Cartoon Network editor but is now a Vertigo editor. Joan used to be a Vertigo editor but is now the Cartoon Network editor. I'm pretty sure all of this has something to do with Hypertime.
Okay, that's it. If the dreaded "Odds and Ends" curse hasn't killed the site, I'll be back next week with the Brought To You By readers list of recommended graphic novels.
Dwayne McDuffie, the co-creator of Icon, Static Shock and Damage Control, once again shamelessly plugs the new Milestone Comics on-line store (where you can buy overpriced Milestone tee-shirts, mugs and mouse pads) right here in the small print. Dwayne is so close to his goal of 10,000 hits this year, he's practically begging you to visit his web site.
