Marvel Phase 3 Reading

Marvel Phase 3 has just been announced - and that is already old news.  It is curious, that in the comic industry we are constantly bombarded with announcements and "New" that we hardly have time to digest any information we get.   It all flies by so fast.  What is really freaky is that Marvel Phase 3 will be here before we know it.

As I was looking at all the movies that were announced, I noticed a social media question that was posed  - "What is the reading order for Marvel Phase 3?"

I am a huge literacy - lets get those kids reading comics - buff, so I immediately posed the question on my social media.  Not much response. All in all, it is hard to know what angle the movie industry will take with the iconic story lines, however - a story arc is a story arc.  

I believe this is a fantastic opportunity to get some awareness out there.  Get the reading lists in libraries and schools.  Market a movie by marketing the story and the fundamental need to read the story first.

With this being said, I am going to dive into my research.  Alas, I would love some input in this endeavor.  If you have suggestions, please post here or email me at geekselixir@gmail.com

Lets make a list!  Lets get some comics in some kids hands!

Bittersweet Comic Book Love

Bittersweet: sweet with a bitter aftertaste.

This is actually the best word I can think of when I read comic books. I thoroughly love the feeling of getting my hands on a comic that is rich in visual images, flawless in storytelling, and the gutters that pull me even deeper into the story.  

Then - it happens.  The last panel, the last image, the last word balloon...and then the three words I hate: TO BE CONTINUED!

I am suddenly jerked back into reality- and if I am reading a current issue - I momentarily spasm with anticipation for the story to continue.  Being a research fanatic, I immediately scour for updates and issue news all the while mentally willing the next issue to be available.  The feeling of sorrow usually sets in when I realize I have to wait a week, a couple of weeks, or god forbid a MONTH! 

The question I want to pose is WHY?  Why do we do this to ourself?  What is this magical allurement that comic books can have over us?  

For a while I decided to wait for story arcs to play out and then buy the trades as soon as they were available.  Then I would binge read until my eyes were bleary and panels and gutters turned into one full page.

Although this was satisfying my "everything or nothing", "fight or flight" emotions - I still had the same aftertaste of  - really, no more?  

I have come to finally accept that comic books just do it for me.  I love the stories.  Especially the background tales of how subjects came into fruition, the interactions between characters, and how the hero may or may not save the day.  I love the art and how colors can play an impact on an emotion in the story.  I love the idea of lettering and placement of word balloons and how they subtly make or break a comic books flow.  In general, I love the world I get pulled into through a comic book.

We have all experienced that magical feeling as a child when we knew Christmas or a birthday was just around the corner.  The anticipation was relentless.  As an adult, I have like many others, lost that humble innocence of excitement and anticipation during these events.  That feeling of waking up everyday and thinking, "YES only X amount of days left."  I guess in a way, when I read comic books it taps into these long lost emotions.  Because of this, I actually really enjoy the bittersweet words - "to be continued". 

MMMM, It's the Smell of Comics

There is nothing quite like the smell of a new comic book.  I have actually been told my whole life that this is how ALL new books smell, however, in my mind I have reserved it for ONLY comics.  

When I get my new comic books - single issue, trade paper back, or the beloved hard cover -I feel like I am part of a super secret club.  There is something magnificent about ripping off the shrinkable plastic cover and having that "new comic" smell smack you right in the face. 

The kind of comic book smell that I do not like however, is B.O. that can fester at comic cons.  Ask any person on the street and they will agree body odor is not the first on their list for whoopee ki aye smells.  In the heat of the comic con season - the "con stench" or "comic funk", is written about repeatedly.  Almost to the point that it is annoying.  The smell subject seems to be a fun topic for non con goers and con goers alike.

What is con stench - well, sexy to the power of NOTHING!

Crowds have been stated as pushing the 200,000 mark especially in large scale cons - like San Diego and New York.  In fact, the Comic Con has been referenced as "The sold-out Super Bowl of Pop Culture."   2012 broke records across the board for individual cons.  Averages were up in attendance, in sales, and for the amount of articles written about Comic Con Goers as smelling to high heaven.

Even Superman has odor!

Personally, there have been many comic cons that I have attended where I have NOT noticed any type of odd smell.  Granted - there have been those cons where odor is a "punch you in the face" moment of sour oddity.  

Reality is, that Comic Cons are insanely crowded.  

Reality is, when you smell ---YOU ARE THE LAST to notice it.  

Reality is, when you are around individuals that do smell - it will always be rude to make  ridiculous comments to the cosmic abyss - like "In Gods name, WHAT is that SMELL?!?"

Reality is, Cosplay is a give and take with re-wearing costumes, ventilation, and body heat.  

Reality is, others in the mass of comic clad happy goers may stink; but ultimately you don't have too.

Keep your comments to yourself!

Whether you are interested in having a positive comic con experience or not, is what is at stake.  Basically, every gathering with thousands of people is going to have some kind of smell. The wrap that comic cons have gotten for being the ODOR FEST of culture...is just not fair. 

"Excuse me, but I am trying to define your BRAND of odor."

Personally, when I go to comic cons I find that it is good to focus on two things:  Keep your self clean and Just smell the books!

There is much that is unexplained...However Beast with hygiene is not one of them.

Marvel NOW list in PDF

Of course you should visit Marvel.com...

After I wrote the "Marvel Now What?"
I had several requests for the timeline list in a printable form. 
As requested: PDF of HC and TPB dates.  With checkboxes and everything. So happy collecting.

Marvel Now WHAT?...a timeline to buy Marvel Now Hardcover and Trade Paper Backs

I do not collect many things, however when I do decide to be the pack rat - it is a perfect blend of enthusiasm and OCD! 

I want all of it, I want it in order, and I want to build a shrine.  This may be considered a tad shy of "crazy", however I live in denial, and it is a place full of sunshine and rainbows...and comic books.

Because, less is better - in what universe- when it comes to all things comic.  I love my comic book collection.
  
With DC New 52 I started collecting right away with the buying of single issues -digital and print.  My orderly disorder quickly became one convenient ball of chaos. I am still rooting around between long boxes and digital copies trying to figure out what I need next in each series. 

 After the DC experience, I quickly decided to wait in my reading binge, and look forward to the Marvel NOW trades hitting the shelf.  In my mind this made sense. But thinking outside the ordinary, is perfect unless you have no idea what to buy. Little did I know I would use my college degree of researching to accomplish this task.  My brother Robert had gifted me my first Marvel Now Premiere Hardcover. 

So beautiful and shiny! 

 I will admit I was swoon by the powerful force of the new library binding, ultra smooth cover. and to top it off - the digital codes that are available in each book for bonus collections.  I knew at this point - I needed all of them. 

I want to join, seriously, but where do I start?

Rippin' ready to go, I began the journey to find the release dates for the upcoming Marvel NOW books.  Two days later, 20 websites, and a couple store fronts researched, GUH!, I had comprised a functionable list. 

Being the overly generous person I am, I decided to put the list below for your Marvel pleasure... it was this or a wacky mime routine.  And as OZ said from Buffy...

"Nobody deserves mime, Buffy."

I listed the books according to Premiere Hardcovers and TPB till the end of 2013.

Hopefully I got them all. All dates are subject to change, and approximate times of month.

Marvel Now Premiere Hardcovers

All New X-Men..............Vol.1 Yesterday (#1-5).......................................................3/27/13

                                         Vol.2 Here to Stay (#6-10)................................................6/11/13

                                         Vol.3 Out of Their Depth (#11-15)...................................10/1/13

Iron Man........................Vol.1 Believe (#1-5)............................................................4/13/13

                                        Vol.2 Secret Origin of Tony Stark Bk 1(#6-11)...............8/20/13

                                        Vol.3 Secret Origin of Tony Stark Bk 2 (#12-17)...........12/17/13

Avengers.......................Vol.1 Avengers World (#1-6).............................................4/17/13

                                        Vol.2 The Last White Event (#7-11).................................7/23/13

                                        Vol.3 Prelude to Infinity (#12-?)........................................10/29/13

Uncanny Avengers......Vol.1 The Red Shadow (#1-5)...........................................4/24/13

                                        Vol.2 Ragnarok Now (#6-11).............................................11/5/13

Indestructible Hulk......Vol.1 Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D.  (#1-5)......................................5/15/13

                                        Vol.2 Gods and Monsters (#6-10).....................................9/24/13

Thor:God of Thunder...Vol.1 The God Butcher (#1-5)...........................................5/29/13

                                        Vol.2 God Bomb (#6-11)...................................................10/22/13

Captain America.........Vol.1 Castaway in Dimension Z Bk1 (#1-5).....................6/12/13

                                       Vol.2 Castaway in Dimension Z Bk2 (#6-11)..................12/10/13

New Avengers..............Vol.1 Everything Dies (#1-6)..............................................7/3/13

Uncanny X-Men...........Vol.1 Revolution (#1-5)......................................................7/3/13

                                        Vol.2 Magik (#6-11)...........................................................11/19/13

Savage Wolverine.......Vol.1 Kill Island (#1-5)........................................................8/7/13

Guardians of the Galaxy..Vol.1 Cosmic Avengers (#GG1-3,#0.1,GG* Infinite#1)...8/29/13


NOVA............................Vol.1 Origin (#1-5,material MPO*)...................................9/17/13

Marvel Now Trade Paperback

Captain Marvel............Vol.1 In Pursuit of Flight (#1-6)........................................1/1/13

                                        Vol.2 Down (#7-12)...........................................................6/4/13

Thanos Rising..............Vol.1 (#1-5).......................................................................10/22/13

Avengers Arena...........Vol.1 Kill or Die (#1-6).......................................................5/21/13

                                        Vol.2 Game On (#7-12)....................................................9/24/13

Cable and X-Force.....Vol.1 Wanted Now  (#1-5,material MPO*).....................5/14/13

                                       Vol.2 Dead or Alive (#6-9)...............................................11/12/13

Journey Into Mystery..Vol.1 Feat. SIF, Stronger Than Monsters  (#646-650)...6/11/13

                                       Vol.2 Seeds of Destruction (#651-655)..........................11/5/13

Red She Hulk..............Vol.1 Hell Hath No Fury (#58-62)....................................4/16/13

                                       Vol.2 Route 616 (#63-67).................................................9/17/13

Hawkeye.....................Vol.1 My Life as a Weapon (#1-5,YAP*#6)....................3/19/13

                                      Vol.2 Little Hits (#6-11)....................................................7/23/13

                                      Vol.3 L.A. Woman (#12-?)................................................3/25/14

Fantastic Four...Vol.1 New Departure,New Arrivals (#1-3,FF#1-2,material MPO*)...4/16/13

                             Vol.2 Road Trip (#4-8)...........................................................9/13/13

X-Men Legacy............Vol.1 Prodigal (#1-6).........................................................5/7/13

                                      Vol.2 Invasive Exotics (#7-12).........................................9/10/13

                                      Vol.3 Revenants (#13-18)...............................................11/26/14

Thunderbolts..............Vol.1 No Quarter (#1-6)....................................................5/21/13

                                      Vol.2 Red Scare (#7-12)................................................. 10/1/13

Deadpool....................Vol.1 Dead Presidents (#1-6)..........................................6/11/13

                                      Vol.2 Soul Hunter (#7-12)...............................................9/3/13

                                      Vol.3 The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly (#13-19).......12/31/13

A+X.............................Vol.1 = Awesome (#1-6)...................................................6/4/13

                                     Vol.2 = Amazing (#7-12)..................................................12/3/13

Morbius Living Vampire: Man Called Morbius (#1-9, AS* #699.1).................12/3/13

X-Men.........................Vol.1 Primer (#1-4, UXM* #244)......................................11/26/13


The Superior Spider-Man...Vol.1 My Worst Enemy (#1-5)...............................6/11/13

                                                Vol.2 A Troubled Mind  (#6-10).............................9/3/13

                                                Vol.3 No Escape (#11-15).....................................12/3/13

Secret Avengers........Vol.1 Reverie (#1-5, material MPO*).............................9/10/13

Uncanny X-Force.......Vol.1 Let it Bleed (#1-6).................................................8/13/13


Young Avengers.........Vol.1 Style Substance (#1-5, material MYAPO*)........9/10/13


Fearless Defenders...Vol.1 Doom Maidens (#1-6)............................................8/27/13


Wolverine....................Vol.1 Hunting Season (#1-6)..........................................9/3/13


Gambit.........................Vol.1 Once a Thief (#1-7)................................................4/2/13

                                      Vol.2 Tombstone Blues (#8-12).....................................7/23/13

FF.................................Vol.1 Fantastic Faux  (#4-8)............................................7/23/13

                                      Vol.2 Family Freakout (#9-13)........................................12/10/13

Avengers Assemble... (#1-8).................................................................................1/29/13

                                        Science Bros (#9-13,Annual 1).....................................8/27/13

Avengers: Enemy Within...(#1, AA*#16-17,CM*#13-14,17).............................12/17/13

Marvel Now Directly to Book

Avengers: Endless Wartime (Hardback).............................................................10/1/13

Age of Ultron TPB.... (#1-10,AA*#14-15, FF*#5,FD*#4,TSS*#6,Ultron #1,UA*#8,WXM*#27,A* #10)............................................................................................................................9/17/13


*KEY

MPO - Marvel Point One
MYAPO - Marvel Young Avengers Point One
A -Avengers
AA - Avengers Assemble
AS - Amazing Spider-Man
CM- Captain Marvel
FF - Fantastic Four

FD - Fearless Defenders

GG - Guardians of the Galaxy

TSS- The Superior Spider-Man

UA -Uncanny Avengers

UXM - Uncanny X-Men

WXM - Wolverine and the X-Men

YAP - Young Avengers Presents

My Son the Hero

There is something innately disheartening when someone you care about relocates, for better or for worse.  It is a feeling inside that is tough to explain – especially when the move is for happiness and greater experience in life. It is just hard to let go.  Much like a character in a book we grow accustomed to, we feel security in knowing that their actions, mannerisms, speech, and reflexes are something we can just count on.  Page by page, or day by day – it is always there.  Until, the time comes to move on.   I believe we ultimately take for granted that security we feel everyday.

My son, the youngest of my three kids, has just graduated from high school and has moved out to spend time with his Dad before his enlistment into the military.  Today, I was wrapping up his many soccer trophies, certificates, and medals and sitting in his room contemplating how my life has changed from having this 17-year-old kid in it.

As I wrapped each trophy, it brought back a flood of memories. Memories that will always be there.  My son is very much a charismatic character and one that has beat the odds many times. A hero – of course – but hey I am his mom.

He was born premature with a collapsed lung and dealt with severe asthma from the beginning of his life. We had heard that consistent exercise could be beneficial for kids like him. Thus, we put him in soccer at 5. Little did we know that we had created an exercising monster.

With every asthma attack, my son would get mad, and beg to be put back on the field. He did not like to have boundaries.  Year after year, his goals were to push himself farther and farther. Using soccer as his way to conquer a physical ailment.

He had set backs, but you would not know it. Just like Robin, he kept coming back and he was stronger, faster, and more stubborn than before.  Eventually earning an MVP during his High School soccer career.

Comic Box:The Rotating Roster of Robins

Even though my son has never shared the intense love of comics that I obsess over, but he is proud of me with each of my new endeavors.  He even gets excited when I tell him about new projects I am working on…I am so lucky.  We do however share the same tenancity to achieve a goal and for this I could not be any more proud.

Today, I feel like a part of my security blanket is skewed a little. We create strong kids so they can take off and be something in the world. However, we forget – in order to take off – they have to leave. I am proud to be a mom. I am proud to have a son who in all respects is the only true super hero I know. 

Now go conquer the world Jonathan!

Art by Robert Atkins

Zombies are Goal Driven! Featuring art by Brian Atkins

Zombie Reading by Brian Atkins

It has been longer than a fortnight and I have no excuse for the time - except that I have conquered much in the world of comic books, action heroes, and movies.  In short - I have been sitting on my behind being extremely happy! 

Christmas has now come and gone. I prevailed through yet another birthday! I have discovered some long lost loves: "Big Trouble in Little China", Sean Connery as James Bond, Space Ghost: Coast to Coast, and stickers - yes - real meaty STICKERS! 

For me it is the little fantastic things in life that keep me smiling!

So now, it is that time again where much of the world is preparing to make goals for the next year, 2013.  Goals that will never be accomplished.  Goals that will sound great once said, but will never make it past the first week of January. 
Not necessarily because the intent was never there, but because - we are a progress forced culture. 
Sometimes our own needs get lost in the mix. 

Now Zombies, on the other hand, THEY ARE GOAL DRIVEN! 
And I mean 24-7! They have a singular want in site and boom they are determined. Zombies don't care about cultural norms and pressures to: first conform to society before putting their own wants and needs on the table. 
NO! They know exactly what they need. They know what they are lacking in their, ahem, dead existence. 

Zombies are the eternal optimists. The "glass half full" guys! Keeping it simple.

A glass this cool can be purchased!

Unlike, our goal driven, optimistic, simple life foes - as a society we tend to put our needs and wants on the back shelf. Then, when we are brainless and exhausted from keeping our own needs met - we simply fall apart. 
Basically turning into villains and monsters worthy of any comic book plot. 

"Murder Lane" by Brian Atkins

So, how do we become like the Walking Dead without, you know, dying?

To get the scoop, I spoke with my good friend, Chris O'Hearn - Life Coach for  Strong Within (his personally owned coaching business has been featured on the likes of MTV and can be found through the above link...this guy is great!)  

According to Chris, we need to break it down. (stop dancing) Break it into two steps:

1. Action

2. Maintenance

Ask yourself what is going to be your actions to make a change for 2013. For me, I need to have visual recognition - and a lot of it. BAM in my face! Using wipe board markers on my bathroom mirror to remind me of my goals, for example, will get the job done. 
Actions are the energetic liveliness of the goal or the need that keeps you invigorated.  Think zombies...they never quite moving.

Then, it is important to actually recognize how the maintenance will be played out for those actions. What are you personally going to do to remember why you want to change? How are you going to keep moving towards your goal? Do you need to write your accomplishments down?  I do.  That is the ego in me coming out.

If you want to be more creative - look beyond what is creative and look at creativity in yourself. Remind yourself of past goals or habits you have had that has worked in the past.  Reinvent them if you need to.

Chris stated, "Allow yourself to become in a state of mind where you want to be action driven." I felt like I could take over the world at this point.

Finally, a fantastic suggestion by Chris, "Brainstorm 20 things where you want to put yourself first.  Think of different ways you can do this during 2013. Whether it is habitual, daily, weekly, monthly, or yearly.  It is not being selfish. It is recharging, refueling, and organizing. Sometimes, when we only list a couple of ideas we do not fully analyze what we truly need to be happy, and when we are taking care of everyone else's needs and problems, there is not enough energy or time to take care of ourself."

For 2013, make it a goal... be a zombie! Go after what you truly want! 

Whether you want to be:

Silas the Serpent King

or

Carl -The Worlds Best Janitor

Art by Brian Atkins

Marketing, Geeks, and Comic Books: OH MY!

"The people drawn to New York Comic Con "are people who are setting trends," said Dan Buckley, president and publisher of print, digital and TV at Marvel, in an interview. "They are the early adopters of technology. These are the people who start things and make them hot." Marketers Seeks Out Geeks Corporate Enthusiasm for Comic Con Matches Attendees' WSJ October 15, 2012, 7:27 p.m. ET

We are setting trends. 

Let this sentence soak in for a moment. The entire fabric of this sentence signifies great and miraculous changes in the geekdom we love. What is even more fascinating is that the world is noticing and realizing that as a whole our tastes do make a difference. 

Comic books, print and digital - are in one of the many categories that just can not be ignored any longer by retailers and manufactures.  What we buy, when we buy it, why we buy it, what influences us to buy it- is intriguing even the most renowned corporations. Everyone is wanting a piece of the pie that is obviously making money - The GEEK Craze. 

But what does this mean for Indie artists? The little guy? The artist or writer who just coming into his own or who has been trying to break into the business for a while now? Essentially, this is NOT the time to give up. More than anything it is the time to squash your fears and pull up your big boy, or girl, pants - fasten on that cape and get ready to face your fears, and dive in.

Basically, GAME ON! 

With marketing, magnetic is instant attraction. And the best magnetism is consistent. Comic Cons are essentially one of the best ways to socialize and beat the proverbial pavement with others in comic industry - this is possible because of consistency.  Every year Comic Cons have increased in attendance, in popularity, in recognition, in popularity, and in world wide acceptance of legitamite market value.  

Are you looking to market yourself in the comic book industry? Should you go to a comic con? YES!!! 

Marketing is not just about numbers and statistics about what is selling in stores. Although this is important.  It is also about trends, demographics, people, what people are buying, what is the hottest fiction, what is the gaming industry doing right now, what other cultures are buying, digital and print, technology, basically it is about finding your perfect little corner and making it golden. 

Choose to stand out. Accept orderly disorder at first. But choose to make your identity yours and know that in doing so you are setting a trend.  It is easy to market yourself as a trendsetter. 

Searching out your specific trends is a way to start. I like to use:

statisticbrain  

search for a particular subject or demographic. For fun look up comic books.

I will be writing more on marketing in the future, however, isn't nice knowing that the greater population is finally listening.