Breaking Barriers with Rock Critic Confidential

But to know this man means reading his autobiography, which makes up part of this book. One detail I greatly appreciated is the index featuring a list of the musicians he’s photographed on stage.

Rock Critic Confidential: Morgan, Jeffrey: 9781912587537: Books - Amazon.caBy Ed Sum
(The Vintage Tempest)

Released: June 28, 2021
New Haven Publishing Ltd
Available to purchase on Amazon USA

Canada’s best known rock critic Jeffrey Morgan has a secret. Not everything he’s written or published in the past can be retrieved. He’s been in the business of covering the music scene since 1964, and he has a style that many people, musicians included, like. He’s made a name for himself and has a way of getting his interviewees to open up. It’s funny to think his first career goal was to write for comics (more on this later).

Rock Critic Confidential is a salacious tell-all lands as a hardcover coffee-table book and reading it is a wonderful trip through memory lane—especially when those big names were just getting their start. The distinguishing feature in the book is how readers get to learn something they may not have known. Was it hearsay or from someone in the know? Within this book are his “interrogations” with Bob Dylan, Lou Reed, Meatloaf, Nash The Slash and many more.

Continue reading “Breaking Barriers with Rock Critic Confidential”

Who is Imogen of the Wyrding Way?

The writing is solid in this one shot. We have a very focussed tale which sees this Lady of the Wyrd take an interest in world affairs. The Hexancorps are better defined in this tale and the action is on who will live or die by the sword.

Imogen of Wyrding WayBy Ed Sum
(The Vintage Tempest)

Available Now
Spoiler Alert

The release of the comic book, Imogen of the Wyrding Way, continues in developing the greater conflict that’s still to come in The Outerverse. My guess is that Mike Mignola and Christopher Golden are building to a grand finale instead of simply giving a bit of backstory to these supporting characters since the release of Cojacaru the Skinner and the coming (Josef) The Golem Walks Among Us.

The atmosphere found in this latest has a Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them vibe. Instead of historical New York, the narrative takes place somewhere outside the town of Copenhagen where Imogen, a good witch, is helping to save the world from evil. That is, she offers help to those find themselves against a force even worse than the Nazis.

The artwork by Peter Bergting and colours by Michelle Madsen lean on that style, and I suspect from the movie, BFG, too. The monsters have an appetite for humans…

Continue reading “Who is Imogen of the Wyrding Way?”

The Details on Zoop, A New Crowdfunding Platform for Comic Book Creators!

Zoop’s plans to open their platform to everyone in the comic book and publishing world.

Zoop LogoBy Ed Sum
(The Vintage Tempest)

Visit the website here.

There’s a new crowdfunding platform called Zoop which is specifically tailored for comic book creators to get their works published in a timely manner. This alternative is now live and one of the first books to be featured is Slow City Blues, an Indiana Jones-style action adventure with Who Framed Roger Rabbit-esque insanity to boot! This series will run for five issues and features the talents of Samuel Haine (creator), Shawn Moll (Black Panther), John Livesay (The Flash) and David Baron (JLA) with many cover artists contributing. This title has been years in the making and many fans, myself included, is excited to see this hit the stretch!

The people behind this platform plan to start with a curated site featuring notable creators with “original” ideas they want to get published. Sometimes the big names aren’t interested for one reason or another. I’m glad the independent scene have options. It used to be with the big two–Kickstarter and Indiegogo–but sometimes these entities don’t step in when problems arise and the fans are mad. They also take a considerable cut and the creators don’t earn the money they deserve. I’m more hesitant these days because of this fact and most have delivered despite personal health or other issues preventing delivery. Tech goods are a different beast altogether as sometimes these ideas and those people disappear, taking away the money of those supporters and there’s little recourse.

Continue reading “The Details on Zoop, A New Crowdfunding Platform for Comic Book Creators!”

How to Bridge a Peace in Beasts of Burden: Occupied Territory #3

The first issue was merely a tease, the second dealt with tanukis and witches, the third goes deep with Kappas, Kitsune, Yamawaros and many more. This release may well be the Mononoke Hime of the franchise, as it deals with some overarching themes from the Ghibli anime in a subtler context.

Imogen of Wyrding WayBy Ed Sum
(The Vintage Tempest)

Dark Horse Comics
Available Now

Spoiler Alert

The many yokai that Emerys has to face in Beasts of Burden: Occupied Territory shows that not even the weight of the world can stop him in his obligation to keep the humans safe. I’ve skipped looking at an issue because there’s still a lot to address in this mini-series and I knew #3 will focus on more than the rising action. This latest tale by Evan Dorkin and Sarah Dyer nicely introduces readers to the supernatural side of Japan. Benjamin Dewey’s style remains beautifully solid, and this latest shows he can bring a tear to this reader’s eye.

The first issue was merely a tease, the second dealt with tanukis and witches, the third goes deep with Kappas, Kitsune, Yamawaros and many more. This release may well be the Mononoke Hime of the franchise, as it deals with some overarching themes from the Ghibli anime in a subtler context.

Continue reading “How to Bridge a Peace in Beasts of Burden: Occupied Territory #3”

Fandom Events for the Lower Mainland & Greater Victoria Region Update

The countdown is on! Cosplayers have more time to fine tune and make their wear as best as they can be, and the silver lining is that with patience, these mass gatherings can resume without restriction.

Imogen of Wyrding WayBy Ed Sum
(The Vintage Tempest)

Two more fandom events in Victoria and Vancouver, BC have confirmed they won’t be taking place in 2021. They made the announcement this week, and the list may continue to grow. Potential fatalities on this list include Sidney, BC’s Van Isle Comic Con and Westshore’s Phenomacon; little activity exists on their social media channels.

Capital City Comic Con decided February of this year–a weird call only a month away from their traditional date–and the sister event, Victoria BC’s Ultimate Hobby & Toy Fair, is not happening for the spring season. If restrictions lift for Autumn, this event may take place. But that depends on how many people are vaccinated as the pandemic is well into its second year. The good news is that the dates for 2022 have been booked. To keep up with the situation, please visit their Facebook page.

Continue reading “Fandom Events for the Lower Mainland & Greater Victoria Region Update”

%d bloggers like this: