Month: September 2004

I asked Dave Lopez to do a simple headshot of the Fallen Angel for the bookplate, and instead Dave outdid himself with the following pencil drawing. So it’s taking a little longer to produce it than anticipated, but I think you’ll find it worth the wait, right?

View image

Some folks are writing me, telling me that their interest has been piqued by the recent “Fallen Angel” promotion, but that back issues are hard to come by.

I’ve checked with DC. They have, in stock, issues 12, 13 and 14. Each of these are stand alone issues, but contain important groundwork for the current arc in 15-18. So if your retailer claims he can’t obtain those issues, as some are…well, I don’t want to say anyone’s lying. Let’s just say they’re misinformed.

As for issues 7 through 11, DC hasn’t announced a trade collection of them yet, but certainly sales on the current one will determine that.

PAD

The issue of “Fallen Angel” which kicks off a major four-part story arc that will result in major revelations about Bete Noire, and the “Spyboy” issue that wraps up the current four parter.

Whad’ja think?

PAD

Today is Kath’s birthday. She’s down in Atlanta, celebrating it with her folks and siblings. So feel free to toot on your cyber noisemakers and wish her many happy returns of the day.

PAD

UPDATE: Check out the latest www.thefourthrail.com to see a rave review for “Fallen Angel #15,” out this week.
The following is a DC press release that went out September 7.

DC PROVIDES FREE COPIES OF FALLEN ANGEL #1 TO RETAILERS
On September 9, retailers will receive free copies of a special new printing of DC Comics’ FALLEN ANGEL #1 (PROM60034), featuring the first story from the FALLEN ANGEL TP (APR040304). This issue, which features the words “This issue free” on the cover, is written by Peter David, with art by David Lopez & Fernando Blanco and cover art by Brian Stelfreeze. The issue also includes a letter to readers from David.

This edition of FALLEN ANGEL #1 is provided to retailers in quantities equal to half of their initial orders of HELLBLAZER #200 (JUL040693).

“I am very pleased that DC feels that FALLEN ANGEL is worth the time, consideration and energy for this extra promotional step,” says David. “Part of it stems from the nearly unanimous critical raves the series has gotten, and part from DC’s knowing that upcoming issues will answer a lot of questions. As for the much-debated background of the Fallen Angel herself, well… let’s just say that the final panel of issue #18 should pretty much point the way, once and for all, in the direction of her true origins. By giving readers a second look at series’ start, DC is inviting and urging readers who missed it the first time to give it a try.”

Here’s what the critics are saying about FALLEN ANGEL:

“Some of Peter David’s finest work in comics. The mysterious setting of Bete Noire is a fascinating creation, the cast of characters delightfully morally ambiguious…” – thefourthrail.com

“Worth my money every month… DC’s best kept secret.” – aintitcoolnews.com

“…the best book out there you aren’t reading. The characters are intense and exciting.” – 4colorreview.com

“Books like FALLEN ANGEL ensure I will be continuing to read comics for a long time.” – 411mania.com

“Every issue is packed with enough twists, surprises, action, and psychological tension to make a therapist seek mental help. If you can find another title with more bang for your buck every month, let me know.” – Paperbackreader.com

“You wouldn’t expect this dark writing from a guy famous for his humor and puns. But David has pulled it off, showing he’s a lot more versatile – and a lot more serious – than anyone else thinks. – stupidscifi.com

“…the most mature, twisted, deep and emotional book Peter David has ever written… a new benchmark in his long and distinguished career.” – herorealm.com

“This is Peter David’s best writing since finishing THE INCREDIBLE HULK.” – mediasharx.com

Upcoming issues of FALLEN ANGEL are available as follows:

FALLEN ANGEL #15 (JUL040617) is available for advance reorder and is scheduled to arrive in stores on September 9.

FALLEN ANGEL #16 (AUG040381) is solicited in the August issue of Previews (Volume XIV #8) and is scheduled to arrive in stores on October 13.

FALLEN ANGEL #17 (SEP040314) is solicited in the September issue of Previews (Volume XIV #9) and is scheduled to arrive in stores on November 3

In addition, the FALLEN ANGEL TP (APR040304) available for reorder. This title collects FALLEN ANGEL #1-6 and features an introduction by Harlan Ellison.

A somewhat calmer day, as Mondays generally are. Spent the morning at my table, and then went to the Star Trek track of “An hour with Peter David” (which for fans probably feels more like a week with Peter David, but okay). To my utter surprise the room was packed. I read the opening chapter of the next New Frontier novel, “After the Fall,” which should be out later this year. Once again Caroline made an awwwww-inspiring appearance, this time decked out in a little yellow STTOS command shirt. She climbed up on a chair behind the table, beamed at the audience, and I did the Hammer thing again. Once again she boogied to it. The child simply adores being in front of an audience. Milks them for all they’re worth.

At 1 PM was a panel remembering Julie Schwartz which Harlan moderated. These types of memorial panels are never easy. All in all, it went as well as such things good, recalling Julie fondly but savoring his gruffness and kvetching as much as anything.

I went down to the dealer’s room after that and spotted Soupy Sales. I went over and immediately told him how much his show meant to me as a kid. He opened his mouth…and sat there. Mouth open. Like a toy that had run out of batteries. I stood there confused, uncertain of what to do, and the younger woman with him–his wife–immediately replied. We discussed the merchandise on the table and I bought two books. Soupy then worked on signing them, holding the marker carefully, and very softly I asked his wife if he’d had a stroke. She indicated that, no, he’d had some kind of operation (indicating the chest.) I don’t know what sort of surgery could cause someone to “lock up” like that. He did manage to say “Thank you” perfectly clearly several times, so I’m unclear what the deal was. But it saddened me greatly, seeing someone who I remembered as so vital just sort of trapped in his own body that way.

I went back to my table for a time, but by 4 PM the place was pretty much dead. So I’m back here in the hotel room, babysitting the snoozing Caroline, while Kath is at a panel and Ariel is prowling the dealer’s room. I’m worried about what will happen tomorrow with the rains predicted and whether it will interfere with our getting back.

PAD

Correction to yesterdays blog: Turns out that Nathan Fillion did NOT say “You f*cked up.” He said, “That’s f*cked up.” So it was more an observation than a threat.

With Kathleen taking Caroline out early to visit her folks and go to church, Ariel and I wound up sleeping in and not waking up until 9:40. Tossing down an invigorating breakfast consisting of poptarts, we went downstairs and I took my first cruise around the dealer’s room. Came out with a new “Nightmare Before Christmas” wristwatch for Kath, an animated heart watch for Ariel, and a replica of Excalibur from “Holy Grail” made by the fine folks at Museum Replicas (no clue how I’m getting it home yet.)

So the day started out nicely enough. Little did I suspect the disaster in the making.

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