Month: January 2011

You guys obviously know of my interest in Oswald the Lucky Rabbit since I did the comics for “Disney Epic Mickey.” You also know that I was seeking help a few months ago in locating a plush Oswald.

I feel the need to mention that, over on ebay, several people are auctioning off plush Oswalds. Do NOT confuse these items–black fur with blue shorts–with the one that was produced several years ago that I was looking for and has gray fur. The latter goes for serious bucks since it’s rare and impossible to get. The former, however, is obtainable in Disney stores now and also on line at Disney.com for $16.50. Hëll, you can buy two of them for $28. Yet right now, there’s an auction about to conclude in which the bidding has gone up to a ridiculous $168. Meanwhile another seller is offering one with a “buy it now” price of $100.

These people aren’t being ripped off because the sellers aren’t claiming it to be something it’s not, but the buyers obviously haven’t done their homework. General rule of thumb: If you’re bidding for something on ebay, make sure it’s not available elsewhere, and if it is, set your maximum bid below what you would pay for it from another source. Caveat emptor, people.

PAD

As in years past, I will be live blogging the State of the Union address. See you at 9 PM EST.

So, here we go. Comments below the line.

Continue Reading “State of the Union Live Blog” →

Years ago, I was doing a signing at a convention, and a kid brought me a copy of an issue of X-Factor to sign. And I glanced at it and said, “I didn’t write it. I’m sorry, but I don’t sign comics I didn’t write.”

And he said, “The Wizard guide says you wrote it.”

I said, “I’m sorry,but I didn’t. It’s wrong.”

He stared at me , uncomprehending, unable to process it. “But…Wizard says you wrote it.”

I opened it for him and pointed to the credits. “See? Right there. I didn’t write it.”

“But…Wizard says you did.”

That is the hold that Wizard Magazine once had on young readers (no, I didn’t sign it, if that’s what you’re wondering.) It directed their every interaction with comics. But time has passed, and anyone with eyes could see how the publication was shrinking, to the point where there was no advertising–the lifeblood of magazines–to keep it going. And now it’s stopped going.

I, personally, am saddened by it. Anything that shutters an avenue of comic collection diminishes us all, even if we weren’t always thrilled with how they presented the hobby. Plus it means people are out of work; never a good thing in today’s economy. I know a lot of people will be pleased to see what they perceive as something that did the hobby no favors folding, but to me it’s just another tangible indicator of the funk the entire industry is in.

PAD

“X-Factor” has been nominated for a 2011 GLAAD media award. Thought you guys would be interested.

PAD

It’s been a while since I’ve done an open Q&A. Actually, not since my back surgery. So…throwing it open to questions. Anything you guys want to ask about whatever?

A couple of stipulations:

1) One question per person.

2) Please don’t bother asking about the wing speed of an unladen swallow, the answer to life, the universe and everything, or similar questions. It was funny the first time. And second. By the tenth time, the charm has worn off.

3) I reserve the right not to answer.

PAD