Cool Deals and a Fun Time!

Everyone's invited to FLYING COLORS' after-hours event, Friday August 17 from 7:30-10PM. We'll be serving refreshments, snacks and cake.

We'll be celebrating the comings and goings among the ever-fantastic FLYING COLORS' staff, including Jenny leaving for her training with Southwest Airlines, Brian leaving to help out his family's business in Benicia, and it's Andy's birthday, too. Also it may be the first time for you to meet new FLYING COLORS' team members Marty and Jazmine.

Cindy will be performing on acoustic guitar and vocals. Her first set of mostly original songs will begin around 8:30PM.

There will be some COOL DEALS, too!

Hope to see you!

FlyCoJoe

Be Here for the Party!

Be here for our party saluting FLYING COLORS' Fabulous staff, FRIDAY August 17, from 7:30-10PM.

Cindy will be performing a live set of her own acoustic songs at about 8:30pm. We'll also have refreshments and snacks, along with some cool deals.

There are numerous comings and goings happening to the FLYING COLORS' staff...and this party will commemorate them all.

I hope you can join us!

Peace!

FlyCoJoe

Up, Up and Away!

Libby and I are off to San Diego, so I want to let you know about some of the New & Cool titles hitting the racks at FLYING COLORS on Wednesday July 25.

•ALAN MOORE WILD WORLDS TP--- A compilation of Alan Moore's Wildstorm work!
•ALL STAR BATMAN AND ROBIN THE BOY WONDER #6 --- Frank Miller & Jim Lee! And you don't have to wait a year in between issues!
•AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #542--- Does Spidey discover who the mastermind is behind the shooting of Aunt May? The answers lie within.
•BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER #5--- Joss Whedon and Georges Jeanty deliver another great chapter in the 8th season of BUFFY!
•HELLBOY DARKNESS CALLS #4--- Buy any HELLBOY or BPRD comic or trade paperback and be entered to win a limited edition Mike Mignola signed HELLBOY lithograph!
•JOHN ROMITA AND ALL THAT JAZZ--- C'mon, this one's a no-brainer. John Romita art. Get it!
•ONSLAUGHT REBORN #4--- by Rob Liefeld. Did I tell you there's a convention this week?
•WALKING DEAD #39---More zombie drama from Robert Kirkman.
•WOLVERINE #55 --- The last round of the fight between Wolvie and Sabretooth. And a surprise variant cover, too---for those of you who care about such things.

That's just the tip of the iceberg---so we hope to see you soon in FLYING COLORS!

Peace!

FlyCoJoe

See You in Sandy Eggo!

The huge Comic-Con International- San Diego starts Wednesday---and for the 22nd year in a row, I'll be there to see what's new in the world of comics and pop culture. And I'll be there to learn, so I can serve all the Flying Colors' Faithful even better upon my return.

In addition to trying to absorb all the massive amounts of new and cool stuff I'll see there, I will also be working behind the scenes, talking with many pros in the comics' biz, working to build an even better comic book industry.

I will be hosting one seminar that is open to the general ticket-buying public at Comic-Con and here's the info:

So You Want to Be a Comics Retailer? Friday July 28 from 4:30 pm-6:00pm in Room 2 (a larger space to accommodate all those interested!
Open to all Comic-Con attendees! With years of experience from ComicsPRO president Joe Field (Flying Colors Comics & Other Cool Stuff, Concord, CA), retailers Joe Ferrara (Atlantis Fantasyworld, Santa Cruz, CA); Nancy Trempe from (Comics Unlimited, Westminster, CA), Derrick Taylor (Comic Oasis, Las Vegas, NV) and Dave Hawksworth from Diamond Comic Distributors. Learn what it takes to make your dream of opening a great comic book store come true. An essential part of ComicsPRO’s mission is to grow the number of professional stores in the Direct Market and the response to this panel over the last few years has been a good start.

I will also be at the Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards, Friday night July 27 from 8pm 'til the cows come home. This year's event is hosted by my pal Bill Morrison (of Simpsons' and BONGO Comics' fame) and Jane Weidlin, the guitarist from the Go-Go's (yeah, we got the beat!).

I always run into current Flying Colors' Faithful, as well as folks who shopped here once upon a time. If you see me, be sure to re-introduce yourself and say hi!

As for what's happening in Flying Colors this week, we have tons of great stuff hitting the rack on Wednesday morning. Be here for it all!

Peace!

FlyCoJoe

Hurray for Julio Franco!

The New York Mets gave Julio Franco the boot yesterday.

And that makes me a little melancholy.

I realize this isn't the most earth-shattering news for any of my readers of "The View from Flying Colors", but it's big-time sad news for me.

You see, Julio Franco is nearly 49 years old---and until yesterday, was still on the roster of a Major League Baseball team, the first place New York Mets, to boot. But Julio's dismissal at the All-Star break isn't a huge surprise. After all, he was hitting an anemic .200 this season as the Mets' primary pinch-hitter. Not many major league players keep their jobs with an average that skirts the Mendoza line, but I have been rooting for Julio Franco to play forever.

Why?
Because at nearly 49 years young, Julio Franco was the closest major leaguer to my age (just a wee couple of years older, thankyaveddymuch).

I always dreamt of being a major league baseball player, ever since my dad and grandfather gave me the gift of the love of baseball when I was a toddler. I played Little League, I played baseball in junior high school... but never played high school ball. I picked up City League softball upon my graduation from college and have been playing every year for almost 30 years.

My Dad passed away almost nine years ago. In his later years, even when I was into my early 40s, Dad and I would watch baseball games at the Oakland Coliseum or on TV--- and he would lament to me about not making me throw left-handed when I was a kid learning to throw a baseball. "That way," he'd say, "you could still be a southpaw reliever in the majors because they pitch forever."

I remember, when I wasn't even 10 years old, Charlie Finley, then the owner of the Kansas City Athletics (and later our Oakland A's), pulled one of his stunts by activating 59 year-old Satchel Paige to pitch in a late season game. Satchel, who was one of the greatest Negro League pitchers of all time, still had it, and if I recall correctly, pitched a scoreless inning.

The hopefully temporary end of Julio Franco's career is perhaps even more meaningful than a one-time stunt, because Julio has been playing pro ball for something like 25 years now. Earlier this season, he became the oldest player ever to hit a home run in a major league game.

In a small way, Julio Franco has allowed me to live a bit vicariously through his long career.

I'm sure I speak for a more seasoned generation of baseball fans---and especially long-in-the-tooth wanna-be major league players--- when I say that I dearly hope another team picks up the contract of Julio Franco. As long as he's playing, even if it's just to warm the bench and occasionally pinch-hit, I feel I still have a tiny chance of being on the field myself.

I guess you can call me Joe "Field of Dreams".

Peace!

FlyCoJoe

"Now That's Customer Service!"

OR: WE'VE GOT YOUR COOL STUFF AROUND HERE SOMEWHERE!!

Sometimes things are just a bit more difficult than they should be. Earlier today, a young guy of about 12 came in and asked to put on hold a certain hardcover ("THE GREATEST DC TEAM-UP STORIES EVER TOLD"). And then he decided he didn't want it on reserve.

But before having a Flying Colors' staff member take charge and put the book back in its proper spot on the shelf, the young guy did it himself. Little did we know that the book was also being sought after by another Flying Colors' fan, Seth, pictured here. So an hour or so after the first boy put the book back on the shelf, in came Seth looking for it.

Only he couldn't find it.
And neither could FlyCo staffer Andy.
And then neither could FlyCo's Jenny.

Seth's mom then asked me if I could find it--- you know, because I can find anything in my store, except in this case.

A full-on hunting party set out into the forest of Flying Colors graphic novels in search of the lost book. Seth knew the boy who'd come in earlier and called him on his cell phone to get a location of where the book might be among Flying Colors vast selection.

I entered the search.
And Mike Fantastic, too.
So did the inimitable Dave Bell.
Seth's mom proclaimed "Now that's customer service!"

Finally, Dave found it wedged behind comics and books in our Religion & History section (Yes, we're a comic book store and yes, we have a Religion and History section. I told you our selection is vast!)

And here's the photo to prove we found it! From left: Jenny, Dave, Seth, Mike Fantastic and Andy.

I post this story not only because it was the cause of great teamwork around here today, but to remind you that Flying Colors does have Contra Costa's best stock of comic books, graphic novels, and comics-related trade paperbacks and hardcovers. Manga, too.

So when you're looking for some fun summer reading, search no further than Flying Colors Comics & Other Cool Stuff.

Like I said up top: We've Got Your Cool Stuff Right Here--- or somewhere!

Peace 'n hard to find comics!

FlyCoJoe

NEW RELEASES' DAY is Thursday July 5

FLYING COLORS Comics will be closed Wednesday July 4th to observe the Independence Day holiday.

FLYING COLORS' Open Hours for the week will be:
Sunday July 1 12 Noon-7pm
Monday July 2 11am-7pm
Tuesday July 3 11am-7pm
Wednesday July 4 CLOSED!
Thursday July 5 11am-8pm (it's NEW RELEASES' DAY!)
Friday July 6 11am-7pm
Saturday July 7 11am-7pm

There are some very major NEW RELEASES next week, a couple of which are pictured here.

FALLEN SON: The Death of Captain America featuring Iron Man is the most relevant to the July 4th holiday.

Written by Jeph Loeb with art by John Cassaday, this issue features the funeral of the star-spangled shield-slinger (that's Captain America, for you newbies). Guest stars galore---and if we hear correctly, talk of this title will be cropping up in the news media. This one is not to be missed!

Also on sale Thursday July 5 is the all-new first issue of THOR, by the creative team of J. Michael Straczynski and Olivier Coipel.
It's now been several years since the God of Thunder has been featured in his own title and this one features an immediate hook to jump on and enjoy the ride.

Lots of other great stuff is on the way, too. So enjoy your holiday and be sure to make it in on Thursday July 5!

Peace 'n Stars 'n Stripes!

FlyCoJoe

Happy Birthday, Mike Fantastic!

Big birthday greetings to Michael "Fantastic Mike" Eriksson who hits the big 25 today!

Mike is one of the stalwarts of the FLYING COLORS' team, having been on staff for more than six years.

Many regular visitors here have come to rely on Mike for good reading recommendations, since his tastes in comics range from contemporary best-sellers like THE GOON, HELLBOY, NEW AVENGERS and JUSTICE SOCIETY of AMERICA to all-time comics' classics, like Alex Raymond's FLASH GORDON and Stan Lee & Jack Kirby's FANTASTIC FOUR and THOR series of the '60s. Mike also has a near encyclopedic knowledge about all things STAR WARS related.

The cake you see in the photos was home-made with great care by Jenny just for Mike's b-day. It's a Devil's Food Chocolate Kahlua cake that is simply amazing!

So HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Mike---and thanks for being such an integral part of the FLYING COLORS team!

Peace!

FlyCoJoe

Strangers in Paradise: ECHOES OF HOME

Today's Guest View From Flying Colors is from Jenny, as she sends her appreciation to artist/writer Terry Moore on the final issue of STRANGERS IN PARADISE...

It’s official.
My favorite comic book series of all time has ended. All of you mainstream superhero fans out there, how would you feel if you never got to see Spider-Man swing through the city, Clark Kent turn into Superman, Adam Hughes draw Wonder Woman? No new stories ever again!!! Pretty depressing thought, huh?

Thankfully the ever-genius Terry Moore gave me a little bit of time to swallow this idea before reading the final issue of this incredible series last night. Strangers in Paradise is an old friend, a brilliant ride, a secret universe that feels like home and understands you.

I started the series at the lowest time of my life. I had hit rock bottom with a huge debt, feeling completely lost. When I picked up SIP, somewhere between Katchoo’s tortured soul and the continuous quest for connection, I fell in love again.

I can sniff out the potential SIP fans, those looking for something different, some character driven drama with fear and loss being the kryptonite and love being the hero. This book will always continue to draw new readers in.

All great things must come to an end. It can’t be like watching an over-the-hill Ozzy Osbourne sing live nowadays. There is a time to get off the stage and start something new---and I’ll be right there to see what Terry Moore, one of the greatest comic creators as well as one of my personal heroes has in store.

Thank you Terry.
--- Jenny

JOE SINNOTT: Brush Strokes with Greatness!

Every week at FLYING COLORS, each staff member makes a "Pick of the Week" for his or her favorite new comic book, graphic novel or comics-related book. My pick this week is a total no-brainer.

It's "Brush Strokes with Greatness: The Life & Art of Joe Sinnott"...and it hits the racks on Wednesday June 6 for New Releases' Day at FLYING COLORS.

Many FLYING COLORS' faithful know how I rave about the art of Joe Sinnott. Others may have heard me rave about Joe Sinnott, the man.

Joe has been involved with the comic book art business since the late 1940s. Best known as the inker of Jack Kirby's historic run on Marvel Comics' FANTASTIC FOUR series, Joe work has graced countless comics from TREASURE CHEST (those of us who went to Catholic School in the '60s no doubt will remember that one),to ATLAS (precursor to MARVEL), CHARLTON, ARCHIE, and DELL, among others. Joe did the comic book biographies of the BEATLES, JOHN F KENNEDY and MOTHER THERESA! The guy has done it all.

I was fortunate to meet and become friends with Joe Sinnott when, in 1995, he made his only trip to the West Coast for the San Diego Comic-Con.

I was thrilled to learn that not only is Joe one of the greats of comic art, he's also one of the most gracious, friendly and down-right good guys I've met in the comics' biz---which is full of good people!

On top of all that, Joe is huge fan of the SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS. Actually, his love of the GIANTS goes back to his uncle--- JOHN "Little Napoleon" McGRAW, Hall of Fame manager of the NEW YORK GIANTS from 1902-1932. So it came as no surprise when I first saw the cover of "Brush Strokes with Greatness"--there's a photo of Joltin' Joe wearing a SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS cap.

I'm certain the reason Joe decided to come to that San Diego Comic-Con in '95---and take a week-long train ride to do it--- was because his beloved SF GIANTS were playing in San Diego that same week against the Padres. So Joe was able to do the convention and see his GIANTS in person on the West Coast for the first time. After all, as one gets to know Joe Sinnott, it's obvious his love of baseball sometimes even surpasses his affection for comics.

One quick anecdote: At the '95 San Diego Con, while I was at Joe's convention table talking with him about the Giants (and comics, too, natch!), someone approached Joe's table, knelt down in front of the table, and with a regal sounding British accent, proclaimed "At last I have the chance to once again meet the great Joe Sinnott in person. I've long admired your work, the way you so brilliantly lay down the blacks, the brush work of a master! It's so good to see you again!" The man of effusive praise was none other than Barry Windsor Smith!

At that point, I was privy to a brief but mutually admirable conversation during which Barry sang Joe's praises and Joe returned them in kind.

Over the last dozen years, I've talked with Joe Sinnott on numerous occasions. Our discussions are always focused on the fortunes and (sadly, mostly) failures of the SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS. I've been a fan of the team all my life and have never seen the Giants win the World Series. Joe Sinnott celebrated his 80th birthday a few months ago---and the only GIANTS World Series victories in his lifetime were in 1933 and 1954! (Man, I can't believe I got that wrong the first time through!)

Along with the baseball talk, Joe and I have talked a lot about the world of comic books. It's been a delightful education for me. And a nicer guy I'll never meet.

Thanks, Joe Sinnott---for all your contributions to comics, to be sure, but also for your kindness to me over these years!

Peace!

FlyCoJoe