Back from Memphis!

The ComicsPRO Annual Members' Meeting in Memphis was a resounding success. I posted a report on it over at the ComicsPRO blog.

Lots of cool new stuff hits the racks on Wednesday morning, so be here!

Hope to see you soon in Flying Colors!

Peace!

FlyCoJoe

WATCHMEN Gets FlyCo Some Ink

A nice feature about WATCHMEN and adults getting back into comics, written by reporter Tony Hicks from the Contra Costa Times (and the rest of the Bay Area Newsgroup, including the Oakland Tribune, San Jose Mercury News and other papers) ran in this morning's editions.

You can read it HERE!

The gist of the article is how daunting it can be for anyone to get into comics these days with the myriad choices, entangled continuity and so many different titles from which to choose.

While I didn't quite say it well enough to make it into print, the most important thing I want to impress upon everyone is that the wide medium of comics and graphic novels have many great things for readers of all ages and interests.

And the way to make the task of getting into comic less daunting is to talk with an expert (Hey, that's us!). Sure, comics and graphic novels are almost ubiquitous in their presence at large corporate-owned stores and online stores. However, the single best way to dip your toes into the comics' pool for the first time ever (or first time in years) is to visit a professional store dedicated to the medium of comics....a store, I will humbly add, like Flying Colors.

One of the projects I've been involved with over the last few years is the development and growth of the comic book industry's largest-ever retailer trade association called ComicsPRO. If you have friends in other areas wanting to jump back into comics, I'll recommend going to the ComicsPRO site, hitting the "Members" link for a list of retailers all over North America that will be professional, helpful and enthusiastic in nurturing each and every new (or returning) comics' reader.

Peace!

FlyCoJoe

(photo by Jim Stevens of the Contra Costa Times)

Q: Who Will Watch the WATCHMEN?

A: Millions, no doubt.

But I seriously doubt this one will have the "legs" that THE DARK KNIGHT had last summer.

I was among those who were invited to a late-night screening last Friday night/ Saturday morning of the film adaptation of the Alan Moore/ Dave Gibbons graphic novel WATCHMEN.

This movie is the first R-rated "super-hero" movie (WANTED was a super-villain movie, after all).

And it's a true 'R'--- as the source material was. I mention this because I think there will be a lot of parents being asked by their kids to take them to see this new "super-hero" movie. And all parents really need to know this movie was definitely not made for kids. Proceed with knowledge and caution.

For adults, it's a wild and stylish movie--- it's directed by Zach "300" Snyder, after all. It's mostly faithful to the original graphic novel with some shots almost lifted straight from Dave Gibbons' cinematic art in the original.

No spoilers here. Most of the readers of this blog have probably already made up their minds about whether they'll see it or not. I really wanted to post this to ask you in advance to post your thoughts about this movie (and the graphic novel) in the comments section here.

And if you would like me to play spoiler for you, come on in to Flying Colors for your new comics and other cool stuff and I'll give you the full low-down.

Peace!

FlyCoJoe

[Update: Randy Myers from the Contra Costa Times has reviewed "WATCHMEN". To read his review, go HERE!

WonderCon Awaits!

As of this blogging, WonderCon tickets are rapidly selling out here. By closing time tonight, we are completely sold out of Friday/Saturday tickets.

Flying Colors still has less than a handful remaining of 3-Day tickets, and a few more than a handful of Sunday tickets.

WonderCon is once again shaping up to be a great show.

Please feel free to hit the 'comments' link on this blog to share your WonderCon experiences, from the 2009 event as well as WonderCon's past.

Peace 'n' Wonder!

FlyCoJoe

This Weekend--- it's WonderCon!

Answers to Frequent Questions About WonderCon

Is Flying Colors selling tickets to WonderCon?
Yes! And we will sell them until we run out or until the weekend event is over, whichever comes first. If history is any indication, we will run out of tickets this week, so if you'd like to save a few bucks and some time in line, be sure to pick up your tix in the couple of days.

Will Flying Colors have a booth at WonderCon?
FlyCoJoe gets this question a lot. Fact is, Flying Colors has never had a booth at WonderCon. For the first 15 years of the event, FlyCoJoe was on the organizing board for the big convention, so that made it unfeasible to do his work at the convention and run a booth.

Also, Flying Colors was never set up to be a convention dealer. Instead, we keep our great selection of comics & other cool stuff available to our loyal base of supporters that come into our Concord store. Heck it's like a convention every day here at Flying Colors!

Is there a schedule of events listing for this weekend's show?
The Who, What Where and When of WonderCon is just a click away, so hit the link HERE!

Will there be any FlyCoJoe sightings at WonderCon?
FlyCoJoe is on a panel with Brian Hibbs from Comix Experience in San Francisco. Called "Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Comics Retailing... But Weren't Afraid to Ask!", it'll be an informative hour looking at the retail environment in the comics' biz these days. That'll be Friday from 2-3PM.

Anything else?
Randy Myers of the Contra Costa Times writes a graphic novel review column. In yesterday's column, Randy shared another round of reviews worth reading, along with some of the comics' professionals he's most looking forward to seeing at WonderCon. Read his column
HERE!

Peace!

FlyCoJoe

(ps: Since we're going crazy with links here, here's one more for you. Click HERE!
to see Bob Segarini's latest column on FYI Music Canada. In this latest column, Bob gave his choices for the Top Ten Albums that influenced him in his youth. He then asked his readers to share theirs---and FlyCoJoe couldn't resist the "blast from the past" music challenge.)

Nibbles of News

ITEM, GUARANTEED READ!--- Occasionally, there are excellent titles that seem to slip by unnoticed, despite the best efforts of the FlyCo Retailing Brigade.

JERSEY GODS from Image Comics is a great example. Strong talent in writer Glen Brunswick (remember Gray Area, the series he did with John Romita JR?) and art new-comer Dan McDaid (you're gonna love this guy's stuff--- FlyCoJoe sees influences including Jack Kirby, Darwyn Cooke and Mike Allred. Nice stuff!)

The FlyCo Retailing Brigade is so sure you're going to like JERSEY GODS that we have made it a "GUARANTEED READ!". Ask us about it next time you visit Flying Colors.

ITEM, FREE! --- Flying Colors Comics is pleased to be among the first comic shops in the country to be taking part in the innovative promotion from Top Cow Productions called "Let Us Win You Over".

The premise is simple. Top Cow produces comics that feature some of the industry's most detailed art to go with some darker story-lines aimed at readers older than 16.
Today, Flying Colors received a boatload of copies of DARKNESS #75, a great "jumping on" point for new readers. Featuring art by such talents as Joe Benitez, Fraser Irving, Lee Bermejo, Dale Keown, and Stjepan Sejic, DARKNESS #75 is a packed, thick issue, with a cover price of $4.99... except that at Flying Colors, this comic book is FREE, while supplies last.

So you may ask--- why is it free? Because Top Cow Production, the publisher of DARKNESS is working directly with comic book retailers (hey, that's us!) to find new readers for their unique brand of story-telling. If you like the UNDERWORLD movies mixed with a bit of the SOPRANOS, come in and get your FREE copy of DARKNESS #75.

ITEM, HOPE SPRINGS ETERNAL! --- FlyCoJoe (and the beauteous FlyCoLibby) attended Fan Fest at the ballpark at Willie Mays Field at McCovey Cove in San Francisco last Saturday. It was a gorgeous, warm day, just right for a ballgame--- and there was a mini-ballgame played by toddlers at the mini-park behind the left field bleachers. The photo here is a special one for FlyCoJoe, shown with his cousin Burt.

This is the first time in close to 40 years that Burt and Joe got together, so we re-introduced ourselves to one another and found that we both share a love of baseball and we both share a great uncle who made it to the major leagues back in the '30s and '40s. Read about him HERE!Our fathers were brothers with about the same age difference as there is between FlyCoJoe (the old one, like my dad) and Burt (the young one, like his dad). Looks like the start of a long friendship!

Here's my prediction for baseball this year:
I predict there will be a Bay Bridge Series (from April 2-4, just before the regular season starts).
ITEM, COMICS BIZ! --- FlyCoJoe was recently interviewed for a report on the economics of comics and the prospects of changing cover prices. Check it out now at NEWSARAMA!

ITEM, BOOK, GRAPHIC NOVEL, MOVIE!--- Randy Myers does some very insightful graphic novel reviews for the Bay Area News Group (Contra Costa Time, et al). Recently Randy reviewed the fantasy book turned graphic novel turned movie called CORALINE. Check out his review HERE!

ITEM, MORE BIZ!--- I know a number of comic book retailers and retailers-to-be read this blog, so I want to point your attention to two events. The first is coming FEB 27, 28 and MAR 1 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco. It's NorCal's largest pop culture/comics convention. It's WonderCon!.

My friend and retailer compatriot Brian Hibbs from SF's cool Comix Experience and FlyCoJoe will be featured in a chat-fest called "Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Comics Retailing, But Weren't Afraid to Ask!" from 2-3PM on Friday FEB 27.

As board members for the comic book industry's only retailer trade association, Brian and I will also be a part of ComicsPRO's Annual Meeting, March 19-21 in Memphis TN. All retailers are welcome...and if you are a comics retailer who cares about the future of your chosen profession, you really need to be there. Get the info HERE!

Thoughts? Questions? Comic Reviews?
Hit the 'Comments' link!

Peace!

FlyCoJoe

POCO Country-Rock Book from Groundhog Press

I've occasionally blogged here about music--- what I like, what I don't like and what shows I've seen. Well, this post is a bit different. You see, my long time pal and former KJOY-AM (Stockton CA!) compatriot, Jerry Fuentes, has just published a book about his favorite band, country-rock pioneers POCO.

And since today is Groundhog Day, it's just a tad ironic that Jerry's book is published through Groundhog Press. What follows is the official press release for Jerry's book, which I heartily recommend to any fans of music biographies.


Groundhog Day
February 2, 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jerry Fuentes
Groundhog Press
(209) 406-5824
booksatgroundhog@sbcglobal.net

POCO’S LEGEND FINALLY SEES THE LIGHT
Country-Rock trailblazers story revealed at last

Stockton, CA – Unearthing the fascinating story of pioneering American country-rock band Poco, noted rock historian Jerry Fuentes has written LEGEND: The Story of Poco (312 pp., pb, $19.95). The band’s first comprehensive biography, LEGEND: The Story of Poco enlightens with an accurate portrait of this influential band, with a revealing look at the obstacles and frustrations of the rock and roll world.

Based on numerous interviews with band members and associates, LEGEND: The Story of Poco unveils many previously unreleased details of the band’s history from their creation in 1968 out of the ashes of the legendary Buffalo Springfield. To this day, Poco remains a popular concert act throughout the U.S. and Europe.

John Einarson, author of biographies of Neil Young, Gene Clark, Buffalo Springfield, and Randy Bachman, says, "Poco expert extraordinaire Jerry Fuentes offers a meticulously researched, detailed and insightful chronicle of an influential band whose legacy endures and can be heard today in the music of countless country music artists. LEGEND is required reading for country rock fans and aficionados alike."

In addition to his own writing, Jerry Fuentes also provides research support for other authors such as Pete Long, Christopher Hjort, Doug Hinman, and John Einarson. Fuentes has written articles about Buffalo Springfield, Neil Young, and Poco for Goldmine, Broken Arrow, and A Good Feeling to Know. Fuentes also operates a website documenting Poco’s extensive concert history at PocoDeliverin.com.

LEGEND: The Story of Poco
By Jerry Fuentes
ISBN 978-0-9817592-0-3

To arrange book signings, interviews or to place orders for the book, please contact:
Jerry Fuentes
Groundhog Press
619 Fordham Drive
Stockton, CA 95210
e-mail: booksatgroundhog@sbcglobal.net
URL: www.booksatgroundhog.com

###

Mystery News & Notes!

ITEM, MYSTERY: Sometimes, when we purchase old comics here at Flying Colors (gotta update those old pix!), it takes us months to process the comics for sale. Recently, when going through a bunch of old comics we had purchased a few months ago, I stumbled upon the photo here.

It's a comic shop from sometime in the 1980s. A little dark, to be sure...but the store does look pretty well stocked full of comics and games. So the mystery is this--- does anyone reading this blog recognize the store in the photo? If you do, please let me know by hitting the comments link at the end of this blog post. Thanks!

ITEM, POLITICS: Did you know that our new President Obama is also our first admitted "Geek-in-Chief"? Well, if you didn't, just take a look at this latest piece in the ONION. The photo and story are copyright 2009 by the Onion--and well worth you hitting the link to catch the whole thing! Comedy gold!


ITEM, COMICS: Over the last week, the Retailing Brigade here at Flying Colors has been busy re-stocking our impressive selection of back issue comics we have on display. Time for some bin-diving!

ITEM, COMICS II: Also in stock, but likely not for long, is a copy of Spider-Man's very first appearance from 1962 in AMAZING FANTASY #15. A low-grade copy to be sure, but it's a very solid copy for only $1300. YOu likely won't find another copy better and cheaper than this!

Hope to see you soon... in Flying Colors!

Peace!

FlyCoJoe

Updates & Quick Hits

ITEM, OBAMA-MANIA: The craziness continues with the Amazing Spider-Man issue featuring President Obama. Flying Colors will be receiving more copies of this comic book each of the next two Wednesdays--- on January 28 and February 4.

We are still taking reservations in person in Flying Colors' store only--- for this fun issue. Don't miss your chance to grab a piece of political and super-hero history! You did know that Prez Obama is a Spider-Man fan and a confessed comic book reader, didn't you?

ITEM, CUTE: Now in-stock at Flying Colors--- Exclusive and Limited Edition Infant T-Shirts designed by cartoonist JB Bonivert. Sweet!

ITEM, COOL: Talk about an "exclusive"! Check out the customized Captain Four-Color action figure shown here. It's the terrific work of FlyCo Retailing Brigade member Andy! In the pic along with Andy is the designer of Captain Four-Color (and the designer of the infant t-shirts above) JB Bonivert!

If you're still in the dark about who Captain Four-Color is, FlyCoJoe suggests you check out the web-comics link HERE, or better yet, pick up a copy of Flying Colors 20th Anniversary Special Edition comic book.


ITEM, COMMENTS: From the comments we've received to date, we realize this action-figure version of Captain Four-Color may be something of a stretch from the "real" Cap FC.

As we've heard, the real Cap FC isn't quite so muscular (Yet! C'mon, there's still time!), and he's not smiling (Cap FC is always smiling, but you'd probably have the same expression if you were being hoisted like that!)

ITEM, ONE MORE THING: Flying Colors still has a quantity of our 2009 poster/calendars ready and waiting for you. We are also happy to give a quantity of these poster/calendars to teachers and librarians, so please inquire within!

ITEM, SWEET! FlyCoJoe received another wonderful visit from one of the former FLying Colors Retailing Brigade members who helped to build the FlyCo empire into what it is today.

Here's a pic from my visit earlier this week with Anne Goodrich, her lovely mom and Anne's three beautiful kids. Anne was on staff here from Day One--- October 3, 1988, when she was a student at Carondelet High School. Anne is now a school teacher in Mountain Home CA. Great to see you, Anne (and fam!). Please stop by whenever you're in the area.

And if there's any of the other 45 or so former FlyCo staffers who'd like to stop by, I'd love to see you all, so don't be strangers.

Peace 'n' Good People!

FlyCoJoe

Spidey Meets Obama in Flying Colors!

Been a crazy day here and we've only been open for a couple of hours. Why? Because of the total frenzy surrounding the release of Amazing Spider-Man #583, featuring a back-up story in which Spider-Man meets Barack Obama on Inauguration Day.

Here are my answers to your Frequently Asked Questions about this particular comic book:

1) Right now, we still have copies of the Obama variant cover, but they will not last the rest of today. [Note: As of 2:00PM, all of the Obama covers are gone, but we still have first printing Amazing Spider-man #583s with the regular cover]

2) No, we are not taking reservations for the remaining copies we have in stock. If we did, there wouldn't have been any left for the many people coming into the store today. By not accepting reservations, we are trying to be fair in getting as many copies as we have to as many different readers as possible.

3) Yes! We are taking advance orders for the Obama cover edition with a different color background that will hopefully be arriving next Wednesday January 21, the day after Inauguration Day. [Update: Marvel Comics has announced that the 2nd printing Obama cover is now sold out from the publisher level. Flying Colors is still taking orders for this issue!]

4) No, this comic book will not "put your kids through college in another 20 years." It's a fun little tie-in to a presidential inauguration, not a financial annuity.
If we depended solely on the collectability of comics, there's no way Flying Colors would have lasted more than 20 years here in Concord.

5)While I am grateful that Marvel Comics was able to get tons of publicity about the release of this issue, I am not so happy with the major hoops that the Marvel company asks its retailers to jump through to try to satisfy our many customers.

6) Flying Colors has a ton of other great comics and graphic novels in stock for readers of all ages and interests. Comics are an entertainment medium first, last and always.

Peace 'n' Cool Comics!

FlyCoJoe