Elfsar Comics & Toys Blog

Brad Meltzer’s new novel, The Book of Lies, due out next week, was the impetus for a USA Today story this week on the origin of Superman, which Meltzer ties to the death of Mitchell Siegel, Superman co-creator Jerry Siegel’s father, in a Cleveland robbery in 1932.  Although Siegel himself never mentioned in interviews that his father died in a robbery, Meltzer notes the motivation for a character whose first depiction, from 1933, shows him rescuing a man being robbed.  Meltzer also told USA Today of a letter to the editor in the Cleveland Plain Dealer the day after the robbery from A.L. Luther, denouncing the need for vigilantes, which Meltzer thinks may have been the inspiration for Superman villain Lex Luthor. 

The USA Today article does a nice job of tracing the history of the discovery of this piece of Siegel’s history, which first appeared in 2004 in Gerard Jones’ Men of Tomorrow.  Writer David Colton also cites Marc Tyler Nobleman and Ross MacDonald’s Boys of Steel:  The Creators of Superman, which concluded that Siegel’s father died of a heart attack during the robbery. 

Colton concludes his article with the sordid history of Siegel and Shuster’s battle for the rights to their character, including a great anecdote from Jerry Robinson about the star-studded party held to celebrate the settlement in which DC agreed to pay the character’s creators an annuity and credit them for Superman’s creation.  That battle for a share of the immense revenues derived from Superman over the years continues  (see http://www.elfsar.betweenthestaples.com/2008/03/31/great-scott-dc-no-longer-has-the-rights-to-superman/)

READ ALL ABOUT IT!

August Elfbytes.
Orders due by August 27th!

ELFBYTES: is our employee’s personal previews/recommendations on comics coming out each and EVERY month.  We aim to highlight both Mainstream and Independent titles worth taking a closer look at.  Elfbytes is by no means a complete listing of what is found in Previews but rather a (hopefully) enjoyable read as to things that you may want to consider ordering.  Try something new and/or expand your reading outside of your comport zone.

All listed Product is available for order at Elfsar Comics & Toys (ask us how at elfsar@shaw.ca) Members get discounts on all pre-orders. Find out what a Membership is all about HERE.

Diamond’s Due Dates change every month so make sure to check back often so that you get your orders in on time.  If you would like to order a comic and it is already passed the Initial Due Date, let us know ASAP as we may be able to increase our order before it is sold out.

http://previews.diamondcomics.com/default.asp

Note: This was sent to me from Brock (Elfsar’s trusty Elfbyte collaborator)

Given the recent release of Uncanny X-Men #500, and reading this article on the CBR website http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=17588 made me think about what Marvel titles would be at what issue number.  I’ve listed them in order of lowest (ie, the title that is closer to issue #500) to highest.  Interesting if nothing else (although it also indicates I’ve perhaps got a bit too much time on my hands right now). 

UNCANNY X-MEN 

• Uncanny X-Men #1 - #500 (as of August 2008)

THOR 

• Journey into Mystery #83 - #125 = 42 issues
• Thor (vol. 1 - 1966) #126 - #502 = 378 issues
• Thor (vol. 2 - 1998) #1 - #85 = 85 issues

Total previous series = 505 issues

• Thor (vol. 3 - 2007 - current series) #1 - #10 (as of August 2008) OR #506 - #515

Total = 515 issues

CAPTAIN AMERICA

• Tales of Suspense #59 - #99 = 41 issues
• Captain America (vol. 1 - 1968) #100 - #454 = 355 issues
• Captain America (vol. 2 - 1996) #1 - #13 = 13 issues
• Captain America (vol. 3 - 1998) #1 - #50 = 50 issues
• Captain America (vol. 4 - 2002) #1 - #32 = 32 issues

Total previous series = 491 issues

• Captain America (vol. 5 - 2004 - current series) #1 - #40 (as of August 2008) OR #491 - #531

Total = 531 issues

IRON MAN 

• Tales of Suspense #39 - #99 = 61 issues
• Iron Man (vol. 1 - 1968) #1 - #332 = 332 issues
• Iron Man (vol. 2 - 1996) #1 - #13 = 13 issues
• Iron Man (vol. 3 - 1998) #1 - #89 = 89 issues
• Iron Man: Director of Shield (vol. 4 - ) #1 - #32 = 32 issues [title becomes War Machine as of #33]

Total previous series = 527 issues

• Invincible Iron Man (2008 - current series) #1 - #4 (as of August 2008) OR #528 - #531

Total = 531 issues

HULK

• Incredible Hulk (vol. 1 - 1962) #1 - #6 = 6 issues
• Tales to Astonish #60 - #101 = 42 issues
• Incredible Hulk (vol. 2 - 1968) #102 - #474 = 373 issues
• Incredible Hulk (vol. 3 - 1999) #1 - #112 = 112 issues

Total previous series = 533 issues

• Hulk (2008 - current series) #1 - #5 (as of August 2008) OR #534 - #538

Total = 538 issues

FANTASTIC FOUR  

• Fantastic Four (vol. 1 - 1961) #1 - #416 = 416 issues
• Fantastic Four (vol. 2 - 1996) #1 - #13 = 13 issues

Total previous series = 429 issues

• Fantastic Four (vol. 3 - 1998 - current series) #1 - #70 OR #430 - #499 / #500 - #558 (as of August 2008)

Total = 558 issues

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 

• Amazing Spider-Man (vol. 1 - 1962) #1 - #441

Total previous series = 441 issues

• Amazing Spider-Man (vol. 2 - 1998 - current series) #1 - #58 OR #442 - #499 / #500 - #566 (as of August 2008)

Total = 566 issues  

Your invited to the Yaletown Street party Friday night and Saturday day.

On Friday August 8^th:

We will have DJ Leanne & ZUZU, with Hip Hop performances by Harbour Centre Squad between 5-7pm on our street.

(This is sponsored by Heineken) http://www.ihnglobal.com/banner/Yaletown_video.html

Also at Elfsar, starting at 5pm on Friday meet artist Jordan Oliwa who will be signing his 2 new books (SINS OF GONZO NATION & STICK N PUCK THE RINK RAT CHRONICLES) available at Elfsar. Other Artists scheduled to appear are Robert Valley (MASSIVE SWERVE VOL 1 & VOL 2), Robin Mitchell (ART OF ROBIN MITCHELL VOL 1 & 2) and artist/writer Steven Sanderson (DARKNESS CALLS)

Take part of our SALE as well (*details listed below)

On Saturday August 9^th:

We will have a Fun in the Sun Block party, 12 noon - 4pm, with performances by DJ Joel West, games prizes and sidewalk specials all along our street.

This is in conjunction with the Femsport Street Party, 11am -6pm at Hamilton and Nelson, where elite woman athletes will be competing for the first time in Yaletown. (Think She-Hulk vs Wonder Woman)

• The Toonie Store will be providing Balloons
• DJ Joel is booked to play from noon to 4pm
• A zodiac prize wheel will be available and you can winrandom gifts from all the different businesses on the 1000 block (Including Elfsar)
• CIBC willofferinga caricature artist to do your portrait
• Hamilton Street Grill will have an oyster shucking extravaganza
• Elfsar will have a large 2 day sale and host a comic book artist signing on both Friday & Saturday
• EQ3 will have a special sale
• Van Pet will hand out treats (you may want to give these to your pet or small children)
• TD will have a table, with pamphlets and other goodies (I’m guessing cookies)
• BMO is going to hand out water bottles (Stay Hydrated)
• Flesh is going to have a sale (They sell underwear folks so stop the jokes now)

*SALE DETAILS: Elfsar will have a sale all day long on both Friday (10:30-9pm) and Saturday (11:00-6pm).  Buy 2 get 1 FREE on all Graphic Novels.   50% OFF on all Back Issues and Variant Incentive Covers, 20% OFF on all other merchandise (Toys, Models, Posters, T-Shirts…etc.)

Note some exceptions apply and sale does not include consignment items.

This sale only happens a couple times a year, so come on down to Yaletown to take advantage and have some fun during the process.

Well, I had a blast at the SDCC (it was a lot bigger than I remember) and I have a lot of pictures to download but I need to find my connection cord to do so… sigh*  I’ll try to find time to do this soon.

In the meantime, I just found out that I was quoted in the Toronto Star the other day regarding the subject of what fascinates us about Batman.   You can read the article here:  http://www.thestar.com/article/472248 Toronto Star writer Petti Fong came into the store the other day curious about what books she should read about Batman.  I pointed her to a handful of books:  Batman Year One, Batman The Long Halloween, The Killing Joke, Batman The Dark knight Returns…etc and she asked me a few questions why Batman was so popular.

Also I would like to Thank Blogger Ariane Khachatourians for her review of our store.  I don’t know Ariane very well but she gave us some very gracious prase and I thank her for all her kind words and her championing stores that try to spread the love.  You can read her full blog post here: http://spendlocally.ca/vancouver/elfsar  Kudos!

 
Hey all,
It's your Monthly Newsletter from Elfsar.
I'm about to leave for the San Diego Comic Con
(a pleasure I have not been able to enjoy for quite some time)
and it will be the first time I will be there as a Comic Retailer.
Are there any exclusives people are looking for?
Let me know.  Check out what is new this week at:
www.elfsar.com.       

Okay, on with the news…

********************************************************
BECAUSE OF THE SAN DIEGO COMIC CON WE NEED YOUR IN ASAP IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY DONE SO. ORDERS ARE DUE THIS WEDNESDAY the 23rd!
First up is our handy dandy Elfbytes. This is a quick reminder that our staff highlights is up so if you forgot to look through this month’s Previews Catalogue you can rely on Elfbytes to give you the skinny. You can find this months review here: www.elfsar.com/Elfbytes%20Articles/July_2008.htm
Note: All Comic Saver File Customers should really find the time to read this as we sometimes offer product not yet listed in Previews.
********************************************************

DID YOU KNOW THAT ELFSAR COMIC & TOYS IS NOW ON FACEBOOK?
Yes it’s true. We have a group on Facebook and yes you are welcome to join us. Let us know what you thought of new movies like Dark Knight or a comic, video game or even something random on the web you really liked. Don’t be shy the more people contribute the more fun it will be.
Check us out at: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=5515647817

********************************************************
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR NEW NORTH AMERICAN HEROCLIX CHAMPIONS!
Our Elfsar Heroclix Judges pulled off an amazing win at this years Wizard World Chicago between June 26th and July 29th. Our primary Judge Rob “The Canadian” Barazzoule is now the official #1 best player on the Continent. Our secondary Judge made us proud with her personal best by becoming the #1 female player in North America. She scored a third place victory win at WWC.
I’d say we have a very good shot of being #1 in the World. Mucho props guys.
http://www.elfsar.com/Gaming/Heroclix.htm
********************************************************

BEST OF VANCOUVER NEEDS YOUR VOTE!
It’s that time of year again folks. The Georgia Straight is going to reward those picked in each category with the bragging rights of being the best in Vancouver for the year of 2008. Our category of course is named “Best Comic-Book Shop” in the living section of the survey. All you have to do is take five minutes to vote for 25 things to make your vote count and you may even win a trip for 2 to Vegas valued at $3,000.00 for the effort.
Package includes: roundtrip airfare, roundtrip airport transfers,
3 nights accommodation at the Wynn Las Vegas and
2 tickets to see Le Reve by Cirque Du Soleil.

Grand prize winner will be announced in the September 19th Best of Vancouver issue.
Enter now and spread the word.

http://www.straight.com/bov

Why should you vote for Elfsar? Well you already know that we try to put on the best Free Comic Book Day every year, we are the only comic book store that puts on a 24 hour comic book challenge, We do our monthly reviews, operate and maintain an online shopping system, run charity events to help strengthen our community… but most importantly we strive to give you the best service we can and go that extra mile each and every week. Help spread the word that we exist by locking in your vote.

********************************************************
JUST ARRIVED 2008 -SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL COMICS & BOOKS!!!
1) THE BROTHERHOOD by local artist Tyler Dorchester. http://www.brotherhoodworld.com
For the first time ever, all of their early adventures in one handsomely bound volume!

2) From Elfsar’s own Sean Villeneuve “OTHER SIDE of the LOOKING GLASS” A new novel. Ever wonder what made Ted Bundy or Jeffery Dahmer commit their crimes against humanity? Welcome to the world according to James. Who is he? Is he your neighbour? Your Friend? Your Brother? He could be anyone, even the guy standing right next to you. Do you have the stomach for it? http://books.google.com/books?id=sNumPmoAZO4C&dq=novel+by+sean+villeneuve&source=gbs_summary_s&cad=0
********************************************************

FRIDAY AUGUST 08 - BIG SALE! BIG BIG SALE! IT”S THE 08/08/08 SUMMER SALE!!!
It’s that time of year again folks. Normally we tie a big summer sale to the Yaletown Car Show each year. But due to the RAV line the city won’t let the street be closed off for the full day. Instead along with our neighbors are throwing a party! A Yaletown street party! Come for food, drink and big sale at Elfsar. Details of the sale will be made available soon on our blog and Facebook. (hint hint you may want to join our group: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=5515647817

We are talking like 50% off on back issues folks plus extra deals and incentives that everyone looks forward too when we say Sale… we mean it. More news to come soon.

********************************************************

Well, I’m off to the San Diego Comic Con,
-The Big Elf

Whos Watching the Watchmen?

http://www.apple.com/trailers/wb/watchmen/

I think we can all agree that it is safe to say, like most literary works… the movie will never be as good as the book.

Even if it this film is 2 and half hours long, it will be skin and bones compared to a 12 hour HBO series, which I had always envisioned would be the only way to pull this off. Each episode representing one comic and such.

Is this trailer successful? Will this help bring audiences to the show?  Will this create hype? Get people taking?  I’d say yes.
More importantly, will this encourage more people to seek out the “Graphic Novel”?
I’d be lying if I didn’t say yes. In fact, Elfsar Comics was cleaned out of all our Watchmen TP’s a short day after this trailer was released.  (Don’t worry we have more on the way)  To me, that’s what is most important, not just as being a proprietor of selling books but that more that people will be drawn to this wonderfully smart book and out seek more stories like this. Some may even be exposed to comics for the first time. I was upset to see that this film will not be attached to FCBD 2009. Instead it will be X-Men Origins Wolverine.

I’ll reserve judgment until after I see the film.
Who will be watching the Watchmen?

I will.

Concept photos of what Harley Quinn could look like as a counterpart to the Joker in the Nolan live action film Batman universe. Model: Page Turner www.misspageturner.com More Photos: www.twowatches.com

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RbNV4Q2WVuU

Only great minds can read this
This is weird, but interesting!
fi yuo cna raed tihs, lkie me yuo hvae a sgtrane mnid 
too.

Cna yuo raed tihs? Olny 55 plepoe out of 100 can. 
 
i cdnuolt blveiee taht I cluod aulaclty 
uesdnatnrd waht I was rdanieg. The phaonmneal
pweor of the hmuan mnid, aoccdrnig to a
rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it dseno’t
mtaetr in waht oerdr the ltteres in a wrod are,
the olny iproamtnt tihng is taht the frsit and
lsat ltteer be in the rghit pclae. The rset can
be a taotl mses and you can sitll raed it
whotuit a pboerlm. Tihs is bcuseae the
huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, 
but the wrod as a wlohe. Azanmig huh? yaeh and I
awlyas tghuhot slpeling was ipmorantt!

This is also a technique that speed readers use.  What does this have to do with comics?  Not much really.  But I am willing to bet that a majority of people who read comics can read the above paragraph without any problems.  Not to say that we are used to bad spelling.  More rather we have had a larger exposure to the visual medium combining words and pictures including words that are used for sound effects. 

Talk about some sweet editing and attention to film grain.

Check this out.  This is what the other Batman’s feel about being over shadowed by the current Batman.  (No Adam West though)