Wow, long time no see...

Thank you to those of you who are checking in more regularly than I am, I apologize for the dearth of content this year.

It's not that I'm any less angry/motivated about the industry at large, as it is that our continued success at Comickaze has seriously pointed out every last one my logistical/mangerial shortcomings and eaten up almost every free moment and those I've managed to keep for myself, are spent as far from a computer as possible!

Even at that, we've picked up yet another Best of San Diego award, this time from San Diego Magazine! The coolest thing about this honor was that it was in their Retail Therapy section so it wasn't really just for Best Comic Shop as much as it was for one of the best places in San Diego to shop! We're the first comic shop to be named to this group!

Any way, just a little mental stretching here before I try to resume at least a bi-weekly drive by schedule in the very near future...

Since I'm always ranting about a publishers responsibility to promote their work, I thought I'd point out something cool from my inbox today:

bad signal
WARREN ELLIS

If you happen to stay in the Drake Hotel in Toronto during the month of September, you will be presentedwith a copy of CROOKED LITTLE VEIN. All month. Anyone who checks in. Whether you want it or not. And, when you retire to your room, you will find on your phone there a recorded message. From me. Talking about CROOKED LITTLE VEIN. How bizarre is that? Of all the promotional stunts I've been involved with, this one is by far the oddest.

Wow. There's a publisher really thinking outside the box. What a fantastic idea that really raises the bar when it comes to ways to avoid just preaching to the choir.

This also reminded me that Ellis is closing down The Engine today. The Engine was a forum that facilitated the discussion of comics between creators while also allowing for observation and sometimes interaction from fans as well as a vehicle for insight to all things Ellis.

Another venue I had too little time to participate in and left me owing Ellis an explanation of what I thought Crossgen had ever done right, as he thought they'd pretty much done everything wrong. Would have loved to see where/why his creator POV differed from my retailer/fan POV. I will write up my thoughts here and who knows, maybe there will be another venue for Ellis to comment from in the future.

THIS ONE'S FOR THE LADIES...

I have some awesome customers, one of which was so energized by her time at Comic-Con last month, that she has decided to put together the Comickaze Book Club, a Book Club for the ladies.

We will be discussing all types of comic books, ranging from political, fantasy, romance, horror, young adult and even the superheroes! If you have ever been curious about comic books but afraid to ask, here's your chance!

Our first meeting will be on Sunday, September 16th at 4:00pm. Our first book will be Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi.

Comickaze Comics Books and more is located at:

5517A/B Clairemont Mesa Blvd San Diego, CA 92117
Hours:Sun 12-6, Mon 11-7, Tue-Sat 11-9
858.278.0371 theboss@comickaze.com

The Proposed Reading Schedule is:
September - "Persepolis" by Marjane Satrapi.
October - "The Long Halloween" by Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale
November - Miller/Eisner
December - The Minx Line-Up
January - "The League of Extraordianry Gentlemen" by Alan Moore and Kevin O'Neil
February - "Demo" by Brian Wood and Becky Cloonan

I'm really looking forward to this.