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Oct. 29, 2009 – Nov. 11, 2009
BAKOBIT from Bakotopia.com
October 29, 2009
Welcome to the 2nd annual Bakersfield Comic-Con! A message from the convention's founder and world's best connected comic fan By Steve Wyatt / Bakersfield Comic-Con, Bakotopia contributor
I
set out last year to put on a small show for what is now, my hometown of Bakersfield. But, little did I realize that this town would open their arms for such a happy embrace! I was astounded by the amazing reception my little show was given. I have promoted almost 100 shows in the past 30 years, and the energy and welcome I received from this town was ... well, it was fantastic! I wanted to bring to you, the fans, a fun-filled day, and I was hoping you would enjoy it too. To this day, all the guests that attended the show still talk about the great reception and love they felt in the room (this is also why a few of them asked to come back; like Scott Shaw, Tone Rodriguez, Mike Hampton, Stephanie Lesniak, just to name a few). Well, on November 8, Bakotopia and I will be bringing the show back to you, the fans, again at Bakersfield’s Doubletree Hotel. This year I have made arraignments to bring one of the comic book worlds biggest and most legendary guests: Mr. Sergio Aragones. Best known for his work on “Mad Magazine” since 1963 (only missing 1 issue, because it didn't arrive from Europe in time for printing), he is also an accomplished comic book writer (starting with "Bat Lash" back in the ‘60s and over 500 books since), comic creator (he created “Groo the Wanderer” and many more fun & lovable characters), animator (we all remember the Dick Clark “Bloopers” TV show animated janitor), and illustrator (too long of a list ... ). Starting this month, Sergio will be on perma-
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nent staff with Bongo Comics, creating stories for The Simpsons. Speaking of Simpsons - Bill Morrison, art director (and boss), of the Simpsons Comics will be coming up to dazzle you with his artistic prowess. And yes, we’ll have Anime! For this year’s Comic-Con, we wanted to try something different. We’ve asked a few celebrity TV stars to come up, including Herb Jefferson Jr. who played “Boomer” on the original “Battlestar Galactica” TV show, and Kathy Garver who played “Cissy” on TV’s “Family Affair.” Best of all, I asked a good friend of mine to make a special appearance for you - John Dolmayan, drummer of the smash hard rock group, “System of a Down.” I told John how special this show and town are, and he wanted to see if everything I have been bragging about is really true ... (I know he won’t be disappointed). I’d like to Thank Matt Munoz and the gang at Bakotopia, who saw the potential, jumped at the opportunity to get involved, and helped bring this show to Bakersfield comic fans. Without their help and enthusiasm, the 2nd Annual Bakersfield ComicCon would not have been what it was last year, and will not be as great as it will be this year. I hope everyone has a great show. Please be sure to say “Hi!”, if you see me running by. Thank you, Bakersfield, for supporting this year's Comic-Con.
www.super-con.com
ABOVE PHOTO BY MATT MUNOZ
Top of page: Copy of special 11”x17”print by cartoonist Mike Hampton - FREE for first 300 visitors at this year’s Comic-Con. Above: Some of last year’s Bako Comic-Con visitors.
BAKOTOPIA STAFF
EDITORIAL Olivia Garcia Publisher ogarcia@bakersfield.com 395-7487 Matt Muñoz Editor/Product Manager mmunoz@bakersfield.com 395-7660 Teresa Adamo Associate Editor tadamo@bakersfield.com
ART Billy Simkins Designer bsimkins@bakersfield.com
ADVERTISING Jaime De Los Santos Sales Manager jdelossantos@bakersfield.com 716-8632
OFFICE
Marisol Sorto Office Administrator msorto@bakersfield.com 716-8640
BAKOTOPIA
P.O. Box 2344 Bakersfield, CA 93303
E D I TO R ’ S N OT E o say Bakotopia loves its readers is an understatement, because we truly do. Let's start with this issue's cover - an original art piece for Bakotopia magazine, by the legendary Sergio Aragones of MAD Magazine! I've been a fan of MAD Magazine for years - all the movie parodies, MAD foldins, and of course the "mystery records". When Comic-Con founder Steve Wyatt called me to let me know the convention was back and his friends would be returning on November 8, we knew we had to help make it big for Bakotopia readers. Last year was packed, with friends and families in the aisles. Steve's an amazing guy - please tell him "Thanks" when you see him running around. As you will see, this issue is front to back comic goodness, with some Halloween treats sprinkled in our event calendar. Writers Greg Goodsell came through big time with some great content as always, local comic aficionado Zach Smith hooked up with some legends of ink, Belardes got Hectic, Cesareo and Francis from KRAB get us all teary, and more! After you're done reading, go find a comic book preserver and create a shrine to this issue of Bako. Don't forget your FREE limited edition ComicCon print by "Hot Zombie Chicks" artist, Mike Hampton. Thanks to our advertisers for keeping Bakotopia free for you and yours. Y un gran saludo para nuestro hermano, Sergio Aragones!
T
Peace,
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Matt Muñoz, Bakotopia Editor
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Korner
BAKOBIT from Bakotopia.com
October 29, 2009
Comics, chicks & weights Francis recounts the joys of his youth, and an undying loyalty to the “Joe” By Francis Mayor, Bakotopia.com contributor
W
hen I was growing up, I'd get thirty bucks a month for allowance. It wasn't much, but my needs were pretty basic as a teenager, before I discovered grown-up libations, and that women were A LOT of fun to hang out with. My thirty bucks got split right down the middle between a pizza parlor down the street from my folks' house, and another business around the corner from the pizza parlor. It was called JJ Perry's Book and Video, and I had an account there. The account consisted of my name in a ledger sheet, and my own brown manila folder in a file cabinet. JJ Perry himself would write the names of your comics on the outside of the manila folder, and then each month he'd put those titles in it and you'd go down and pick up your comics. The list started out pretty big...GI Joe, Transformers, The Silver Surfer, Green Lantern, Captain America, and all the “special editions” and crossovers in between. As I got older, the list shrank. After all, I had to take Ashley Bourget to the movies and buy some Polo cologne on the advice of my cousin, Sheila. So, the Silver Surfer got cut - then Green Lantern and Captain America. The Transformers were the next to go, but GI Joe was the lone holdout. I loved the storylines, the soldier's grit, and the Joes'
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ability to overcome any issue that came their way. Whoever was writing "The Silver Surfer" seemed to be taking strange drugs, but GI Joe stayed totally accessible to me through puberty. I was changing, but so were the Joe's. The inter-Joe love stories and fantastic plot twists involving Zartan's ability to physically change his appearance like a chameleon were replaced by more real-world storylines about wayward nukes and terrorist cells. This was when they lost me. I had enough to worry about. I still didn't have a growth spurt and the girls at school were treating me like a pesky little brother. I thought there was only one solution: I sold my comics and bought a set of weights from Sears. It still chokes me up to think about it. I know who I sold the GI Joe books to, and the next time I go home, I might have to hit the guy up. As I've gotten older, I've really missed the fantasy, feel, and smell of a....comic book. Be careful when you sell your dreams...you never know just how expensive it will be to get them back! See you at the Comic-Con! Stay up to date with all of the KRAB jocks at: www.KRAB.com. Listen for Matt from Bakotopia on the KRAB Morning Show every issue drop date. Next Appearance: Nov. 12 in the 9 a.m. hour! CUMBIA!
Francis Mayer
BAKOBIT from Bakotopia.com
October 29, 2009
Hectic is back! Local film crew lands budget - catch some screeners at the Comic-Con! By Nick Belardes / FaceNews, Bakotopia.com Contributor
J
ust when Bakersfield film fans thought Hectic Films was no more, comes the huge film projects “Phase Two,” and "The Lackey" which promise more explosions, crazier zombies and even better acting with Hollywood talent in the cast. In "Phase Two" George the Giant, who was in “Big Fish,” was associated with an earlier rendition of the film, originally titled, "Wretched Flesh". Their big cast member is up-and-coming actress Jessica Erin Sylvia. While she is most well-known for her Italian lingerie and Playboy modeling, she is a promising talent that the project is banking on. Set in a post-apocalyptic future, survivors of a deadly virus are faced with an undeadfilled environment of zombie-infected humans. John Ross Clark plays a high strung professor, while Sylvia portrays his tough-minded assistant. Both are on a quest to find a cure for the infection. The film also stars Tattie Grace, Matt Thompson, Robin Steffen and Luke Bishop. Shaun Paul Piccinino, who plays a soldier in the film, is already well known for his Hollywood expertise - working on “Robot Chicken”. He has also directed more than one episode of “The Deadliest Warrior,” an original series for Spike TV. “It's the No. 1 show for Spike and I'm coming back,” said Piccini-
UPCOMING EVENTS FRI OCT 30TH AT 8PM $5 PER PERSON OR $8 PER COUPLE The Grave Robbers Ball (Formerly Known as the Graveyard Cha Cha) Dj Patrick B, Spinning 80’s Dance tunes at 9pm Drink Specials and Costume Contest with a 1st Place Prize Valued at $200 +Raffles and Random Prize giveaways all Nite Long!! All Proceeds to Benefit St Jude’s Children’s Hospital Help Find A Cure
NOV 2ND: HAPPY BIRTHDAY KERI AMESTOY!! NOV 21ST AT 9PM $5 COVER Local Favorites, Back-Up Johnny
NOV 25TH, NITE BEFORE THANKSGIVING Jaggerbomb Gobblefest!! Just $4 Happy Thanksgiving From Amestoy’s Above: Movie poster for “The Lackey” - coming soon!
no, who is excited about Deadliest Warrior: Season Two and what the TV show can do for his film career. For you Star Wars fans Piccinino has also had his hands in some related book projects. Piccinino also stars in Hectic's "The Lackey". “The Lackey” is about Jude St. Clere, a low level crime thug who hasn't done anything right in his life. “He is highly skilled in the art of kicking people's asses,” laughed Piccinino, who is St. Clere in the film, and is also a stunt coordinator. He said the story centers around the character wanting to right his life after realizing he has a daughter. Catch a sneak preview of both films at this year's Bakersfield Comic-Con on Nov. 8!
www.hecticfilms.com
SAT NOV 28TH “MAKE SOME NOISE FOR THE TOY’S II” 2ND Annual Fundraiser for the Salvation Army’s, Bakersfield Toy Run held in Dec Live Music – T.B.A. Donations Taken at the Door. In Loving Memory of Jim and Debbie Harmon
Special Thanks To: The Strawberry Switchblades, Freestyle Entertainment, Sacred Gypsy Tattoo and DDI, Limousine Scene and Panache Salon
Open: Mon - Sat 11am – 2am Sun 1pm – 2am
2303 River Blvd. • 661-871-2303 BAKOTOPIA 5
BAKOBIT from Bakotopia.com
October 29, 2009
System of a Fan Interview: System of a Down's John Dolmayan understands the art of rock and comic books. By: Chase Brockett, Bakotopia contributor
Y
ou know him as the drummer from the politically charged, currently defunct, nu-metal group, “System of a Down.” But you may not know him as the comic-book aficionado appearing at this year's Bakersfield Comic-Con on Nov. 8. Given his downtime from the music world, John Dolmayan now spends his time running an online comic book shop, Torpedo Comics, in Las Vegas, Nevada. I got a chance to talk with Dolmayan regarding his upcoming trip to Bakersfield, Torpedo Comics and the enormously stocked warehouse, and a kick-ass, custom-painted drum-set that could set your eyes on fire! So how are things going? JD: Everything's going pretty good, just here at the warehouse packing comics right now. Torpedo Comics, right? JD: Yeah. It's an Internet-based comic book store. We've got almost 15 million books. We're just in the process of trying to get as much of it online as possible, and obviously, it takes forever. We've got about 40,000 items up so far. It's kind of tough to collect 15 million books. If I had like 1,000 years, I might be able to do that but, you know … You bought a comic with one of the first appearances of Superman,
right? JD: Yeah I bought and sold that in one day. I bought it for a client, actually. We do that stuff all the time. There are some people out there who don't want other people to know what books they have. Or they are a high-profile person and they would just rather have ... Everyone in the world who collects comics knows I bought that book. Even people who don't know anything about comics know I bought that book. That information is always available. They'll never know who I sold it to, because the only person who knows that is me, you know what I mean? I have a lot of clients who buy that way, and they're comfortable doing that. There's fear that someone will steal it, that someone will get robbed. You're talking about books that are worth upward of 300k. You have a drum-set custom painted by some comic book artists, tell me about that. JD: The project started around ‘04 when I came up with the idea for it. We got it complete by '06, for the last System tour we did. It's basically a collaboration of 12 different artists who are prominent in the industry, who came together to work on my drums, which was pretty cool. They all did it for free. It was people who I grew up appreciating and some newer guys who I became friends with, so it was a nice mix between older artists and newer artists. They were challenged to outdo each other.
1024 Truxtun Ave.
Collectible Vinyl Records CD’s DVD’s Books Comics & Video Games Visit us “In the Cottages” across from Rabobank Arena Or on the web at: www.darkstarrecordsandbooks.com BAKOTOPIA 6
COURTESY PHOTOS
Above: Drummer / comic collectro John Dolmayan. Below: Sneak peak of Dolmayan’s custom comic art drum kit. Did you direct them on the work? JD: No, I wanted them to just create whatever they wanted, if they asked I would have made some minor suggestions, but I just let them do what they wanted to do.
They painted right on an all white drum-set. Any plans to auction it off? JD: No. All the guys did it for free and I couldn't make any money off of it. thing for me. So what's bringing you here to Bakersfield? JD: My friend Steve Wyatt runs the convention, and he invited me. I said I'd be happy to come. I'll basically be setting up and selling books, which we enjoy doing, so it should be a fun time.
TorpedoComics.com
9
BAKOBIT from Bakotopia.com
October 29, 2009
It's a ‘Family Affair’ Kathy Garver, ‘Cissy’ from TV's “Family Affair” to make Bakersfield Comic-Con appearance on 11/8 By Greg Goodsell, Bakotopia contributor If you were a child of the ‘60s, or watched lots of syndicated television as a youngster, there was a good chance that you were on intimate terms with the brood on Family Affair. Running for five seasons from '66 to '71 on the CBS network, the series told the adventures of a swinging bachelor uncle (actor Brian Keith), who is coerced into raising his two nieces (Buffy, played by actress Anissa Jones; and Cissy, played by actress Kathy Garver) and nephew (Jody, played by actor Johnny Whittaker). The three children are introduced to the sophisticated ways of New York City under the loving guidance of Keith and his fussy British manservant, Mr. French (actor Sebastian Cabot). A light, escapist situation comedy that became a relic with the advent of Norman Lear and his grittier series, such as “All In the Family,” “Family Affair,” would carry the stigma for child actors who would
COURTESY PHOTO
Above: Kathy Garver meets with fans and signs autographs at recent convention. later go down the wrong path in life. Anissa Jones, adorable in blonde pigtails and perpetually clutching her beloved doll, Mrs. Beasley by her side wouldn't find much work after the cancellation of the series. Jones would tragically overdose on drugs shortly after her 18th birthday in '76. When asked if there was any indication that Jones' life would take a turn for the worse, Garver responded, “Not at all - except she had what we would call a 'stage mother.' She was a very intelligent woman, but you could pick up from her that
she was very protective of Anissa. She was demanding, not only of Anissa, but the people around her. It was hard to understand, because my family, I had two brothers and a sister, and a very warm, loving family. The series ran five years, and she was 14, and she was still carrying around Mrs. Beasley, with the little pigtails. When she got off of their series, she was offered (the part that went to Linda Blair) in “The Exorcist” (1974), she turned it down, and got into this really bad crowd”. When putting forth the theory that child stars that wind up destitute, usually have an unemployed parent figure hovering in the background, Garver freely elaborated some more: “Absolutely!” she said “That certainly was true with Johnny Whitaker. He had seven brothers and sisters, and they used his income to pay for the whole family. They were Mormon, and they tithed his income, so when he turned 18, his money had already been spent”! Garver has remained very busy after “Family Affair.” She is in high demand for voiceover talent in animated series, audio books, radio programs and hosts a radio chat show. She's also just completed “The Family Affair Cookbook,” and is writing a book with Dawn Wells of “Gilligan's Island,” called, “Of Two Minds.” www.kathygarver.com
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MEET THE BIG GUNS Legendary MAD cartoonist Sergio Aragones and The Simpsons' Bill Morrison - appearing at the 2nd annual Bakersfield Comic-Con on Nov 8!
By Zachary Smith, Bakotopia.com contributor
D
o we have some heavy hitters this year for all you comic fans! First off, there is Sergio
Aragones - the man, the mustache, the legend. It’s hard to pin down what Mr. Aragones is best known for: is it his creator owned Groo? MAD magazine art pieces that number in the thousands, or his many contributions to D.C. and Marvel? The answer is: all of the above. Plus, we’re blessed to have Sergio design the latest cover of Bakotopia! Whichever Sergio is your Sergio, there is one guarantee: It’s going to make you laugh. Sergio Aragones came to America through a long and winding road. His family left Spain during the Civil War, and moved to France, where he learned to speak the first of his three languages, French. From there they moved to Mexico when Sergio was five, learning Spanish as his second language. He eventually moved, by himself, to New York, and came into contact with MAD magazine; thus beginning a long and fruitful relationship, that would eventually lead to him learning his third language, English. “I do not remember not drawing,” He tells me. “Always like a storyteller,” he remarks as he talks about his early days on the school bus, entertaining his peers with story upon story. “All my life I have been a storyteller.”
What a life it has been too. Sergio has travelled all around the
Bill Morrison is another of our
matters to him. Having met Sergio a few times, I
as well. This landed him on The
big guests at this year’s Comic Con.
Simpson’s Illustrated, which would
world with his MAD compatriots,
can say that he is a very funny man,
Bill works for Bongo Comics, the
eventually be the genesis for the
“every place has been wonderful,”
as well as being a very nice and
publishers of The Simpsons and
The Simpsons comic that is out
he said. A special treat for Sergio
humble creator. “It’s always a great
Futurama comics, and has been
now. Bill would also go on to work
was when MAD traveled to Mexico.
pleasure meeting the readers …You
with The Simpsons for two decades
on designs for another Groening
“I had my real family meet my Ameri-
go to a convention and you meet the
now, starting in 1990. Asked how
project: Futurama. Another great
can family. My mother was cooking
people reading your work,” he said.
his love for all things cartoons start-
story about Bill: Marge recently
If you’re new to Sergio you can
for all of the MAD guys … I was play-
ed, he said “I’ve always been a fan
appeared nude in Playboy, Bill on
ing host for them. That was a great
check out his collected editions of
of animation and comics,” he said.
the other hand drew the first official
moment having them at home.”
“Groo,” or the hardback collected
Mr. Morrison originally wanted to be
nude Marge for a Simpson’s calen-
When asked if his Hispanic her-
edition of his MAD work. A personal
a comic book artist, but was unwill-
dar, drawing her a la the birth of
itage plays into his work at all, Ser-
high point for Sergio is his upcoming
ing to move to New York. Finally
Venus.
gio says “not at all.” “I am Hispan-
work on “Bart Simpson # 50.” It’s
deciding to leave Detroit, Bill came
ic,” remarking about his culture, but
an all Sergio issue, and this man is
out west and got a job in movie
art and writing on all of The Simp-
when it comes to his work, humor is
a big Simpsons fan, according to
advertising.
sons related comics that go out
all that
Bongo Comics creative director Bill Morrison.
Mr. Morrison now oversees the
In fact, many of us may be some-
through Bongo, while still finding
what familiar with his panic inducing
time to create himself: check out
cover to The Little Mermaid (phallic
his Simpson’s parody of the The
symbols anyone?). Bill worked for a
Spirit, in the Simpson’s Super Spec-
company in Glendale that did a lot
tacular. Bill also has a couple cre-
of Disney work, and he received the
ator owned titles that he’s hoping to
task of drawing the cover for The Lit-
get collected, so look for them hope-
tle Mermaid video cover. Due to “a
fully soon from Bongo Comics:
long weekend and late nights” he
Roswell, which is about a Roswell
didn’t even notice the eventual con-
alien survivor trying to make it back
troversial castle spire. Thankfully
home, and also Heroes Anonymous,
this didn’t hinder his career, and
a support group for superheroes.
there were no hard feelings.
2nd annual Bakersfield Comic-Con: The Doubletree Hotel, 3100 Del Rio Ct., Sunday, Nov. 8, 10am-4:30pm.
Bill eventually moved onto The Simpsons, and worked for their merchandising and advertising section
Opposite page: Bill Morrison (top), Sergio Aragones (bottom). At left: various master works by the artists appearing 11/8. BAKOTOPIA 9
AGENDA WHAT’S ON IT
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= Highly recommended
OCTOBER 29 Talladega Frights! “Haunted Funhouse” (Also Fri & Sat.) 6221 Norris Road 7 pm / $12 / All Ages talladegafrights.com The Chamber “Haunted Funhouse!” (Also Fri-Sat.) Sam Lynn Ball Park 4009 Chester Ave. 7 p.m. / All Ages 322-5200 DON’T DRINK & DRIVE! WE WANT YA’LL TO LIVE!
Karaoke (Every Thurs. & Sun.) The Belvedere 3090 Brundage Ln. 9 p.m. / 21+ / 325-2139 Evil Dead - The Musical (Also Fri.-Sat.) The Spotlight Theater 1622 19th St. / 8 p.m. $20 / 634-0692 “Wicked Words” w/ Nick Belardes Trout's, 805 N. Chester 7 - 9 p.m. / 21+ HAVE A SAFE & HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
October 29, 2009
Kama Rudy - LIVE! Metro Galleries 1604 19th St. 8 p.m. / $5 / 634-9598
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Glenda Robles & Friends Sandrini's, 1918 Eye St. 9 p.m. / 21+ / 322-8900
OCTOBER 30
OCTOBER 31
Halloween Bash! w/ Dread Zeppelin, Vanity Avenue, That That, GSmoke & More! Narducci's, 622 E 21st St. / 7 p.m. / 21+ / $15
Halloween Haunt w/ Just Dave Band Fishlips, 1517 18th St. 9 p.m. / 324-2557
Halloween Party! DJ Dancing & more! Amestoy's 2303 River Blvd. 9 p.m. / 21+ / No Cover! Backup Johnny Fishlips, 1517 18th St. 9 p.m. / 21+ / 324-2557 Halloween Bash #1 Nile Bar, 1721 19th St. 9 p.m. / 21+ / 363-3179 WWW.BAKOTOPIA.COM
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Burn The Witch IV! “Closing Reception & Party!” Metro Special Events 2801 F St., 3 - 7 p.m. / $5
Mothership DJ Noche! Sandrini's, 1918 Eye St. 10 p.m. / 21+ / 3228900 Game of Skate! Big City Skateboards 4300 Wible Rd. Free to watch! $2 fee to compete for prizes! 5 p.m. / All Ages / 3980030
15 TV’S
Halloween Freakout! 7 p.m. - Ron Saylor Magic, 9 p.m. - Evil Dead The Musical, 12 a.m. Rocky Horror movie The Spotlight Theater 1622 19th St. / 6340692 Halloween Bash #2 Nile Bar, 1721 19th St. 9 p.m. / 21+ / 363-3179 Halloween Salsa Bash! Studio 9, 4000 Easton Drive, Unit 9. Dance workshop: 12 - 3 p.m. / Party & Contests: 8 p.m. - 1 a.m. $10 - $20 / 325-0340 dancebakersfield.com Really Big Midgetz Rockstarz Party Bar! 7737 Meany Ave. 8:30 p.m. / $5 / 21+ Psychic Faire Enchanted Cottage 30 H St. / 323-9929
A PLACE WHERE THE WHOLE FAMILY CAN HAVE A GOOD TIME
DAILY LUNCH SPECIALS
NFL & College Games Baseball • Hockey Soccer • UFC events
BOXING MANNY PACQUIAO VS. MIGUEL COTTO SAT NOV. 14 @ 6PM LIVE ON PPV
(CALL FOR INFO)
OCT 30 - LIVE MUSIC 8-12PM OCT 31 - DUB SEED 2- 6PM NOV 1 - BUNKY SPURLING 3- 7PM NOV 6 - GLENDA ROBLES 8- 12PM NOV 11 – GLENDA ROBLES 2- 6PM
ALL SATURDAY SHOWS START 2PM-6PM
BAKOTOPIA 10
ts Excludes Even
Breakfast Served On Sundays – 9-11am 900 Truxtun Ave Ste 110 • (661)322-9800 Mon-Fri 11-11p Sat & Sun 9-10p
BAKOBIT from Bakotopia.com
October 29, 2009
SPOTLIGHT NOVEMBER 8 2nd Annual Bakersfield Comic-Con! w/ Sergio Aragones, Bill Morrison, John Dolmayan, Hectic Films & more! -The Doubletree Hotel -3100 Camino Del Rio Ct. -10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. -$5 / Kids Under 8 = FREE! *Free prizes, collector's items, film screenings! Chuy's Halloween Bash! Costume contest, live DJ! Chuy's (Rosedale) 7 p.m. / FREE / 587-5750 Old Skool Halloween w/ Thee Majestics Eagle's Club, 1718 17th St. 8 p.m. / 21+ / 324-9684 The Usual Suspects The Belvedere, 3090 Brundage 9 p.m. / 21+ / 325-2139
BAKERSFIELD
Ethel's Halloween Bash Ethel's Old Corral 4310 Alfred Harrell Hwy 9 p.m. / 21+ / FREE
NOVEMBER 2
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Dia De Los Muertos “Day of The Dead” '09! Golden State Mall, 3201 F. St., “Upstairs mall” 12 p.m. - 10 p.m. /Show: 6:30 p.m. / 345-5842
Monday Night Football Nite! Giant screen TV, $8 buffet w/ ESPN Radio LIVE! Fishlips, 1517 18th St. 5 p.m. / 21+ / 324-2557 Monday Night Football w/ Francis Mayer of KRAB! Giveaways, food & drink specials Camino Real Restaurant 5 p.m. / 21+ / 852-0493
NOVEMBER 3 Joe Buck Yourself w/ Iron Outlaws & more BRyder's, 7401 White Ln. 9 p.m. / 21+ / Free / 397-7304 Mac Attack's Karaoke (Every Tues., Wed., Fri.) The Junction 2620 Buck Owens Blvd. 8 p.m. / 21+ / 327-9651
NOVEMBER 5 BAKOTOPIA.COM/SEEN
NOVEMBER 7 Eyes Set To Kill, After Midnight Project, Dreaming of Eden. Jerry's Pizza, 1817 Chester Ave 6 p.m. / All Ages / $14 9th Annual “Caba-Ribal” Belly Dancing Event, drumming, vendors, Performances, Narducci’s Cafe, 622 E. 21st St 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. / 340-0828 www.cabaribal.com
NOVEMBER 8 Benefit show in memory of Alison! w/ Cash'd Out, Buckshot, Catfish & Friends. Fishlips, 1517 18th St. 1 p.m. / $15 / 21+
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NOVEMBER 13 Charlie & The Valentine Killers w/ Iron Outlaws & more Fishlips, 1517 18th St. 9 p.m. / $7 / 21+
FOX THEATER
'%%&!*!+7$!"!(,1.56/0.2-#!),20/4530,
Saturday, December 5 Bakersfield Fox Theater
D E L TA C O
December 7 Bakersfield Fox Theater Trout’s Nightclub ~ 7 days a week (399-6700) 805 n. chester ave.
lone oak lounge ~ MON., Tue. & thur. 8pm - 1am 10612 rosedale hwy.
le corusse rouge ~ Tue. 8pm - midnight 4647 white lane
')(,-$+ -+.#% ,*$#-"#.&"+ Kern County Fairgrounds Saturday, November 7th
the wright place ~ Thur. 8pm - midnight 2695-c mount vernon
nikki’s smokin bbq ~ Thur. 8pm - 12am rockstarz ~ wed. 8pm - 2am 1616 30th st.
Esquire Lounge ~ Sat. 8pm - 1am 7737 meany st,
2507 S. Chester Ave.
661-343-5602 BAKOTOPIA 11
BAKOBIT from Bakotopia.com
October 29, 2009
Comic Book Love: A Testimony An unabashed love letter to the longest running relationship in my life: me and my imagination. By Cesareo Garasa, Bakotopia.com Contributor
C
omic books have been a huge, huge part of my life. I feel no shame saying that. In fact, I hold that admission as a matter of pride, much like a fan who champions an unknown band that becomes well known: the feeling that I was on the ground floor before the crowd showed up. Comic books jump-started my imagination, inspired the artist in me, colored my world view and even helped me bond with my daughter. From the start of my love affair with comics, my world has been painted in a four-color comic scheme, in amazing multiple panels and spectacular splash pages. I’ve written about my experience at
the San Diego Comic-con (or the “COMIC-CON!!!”) and my love of all the things that gave me joy in my youth, but I wanted to write about the main reason why these little funny books mean so much to me. For a long time, they were my best friends and led me to my other best friends. I looked forward to picking up the newest issues at the local liquor store every week. My close friends at that time collected and read with the same fervor I did. They were sons of the workers on a ranch owned by my dad’s friend. I drew joy in reading, re-reading and remembering those issues that still are burned in my mind, discovering Frank Miller’s run on “Daredevil” and “Heavy Metal” magazine (way too young) in '’81. Reading Alan Moore for the first time in “Swamp Thing” in ‘83, then in “V For Vendetta” in ‘93 and “Watchmen” and “From Hell” a few years later. Finding the unique wonder of Neil Gaiman’s “Sandman” series; marveling at the mutant massacre in “X-MEN,” buying
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Above: Cesareo pokes fun at the Star Wars display at this year’s San Diego Comic-Con, before being clocked by C-3PO. Photo by Tatijana Garasa (this time I spelled it right, T!) “The Dark Knight Returns” and “Kraven’s Last Hunt,” all in ‘87. Reading Wolverine's beginnings in “Origin,” rediscovering Spiderman and crying at the “9-11” issue back in ‘01. Imprinting the work of Bill Sienkiewicz (pronounced sin-KEVitch), Moebius, Richard Corben, Jack Kirby, and so, so, so many others into the core of my being. When I was 10 years-old, I wallpapered my entire room with all my comics, their mylar bags holding them in place. It’s not all sentimental, though. There’s a real sense of power in getting a particular issue or set at a bargain that gives you a sense that you got away with murder. For every “I could have paid $20, but I got it for $5,” it’s balanced by “I payed $10, but it was worth $5” Regardless, those bargains have a particular aura of their own. They’ve inspired the frugal, tenacious, aggressive and intrepid collector in me. Thus, I come to the main focus of this blog: The Bakersfield Comic-Con at the Doubletree on Nov. 8. One of the main guests is Sergio Aragones. I was first introduced to his work not in MAD magazine (I discovered that the next year, thanks to this), but in a book my mom bought for my dad titled, “Sergio Aragones On Parade.” My father was born in Spain, in the Aragon region, so my mom thought it was cute to buy my dad a book with the word “Aragon” in the title. My wonderful, well-meaning mom. I don’t think it ever got to my dad - I keelhauled it. A few years later, I discovered “Groo,” which is the ongoing saga of the world’s dumbest barbarian and the world’s most loyal dog (and ironic minstrel, like sir Robin in “Monty
Python & The Holy Grail”). Imagine Al from “Happy Days” with long hair and dressed like “Conan The Barbarian” with an IQ of 2, or for you youngsters, John C. Reilly with a big nose, acting the same way. If you’re already a fan, bring your kids to show where you come from. My 15-year-old daughter, Tatijana and I trade comics sometimes. The fact that this is just one way of seeing the fruit hasn’t fallen far from the tree and that we can have this wonderful connection in common is a sublime fact that will keep me warm on my deathbed. Another guest of the convention will be Herb Jefferson Jr., who played “Boomer” in “Battlestar Galactica.” How times have changed. In the revamped series that was introduced a few years ago (and, which to this day, is still considered one of the most innovative, influential and revered dramas in recent times. Sci-fi or not), Boomer changed from being played by an African-American male to a HOT Asian woman. Starbuck went from being “Face” from the ATeam (actor Dirk Benedict) to another hot blond woman with a drinking problem and anger issues, who *SPOILER ALERT*, also happened to be an angel (Katee Sackoff- too soon?), and “Adama” went from being Lorne Green to Edward James Olmos. Ladies and gentlemen: genre reinvention at work. I could literally keep going, but it’s time to bust out my “GROO” lunch box and a Sharpie. It’s convention time again. Oh, and also Sergio Aragones killed Marty Feldman. It’s true!
www.super-con.com
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October 29, 2009
“Evil Dead: The Musical” washes across Spotlight stage
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Review: Does Sam Raimi's classic hold up in its West Coast debut? By Greg Goodsell, Bakotopia contributor
A
group of randy young adults head out to an isolated cabin in the forest and uncover the fabled Necronomicon, the Book of the Dead. Playing an audio recording by an investigating professor, the incantations unleash a host of demons into the physical realm. It's up to enterprising S-Mart employee Ash (Rick Cheshire, who bears an uncanny physical resemblance to actor Bruce Campbell) to quash his demon possessed friends and stave off the invasion of unworldly forces, with a few song and dance numbers thrown in amidst all the severed body parts. Local actors transform into the walking undead - and audience members risk transforming into Sissy Spacek from Carrie in the new gore interactive revue “Evil Dead: The Musical” at Bakersfield's Spotlight Theater. Based on Sam Raimi's Evil Dead film series, the Spotlight Theater is proud to host the West Coast premiere of the cult favorite musical after an extended off-Broadway run. Even with their heavy gore content, the Evil Dead films actually lend themselves well to musical comedy. After all, the remake of the original film, Evil Dead II: Dead By Dawn (1982) took the slapstick comedy route. The local cast attacks their parts with the unbridled gusto of flesh-eating zombies, with two local actors standing out in particular. Jennifer Sorkin, best known for heading local Rocky Horror Picture Show shadow cast “The Velvet Darkness” really shines as “Cheryl”, the luckless sister of Ash transformed into a soulsucking zombie. Confined mostly to the basement, Sorkin rattles off atrocious puns and snide one-liners with great aplomb. Jack Slider also shines as Jake, a no-nonsense good ol' boy who won't let any undead minions come between him and his over-
alls. Slider also had a hand in the show's many dance numbers. That being said, theatre goers need to be warned about two things in advance. While the stage musical adheres closely to the original films, an awful lot of risqué humor has been tossed into the devilish brew in the process. Parents who want to take their kids to see a goofy stage show with monsters should be forewarned that there's an awful lot of blue humor. If you don't have a problem with your child seeing decapitations, eviscerations and blood showering the stage in geysers, but would feel uncomfortable with them seeing gags involving various sexual positions, keep them at home. Secondly, audience members should be aware that they have the option of “splat” and “non-splat” seating. The first three rows of the Spotlight Theatre are covered with plastic, and those seeking the “splat” seats are advised to buy a rainproof poncho on sale in the lobby. Blood showers the audience during the play's many murder sequences, ranging from light drizzles to buckets of blood. This sticky, light orange concoction is the work of theater tech Edd French, and at one point in the second act, this writer was doused with a tidal wave of blood. Soaked to the skin, I retreated to the back rows to watch the conclusion. In retrospect, I had no one to blame but myself as I had requested a “splat” seat. Directed by Jarred Clowes, “Evil Dead: The Musical” is a sure bet for a hilarious and sanguine evening of local theater. It runs on weekends at the Spotlight Theater up until Halloween night, October 31st.
-Evil Dead the Musical -The Spotlight Theatre, 1622 19th Street, 634.0692 -Playing October 29, 30, 31 at 8 PM -Tickets $20.00 each or $18.00 when purchased in advance.
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BAKOBIT from Bakotopia.com
October 29, 2009
Talladega Frights vs. Review: Two Bakersfield haunts provide terrifying thrills - how'd they fare this year? By Greg Goodsell, Bakotopia contributor
L
ongtime local favorite 'The Chamber' along with the second-year lucky 'Talladega Frights' have been packing in Bakersfield crowds this Halloween season. Both attractions are distinctly different in their approaches, and both have lots to offer those in search of thrills and spills. A vastly improved Chamber has revamped their look and approach this season. While other haunted houses emphasize the dark and dismal, the Chamber has gone all the way in the opposite direction with a garish, day-glo look. With only the barest smidgen of gore, The Chamber's emphasis
this year is on a disorienting, funhouse-type of experience. The sights and sounds this year are clever and original. Visitors go through hallways full of clothes strung haphazardly, until they are met by a witch-like seamstress seated behind a sewing machine. This section of the Chamber appears to be a satirical statement on sweatshops. The Chamber's definite high point this year is a dream-like visit to a ghostly Chinatown, where every surface is covered with hot fluorescent paint and masked figures caper about. In addition to the ethereal goings on at the Chamber is the special side attraction called Alien Invasion. Visitors don 3D glasses and enter a gallery depicting space aliens engaging in all sorts of terrestrial doings. Both Alien Invasion and the Chinatown section of
The Chamber would definitely qualify as downhome examples of “Installation Art.” Talladega Frights has also come roaring back, chainsaws blazing for an evening of grue and overall hysteria. Divided into distinct theme rooms such as a hotel, a haunted mine, a hillbilly horror house and an insane asylum, visitors are invited to either take in all the grisly detail or run screaming through the maze-like panicked cheerleaders. Two favorites from last year return, the claustrophobia tunnel and the bridge that hits ye reviewer where it truly hurts. Wow! Lots of witty features are on hand. One section of the house serves as homage to the 1991 horror classic, “The Silence of the Lambs.” A fey Buffalo Bill figure leads visitors through his boudoir while “Goodbye Horses” by Q Feel blares in the background. How cool is that? Talladega serves up lots and lots of unpleasant surprises to delight horror hounds. Without giving away the gross-eries, a section of the hillbilly horror
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October 29, 2009
The Chamber 2009! house features a wizened old gentleman smacking a malfunctioning television. Just wait until you see what's on the TV that particular night … That being said, visitors to Talladega Frights should be aware that parts of the attraction this year will require visitors to crawl, walk under and go through tight spaces. Organizers say the house is 100 percent wheelchair accessible, and requests will be honored to go through alternate routes. Patrons at both the Chamber and Talladega Frights seemed to be 100 percent satisfied and delighted with this year's editions. The Chamber can be heartily recommended as a family friendly, kooky funhouse joyride and Talladega Frights offers up far more than what gore-met ghouls would ever desire. It's a consensus that Bakersfield has two Halloween attractions worth a return visit, and the city’s big enough to host as many as four or five.
www.talladegafrights.com www.chamberhaunt.com
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PHOTO TAKEN FROM THE CHAMBER MYSPACE
Above: The Chamber’s glowing nightmare will have you in a daze.
PHOT O BY AARON RUTH /STUDIO 13 PHOTOGRAPHY
Above: Talladega Frights’ bloody mess will have your stomach turning.
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