RKYV ONLINE # 39

Table of Contents Editorial Column Literature - “At the Outset: - “Hominine” - review A Few Thoughts from the Editor” - by r. j. paré RKYV # 39 {August 2010} - By r. j. paré Poetry RKYV ONLINE LOGO – Indie Comic - By Larissa Gula, Frances David Marshall {current} - “Different Unlike Us Nichols Vargas, Wanda VanHoy r. j. paré {modified} Heatwave” Smith Roy G. James {original} - Written by Darke Raven, Art by Pop Culture Arif Gunawan, Lettered by RR Virtual Cover # 39 - “Comic Book Review” Duran - Art by Stephen White - By Brad Bellmore - Layout by r. j. paré Featured Artist Review - “Stephen White” - “Manga Maximus” Interior Art - By Darke Raven - By r. j. paré, Bob Labute, Belinda - By r. j. paré Da Fonseca, James Santiago, Indie Comic - “Raised on Saturday Morning Naomi Randolph, Fehim Zećiri, - “Double Dead” Cartoons” Mike Grattan, Stephen White - Written by , Art by Lee Roy - By Pauline Paré Lopez, Lettered by r. j. paré

Cap © Marvel Comics – by Fehim Zećiri

At the Outset A few thoughts from the editor… by r. j. paré

I’ve said, “I’m sorry”, by now, at least once to just about everyone…

In August and Everything After I want somebody else to bleed for me…

Counting Crows Welcome to issue # 39 of, RKYV ONLINE, your art / lit / pop-culture e-Zine.

The summer doldrums are coming to an end and with them this season of TV re-runs, blockbuster action films and sticky heat waves. Time is running out for splashing through the lawn sprinkler and soaking in some rays. The kids sense the approaching school year like a black cloud on the horizon. Fun time is almost over, but not quite yet…

[August]  adj. – inspiring reverence or admiration.

Admiration is precisely what I feel towards RKYV’s contributors each and every month. They dazzle us with their artwork – from deftly rendered pencil and ink sketches to gorgeous painted canvases. This Zine owes its visual appeal to the many artists who continue to share their latest creations with us.

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They also intrigue us with their wordsmith – from insightful opinions and reviews to poignant and, often, engrossing works of prose and poetry. This Zine derives its voice from the many writers who craft its content.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: many thanks to all of the contributors who have submitted this month – you make my job [putting this whole shebang together] a hell of a lot of fun… r. j. paré Note from the RKYV board of directors: Considering how much fun mr. paré is having surely he won’t mind having his current salary significantly reduced, particularly in regards to the current economic climate. Meanwhile, RKYV ONLINE is proud to announce that it has not been the recipient of one red cent of stimulus or bail out money, not that we’d say no if you twisted our arms. Do you here that FED? Just show us the trough to plunge our porcine snouts in…

Expenditure; Out with the Old – by Tindersen B. Hoopdriver 3

Indie Comic Different Unlike Us

by Darke Raven

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The Healer – by Bob Labute 9

Featured Artist Review

Stephen White aka ‘Stref’ by r. j. paré

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rjp: Have you always known that you wanted to be or, rather, were an artist?

SW: I did… in a way, whether I knew it or not! I drew my way through every lesson in school, be it an art class or a maths one! It’s not something you think about at that age, you just do what interests you… that’s what’s great about being a kid, ya have that luxury!

rjp: Did you study or major in art while in school?

SW: No, I left school at sixteen… before my art (or any other) exam. I did do my art O’grade and scraped through with the lowest possible pass, whatever that means!

rjp: Who was your primary source of encouragement, as a child, in pursuing art?

SW: My childhood wasn’t perfect and I used books and drawing as an escape. My Uncles had left many comic book annuals at my Granny’s house where I stayed most weekends. This is how I was introduced to such classics as Herge’s Tintin books and Oor Wullie (which is a very Scottish title for those not familiar!).

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rjp: What is your favorite media to work with?

SW: I am aware of the technological advances of this new digital era… but I still love to scratch away with a pen on a sheet of paper. Don’t get me wrong, I scan in, composite, colour and fiddle around with everything I draw… but it’s nice to start off with an actual drawing!

rjp: Do you use any special tools and techniques to create your art?

SW: My work is extremely varied, I approach every project with a style I feel suits it best.

I’m not sure that I even have a distinguishable style, or whether that is a good or a bad thing! I try to adapt myself to the work, not the other way round… this keeps the work interesting and challenging for me also. My graphic novel Milk+ is a collection of short stories I wrote and drew. It contains seventeen (I think) stories, each rendered in a different style, both of writing and drawing.

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Artist: Stephen White Title: Cover to Milk+ paperback edition Media: Photoshop SW: Originally published in 2009 as MILK, this new cover image was created in 2010 for a paperback version with a title change to MILK+. The cover was created in Photoshop from various images taken from inside the book.

rjp: What inspires you to create art?

SW: It’s an inexplicable drive from within! A desire to have my say‌ an unbelievably egotistical presumption that it is important for me to verbalise my point of view!

Also, drawing and writing makes the world, around you, melt away, which can be nice.

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rjp: How would you categorize your artistic style?

SW: It’s hard to categorize as it’s all over the place… changing from project to project, from day to day… just like my mind! Some work is minimalist and expressive, other work totally cartoon-y, and everything in-between.

rjp: Would you say that there is a "message" or "unifying theme" in your work?

SW: Milk+ is an extremely themed book, it is adult and artistically expressive. The book I just finished (yesterday – at the tie of this interview) is in the tradition of the three panel daily cartoon strips you find in newspapers. So far as themes go, in some work it’s important… but in other work it’s all about the laughs.

Artist: Stephen White Title: MILK+ Part One: “Sanctuary” (page one).

Media: Blue pencil line, ink pen on paper, greys added in Photoshop.

SW: Sample Comic Page Man in desert – from MILK+ 14

Artist: Stephen White Title: MILK+: “H2oo” (page two).

Media: Blue pencil line, ink pen on paper, gradients added in Photoshop.

SW: Sample Comic Page - Alien looking at light explosion thru window – from MILK+

rjp: Which famous artists / creators or styles have influenced you? Why? SW: My two biggest influences are Herge (Georges Remi), famous creator of Tintin, and Winsor McCay, creator of Little Nemo in Slumberland. It’s not often that you open up a book and the contents utterly floor you… but that happened to me with both these guys.

As far as the super-hero genre goes, my favourite artist is Barry Windsor Smith, who’s work (other than just his comic book stuff but including it) also floors me!

rjp: Would you rather have an engaged & loyal but, ultimately, small Indie readership or work on the latest Spidey, Wolverine or X - book? [the old Art vs Commerce question] SW: I have no interest in working on popular super-hero titles… there are plenty artists out there doing a better job of that than I ever could. I guess I’m indie all the way… but getting some money for a change would be nice!

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Artist: Stephen White Title: MILK+: The Need (page one).

Media: Multi media originals manipulated in Photoshop. rjp: A sample comic page from Milk+ in which Stephen ventures into the comic “noir” genre. What I particularly like about this page is Stephen’s loosening of the page structure [panels, balloons, boxes] to create a more illustrated text presentation that truly suits the material.

rjp: With advancements in computer graphic tablet technology, some artists are now creating their work directly in the digital medium and releasing it in purely digital formats... are the days of paper & pulp doomed to the realm of fading memories?

SW: Maybe… how sad! No more original artwork! The tress, however, are delighted!

rjp: What do you think of the term "starving artist"?

SW: That’s me!

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rjp: Do you feel more a sense of community with other artists or a sense of competition?

SW: Community! Join my Facebook group, “I love comic book art” and share/promote your artwork or project!

Artist: Stephen White Title: MILK+: A Tail from the City (detail from page two).

Media: Blue pencil line, ink pen on paper, greys added in Photoshop.

rjp: The amount of detail in this single panel is astonishing. The attention paid to background, texture and figures is almost Perez-ian, [if Stevie will allow me to make the comparison... ] 17

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rjp: How do you market yourself?

SW: I’m a whole lot better at the creative side of things… hence the starving artist lifestyle! However, the internet has made it easier to showcase your work and connect to both the audience and potential publishers alike… so I’m trying to be better at this side of things!

Artist: Stephen White Title: RAISING AMY: BORN TO BE WILD! (samples) Media: Blue pencil line, ink pen on paper, colour added in Photoshop.

rjp: Do you find it difficult to stay motivated/inspired?

SW: Only when I’m too weak (through hunger) to drag my skeletal body to the drawing board! Seriously though… I go through periods of mass production and then periods of doing nothing. I worked on The Dandy comic for six years, producing up to eight pages a week sometimes, and after I left, I never picked up a pen for two years! I just finished drawing 250 cartoon strips for my new book, Raising Amy-Born to be wild! This took four months of intense drawing… I got rid of my T.V. whilst doing the book to minimalize distractions- much to the annoyance of my daughter, but it worked!

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rjp: While traditional publishing and distribution has become a difficult goal to achieve for the modern Indie comic creator, what do you think of the impact that social networks and POD services have had as an alternate means of mass-connecting you, your work and your audience?

SW: The internet has made the whole world, including publishers and audiences more accessible. I promoted and pitched my last two book ideas online and found publishers without even having to spend money on a stamp! That is inconceivable, when compared to the process this would involve before the mighty internet!

rjp: What other interests do you have, besides art?

SW: I play the guitar pretty badly, but well enough to sustain a drunken sing song at house parties! I love books and movies; my favourite movie is still Blade Runner.

rjp: What advice would you have for a young artist starting out today?

SW: If certain essentials are important to you, for instance… food! Then give up and get a real job! If you can live without the luxuries… then you are truly an artist! If you fall into this category, then you have my sympathies… but I look forward to hearing what you have to say!

Artist: Stephen White Title: RAISING AMY: BORN TO BE WILD! (sample) Media: Blue pencil line, ink pen on paper, colour added in Photoshop. rjp: Little Orphan Annie, she’s not. Rather, Amy is the wickedly delightful product of Stephen’s warped, but oh so talented imagination...  20

Artist: Stephen White Title: Black Eagle, a Milk+ Poster Media: Blue pencil line, ink pen on paper, coloured in Photoshop. rjp: A truly breathtaking piece. The richly detailed scene combined with Stephen’s command of light and shadows – all set in an amber washed sunset landscape – made this my favourite piece to review for this article. Of course, I simply had to coop the image when laying out this month’s cover, many THX to Stephen White for sharing some of his insight, background and amazing work with us this month.

rjp: Do you have any big plans, shows or Cons coming up?

SW: My first book, MILK was originally published by Insomnia, but I have since left them and will be bringing out a superior softback version with different content from a different publisher in the near future. My next book out will be “Raising Amy-Born to be wild!” published by Markosia Enterprises. You can get a sneak peek into these pages at the Facebook group, “Raising Amy”. The book will contain 250 full colour strips, full of attitude!

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rjp: How would you like your art, and by extension yourself, to be remembered?

SW: Hopefully as someone who made you think and made you laugh- that would be more than I could hope for!

rjp: For those who’d like to ‘follow’ Stevie and his work online, links are included below. Cheers!

I love comic book art ( Facebook group ) http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=541352675#!/group.php?gid=90709790781&ref=mf

Raising Amy ( Facebook group )

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=541352675#!/group.php?gid=196439171613&ref=mf

Raising Amy ( Playstation Comics Interview ) http://uk.playstationcomics.com/main/digital-comics/issue-detail.html?issue=Raising+Amy+%231_65479-GB-EN

Raising Amy (Playstation Comics Blog) http://uk.playstationcomics.com/main/blog/raising-amy.html

MILK+ ( Facebook group ) http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=541352675#!/group.php?gid=22420456975&ref=ts

ART SAMPLES http://www.facebook.com/album.phpaid=167089&id=541352675&l=4093adce79

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Tree Ballet – by De Tourist 23

Indie Comic Double dead

Written by Scott Hartman, Drawn by Lee Roy Lopez & Lettered by r. j. parĂŠ

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to be continued‌

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Untitled – by Bob Labute 31

Lit - Corner Hominine – Review by r. j. paré

Lewis Evans, a talented artist & writer [whom we at RKYV were privileged to review as our Featured Artist of the Month back in Issue # 22], is back gracing our pages this month as we offer up a ‘shout out’ for his first novel – “Hominine – We Have A Choice”.

I just finished reading the book – here’s my thoughts: Hominine is an interesting and timely piece of work - Zeitgeist meets Dan Brown meets 24. Modern geopolitics and terrorism as seen through the eyes of an aging, disillusioned hippie who's now very much a part of the establishment he once railed against.

It is a tale about deadly next-gen weapon technology developed through "new age" discoveries - but implemented without the corresponding "new age" wisdom. It's Einstein, Oppenheimer & the Atomic bomb all over again. Can mankind's "higher awakening" empower them to exist beyond the confines of modern consumerism - before the powers [both governmental and corporate] behind the status quo eliminate critical thought and the dissent it leads to?

Facebook Page http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hominine-the-novel/137874056248172?ref=mf

more info: http://www.hominine.info/ 32

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Poetry Selected Poetry

by Wanda VanHoy Smith ALL GRAY BLUES The clouds are inside out showing their leaden lining.

The ocean dark as tarnished Turkish cymbals nothing bright and shining except our memories of his music.

Even the Cherokee Maiden's hair is now gray as pelican feathers and ashes.

His fans gather for his last solo to cross the Light House bar in the good ship jazz He is set free in a basket of rose petals in the sea.

Be Bop Beverly's tears fall like drops of salty blues on the rose she holds.

She tosses her grief among the jazzy red blossoms that brighten dark waters in a line like the Saints marching in, A patch of blue opens in the heavens and for a second a wave sparkles like the white pearl shell on double bass drums Tomorrow we will all cross over to our favorite bar. where we will hear future all stars inspired by those who came before..

Nexus – by r. j. parÊ

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Selected Poetry

by Frances Nichols Vargas

Granted A Suprise It is funny how life can pass by so fast So fast in fact Twenty years go by as fast as the ocean tide One day, granted a surprise Turn around and caught my eye

Blending In – by De Tourist A smile A wink Chase takes place Another year soon passes And a phone call tantalizes Yet more time flies by Granted another surprise 35

A smile A wink A date to contemplate Laughter gives way to feelings of comfort And familiarity It is the feeling of knowing There is a thread that binds Understanding all too well where each one has been A desire to know where each one is heading

Shelter – by De Tourist A smile A wink And a drink Some funny stories and promises take place A wink, a smile and a hug goodbye Looking forward to the next time Some more time flies by Another surprise Another date to contemplate

A wink A smile An all too familiar hug Time slows down Only to be granted another...

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Selected Poetry

by Larissa Gula

Africa’s Name Is ‘Beautiful’ A stroll down our streets before the rains will take you past A dusty shop on your left with a smiling caretaker waving; A small house down on your right, its owner peacefully asleep; And a school that still stands at the center of our society.

When you arrive at my house, you will find me, Dark skinned, wrinkled, with hair pale from the aging process, Always smiling out to the world in delight, in welcome.

Over the years, we have learned to always smile; always.

Oasis – Life in the Harshest of Climes – by r. j. paré

As the sun trails downwards, I perch and I weave and I observe.

I watch our beautiful children kick a ball down the dirt streets, As my youthful neighbors emerge with drums and guitars, instruments Designed to take our dreams and convert them into a delightful display.

I watch the ones with heavy textbooks walk home, smiling, excited – And I smile back, hoping to always see those smiles, hoping That as they age they smile with wonder at all knowledge, accepting That the process will never end, until we are welcomed home above.

I call to them as they stroll home, late (as always), and offer the food That I spent the day harvesting and cooking with my two scarred hands.

I relish the conversation in moments that a sunlight bath made beautiful The plain’s animal dust trails, the dirt, the weeds, the thirsty tree roots.

Surreal Landscape – by r. j. paré 38

Opening

To Here

Sketchwork by Tindersen B. Hoopdriver

Pop Culture Comic Book Interview

by Brad Bellmore

In RKYV issue 28 I reviewed the comic Genecy by Gerald Cooper. It is a fascinating book that has been compared to the Conan playing the Silver Surfer. It’s cool. It’s cosmic. The art and storytelling will blow you away. If you didn’t already pick up a copy after my review, do so now at http://www.invisioncomics.com/ or at www.indyplanet.com .

Genecy issue 2 is about to be released so I connected with the creator to get the latest.

RKYV: So what’s new w/ Genecy?

Cooper: Issue number 2 is what's new!

There's going to be an eight page short story in the back of issue number 2 explain what life was like for the character prior to issue number 1.

RKYV: How did you come up with the concept for Genecy?

Cooper: I thought of a grand scene and said, "How do I get there, and where does it go from there?"

RKYV: Who is working on this project with you?

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Cooper: Diego Bernard, Carlo Dotson and Tony Pabone are the artists and Oren Kramek is the colorist and letterer.

RKYV: How did you get connected with him?

Cooper: I connected with Diego via the internet, through Glass House Graphics. That’s the same place I found Eddy Barrows who drew my first issue. Eddie got picked up by DC and he’s now drawing Superman. I had to replace him so I went with Diego who drew the cover of issue one.

RKYV: How has it been switching artists?

Cooper: Diego has a amazing consistency and visual power. Nothing against Eddie – he did amazing work on the first issue and has a power all his own. But Diego has a Buscemi type of intensity and power in his art. Not that it looks like that, but it has that intensity. So, I asked Diego to mimic Eddie’s style and slowly morph to his style over a few issues. That’s what Marvel did when they brought in John Byrne to draw X-Men. Oren, who, by the way, is the best colorist in the business, helps with the morphing. The consistency of his work makes the book have its ultimate feel so that helps.

RKYV: What is your creative process like?

Cooper: I’m a mad scientist locked away working on my project and then suddenly I kick open the door, smoke pouring from my hair and shout “Eureka!” Basically, that’s how I write the script. Then I send it to the artists, they send back the artwork and I shift it all over to Oren.

RKYV: What projects are there in the future?

Cooper: There is a spin off series in the works about a king on a distant planet ... so distant I almost forgot it was there (LOL).

RKYV: What is coming w/ Genecy?

Cooper: Rathgar! I also plan to include 8 page shorts at the end of each issue that give some back-story of Kaizaxx, helping the readers understand why this dude is who he is. They will be titled Trials of Tanaan.

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Each short will feature a different artist each time. Diego will focus only on the main story.

RKYV: Are you doing a con tour?

Cooper: Yep! I plan to be at New York and San Diego next year and everywhere else.

RKYV: What has worked for you in promoting your book?

Cooper: Screaming and begging! I feel like Stan Lee and Don King! People are calling me Stan King now ... or is it Don Lee? Whatever!

RKYV: Did you study writing in school?

Cooper: I had no choice.

What's funny is that I HATED English class.

RKYV: When did you know you wanted to write comics?

Cooper: When I accepted the fact that I couldn't draw. I don't know how they do it.

RKYV: Do you use art for self discovery?

Cooper: I just discovered that I can do that!

RKYV: Is there anything of yourself in Genecy?

Cooper: Oh yes. A lot. How I was and How I am. I'm in a lot of characters.

RKYV: What inspires you?

Cooper: God, my wife, the people that help me, those that I help.

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RKYV: What pisses you off?

Cooper: Burnt and undercooked food! YYEEEEEAAAARRRGGGG!!! And being late.

RKYV: Who/what are you influences?

Cooper: Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, Marv Wolfman Walter Simonson, Jim Starlin and the bible.

RKYV: That’s a lot of classic stuff. Any reason for that?

Cooper: All the new writers were influenced by those guys so when you read them your reading the classics. I also took a look at how Dc built their world and how Marvel built their world. I’m in that same process so I draw more from the earlier days when those guys were building their worlds.

RKYV: What else are you reading?

Cooper: The bible.

RKYV: What do you aspire to do with Genecy? With comics?

Cooper: I aspire to send Genecy to the big screen!

RKYV: What are you watching/reading/listening too?

Cooper: I'm so busy right now; I forgot that I had a big screen TV.

RKYV: If Genecy had a soundtrack, what would be on it? Who would you want to do the music for it?

Cooper: I'm actually getting close to finishing the Genecy soundtrack and it sounds good! John Williams inspired.

RKYV: Are there any other projects on the way?

Cooper: Oh yeah! I’m talking with some friend about collaborating on a project. It will be awesome.

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RKYV: When writing comics, do you find yourself creating with an eye toward movie development? Video games?

Cooper: Oh yeah! I wrote Genecy to as well be a video game and a movie. If you look at issue one, the whole thing is set up like levels of a game, ending with the big boss battle at the end.

RKYV: Do you feel that the comic industry is going down the toilet with the rest of the print world? Or are they one segment that can survive?

Cooper: Man has always had physical books to read. I don't think that's ever going to change. Comics aren't going anywhere. We just need to give people comics worth buying, and Genecy is one worth buying. I'm so product based!

Comic Book Review

by Brad Bellmore

Beast Legion Thumb Partly Up Beast Legion is an online comic created by Jazyl Homavazir. This is a true independent endeavor with Homavazir both writing and drawing the book which is now on issue number 3. The book seems aimed at a slightly younger audience.

The story takes us to Lithopia land that has enjoyed three decades of peace.

Prophecy warns that when the planets align the Shadow Nexus will return and plunge the world into war and chaos. This event dawns when a mystical item is stolen form the palace treasury during the prince’s birthday celebration. With the Shadow Nexus released, a horde of demons rush out to bring destruction on the world.

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This story’s concept in this rivals some of the better fantasy work out there, either in comics or prose.

The idea of trying to prevent a prophecy and dealing with its eminent fruition is a great conflict to hinge a story upon; then following that with a classic struggle of good verses evil where the good have been vigilant and are prepared for this event. The dialogue and page to page storytelling are a bit rough at times. Nothing that ruins the book just leaves me scratching my head at times trying to connect the dots.

Part of these storytelling issues stem from the art. Occasionally I find what feels like missing panels, like something happened in between that I missed and can’t puzzle out.

The issue is a mix of really solid art that fits the world and style of this kind of fantasy and the audience. Other times the perspective is off enough to give me a bit of vertigo, something like an Escher drawing. If that is intentional, it is a wonderful tool to keep the sense of otherworldliness. However, I don’t believe it is.

Overall, I think this is worth taking a look at. Despite its rough spots, it is a fun story. If you prefer a hardcopy, the print version to be shipped from www.Indyplanet.com; otherwise check it out online at www.beastlegion.com.

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Manga Maximus

By Darke Raven

This Month’s Experiment: Svetlana Chmakova’s Dramacon Publisher : TOKYOPOP (2005 to 2007) Considering that conventions and manga goes hand in hand it’s a wonder why more series are not set in the hectic unpredictable world of a convention. Svetlana Chmakova’s Dramacon brings the convention experience to life wonderfully, making you wonder why other talents (on both sides of the pacific) are not giving this setting a shot themselves. Also, as a bonus, she brings home her human drama with an unlikely may never take off romance between it’s lead Christie and the mysteriously dressed like Cyclops from the X-Men live action movies Matt (and all the humor and drama you think you can handle and then some).

Presently at three volumes the series is spread amongst the years of Yattacon, the convention that is the centerpiece of the series. In Volume 1 it’s amateur writer Christie’s first convention, debuting her independent manga Wary City at the con in the Artist Alley. This time out she has come with her soon to be ex cos girl chasing anger management deficient loser boyfriend slash first Artist, and the strange pairing of miss cat girl and mr. dude (who sadly only appear in this one volume as far as I know). While trying to settle into the alien environment of her first convention Christie runs into Matt, and while it looks like they have no chance of hooking up by the night of Day 1 they’re well on their way…

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…of course it won’t be easy since she still has her loser boyfriend who ends up being ex boyfriend after they break up when he tries to force himself on her in a drunken fit and thrusts her right into Matt (and his team’s) arms wrapping up the first year with bright prospects between the two. Oh, and Christie meets the series major Amerimanga talent Lida Zeff and begins to grow as a writer (she is quite the sponge of info gathering writing down all the advice given her in order to improve).

But the real score of the convention is getting Matt’s number in the end, which opens much possibilities. Which promptly die the minute she tries to call him and a woman answers. After much crying and addiction to her PS2 she returns in Year 2 with a brand new (and female) artist named Bethany (who is far better a character than the guy from Volume 1, though now it’s Bethany’s turn to be creeped out by the alien environment of her first convention).

With brand new neighbors in the Artist Alley (Firebird Studio and the catgirl duo of Hyu-Jeong and Monica (if Hyu is the artist does this make their work Manhwa or Manhua instead of Manga?) and their keeper slash boss Raj) as well as the return of Matt and his posse, along with his girlfriend -- which, yes, does seem to doom the relationship between Christie and Matt. What, already?

Finally year 3 and the partnership between Christie and Bethany may be doubly doomed. If she’s not recruited by Mangapop she might be dragged away by her own family who may not approve of her future as an artist.

Oh, and if this wasn’t enough pressure for Bethany, Firebird Studio’s Raj may finally be ready to begin forming a relationship with her… (while Christie and Matt's relationship is threatened again possibly by the returning girlfriend)... which sadly all comes to an end as the volume ends and the series wraps.

Or does it?

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At present there is word from the creator herself that, maybe after her present series Night School, she might return to Dramacon and bring forth Dramacon Volume 4 (and year four of Yattacon)‌ in the future. Stay tuned for more info and hopefully a interview with Miss Chmakova (if she ever clears her inbox and accepts my email requests).

One of my favorite Amerimanga series to date, Dramacon is a beautiful lovely mix of humor and drama, romance and strangeness, wrapped up in a convention that is as much a character as the engaging cast set before you. Be you a convention veteran, newbie, or never been to a convention before you should make time in your schedule to add this to your reading list for the coming year. Highly recommended with five members of Pocky Sticks Anonymous out of five. Enjoy!

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Raised on Saturday Morning Cartoons

by Pauline ParĂŠ HIGHLY ANTICIPATED I love many things about summer but around August, I begin to miss my favourite shows, some more than others. If a series does it job well, a viewer will anticipate the next season. Like old friends, you may miss the characters to some degree.

I do feel that Supernatural can be overlooked. It has delivered excitement and surprises season after season. Last season, the Winchester brothers were trying to stop an Armageddon that they may have inadvertently started.

There were sacrifices and surprises but now the brothers are separated again.

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I don’t want to give away too much for those who may be considering purchasing or renting complete seasons of the show but I will say that the finale was quite exciting last year and one of the main reasons I eagerly await it’s return. I honestly feel this series does not get the respect it deserves yet Supernatural has delivered excitement and suspense every season so far. I love a show that has it’s own style and character which Supernatural has in spades with it’s kick butt soundtrack and it’s rock and roll approach.

Smallville is entering its final season and I am looking forward to seeing if Lex Luther returns (please!) and if Clark will finally don the mantle of Superman. This is Smallville’s 10th season and the show has grown with its audience. The producers have known from the beginning of filming that this is the last season and I sincerely hope it goes out with a bang.

I do love when a series has enough notice to give us a great ending and I am certainly expecting such an ending with Smallville.

Speaking of bang, I can’t wait for Big Bang Theory to return. This show is just hilarious and I recommend anyone to watch this from the beginning if you haven’t already. Between the cast, the writing and the characters, this is a comedic winner. Not to mention, the theme song rocks! The guest star list keeps getting bigger and bigger in what seems like a promising new season of Big Bang Theory.

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If you didn’t catch Stargate Universe last season, you have no idea what you are missing. This reincarnation of the Stargate series is unlike anything you have seen from Stargate before. This new series is hard and edgy and has much more in common with Battlestar Galactica than the previous Stargate series.

The acting is amazing and the writing is strong and suspenseful. Having Robert Carlyle playing the self interested and sometimes dangerous Dr. Rush is a stroke of genius. This is definitely a worthwhile way to spend an hour

The fall season is nearly here and there will finally be something worthwhile to watch on television. So enjoy those chilly nights snuggled with loved ones on the couch and get into a favourite series.

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