Missions Unknown » Comic Books

FORGOTTEN BOOKS: The Atomic Knights by John Broome & Murphy Anderson

Scott A. Cupp — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 11:00:07 +0000

This is the 14th in my series of Forgotten Books

The Atomic Knights

I love books. I think those who read this column know this. I especially love books that stretch the established boundaries. I don’t always know what the boundaries are or who established them but I can tell when they are being pushed back. At MISSIONS UNKNOWN we like a lot of things – books, films, music, art, books, conventions, books. You get the picture.

So this week I want to push the boundaries again. Last week I included an illustrated book (theoretically) designed for children. This week is a science fiction themed graphic collection. It’s not really a Forgotten Book as it is one which might have been overlooked by many folks, like the Spider novels I reviewed a few weeks back. New, but not known.

The Atomic Knights were the creation of John Broome and Murphy Anderson for STRANGE ADVENTURES comics in 1960 under the editorial guidance of Julius Schwartz. Julie, as he was known, was well versed in science fiction and comics, having been at various points, the agent for HP Lovecraft, close personal friend of Ray Bradbury and Harlan Ellison, and an editor for DC Comics for many, many years. He loved science fiction and shepherded several SF related comics for DC. He was responsible for Adam Strange and the revivals of the Atom and Hawkman and the Justice League of America.

But for me, the Atomic Knights were among the most fun series DC ever did. They appeared irregularly in STRANGE ADVENTURES beginning in 1960 with issue 117. They appeared in 15 issues over the next 3+ years, in every third issue (except issue 159 which they did not appear in, though their final appearance was in issue 160).

The story is basic. Earth has had an atomic war. It lasted just a few days. 20 days. Mankind is struggling for food and to survive. Gardner Grayle, ex-soldier, finds a group of men beating a man in the street. He rescues Douglas Herald, a former school teacher, who was being beaten because he had a can of food. The war killed most plant and animal life and food is a scarce commodity. Gardner suffered amnesia after war and had wandered. Now he finds small “baronies” have been established with powerful men preying on the weak. One such is the Black Baron who ray gunned anyone in his way. The two men are attacked with a radiation grenade. They hide behind some suits of armor and are amazed when they are not affected. They infer that the armor must have protected them, that “through the centuries the armor had hardened into a peculiar molecular structure capable of acting as a shield against nuclear radiation.” God, you have to love a rational mind. They have six suits of armor, so they enlist the aid of Hollis and Wayne Hobard, a pair of brothers, and Bryndon, a scientist. The final suit is too small for the men of the area but it is perfect for Herald’s sister, Marlene.

These six individual try to bring back civilization and culture to a devastated world. They find mutated Dalmatians that serve as horses for the group. There are a few radios. They face off against villains, human and otherwise.

Strange Adventures

The stories are generally intelligent. John Broome was a writer in the 1930’s for various pulps. His agent was Julius Schwartz. He did some comic work for Fawcett publications, including Captain Marvel but World War II interrupted that. After the war, he found work at DC for Julius Schwartz and crafted stories there for more than 20 years. He is especially noted for his work on the revival of The Green Lantern comic.

What really appealed to me, though, was the artwork. Murphy Anderson is one of the most talented of all the Golden and Silver Age artists, either alone or in collaboration with Carmine Infantino or Gil Kane. He started working in comics in 1944 and worked in the daily Buck Rogers strip in 1947. Among his best work are The Atomic Knights, Hawkman, and The Spectre. He also worked on most major DC heroes including Superman and Batman. Anderson’s lines were clean and pure. His figures were well defined. The Hawkman work with the many feathers and the work on the Atomic Knights’ armor are clean and crisp.

The Atomic Knights only appeared on the cover of one STRANGE ADVENTURES issue during their original run. They were reprinted some in the 1970’s and 80’s, but this is the first complete collection of their tales. It’s a short run, only 15 issues, 180 or so pages. But for nearly 50 years they have stayed in my mind. Give them a chance, you might like it.

Series organizer Patti Abbott hosts more Friday Forgotten Book reviews at her own blog, and posts a complete list of participating blogs.

Made in SA: Mike Esparza’s Caped Cubism

Mission Control — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 15:53:37 +0000

Mike Esparza - "Artwork so awesome it will melt your face off"

The Friday after Thanksgiving is traditionally one of the biggest movie-going days of the year. So when you’re deciding which theater to attend to see “The Road” (or, yeah, the new Twilight movie), consider this; the Bijou at Crossroads Mall has a great art scifi- and horror-themed display in the lobby through the end of the month.

While all of the work is great, and by San Antonio artists, one set in particular stands out — Mike Esparza’s fun, Picasso-influenced superhero portraits are just the sort of thing to make any funnybook geek’s pulse go arrhythmic. We asked Mike about his work…

Missions Unknown: WHAT SORT OF ART DO YOU DO?

Mike Esparza: Portrait style paintings. I try to keep my work recognizable and paint things that relate to film, music or comic books. I feel a lot of people enjoy these types of paintings. Pablo Picasso is a huge influence. I’ve wondered if he was alive today, what would he paint? So this year I created a superhero series with a Picasso twist.

MU: HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN DOING IT?

ME: Professionally, roughly 19 years. As far back as I can remember, I drew. Always been in love with it. I constantly drew as a kid. In my late teens and throughout my 20’s I was hired a lot for mural work. Eventually I found myself doing portraits and pop art. Developed a small name for myself with a few gallery shows at 1st Fridays in San Antonio. After that it’s was pretty much “Hey, you wanna show your art here?”. I wanna say that about 60% of my work goes on display each year, and the other 40% is private commissioned work.

MU: WHEN DID THE DISPLAY GO UP AT THE BIJOU? WHEN WILL IT COME DOWN?

ME: The Bijou show is up for the whole month of November. I love showing there. It’s a great place in San Antonio to see indie flicks and view incredible artwork. I’ve been showing my work there since 2003. They invite me to back every year. It’s been a blessing meeting all the wonderful people who love art from showing there.

MU: WHAT’S YOUR SAN ANTONIO CONNECTION?

ME: Currently I live in Houston, but I’m originally from San Antonio. I travel back and forth a lot for shows. Current showing; Bijou Crossroads, and at The Alamo Drafthouse Theaters (Westlakes location).

MU: WHAT ARE YOUR INFLUENCES?

ME: Other artist such as Chuck Close, Warhol, Picasso, Alex Ross, Frank Miller, Robert Crumb, Otto Lange, Eric Joyner, Shawn Barber , and also I’m a big Kevin Smith fan.

MU: MARVEL OR DC?

ME: Tough question. I like some Marvel stuff, but I also like DC’s cartoons and comics. Superfriends is one my all time favorite shows as a kid (no matter how cheesy it is). I’m especially a huge fan of the Superman films, comics and cartoons. He is truly one of my favorite characters to paint. I often trade artwork with other artists for their vision of the Man of Steel. I have a pretty cool nice collection now from some fantastic artists. So if anyone wants to hit me up for some trade just shoot me an email.

So to answer the Marvel vs DC question, I would have to go with the Supe-ster’s home, DC. Sorry Marvel. At least you came in 2nd.

MU: WHO ARE SOME ARTISTS WE MIGHT NOT KNOW ABOUT BUT SHOULD?

ME: There are a few that come to mind. Rachel Esparza (younger sister) whose work also can be seen at the Bijou. Eric Esparza (artist/ photographer), Matthew Esparza (graphic designer/ photographer), Justin Reed (Amazing painter, you can google him), Cecy Correra (documentary film maker), Other painters; Kevin Lopez, Julio Urvina, Ashley Frields and Alfredo and Alex Lopez (illustrators/ painters). The last 5 are artist that are currently showing work at the Bijou.

MU: WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE SCIFI/FANTASY/HORROR BOOKS/MOVIES/COMICS?

ME: I’m a big fan of all. Who isn’t? I hardly read anymore. I’m so busy and it’s difficult to find the time. The free time that I manage usually goes towards painting. I’m a fan of Wes Anderson, Kevin Smith, Spike Jonze, Jared Hess and the Cohen Bros movies. Zombie/Horror flicks are pretty fun to watch too. Alex Ross, Frank Miller, and old skool Todd McFarlane comics are also some of my favs.

I keep an open mind and I’m always looking for ideas to paint. I enjoy the process of painting from concept to completion. Most importantly, I’m so glad that I still have the same imagination I had as a kid.

Made in SA: David Liss

Sanford Allen — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 11:20:12 +0000

San Antonio writer DAVID LISS is known primarily for historical thrillers, of which he’s written six. His novels — including A Conspiracy of Paper, The Whiskey Rebels and The Devil’s Company — have drawn critical praise, enthusiastic fans and even the coveted Edgar Award. This month, the release of DARING MYSTERY COMICS 70th ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL #1 marked David’s debut as a comic writer. The MARVEL book, set in the 1930s, follows the adventures of the Phantom Reporter, a masked vigilante journalist. We talked to David this week about the Phantom Reporter, the differences in writing novels and comics and his future plans in both literary forms.

Your novels are heavily steeped in conspiracy, corruption and historical detail – three things that don’t seem like they would necessarily translate well to comics’ sparer narrative form. Was it a difficult at all to adapt what you do to the comic page?

I’m not entirely sure I agree that it is hard to get corruption and conspiracy into comic books. Many titles thrive on them, after all (Brubaker’s run on both Daredevil and Captain America come immediately to mind, but I am sure there are many more examples). Characters in comic books often have hidden or secret motivations, or turn out to be working for the other side, etc. And corruption appears all the time as well — organizations secretly compromised or infiltrated. It’s all great dramatic stuff that transcends various media. As for historical detail, I think it is really just another sort of world-building, which comics do remarkably well. The tricky part of me was learning to use the visuals to do most of the heavy lifting.

How did the relationship with Marvel come about? Do you see it as a long-term thing or is this more of a one-shot or experiment?

My editor at Marvel contacted me about doing this issue, and I was thrilled to get the opportunity. He’d first proposed the idea of my writing for Marvel many years earlier, right after my first novel came out, but at that time I was still trying to figure out how to write novels, and I didn’t have the creative time or energy to dedicate to learning how to write in another medium. When I heard from him last fall, I was definitely ready to try my hand at scripting a comic book. And I very much intend to continue working in comics. In fact, right from the beginning I told my editor that if I were going to invest the time and energy into learning how to write a comic book script, I would want to continue writing them rather than have it be a one-time thing. I have begun my second project with Marvel — a five issue miniseries — and I am attempting to get a couple of other projects off the ground as well.

Have other comic companies approached you about writing?

Yes. I was approached by one of the independents, and I am in the process of trying to iron out the details of a proposal there. I also contacted another major imprint, and I was very gratified by how warmly they received my interest. Discussions are going on there as well, but it takes a lot of time and energy to get a project green lit.

You seem to put a lot of painstaking research into the historical accuracy of your novels. Did you do that for the late 1930s setting of Daring Mystery, or did you paint with a fairly broad brush given comics’ more fantastic style?

I admit it was more the latter. I think because, as I mentioned earlier, a lot of the historical work is done visually, I have to do less research myself. I read a fair amount about the period, as well as reading books from, and watching movies from, the 1930s to try and get a feel for the language, but there is no denying that I did far less research than I would have for a novel. On the other hand, it is a shorter project on a smaller scale, so that is probably only natural.

The protagonist in your comic is a reporter and uses those skills to break the case. However, to ultimately achieve justice, he resorts to vigilantism. Is that a statement about the infotainment-saturated masses’ ambivalence toward real journalism that asks tough, often-uncomfortable questions?

More than anything, I was responding to how the media functions in recent years. A story will break exposing some kind of wrong-doing or outright villainy, and you’ll think that a politician or a corporation or industry is finished, but then the next day it turns out to be yesterday’s news and the world goes on just the way it was before. My Phantom Reporter story stemmed from my frustration in watching honest journalism fail to produce what I would consider significant or meaningful results.

Did you grow up with comics? What did you read? Do you still read them?

I grew up reading comics, and continued to read them until my late 20s when the time and financial pressures of graduate school forced me to make some changes. I always loved Batman, Daredevil, Punisher, Justice League, Sandman, Nexus, Grimjack and tons others. When I began this project for Marvel I began reading comics again, so I could learn how other writers scripted and so I could get a sense of what was going on in the Marvel Universe. I remember when I was much younger searching for cool books, but now I feel like there are far more cool titles out there than I have time to read. Some of my favorites include Walking Dead, Invincible, Powers, Ex Machina and Scalped.

Did your absorption of comic narratives as a kid have any influence on your current storytelling style, either in the novels or in Daring Mystery Comics?

That’s hard to say. From a standpoint of craft or technique, writing a comic script is a very different experience form writing a novel. On the other hand, the elements of good story-telling transcend any one medium — they are fundamentally the same in fiction, comics, film, television, etc. I think comics often boil down narrative to a raw or fundamental level, and that is always instructive.

Have ever you dabbled in speculative fiction (sf, fantasy, horror, magic realism)? Any chance we’ll see you publish something in one of those genres?

The novel I am writing now, while I hope it will appeal to readers of my previous historical fiction, also has dominant elements of the supernatural. I think of it as historical urban fantasy. The working title is The Darkening Green. That may change. At this point, we are looking at a spring 2011 publication date.

Do you have any other comics in the works? Any chance we could see a David Liss graphic novel in the near future?

There’s no street date for my next Marvel project, but it is in the works. And I will announce other projects as soon as they get locked down (and I have permission). But the short answer is that I love scripting comics and plan to do as much as time and the powers that be will allow.

And finally, something we ask all (well, most) of our Made in S.A. participants: Name your five favorite sf, fantasy and/or horror books, your five favorite sf, fantasy and/or horror movies and your five favorite comics.

I don’t really believe in favorites, so think of this not as my ultimate list but some things I like that come to mind. I’m sure as soon as I send this in I will think of things I wish I’d put on the list, but that seems to me only natural. I’ve already listed the comics so…

Books:
Hyperion by Dan Simmons
His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman
Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell
A Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

Films:
Spirited Away
The Incredibles
Excalibur
Spider-Man 2
The Matrix

Thriller writer Liss leaps into the world of comics

Sanford Allen — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 11:31:32 +0000

Liss' Phantom Reporter fights crime in spats.

San Antonio writer DAVID LISS, known for his historical thrillers, has made his comics debut — and he’ll be on hand Wednesday, Sept. 2, from 6-8 p.m. at ATOMIC COMICS & GAMING to sign books and have some face time with true believers.

Liss’ book is Marvel’s Daring Mystery Comics 70th Anniversary Special #1, which features the never-before-told origins of the Golden Age hero The Phantom Reporter. Check out NEWSARAMA’s preview, including some advance pages and an interview with Liss. And while you’re clicking around, why not put your eyes on the great art by Jason Armstrong and cover by Clint Langley.

For those not familiar with Liss’ track record, he’s an Edgar Award-winning novelist whose work includes A Conspiracy of Paper and Whiskey Rebels. In other words, a top-notch Alamo City literary talent.

Atomic Comics is located at 4904 Broadway, across from Central Market. Their number is 210-826-3223.

It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s…Plato?

Paul Vaughn — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 13:30:19 +0000

Action Philosophers - Issue 2

The comic book series Action Philosophers astounded critics, comics readers, and philosophers with its hilarious and insightful look at the greatest Philosophers of Our Time, including Plato, John Stuart Mill, Ayn Rand, and others. Made possible by an exclusive contract with Evil Twins Comics, the creators of the comic books, the World Premiere stage version of this innovative and exciting work can be seen only at the Overtime Theater in San Antonio, Texas!

What? Gasp! Choke! A comic book without tights, superpowers or fuzzy bunnies? That’s right pilgrim, Fred Van Lente and Ryan Dunlavey have created Action Philosophers! A hundred years of American comic-book storytelling combined with two of the most innovative creators in the U.S. graphic novel industry and the finest thinkers the planet has ever seen has produced a comic that the mad thespians at the Overtime just had to turn into a live stage production.

They’re weird like that, but who can blame them! This stuff is great!!

Just look at the philosophers Fred and Ryan cover in the comic book series:

Aristotle, Bodhidharma, Joseph Campbell, Jacques Derrida, Renee Descartes, Epictetus, Sigmund Freud, Georg Hegel, Isaac ben-Luria, Thomas Jefferson, Carl Jung, The Kabbalah, Immanuel Kant, Soren Kierkegaard, Machiavelli, Karl Marx, John Stuart Mill, Nietzsche, Plato, The Pre-Socratics, Ayn Rand, Saint Augustine, St. Thomas Aquinas, Jean-Paul Sartre, Schopenhauer, and Ludwig Wittgenstein.

Wow. In a comic book. All those people.

When John Poole, the Blameholder of the Overtime Theater, read his first issue of Action Philosophers, the very first thing he did was read it again. And then again. Dunlavey and Van Lente’s ability to portray abstract concepts in simple, straightforward, and even entertaining ways is exactly the kind of art and literature the Overtime Theater wants to support, and of course, exploit financially for its own evil ends (just kidding, Fred and Ryan…mostly).

John craftily built a creative team for Action Philosophers by throwing a copy of the comic book at the targeted Theater person, and then running away. In about 10 minutes, they were begging to be a part of the project.

Rebecca Coffey took on the task of choosing which of the philosophers to portray in our stage production. She chose Karl Marx, John Stuart Mill, Ayn Rand, Bodhidharma, and Plato for the different aspects of philosophy she felt they represented: Marx, political; Mill, personal; Rand, social; Bodhidharma, religious; and Plato, nature of the Universe. (And yes, the staff of the Overtime had a great time arguing over which Action Philosophers should be in the play. They are still arguing, but just cuz it’s so much fun.) In addition, these five stories show a sampling of the variety of storytelling techniques that Dunlavey and Van Lente use throughout their series.

The graphic novel, the world of philosophy, and the stage are the ultimate combination for a night of theater that will enlighten you, lighten your load, and amaze you with the accomplishments of our ancestors…not to mention the skill your neighbors have in sharing those accomplishments. And who knows, if you’re not careful, you just might learn something!

The Overtime Theater is located at 1216 West Avenue (West Ave & Olmos) in San Antonio. The show runs August 21, 22, 27, 28, 29, September 4, 5, 11, 12, 13, 18, and 19, 2009. Showtimes are 8 pm Fridays and 9 pm Saturdays, with a 2:30 pm Sunday matinee and an 8 pm Thursday show. Ticket Prices are $12 general admission and $9 teachers, students with ID, and seniors 65+.

Find out more by visiting the Overtime Theater’s website, call 210-380-0326, or email theovertimetheater@gmail.com for information and reservations.

I recently checked out their current show, Buddha Swings. It was very entertaining and I’m sure Actions Philosophers will measure up. Head out to see the show and enjoy a night on the town in San Antonio’s Deco District.

Made In SA: Rene Guzman

Sanford Allen — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 20:13:54 +0000

GEEK IN CHARGE: Rene Guzman

San Antonio Express-News reporter RENE GUZMAN is the guy behind GEEK SPEAK, a popular blog that spotlights the comics, movies and toys that fanboys/girls can’t live without. In a given week, you’re likely to find him previewing an sf screening at the Alamo Drafthouse; reviewing a much-anticipated Marvel Comics release; or linking to a fan-produced STAR WARS parody on YouTube. Increasingly, GEEK SPEAK touts local sf/fantasy/horror creators — and, naturally, we think that’s a great development. Rene’s recent coverage of Atomic Comics’ signing event with SA’s own Jackie Earle Haley (WATCHMEN’s Rorschach) demonstrates his commitment to the local genre scene.

How did Geek Speak start out?

Chris Quinn, who works in the Express-News’ Business section, started GEEK SPEAK about three years ago, maybe even four years ago. He’d find stuff on the Internet and link to it. If it was geeky, then it ended up in the blog. I wanted to contribute for the longest time, but didn’t want to step on his toes. So, I started posting here and there, and just found myself writing for it more and more.

And, now, it seems like you’re the primary contributor.

Yeah. Chris hasn’t done anything with it for quite a while. He’s been busy with all his responsibilities in the Business section. I guess that’s just the way it’s worked out.

Did you think it would last this long?

Good question. You know, I just really enjoy doing it, and when you really enjoy something, it doesn’t seem like work. There’s still plenty of stuff to write about. I’d probably be doing this thing regardless of how many people are reading it. Even if it was just my wife and my mom looking at it. But thankfully that’s not the case. The (paper’s) website has really turned a corner. It’s easier to use and it’s getting a lot of traffic. Twitter’s also helped bring people to the blog. Every time I update GEEK SPEAK, I put something out on Twitter to let people know it’s there.

How many people are visiting GEEK SPEAK on any given day?

I’d say roughly 1,000 a day, and that’s great. I’m happy it’s well read.

Most of the hits are coming from San Antonio?

I think most of the hits are probably coming from San Antonio. I’d like to think so anyway. But I’m not sure.

There are a lot of sites out there that write about comics and the media side of sf. What do you do to differentiate your content from theirs?

I try to be myself as much as I can and let my own voice come through. There are so many sites out there that do a good job covering this stuff — some of them with really big staffs. I just try to do what I do and use my own voice as much as I can get away with. I try to be as genuine as I can. I’m silly about it. I’m a big goof, and it shows. There are sites that do a great job being serious and taking a look at things from that perspective, but I try to have some humor and be fun with it.

How’s GEEK SPEAK changed since you first became involved?

I’ve really tried to make it a mix of local goings on with stuff from the national or global scene. That’s one way. I get press info from the comic and toy companies all the time, so that stuff’s easy to find. Local content isn’t always so easy, but I try to include as much as I can. I try to talk to people who are doing interesting things around town and say, “Hey, let me know when you’ve got something new going on.”

You know what I’ve got to ask next. Locally, who’s doing interesting stuff?

Not to make it too much of a love fest, but what you guys are doing is great. I was happy to see Missions Unknown, and John (Picacio)’s artwork is just exceptional. There’s also an artist named Cat Staggs who was in San Antonio for quite a while —a really talented illustrator. She did a lot of Star Wars trading cards. Really great photo-realistic stuff. The beauty of the Web is you can really reach out beyond just a local audience, so hopefully I can help people like that get some wider exposure.

On that note, I thought your piece on the Jackie Earle Haley signing at Atomic Comics was a great way to differentiate your blog with some local content and show what we’ve got going on in San Antonio.

Thanks. It was fun how that worked out. You look at an actor like Jackie Earle Haley, who’s really riding high on the whole WATCHMEN thing, and it was great to see him actually take time to interact with the fans in his own city. I enjoyed being able to blog about that, both to let people know about their chance to meet the guy, then to report on what the event was like. It was cool to be there blogging onsite and giving people a chance to see the actor in a way that’s so different from the usual press junket stuff you see the media covering.

You were born and raised here. Obviously a smart and creative guy like you can move anywhere. Why stay in San Antonio?

I love the feel of this city. I wouldn’t consider myself well-traveled by any stretch, but I’ve been enough other places to know we’ve got something special here. There’s this interesting dichotomy about the city. San Antonio wants to be taken seriously as a big city, but in a lot of ways it’s a small town. It’s always wrestled with that, but I don’t think it’s bad. It’s kind of interesting, actually. People here are genuinely friendly. It’s a very warm, inviting city. At the same time, there’s also a thriving intellectual community. There’s a passion here for the things I’m covering. I think the audience here is not only smart but shrewd. They don’t like pretention, and they don’t always accept everything at face value.

Alright. Let’s say you’re forced to leave the Alamo City. What one thing do you bring with you?

Obviously, I’d bring my wife and child. But beyond that, my knee-jerk reaction is to say I’d bring the food with me. Because it’s just ridiculously good. There’s just so much that goes with the food here — culture, community, good times. Yeah, I’d say fajitas. Whenever I leave for a while, that’s always one of the first things I want when I come back to town.

GEEK LOVE: Guzman gives us his faves.

Top 5 Comics
1. THE SWORD
2. AMAZING SPIDERMAN (I know it really sucks right now, but he’s my favorite character so I’ve got to stick with him.)
3. THOR by J. Michael Straczynski
4. THE DARK KNIGHT RETURNS
5. WATCHMEN

Top 5 Books
1. FAHRENHEIT 451ahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
2. 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY by Arthur C. Clarke
3. IT by Stephen King
4. THE STAND by Stephen King
5. THE BLACK CAULDRON by Lloyd Alexander (I read it as a kid, and it was the book that showed me fantasy was out there. I loved being able to open it up and escape.)

Top 5 Movies
1. RAISING ARIZONA
2. STAR WARS
3. BLADE RUNNER (It was the first really smart sf movie that I saw.)
4. BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE CHINA
5. DIE HARD (I mean, it’s pure fantasy, isn’t it?)

Made In SA: John Minton

John Picacio — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 09:12:25 +0000

SUPERBAD: Atomic Comics' John Minton saves the day for SA comic book fans.

JOHN MINTON owns the San Antonio retail shop, Atomic Comics & Gaming, located at 4904 Broadway (210.826.3223). Minton’s origin story, in his own words: “I was born in a small town south of SA called Lytle, in a house my father built. I went to LA for ten years to be the actor of my generation. I actually got on the tube and in some flicks that I will never, even after water boarding, reveal the names of. Eventually I got sick of living so damn close to all the other out-of-work actors of our generation. My girlfriend left me and I really wanted some good carne guisada so I came home to form my own theater company. When my son was born, there was no way to continue working full time in theatre. Too much time and emotion is required to do that job. So “now what?” And then it hit me. I go out to a comic book store every Wednesday. All I have to do is find another couple hundred people like me and I could have my own store! Atomic Comics was born.”

Favorite authors, books and comics include:

Clive Barker, Neil Gaiman, Dan Simmons, Joe R. Lansdale, Christopher Moore, ANUBIS GATES by Tim Powers, HYPERION by Dan Simmons, VAMPIRE LESTAT by Anne Rice, THE GREAT & SECRET SHOW by Clive Barker, ISLAND OF THE SEQUINED LOVE NUN by Christopher Moore, Y THE LAST MAN, WATCHMEN, WALKING DEAD, THE DARK KNIGHT RETURNS and SANDMAN.

Which comics were your early favorites? Did you collect as a kid, or did comics come later?

I didn’t collect, which is to say I didn’t take care of my comics. I read the hell out of them, rolled them up and put them in my pocket. I traded for stuff I hadn’t read. If only I had some of that stuff in good condition now! My favorites were anything with Batman or Daredevil. I connected to the lone character facing long odds in the urban settings. Later, I became more anal about what I read and discovered bags & boards, but even now I don’t understand anybody that buys comics not to read, but just to collect. That’s like buying DVDs and putting them on your shelf without watching them.

Have you ever tried writing and drawing your own comics, or wanted to work as a creator in the comics industry?

I would hit my grandmother in the face to be a comic writer. I’ve even noodled around with typing some things out. I think we all have dreams of artistry. I just don’t think I have that juice. I admire artists to the point that I went into the arts, but I chose a discipline that allowed me to pretend that I knew what I was doing. As long as no one questioned me and I acted like an actor, I seemed to be ok. But painters, musicians, writers….those guys have to actually create, and they have my utmost respect.

When did Atomic Comics open and what inspired you to start the business?

We’ve been open five years now. I was leaving theatre and the question haunted me, what could I do now that I would love as much as my work in theatre. This is what I came up with. I have not done a play in five years and I haven’t missed it too much. Every day I get to hang out with people and talk comics–how cool of a life is that!

What are your current bestselling comic books, and why do they sell so well?

NEW AVENGERS and CAPTAIN AMERICA are my top-selling books right now. They just came off big events like SECRET INVASION and the DEATH OF CAPTAIN AMERICA, and then the writing stayed really strong. I think SA readers want what all readers want: a retailer that has good taste and one that will be honest. My customers know that if I say they should read a book or stay away from a book, they can trust me.

Atomic Comics serves as a social hub for many customers. Did you actively cultivate this or did it just happen?

We went in with the “Cheers” model in mind. I know that’s going back a few years on the reference, but we always planned on a place where everyone knew your name and you wanted to hang and talk about books and such, after you picked up your comics for the week.

Your store’s nominated for a Nickelodeon award. What’s the story there?

I have no idea what the story is. I got the news in the mail. I have no idea who nominated us! But the votes started pouring in, and I think we’re pretty far ahead right now. If we win, I hope Nick comes by and slimes someone in the store. (Note: Vote here for Atomic Comics as Best SA Bookstore and here for Atomic Comics as Best SA Toystore.)

Any upcoming big events in 2009?

We have David Liss, a New York Times best-selling author, who is doing his first comics work for Marvel. He’ll be doing an in-store signing, when his book hits the shelves. The novel he’s working on has some undead goodness as well as excellent research. He does historical fiction, and some great prose.

What’s the most rewarding moment you’ve had as a comics retailer?

I would have to say the Jackie Earle Haley signing we did after the WATCHMEN movie hit. I’ve known Jackie since my theatre days and I was pumped that everyone got to see he’s not only an amazing actor, but one of the best guys around. It was great to see so many faces in the store at one time.

Is it true you’re making a comeback in the local SA theatre scene?

I will be returning to do “Uncle Vanya”, this summer. It’s with a great group and I couldn’t turn down the chance to do one of the classics. It will be at Jump Start Theatre some time in July, I think.

What’s your favorite place in San Antonio?

That would be Jump Start Theatre because that’s where I asked my wife to marry me and her saying “yes” has made everything else in my life possible.

Favorite San Antonio food (or foods)?

Big-ass chicken fried steak from Alamo Cafe or Shrimp Paesano from Paesano’s. Anyone that’s had either one doesn’t need me to explain.

Reminder: Worlds Collide’s Comic Book Day

Mission Control — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 16:26:21 +0000

The Meetup group Worlds Collide will be talking sf comics of all kinds this Saturday, June 6th, at La Taza, 15060 San Pedro Ave/281N. More details here.