Free Comic Book Day Part 2

Handsome J and I decided it would be fun to do a tour of comic book shops in the Phoenix, AZ area on Free Comic Book Day.  As the day was quickly approaching, we decided it may be in our best interest to, rather than go together, we should divide and conquer.

My first destination was actually a comic book shop that both Handsome J and I ended up going to.  The difference is, we went at much different times.  Jesse James Comics in Glendale, AZ had a special midnight opening and they had multiple guests and plenty of comic books to giveaway.  I did not get an ooportunity to get pictures of all of the guests but I was able to strike up a conversation with Jeremy Clark who had a table set up and he was actually on a recent podcast with us.  Funny addition to this story, I ended up Jeremy Clark at three different destinations.  He's super talented and a pleasure to chat with.

Jesse James Comics had some great giveaways.  Those who arrived and were wearing wristbands received a special pack of free comics, including an exclusive to Jesse James Comics edition of Youngblood #1.  Once inside the shop, the twisting and turning line also brought shop-goers to ten more free comic books.  Two were comic books from the branded Free Comic Book Day table and then eight more comics from the specially chosen stacks of comics.  They were actually really cool comics and I picked up a few I had been meaning to read(X-Men '92 #s 1-2 and Jessica Jones #s 1-3 to name a couple).

I also was able to add some other books to my collection as most of the recent back issues were only $1.00 each.  I was able to pick up #1-5 plus the Rebirth issue of Justice League of America for just a dollar per issue.  This will be an annual destination for sure.

I got about three hours of sleep and then we got the family ready and it was time to head to our next destinations.  Next up was Samurai Comics in Mesa, AZ.  This is the must-attend event of Free Comic Book Day in Arizona.  This feels like a miniature Comic Con there are artists and writers galore.  The event is put on by ACME, the Arizona Comic Mini-Expo.  As far as free comic books go, attendees were limited to three unless they brought a school ID or library card, then you could get five.  The manager of the shop, Justin, does an incredible job orchestrating this event.

 Samurai Comics is the place where I bought my favorite item.  Tim Seeley,who currently works on the Nightwing comic book for DC Comics, was signing autographs and selling books and artwork.  Mr. Seeley had a stack of comic book boards that were from lesser known works and didn't generally have a ton of action.  The thing is, it's original art so I couldn't pass up the price.  I did not see anything with tentacles so I went with a page featuring a pimp.  I liked that there was a close-up of a hand holding the cane.  This is the type of artwork that aspiring artists should observe.

Next up was Gotham City Comics in Mesa, AZ.  The line went through the back entrance and brought you into the store.  The back entrance has a really cool painted wall.  You actually enter through the TARDIS.  There was no limit on comic books that I know of.  The attendees were incredibly polite and nobody seemed to be grabbing at everything and they really just picked up what intrigued them.  I picked up a few comics that I did not get from the other shops and said "Hello" to Jeremy Clark as he was set up at a table here as well.  Gotham City Comics had a bit of a scavenger hunt as they partnered with the local businesses.  There were live bands on the street and the atmosphere was fun.  We had another stop to make so we left the hunting to the other patrons.

Our final destination is a favorite of Maskerpiece Theatre.  Fantastic Worlds Comics in Scottsdale, AZ.  We recorded a podcast at Fantastic Worlds Comics recently and I was able to chat with the owner, Bill, for a few minutes.  I found out that the shop had a huge line in the morning and the folks that work at the shop could barely get through the door.  Since I arrived in the afternoon, there wasn't a line but there was a steady flow of patrons that were eagerly taking advantage of the sales.  There did not seem to be a limit on free comic books here either but you could tell many people had already come through.  They did have a few good issues left so that was nice.  My daughter did incredibly well as Fantastic Worlds is the most kid-friendly comic book shop I have ever been to.  Every time I am at Fantastic Worlds Comics, I see an interaction with a child that you can tell makes a young person's day.  This is the shop for the lifetime collector.  Fantastic Worlds Comics is also the place to go for key issues of comic books.  Free Comic Book Day was an incredible time to go as most of those issues were 30% off.

Oh yeah, I almost forgot.  I know the picture is small, but yes, that is Jeremy Clark in the photo.  He was setting up his table But I didn't interrupt him.  I didn't think he needed to be bothered by me for a third time in twelve hours.

That was our family outing across that started out in the west valley of Phoenix, AZ late at night and ended in in Scottsdale.  We had a lot of laughs, met some incredible people, chatted with old friends and walked away with a whole bunch of comics.  The countdown has begun for the first Saturday in May of 2018.

What did you do for Free Comic Book Day?

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Free Comic Book Day! Part 1

We at Maskerpiece Theatre live across town from each other. This means when "Free Comic Book Day" arrives we get the pleasure of sharing with you the different shops we were able to visit on the sides of town more convenient for us to travel to. Here's a look at a few of the shops I visited today for "Free Comic Book Day" in this first installment of fun.

"All About Books & Comics" and "Bonus Round" Bar/Arcade

"Samurai Comics" Grand Opening! 

Jesse James Comics!

Drawn to Comics!

On behalf of the Maskerpiece Theatre community,  thanks for supporting local today!!

Comment below with your favorite issue or item or piece of art from "Free Comic Book Day!" 

Follow Maskerpiece Theatre:
Website: abnormalentertainment.com/maskerpiecetheatre
Facebook: /MaskerpieceTheatre and Fan Page
Twitter: @Maskerpiece -Masked Blogster @MaskedBlogster -Mandy @moviefreakgirl -Handsome J @jbrunansky -Matt @MpTheatreMatt
Email: maskedblogster@gmail.com
Instagram: maskerpiece_theatre 
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RSS Feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/MaskerpieceTheatre
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/maskerpiece-theatre/id647535985?mt=2
Stitcher: http://www.stitcher.com/s?fid=35990&refid=stpr

Maskerpiece Theatre is sponsored by MoviePass. See unlimited movies at a theater near you for a low monthly rate.

You can support our show  and Abnormal Entertainment on our Support Us page.

MPT Podshort: Comic Book Corner

Handome J reviews comics by Marvel, DC, Image and Dynamite in this podshort.

Click here to listen or right click and choose "Save Link As..." to download.

Follow Maskerpiece Theatre:
Website: abnormalentertainment.com/maskerpiecetheatre
Facebook: /MaskerpieceTheatre and Fan Page
Twitter: @MPTheatre2015 -Masked Blogster @MaskedBlogster -Mandy @moviefreakgirl -Handsome J @jbrunansky -Matt @MpTheatreMatt 
Instagram: maskerpiece_theatre 
Pinterest: /abnormalpodcast/maskerpiece-theatre/

Maskerpiece Theatre is sponsored by MoviePass. See unlimited movies at a theater near you for a low monthly rate.

You can also support our show on our Support Us page.

The MPT Comicbook Corner Podshort

Handsome J breaks down some of the Marvel comics he read in one evening and gives each one a rating in this brand new podshort series.

Click here to listen or right click and choose "Save Link As..." to download.

Follow Maskerpiece Theatre:
Website: abnormalentertainment.com/maskerpiecetheatre
Facebook: /MaskerpieceTheatre and Fan Page
Twitter: @MPTheatre2015 -Masked Blogster @MaskedBlogster -Mandy @moviefreakgirl -Handsome J @jbrunansky -Matt @MpTheatreMatt 
Instagram: maskerpiece_theatre 
Pinterest: /abnormalpodcast/maskerpiece-theatre/

Maskerpiece Theatre is sponsored by MoviePass. See unlimited movies at a theater near you for a low monthly rate.

You can also support our show on our Support Us page.

Comic Book Review: Kill or be Killed # 2 - Image Comics (2016)

Written by Ed Brubaker
Art by Sean Phillips
Colors by Elizabeth Breitweiser

Dylan is looking for a target as he must kill someone tonight or he will be the one that dies.

Ed Brubaker writes some of the best crime stories today.  I like that this story incorporates elements of a supposed otherworldly type of character.  The main character Dylan is having a hard time believing there is a demon that is keeping him alive as long as Dylan kills on a regular basis.  The first issue has Dylan wrestling with this idea but after some real injuries, our main character becomes more of a believer.

The second issue is all about Dylan not only looking for someone to kill, but also a murder weapon.  This search makes Dylan think back to his past and he is able to find a gun and also bring up a memory that helps him find the right type of person to kill.

Sean Phillips works with Ed Brubaker pretty regularly when it comes to these crime stories and that is wonderful for us; the readers.  Sean Phillips is a magnificent artist whose style captures the grit of the story and gives the best visuals that can be laid down on a page.  The art captures the essence of what the story is about.

I am really enjoying "Kill or be Killed" so far.  I like that we don't truly know if the demon is real or not.  I also like that the main character is going through a lot of emotional issues and that this killing is seemingly making Dylan feel cathartic.  There are only two issues out so go out and get them.

What are your thoughts on Kill or be Killed?  What other comic books do you want Maskerpiece Thatre to review?  Please contact us and let us know.

Follow Maskerpiece Theatre:
Website: abnormalentertainment.com/maskerpiecetheatre
Facebook: /MaskerpieceTheatre and Fan Page
Twitter: @MPTheatre2015 -Masked Blogster @MaskedBlogster -Mandy @moviefreakgirl -Handsome J @jbrunansky -Matt @MpTheatreMatt 
Instagram: maskerpiece_theatre 
Pinterest: /abnormalpodcast/maskerpiece-theatre/

Maskerpiece Theatre is sponsored by MoviePass. See unlimited movies at a theater near you for a low monthly rate.

You can also support our show on our Support Us page.

Kill or be Killed - Comic Book Review

The newest story by the talented story teller, Ed Brubaker, introduces us to a modern world that has one man on a mission to kill those bad guys who otherwise would go free. Let's dive in and take a look at my thoughts of "Kill or be Killed" in this comic book review...

While I was on a vacation in Canada we at Maskerpiece Theatre we messaging about the usual business and this comic came up. I was immediately interested in reading this because of Ed Brubaker. I didn't know a thing about the story but I trusted that if Brubaker is writing it the story will be entertaining. 

So, after my initial reading of the first issue I am pleased that my faith in Brubakers storytelling ability paid off. What an engaging story, introduction to the main character, his life and the reasons for why he does what he does throughout the first issue, presumably the series. Here, we meet a man who has been at the end of his rope only to find out that life isn't through with him yet and because of that his lifestyle must change to survive. 

The dialogue feels specific to each character, the art is appropriate and not distracting, considering how dark the topics are being discussed. I am looking forward to the next issue because this introductory issue had me flipping pages and then revisiting those pages to enjoy the art work. If you enjoy Brubaker stories or are interested in finding a new series, I recommend you start purchasing this series. Remember, we're only 1 single issue in which means you can catch up quickly! 

Go visit your local comic book shop and tell them Maskerpiece Theatre sent you. 

Sex Criminals: Vol 1 - Comic Book Review

Sometimes a story comes along that gets a lot of buzz. It could be positive or negative and it's up to the readers or viewers to decide on the legitimacy of the buzz. "Sex Criminals" by Matt Fraction and Chip Zdarsky is one of those stories. So let's dive in and take a look at "Sex Criminals" in this comic book review...

The basic premise is simple. Girl orgasms, time stops. Boy orgasms, time stops. Boy and girl orgasm together, time stops and they rob banks. This isn't an overly complicated introductory volume. The issues collected here are filled with dialogue and exposition setting up this world, the characters, the situations & challenges. Both Fraction and Zdarsky have masterfully crafted a story that could be ordinarily boring and lackluster as the readers are tested by having to endure set up after set up. Instead, the amount of fun I had reading this story was surprising. 

The simplest concept of being a teenager and suddenly discovering what "self pleasure" was, is told well. It's universal. That first moment, probably some shame or confusion, of realizing something could feel so good and you did it to yourself. This story explores the emotional and psychological journey that people experience as they grow and sex becomes less mysterious and more about connecting. However in this story, the mystery remains a bit longer because sex and orgasms are natural but stopping time is not. The relationship that develops between the two protagonists is near perfect and the humorous dialogue and banter is such a treat I found myself laughing out loud as I read page after page.

The story is also split between multiple worlds. We have the present story which takes place in the here and now. The flashback sequences which are used to shape and mold the world this story takes place in. Finally, the world that exists while time is frozen. The first two appear almost identical which is fine because it looks great but the world that exists while time is stopped was my favorite. The colors that run across the page to create this futuristic, rainbow like, dream sequence was spectacular. 

Outside of the mainstories there is a plethora of sexual images. I was reading this comic at a local spot I frequent and drew some humorous attention as page after page had some piece of sexual something. Perhaps it's porn on the television, a glowing dildo baton used for combat, a vibrating gun, hand drawn sex positions, two lovers who just orgasmed and now lay breathless but not wordless, a fleshlight that also has a taser in it, there's so much sex it's R rated and I loved it. I couldn't stop laughing at how creatively the story and art all dealt with this world of sexual adventures and misconduct. 

If you get the chance and appreciate sex jokes, you will LOVE this first volume. The characters are relatable, stories entertaining, art work splendid and jokes a plenty. It's adult, inappropriate, thought provoking & humorous. I loved it. Go buy "Sex Criminals Vol 1" at your local comic book shop and tell them Maskerpiece Theatre sent you. 

The Toy Convention

ARIZONA TOY CON (formerly known as ICON) was held in downtown Glendale Arizona. Retailers, private sellers, artists, fans & more filled the floors of the Glendale Civic Center on a very hot Saturday afternoon. Fortunately, the insides of the GCC were adequately air conditioned which allowed all the folks there to enjoy their time & not feel rushed. The general feel of the event was positive as both sellers and buyers talked about the item(s) that they were passionate or curious about. It was fun to hear stories from people about why a certain toy from their childhood was so important and what special memories were associated with an action figure or doll. It's fair to say that the people were enjoying themselves and the the time they spent walking the floor, purchasing items & being told by their kids why one action figure is far better than another one.

The event was easy to find despite the fact it's located in downtown. Fortunately, if you're familiar with Glendale Arizona you know that the downtown has a small town look that is unique to the city. Additionally, parking was easy to find and it was near by. When it's over 100 degrees (38 c) a short walk from your car to the event is preferable. Also, the sidewalks have plenty of trees providing a shaded walk which also helps make the insane heat tolerable. 

If you have an opportunity to visit a Toy Convention I'd say go for it. Nice people dealing with nice people who just want to share some time looking and buying toys. If you have one in your area go check it out and while you're there tell them Maskerpiece Theatre sent you. Now enjoy some photos from the "Arizona Toycon!"