Table of ContentsRKYV # 48 {2011}

RKYV ONLINE LOGO –David Marshall {current}r. j. paré {modified}Roy G. James {original}

Virtual Cover # 48- Art by Nik Poliwko- Design/Layout by DavidMarshall

Interior Art- By r. j. paré, Mike Grattan,James ‘Jig-One’ Titman, RogerPrice, Stephen Gibb, Amber

Bair, T. B. Hoopdriver, JoshBowe, Nik Poliwko

Editorial Column- “At the Outset: A FewThoughts from the Editor”- By r. j. paré

Featured Artist Review- “Nik Poliwko”- By r. j. paré

Short Fiction- “A Certain Destiny”- by Pauline Paré

Poetry- By Wanda VanHoy Smith,Frances Nichols Vargas & r. j.paré

Pop Culture- “Manga Maximus”- By Darke Raven

- “Digital Scribbles”- By Darke Raven

- “Raised on Saturday MorningCartoons”- By Pauline Paré

Jess B&W 5 – by Josh Bowe

Blue Stone Scape {Páipéirance} - by Tindersen Blacktree Hoopdriver

At the Outset:

A few thoughts from,The Editor…by r. j. paré

‘This is gonna get interesting’ certainly

qualifies as understatement, at least it always didin regards to our intrepid friends aboard theFirefly ship Serenity. And here at RKYV westrive, each and every issue, to do the same –keep things interesting for us as creators and foryou the readers. This month’s grab-bag of art-litgoodies is chock full of interesting andentertaining tid-bits for you to enjoy! [YES it’s ahyphen and I’ll use it as much as I damn-wellplease, thank-you-very-much!]

We, here at RKYV are quite pleased to announcethis Zine has gotten back on schedule over thesummer… and as such, starting next issue, wewill return to printing the “month” ofpublication on the covers since we are no longeroverdue!

It is my pleasure to present this issue’s featuredartist Nik Poliwko, a talented witty indie comiccreator.

[Familiar to RKYV readers as one half of thedynamic-duo, along with Tom Nesbitt, thatproduced the Bob & Doug McKenzie newspapercomic-strip – reviewed in earlier issues of ourZine!] Read on, in order to enjoy the likes of:Mr. Poliwko’s fantastic art, which he hasgraciously shared with us in the Featured Artistof the Month column; our thoughtful & wittyColumnists Darke Raven and Pauline Paré; andsome new poetic verse from Wanda VanHoySmith, Frances Nichols Vargas & yours truly – r.j. paré – for you to [hopefully] enjoy.

Pauline Paré has also penned an interestingshort fiction piece “A Certain Destiny”, inspiredby one of our visits to S.P.A.C.E. con – whichwe’ll be serializing over the course of the nextfew issues.

Serious kudos, as well, to the talented artists[credited throughout this edition] who continueto share their amazing work with us. Theircontributions are the starting point for everyedition of RKYV’s design aesthetic!

For more RKYV entertainment than we can fitinto a PDF, look no further... LOL. We have gotsome fun and engaging sites set up for you by theever-intrepid RKYV staff.

Wash: “This landing is gonna getpretty interesting.”Mal: “Define ‘interesting’.”Wash: [deadpan] “Oh God, oh God,we're all going to die?”

-- Serenity

Darke Raven’s RKYV Blog & Pod Casts – vote for your favourite segments!http://rkyvrevue.blogspot.com/

Official RKYV Blog – send us your comments, questions & suggestions!http://rkyv.blogspot.com/

RKYV Editorial Video Blog – watch me act the fool and hype the Zine!http://www.youtube.com/user/RKYVONLINE

RKYV ONLINE Facebook Group – post submissions and interact with other contributors!http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2399067108

Until next time… A badee badee a badee a badee a THAT'S ALL FOLKS…

Publisher’s Note: legal disclaimer* Mr. Paré does not represent RKYV when he infringes on WarnerBros. copyrights and he should exercise care when doing so, lest Yacko, Whacko & Dot pay him aviolent [though, admittedly, amusing] visit late one night and instead concentrate henceforth on

delivering, punctually, future editions of RKYV ONLINE.

Blood Rains – by Amber Bair

Tat Art & Designs by Roger Price

Mad Faces

Batman putting on his cowl

The Joker

Kermit

Should you like to know more[or perhaps even have Roger lay some ink down on ya]

you can e-mail Roger: moleman00x@hotmail.com

or…

Follow him on Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=629478508

Preserving the Ego – by Stephen Gibb

Featured Artist Review

Nik Poliwkoby r. j. paré

SHORT BIO:

“The busiest guy no one has heard of!”

I’m primarily a comics artist, but have also donecartooning, illustration, storyboards, 3Dcomputer graphics and animation. I’m also abudding screenwriter and filmmaker. In comicsI’ve worked for a number of indie publishers,including Catfish Comics, A.C. Comics,Andromeda, Revisionary Press, Tree FrogComics and Vortex among others.

I was writer and artist on the official daily strip“Bob and Doug”, based on the SCTV “GreatWhite North” characters Bob and DougMcKenzie. I also produced the book “StrangeBrew” based on the MGM movie: “TheAdventures of Bob and Doug McKenzie: StrangeBrew.”

1. Have you always known that you wanted to beor, rather, were an artist?

Yes. I started drawing at a very young age;living in small town Manitoba, there was littleelse to do! I did a lot of trying to copySuperman and Spider-Man, and creating littlecomic book stories. Looking back, I really didn’tget any good at it until I was around 12 yearsold. Something clicked at that age and there wassuddenly a huge improvement in my skills – mydrawings went from being outlined “blobs” tohaving some foundation and structure. Thepassion to tell stories is what drove my desire todraw comics, and I consider myself more astoryteller than an artist.

Nik Poliwko & Tom Nesbitt

2. Did you study or major in art while in school?

I was enrolled in the Graphic Design class at RedRiver College in Winnipeg, Manitoba; findingout quickly that graphic design is not what Iwanted to do! I sent portfolios to the New YorkSchool of Visual Arts in New York and SheridanCollege in Oakville, Ontario (these were the onlytwo schools offering courses in sequential arts atthe time).

I was accepted at both, which resulted in me onlyfinishing the first year of Graphic Design at RedRiver College before going off to Sheridan inOntario, which was more logical for me thanmoving to New York. I ended up completingonly one year at Sheridan because I was doinggreat business as a freelance artist, and saw noneed to continue studies there. I was far frombeing a star student, and you could say I studiedart but majored in partying! However, I did takeaway a sense of respect and discipline for thecraft, and met a lot of great people, many ofwhom are still good friends.

3. Who was your primary source ofencouragement, as a child, in pursuing art?

My mother, who was ever-encouraging; she was abit of an artist herself and did oil paintings forfun and relaxation, but never pursued it as acareer.

4. Do you use any special tools and techniques tocreate your art?

I think my approach is somewhat like amethod actor. I meditate on what I’mdrawing and try and call up theappropriate energy for the task; I becomea dark persona when I draw “dark” andso forth.

I don’t like to do roughs since, in myopinion they sap the energy from thedrawing. I’ll often have a firmvisualization in my mind before it hitsthe page, so I guess I do mypreliminaries in my head rather thansketch them out on paper. Sometimesrough layouts are a necessary evilthough, especially if you're working witha writer, and I don't mind doing them ifthat's the situation. My preferred way ofworking is "Marvel-style" where I get abrief outline and then layout and drawthe story, with the writer addingcaptions and dialogue based on thevisuals. I find this approach to be a truecollaboration. I don't mind workingfrom a full script either; it's usually a loteasier!

Artist’s Name: Nik PoliwkoTitle: Abraxis

[splash page for a graphic novel project]Media Used: Pencils on Bristol board.

Size: 11 x 18Date Created: (2000s)

The only writers I won't work with are ones thatadd all types of stage directions (unlesscompletely necessary to the story) and areadamant that their script be rendered a certainway; I need some leeway to interpret the script asI see it, or I find I don't have satisfaction indoing the artwork. When I worked withtraditional tools I used an HB pencil, a Gillot orHunt steel nib and Winsor-Newton Series 7 #3brush for inking. Now I work on a WacomCintiq 21UX drawing tablet.

5. What inspires you to create art?

There are a lot of things I find inspiring! Firstand foremost is a good story! I'll often readsomething and visuals will start to flood mymind! Great artwork! Great movies!Most of the time it's hard getting through a daywithout being inspired by something!

6. Which famous artists / creators or styles haveinfluenced you? Why?

My primary inspirations are old school artistslike Will Eisner, Frank Frazetta, Jim Steranko,Alex Raymond, Alex Toth, Jack Kirby and WallyWood! They were all such master storytellerswith the ability to beautifully illustrate theirvisions! Will Eisner had such control over subtlenuances of human gesture and emotions and awonderful theatrical approach to his work,infusing a perfect blend of comedy and drama...and I admire his expert use of light and shadow.For pure visual power and energy you can't getany better than Jack Kirby. Alex Raymond had acertain "nobility" that exudes from his characters,and a lot can be learned from his fine draftsman-ship! Jim Steranko for his innovative layoutsand unique approach to using color and form.Wally Wood's attention to detail and hisbeautiful movie-inspired lighting! Alex Toth forhis wonderful integration of design and masterfuluse of black, and an "economy" of drawing thatgets the point of the scene across easily andeffectively! Frazetta for the primal energy thatcomes through in his work, and his deftness withthe brush, both in paint and ink work!

If you're going to be influenced by other artists,why not the best in the business!

Of course there are a lot more, I've also studiedgreat European artists like Hugo Pratt, Moebius,Milo Manera and Bernet to name a few. As wellas Japanese artists like Katsuhiro Otomo, NaokiUrasawa and Takao Saito. I really could go onand on. And that doesn't even get to illustratorsand painters like N.C. Wyeth, Pyle, Coll andclassical artists like Da Vinci, Michaelangelo --even Van Gogh! I don't believe in just studyingartists who do comics; I think more can bebrought to the table by pulling inspiration froma variety of great masters!

Artist’s Name: Nik PoliwkoTitle: Magneto

[© Marvel Comics]Media Used: Digital painting produced with

Corel Painter 12.Date Created: (2011)

7. Would you rather have an engaged &loyal but, ultimately, small Indiereadership or work on the latest Spidey,Wolverine or X - book? [The old Art vsCommerce question]

When I was younger I was drawn more tosuperhero books, but as time passed and Imatured as a storyteller I really had totake a close look at the types of stories Iwould like to tell, and these days that nolonger includes most superheroes. If Ihad to pick a few, it would probably becharacters like Judge Dredd, Batman,Wolverine or Spawn; dark characters thathave little use for bullshit.

Ultimately though, I think I would preferan engaged and loyal indie readership thatenjoyed the type of stories I have to tell,which may not include any superheroes atall.

Artists’ Names:

Nik Poliwko & Tom NesbittTitle:

Bob and Doug McKenzie- the Comic Strip

[these two strips were bannedbecause of content and never published.]

Never let it be said that “the suits” makeany sense when it comes to censorship…RKYV is quite happy to run these two andscoop the mainstream press!!

8. With advancements in computergraphic tablet technology, someartists are now creating their workdirectly in the digital medium andreleasing it in purely digitalformats... are the days of paper &pulp doomed to the realm of fadingmemories?

For me, one of the best decisions Iever made was to invest in a WacomCintiq tablet. I love working indigital... it has allowed me toproduce higher quality work at agreater speed. I haven't touchedpaper since I got my tablet.

Artist’s Name:

Nik PoliwkoTitle:

"Blast(ed) from the Past"(page 3) which appeared in

Sinnamon #11Media Used:

Pen and ink on Bristol board.Size: 10 x 15

Date Created: 1997

On the other hand, I do like to seemy work in print, on paper. Thereis still the "collectable" factor to amaterial comic-book as opposed tothe more "throw-away" nature of purely digital.And literally anyone can "publish" a digital comicat very little expense, but not so with print.

I do think that web-based or digital comics are avalid art form, and a heck of a lot of fun in termsof the pure variety of material available... not tomention a great testing ground for what can laterbecome a print comic! Another good thing aboutdigital web-based comics is the instant feedbackfrom readers!

9. What do you think of the term "starvingartist"?

I have never embraced that statement since ithas negative connotations and has never fit mymindset in terms of what I do; to me it seems toimply that the artist is a victim. And I've neverbeen a victim of my craft.

10. Do you feel more a sense of community withother artists or a sense of competition?

That's easy: community! I've never felt as if I'vebeen in competition with other artists. The onlycompetition I've ever had has been with myself.I find an artistic community as being invaluableto me; just for the wealth of things I can learnfrom other artist's experiences , and for the driveand motivation one can get from enjoying otherpeople's work. I think the trick is to never stoplearning from others.

11. I gotta ask: "Marvel or DC"?

Marvel.

12. Do you prefer to ink your pencils yourself?

I've always enjoyed inking my own work, but Ialso don't mind other people inking. It's usuallya pleasant surprise to see what another artist willbring to the work. But now with working digitalI really no longer have any pencils... I go straightfrom roughs to finished art, so I'm not even sure

how that process would work in adigital environment unless the inkerre-inked my finished work, which Iimagine would bring someinteresting results.

Artist’s Name: Nik PoliwkoTitle: Queen

[page from an upcoming graphicnovel written by Mae Victoria]

Media Used: DigitalDate Created: (2011)

13. How do you market yourself?

I've found the internet a valuableresource for personal marketing.With the ability to have a website,blogs and social media sites likeFacebook, the marketingopportunities are endless, and alsohave a global reach. However I don'tthink much has changed, it stillcomes down to luck and having theright people noticing you, whether itbe the art director in an agency orthe equivalent online.

I think the net has made a lot ofthings easier... such as the ability toreach a large number of potentialclients and the viewing of portfolios,for example!

14. While traditional publishing anddistribution has become a difficultgoal to achieve for the modern Indiecomic creator, what do you think ofthe impact that social networks andPOD services have had as analternate means of connecting you,your work and your audience?

I think online comics and POD hasgiven many creators a forum theymay not have had previously, whichin turn I believe leads to a level ofcreativity and innovation that wemay never have seen otherwise.

Artist’s Name: Nik PoliwkoTitle: Guardian

(page 5) from "The Guardian" story(written by Jerod Brennen)

appearing in horror anthology"Fragments"

Media Used: Pen and Ink on Bristolboard, digital tone.

Size: 8.5 x 11Date Created: (2010)

Another thing I love about the net isthe ability to connect with people.Since I work in an entertainmentmedium, part of the equation forwhat I do is reaching an audience.I love having the means to getfeedback on my work and projectideas instantaneously... socialnetworks give me the ability togauge the interest in what I'm doing as well asallowing my audience to let me know if I'mheading in the right direction or not with thestories I'm producing. I think that type ofinteraction is invaluable to an artist forimproving their work. Of course I may notalways apply suggestions I'm given, especially if Ifeel strongly about what I'm doing, but I'malways open to listening to constructivecriticism.

15. What other interests do you have, besidesart?

I'm a movie buff, so I watch a lot of movies, andalso enjoy keeping up with scientificdevelopments and archaeology, which are alwaysgreat starting points for story ideas, by the way!Beyond drawing I also work on screenplays andhave written, directed and produced a number ofshort films, and as a side business I producepromotional and presentation films for corporateclients. I also enjoy the outdoors, cooking andbrewing the best coffee you'll ever taste!

Artist’s Name:

Nik PoliwkoTitle:

ZombiesPreview panels from a strip to appear in

"Bela Lugosi's Tales from the Grave"from Mosterverse

Media Used:my first all digital work.

Date Created:(2011)

In this editor’s humble opinion George Romeroshould tap this young man’s talent for his nextfilm’s concept art & design..:)

16. Do you have any big plans, shows or Conscoming up?

No shows or cons coming up, but I do have plansin the works for a couple of graphic novels whichwill likely debut initially as online comics. Theproblem is finding time to work on my own stuff!

Artist’s Name: Nik PoliwkoTitle: Last Survivor

[page from "Last Survivor" written byMichael Leal to be published later this year]

Media Used: Digital.Date Created: (2011)

This piece, while visually stunning is also a greatexample of Nik’s strengths as a comic bookcreator. The all-in-one package of skills [line art,embellishments, colour] ---

--- BUT perhaps more importantlyhis ability to cinematically lay outthe scene – tell the story – withsuch deft ease that it flows perfectlybefore any dialogue and/or narrationhave been added.

It was also a great choice for DaveMarshall to adapt as this month’scover of RKYV!

17. When should fans expect to seeyour next book in their local comicshops?

Stuff will start coming out this fall!

I have a zombie strip I didwith writer Michael Leal thatwill be appearing in "BelaLugosi's Tales from theGrave" from Monsterverse

A cover I did for a ShadowChaser novel by RandyBelaire,

A "Snowman" story Iillustrated for writer ClaytonNeal appearing in RedCarpet Comics from PopboxEntertainment,

A strip called "TheGuardian" written by JerodBrennen appearing in thehorror anthology

"Fragments", A story featuring an original character

called Sherringford Khundalini which Icreated along with writer Angelo Furlan,appearing in a Jim Main Enterprises bookearly next year.

I will also soon be starting work on agraphic novel project for Tree FrogComics called "M.O.N.S.T.E.R. Home"with writer Dan Barnes.

18. How would you like your art, and byextension yourself, to be remembered?

Hmm, how about that I brought a little fun andentertainment into the world and maybe a fewshivers too!

Artist’s Name: Nik PoliwkoTitle: The Shadow

© Dynamite Entertainment [currently]Commission

Media Used: Pen and ink. Bristol board.Size: 8.5 x 11

Date Created: (2010)

RKYV Online would like to thank Nik for takingthe time to answer our questions [we do pesterdon’t we? LOL] and for sharing with us some ofhis truly amazing work. For more on NikPoliwko and to follow him online…

LINKS:

Facebook Fan Page:https://www.facebook.com/the.art.of.nik.poliwko

Art of Nik Poliwko Blog 1 (Recent and Currentprojects): http://poliwko.wordpress.com/

Art of Nik Poliwko Blog 2 (Retrospective andfilm work): http://poliwko.blogspot.com/

deviantART: http://niknova.deviantart.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/poliwko

The very last Bob and Doug strip published forMessrs. Poliwko & Nesbitt!

and a fine a way to ride off into the sunsetfor this month’s Featured Artist Review!!

My Thoughts are Transparent – by Stephen Gibb

Digital Scribbles by Darke Raven

Now don't get me wrong, I like me a good superhero parody as much as the next reviewer, yes Ido, but when the parody comes like this? Me -not like so much.

Super Human Resources #1Publisher: Ape Entertainment

Originally Published April 2nd 2009

Writer Ken Marcus Artist Justin Bleep1 temp out of 5

Taking place in the Human Resources dept ofSuper Crises International, they are the peoplethe super people rely on for just about everythingfrom the sublime to the mundane. Basically TheOffice if it's rights was bought by a really, reallyboring super hero comic company. It's thatlacklustre.

The entire issue introduces the sadly drawn slashwritten set up as a new temp shows up for workand is given the 4-1-1 on his new workingenviron, all the super human slash alien slashtech slash whatever hi-jinks going on even as theseconds remaining to live tick away as he hasbeen poisoned by a out of work ninja... yeah thatactually sounds a lot better than it is, trust meon that one.

The artwork isn't something to get excited over, Icould write a better script (being as un-humble asI could be this moment, sorry) and I have zerointerest in reading anymore. No, no, no, no, no.

This gets a sad 1 poisoned intern out of 5.

Failure is usually not an option, butin this month's digital batch are thereads that failed without a shadow ofa doubt. Titles I had such a pooropinion of I didn't even want tohumour spending any further moneyon their reviews, in one case sure todraw ire as the publishers insist thatthe title is quite good... even if I sayotherwise. So let the fail begin...

Next?

Ninja TownPublisher: Devil's

DueOriginally

Published August20th 2008

Writers:

Art Balthazar& FrancoAureliani

Artist:

Shawn Smith1 Ninja Fail

out of 5

Another thing I like me a load of is quirkyhumour comics. Be it classics like Peanuts orCalvin and Hobbs, or new age stuff like RaisingAmy, I like me my funnies... this, not so much.

Supposedly a fun light hearted title it is justthat... but not very interesting. How so?

- In "Let Them Eat..." a flower loving ninja isharassed by crazy red splattered green ninjaswhich are taken out by ninja throwing flowers...until the last one convinces the hero to peacefullyeat a giant muffin with him... you probablyalready know where this is going.

- In "Feroshi's Day" a friendly fire breathinglizard just wants to join in everyone's fun! Stupidending! I hate you!

Finally in "Waffles" the ninja village is attackedby enemies using the power of waffle batter...guess how the ninjas defeat their enemies... goon...

Without surprise, twist, or even humour this is asad attempt to tickle my funny bone and getsonly a single giant ninja waffle of doom out of5... mmm... waffles.

Finally...

Grimm’s Fairy Tales:April Fool's Edition

Publisher: ZenescopeOriginally Published January 4th 2009

Writers:

David Seidman, Joe Brushaand Ralph Tedesco

Artists: Various…

Back in 2005 Zenescope popped out of nowhereand reinvented the classics. Classics like theworks of the Brothers Grimm, Sinbad, Alice inWonderland, Peter Pan and more. So much sothat there is no fence-sitting here when it comesto their works, you either are blown away bytheir bold new vision and love it, or turned off bytheir boldness and hate it. Me? I'm still out onthat one.

Truth be told - I have only absorbed previewcontent amounts of their titles, not enough tojudge, so I still have plans to do full reviews inthe future. This, however, doesn't need to wait solong. I know exactly how I feel about this now.

It's my fault, really, because I bought into thepitch that this would be a tour de force to thelevel of much beloved “Mystery Science Theater3000”... yes, I do believe everything I read. Sad,huh? Basically just lifts of their regular comicswith so called "humour" added in... and newendings... well, here.

In “Red Riding Ho” Red is a genuine piece ofwork. Nasty, slutty (yes, her words not mine),the wolf is horny... everyone is and... It’s kindatoo late to say “Do Not Want” isn't it.

In “Hansel and Grethel 2 Electric Boogaloo”there's dancing... talk of it, implications of it,and... Do Not Want.

In “Reeferstiltskin” the king has some poor guy'sdaughter processing drugs, until she gets help...speaking of which HELP!!

In “Jack and the Bromance”... uh... somethingabout the bonds between a man and his giant.Then there's “Schizerella”... I think she might bea figment of Harley Quinn's deranged mind...

People say if you have to be told why something'sfunny it loses its humour... well no thanks, Idon't need to be told why this is funny, it alreadylost its humour to me the minute I read it... niceartwork though. A - 2 out of 5.

Next issue? Howabout some DoctorWho? It's all aboutthe Eleventh DoctorMatt Smith as welook at Doctor WhoVolume 2…

… and the mini-seriesA Fairytale Life.

That's next issue so seeyou then.

Green Lantern [© DC Comics] – by Naomi Randolph

Short Fiction

It was the second day of V.O.I.C.E, the

Eighth Annual Vaughn Ontario IndependentComics Expo, and Steven Clarkson was standingat his table for the 8th year in a row. Many of hisfellow exhibitors had trimmed their tables withartistic banners and elaborate displays. Thesedisplayed professional looking comics that hadbeen printed through online services, with fullcolour covers and quite often slick interiors aswell. His fellow exhibitors sold glossy posters andt-shirts displaying the characters within. Steven,however, stood in front of eight neat pilesrepresenting the eight issues of his home printedmini-comic, Heroic Destiny. Each was 10 pageslong and printed in black and white on foldedprinter paper- some with bent and mangledstaples along the side. He had written and drawnone episode a year for the past eight years.

Each comic featured a hero with differentpowers, and each character in the books looked,quite obviously, like Steven Clarkson. Steven wasonly a passable artist but he was a very distinctlooking person. He wore his thick hair parted toone side and sweeping over one eye in a style oftimes gone by. He wore dark framed rectangularglasses and sported a thick dark moustache withno sign of a beard. He preferred polo style shirtsto all other forms of clothing and was quiterecognizable by all the other regular attendees ofthis event. Despite that fact, his booth attractedlittle attention and very few fellow exhibitorsstopped to chat about their common interest incomic books. They found Steven Clarksonstrange, an unusual assertion, considering thecrazy costumes and even odder personalitiespresent at the event. What made Stephen strangeto them was his insistence, his rigid belief, thatone day he would have super powers.

When Steven had been a small boy, hisunfaltering belief that one day, HE would be asuperhero that everyone would look up to madehim the target of much derision and ridicule. Hisparents had been beside themselves with worryand in due course, they forced Steven to see achild psychiatrist. Eventually, Steven just lied tohis parents and doctors and about what hebelieved but he never truly gave up his convictionthat he had a super heroic destiny. He lied sothat his parents would not take away histreasured collection of super hero comic books.

Steven treated these books as if they weremanuals on how to behave as a defender of theinnocent. He tried each characters power on forsize in his imagination, not knowing exactlywhat powers he would one day wield. That is whyhe tried to create his own comics, in anticipationof when these books would prepare the way forthe city’s first true superhero.

Business was slow at this con, as usual.Occasionally another vendor would purchase abook to be polite but most attendees just passedby his table in favour of a brightly adorned boothnearby. A pretty blonde woman wearing a blueSpiderman t-shirt and faded jeans stopped at hisbooth around lunchtime while he was eating hismushy peanut butter sandwich from a paper baghe packed this morning with an apple and 3 juiceboxes.. She showed polite interest in his booksand asked how he was enjoying the conventionbut he only managed to get out a sandwichmuffled mumble. She waited politely while hefinished his mouthful and asked the questionagain.

“Good turn out this year I guess, betterthan 2 years ago when the weather was bad.” heanswered.

“I see… very interesting title for yourcomic series”, she said shyly. “’Destiny’”

Steven looked at her suspiciously for asecond but she seemed sincere, which was awelcome change. He did tire of being mocked andwas pleased to explain the theme of his work. “Ibelieve that some, who are destined for greatness,are aware of their destiny from birth.” He saidquite seriously.

“Oh…”she replied. “My name is SusanLaw, some think that it is a good name for asuperhero,” she laughed nervously. “The signsays one dollar each, I can’t afford all eight but Iwould like to buy the first 2 issues.”

Pleased, Steven placed the two issues inan empty paper bag he brought for thiseventuality and took her money.

“Would you sign them for me? Susanasked while handing the paper bag back toSteven. He was quite taken aback and unsurewhat to do at first. He had imagined being askedthis question but this truly was the first time.Feeling quite pleased and suddenly quiteenamoured of Susan Law, Steven removed thebooks from the bag and signed them both thenoffered his hand to shake. Susan blushed slightlybut took his hand in a firm grip and smiled.

Steven cringed as a small spark of staticelectricity passed between them but Susan gaspedand pulled her hand back in surprise. She gavehim a stunned look.

“Are you alright?” Steven asked with trueconcern.

“I’m fine… it’s… I have to go now. Thankyou for the books…”

Susan gave him one last, less sincere,smile then wound her way through the windingaisles of the convention hall.

Weeks passed since the convention andSteven was busy at work on issue 9 of his comicserial. He thought of Susan occasionally butfinally dismissed it just an odd occurrence. Helived in a small apartment located above aconvenience store- the same convenience storewhere he earned his rent money as a night clerk.It was a decent job with few customers andplenty of time to read comics and watchtelevision. He would carry his PVR from hisapartment and hook it up to the little store TVevery night to catch up on all his favourites whileat work. Being July, there wasn’t much to watchso Steve had the TV set to the news and weatherticker because the customers seemed to like it.On a Sunday evening, a customer paused whilepurchasing cigarettes to point at the screen.

“Do ya think that’s a hoax, like for amovie or sumfin” He slurred, drunkenly.

Steven peered at the TV but the newsscrawl was saying something about the upcomingroyal visit. “I am sure the Prince is visitingYellow Knife, though I am not sure why” Stevenanswered conversationally.

“Not that!” the drunken man yelled. “Thesuper chick, I meant. The one who saved thosepeople from a fire! Doncha watch the news, guy!”He mumbled something else incoherent and leftthe store with his cigarettes and most of hischange.

Steven scooped the errant change from thecounter and sorted it into the change tray. Thedrunken guy was obviously a little nuts butSteven kept his eyes on the ticker regardless,curious to see just what the guy may havemisinterpreted. The weather scrolled by, then theentertainment news, then world events. Stevenyawned and nearly turned his head away whenthe banner scrolled “Mystery woman saves familyfrom collision with streetcar. Saved 2 fromburning building Saturday. Scientist sayperplexed at alleged “super abilities” of womanmedia is calling ‘Amazing Woman.’”

Steven put the ‘Back in 5 Minutes’ signon the door and locked up while he ran to hisapartment- to his slightly outdated PC- and tohis trusty sidekick, Google.

His search for Amazing Woman pulled upthousands of hits on the search engine. He founda video clip from a reputable news site. The videofeatured a woman in a mask and hoodieappearing to be in deep concentration as a 9 yearold boy floated from the fifth floor of a buildingon fire. Another story described witness accountsof a streetcar jumping over a car and landingsafely on the other side while the same womanwas present.

Steven was shocked and dismayed. It wassupposed to be him! He had KNOWN that hewould develop super human powers and now itwas someone else! Steven reviewed the facts as hetried to calm himself. This could just be a huge,amazing hoax, right? Steven knew he would be ahero but not necessarily the only super hero.Why, if others were gaining abilities that couldonly mean that his would materialize soon. Heneed only be patient and supportive of thisAmazing Woman because she would soon be acolleague, a sister in arms.

Steven went back to store feeling betterthan he had in ages. He was even able tocompletely ignore the glares of the iratecustomers who were lined up outside the store.Soon! All those who once teased and ridiculedwill thank him for saving their sad little lives.SOON!

To becontinued...

The Nest – by Amber Bair

Manga Maximus by Darke Raven

Disgaea One ShotBy Arashi Shindo

Published by Broccoli Books4 out of 5

My greatest excuse for reviewing this or that

has got to be nostalgia. I'm feeling nostalgic soI'm going to review this. I am having a memorylane moment so I'm going to review that. Not themost practical way to review but given my budgetyou can probably understand why I would do itthat way. Right?

So take one of my favourite PS2 slash PSP slashDS strategy game, give me a Manga version of it,and you can just feel the full on nostalgiadripping from the coming review. Yes, yes youcan.

Some people can nap like the dead. Me, forinstance... but this isn't a review about me. It'sabout Prince Laharl, who slept for two years...well technically it was an assassination attemptbut you can read about it yourself. Anywayawakening two years later he finds out he sleptthrough alot of happenings here in this crazyunderworld, not at all the least of it being hisfather (King Krichevskoy) was assassinated whilehe slept, only the king isn't as dead as thought...he's just someone else now.

Etna (loyal then not so loyal then loyal againwhen she beats to near death the personcontrolling her then gone when she changeslocales to be in Disgaea 2) is the one who wakesthe Prince up, setting off a chain of events wherehe quests to become Overlord of the Underworld.

Along the way he meets his new rival the DarkAdonis Vyers (aka Mid Boss), the angel Flonnewho was sent to kill the king but who ends uphelping Laharl when she finds out her target isalready dead, the guy manipulating Etna (whoshe promptly beats), and so on.

Smart and well written fun, great characters(especially Etna who returns for Disgaea 2despite the fact it has nothing to do with what isgoing on here) and an overall satisfying deliveryof story and art. I'm not a usual fan of tie-inseries of this particular genre (mangas tied into avideo game series) as they're usually easilyforgettable shovel-ware, but this is a good readand I'm glad I had the chance to review it... uh-oh... what the heck is Broccoli Books up tolately? I have to catch up with them and findout. Anyway this blast of nostalgia gets a nice 4out of 5. If your a fan of the video games and/orthe anime? Check this out.

Next issue? Kare Kano (His and HerCircumstances) Part 1

The Dutchess – by Stephen GibbA tribute to Sir William Tenniel and Lewis Carroll

for sheer absurdity and sublime ugliness

Poetry

Selected Poemsby Wanda VanHoy Smith

CLOUD SEER

My Scotch Irish grandmother reads tea leavesShe tells our fortunes from loose leaves

left inside our teacups.

If Bubbles rise to the top of the cup when westir our tea we can expect to get a kiss.

If the tea is too strong that means a new loveIf it is too weak that means the end of love.

She studies dregs in our cups cheerfully saying“I see a tree for good luck, a tent for a tripand a kite means you will get your wish.”

She frightens us with whispers,“Be careful I see a bird of prey.”

We believe the birds and beasts in Grandma'stea tasseography are true omens.

I am not Lucy in the sky with diamonds butI believed I see my fortune in the sky.

Clouds give bigger clearer images than leaves of teaI see a fish shaped cloud and Dad hooks a salmon.

A fluffy white kitten appears in the cumulus overhead.The neighbor's cat has kittens and I adopt one.It is scrawny and gray but proof enough to me

that I am a seer of clouds as scientific as tasseography.

During Cold war bomb drills we duck under desksin fear of an A bomb.

One day, flat on my back on the lawn gazing up atthe cumulus sky I see a big cloud evolved into a

mushroom shape, the perfect image of the Atomic bomb.

I run screaming in the house that we are allgoing to die and my sister declares I am crazy.

Mom tells me “Get your head out of the clouds.”I stop watching for that bomb to drop but can'tstop watching clouds for an image of his face.

All I see are clouds shaped like a broken heart.

WATERMELONSARE NO JOKE

I hear that a watermelon is 92% waterso I doubt that is a fruit with any food value.

Not worth the room it will take in my Coldspot.

But I am hot and crave a crispy piece of cold fleshso I walk my fingers through Google like a stroll

through a health food store researching watermelon.

I discover that this green and rosy fruit is not onlyloaded with vitamin C but is also very sexy even more

than a Bloody Mary or a banana split.

This surprising piece of pleasure is related to thehomely pumpkin, squash and cantaloupe

The watermelon flesh comes in many colors,yellow, orange and even pale white which doesn'tsound as appetizing to me as the bright red piece

that I can almost taste just thinking about.

A most surprising fact Watermelon Researchersfind is that flesh of this popular food contains

an Amino Acid by the name of Arginine.

Arginine compound is used byPharmaceutical manufacturers to enhance Viagra.

If word gets out that watermelon containssomething used in Viagra that may cause

a run on Whole Food Stores.

Since watermelon is no longer a trifle the farmermay guard his melon patch with Sarah Palin's rifle.

Wanda VanHoy Smith 2011

Selected Poemsby Frances Nichols Vargas

NYC IN A HEARTBEAT

Feeling inspired by life around me

The hustle and the bustlenoises are full of energy

A bit of an oxymoron crazysurrounding life force

The energy draws you into a sense of being a partof some real big picture

And dwarfs your very existence all in a second

The smells of the pushcarts spiral the senses outof control

All while taking a stroll

The 24 hour 7 daya week constant

pace is enough tofill any appetite

And yet can be toomuch to enjoy

Safely tucked away in my suburban home

I yearn for another visit and another stroll

The dank smell of the subway and the majesticcity line views

I desire the culture and miss the smell of thecoffee shops

Luring me in for a quick stop

The famous Carnegie Deli

And even a quick tourist visit to Central Parkand a short visit to Strawberry Fields to touch

the heart

Catch aneveningdinner andshow onBroadway

Can complete any day in the city

Of course if more time allows there is alwaysTimes Square all lit up in neon flare

And for all theladies and some

men too

Why not do abit of shoppingin Macy’s tosoothe the soul

Bring your walking shoes and an open heart

And the city will always offer a place to start

Don’t make a plan and keep an open mind

The city always promises a great time

ROADS

Bumpy, winding and never ending roadsThey often make you dizzy and confusedSometimes the road leads to a dead end

Other times it leads to an intersectionRoads with no end

Roads that go around in circle and back again

Stopping to take a peek at the viewOr even speeding to feel the breezeThese roads stretch out before us

Only to bring us places that have been welltravelled

And other times to places only once in a lifetimeSome roads can be scary

Some even daringSome roads come to an abrupt endAnd some have construction that seem to haveno end

Some roads can be beautifulEven peaceful

But one thing is for sure

All roads eventually bring you right where youbelong

Björk – by James ‘Jig-One’ Titman

Poetic Perspectivesby r. j. paré

‘Twas the not so distant future

‘Twas the not so distant future, when all around the placeNot a soul was stirring, in the whole human race.

The stockpiles of weapons, poisons and chem,Left hopeless the destiny of thoughtless men

No children were heard in such hazy silence,Brought low, too soon from this existence.

And parents bereft, no time to mourn,As they too, from life, have been violently shorn.

Who started it, really does not matter,So falls the blame, on all, with hardly a clatterPolluted Earth held on by a thin frayed sash,Until the bombs fell, ending it all in a flash.

The moonlight wanes o’er fallout snowFaint lustre on memorial below.

If one day, wandering eyes should appear,Learn from our folly, have pity - remember.

Raised on Saturday

Morning Cartoons by Pauline Paré

FAIRY TALES GROW UP

Fairy tales were originally darker stories and notall had happy endings. Disney has a differentview of what a fairy tale should look like but filmand television are bringing fairy tales back totheir darker roots with the recent “Red RidingHood” and the two Snow White movies in theworks. We have seen trends in superhero series,vampire series and fantasy series recently. 2011is the year of the fairy tale series.

Lost Girl may qualify… it is about a fairy in asecret world of fairy tales and monsters. I wasintrigued by the ads and I gave the series a fairshake. Lost girl is a Canadian series being airedon Showcase. I think I saw 5 unexcitingepisodes.

The main character, Bo is not interesting enoughto carry the series which would be fine if the restof cast could make up for the slack. Her sidekick,Kensi is just plain irritating and the mostinteresting character, Trick, is rarely seen. It wasrenewed but I will not be watching season 2.

I think I will try one of the new fairytale seriespremiering this fall.

Grimm is an NBC series premiering on October21st. I found that the trailer showed too much.(It pretty gave you the entire first episode’sresolution) but the characters and effects seemquite amazing. The premise is that a homicidedetective finds out that he is descendant from theline of Grimms and that he is able to see the truefaces of people who are actually fairy talecharacters. O.K… Now that I see it in print itseems a little corny. The trailer wasn’t the besttrailer I have ever seen either. So why do I seemhyped on this show? Some of the images in thetrailer were exciting and intriguing for one thing.I enjoyed the acting I saw in the trailer, eventhough I am not very familiar with the actors. Ialso like the twist-that the stories the Grimmbrothers wrote were real. I will be tuning in tothe show in October and I hope to report I willenjoy it as much as I hope I will.

Once Upon a Time by ABC has a different feel toit than Grimm. It has more classic fairytaleelements and a hapless, trapped heroine. Ithought I was more excited about Grimm until Isaw that Robert Carlyle was to be a regular.Listen here all you SGU haters. I loved the show!So there! Carlyle’s character Rush was one of myfavourite parts and I hope that he has a big juicyrole in Once Upon a Time. The trailer for theshow is well made but the character of EmmaSwan did not intrigue me as much as the lead inGrimm. I will have to do a follow up once I haveseen both episodes.

The new seasons are starting soon and I am justnow having TV withdrawals. I will be checkingout some brand new shows and I am lookingforward to seeing some favourites come back.

Happy Fall Season folks and……may your favourite shows stay cancel free!