Table of ContentsRKYV # 49 {Sept. 2011}

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

Virtual Cover # 49- Art by Edward Dennis- Design/Layout by David Marshall

Interior Art- By r. j. paré, Mike Grattan, James‘Jig-One’ Titman, Roger Price,Stephen Gibb, Amber Bair, T. B.Hoopdriver, GIO, Corinne VuilleminJosh Bowe, Larissa Gula, Brent Giles& Edward Dennis

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

World View- “IMO”- by r.j. paré

Featured Creators Review- “Return of Jeremy Munroe”creative team- By r. j. paré

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

- “At Night…” part III- by CS Cartier

Poetry & Art Challenge- By Wanda VanHoy Smith, D.a. Erb& r. j. paré

Pop Culture- “Digital Death”- By Lars Swearington

- “Comic Book Review”- by r. j. paré

- “Raised on Saturday MorningCartoons”- By Pauline Paré

Jess b & w 7 – by Josh Bowe

A flock of pelicans near the boardwalk at Virginia Beach

– by Larissa Gula

At the Outset:

A few thoughtsfrom, The Editor…by r. j. paré

“HandMe DownWorld” is playing on YouTubewhile I type this. Gotta love the classic [Canadian]rock, eh? It was also the inspiration for this issue’sArt – Lit Challenge over in the Poetry section, skimahead and you’ll see all the cool stuff ourcontributors came up with!

This month’s Featured Creators Review takes alook at a talented team of Indie Comics Creators –those responsible for the short story “The Returnof Jeremy Munroe” – I recommend to everyonewho enjoys the medium to follow such creatorsonline and find out where to order their stuff…Indie Creators work hard, create from the heartand don’t make a lot of dough. They usually havea hard time even covering print costs [I know thisfrom personal experience!] and can certainly useevery penny they can.

Pauline Paré continues her short fiction piece “ACertain Destiny”, inspired by one of our visits toS.P.A.C.E. con; while CS Cartier delivers the latestinstalment in his Nightwing Fan Fiction story “AtNight, There Be Darkness.” Heck we evenconvinced Lars Swearington, one heck of atalented indie creator in his own right, to sharehis thoughts on the emergence of digitalpublication in the comics industry.

Applause, kudos, and salutations to all theamazing artists [credited throughout this edition]who’ve share their work with us. Their spectacularcontributions are a joy to incorporate into eachissue’s design.

BTW – you can now “follow” us on twitter @http://twitter.com/#!/RKYVOnline and LET USKNOWWHAT YOUTHINK. We’ll publishinteresting comments, suggestions & critiques inour new letters column “RKYV POV.”

And last, but not least, for more RKYVentertainment than we can fit into a PDF, look nofurther... LOL. We have got some fun andengaging sites set up for you by the ever-intrepidRKYV staff.

Don't give me no hand me down world

I don't wanna take it and I really don't need it

-- The Guess Who

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

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

Tune in next time, same RKYV time, same RKYV channel…

Publisher’s Note: artistic disclaimer* Mr. Paré is not nearly as witty as he thinks. Really, paraphrasingthe old Batman TV narrator is not exactly going towin him any awards for journalistic excellence,now is it?

Inner Eye – by Stephen Gibb

Tat Art & Designs – by Roger Price

tiger, tiger, burning bright… zombie fairy?

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

Exotic Blue – by James ‘Jig-One’ Titman

World ViewIMO…by r. j. paré

In the face of global economic hardships, it seemsthat “Tea Party” politics are becoming an evermore pervasive part of our daily lives. Before weabolish the very protections responsible for ourstandard of living inwestern democracies –health care, environmental protection & the rightsof labour to collectively bargain – we shouldperhaps examine the roots of this “swing to theright-wing.”

The anti-union movement is a disturbing study incorporate sponsored propaganda. For many yearscorporations have been trying to find ways tokeep the focus on growth rather than stability.They began by spending a couple decades onhostile takeovers and the splintering of oldcompanies. The, now,mega-corporations movedonto downsizing and outsourcing of the actuallabour force.

Their next focus became legislative power /influence / control as they won the freedom tospend as much as they like, on politics, as courtsruled they were "persons" under law and thus anyinfringement on a corporation’s ability to spendmoney in order to influence politics was akin toimpeding and individual’s freedom of speech!.

Talk about misrepresentative propaganda at itsfinest, grade A+ Orwellian doublethink, if you will.

Now understand, conservatives [ie: right wingers,money grubbers, the suits – basically the folksrunning the banks, hedge-funds andcorporations] have been complaining for yearsabout the steady growth of our middle class,[basically about the benefits that allowed us aquality standard of living] as though only they,the wealthy elite, should enjoy the rewards of oursociety.

They have raised the banner of a bitter sci-fiauthor, Ayn Rand, as the patron saint of their,behind the scenes “uncivil rights movement” [lol].No million manmarches for these titans ofindustry, though. After all millionaires don’t marchthey fly in style… in this case, under the radar, ifyou will.

The wealthy elite are now effectively combiningtheir ability to manipulate market economies withthe unfettered “liberty” to spend on leaders oftheir choosing. They’ve successfully screwed usover in the world markets, drained pension fundsand bankrupted entire industries & evencountries. The have manufactured suchwidespread economic collapse in order to enactthe legislative changes they desire: essentially anend to all labour related gains, protections andbenefits in the past century.

This, of course has been followed by the veryleaders these elite have bought / influencedenacting austerity measures / income roll-backs /benefit removal & union-busting.

How Long beforepeople say enough?

I say No! You cannot –YOU SHALL NOT takeawaymy few meagreprotections and benefitsjust so you can afford anew yacht!

Digital Death, I think not!

Can Digital Kill the printed comic?The battle lines have beendrawn, the line in the sandhas been established. Thequestion is, what side, doyou stand on. No I’m nottalking about a bloodiedbattle field I’m talkingabout comic books, a termthat opens the eyes of theyoung and sparklesmemories in the eyes of theolder generations.

by Lars Swearingen

If you’re like me than you rememberwalking intothat little mom and pop corner store and seeingthat first full color paper stock gift from theheavens. It was full of adventure, mystery horror,and humour. You felt the paper in your handsand you smelled that all too familiar smell ofprinted paper.

Jump forward 30 years. The spinner racks aregone. You can no longer just find a magazine rackto pull your favourite printed titles. Everything is ina specialty shop. But wait, now I can type in a fewlines in Google and find all the comics that I want.

There is an ongoing debate in the industry onwhether the Digital era can kill the printed form ofcomics. I want to say first that anything I write ismerely my opinion based on others in theindustry and the profit and loss shown in theindustry.

Personally I don’t see where digital can killprinted. Not long term any way. It’s a simplematter of numbers. The larger companiesunderstand the importance of those specialtyshops, somuch so that they have even startedinitiative programs for start up shops.

The digital era has actually helped in someaspects of driving fresh blood to that comic’scastle of mortar and block. If we look at the mediaitself and then study every product that comesfrom it, thenwe can see for ourselves theimportance of the paper format. It’s simple, all youhave to do is contact your local theatre with penand paper in hand.

Now go to their listings and write downevery movie that is currently being releasedthat is based off of a comic book, graphicnovel or trade paper back. The list will addup fast.

Now go to your larger retailer and go tothe clothing department and jot downhow many different lines of apparel aresplashedwith captain someone, or a webslinging wonder and a bat clad vigilante.

Ok wait I’m not finished yet. Now go to thetoy dept and you will see an entire islededicated to just action figures. How manyof those do you think are based off of thatprint on paper?

My point is the industry isn’t just about the printedform. If we were to lose the printed form than thelarge companies know that it would hit them inthe wallet hard. Let’s assume right now that allcomics’ shops closed. Calm down, its ok, we arejust pretending. Now let’s forget about theeconomic impact that would have when all ofthese shop owners, employees, distributioncompanies that would now be out of work andout of business.

Ok sowith all that aside in this world we aregoing to go to the gaming section of a certainlarge retailer. What’s missing? Over half of theirtitles are now off the shelves because they nolonger have something to base them on.

Ok so here you are thinking “That can’t happenbecause all of these are available on DigitalPortable Devices!”

Wrong fan boy. By going, completely, digital wehave decimated one of the most important poolsof talent. Indy (Independent artists, writers,publishers and so on) is where the young talent isborn and bread, Where fresh ideas are fed to thefans andwhere the industry has a wholeheartedchance of gaining ground. The problem is mostsmall press publishers would financially go bellyup because of the cost vs loss in a pure digitalmarket.

Not just that but do you think that little JoeJohnson can afford a digital device when his dadand mom are working double shifts to feed thefamily. His small amount of earnings from doingyard work is the only thing that allows him tospend around $5 a week on his one favourite title.

A standard digital reader can run in the lowhundreds. Little Joe will now have to spend hismoney on anti zombie spray and a Kevlar vest toprotect him from the hordes of undead that havespawned from the crash of the comics market.

I will be clear I’m not a writer; I am not an expertin the industry. I am a small press publisher and afan. All of us in the industry have a passion forwhat we do.

We will fight for it like most will fight for therecountry. Wewear the title of geek proudly. So let’sget to the point. There is only one way that thedigital era can take over the printedmarket. Onlyone single way, if you the reader - stops reading.It’s up to you to get off the couch and supportyour local retailers. It’s up to us to continuebringing you cutting edge and thoughtprovoking stories. It’s up to the industry to savethe industry. Don’t be afraid of the digital era, beafraid of showing fear. This is our world and this isour generation. We can’t always pick our fightsbut we sure as hell can win ‘em.

My name is Lars Swearingen III, I am the owner ofPhoenix Fire Studios/Entertainment and I believethat we have more of a chance to pump newblood into an industry that isn’t dying but simplyslimming down.

Keepwriting, keep drawing, keep inking, coloringand lettering, and the fans will keep buying.

CEO Phoenix Fire StudiosVigilante project, The Confessional: AssistantEditor in ChiefSr Art Director For VPTCManager, Valley Print andGraphics

www.phoenixfireent.com

http://www.facebook.com/PhoenixFireEnt

Batgirl [© DC Comics] – by GIO [Giovanni Medina]

Featured Creators ReviewMick Edwards, Brent Giles,Edward Dennis & Daniel Chanthe creators of…

“The Return of Jeremy Munroe”The Return of JeremyMunroe is a dark shortstory, told in comic form. In the traditions of Talesfrom the Darkside,Night Gallery or some of thebest spooky shorts Stephen King has collected –this tale knows where you sleep. Grieving fiancé,Linda cannot let go of the memory of her Jeremyand one night while visiting his grave she learnshow thin the veil between this world and the nextcan be.

Here at RKYV we were fortunate to catch up withthe creators of this fine short – writer MickEdwards, lead artist Brent Giles & cover artistEdwardDennis – and ask them some questionsabout art, writing and the trials and tribulations ofbeing an indie creator. They also, graciously,shared with us a few sneak peeks at some of theirother up coming projects….

To paraphrase my favourite childhood TVmonstermovie host, Sir Graves Ghastly:

“Turn out your lights, pull down the shades, drawthe drapes, cuddle up in your favourite spot bythe computer [or portable device] and glue yourlittle eyes to its screen… for today's tale of terror…

…Neeeeeeyeeeeaaaaaaaahhhhhh ah

ah ahh!

--- Or justenjoy thefollowinginterviewsand art!

r. j. paré: Have you always known that youwanted to be or, rather, were a writer or an artist?

Mick Edwards: Initially, no, my past was full ofconflict, emotional abuse by my motherwhosuffered the same abuse by her mother andfather, rejection by my peers, and lots of problemsdue to being bipolar. When I was growing up, Ihad little inklings of what I wanted to do, but nosolid plans. I oftenwonderedwhy was I born?Nothing ever seemed to go right inmy life, withgirls, money, or having friends. Depressionconstantly heldme down. Some people havealways compared me to Eminem, people whostrongly dislike me because I can be veryopinionated and at times obtuse.

Artist's Name: Brent GilesTitle: Return of JeremyMunroe, pg 4

I didn't realize I wanted towrite comics until 2008,conflict with a rival causedme to have a break(through), I realized I can't stand the situation I'min. That I can handle the pressure, and I don'thave to take people's shit.

I swore to myself, I'd be the best writer that everlived, or at least close to it. To follow throughwith that goal, I decided to try comics first beforedabbling in novels, film, & other projects. Comicshave been a constant in my life. I used to havePre-Crisis DCmaterial, Silver Age Spider-Man, andthe like. I figured that year (08) that I have anoriginal voice, and that comics would be ideal toestablish myself first.

Artist's Name: Brent GilesTitle: Return of JeremyMunroe, pg 1

Brent Giles: I drew a picture of a horse bucking acowboy off when I was four andmymama keptit. I thought that was odd but it showed me sheliked it. I believe it started there. When I was six Ihad to be in the hospital and my Aunt Linda gaveme a Superman and a couple of other comicsincluding a MAD magazine. That got me startedin a medium I had no idea existed. I thoughtcomic books were so cool. I still give sick familyand friends a MAD magazine if they have to be inthe hospital.

Artist's Name: Edward DennisTitle: Ad for Return of JeremyMunroe

– in progress.Media: pencil

Edward Dennis: Since a very young age I’vealways been a good artist. I still have all myartwork from birth pretty much thanks to mymother. I guess if anyone knew I was an artist itwas my mother. I didn’t start calling myself anartist until a few years agowhen I finally thought Iwas good enough to put that title out there. ButI’ve always wanted to be an artist especially incomics.

Daniel Chan: The idea of creating comic books asa career has always floated around in my mind. Itwas not until the last several years, however, that Ihave ever truly pursued a career in comic books.For a while I toyedwith the idea of programmingvideo games for a living, but after learning toprogram a bit and taking an AP Computer Scienceclass in high school, I was put off from the idea. Idid not like doing all the behind-the-scenes thingsinvolved in programming video games which, inthe end,made me realize that I was probably notsuited to that career unless I was only at the helmof the purely creative aspects of video gamecreation. Really, though, I am more of a graphicdesigner than I am a comic book creator. I just sohappen to work mainly for clients in the comicbook industry - though, I am not saying I do notchose those clients on purpose, haha. I doworkon non-comic book projects such as identitydesign and other typical graphic designassignments whenever I get the chance.

Artist's Name: Edward DennisTitle: Ad for Return of JeremyMunroe

Media: finished pencils

rjp: Could you tell our readers a little about Returnof Jeremy Munroe?

ME: JeremyMunroe is about two lovers kept apartby death, their names are Jeremy Munroe andLinda Rivenport. They were to be married, butJeremy died tragically in a reckless hit and run.Linda never got over his death; she visits his graveevery year on the anniversary of his death. Oneday, something happens that allows them to bereunited briefly so Jeremy can encourage Linda tomove on in her life.

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

BG: Not until I graduated andwent to the ArtInstitute of Atlanta. I studied lots of Superman,Spider-Man, Batman and Conan comics beforethen.

ED: I went to private classes throughout my childhood, mainly painting classes. When in high-school I got even more into my art work. I tookevery art class in high-school and was in Art club,also won every art competition I entered. Thismademe evenmore motivated as I graduated tocollege. I already worked hard inmy art but whenI got to college I realized that I would have towork harder because as good as I thought I wasthere were many more out there better than me.

I went as high as I could in college in painting anddrawing but found it useless because they werethings I can learn on my own so I changedmajors. During that time at Arizona StateUniversity I was accepted to Art Center College ofDesign in Pasadena, Ca. I was torn betweenwanting to go to California and pursue mydreams of becoming an artist or stay and changemy major.

I decided to stay and changemajors to ArtEducation because I thought my time could bebest spent with that. More recently I’ve changedmy major to elementary/special education buthave enough credits to teach art K-12 and get myFine Arts degree and graduate next year.

Artist's Name: Edward DennisTitle: Ad for Return of JeremyMunroe

– in progress.Media: watercolour

rjp: Do you hand letter or use software, likeAdobe?

DC: My lettering process typically involves AdobeIllustratormore than it does picking up a pen. It'ssimply much faster and allows me to finishprojects on tight schedules with little to no stressonmy end. The only time I break out the pens arewhen I want to create a font, for example, or forthings like a special sound effect or logo. There isalso the fact that it is simply more practical toletter digitally than to letter with pen and inkthese days.

I have never received an actual page of art toletter on and it wouldwaste toomuch time toprint out the pages I receive than to simply letterthem in the way they came to me: digitally.

rjp: Whowas your primary source ofencouragement, as a child, in pursuing art orwriting?

ME: Ironically, like most kids. I didn't pay muchattention to the names of who wrote what, notuntil my early twenties. I foundmost of myfavourite stories were written by John Byrne,Frank Miller, and Chris Claremont. Their workformed a sort of blue print that I basedmywritingmethod. My method has since evolved to includeinfluence from a variety of film, novel, and comicauthors. Bruce Lee was especially an influence Ineed to make I don't leave out. The Jeet Kune Dophilosophy I felt could be applied towriting andlife aside from martial arts.

Artist's Name: Edward DennisTitle: Ad for Return of JeremyMunroe

Media: finished watercolour

BG: My mama and daddy always encouraged meand I admired a commercial artist nameMasonRustin from middle Georgia because I could see aliving could bemade with art. Every year on thelast day of school my mama would pick us upfrom school and stop by the grocery store on theway home.

I would ask her to buy mefour or five compositionbooks so I could takethem home and drawcomics and stuff for thesummer. The clerk, Mrs.Eleanor, would ask if I hadto go to summer-schoolbecause I was buyingsupplies andmymamawould say that I wasusing them to draw. Infact, while going tochurch, other peoplewould ask my mama whyI drew in church and she

would defend me saying that I seemed to listenbetterwhile drawing. I still draw in church to thisday. Since He's still letting me live, I suppose Godencourages me to draw, too!

ED: I would have to say my family has beenmymain source of encouragement. They have alwaysbought me materials and backedme even whenresults were there.

DC: My whole family actually encouraged me inanything I did while I was growing up. I made thedecision to switch from pursuing a computerscience major to a graphic design major in thefew months just before my high schoolgraduation. This meant that I had to apply to awhole slew of different colleges, have newrecommendations written up, put together aportfolio and so on. No one batted a lash, though,and I did not feel like I was going to bepersecuted for making that decision so late in thegame.

I am very lucky that my parents never tried toforce me to pick up a path for a "real" professionsuch as becoming a doctor. I do not think it wassuch a shocking revelation that I wanted tobecome a graphic designer, however, which mayhave helped. I had been doing freelance graphicdesign throughout my senior year of high schoolfor some extra pocket money and, long beforethat, I had practical knowledge of AdobePhotoshop and basic graphic design principlesbecause of my ever-persistent interest in the arts.

rjp: Do you feel more a sense of community withother comic creators or a sense of competition?

ME: Competition. I've experienced how cliquescan influence just about every facet of life. Somepopular guy will be a figureheadwith a bunch ofsuck ups who praise all of his horridwork, andwill hold anyone down that shows greatercreativity and writing ability. I have always madesure I stood out among the crowd. To show Ihave principle (doesn't mean I can't be an asswhen I stand by a belief, or conviction.)

Artist's Name: Brent GilesTitle: BACA’s PROTECTOR [cover]Publisher: Bikers Against Child Abuse

BG: "BACA’s PROTECTOR" is a story I've writtenand am drawing about a man who is givendirectives in assisting young abused children outof their oppressed and painful lives. The story waswritten for the organization B.A.C.A. – BikersAgainst Child Abuse – out of the Oklahoma area.

Brent Giles

rjp: What is your favourite media towork with?

BG: Pencils, pens and Bristol board. Love doingblack andwhite. The Walking Dead is probablymy favourite book and part of the reason is theblack andwhite.

ED: I love all mediums, most recently Digital mediabut my favourite will always be watercolour.

Artist's Name: Brent GilesTitle: Alien In a Strange Land

BG: "Alien In a Strange Land" is a story I've writtenand am drawing about a doomed alien attack ona city, and in particular, a thirteen year old boywith something unique about him.

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

BG: I don't use brushes but I love usingscrapbooking pens. Their inks are so black andpermanent. When I see a Michael's I usually stopand get a few Vellum Writers by ZIG Kuratake anddifferent sized Figma Microns. Then I pick upboxes of Dixon Ticonderoga #2 pencils (awesomeerasers) and a couple of 5mm Pentel mechanicalpencils at either Staples or Walmart.

ED: No just my imagination.

rjp: When working on a comic script, whatmethod do you prefer: do you send the artist thefinished script or a page by page outline of thestory? [In other words, do you write finishedscript, based on the visuals created or does theartist draw each panel based on precisedescriptions form your script?]

ME: I'm aminimalist, I write full script, but unlikethe Alan Moore method - I keep my descriptionsbrief to help spur the artist’s imagination. I onlyadd more detail when I want a script to be moreprecise on things I want included in said script.

rjp: Which famous artists / creators or styles haveinfluenced you? Why?

BG: Ross Andru, Curt Swan, John Buscema, ErnieChan, Frank Frazetta, Mike Hoffman and EricPowell. Just great storytellers with such rich waysof capturing humans in actions. If you cameacross me at a convention and youwere makingthe choice to buy a book from me or one oftheirs... I'd steer you to them because you woulddefinitely come away being thoroughlyentertained.

ED: There’s a long list, Alex Ross is one I likebecause his watercolour stuff kind of breaking themold of what comics should look like.

DC: I get my inspiration from everywhere and amloathe to pin down any particular source.Sometimes I find interesting shapes in concretesidewalks that I imagine to be intricate paintingsor I will flip through amagazine and be hit by awondrous inspiration to create something there'srarely any one place that will inspire me because Ilike all kinds of art.

I will say, though, that I believe the works ofSalvador Dali and the rest of the Surrealist paintersreally opened up my imagination as a child. I donot remember it exactly but, in elementary school,I opened up a book and saw Dali's painting "ThePersistence of Memory" and was changed for life.It was so different from anything that I had everseen at that point. I think that painting reallysparked my interest for the arts and things likethat continue to inspire me today.

Artist's Name: Brent GilesTitle: Jesus, character study

BG: These are cartoons drawnhere and there inmy church notebook practicing and developingan easier, pleasing style (tome at least) that I canuse to put together Bible accounts in comic bookform. I'd like to draw some of the more fantasticalaccounts in a way that most people would notthink about.

rjp: While traditional publishing and distributionhas become a difficult goal to achieve for themodern Indie comic creator, what do you think ofthe impact that social networks and POD serviceshave had as an alternate means of connectingyou, your work and your audience?

ME: POD is useless. It is a money pit because youare payin' for every single aspect. Promotion,artwork, etc. If you don't have that kind of cash,you are fucked. Unless you get some smallpublisher to notice. Social networks, I think aremore helpful. You can connect with retailers,readers, publishers, and the like. It allows them toget a sense of who you are, what you are about,and lets them know how they can get hold ofyour work if they find interest in your work.

rjp: With advancements in computer graphictablet technology, some artists are now creatingtheir work directly in the digital medium andreleasing it in purely digital formats... are the daysof paper & pulp doomed to the realm of fadingmemories?

BG: Unfortunately, that is probably true, but I justread a book called "One SecondAfter". It is a storyabout three nukes being set off in the atmosphereand shutting down the USA and all electronics(would make a great comic).

So, in reading that, I still have hope that comicbooks will make a come back.

ED: Ohhhh I love this question, my answer ismixed. I see artist all the time using digital, I’m oneof them. It’s cheaper to do digital and it’s alsoeasier to cheat. Many other factors go along withit but I personally love digital. I got into digital artyou could say using Microsoft Paint in 4th grade,moving to Photoshop in 6th grade. Now I use aWacom Cintiq with Corel Painter 12 to do mydigital paintings and most of the time they startand finish as fully digital work. With that said I dothink I spend more time doing traditional artbecause I honestly believe that in the not todistant future that a traditional artist might berare.

Who’s to say the future but I see more and morepeople doing digital art. I was trained traditionallyand will always be biased towards the topic withthe belief that Traditional is the foundation of allart but that will soon change. The reason why Isaid it’s easy is you always have layers and the“UNDO” button you can hit, it’s a known fact thattraditional art is not that forgiving. The cover I didfor The Return of Jeremy Munroe I did digital startto finish so I’m not against it at all I just wishpeople would do more traditional.

Artist's Name: Brent GilesTitle: Danny the Dinosaur: The Big Boat

BG: This is a page from the second book writtenby Kent Hovind and drawn by Brent Giles called"Danny the Dinosaur: The Big Boat". This page isdepicting the beginning of the great flood of theBible. Books one and two can be found atwww.drdino.com in the children's section.

DC: There is an energy that pen and paperworksgive off that you just cannot get with a whollydigitally created image. It is not that you can onlycreate beautiful things with an analog tool, butthere is a just something about the physicallydrawn line that gives off a raw power that youcannot duplicate with any digital means. Thereare benefits to both methods, however, and I amnot one to put down any system of the creativeprocess simply because the old way of doingthings is "better." It is probably true that we willeventually move away from non-digital mediums,though I do not see that happening any timesoon. There are still plenty of amazing artists outthere that create with purely analogmethods andsome that even supplement digital art withanalog creations!

ME: Nope. See, digital has many inherentweaknesses. Battery power, not built to last, andcosts. Aside from people with little to no moneyenjoying paper back books, I think that books willremain around 'cause if we ever ended up losingall of our glorious technology. Books will be theonly way we can teach the generations thatfollow, and keep our civilization moving.

Artist's Name: Brent GilesTitle: Danny the Dinosaur: The Big Boat

BG: This is a page from the second book writtenby Kent Hovind and drawn by Brent Giles called"Danny the Dinosaur: The Big Boat". This page isdepicting the ark as the salvation of mankind,foreshadowingmankind's salvation through theshed blood of Jesus Christ and He being our arkof a sort. Books one and two can be found atwww.drdino.com in the children's section.

rjp: What do you think of the term "starvingartist"?

BG: I've never been starving. Too fat right now toever own up to that term. I think people use thatterm to make themselves feel special. This countryhas always offeredways to capitalize on thetalents we have and if someone isn't, I thinkthey're being lazy.

ED: That’s a tough one; I think it means beingsatisfiedwith yourwork andwork ethic. 99% ofus artist won’t make it rich and if you’re in thisbusiness to do that then your sorely misinformed,you should do something else.

DC: I think it is true! Just take a few basic artcourses and you will realize how much all thesetools cost. Paints and paintbrushes are alreadyridiculously expensive, but program suites likeAdobe's set of tools (Photoshop, Illustrator,Premiere, Dreamweaver, etc.) will make you faintwhen you see their prices. Heh, it is not easy to bean artist if money is a problem.

Artist'sName:

Brent GilesTitle:

DesperateChance

BG: This is the first page of the second projectbetweenMick Edwards and Brent Giles called"Desperate Chance".

rjp: Would you rather have an engaged & loyalbut, ultimately, small Indie readership or work onthe latest Spidey, Wolverine or X - book? [the oldArt vs Commerce question]

ME: I'd love to have a broad readership. I thinkwork for hire can be a bitch if you end up stuckwith editors telling you to recycle decades oldstories. I'd rather be offered a contract thatwould allow me to bring new ideas into the bigtwo, then rehashing the same crap over andover. I have a lot of mental notes, and somewritten down ideas on how I would not so muchrevamp the big two's characters, but streamlinethem to make them accessible for every reader.

BG: I'd love to try both...at the same time, but forme I'd gowith the first option. I love drawing andgetting a response from someone, even if it is justone. My dream has always to do an AmazingSpider-Man run. I sent a sample to Marvel backwhen I was 14 years old andwas told to go backand practice...I'm still practicing I suppose...andfeel I am still not there.

ED: I would love towork on Spider-man andeveryone tells me I will soon be able to but that’sonly because I grew up with Marvel comics allaround me. I was brought upwhen the X-men,Spider-man and Batman cartoons were booming.But as I got older I realized how dried up thestories and characters have become.

DC: I do not think either option influences me. Ihave always made it a point that I just want towork on things that I think are cool. Whether it isthe newest issue of Batman or a small indiepublication, if it's something I like doing, then I willdo it.

Artist: Brent Giles Letterer: Daniel ChanTitle: Return of JeremyMunroe, pg 11

Letterer: Daniel ChanTitle: [inside cover] Dusk

DC: The inside cover credits page of the special2010 Annual for publisher Dusk Comics' main title"Dusk."

PS - I almost forgot. I've done a lot of work forDusk Comics so it would be awesome if you couldput their site as well: www.duskcomics.comThey've been really good to me so would love toreturn the favour with a shout out if you could dothat.

rjp: there ya go! No problemo..:)

rjp: What advice would you have for other indiecreators, trying to break into the biz, today?

ME: Don't try and be some one else. You don'thave to follow pre-existingmolds. We have hadenough Grant Morrison's, Alan Moore's, and thelike in our medium. We need comic innovatorswho understand that entertainment is a big partof the business. That intellectualism is passé.

Don't front, people can see through lies. Just beyourself, express yourself, and don't be afraid ofother creators and critics slamming you for beingyourself.

Letterer: Daniel ChanTitle: [Vol 2, pg 55] Dusk

DC: This Dusk Short Story was published August31 of 2010 and the story is called "The EndlessDesert War."

mini-bio: Daniel Chan is a freelance graphicdesigner from California. He loves to work in thecomic book field, but he often picks up anyproject that allows him to exercise his creativejuices. When he is not designing, lettering, ortalking about himself in the third-person, he likesto spend time hanging out with friends, speed-solving Rubik's Cubes, writing, creating art,composingmusic, and, last but not least, eatingbrains. If you have a brain that needs eating, goahead and let him know.

rjp: mmm… brains – “Send... more... paramedics…”

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

BG: The only show I do at this point is FanaticoninAsheville, NC. Awesome little showwww.fanaticon.org .

Also, I am working on several projects and gettingdeeper. I hope to have lots done before the endof 2012.

ED: No Cons, I wish I was that popular ha-ha, but Ihave a lot of work coming up and a GN I’m doingwith Return of JeremyMunroe writer MichaelEdwards.

Artist's Name: Edward DennisTitle: [cover] Return of Jeremy Munroe

Media: rough pencil layout

ME: Not really. I don't have much in terms ofmoney. A lot of this I am figuring out, as I goalong. I have always prided myself on learningwhile I am doing, being a aware of what is goingon, and standing firm onwhere I want to go. IfReturn of Jeremy Munroe does well, I willprobably do a few cons. Probably local cons untilI can afford the bigger cons.

DC: Not quite. I am currently in the process ofredesigning mywebsite and updatingmyportfolio but nothing like attending a con or showany time soon.

Artist's Name: Edward DennisTitle: [cover] Return of Jeremy MunroeMedia: digital with Corel Painter 11

rjp: I’d like to thank the team behind the Return ofJeremy Munroe for participating this month asour “Featured Creators”. Formore info on thesetalented creators and their works you con followthem online, via:

Links:

Mick Edwardswww.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000297442093

Brent Gileswww.facebook.com/profile.php?id=715928080

EdwardDenniswww.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000588785370

Daniel Chanwww.spiffup.org

Michaël STIPE – by Corinne Vuillemin

Short Fiction

Part IIWeeks turned into months and months led backto the 9th annual V.O.I.C.E convention. AmazingWoman gained acceptance and popularity dailyas she made Toronto a safer place on a daily basis.Her powers were determined to be a type oftelepathy and her powers grew stronger. Shebegan to levitate and she was able to lift heavierobjects all the time. Sure, she had her dissenters;those who would wonder on Twitter why shedidn’t save so and so; those with conspiracytheories of alien origins or secret experiments.Most loved her, however, and understood thatshe could not be in every place at the same time.They admired her, cheered her on, worshippedher… all the things that Steven imagined wouldbe his reward; his prize for patience.

Steven began to doubt his convictions for the firsttime. He had difficulty with the new chapterbecause he did not feel inspired to dream abouthis own future powers. A week before V.O.I.C.Ehe shook off his misgivings and dove into thelatest chapter of Destiny with zeal. This had to bea test, a lesson in humility. Perhaps he was to takeexample from Amazing Woman’s selflessness sothat he would be ready. He packed a cardboardbox with his wares and drive to the conventionwith a new determination. Amazing Womanwould not the lone hero in Toronto for long!

Steven set up his table, squared his baglunch away and waited for the milling crowds. Hedid not have to wait long before a vaguelyfamiliar feminine voice said his name.

“Steven, do you remember me?” said thepretty blond with the blue Tardis on her t-shirt.“I’m Susan, you signed a book for me last year?”

Steven was delighted because he didindeed remember Susan from last year. She wasas lovely as he both remembered and imaginedwhen loneliness would set in. Her hair was a littlelonger but her smile was just as disarming. Hethen noticed the handsome, 6 foot, blonde manwith a rugged spattering of stubble at Susan’selbow.

Steven was slightly disappointed but he stillneeded to respond to his fans.” Did you enjoy thebooks?” Steven asked.

“Very much so.” she replied earnestly.Steven tried not to blush or get flustered.” Myfriend, Curtis, would like to buy your newest…weboth would.”

Friend, Steven thought. Of course, he justdidn’t seem her type with that chiselled jaw andthose huge biceps. It was obvious she preferredintelligent men.

“Could you signmine?” Curtis asked.Brushing away any misgivings Steven had

about Curtis, he signed a copy of his beloved minicomic and handed it to Curtis. Curtis looked atSusan and she nodded at him. Curtis held hishand out tentatively for a handshake.

Steven took the man’s large tanned hand in hisown pale skinny one and felt a short surge ofstatic electricity pass between them. Curtishowever looked pale and dizzy. He let go ofSteven’s hand and he stumbled back a couple ofsteps.

“That was…” Curtis started looking at Susanin amazement.

Susan interrupted quickly” Ssshh… I know.Not yet.” she said to Curtis in a low voice. Sheraised her head and gave Steven a particularlyattractive smile.

“Thank you so much, Steven” She said. “Doyou have any original art here at theconvention?”

Steven instantly pushed the strangehandshake out of his mind. “I did not bring any,did you want some?”

Susan smiled again and this smile was noless brilliant than the one before it. She leanedinto the table and said “If I had your homeaddress and phone number I could stop bysometime to see your art and perhaps buy somefrom you.”

Steven didn’t recall even pondering therequest. Out came a pen and paper and beforehe knew it, he had written his name, address,email, Facebook link and twitter identity on anotebook page. When he tore out the page andhanded it over to Susan, he felt his handtrembling. She took the note, read it over andthanked him before walking slowly away from histable, supporting the now weakened Curtis withher elbow.

Steven was euphoric as Susan left his table.This feeling lasted for the remainder of the firstday of the convention. He still did not sell muchbut he really did not care. Then, as evening wasbeginning to set in, there was a commotionamong the conventioneers. Several weregathered around various laptop screens aroundthe hall. Steven moved in to find out what washappening.

“They are saving a group of seniors from aburning building!” exclaimed a small red hairedwoman, excitedly.

“Who?” asked Steven as he tried to jostlefor a better position in which to see the screen.

“Amazing Woman and the new guy” thewoman answered.

Just then Steven got a good view and sawAmazing Woman and a fit blonde man in a bluecostume at the scene of a fire. Amazing Womanwas using her telepathic abilities to rescue theelderly while the man appeared to be able to ripdoors off their hinges in a manner quite moreefficient than a fireman’s axe.

So many thoughts were rolling about inSteven’s head that it took a few minutes for him tocome to a realization. Amazing Woman wasexactly the same build and colouring as Susanand the new hero was about 6 feet tall, blondeand had a rugged spattering of stubble. Could itbe? Was Susan really Amazing Woman? Fromwhere had this new heromaterialized?

That is when a disturbing idea occurred toSteven. Amazing Woman had started saving livesand catching criminals shortly after he met Susan.Now that he met Curtis, this new strong herostarts working with her. Each had reactedstrangely when he shook their hands. Steven wasnot a very social person and really, these twowere the only human beings he had shakenhands with this past year. Could he be the onecausing this? Could he be making heroes? Wasthis his power?

A painful knot started growing in hisstomach. If that was his power, then he wouldnever be in the spotlight. He would never catch afleeing criminal or be filmed while rescuing a childfrom a raging rapid. He would have to stand andwatch while the heroes received all the glory.

This couldn’t be! His doubts must all bepart of an active imagination. Must be! Hereturned to his table and began pacing behind it.The only way to know for sure was for Steven totest his theory.

He called the first group of people he sawover to his booth. It turned out to be 3 youngmen.

“I will give you a comic free if you shake myhand” proclaimed Steven.

The men sniggered among themselves.“We will do it if you give us each the whole

run, dude.” the tallest of the bunch joked.“Deal”, Steven answered as he held out his

hand.“What do ya think?” the tall one asked the

other two.“Why not? We could use them as kindling

if they are stupid.” A hairy rotund friend replied.Steven shook the tall man’s hand first and

watched as he reacted strangely. The man pulledhis hand away quickly and stared at it as if tocheck for damage.

“What did you do, dude?” He askedangrily. He went to take a step towards Stevenbut a nearly security guard’s glare stopped him.He scooped up his books and left hurriedly beforehis friends could collect on the deal.

Now it was time for Steven to wait and see.

To Be Continued…

Goddess of Sea Food – by Stephen Gibb- Tribute to Botticelli’s Venus (most iconic nude of all-time)

and Robert Johnson’s nasty blues lyrics

Comic Book Reviewthe new 52 – part 1by r. j. paré

Unless you have been hiding under a rock these last few months – orcould care less about comics [I utterly discount that option, as otherwiseyou would not be reading this comic book review] – you have heardabout the bold and risky developments taking place a DC Comics. I amtalking about DC's New 52 initiative -- inwhich they're re-launching theirentire DCU line of books, once the mini-series “Flashpoint” concludes. Thisconfirmed online rumours that had been speculating Flashpoint is indeedthe story where we'll see the transformation of the old DC Universe intothe new one.

Not entirely unlike the major reboots which followed “Crisis on Infinite Earths” back in the 80’s. DCeditors and creators have decided that current continuity is either too un-wieldy or too convoluted toattract new readers. One can argue these points, however in the end DC is moving forward and weare left to follow orwalk away. I will say that the emphasis on “new readers” seems to indicate thattheir business model is not on solid ground by catering to “current / long-time readers.”

I would love to ask Dan Didio and Geoff Johns why the storylines of the OLDDCU could not havebeen continued in some other fashion, perhaps a series of Graphic Novels for long-time fans, undersome sort of “DC Classic,” imprint? Not to be overly cynical, but based on the several New 52 booksI've read so far, I suspect this whole experiment most likely gets "wiped" by a new "EVENT" in a year ortwo [Flashpoint: The Return - LOL].

What will the New 52 look like? Some books and characters will seem almost unchanged while otherswill be hardly recognizable. Apparently some continuity has been preserved – but compressed in a 5year window pre-ceding this dawn of the age of superheroes. This establishes a degree of back storyfor DCU characters but firmly entrenches Superman as the first recognized superhero [perhaps theonly element fans have welcomed].

From what I have read so far, it seems the DCUnow consists of a haphazard jumble of cherrypicked continuity [from titles & characters I canonly assumewere more well liked by Messrs.Didio & Johns]. The rest has been ditched.Storylines, completely unresolved are nowabandoned. Out with the old and inwith thenew. Considering most comic fans, at least theones with money to spend aren't kids - DCmay becommitting financial suicide by driving thoseolder readers away. You see, when it comes toepisodic storytelling, whether on TV or in print - abig reason folks keep tuning in is to see whathappens next to the characters they enjoy... bywiping them all out and in some cases replacingthem with completely unrecognizable variations -well on TV those sort of cast changes can lead tocancellation.

To be fair, I’ll give the new books a read anddecide their merits individually. To begin this 1st

instalment I’ll take a look at the first title to bereleased: JLA #1, written by Geoff Johns anddrawn by Jim Lee.

We don’t learn an awful lot from this comic. GeoffJohns is writing in a very pace controlled,decompressed method. Which to be fair I am abig fan of. There is no need to cram a lifetime ofevents into 24 pages. So let’s take a look at whatwe do learn…

Bruce and Hal [Batman & Green Lantern to theneophytes amongst you] meet for the first time.As a nod toward classic DCU continuity, thesetwo really don’t like each other all that much.They recognize that they are on the same teamthough, so no pointless hero vs hero fisticuffsensue. The banter between these two charactersis quite enjoyable actually, and I found myselfgetting into it.

We are then treated to a short segue introducingVictor Stone, the young manwho one daybecomes Cyborg, a foundingmember of the TeenTitans. Since they intend on Cyborg being amember of JLA eventually, then I can see why theadded this. As for execution, I ca safely say hard-core Titans fans won’t complain as the scene playsout in familiar fashion [ie: teenage athlete VicStone, estranged from his genius father].

So, what’s the downside to this issue?

Well, for starters, after showing the entire team onthe cover, only Green Lantern and Batman arefeatured in the issue [not counting a last minutecame by Superman – but we’ll get to that in asec].Why not have some additional scenesintroducing the rest of the team? If that increasesthe number of pages for the story, big deal, this isan event after all! It just makes no sense to showthe JLA on the cover and not have the JLA in theissue.

But what about that Superman cameo?

Glad you asked, since this was definitely theweakest part of the issue and the point at whichloyal DC fans may give pause and re-considerwhether or not the New DCU need be a part oftheir monthly pull list. Superman, the beacon ofTruth & Justice; the hero that inspires others tofollow in his stead… is introduced as a “strike first,ask questions later” angry anti-hero of the ImageComics variety.

Without talking to Green Lantern or Batman helashes out at Hal sending him crashing into somecars, which explode - yea property damage –hopefully they were unoccupied – or does killingcivilians work for this new edgy Supes? Thecameo, and issue itself, ends with Supermanstanding there, fists clenched, heat vision flaring &challenging Batman to a throw-down.

Not your father’s Superman, for sure…

While I am not on board with some of thecharacterizations, ultimately the success of theNew 52 may rest with the publisher’s decision togo forward with day & date digital release. Theyounger generation of potential consumers aremore accustomed to getting their fix online… byembracing ePub the DCUmay just attract thatshiny new generation of readers they covet somuch.

Side note: as an older reader I have always been abig fan of the JSA. They have at times been a partof the DCU proper and at others been a part of analternate universe [Earth 2]. Either way, a DCComics without these Golden Age heroes wouldbe a shame. With their continuity of being thementors to the current gen heroes now ret-conned out of existence… have the JSA gone theway of the Dodo?

Early reports certainly seemed to indicate just that.With Dan Didio going on record that they weregoing to “rest the concept.” Leaving many adisillusioned fan a-twitter [figuratively and quiteliterally texting their displeasure].

Well fret not fanboys and girls, apparently the JSAwill return after all in the New DCU [yea!] -- JamesRobinson [best damnwriter they could choose forthem, check out JSA: The Golden Age, if ya don'tbelieve me] will write the series with Nicola Scottproviding the art! Set on Earth-2 – I gotta say, as along-time fan of the multi-verse, I can't wait forthis..:)

Now while I loved Perez &Wolfman's COIE - as aspectacular tale. I never thought it shouldmean amulti-verse could or should never exist. Yes, itcleaned up old continuity but more importantly ittold a thrilling tale, as all comics should.

I am sure in a new multi-verse they can keep abetter handle on continuity - since it won't be apatchwork of many decades of contradictions,they can build it from ground up. Perhaps thisnew multi-verse can even be used as the imprint Imentioned earlier in order to publish pre-New 52storylines. Only time will tell.

See ya next time as we look at somemore of theNew 52 books.

Zatanna [© DC Comics] – by GIO [Giovanni Medina]

fan FictionCS Cartier presents

- AT NIGHT -THERE BE DARKNESS

Part ThreeNew York City, December 11th, 2:44

Nearly morning and I had bumpkins.

<We didn’t hear from you. Kory wasworried.>

I’ve been trained by the best, and I’ve learna thing or two since then.

<Kory must have just missed you. She wentthere and was attacked.>

I seen amazing things, beenwith amazingpeople and had my butt handed to be by somevery skilled individuals.

<Dick, she’s gone.>

I have had lovers that changed my outlookand beliefs and I have had friends that havechallenged the definition of friendship.

Kori is out there somewhere, and I haven’tfound a trace, a clue, a hair fiber – notta. Brucewas right; I am not ready for the big leagues. Iwent on and on about how I didn’t need ababysitter any more. I hated how he hung overmy shoulders like I was some half starved kid,looking for a pat on the head and a treat. Thebastard never ever said if I was doing a good jobor not. Everything was merely for self gratification,and I wasn’t getting it from The Bats. Hell no, Ispilt blood and saved his hide on dozens ofoccasions, I didn’t need the big league – Hell, Iwas in it! Sure, at first I was only a student. Yearsof swinging over the city changes more than justyour view. I think I spendmore time on a wirethan on my feet. I was raised to be in the air, theBats only gave me a reason to stay in the air.

~Richard.~

The Flying Graysons, oh how they loved it.Mom and Dad, swing and tossing each other; andI Richard Grayson the young entertaining youthjoined the duel. How everyone cheered andapplauded, it was so exhilarating and sosatisfying. The rush of danger and the satisfactionof walking toward becoming the thrills and theadrenalinwas a drug that I was quickly becomingaddicted to. I learned to push myself harder andattempting more daring and challenging featsjust to dig out a little bit more awe andamazement. Some kids dream about growing upin a Circus, and I didn’t have to dream.

It wasn’t all it was cracked up to be. It allcame crashing down due to a cut trapeze. It allcame crashing down, they came crashing down.My parents were the victims of greed, a simpleexample of what a whack-jobwas willing to do toprove a point. I sometimes dream about theGraysons again flying through the air. Timepasses, and you learn that chapters in your life arenot endings but beginnings.

BruceWayne took me in, I am not sure if itwas pity or his self inflated ego needing to saveeveryone and everything; including the poor boyin the circus that lost his family. Thanks to him, Idid met Barbra, and Al; and thanks to him I didreturn to the skies.

It was just not in a way that I thought Iwould be. I don’t want to sound bitter, I am not,really. Bruce gave memore than I can ever say oradmit to. He didn’t give me my parents, but hewas a good fall back; rough around the edges butprobably better than most if you couldmeasuresuch things.

The College years pushedme away fromhim,mentally and physically. Everyone needs togrow up and the birdmust fly out of the nesteventually. The man I am is due to Bruce. I don’tlike admitting that, but I am coming to terms withit. Independence brought something that thisward’s mentor never really had. Friendships! Myfriends may be strange to look at, or they mayhave colourful pasts and histories, but I wouldtrust them with more than my life. Heck, whenyou team up to save the city or even the world,friendships are incredibly important. I supposethat they are just as valuable to the commonperson, but few cherish the special bounds thatcome from knowing you can die tomorrow. Ineed to get in as much as I can; when I can.

Where did that come from? Self analysisand self doubt where confronted years ago. Sothat was simply a sign of how much I need somesleep. In this state, I am doing Kori no good.Bruce would have found her by now. Stop doingthat! Unlike the mighty Bat, I know when to drawthe line andwhen to turn for help.

Donna was right, as always, I am startingto pull away. Sitting on rooftops looking downon the people distances the hero from the victim.How can we relate to their pain if we are uphere?

I wish I could say that the facts were vague,however they are super clear. I’ve got nothing.That again is not entirely true. Kori and the gangwere concerned. They had a right to be. I’vebeen an idiot. Why am I following down a paththat I know is a bad direction? I’ve seen it manytimes. I know it to see it. I however can’t explainit but I have to. I would say I need a shrink butlet’s face it, I am way pass the point of sittingdown on a couch spilling mywoes.

I’m on a roof with a pair of thermalenhancement bio-filters, wearing tights prayingthat I can save the day from a bad guy. I don’tneed a couch, I need a furniture store.

Conrad, what does any of this have to dowith him? Hell, he’s small time trying to open upthe doors for the big time. I keepmoving thepuzzles around and somehow the missing piecekeeps getting bigger and further away. Korimissing just does not fit. Perhaps she simply left.She has done that before. And… not only am Ithinking in circles, I just noticed that I doubledback from my search pattern. I have learned thatwhen it came to women I really have a problemkeeping it together, especially when it came toKoriand'r. She is not like anyone on Earth (asidefrom the fact that she is not from Earth). She isremarkable and fantastic and the nights we haveshared…

Well, pining over a woman does clear yourhead just a little. You decided it was time forsome shut eye, so call it a night. I grabbedmyTitan’s communicator and open the mike. Call inand report - that you failed to find her. I jokinglywanted to say whoever has taken Starfire,enough with your games? Where did you takeher? Another sign of how tired I was, my mouthand my brain are on different roads. I must bemissing Garfield or something.

Not sure where that thought came from.That was very ‘unlike’ me. If only life was thatsimple, everyone could simply text what theywanted and presto… Static fills the air. No onespoke, but the line was open. Curiosity waspeaked; the Titan’s communication system was asecure system. Perhaps Star was able to activateher… I began to answer my unasked question.

The static mocks my attempt to searchwithout any avail. I worked on the devicetriangulating the open signal. A couple ofmoments were all I needed as it was not comingfrom where I thought it would be. The open mikewas literally right behind me. As I quickly turned athought or realization came to me; Starfire is waytoo powerful to be taken lightly or easily.

~Richard.~

“Do we have your full undividedattention?” The voice is familiar and it was notcoming from… a snapping popping sound springsmy legs into action. The hairs on the back of myneck stand as the night air erupts into an emeraldfire.

Hands and arms lungeme into acontinuous motion of several close calls as moreenergy baths the night sky. Years of trainingcurled and twisted my position towardmyadversary.

My belt supplies me with equipment that isneeded to gain the advantage. Smoke explodesand blinds the new comer from mywell timedretreat as an eruption nearly makes me loss myfooting. My hip spins to compensate the weightchange and againmy belt supplies mewith myneeded equipment.

This time, offence is strongly needed.Pellets rain over my attacker’s location and I leapoff the building knowingwhat is to come next. Iam barely off the roof when the drumming ofexplosions echoed loudly of the builds aroundme. I barely see green fire cascading from smokeand building fragments.

Blackfire, Kori’s sister, was looking asqueenly as ever; I watched as she hovers over thecarnage and destruction. She is not pulling anypunches today. Not that she ever has, but thedelay is strange beyond words. Blackfire wouldbe bragging the instant she bested her sister.

“You are just delaying the inevitable,Robin.”

I stepped forward from the shadow,spinningweapons from both hands. I stop todeliver my words (Bruce spend many lessons andyears on the proper deliverance of speech). It wasimportant to get into the mind of you adversary.Alien of not, everyone had self-doubts.

“Blackfire, I know you don’t let many detailspass by you, but you just made amistake. Ihaven’t been called Robin for years.”

“Yes… of course…”I stunned her. How did I stun her? Might

as well press the advantage. I need information, Ineeded to find Kori still, I still don’t have a clue astowho Blackfire was working with. “That’s a newlook for you, the green Starbolts are way moreominous.”

“Yes… of course… more ominous…”A boomerang was tossed at the same time

that I leaped from the adjacent build. She wasn’tstunned, she was dazed. I hit my mark and theboomerangwrapped around her, I proceeded toyank the rope to secure the Tamaran. She lostfocus and fell to some unyielding concrete.Discharging another rope, I employed physicsand proceeded to pendulum up to Blackfire. Iwas expecting her to have broken free by thattime. She was a strong as Star, but there she was– squirming like a worm.

~Richard!~

The image of Blackfire faded andmy ropecrumples to the rooftop. Did she teleport? Whatthe heck was going on?

I might not have expected Kori’s sister todisappear but I most definitely was expecting theshadows tomove. Bruce taught me to expect theunexpected a really long time ago. Comingtoward me is the woman in Shadow, the womanthat nearly blew me up the other night.

Finally this case is coming to a head, I justhope that Kori is okay.

To Be Continued…

Vanessa PARADIS – by Corinne Vuillemin

PoetrySelected Poem by Wanda VanHoy Smith – art by Amber Bair

SACAGAWEA SUMMERShe has always been depressed by themagical few days called Indian Summer..

A few sunny afternoons touch her like his handsand lips but she knows those days will soon be gone.

The loneliness of winter threatens its frigidways.Warm moments before the wind chill can't last.

With dread she faces reality of cold bleak weeks ahead.Love returns for a brief visit like Sacagawea's summer.

Late love brings all of the 4th of July fireworks with it.Apples are ripe but leaves are turning the color of rust.

His breath on her throat is exciting as Chinook Westwinds that stir undercurrents in the frigid Columbia River.

Strong as September blasts turning arms on farms of windmachines marching the bluffs of the trail of Lewis and Clark.

Her hair is turning white as the drifts that will soon coverSnoqualimi pass under a harvest moon.

Her cheeks glow from the last kiss of the sun beforeshe skids and spins on black ice of winter.

No one is quite sure why this mild break that comesbefore sudden chill is called “Indian Summer”

Native Americans are the last people on earth to causeGlobal Warming.

They haven't owned casinos and Cadillacs long enoughto cause a nuclear winter.

Memories are all that’s left of her summer laughterbut he never promised her a happy ever after.

Art – Lit Challenge:

create a piece inspired by the phrase: “Hand me down, tomorrow”

Idea Thief – by Stephen Gibb

Hand me Down Wordsby Wanda VanHoy Smith

My poor grandmother had towear her older sister's'clothes that didn't fit so she hates handme downs.Yet like Lady MacBeth she hands me downevery oldcliché known to man, like “a sorry sight.”

I no doubt will hand these down to my childrenwho will hand them down to their childrenHandme down expressions from heaven above fittomorrows situations like a glove

“do unto others”

Words that appear to be new on today’s computerslike Yahoo and Google are hand me downs fromdesigners of Yesterday's newspaper.Barny Google was a comic strip character inthe Sunday funnies with goo- goo - googly eyes.

Yahoo was in Gulliver's travels.

Shakespeare’s words never seem towear outHis classic lines like “there is no fool like an old fool.”are worn so thin it's a sin but still hang around andwill be hand me down quotes tomorrow

and tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow…

Note: Randy, on the subject of "Hand me down, tomorrow", I just wanted to throw this ideaout to you - the notion of artistic talent being inherited, in my case, father to son.

Talent and inheritance:by D.a. Erb

& D.a Erb Senior

One good example would be the Kubert family[Comics legend Joe Kubert, founder of the JoeKubert School of Cartoon and Graphic Art, andhis likewise talented and successful sons, comicartists Adam & Andy Kubert].

Here a sample of some of my father’s work alongwith a brief explanation.

D.a.Erb Senior, (my father) was editor,artist, columnist and production designerfor the "Berks free Press", an inmate createdpublication. It expressed ideas,commentaries, poetry and art. I feel theillustration on this issue deeply expressesthe turmoil and torment of prison life. The"Berks free Press" hasn't existed for over 30years. My fatherwas shot to death by apolice officer back in 1980.

What I find most interesting are the art styles a lotof artists seem to inherit. I have one brother whohas no artistic talent at all, but I have a halfbrother (my father’s son from his second wife)that has amazing artistic talent and has his owntattoo business.

Note: an interesting fact: My father and I share thesame Birthday, Both born on December 13th, ona Friday.

RKYVONLINE: On the two pages following are examples of the similarities in art styles,between father and son D.a. Erb:

by D.a. Erb Senior

by D.a. Erb

poetic perspectives - by r. j. paré

by Corinne Vuillemin

Raised On Saturday

Morning CartoonsWOMEN OF ACTION

When I was a young girl in the 70’s (hard tobelieve, I know) I watched Charlie’s Angelsreligiously. I loved the idea of women who notonly take care of themselves but everyone else inthe process. I found that there are manymoreexamples of characters like this on TV than in themovies, which may explainwhy I have alwaysbeen such a big television fan. With the re-launchof Charlie’s Angels this month, I have beenthinking about this subject and the women ofaction who continue to thrill the 9-year-old girl inme. It was wonderful to have such strong andself-sufficient female role models while growingup. There have been an increasing number ofsuch characters over the years and I certainlyhave my favourites! Here is my personal, top ten,list:

10. Jennifer Garner: I am sure most of youwouldput Ms. Garner higher on your lists for her role inAlias but I am sad to say that I only saw oneepisode. This is one of those series that I plan onpicking up on DVD because I liked what I saw. Iam not really sure why I didn’t catch it when itfirst broadcast but better late than never.

9. Farah Fawcett: I remember how excited I wastowatch Charlies’s Angels every week in the1970’s. I checked out an episode on youtuberecently and found the series to be slightly cornybut most shows were corny at that time intelevision history. Even though the actionwas notamazing, this was the first time I had seenwomanthis powerful. Although the details of the Angel’sadventures are foggy, the thrill I had at 9 years ofage watching the show can never be forgotten. Iam not certainwhy my favourite Angel, (as theywere all awesome,) was Jill Munroe played byFarah Fawcett. I think it was the hair.

by Pauline Paré

8. Maggie Q kicks butt as Nikita. This may be oneof several incarnations of the same premise butMaggie Q’s portrayal of the character makes youeasily believe that this woman can take care ofanything or anyone that gets in herway. I amlooking forward to the new season! Go Nikita!

7. Summer Glau was good in Firefly and evenbetter in The Sarah Conner Chronicles. She canreally work an action scene. I don’t believe wehave seen the last of her and I am lookingforward to any future projects by this talentedactress.

6. Katee Sackhoff mademe quell any doubts I hadabout Starbuck being played by a woman on“Battle Star Galactica”. Right from the first episodeshe owned the part and she only made it betteras the series went on. Her short stint in “TheBionicWoman” remake was brilliant and showedher versatility as a female action star. We needKatee on the screen again, whether it is the silverscreen or small.

5. Linda Carter as Wonder Woman: Again, I was ayoung girl at this time andwhat 10 year old girl inthe 70’s did not watchWonder Woman. Shekicked butt and looked great doing it. She alsohad amazing accessories. Those boots and thatlasso? Awesome.

4. Sarah Michelle Geller was amazing as Buffy theVampire Slayer. For 7 years she played the part ofthe tortured super powered heroine to perfection.There were actually several strong woman onthat show who I am sure were role models for awhole new generation of young women. I havemissed SMG on TV and I am thrilled that she isgetting a new series this season: Ringer. I haveread several reviews andwhile most describe it asa drama/thriller I have seen it hinted that therewould be quite a bit of action as well. Go Sarah!

3. Marisa Hargitay: Yes, Law andOrder SVU is apolice drama and Olivia Benson rarely getsphysical with her suspects, but a woman can kickbutt in many ways. Her character is unrelenting,strong and cool under pressure. She is good atbringing the bad guys to justice. You just can’thelp admire her. Marisa is able to show that anolderwoman can be beautiful and powerful inher life and career.

2. Lucy Lawless: Yes I admit it. I not onlywatched Xena:Warrior Princess but Ialso loved the show. Xena was sexy andtough as nails. Hermere presenceinspired fear and respect. She even hada lovesick god following her about. Thisis a show that deserves rewatching justbecause it was so much fun! Note toself: Find a Xena box set.

1. Eliza Dushku: You may be wondering why I rated Elizahigher than Sarah Michelle Geller. For one thing, Eliza hasbeen working pretty much steadily since Buffy ended andmostly in action oriented roles. Also, Faith was a delight towatch. The attitude and swagger she brought to thecharacter of Faith was a delight towatch. All a series needsto do is announce Eliza as one of their stars and I amguaranteed towatch. I also love how the actress spends alot of time with her fans and attends conventions on aregular basis. I hope that Eliza continues to work in thisgenre for a long time.

Well here is my list, yours will likely be different yet contain many of the actresses I mentioned. It isimportant for girls to have a variety of positive female role models and a woman who is beautiful yetso strong can only be a good influence on today’s girls (while also being incredibly fun to watch).Kudos to the boob tube for showcasing somany strong, heroicwomen over the years.

P.O.V.[ POINT OF VIEW ]

We would like to start a letters page! It would begreat to get feedback from our readers! Whetheryou write to tell us how wonderful we are or evento gripe about things you just don’t agree with.

Would you like to chime in on a subject?

Give your own opinion on an article’stopic?

We will include your comments in futureissues of RKYV!

Just email us or post your comment on ourFacebook page or give us a tweet! Which remindsme, RKYVonline just joined Twitter!

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To kick things off, here’s some of your feedbackwe’ve received over the last few months…

Randy, As always a superb issue of RKYV-Online.Congratulations!Roy G James

Wonderful Issue, bright and exciting. You shouldget some kind of award.Wanda in LA LA Land

Thanks guys, Wanda – it’s my pleasure. Roy – thisZine owes its creation to the time and creativeenergy you provided way back in our Xerox days.

In ref to #45…I love the inky pen and passionate purple. It wasa delightful surprise to find my litle poemincluded. Is there any theme you are looking for?My poems are about jazz, sailing the ocean, trees,and life in the crowded lane. I just finished apoem about a St. Pats parade. I love the picture ofRay Charles in this issue and all the Star Trek stuff.I will read it all tonight. Thank You,Wanda VanHoy Smith

In ref to # 47…Finished up, that was an enjoyable read(especially the featured artist interview and theStargrazer review, the art looks beautiful)! Yeah,definitely would be cool to contribute whatever Ican =)Alvaro Cortes Ortiz Jr

Cool beans Alvaro, awesome having you takepart in the Zine. BTW, fans of Buddha Monkeytake note: Alvaro is our new colourist!

I love it!! Beautiful and thank you for fixingmyname!! Impressive artwork!Amber Bair

Thanks for the phenomenal art treatment yougave my poems in RKYV # 47. Ray Bradbury is athome working on a book of short stories now 90something. I love the Blue Marble guitarWanda VanHoy Smith

That about wraps things up, if you want to see your POV in print then get them fingers a-tweetingand we’ll gather them up and publish comments, suggestions & critique. I’ll take my leave by sharingwith you all the alternate cover this month’s issue, on the following page:

See ya next time,r. . paréEIC RKYV Online eZine