Kids Comic Book Creative Writing Workshop

This workshop was about teaching kids character development and story structure using comic books. After all with the highly visual and condensed format of comics it’s easy for kids to see step by step what goes into creating a story. The panels make it easier to see what they’ve done without flipping back through previous pages like a regular story book.

So how did we accomplish this task? It was fairly easy actually. There were 3 worksheets the kids used; a superhero creator worksheet and 2 that were blank panel pages.


They started with the superhero outline as characters were explained as the building blocks of a story. On the front the kids created their superhero. Once they had finished they were asked to flip the page over to design their villain.

After they had designed their characters the kids were taught setting. They wrote down the name of where their characters lived on the same worksheet. These creations needed some place to live after all.

Once they had their setting conflict was introduced. The kids were told to figure out why their hero and villain didn’t like each other. Why it was they were fighting.

When they had their reasons and all of the ground work was set up they were given the 2 panel sheets. We explained that all that was left for them to figure out to make their story was how to resolve the conflict between the characters and how their story would end.

The kids set to work and the end result was fantastic! In both cases the hero and villain ended up being friends again resulting in a happy ending. Each individual story took its own path, but both girls decided that their characters needed to be friends at the end.

After they read me their stories the kids said they had fun and would tell their teacher what they had learned over break. We’re glad they had fun because we had fun putting it on. Looking forward to doing more of these workshops.

Hannibal Lecter Is My Valentine

 Valentine’s Day is a holiday that, generally, people loathe but the greeting card, candy companies, florists, restaurants, and retail stores enjoy. We shell out money, while they make it. Valentine’s Day is a holiday filled with guilt and depression. If you’re part of a couple there’s pressure to do something and if you’re single it’s a horrible reminder that you are single.

    Myself I’m really not a fan of the holiday for the afore mentioned reasons, despite being in a relationship. That’s why a few years ago, when I was still single, I came up with my own way to celebrate that makes the day more enjoyable. A way that makes me forget about the commercialized lovey dovey. I marathon Hannibal Lecter movies.

That’s right, I spend my Valentine’s Day with Hannibal Lecter. Sure he’s psychotic, but he’s smart, cultured, well read, enjoys the finer things, and let us not forget, an amazing cook. I know he eats people, but he’s such a gourmet chef that he’s able to hide the taste of human flesh so that his guests have no idea what they’re eating.

I have all of the movies; well all but one. I don’t have ‘Manhunter’ with William Petersen, but beyond that I have them all including season one of the Hannibal TV series. I alternate each year what order I watch them in. Sometimes I watch them in chronological order of the storyline which means I start with ‘Hannibal Rising’ and end with ‘Hannibal’. Other times I watch them in the order they were made so I start with ‘The Silence of the Lambs’ and end with ‘Hannibal Rising’.

    To top the day off I also order Chinese food delivery. Yep, Hannibal Lecter and Chinese food is the best way to spend Valentine’s Day that I have discovered. I binge on Hannibal the 14th and then discounted Valentine’s candy on the 15th.

Hannibal Lecter is my Valentine. How do you spend Valentine’s Day?

Comic Geeks Unite New Year Plan for 2015 (Part 1)

It’s that time of year again. Time to set goals to accomplish during this new year. For those who don’t know I wanna take a moment to explain that a few years ago I stopped making New Year’s Resolutions because to me resolutions are temporary and most don’t make it past March. I make goals so that I have a to do list that I have a year to get done.

Let’s take a sec to look at last year’s goals:

1) Try to make it to more events. (I want to carry this one over)
2) Do or get heavily involved in a geek event
3) Continue to work on my correspondence like when you guys send me stuff and keeping up with the page
4) Get a decent website up and running
5) Do a cosplay calendar
6) Spread the word about CGU
7) Never miss an opportunity to chat or hang with my geeky brethren
8) Now that I've started a blog, keep up with it.
I didn’t too horrible in keeping up with those goals. I didn’t get the website going, I wasn’t able to finish the cosplay calendar but I did start it, and I’ve been kinda lax about the blog here. One thing I did do last year to help ensure I met these goals was I took on a partner to help me run CGU so that I wasn’t spreading myself too thin.

My partner, Michael Conkright, and I have come up with a slightly different way of setting our goals and game plan for CGU for this year. The set up is called a CPR, which stands for Context, Purpose, and Results. In doing this we have also redefined the mission statement for Comic Geeks Unite. It also means that we are setting goals every 6 months. So this list of goals is what we hope to accomplish from January-June. In June we’ll evaluate what we’ve done and set new goals for June-December. So here goes:

Context (what we are at our core): Inspire geeks through fun

Purpose (our new mission statement): Comic Geeks Unite is to have a place where geeks can socialize, share interests, and express opinions without fear of being ridiculed or criticized.

Results (our goals):

• Whatever we do we break even monetarily
• Create a website
• Get sponsors for ads for the website
• Seek to do 6 educational workshops. (Even if I am unable to do them seek out 6 places to pitch the workshop idea)
• Talk to Chris Perry about being involved in the ANIMAINE convention
• Talk to Justin Labarge about setting up the website
• Attend at least 3 local shows, but if opportunity becomes available attend more
• We’re going to test a pod cast idea by launching 2 videos on YouTube for your feedback

Again keep in mind that this list of goals is only for the first 6 months. In June we’re going to re-evaluate these goals and create new ones. In the meantime if any of you have suggestions or things you would like to see from us here at Comic Geeks Unite let us know. After all we’re here for you, our fellow geeks.

Kids Comic Book Workshop 1

On Monday December 29 2014 I did my first Kids Comic Workshop at the Maine Children’s Discovery Museum in Augusta, Maine. Why? Because I honestly believe comics have a lot to teach us and I wanted to show both kids and parents that comics are more than caped heroes running after bad guys. The Children’s Discovery Museum liked that idea and gave me the opportunity to share my ideas.

I had planned to cover a few topics, but to also keep it light in order to make sure the kids were engaged and getting something out of it. I started my telling the kids before hand to dress up in superhero costumes. I also dressed in costume. I had mashed together 3-4 costumes that I have thinking I would match the kids when they showed up, but they surprised me. They came as Superman, Wolverine, Ninja Turtles, Jedi, and a few others. When they got there I made them all superhero name tags telling them they could pick any superhero name they wanted and I would call them that name during the workshop. One little boy came as a Japanese hero who for the life of me I couldn’t remember nor pronounce the name. I felt bad, but he had told me the English translation was Electric Man so that’s what I went with.

The format of the workshop went like this:

• Good Guys vs. Bad Guys
• Good guys don’t always wear white and bad guys don’t always wear black
• Tips on bullies and how not to be one
• Geek pride, what it means to be a geek
• Favorite heroes and why they like them
• Everyday heroes like police, firemen, doctors, volunteers, etc., and even our friends
• Comics can help reading
• Vocabulary words found in comics
• Comics teach us how to use our imagination

Then I ended by having the kids design their own superheroes and costumes. They spread out on the floor with paper and crayons creating their heroes. After they finished they proudly showed me what they had created.

It was a great experience and I’m looking to do more workshops like this. I had fun, the kids enjoyed themselves, and the Children’s Discovery Museum liked having something different for the kids to enjoy. Look for more workshops to come, and if you’re interesting in having me do a workshop feel free to contact me either thru Facebook at: www.facebook.com/comicgeeksunite or by e-mail at comicgeeksunite@yahoo.com.

A Geek's Night Before Christmas

Twas the night before Christmas and all thru the den comic books were stacked and I was reading again. I know I should sleep, despite the late hour but just can't help visiting Baxter Tower. My stocking was hung on the wall with a 3M hook as I nestled further into the chair reading my book.

My Superman jammies complete with cape after all of these years still in good shape. I wore them with pride despite the fade and a small rip in the side. Sure I should be in bed and I should be asleep, but the plot was getting deep. Time ticked away faster than planned reading about Elektra defeating The Hand.

Lost in my world when suddenly a loud sound like Mjolnair had been hurled. Quick as the Flash I ran to the window leaving my stash. A crimson streak went through the sky. It moved far quicker than the eye. Great Scott! What could this be? If it was Superman I couldn't see. A craft landed on the roof accompanied by the sound of a hoof. One hoof? No it was more. Quickly I ran locking the door. What this stranger would want I knew not. Please dear Odin let him leave alone my lot!

Down through the stove was such a loud clang. Unlocking the door and flinging it with a bang I ran to the kitchen unsure what I would find. Standing at the door with my hand on the knob my heart pounding causing my hand to throb. This was no time to be scared. I needed to be as brave as Daredevil dared. With a large gulp trying to fear no more I gave in pushing open the door.

To my amazment there was a large elf who was kind. His suit as red as red Hulk though around his waist was the most of his bulk. With white trim and beard I couldn't help thinking, "Man this is weird," His smile was bright as his eyes shone blue. He looked at me and said, "I've got something for you,"

With a twinkle in he eye as bright as Green Lantern's glow to his sack he dove in deep below. In mere moments he turned back round showing me what he had found. It was amazing! Astounding! I couldn't believe my eyes! My very own Batcopter that flies!


Of course that was not all. The red clad man beckoned me to follow him down the hall. Taking his sack to my tree he stood. Reaching in and pulling out gifts like a reverse hood. The complete Sandman, Hellboy too, and lets not forget the Gunslinger part two. The complete Hitchhiker's guide left me feeling all gooey inside.

One he was thru he closed up his bag and out the open window he flew. Up on the roof I could hear the old man talking to his reindeer. I was utterly amazed as this magic feat. It was watching Spider-Man swinging up the street. Into the night sky Santa flew away. I knew that I would never forget this Christmas day.

The Voice is the Same

 

I recently saw a video of a Q & A with H. Jon Benjamin at Comicon. A question was asked of how it was that Benjamin prepared for his various voice roles. For those unfamiliar with either H. Jon Benjamin’s name or his work let me explain his background a little bit. 

H. Jon Benjamin is a voice actor who has worked in various adult cartoon comedy shows. Benjamin is most noted as the voice of Sterling Archer in ‘Archer’ as well as Bob in ‘Bob’s Burgers’ and Orpheus’ master in ‘Venture Bros’. He has also done several other bit parts such as Moth Monster Man in ‘Aqua Teen Hunger Force’ and several others.

Now the reason the question is so funny is because Benjamin’s voice is the same no matter what character he voices. He has a very distinctive voice that’s easy to recognize. Also unlike other voice actors, such as Tom Kenny or Frank Welker, Benjamin never changes the sound of his voice. It’s always his own voice which makes it so easy to pick out.

As much as fans enjoy Benjamin’s voice and his work he does get picked on a bit because of never changing or fluctuating his voice. Although there is another voice actor from the 80s who did the same thing; who also had a very distinctive voice. That actor’s name is Lorenzo Music.

Music was the voice of Garfield the cat on ‘Garfield and Friends’ as well as the voice of Peter Venhkman on ‘The Real Ghostbusters’. He was also the voice of the announcements at Winfred Louder on ‘The Drew Carey’ show and Rhoda’s doorman in ‘Rhoda’. Sadly Music passed away from cancer in 2001.

So what Benjamin does voice wise has been done before. What’s funny is that the 2 men even kind of look alike. Although the biggest difference is that Lorenzo Music was much more family friendly oriented in his work while H. Jon Benjamin is certainly aimed towards adults.

Personally I’m a fan of both men. As a kid I loved Music as Garfield and Vehnkman and as an adult I like Benjamin in pretty much anything I hear him in. 

 

What If Waldo Were A Zombie?

This is a bit of silliness and mental wandering I had on Halloween night. Please allow me to explain a bit. For the past 10 years I have helped out with 92 Moose’s Free Family Halloween Party. This year I wore my Waldo costume; as in Where’s Waldo? I always hand out treat bags at the entrance. Every child gets a free treat bag stuffed with goodies upon arrival. Anyway, this year I handed out a goodie bag to a young boy dressed as a zombie. Before he took the bag he put his mask down and pretended to gnaw on my arm. After he took the bag I went to my friend Renee telling her what had happened.

“I’m not really sure what to do,” I said half chuckling.

“Waldo as a zombie? Well that’s different,” Renee said.

“This time, Waldo is gonna find you!” I said smiling.

“THAT needs to be a story!” Renee smiled.

So here we are. What if Waldo were a zombie?





Waldo wanders to all kinds of strange and interesting places. He’s been to crowded beaches, chaotic shopping malls, Renaissance fairs, and many more. What if one day Waldo wandered to a dark place. A place where a new disease was just emerging.

It was a day like any other. Waldo was out wandering about with his satchel and walking stick. Waldo was going by a small hospital with bars on the windows. He stopped for a moment to check his map. As usual Waldo was oblivious to all of that was going on around him. He always seemed to just blend into his surroundings; no one ever really paid him any mind.

It was because Waldo was so used to being near invisible that he didn’t notice the disheveled man shuffling towards him in a bloodied hospital gown. Waldo didn’t see the man until after having put the map away and the man was practically on top of him. Waldo  smiled stretching out his arm to wave at this man who looked as though he needed a smile.

That was his mistake.

The man grabbed Waldo’s arm biting it to the bone. In pain Waldo tried desperately to get the man off from his arm by hitting him repeatedly with the walking stick. After several heavy blows the man lets Waldo’s arm go, topples backwards, and splits his head open on the pavement.

“That was very strange,” Waldo thought.

Waldo takes a scarf out of his satchel wrapping the wound until he can get to a proper hospital. He didn’t want to take his chances at the hospital that crazed patient had come out of. Luckily it wasn’t long until Waldo found another hospital. Inside his wound was stitched up and properly bandaged. With that taken care of Waldo was on his way.

For about a day Waldo felt ill. He felt very sluggish and his insides ached. He vomited along the way, but he still did not let that stop his wanderings. The following day he had a hard time to focus. Waldo was hungry, craving something, but nothing seemed to appeal to him. Not the snacks he carried in his satchel nor any food he came across seemed to satisfy this great hunger within him. By the third day Waldo could think of nothing else, but the hunger within him and the dire need to satisfy it.

It was at an open air café as Waldo shuffled by that a woman recognized him. She smiled as she got up from her seat running towards him.

“FOUND YOU!” she yelled excitedly.

Waldo stopped taking notice of this woman who was a complete stranger to him. As she got closer the smell of her enticed him. Not her perfume, but just the smell of her flesh. It smelled absolutely wonderful! She was talking at him, but Waldo wasn’t hearing a word of it. The insatiable hunger welled up within him and he knew that this would satisfy it. Like the man three days ago had done to him, Waldo lunged at the woman taking a bite out of shoulder. She screamed, but he didn’t care. The taste was wonderful! It was exactly what he was looking for! Waldo didn’t stop with the woman though, oh no, he devoured the entire café.

After he’d had his fill Waldo continued his wanderings. He no longer looked at the map; he didn’t care. Waldo simply went where he could feed. In his wanderings he made new friends who fed just as he did. What a crazed man at a secluded hospital had started Waldo finished. This time people weren’t looking for Waldo, Waldo was looking for them!

That is how the zombie apocalypse started. A cheerful man in a stripped shirt with a passion for wandering anywhere and everywhere. No one may have noticed him before, but they’ll notice him now.