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.

November is Hulk Month

A couple of years ago I decided to dub November Hulk Month for Comic Geeks Unite. Why would I devote an entire month to one hero, but not do it for any of the others? Well I have a few reasons for doing that.

Let’s start with the selfish reason: the Incredible Hulk is my favorite hero. Why? For starters he combines two other loves of mine which are Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde and classic monster movies. Stan Lee has said that he based the Hulk off from the classic Robert Louis Stevenson book and Boris Karloff’s portrayal of Frankenstein’s monster. I also like that not only is the Hulk a split personality from his scientist alter ego Bruce Banner, but that because of the Hulk’s brute force Banner is a reluctant hero. There is also a certain appeal in the Hulk’s unlimited strength. The madder he gets the stronger he gets making he essentially unstoppable.

Another reason is one of memoriam. It was in November (the 21st) that, sadly, Bill Bixby passed away. Bixby’s portrayal of David Banner in the television series (and television movies that followed) is one that fans compare all other actors who take on the part. Bixby was also well known from other TV series such as, ‘My Favorite Martian’ and ‘The Courtship of Eddie’s Father’ to name a couple. His representation of David Banner showed us a truly tortured soul who was a true Jack of all trades even though no matter where he wandered and what job he took inevitably his doctor background, not to mention the Hulk, would come out.

Fun fact about Bill Bixby; did you know he never let his son watch ‘The Incredible Hulk’ series? He never wanted his son to think that if his father got angry he would turn into a giant green rage monster.

November is also the month in which Lou Ferrigno was born. Lou’s birthday is on November 9. The Hulk himself, who even after the series ended has been a big part of anything Hulk. Ferrigno voiced the Hulk in the 1990’s cartoon series, as well as being the voice in the Edward Norton Incredible Hulk movie. His voice was even added to the mix for the noises and voice for Mark Ruffalo’s Hulk in, ’The Avengers’. Ferrigno has also been a consultant in the look of the Hulk for both the previously mentioned Edward Norton film as well as ‘The Avengers’. Let’s also not forget Lou’s cameos in the Eric Bana Hulk film and Edward Norton’s film. In both he played a security guard, but in Norton’s Lou got a much better nod.

Fun fact about Lou Ferrigno; he almost wasn’t the Hulk. Originally Richard Keel had been cast in the role, but the director’s son said that Keel didn’t look right. While Keel was tall he wasn’t bulky enough to properly play the Hulk. Thus Lou Ferrigo got the part and made geek history.

The last reason is because the pilot episode for, ‘The Incredible Hulk’ television series debuted in November. On November 4 the Hulk came to life on the small screen. For the first time in live action we got to see the transformation of David Banner into the strongest creature on the planet. Sure his origin and profession were changed and updated, but it worked. Along with being chased by the relentless tabloid reporter Jack McGee who became the constant antagonist throughout the series. It’s the longest running live action series Marvel has ever had.

So there you have it. That is why I have dubbed November Hulk month for Comic Geeks Unite. I hope you’ll join us as we celebrate everything The Incredible Hulk.

Confessions of a Chucky Doll

Being a haunter at The Town of Terror, put on by 92 Moose and B-98.5, has been an interesting experience. I had never haunted before, but I do enjoy scaring the daylights out of people given the chance. Want to know what it’s like to be haunting for a haunted house/hay ride? Read on and I shall share my experience with you.

    As I said before I had never haunted professionally, or in this case semi-professionally, so the experience was completely new to me. Not only that, but I am playing a well known horror icon. That is both a good and a bad thing. It’s bad in that people know the character and have certain expectations of me. There are certain standards I have to uphold. The good bit is that it is a well known monster so half of the work is done for me because of the appearance and those expectations.

    Now I’m sure some of you are thinking, “Wait, Chucky isn’t a girl!” You’re right, he’s not; however, with a sports bra, multiple layers, and the fact that the Chucky shirt is baggy hides my gender. In fact those who I encounter after say they had no idea that I was Chucky.

I will also take a moment to admit that my Chucky voice isn’t spot on. In fact it’s a bit high pitched for Chucky. What can I say? I’m not good enough to pull off the maniacal dead pan menacing child like voice that Brad Dourif can. The man set the standard and created the character. While I know I’m not going to match it I just try not to be an embarrassment.

    Of course the best thing about being a haunter are the reactions. It goes without saying, but I’m gonna say it anyway, screams and shrieks are awesome! Although to be honest I also enjoy the jokes, the thrilled recognition, the enthusiasm of wanting to play with Chucky, the horrified looks, and even the sarcastic comments. Any reaction is great. It lets me know I’m doing a decent job, or at least being amusing.

    Although I’m going to take a quick sec to tell you all something. A little haunted house etiquette if you will. Haunters have 1 job, and 1 job only, and that is to scare you. At the very least get some kind of reaction out of you. Don’t be the strong silent type; it’s rude. A scarer not getting a reaction is like a comedian getting silence while on stage. We know we’re not going to get to everyone, and that’s fine, but show a little something towards our efforts. Thank you for giving me that moment and consideration.

Now I want to share with you my favorite part; the reactions I have gotten. Like I said, I’m generally happy with any reaction I get so I’m going to share some of my favorite reactions I have gotten thus far.

“Is that Chucky?! Oh my God it’s Chucky! HI CHUCKY!”

“IT’S CHUCKY!”

“Oh my God I hate Chucky! Keep him away from me!”
“Dude seriously, I hate dolls!”

(After asking, “Who wants to play with Chucky?!”) “I wanna play with Chucky! C’mon Chucky, I’ll be your best friend!”

“Chucky aren’t you supposed to be a midget? Why are you so tall?”

“Oh my God he’s got a knife!” (plastic prop by the way)

“Holy crap Chucky is following us!”

(As I was following the hay ride wagon) “Okaaaayyyy Chucky I get it!”

“Look it’s Chucky. OH MY GOD HE’S REAL!”

“Chucky, you’re seriously creeping me out.”

“KEEP AWAY FROM ME!”

(After asking, “Who wants to play with Chucky?!” and having a friend pushed towards me despite their attempts to get away from me) “He does! He likes Chucky!”

(This was a conversation between myself and a girl at the back of the hay wagon after I said, “CHUCKY NEEDS A NEW BODY!”)
“Chucky needs a new body?”
“Yeah, Chucky needs a new body!”
“Why does Chucky need a new body?”
“LOOK AT ME! I’M STUCK IN A FRICKIN’ DOLL!”

(After saying, “CHUCKY NEED A NEW BODY!”) “You can have my body Chucky. You want it?”

"You're not a 'Good Guy' Chucky!"

“Chucky you need to go home and go to bed! Go home Chucky!”

 Other than that I get the usual shrieks, screams, and even chuckles. Although sometimes some of the best reactions I get come much later. Like when I take new haunters to get costumes while wearing most of my Chucky outfit. The new recruits realize I’m Chucky and then tell me how much I scared them from earlier shows. It really makes me smile.

    There was even one time Chucky got to run amok in a Spirit of Halloween store for a remote broadcast. Scaring is much easier when people aren’t fully expecting a life sized Chucky doll to be creeping around the aisles. I got some good screams that day. Although I did take it easy on the little ones and I tried to incorporate humor by pretending to try on different costumes and accessories. Some people are never going to look at Chucky the same way after seeing him hold up a Wonder Woman bustier for size. Or the princess crown for that matter.

So what have I learned from my experience as a Chucky doll?
That Chucky certainly creeps out, if not outright scares, most of the population.
It takes a few tries to figure out what works best for scaring people on a hay ride.
Any reaction is better than none at all.
It sometimes creeps people out more to learn that Chucky is a girl than Chucky himself.
No matter what, have fun. If you’re not having fun why do it?