STAPLE! and Alan J. Porter interview

My latest Nexus Graphic column over at SF Site centers on my visit to the 5th STAPLE! con.

Subtitled "the independent media expo," STAPLE! began in March, 2005 after Chris "Uncle Staple" Nicholas, co-creator of You Chose Right The First Time, realized that the Austin area offered enough talent "to put on a pretty good indie comics show" but none in the region. By combining a focus on independent, alternative, and small press media with independent-friendly comic book shop sponsorship and an affordable entrance fee, STAPLE! succeeded like none before. Each successive show, while staying true to Uncle Staple's vision, has attracted more fans and required a larger venue.

More than sixty exhibitor tables showcased a multiplicity of works in both content and medium. The creators and fans present varied in age, race, and gender. In an unusual and welcome change, young adult women represented a large percentage of the attendees. Long seen as a key to the industry's survival, the need for inclusion of women in the field as both creators and fans led to the 1997 creation of the Friends of Lulu, whose "purpose is to promote and encourage female readership and participation in the comic book industry." From where I stood, the group has made serious inroads over the past twelve years.

I then go on to talk about several of the people I met. This issue's reviews all tie in with STAPLE! including coverage on Alan J. Porter's James Bond: The History of the Illustrated 007 and the anticipated The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen Century: 1910.


Speaking of Porter, the latest edition of my Baker's Dozen interview series focuses on Mr. Porter, James Bond, comics, and Cars.

The bottom line is that neither of the property owners; Ian Fleming Publications who hold the rights to the literary Bond, nor Eon Productions, who hold the rights to the cinematic Bond, seem interested in granting a license to do comics. I know of at least one US based publisher who applied a few years ago and was refused. I am working with another US publisher who has a strong track record with high profile licensed properties, to see if we can get something off the ground, but so far have had no response from either license holder.

Believe you me, I would love nothing more than to be writing an ongoing James Bond comic series.

Jack Kirby in New York Times

Editorial Observer

Jack Kirby, a Comic Book Genius, Is Finally Remembered

By BRENT STAPLES

Published: August 26, 2007

The fear of being forgotten after death is endemic in the creative arts. In the case of the iconic comic book artist Jack Kirby, it happened while he was still alive. By the 1960s, Mr. Kirby had already revolutionized the comic book business more than once. Working as principal artist and in-house genius for Marvel, he created a voice and an aesthetic unmatched by any other company.

continued...

Ten years ago, I would not have imagined this type of editorial in any major newspaper, never mind one as prestigious and influential as the The New York Times. On that front, things have certainly changed for the better.

And a Kirby sidenote, be sure to check out the Jack Kirby Museum and especially the awesome online Kirby art gallery!