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08.30.07 - PR FOR BOOK RELEASE  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (8/30): BOOK TOUR TO BENEFIT CYSTIC FIBROSIS FOUNDATION From September through December, comic book writer David Hopkins will be on tour to promote the release of his graphic novels Karma Incorporated and Astronaut Dad. Proceeds from the tour benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. The tour spans the Fall season, weekends and Wednesdays throughout. Various signings will be at conventions and book stores, starting with the Free State Free Con in Lawrence, Kansas on September 15-16. Other dates include Hastings Bookstore in Round Rock, Texas on October 6th, Zeus Comics in Dallas, Texas on October 24th, Pub Fest at Dan's Silverleaf in Denton, Texas on October 27th, Speeding Bullet Comics in Norman, Oklahoma on November 14th, Wizard World Texas on November 16th-18th, and Star Clipper in St. Louis, Missouri on December 1st. Other dates will be added as they are available. More information on the website -- http://antiherocomics.com/tour During the tour, David Hopkins will sell original art and sketches donated by comic book creators. In addition to book sales, all the money raised from the artwork goes directly to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Already, Ryan Dunlavey (Action Philosophers), Lea Hernandez (Killer Princesses, Rumble Girls, and Texas Steampunk), Jamar Nicholas (Detective Boogaloo), and Mike Hawthorne (Hysteria, Umbra, and Queen & Country) have agreed to donate art. More artists and sponsors are needed. Karma Incorporated, Vol. 1, published by Viper Comics, and Astronaut Dad, Vol. 1, published by Silent Devil Productions, will be released within a month of each other. David Hopkins wrote both graphic novels, with Karma Incorporated illustrated by Tom Kurzanski (Antigone) and Astronaut Dad illustrated by Brent Schoonover (Horrorwood). The second volume of Karma Incorporated follows later in 2007. "I didn't plan for everything I've been working on for the past few years to come out all at once. It's a little nerve wracking," Hopkins admits. "But hello, here I am. It's a good opportunity to make some noise and raise awareness for something more important than comics." David Hopkins became interested in Cystic Fibrosis research from meeting a fan with CF at a comic book convention. The idea of doing the tour as a fund raiser started through a friendship with organizers of the Dallas-based Ultraviolet Rock Show, which also benefits CF research. Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a devastating genetic disease that affects tens of thousands of children and young adults in the United States. Research and care supported by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is making a huge difference in extending the quality of life for those with CF. However, lives continue to be lost to CF every day. To learn more about CF and the CF Foundation, visit -- http://cff.org
Astronaut Dad featured in Comics Shop News...
I picked up the premiere issue of Comic Foundry. Good Lord, this is a great magazine. Matt Fraction's "How to Make Love to Kieron Gillen" is about the funniest thing I've read. I'm especially fond of step 6: Working through the tears. Seriously, if this magazine can't survive in our industry, then our industry is doomed. Comic Foundry's two closest competitors, Wizard and The Comics Journal, aren't even hitting the same audience. This new magazine is for people who read and enjoy a wide range of comics and graphic novels -- not necessarily limited to the Marvel/DC elitists or the "high art" comic mavens. I've always been a big fan of Tim Leong (CF's editor-in-chief). This guy knows what he's doing. He's a bonafide comic book journalist. So congrats, Tim, I can't say enough about CF.
Astronaut Dad is ready for pre-order. Not only has it been featured in Comic Shop News (image coming soon), but it's also a Spotlight Item for the Previews catalog. We're doing good.
Order code: SEP07 3931 ASTRONAUT DAD VOL 1 GN SRP: $5.95
Starting with the October '07 issue for D Magazine, Paul Milligan and I have a semi-monthly full page comics feature called "Souvenir of Dallas."
In the first installment, we cover the opening of a new restaurant. Mischief ensues. This is going to be fun. (click here for more info) 
Many of you have already read the news (click here). I looked up to Mike. He was an amazing artist, and just an incredible person. Friendly and open. He supported so many people in small press publishing. We loved him. No one better.
Don't know what else to say.
My friend and Emily Edison collaborator, Brock Rizy finished shooting his film Bike_Gang Congratulations. Now he has to do the animation over the live action. I can't wait to see it. Check out the photos on the official website. If you are considerably wealthy, they still need money to get it produced and distributed. Pay up!
 a scene from Bike_Gang Saturday will be a busy day. Starting at 5 PM, Josh Howard has an Art Show at the Lone Star Comics in Dallas off Mockingbird. From there, drive to Artclub at 823 Exposition for The Natural State group exhibition. The reception is 7:30 to 9:30. Sarah Jane Semrad is one of the featured artists. AND THEN, go to Titan Comics for the Live Art Show and Auction to support Hero Foundry, 8 PM. And afterwards?
Some upcoming conventions/store signings for the release of the Karma Incorporated and Astronaut Dad graphic novels:
September 15th - 16th Free State FreeCon Comic Book & Toy Convention in Lawrence, Kansas (website) October 6th at 6 PM Hastings in Round Rock, Texas (website) October 24th Zeus Comics and Toys in Dallas, Texas (website) October 27th Pub Fest at Dan's Silverleaf in Denton, Texas (website) November 14th Speeding Bullet Comics in Norman, Oklahoma (website) November 16th - 18th Wizard World Texas in Arlington, Texas (website) It's shaping into a nice little book tour. I'd like to do more out of state, but it's difficult to take off during the school year. Anybody at Strange Adventures want to fly me, plus a friend, to Nova Scotia Canada? How about Rocketship in Brooklyn? Star Clipper in St. Louis?
A difficult photo set of a young girl on the ledge of a 23 story building in Dallas. She was planning to jump, but ultimately decided against it. Is it exploitive? Is it journalism? Regardless, I find it very humbling as a witness. Whoever you are, I hope things are better.
New Wes Anderson movie!
The Darjeeling Limited If all the filmmakers in the world were trapped in a burning building, Wes Anderson would be the only one I'd save. This film looks like a nice progression in what has become his trademark eye-candy style. Adrien Brody is a good addition to usual cast -- especially if you've seen him in Dummy (a sorely under appreciated film). You know he fits the "Wes Anderson mold." And that's not a bad thing. Also, Rocket Science and Dedication look really good -- and something new from the Coen Brothers! I can't wait for the summer mega-movie season to crawl back into its hole, so we can get back to quality storytelling. MISCELLANY: I set up an account with Yelp. Planning to post my first review this afternoon.
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