"Larry is awesome." -- Jim Lee

The Good Graphic Novels of 2003

Chris Allen's Breakdowns column this week has his list of the good graphic novels of the past year, and in the heady company of such critical darlings as Palomar and Blankets we find called-out the action and the adventure of Last of the Independents and Astronauts in Trouble.

I have to say I sure do genuinely appreciate that, since with all the (mis)perceived Sturm und Drang which is the daily struggle to Make Comics Better, even I sometimes forget that this massive media empire you see sprawled before you now sprouted from an idea I once had about man's return to the moon in this media-saturated age.

So, Chris Allen: we salute you.

Was on Jessica Abel's site the other day, and I saw a page of faqs designed as an interview and informing those interested that yes, she very much is available for interview, but these five or six questions have already been asked of her a million times, are kinda on the stiff side, and by the way, here are the answers if that's all you want. Cut and paste and arrange your own interview.

I thought that was brilliant, and an entertaining way to get more interesting and varied questions.

So, since the AiT/Planet Lar Fifth Anniversary is coming up (March 17th, 1999 was the in-store date of the first issue of Live From the Moon), I thought I'd arrange a similar page on the site for those who are just hearing about us and what we do now because of the ongoing anniversary media onslaught. If you've got a question you think I hear all the time, or, conversely, have never heard, read or have seen me answer, email it to:

larry@ait-planetlar.com

and it'll show up on the interview page in the next month or two.

Brian Wood Month Event - San Francisco Tiki Tour

All the San Francisco Tiki Bars. Brian Wood and the Isotope will be hitting as many of these as humanly possible in one evening!

Saturday, January 10th

Brian Wood Month Event -- Incredibly Strange Wrestling

Punk rock, pro wrestling and an excuse to attack people with tortillas! Featuring Throw Rag and punk bluegrass gods The Filthy Thieving Bastards

Sunday, January 11th

Brian Wood Month Event - Booze and Bowling

Bowling and Boozin' with Bri Wood! This event takes place at Serra Bowl in Daly City.

Wednesday, January 14th

Brian Wood Month Event - Jackson Arms Firing Range

Shooting guns and fucking shit up at Jackson Arms. On sight training, equipment rental and 100 live rounds of ammunition included. Reserve your spot, space is limited!

Monday, January 19th

Classes and range reserved for 6:45pm. Be punctual.

Brian Wood Month Event - Demo 3 Release Party

All these fun events would be nothing if it wasn't for the comics, baby! Brian Wood and Becky Cloonan's DEMO was recently recognized by The Fourth Rail as "Best First Issue of 2003" and the Isotope is bringing out DEMO #3 in style!

Wednesday, January 21st

Brian Wood Month Event - Ted Leo/Pharmacists

Great punk rock with Ted Leo and The Pharmacists! This show takes place at one of San Francisco's best bars, Bottom of the Hill.

Wednesday, January 28th

Brian Wood Month Event - Brian Wood's Birthday Party

Celebrating the birth of one of comic's greatest talents all day at the Isotope, and with an evening trip to the Isotope's local karaokee hooker bar. With special guest star Dennis Culver on karaokee!

Thursday, January 29th

To make reservations or for complete information on these events:

www.isotopecomics.com/events

Randy and Don have spoken: The Fourth Rail's Best of 2003 List

I gotta say, it's quite gratifying that Scurvy Dogs #1 and Demo #1 share both Randy and Don's pick for Best First Issue in their Best of 2003 column, today. The Scurv even doubles-up on Randy's list as Best Single Issue, as well. When reached for comment, writer-artist Ryan Yount said, "Hey, well, that's real nice. I mean... but... DAMN." Which I think sums it all up quite nicely.

Surf's up at Ocean Beach, Sunset. See ya tomorrow.