Comics Unlimited News and Info

I put up a video on YouTube that features the Beatles and their Christmas message recordings for their fan club (with some added bonus audio treasures). Like the videos I produced and edited with Stan Lee and the Marvel fan club recordings, I put visuals to the sound recordings. The sound recordings are also edited, basically featuring the music portions of the messages. And here 'tis: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6pDQ1wNTqM#GU5U2spHI_4 I hope you'll enjoy! Merry Christmas, Happy Crimble, and have a wonderful New Year!

Hi gang! It's been awhile since I last put up some comics on eBay, but I just added some today. It's a mix of old and new comics! Take a look and bid, if you like: http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZcomicsunlimitedQQhtZ-1QQfrppZ50QQfsopZ1QQfsooZ1QQrdZ0 As always, local bidders in the Evansville area who win the auction bid can pay and pick up the items at the shop, saving on shipping costs. Thanks and I hope to C-U at C.U.! -- Matt

Late last month, Dave Cockrum, creator of Storm, Colossus, and Nightcrawler, passed away. Now, sadly, another wonderful person and artist has left us, Martin Nodell. He was 91 years-old. Martin Nodell created Alan Scott, the original Green Lantern, and designed the Pillsbury Doughboy. I have attended the Wizardworld Comic Convention for every year but one since 2001, and I always made it a point to visit Martin Nodell's stand at the show. He was a sweet man who was very kind and appreciative of his fans. I enjoyed several conversations with him, and his late wife, Carrie, an equally lovely person. I was lucky enough to have also seen him in Saint Louis one year. Martin was one of the people responsible for the business and entertainment I love so much. It was his work, along with others, that helped lay the foundations for the comic book industry. He was an elder statesman of comic books that I looked forward to visiting. Rest in peace, Martin. You are missed. -- Matt

I learned the sad news this afternoon that Dave Cockrum, who created Nightcrawler, Storm, and Colossus, and helped to make the Uncanny X-Men Marvel's biggest selling comic book series of all time, has passed away. He had been ill for some time. I met Dave Cockrum personally, and he seemed to be a genuinely kind, warm, down-to-Earth man. He was one of the finest artists to have ever worked for Marvel and DC comics. He also designed and created many characters for DC's "Legion of Super-Heroes." He will be missed.

Hi gang!The 2006 Christmas episode of "The HAPPY SHOW!" is now online! There are many great people who contributed to this year's holiday program, including: ALAN WILLIAMS, CHRISTOPHER ASH, MATTHEW BILLMAN, JOE SLOAN, SAM SLOAN, BEN HENDERSON, TINA HENDERSON, JASMINE HENDERSON, and AVERY PETRIKAS! Thanks to all involved for helping make this the best "HAPPY SHOW" Christmas episode, ever! I hope that everyone will check it out and enjoy it!: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eKX8d1kP4yE Have a Happy Holiday Season !

The Evolution Of An Artist! First Installment: 1972 - 1989! I have uploaded videos to my YouTube accounts that are part of a series of installments that will be a featured part of "The Happy Show!" and that chronicle my growth as an artist over the years. The first installment covers the years 1972, at age three, through 1989, at age twenty (Yep, I'm old). Go to the address/links below to view these videos. I hope you enjoy them! Thanks! PLAYLIST with ALL PARTS of INSTALLMENT ONE: http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=50DC425A8E0BB6EF Individual parts of installment one: PART ONE: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VHRABQgGlms PART TWO: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2s2dHJtOQ7Q PART THREE: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OdYNtokvaT0 Matthew Hawes www.comicsunlimited.biz www.theHappyShow.net

FROM THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2nd THRU SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5th COMICS UNLIMITED WILL BE HAVING A BIG SALE ON ALL DOLLAR COMICS AND PRICED COLLECTOR'S COMICS ON THE SALES FLOOR! WHEN YOU BUY $10 WORTH OF DOLLAR COMICS ON THOSE DATES, EACH DOLLAR COMIC AFTER THE 10th IS HALF PRICE! THAT'S 50 CENTS EACH, NO LIMIT! AND ALL PRICED COLLECTOR'S COMICS ON THE SALES FLOOR IS 25% OFF! MAGAZINES ARE 30% OFF! Sale does not count toward Collector's comics in the display cases or in the wall displays. Trade credit will not count towards sales items. Sales items cannot be placed on hold. Quarter Comics and Value Packs are not included in the sale. SO, SAVE YOU MONEY AND SWING ON BY COMICS UNLIMITED THE FIRST WEEK OF NOVEMBER FOR SOME GREAT SAVINGS!

Hi gang! EEP! How'd I miss this? My letter was printed in the latest "Wizard" (#181), where I discuss why I think the format of comics need to change. I think I also had the same letter printed in "Comics Buyer's Guide," but missed that, too. Yeesh, I'm slipping! ;-) Thanks and I hope to C-U at C.U.!! -- Matt

Hi gang! Please note that I have TWO YouTube accounts. I had some problems with one account when I applied for a "Comedian" account (Yeah, I know...), and it screwed up my "Director" status on my original account. I am using both accounts, but the one with Director status allows me to post longer videos. Here are the web addresses to both accounts' profile pages: http://www.youtube.com/thehappyshow (This is the "MattHawes" account.) http://www.youtube.com/user/TheHappyShow (It's almost the same URL, but this is "TheHappyShow" account.) If you are a member of YouTube, and you haven't already done so, please subscribe and be my pal on both accounts! I just put up a special video about The Beatles and the "Paul Is Dead" rumor on "TheHappyShow" account. Feel free to leave comments and rate the video (and do the same for my other videos)! Say, those of you that are Star Trek fans may enjoy this: http://www.youtube.com/p

Yay! "The Happy Show!" is back in business! My new account there has Director Status!! http://www.youtube.com/user/thehappyshow If you are a YouTube friend that hasn't subscribed to my videos, I'd appreciate it if you would (I'll do the same for you). If you are a subscriber already, but haven't added me as a friend, please do so. Thank you sincerely to all those that have already went over and made my new account a pal and subscribed! I really do appreciate it!! Matt Hawes"The Happy Show!" www.ComicsUnlimited.biz http://www.thehappyshow.net/

Hi gang! Ok, so here's the gist of it: On YouTube ( www.youtube.com ) the site now offers a "Comedian Account." If you already have a Director Account, DO NOT GO FOR A COMEDIAN ACCOUNT ON YOUTUBE. Why? Because I did, thinking it would be in addition to my Director Account. Nope, it supplants the Director Account. The Director Account has more privileges. The only thing the Comedian Account really does that the Director Account doesn't is allow you to post show dates, if you are a stand-up comedian, or on tour. You could do the same thing by making a video and uploading it. Anyway, as a result, I lost my Director Account status... kind of. See, I can't re-apply because YouTube still has it in the system that I applied and was approved, BUT, it won't let me do the things I used to be able to do as a Director Account member. I have created a new account, and I am awaiting approval for a Director Account for that account. It is: http://www.youtube.com/user/TheHapp

FRIENDS of THE HAPPY SHOW! Hi gang! Many great YouTubers ( www.youtube.com ) have been very kind and mentioned me and "The Happy Show!" in their video blogs. These guys have great videos of their own and are worth checking out! See their "shout outs" below: ----- Youtuber: Kyran Video: "Guess Who's Back - KyKy's Back!" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tA1b_pJQUtw ------ YouTuber: Tommygun3000 Video: "Re-edited- painfull experience" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_God9Iw9haA ------ YouTuber: Jeffyjackass Video: "thank you matt hawes" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M8e3McFO108 ------ YouTuber: Trondannyboy Video: "My first video blog" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9GwM8lpwSBc ----- YouTuber: TheWiseMonkey Video: "Sept 14th 2006". http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHje8g49Wjo ----- YouTuber: Soemochris Video: "Chris Reviews: MattHawes" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LU9nnfolxYs ----- YouTuber: Funnypranks

Site Updated and YouTube HAPPY SHOW Trivia Game! Hi gang!First, I've updated my website. You can check out the differences at either: www.ComicsUnlimited.biz or www.TheHappyShow.net I put up a trivia game video with my YouTube videos. Play along if you wish. It's all in the spirit of fun, but if you get all the answers correct, you could score a drawing from me. Get a bonus question correct and you can get a used nite-light! Wow!The bad news is that you'll have to watch several of my videos to answer the questions correctly. Heh. Check out my YouTube profile here to find more of my videos: http://www.youtube.com/thehappyshow Thanks and I hope you will watch, and maybe even play along.--- Matt

Hi gang! A friend to "The Happy Show!," and a public access TV producer, himself, David W. Johnson, is also a deputy blogger over at www.tomgreen.com . That's the official website for comedian Tom Green ("Freddie Got Fingered"). David has posted many of my videos over there, as a part of his blog. Check 'em out: http://www.tomgreen.com/deputyBlog.php?deputy_id=652 Are you on MySpace? Be my pal there: http://www.myspace.com/matthawes http://www.myspace.com/thehappyshow Thanks! -- Matt

Hi gang! There is a truism that is Sturgeon's Law based on a reference in Theodore Sturgeon's 1972 interview who concluded that ninety percent of Science-Fiction is crap. The paraphrase of this comment is that ninety percent of EVERYTHING is crap. So, yeah, there is a lot of crap on YouTube, as many people on YouTube, and elsewhere, have pointed out. But, there is some GREAT videos on YouTube, as well! I think that all my YouTube pals (those on my friends list) that have uploaded videos have made some wonderful stuff! I want to draw attention to a few in particular today. First, there is FatDwarf56 ( http://www.youtube.com/fatdwarf56 ). His videos are all worthy of attention. His latest video about the error messages with YouTube is a hoot! Check it out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-7d8GjUv6rQ Also, he recently posted a very heartfelt video about breast cancer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bHzJq2O0p-U Fatdwarf, you are one of the pillars of YouTube. Keep on making your won

Yay! I won the big prize for guessing who would be the next guest on the great program, "The Moogie Show"!! See the ending of his (a male cow??) latest show: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-7wcqCpPrh4 THE MOOGIE SHOW RULES! Matt Hawes www.ComicsUnlimited.biz www.TheHappyShow.net

Hi gang! Nah, "The Happy Show!" isn't going all commercial on ya. This is just a silly little fun contest. Really, more of a way to have interaction with those of you that are also YouTubers (that is, a member at www.youtube.com ). BUT, you can really win that nifty special prize mentioned in my video! Watch the video, pay attention to the rules, and then submit a video response that follows the guidelines: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NVYGjwSWBiY Oh, and if you haven't subscribed to my videos on YouTube and you are a member there, please do so. And if I haven't subscribed to your videos, please let me know and I will do so. I have started a policy of making sure I subscribe to my YouTube friends's videos. You guys on YouTube are putting up some great stuff. Some silly, some odd, some interesting and poignant! I really like checking them out whenever I get the chance! Cetainly better than TV these days! Thanks a bunch! Matt Hawes www.TheHappyShow.net www.

Hi gang! Here is a very special episode of "Talk The Talk" where I interview the legendary pop icon, Ryan Jakinthorpe. Enjoy!: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7aG4ty7806s Matt Hawes www.ComicsUnlimited.biz www.TheHappyShow.net

Hi gang! Admittedly, the public access program produced by David W. Johnson named "Stop Watching Me" is not for all people. It's... well, weird. Even Johnson, himself, would concede that. But is it too provocative? That's what Sigecom decided last Spring, when Johnson received a letter from the cable service provider notifying him that it would no longer air anymore episodes of the program on its public access channel after only airing one episode. I have uploaded the banned show's first episode at the link below (Don't worry, there's no bad language, vulgar behavior, and violence... Just weirdness): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GP4BlaaOF7Y Yes, it is really odd. And, certainly, not everyone (even most) people would watch it on a regular basis, if at all. But, should Sigecom have pulled it from the schedule on a public access channel? Public access is a way for members of the community to have a voice for expression and ideas. "Stop Watching Me"

Up 'til now, I've been using my MySpace page at http://www.myspace.com/matthawes as a promotional tool for all facets of my life. That is to say that I use it for my shop, COMICS UNLIMITED of Evansville, Indiana ( www.ComicsUnlimited.biz ), and for "The HAPPY SHOW!" ( www.TheHappyShow.net ), and for my artwork, and connecting with other fine people who share my interests. Well, I still plan to use the page for all the above, but there's also another MySpace page that will be used for "The HAPPY SHOW!" This is a page for HAPPY, the show's mostly mute puppet. If you would like, you can go there and see more pictures from "The HAPPY SHOW!," as well as videos that come from the YouTube site ( http://www.youtube.com/thehappyshow ), and more stuff that pertains specifically to the program and HAPPY. This new page is: http://www.myspace.com/thehappyshow So, go ahead and check it out! Make HAPPY your pal! -- Matt

Hi gang! Stephen Colbert of Comedy Central's "The Daily Show" issued a challenge to viewers to see who could produce the best fight scene using footage of him flailing and fumbling away with a toy lightsaber. It's the Stephen Colbert Green Screen Challenge! I went ahead and tackled this challenge, giving it "The Happy Show!" treatment. Naturally, it has all the high-tech wizardry you would expect from "The Happy Show!" Ahem. You can view it at YouTube directly: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Lfu-UdBQAM Or at the following site: http://www.codebot.org/colbert/ It's towards the bottom of the videos on that site. You can vote for it there, if you'd like. You can also rate it at the YouTube page above. ALSO!!! See the miraculous vision that I saw when I dropped a stack of comic books!: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=33cO14Vrk34 Thanks and enjoy! -- Matt

It's funny, but I often learn things that have to do with me after the fact from other people. Two cases in point involve the recent hoopla over the delay announcements regarding Marvel's "Civil War" comic series. I had been asked about this matter by the guys at Comic Geek Speak and Vaneta Rogers over at Newsarama. I wasn't sure if anything I wrote would be used, but, apparently both Comic Geek Speak and Newsarama used some of what I had to say on the matter. Oddly enough, I found out about these usages by customers that came into the shop. Very cool, especially, as one customer clearly learned about my shop from the Comic Geek Speak program. You can read a quote from the Newsarama article by Vaneta Rogers at the following link: http://forum.newsarama.com/showthread.php?t=81444 The Comic Geek Speak podcast on "Civil War" is from August 19, 2006. The episode is downloadable for FREE in MP3 form. You can get it here: http://www.comicgeekspeak.com/episoded

Hi gang! Say, want to see a cool old silent film about comics ? Bet you didn't think there was ever such a thing! Well, there was! Just go to: http://www.youtube.com/profile_videos?user=MattHawes And there you'll see the video of that great, forgotten silent film comedian, Doofy Dan , and that lost cult classic, "Comic Stripped." Feel free to leave comments about the video (and other videos there, as well)! Enjoy! Matthew HawesCOMICS UNLIMITED www.ComicsUnlimited.biz www.TheHappyShow.net

Hi gang! I was contacted about "THE HAPPY SHOW!" by a nice fellow named Joseph Lahr, the station manager at TV-23 MCAM in Manchester, New Hampshire ( www.mcam.org ). He asked me if I would like to submit episodes of my program to be aired in his city. I went ahead and mailed off some videos, so hopefully the programs will be airing there soon! The show is already put up on the schedule! Check it out: http://www.mcam.org/programs.htm If you know someone who is in Manchester, NH, spread the word! Check out "THE HAPPY SHOW!" clips and more online at: http://www.youtube.com/profile_videos?user=MattHawes Thanks! -- Matt Matthew HawesCOMICS UNLIMITED654-B E. Diamond AvenueEvansville, Indiana 47711 http://www.comicsunlimited.biz

Hi again, gang! With WizardWorld Chicago done and over for another year, I will now be concentrating on working on my spiffy new comic book series. I hope to have it published within the next year. The work will commence in full force soon. 'Course, I have to take care o' business at the shop, and I'm still planning on working on some "HAPPY SHOW!" silliness for YouTube and public access.I'm not ready to reveal details on the series, but hopefully you'll all dig it. Stayed tuned, comics-peoples!

FANS vs. PROS: SLIVER-AGE TRIVIA! This is the PRO-FAN SILVER-AGE TRIVIA CONTEST at WizardWorld Chicago in 2006. The panel was hosted by COMICS BUYER'S GUIDE columnist, Craig Shutt (Mr. Silver-Age). The representative for the comics pros was Mark Waid, who answered questions via cell-phone, as he couldn't make it to Chicago. A panel of comics fans competed against Waid on comics trivia from the Silver-Age of comic books. Nearly the entire contest was filmed by me, but my camera ran out of juice before the final outcome. SPOILER! Mark Waid won. But, see if you get the answers correct, yourself. Part One: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pGRYsNlywKk Part Two: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hlCQRTkQVmQ Part Three: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NhQmhIgiwnM Part Four: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MgwjL6LtrIQ Part Five: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m2IHDLZP1R8 Part Six: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5PIch-SCFo ---------- Marvel Comics Ultimates Panel at Wizardworld! This is foot

Check out the following links for footage of my trip to Chicago, and my trip to Wizardworld at Rosemont, in particular: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QrKCGPiIkGY http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JYlAMZNm43Y Enjoy! -- Matt

...Well, nearly ready. The shop will open again on Tuesday, August 8th at regular business hours. I have returned from Chicago with more COOL comics and other fun stuff to show and sell at the shop! The Windy City was fun, as usual, and the show WizardWorld out on was bigger and better than last year's show. I had a great time! Looking forward to seeing all of you at COMICS UNLIMITED! Thanks! --- Matt www.ComicsUnlimited.biz

NOTICE!!!!!!!!! WIZARDWORLD CHICAGO!! I will be attending the WizardWorld Chicago comic book convention on the following dates: AUGUST 3 (Thursday) AUGUST 4 (Friday) AUGUST 5 (Saturday) AUGUST 6 (Sunday) During those dates (plus August 7th, Monday) the shop will be closed. The shop will open again on Tuesday, August 8th at regular business hours (see www.ComicsUnlimited.biz for information) . The shop WILL BE OPEN on Tuesday, August 1st , and Wednesday (new comic day) August 2 , the days before the show, at regular hours! Expect even more COOL stuff when I return! For more info on the show, visit: http://www.wizarduniverse.com Maybe I'll even see you there! Say "hi" if you see me!! -- Matt

Oh good god almighty! How do some YouTubers get Director status, while poor ol' Matthew Hawes of "The HAPPY SHOW!" waits weeks with no word. Where's The justice? Sniff. Feel free to petition YouTube and demand that Matt Hawes be approved for Director Status so he'll shut the hell up already! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZyMjC_Z323w That's the web address above that you can go to and view the latest video ramblings of Matt Hawes. Er... enjoy.

I sent this message out to comic book industry trade publications like "Wizard," "Comics Buyer's Guide," etc. I present it here for all of you to see. Agree? Disagree? Feel free to discuss the pro's and con's. Thanks! -- Matt THE SHAPE OF THE FUTURE For years, I have been discussing how the comic book industry seriously needs to look hard at changing the format of comic books with anyone who would listen. In order to get comics in the hands of more readers, and in more retail outlets, I feel some drastic measures must be taken to ensure the market continues to endure in an ever-changing marketplace. This past weekend, I got in a copy of "Wizard" #179, and noted its' change in format, and thought, "They seem to get it!" You see, the publication, up until now, has always been roughly the same dimensions as a Silver-Age comic book. The new format is more like a magazine-size, like "Time." This convinced me that others may b

Hi gang! Lot'sa other cool new auctions, just about a little bit of everything! Check out what I put up at the link/address below: http://members.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewUserPage&userid=comicsunlimited There's hundreds and hundreds of manga comics (mentioned in my last post), some cool, old "Superman" comics, Prince and Michael Jackson comics (eep!), and even a zombie comic! --- And MORE! Feel free to bid, or pass along the info if you know somebody who might be interested. Thanks!! -- Matt www.ComicsUnlimited.biz

Hi gang! OK, I saw "Clerks 2," so, officially, my summertime movie viewing is pretty much kaput. I can't think of anything else that precedes Fall that is coming out in the theaters that I have interest in seeing on the big screen (Not since "Ghost Rider" was delayed until Winter, anyway). So, as a closer to my summer of movie viewing, "Clerks 2" was a fun way to wrap up the season. The primary characters from Kevin Smith's 1994 cult classic, "Clerks," return for another rude, crude, and absolutely hilarious outing in this sequel. Many jokes that, as many should expect, will offend a more mainstream or conservative audience, but that those appreciative of potty-mouth vulgarity used in an entertaining, if somewhat provocative manner will have a blast with the film. Pretty much my only real criticism is a dance number that seems oddly out of place in the otherwise more-or-less grounded reality of the "Clerks" films. But, hey, I lo

Check out my profile page at www.youtube.com : http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=MattHawes There you will find several more segments of "The HAPPY SHOW!" online!

Hey gang! I just uploaded a dozen older, classic comic books on eBay. There's... "Fantastic Four" #5, the 1st appearance of Doctor Doom "Fantastic Four" #48, the first appearances of both the Silver Surfer and Galactus "The Incredible Hulk" #5 (1962) "The Incredible Hulk" #102 (1968, Premiere Issue) "Captain America" #100 (1968, Premiere Issue) "Batman" #110 (1957) "Adventure Comics" #158 (with Superboy, 1950) "Walt Disney's Donald Duck Beach Party" #1 (1965) "The House of Secrets" #92 (1971), 1st Swamp-Thing "Flash Giant Annual" #1 (1963) "The Spectacular Spider-Man" magazine #1 (1968) "The Uncanny X-Men" #94, 1st regular issue with Wolverine, Storm, and friends! If you think you might be interested in bidding, I started out the prices low, and with no reserve! Check the auctions out at the following web address: http://members.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?

Ok, I just posted a better version of "THE HAPPY SHOW!" American Icon segment on the web! This is the parody of "American Idol" that was filmed a short while back. The previous version of the segment was pretty low res, and while the new version is still not crystal clear -- www.youtube.com limits video uploads to 100 megs) -- it's certainly easier to view than the first go-round. I also uploaded another segment from another episode of "THE HAPPY SHOW!" This one parodies those ghost-hunters shows. It's called "Ghost Catchers"! If you want to check out the videos, go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3h-gP7pGZ4 and: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VAF_JYwutDw Also, check out the official webpage for "THE HAPPY SHOW!" over at: http://www.thehappyshow.net And, you can also stop in over at www.myspace.com and "be my friend": http://www.myspace.com/matthawes Thanks and I hope to C-U at C.U.!! -- Matt

Well, gang, I'm back from the convention in Indy, and I picked up some goodies, as well as having sold a buncha books! I picked up: "Fantastic Four" #5 (volume one) with the very first appearance of Doctor Doom; "Fantastic Four" (volume one) #48 with the very first appearances of the Silver Surfer and Galactus; "House of Secrets" #92, the first appearance of the Swamp Thing; "Captain America" #100 (volume one) - The premiere issue; "The Incredible Hulk" #102 (volume one) - The premiere issue; "Batman" #37 (volume one, 1946) with the Joker; "Red Sonja" #1 (volume one, Marvel, 1977); "Star Wars" #1 (volume one, Marvel, 1977); "Uncanny X-Men" #94 - The first regular issue to feature the then-new X-Men team with Wolverine, Storm, Colossus, and Nightcrawler, among others! -- And more, including the first appearances of Emma Frost and Kitty Pryde, and the Dazzler in "Uncanny X-Men," and

Jacob Bennett, a writer for the Evansville Courier & Press newspaper is looking to interview some comics fans at my shop. Here's what he writes: "You know anybody who might be good to talk to about the phenomenon of comicbook deaths--characters who don't stay dead for long? I thought I'd tie itinto Superman, Jean Grey and--the rare exception--Gwen Stacy, who are all inmovies this summer.I'm looking for comic readers who might be fun to talk to." I told him to come to my shop around 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 21. I figured that many of my regulars might be stopping in that day to pick up comics, anyway, so it'd be a good time for him to come by and talk with fans. I know you guys out there know your stuff about comics! Invite your friends into comics to come on by and talk comics with the Courier & Press! Stop on in at Evansville, Indiana's COMICS UNLIMITED this Wednesday at 3! Thanks and I hope to C-U at C.U.!! -- Matt

On June 25th, Sunday, I will be setting up to sell comic goodness at the ASH COMICS Comic Book Show: ASH Comics Indianapolis Comic Book Show Sunday, June 25th 9:30 am to 3:30 pm Holiday Inn East 6990 East 21st Street (Shadeland Ave) Indpls, IN I-465 Exit 44 or I-70 Exit 89 Admission $4 60+ tables of Golden age, Silver age, Bronze age to the Newest Comics, Toys, Videos, Posters, DVD's, Guests, nostalga... New dealers and new deals at every Show. Special Guest: Stuart Sayger. "Shiver in the Dark", DC, Bioncle...artist. For More Info Contact: Andy Holzman 317-824-9602 ashcomics@comcast.net www.ashcomicshows.com I hope to see you there! ----------- Also, I will be attending, but not setting up to sell at the WIZARDWORLD comic book convention in Chicago, Illinois on the dates August 3rd through August 6th. More info regarding store hours as the dates approach. ---------- I just joined up on MySpace, so go ahead and "be my friend" over there, if you feel like it:

Hi gang! "LIVING WITH ZOMBIES" #7 (Diamond Comics PREVIEWS Item Code: MAR063243F, for you retailers) is out July 1st!! If your local retailer doesn't have it in stock, make sure to give him/her the PREVIEWS Item Code above and have them add it to your list of comics you want to pick up! Check future PREVIEWS and www.diamondcomics.com for ordering info on future issues of LWZ! ----------- Speaking of "LWZ," C. Matthew Billman, co-creator of "Living With Zombies" www.mattbillman.com www.livingwithzombies.com will have some of his paintings on display at a one-man art show in New Harmony, Indiana.The show will be on July 8th at the New Harmony Gallery of Art from 4-6pm CST. Billman says that the first 50-100 people who show up get free copies of Living with Zombies...FREE!!! Quantities are limited! For more information, including directions, you can call the gallery at: 812-682-3156. HAVE A SAFE MEMORIAL DAY! -- Matt H.

FREE COMIC BOOK DAY is May 6th, 2006, and COMICS UNLIMITED of Evansville, Indiana is participating by offering a select assortment of titles for FREE! The event will last from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m., the normal business hours for the shop on Saturday! There will be a limit of one copy of each title per customer. Stop on in and help yourself to some COOL FREE COMICS! And, if the mood hits ya, you can buy some other nifty comics and toys , to boot!

Hi gang! I just put up another slew of auctions! This time out: A paper toy from 1944 of Captain Marvel, Jr.; Neil Gaiman's "ALICE COOPER" comic; Stephen Platt's "Moon Knight" issues; "Living with Zombies," and "Marvel Zombies," along with the first appearances of the MZ's in "Ultimate Fantastic Four"; CGC graded comics of "Strange Tales," "Fantastic Four," and, yes, the legendary comic: "David Ladd's Life Story"! Check 'em out: http://members.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewUserPage&userid=comicsunlimited

Hi gang! I've been pouring over my boxes and making some pleasantly (for customers) surprising choices as to what is being put into the Dollar Comics section of the shop. Already the best Dollar comics around, COMICS UNLIMITED's Dollar boxes have gotten even better and will continue to get even more so. As more comics are bought, it will make way for even more, and in some cases, maybe even better comics to come! In addition: As a result of moving so much once higher-priced stock into the Dollar Comics area, I am able to move out some great, older comic book series from the backstock and into the Collector's Comics area. Many cool classic comics that are priced individually, but at awesome deals! Nows the time to come to COMICS UNLIMITED and score on some super cool comics at great prices!

Yep, this coming week, that of March 15th, 2006, the sixth issue of "Living With Zombies" ships! The latest issue reveals more of the unfolding saga of Matt Billman and Christopher Herndon as they meet up with the military, are hunted by a mad religious leader, and run over zombie protestors. And watch as Matt Hawes slowly turns into a zombie, tied up and put atop the school bus that Billman and Herndon stole. Related links: www.livingwithzombies.com www.christopherherndon.com www.mattbillman.com www.comicsunlimited.biz

I put up a new batch of auctions on eBay! This time around, there's a number of goodies that include: A CGC graded copy of "Tales of Suspense" #39 (Yep, I was lucky enough to come across another copy of Iron Man's first appearance). A CGC graded copy of "Marvel Super Heroes SECRET WARS" #8 "DETECTIVE COMICS" #224 from 1955, and #323 from 1964! "FLASH Giant Annual" #1 from 1963, "Tales of Suspense" #57 (1st Hawkeye, 1964), "G.I. JOE: A Real American Hero" #151 & #152 (Marvel), "JSA: Classified" #1 & #2, first printings, and some Secret Wars and Super Powers loose action figures, to boot! NO RESERVES! LOW STARTING BIDS! Check 'em out: http://members.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewUserPage&userid=comicsunlimited

I did the unthinkable and put "Living With Zombies" in a slab! Now, as a rule, I am not in favor of "slabbing" comics; They're meant to be read and enjoyed, not sealed in hard plastic for all eternity. BUT,... I just had'ta get my very first published comic book appearance perserved for the ages, right? Here 'tis (And, nope, I'm not looking to sell this copy. It's my own l'il personal keepsake) : HA! Lookit that: A 9.8! When Billman got his copy of LWZ #1 slabbed last year in Chicago at Wizardworld, he only got a 9.6! Take that, Billman! ;-) The kind folk at the graders were nice enough to add the "First comic appearance of Matt Hawes" to the case. Luckily, I kept a copy to read and enjoy, as well! This copy will go on display at the shop! BTW, be sure to visit the Ash Comic Book Covention in Indianapolis this Sunday, February 26 (see the blog entry below for details)!

I will attending a comic book convention in Indianapolis, Indiana this Sunday, February 26, setting up a couple of tables to sell my wares. If you are in the area and would like to attend the show, the Ash Comics & Collectibles Show in Indy, here's the info: Indianapolis Comic Book Show Sunday, February 26th 9:30 am to 3:30 pm Holiday Inn EastShadeland Ave & E. 21st St. (exit 44 of I-465 or exit 89 of I-70) admission: $4.00 50+ tables of Toys, Videos, non-sports cards, posters, DVD's, gaming, guests, & 1000's of Comics from the 1930's to now! Something for every collector. Hope to C-U there! --- Matt

Hi gang! I'm always putting up new auctions on eBay, so check out the following address: http://members.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewUserPage&userid=comicsunlimited If that doesn't work, try using the seller search on eBay and type in "ComicsUnlimited" in the space provided. Currently, as of this date, I just added a whole bunch of COOL stuff!

Well, some so-and-so hacked into the forum over at www.livingwithzombies.com last week. All previous posts weren't backed up, sadly, and so they were lost. The forum is back up and running now, though. You can check it out at the following link: http://livingwithzombies.com/forum/index.php I help moderate the boards, there. Plenty of fun discussion, and it's free to register! Also, this week of February 1st, 2006, the fifth issue of "Living With Zombies" is going on sale! Your's truly is featured as a soon-to-be zombie, kidnapped by Matt Billman and Chris Herndon's comic book counterparts. It's great silly-fun, so pick it up as soon as you can!! -- Matt

Here's a preview of the "Living With Zombies" article in the latest (March 2006) issue of "Wizard" magazine!:

Hey gang! Check out the latest issue of "WIZARD" magazine (#173), page 89 for a full page article on "Living With Zombies." The article is one part of the "Book of the Month Special Report." It features a nifty pic by Chris Herndon, and some words from Matt Billman. GREAT ARTICLE! Wheeee!!

The latest issue of "Living With Zombies" (#5) is due out any week now, if Goathead Publications gets its' act together. For those that aren't familiar with LWZ, it's a horror-comedy comic book about two pals, Matt Billman and Christopher Herndon, that discover that the city they live in has been taken over by zombies. They set out to rid the world of the undead, while taking time to raid local comic shops and just have a good ol' time of the whole situation. Billman and Herndon were nice enough to include Comics Unlimited in their comic book series, even adding me as a character in the ongoing saga! For more information, check out www.livingwithzombies.com where I am also a moderator on the forum there. You can also check out the personal websites of the creators for more info, comics, artwork, and fun (Note: mature content): www.mattbillman.com www.chritopherherndon.com Give the sites a look! --- Matt