Comics Unlimited News and Info

Hi! Months ago, I posted a video parody of death in the comic book industry being used as a sales gimmick. This video featured a mock story about Archie Andrews of "Archie" comics dying. It was simply titled "Archie Andrews... Dead." The day before Thanksgiving, I received notice from YouTube that Archie Comic Publishers, Inc. had my video removed from the site claiming copyright infringement, even though the video was clearly marked a parody and there was a notice of copyright given for Archie Comics. I filed a counter complaint and demanded my video be reinstated, and asserting it was a parody and a satire. Today, I was contacted by Archie Comic Publications Incorporated's legal representative and a compromise was reached. YouTube has reinstated my video, and there will be no mark against my account. I will be removing the present videos on my own, voluntarily. I will then add segments to the beginning and ending of the video parody/satire I created that w

I was recently alerted by YouTube that a video I made was removed due to a third-party notification by Archie Comic Publications, Inc. claiming that this my video parody "Archie Andrews... Dead" is infringing on copyright. Again, this video is a PARODY, and that should be apparent to anyone with common sense. It is a comment on how the comic book publishers use death as a cheap marketing ploy. I chose Archie precisely because most sensible people would realize that such a tactic by Archie Comics is absurd. The "tags" for the video even had the video clearly marked as being a parody. Removed video link: ARCHIE ANDREWS... DEAD.: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjE59vr2nLI An alternative upload can be viewed at my other account: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3e2UVP8w6M I am challenging the removal of my video and the false accusations from Archie Comics Publications, Inc., and I want the comic book public to know of Archie Comic Publications removal of a video satire

Two people I know, who both have frequented my shop, Comics Unlimited, are the creators of a comic book series named “Living With Zombies,” which features me as a character. “Living With Zombies” is a comedy-horror series about the continuing exploits of two slacker pals who one day find that the world around them has become overrun by zombies. The series was created by Matthew C. Billman and Christopher Herndon in 2003 as a web comic. The series was later published in 2004 by Frightworld Studios, and later by Goathead Publishing. There have been seven issues published, and a trade paperback was published in 2007 collecting all the issues up to date. “Wizard” magazine has twice mentioned the series, once in an article about zombie comics where it was given a full page write-up, and later in an article about the top 40 Independent comics that “Wizard” suggested its readers should be reading. The reason I bring all of this up is that there is a series being published by Dark Horse Comics

Hi gang! I put up some more eBay auctions which end Sunday, October 28, in the afternoon. There are many 1960's "Action Comics" and "Adventure Comics" issues that feature Superman, Superboy, Supergirl, and the Legion of Super-Heroes. There's also the Todd McFarlane issue of "The Incredible Hulk" #340 that features a fight between the Hulk and Wolverine from the X-Men, and a copy of "Uncanny X-Men" #141 with the classic story "Days of Future Past" by Chris Claremont and John Byrne! http://members.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewUserPage&userid=comicsunlimited ALSO... I put up a piece of original artwork with The Incredible Hulk that I drew years ago: Please feel free to bid if interested! If you are from the Evansville, Indiana area, you can save on shipping by picking up anything you win the bid for at my shop, Comics Unlimited. Thanks! Matt Hawes www.comicsunlimited.net

Frankly, I am not one to get overly personal on the internet. I share details about my business and about my love of comics and art, and my mostly silly public access tv show. But, I am not usually one to discuss truly personal matters online with others who I have never met. I rarely discuss such things even with people I do know, except close friends and family members. My father passed away on October 6, 2007. It is because I want people to know that he was a great and loving father that I am even posting about this to begin with. I made a video tribute in his memory: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EHDr5F2KBz0 He was special to a great many people. I realize that nearly everyone who is reading this did not know him. I think if you had you would have agreed that he was a wonderful person. His name was Stephen.

Hi gang! The complete "XMEN: AGE of APOCALYPSE," "X-MEN: INFERNO," "UNTOLD TALES of SPIDER-MAN," "THE SAVAGE SHE-HULK" and a set of "DANGER GIRL" mini-series & specials, as well as many other X-Men comics and various other comics on auction this week, ending Sunday, September 30: http://members.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewUserPage&userid=comicsunlimited YAY!! Remember: Bidders from the Evansville area can save on shipping and handling charges by picking up any items they bid on and win at the shop! -- Matt Matthew Hawes COMICS UNLIMITED 654-B E. Diamond Avenue Evansville, Indiana 47711 http://www.comicsunlimited.biz

Hi gang! More eBay auctions that end tomorrow! http://members.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewUserPage&userid=comicsunlimited Matthew Hawes http://www.comicsunlimited.biz

Hi gang! Check out the latest episode of "The Happy Show!" below! It features a video tribute to the legendary eccentric performer TINY TIM! Also, the latest installment of "SUPER ARGO" and more HAPPY SHOW goodness! YAY!!! -- Matt Hawes www.TheHappyShow.net

Hi gang! I put up a slew of diverse comics on auction on eBay! There's even a hard-to-find Marvel Legends action figure in the mix! Check it out: http://cgi3.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewUserPage&userid=comicsunlimited Please feel free to place a bid if you are interested! And remember: If you live in the area, you can save on shipping by coming to the shop to pick up any items for which you may win the bid! Yay! Also: In case you missed it, check out the footage from my trip to Chicago for the Wizardworld comic book convention and the YouTube MidWest Meet-Up at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-53UFEAJxY Thanks! -- Matt

THE HAPPY SHOW presents footage from WIZARDWORLD CHICAGO 2007 and the YOUTUBE MIDWEST MEET-UP at NAVY PIER! Hi gang! Check out the attached video to see my footage from the Chicago MidWest Meet-Up , WizardWorld Chicago Comic Book Convention , and my night on the town with Bozette , OrangeHairedBoy , and Meli ! I hope you enjoy the show! Yay!!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-53UFEAJxY Matthew Hawes http://www.comicsunlimited.biz

LIVING WITH ZOMBIES - TRADE PAPERBACK COLLECTS FIRST 7 ISSUES! Price: $14.95, 192 pages, B&W, Mature readers. Description: LIVING WITH ZOMBIES - THE TRADE PAPERBACK! COLLECTS THE FIRST 7 ISSUES OF THE INDY COMIC! Two average, zombie lovin’, guys' dreams come true when a zombie named Armageddon unfolds in their hometown of Evansville, Indiana. LIMITED PRINT RUN! "Die laughing as two slackers reside in a world of the undead in this side-splitting indie funnybook." - WIZARD MAGAZINE You can order this online at: http://www.mattbillman.com Matthew Hawes http://www.comicsunlimited.biz http://www.thehappyshow.net

http://cgi3.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewUserPage&userid=comicsunlimited Most of the early "FANTASTIC FOUR" comics are up for auction in the latest COMICS UNLIMITED eBay auctions! The run starts with the second issue, and goes up to the 100th issue, plus a couple of the annuals. There are a few doubles listed. This is most of the issues in the first 100 issues of the series, with many key issues: The FIRST appearance of The Skrulls! The FIRST outfits, headquarters, and Fantasticar! The FIRST Inhumans! The FIRST Mad Thinker! The FIRST Black Panther! The FIRST FULL appearance of Galactus, and the second Silver Surfer appearance! The FIRST solo Silver Surfer story! -- And MORE!! Most of the comics are in lower-mid grades, but they all have the complete stories! LOW STARTING BIDS!! NO RESERVE PRICES!! Plus! A couple of Silver-Age "SPIDER-MAN" comics, a vintage MARVEL COMICS CALENDAR, and a giant-sized KING KONG TREASURY; ALL ON AUCTION!! ENDS ON SUNDAY!! BID NOW!!

Thank you very much to everyone who watched my appreance on PANORAMA on July 16 in Britain! Thanks especially to SoEmoChris and SMatthias of YouTube! Two great friends from the UK who recorded and posted the "Sweeney" footage with my interview and video clip: Yay!!! Matt Hawes www.TheHappyShow.net

The video below has the info. Yep, the PANORAMA BBC-1 appearance of Matt & Happy from "The Happy Show!" is back on schedule: Matt Hawes www.TheHappyShow.net

The episode of BBC-1's "Panorama" that has a brief interview with Matt Hawes and Happy the puppet from "The Happy Show!" has been postponed because "Panorama" ran a more timely episode in the spot. It is going to reschedule the episode with Matt & Happy's interview for another date. Details will be announced when the episode is scheduled.

THE SCOOP: Almost two months ago, the BBC-1 program named "Panorama" sent out its' reporter, John Sweeney, to investigate the Church of Scientology. During the course of his investigation, Sweeney lost his temper and went on a rant against members of that church that was soon distributed by video on the Web. It made headline news around the world. I thought that it was just insane how this investigative journalist could blow his cool like that and on camera, no less. I couldn't resist spoofing Sweeney in a video for "The Happy Show!," my public access comedy-variety program. Here is a link to that spoof: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bnooQDYQuG8 Not long after my video was available for viewing on the Net, I was contacted by a staff member from "Panorama" named Pervez Khan. Mr. Khan explained that "Panorama" was doing a follow-up on the media story surrounding Sweeney's outburst, and asked if I'd like to be interviewed for the sh

YOU WILL BELIEVE A MAN CAN RANT!!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bnooQDYQuG8 SCARIEST DAMN VIDEO EVER!!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJf1KR1UIPU

To: The Honorable Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger Paris Whitney Hilton is an American tradgedy and spoiled heiress. She provides a horrible example for young people all over the U.S. and the world. She is the embodiment of all that represents the worst of the cult of celebrity. She is famous simply because of her family's wealth and believes that she should be above the law because of her fame and fortune. Hilton is notable for projecting her image as a spolied socialite on the FOX reality series "The Simple Life." In addition to her work as an actress, she has achieved some infamy for a well-known sex video that has circulated on the internet. As most of America now knows, Ms. Hilton was just charged in a Los Angeles court with DUI and sentenced to 45 days in Century Regional Detention Facility in California beginning on or before June 5, 2007. We, the American public who reject Paris and her lifestyle and the negative impact she has on the youth of America (and, indeed,

Hi gang! The BIG BIG YOUTUBE GATHERING at COMICS UNLIMITED in EVANSVILLE, INDIANA was a SUCCESS!! Several cool YouTubers dropped by the shop to visit me, Matt, and Happy for "The Happy Show!" Thanks to all who attended! You rock! Matthew Hawes www.TheHappyShow.net www.ComicsUnlimited.biz

Hi gang! VERY COOL! STAN LEE, legendary co-creator of such iconic comic book and pop-culture icons, SPIDER-MAN, THE INCREDIBLE HULK, and THE FANTASTIC FOUR, has watched one of my videos from "The HAPPY SHOW!" This is the video he watched: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y26EmSDHXh4 I was contacted by a person working for STAN LEE at POW! ENTERTAINMENT, Stan's company, who told me Stan really enjoyed the video and wanted to know where I got the pictures used in the video. The video features many vintage photos of the original production staff (known affectionately as "The Marvel Bullpen") from the 1960s. I gathered the photos from various sites on the 'Net, and some with the help of some great people on the JOHN BYRNE FORUM (www.byrnerobotics.com), who came to bat when I explained which photos I was looking for. Stan says he is always having people ask him if he has any photos of the old gang at Marvel, and that's why his people contacted me. I sent Stan a

Hi gang! I put up a few items on eBay. There's the rare variant cover to "Ultimate Spider-Man" #104 (One out of a hundred copies had this cover), and a "Civil War" #7 variant, as well as a John Wayne comic, a Three Stooges comic, a special comic produced by Marvel Comics for the military, and two different pieces of original artwork by your's truly. Both pieces of art are pictures of Spawn. One is my first attempt at the character from 1994, and the second is my second attempt many years later (I feel so old) in 2007, as a "Quick Draw" for my public access program, "The Happy Show!" Please check 'em out and bid if you would like: http://cgi3.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewUserPage&userid=comicsunlimited Thanks! -- Matt

You may recall that I sent out links to my videos on YouTube where I talked about the situation where the media giant, VIACOM, had YouTube removed over 100,000 videos claiming that the videos infringed on copyrights the corporation owned. You may also recall that I fought the removal of my video, which was caught up in the sweep. My video was a parody of reality television and did not infringe on any copyrights. I wrote to Viacom, YouTube, and even the Associated Press, protesting the action by Viacom and YouTube. I was contacted days later by MTV's legal department (MTV is one of Viacom's many cable networks), and they had reviewed my video and found that it was taken down in error. The video was put back up, and the strike I had received against my YouTube account was removed. Well, I was contacted by Catherine Holahan of "Business Week" for an interview for an article for their website. I granted the interview and it was put up today. Here is the link to that inter

Okay, just for fun I am holding an informal gathering of people from YouTube at my shop, COMICS UNLIMITED, on saturday, March 24, 2007. I don't really know if anyone would actually respond and come to Evansville unless they were already from the area (and probably not even then), but I figure "What the hey?" MATT HAWES'S INFORMAL YOUTUBE GATHERING ! When: Saturday, March 24, 2007 from 12 noon to 7 o'clock P.M. Where: COMICS UNLIMITED 654-B Diamond Avenue Evansville, Indiana 47711 www.ComicsUnlimited.biz So, if you are from YouTube (and even if you aren't), stop on in and say "hi!" And, if you want to peruse the shop and buy from me, I won't complain! :-) Matthew Hawes

Hi gang! Whew! Battling a multi-billion-dollar evil, greedy, corporate media giant can be tiring! Last Friday, February 2, 2007, I received an e-mail from YouTube alerting me that one of my videos, a video that was a parody of reality television, was taken down from the site because Viacom International (the really big media giant that owns several cable networks, CBS, and Paramount) claimed that my video infringed on its' copyright (MTV's "The Real World"). First, it is a parody. Second, there was nothing in the video that infringed on any copyright from Viacom! Well, I e-mailed and wrote letters to Viacom, YouTube, and even the Associated Press complaining about this when I learned that Viacom was taking down over one-hundred thousand videos claiming copyright infringement. Apparently, Viacom couldn't work out a deal with YouTube over users uploading clips from shows like "South Park" (Yep, Viacom owns Comedy Central, too), and so demanded that YouTube

Hi gang! REAAAAALLLLY Interesting news on the VIACOM vs. "THE HAPPY SHOW!" front! Check out my video for the scoop!: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQ933KXvKDs Thank you to all my friends who were so supportive and had such kind and encouraging words for me! It is greatly appreciated! You guys rock! Matthew Hawes COMICS UNLIMITED "THE HAPPY SHOW!" www.TheHappyShow.net

Hi friends! My battle against the unfair removal of my parody video by YouTube under pressure and at the request of Viacom has made news on one website from L.A. already: http://www.mediabistro.com/fishbowlLA/tangled_web/ Check it out! Thanks to everyone for the great support and encouragement! I really appreciate it! Matthew Hawes http://www.thehappyshow.net/

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16945395/ Basically, because Viacom and YouTube couldn't reach an agreement acceptable to Viacom, it forced YouTube to remove over one hundred thousand videos that it claimed were infringing on their copyrights. One of my videos, a blatant parody, an obvious spoof of reality televison named "The Real Happy Life World" was taken off the site, and I was sent a message from YouTube alerting me to this and informing me that Viacom is (wrongly) stating it infringes on their copyright. Viacom is the parent company that owns the MTV cable television network, which produced a program entitled "The Real World." Now, apparently, the mock logo and/or the use of the words "Real" and "World" were enough that Viacom and YouTube took down my video yesterday. I have written both e-mails and "snail-mail" letters to Viacom, YouTube, and the Associated Press, so far, challenging this action. The message I receiced from YouT

139 BEATLES CARDS FROM 1964! http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=290077203581 ELIVIS COLLECTION CARD PACKS! http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=290077204030 UNCANNY X-MEN #15 (1965, 2nd SENTINELS)! http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=290077204552 UNCANNY X-MEN #94 (1st regular issue with the then-New team! NOTE: This is a higher-grade copy than the one I put up last week)! http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=290077204782 VINTAGE VIEW-MASTER with 8 reels! http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=290077205944 BUGS BUNNY VIEW-MASTER REEL 1951! http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=290077206541 HOPALONG CASSIDY VIEW-MASTER REEL 1950! http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=290077208653 LAUGH-IN VIEW-MASTER REEL 1968! http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=290077209083 TOM and JERRY VIEW-MASTER REEL 1951! http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&

Hi gang! Oh boy!! Whole bunches of spiffy new auctions with COOL comics are now up on eBay, courtesy of COMICS UNLIMITED! X-MEN, Cowboy & Westerns, BUGS BUNNY, Tom & Jerry, and MORE from the Golden-Age, the Silver-Age, and Modern Age of comics! Check 'em out: http://cgi3.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewUserPage&userid=comicsunlimited And feel free to bid! Yay! Thanks! -- Matt

Hi gang! Whew! I put up a LOT of comics on auction! There's a pretty decent collection of "Uncanny X-Men" listed individually, which also includes a #94 (first regular issue to feature the team with Wolverine, Storm, Colossus and Nightcrawler). There's Star Wars stuff, the original "Wolverine" mini-series, "Avengers" Annual #10 (1st Rogue), and more (even Speedball!)! To check 'em out and bid, go to: http://members.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewUserPage&userid=comicsunlimited Also, on another note, in addition to "The Happy Show!," my public access TV program, being on YouTube at www.youtube.com/user/thehappyshow and www.youtube.com/user/ahappyshow you can also find it at LiveVideo.com at www.livevideo.com/TheHappyShow ! If you are members at YouTube or LiveVideo, please feel free to subscribe to my videos! I appreciate it! Thanks! Matthew Hawes COMICS UNLIMITED 654-B E. Diamond Avenue Evansville, Indiana 47711 http://www.comicsu

Hi gang! I love YouTube, despite all the stupid glitches and errors, and I plan to stay on YouTube for as long as I can. That noted, I am also going to be putting up my videos over on LiveVideo. Pretty much, it will be the same videos, unless it's a video that specifically addresses either YouTube or LiveVideo. If you want, subscribe to my channel there, too: http://www.livevideo.com/TheHappyShow If you haven't already done so, subscribe to my videos on YouTube (I have two channels there): http://www.youtube.com/ahappyshow http://members.aol.com/thehappyshow Thanks! Matt Hawes www.TheHappyShow.net www.ComicsUnlimited.biz