In America, it’s that time of year where everyone sits in enormous amounts of traffic to over eat turkey and then fall asleep in front of the television set. But, it is also a time to think about all those things you are thankful for. It’s obvious to say that you are thankful for family, friends, good health and professional accomplishments. So, instead, and in the theme of this website, I would like to go through what make Joe's Cup of Geek runneth over. In no particular order, they are:
George Lucas
I know he gets a lot of crap for ruining Star Wars, but let’s face it. It’s his to ruin. He created it. I loved the original trilogy growing up and now I get to share my love of Star Wars with my daughter, who watches The Clone Wars. Without Lucas, I would not have this bonding time with her.
I know he gets a lot of crap for ruining Star Wars, but let’s face it. It’s his to ruin. He created it. I loved the original trilogy growing up and now I get to share my love of Star Wars with my daughter, who watches The Clone Wars. Without Lucas, I would not have this bonding time with her.
Walt Disney
From movies, to TV to theme parks (to comics now), Disney has the most influence on my pop culture existence. And while his famous quote says, "It all started with a mouse", in truth, it all started with man: Walt Disney. In fact, I would guess without Mr. Disney, I would have 65% less to talk about. (Of course, I would guess a lot of people would think that may be a good idea.). He also is the embodiment of the persistent dreamer. Whenever I reach a challenge, I just think about how Mr. Disney spent most of his life teetering on the edge of failure. Despite this, he never gave up on his dreams. Can we do any less?
From movies, to TV to theme parks (to comics now), Disney has the most influence on my pop culture existence. And while his famous quote says, "It all started with a mouse", in truth, it all started with man: Walt Disney. In fact, I would guess without Mr. Disney, I would have 65% less to talk about. (Of course, I would guess a lot of people would think that may be a good idea.). He also is the embodiment of the persistent dreamer. Whenever I reach a challenge, I just think about how Mr. Disney spent most of his life teetering on the edge of failure. Despite this, he never gave up on his dreams. Can we do any less?
Andy Schmidt’s Comics Experience
I have gushed in many an interview about how great the classes are at Comics Experience. So far, I have taken basic writing, advanced writing, and the hyper-technical lettering and production classes, (which I will review if I ever listen to the last class). These classes have not only helped me to grow as a writer and a creator, but also created some great (and hopefully lasting) friendships with my classmates. Best of all, with the addition of the creator’s workshop/book of the month club, I get to experience that Comics Experience camaraderic goodness twice a month. In addition, in the book club, I get to read great books and discuss them with like minds and also talk to the creators behind the books. (I mean, how cool was it to talk about Walking Dead with Robert Kirkman.) Plus, their forum is a great place for creators to challenge themselves without fear of rejection. For this, I am thankful.
I'm also thankful for being able to present Andy with the 2010 Haller award for Outstanding Contribution to the Comics industry.
I have gushed in many an interview about how great the classes are at Comics Experience. So far, I have taken basic writing, advanced writing, and the hyper-technical lettering and production classes, (which I will review if I ever listen to the last class). These classes have not only helped me to grow as a writer and a creator, but also created some great (and hopefully lasting) friendships with my classmates. Best of all, with the addition of the creator’s workshop/book of the month club, I get to experience that Comics Experience camaraderic goodness twice a month. In addition, in the book club, I get to read great books and discuss them with like minds and also talk to the creators behind the books. (I mean, how cool was it to talk about Walking Dead with Robert Kirkman.) Plus, their forum is a great place for creators to challenge themselves without fear of rejection. For this, I am thankful.
I'm also thankful for being able to present Andy with the 2010 Haller award for Outstanding Contribution to the Comics industry.
Sky Girl and Jason
No, this isn’t a shameless promotion for Sky Girl and the Superheroic Legacy (you do have your copy right?) Instead, I am thankful for these characters and this book because through them I have had the opportunity to meet so many great people during the book tour. Whether it be scifi cons, comic cons, or book festivals, people were so friendly and open to learn about me and my book. I’ve also had the pleasure of hearing from people who have read the book. From the email from boy in San Francisco who said he was more shaken by MechApe than his recent Earthquake to the letter from the girl from Coxsacki Elementary who drew me a picture of Sky Girl, to the 40 year old man in Minnesota that compiled the list of comic book Easter eggs in the book, it really warms my heart that people would take the time to read my little story about a superheroine and her geeky best friend. So, thank you.
No, this isn’t a shameless promotion for Sky Girl and the Superheroic Legacy (you do have your copy right?) Instead, I am thankful for these characters and this book because through them I have had the opportunity to meet so many great people during the book tour. Whether it be scifi cons, comic cons, or book festivals, people were so friendly and open to learn about me and my book. I’ve also had the pleasure of hearing from people who have read the book. From the email from boy in San Francisco who said he was more shaken by MechApe than his recent Earthquake to the letter from the girl from Coxsacki Elementary who drew me a picture of Sky Girl, to the 40 year old man in Minnesota that compiled the list of comic book Easter eggs in the book, it really warms my heart that people would take the time to read my little story about a superheroine and her geeky best friend. So, thank you.
Inside the Magic, Comic Geek Speak, Radio KAL and far too many podcasts to mention
I travel a lot. I travel for my real job and when I don’t travel for real work, I’m on the road promoting my books at festivals and shows. If it were not for these wonderful podcasts, I think I would go out of my mind (or at least off of the road). Ricky Brigante keeps me in the loop on Disney, Steve Younis and Neil Bailey keep me up to date on Superman, and the CGS geeks are practically family. I look forward to talking to them at shows. In fact, I would never have started writing if it weren’t for CGS and their welcoming forums. CGS also gave me the opportunity to moderate a panel with Walt and Louise Simonson, who are not only some of my favorite creators, but two of the greatest people in comics. These podcasters don’t make money off of their show, but do it for the love of the subject matter. A love that I share. Thanks.
I travel a lot. I travel for my real job and when I don’t travel for real work, I’m on the road promoting my books at festivals and shows. If it were not for these wonderful podcasts, I think I would go out of my mind (or at least off of the road). Ricky Brigante keeps me in the loop on Disney, Steve Younis and Neil Bailey keep me up to date on Superman, and the CGS geeks are practically family. I look forward to talking to them at shows. In fact, I would never have started writing if it weren’t for CGS and their welcoming forums. CGS also gave me the opportunity to moderate a panel with Walt and Louise Simonson, who are not only some of my favorite creators, but two of the greatest people in comics. These podcasters don’t make money off of their show, but do it for the love of the subject matter. A love that I share. Thanks.
So, that is my list.
What are you thankful for?
What are you thankful for?
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