Tony's Column Twenty-Seven

Tony’s Column

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Sep 26, 2009

Disneyfornication

Hi Everyone, Disney made a decision to pull it’s support for the movie the Diary of Anne Frank because the material is too dark. A movie about hiding out during the Holocaust and it can’t be done light hearted, who would have thought (eyes rolling at this point). You might be wondering why I have brought this up. Well I don’t know if you have looked at the Marvel Universe lately but it’s a pretty dark place. And if the new bosses decide that maybe it’s too dark and it should be lightened up or Disneyfide, then watch out. This could spell disaster for fans of the new marvel and even some long time fans. However, would it be bad to go back to the old 60’s and 70’s style Marvel. I’m thinking maybe not. As long as we don’t get the kind of stories DC did right after the senate trials (you know the ones, Think Jimmy Olsen, Lois Lane, Worlds finest) of the 1950s when everything was really watered down. I’m sure that some of the Marvels will be allowed to keep their edge but the whole line may see an overhaul. That may not be such a bad Idea. Till Next Time. Tony

Sep 19, 2009

Odds and Sods

Hi everyone, I decide to give the House of M debate a rest for a week and do an odds and sods column. First off, there was another basebrawl last night this time between the Jays/Yankees. After watching this I think that Baseball players and Basketball players should stick to getting their revenge on the scoreboard. I have never seen so many awkward punches in my life as I do in baseball or basketball fights. With the exception of Nolan Ryan tuning up Robin Ventura they just shouldn’t do it. Speaking of shouldn’t do something Kanye and Serina. Maybe they should date. Serina’s tirade was just plain embarrassing, but what made it worse is that she was losing the match. People will now just assume she did that to just throw the match. Kanye setting himself up for publicity for his new album with Jay-Z, by taking the Microphone from Taylor Swift and giving a few minute rant. I would like to think people are wise to this guys antics but it got him the buzz he wants. Don’t think that this is the last time he will do this. Speaking of Bad, The Winnipeg Blue Bombers stunk out the joint on Sunday. The Kick return game was better than I had seen it for a while, the Defense tried to keep the game close but when you offence goes 1 and out on 4 straight plays, your bound to start giving up points. When receivers are running wrong patterns and not tucking the ball away when running, when QB’s won’t take the sack and make a bad decision to throw the ball into coverage. Running backs who carry the ball away from there body and lose it as soon as they are hit. You can’t blame people for leaving early in the 3rd quarter than stay till the end like I did. Well, I’m not a part time fan (like the chant from Rider fans on Sunday) but enough’s enough. I will not be paying anymore money this season to see another game. As Huey Lewis once sang: “don’t you know, Bad is Bad”. Till next Time. Tony

Sep 12, 2009

New House of M Pt. 2

Hi Everyone, The Marvel/Disney Merger has sure gotten quite a bit of reaction from the comic community. From what I have seen and heard we are almost all agree on most of the points being discussed. That for me is a scary thing, because you can usually find someone who really differs about what is going to happen but most people that are in the industry agree that this will be an interesting year and that things will change and that Marvel will be a part of the Disney Stores. The one thing I am tending not to agree with is that this will be the end of Diamond if Marvel pulls their agreement next year. What people are saying is that DC doesn’t have the power combined with the other companies to sustain the market. That could be the furthest thing from the truth. What Marvel has to be careful is that they don’t alienate the fans that are on the border with some of there titles. These are not the Marvel Zombies that I spoke of last week but the fans who have branched out. The ones who have their favorite Marvel’s but also buy DC, Image, Etc. These are the people who now, especially with what DC has done in the last year to gain buzz and excitement on their books, may start looking for an out. This could spark an exodus, not a big one, but one that could put a bit of a dent in Marvel sales. That is until they get the people who frequent the Disney Stores only and see the Marvel product to start buying then they should level out. So all you people who are hoping that this will be the end of Diamond, sorry your wrong. Maybe some other factor might do it but Marvel (potentially) splitting off won’t be the death kneel. Till Next Time. Tony

Sep 9, 2009

New House of M

Well the Fan fall out of the Disney/Marvel Merger has started and now that I have had a few days to digest what has happened I will offer my 2 cents. First off, we probably won’t see any of the effects of the Merger until 2010. From a business stand point this is great for Marvel. They will finally be able to have the Marvel Store concept they have always wanted, even though it will either be apart of the Disney store or separate part inside the Disney store. Some people can’t see this with what Marvel Publishes but they will find a way to keep the Not for all ages stuff out of the hands of Minors. This could mean a dropping of the Max Line all together or having all Items like that behind the counter or a glass cabinet. Comics will probably be the last thing introduced into the Marvel Disney stores. You will see a shift in Toys, T-shirts, Statues, Hardcover, Posters, etc first. There will be incentives offered that will only be available through there stores. This will upset a few people but guess what “DEAL WITH IT” because this is a part of business. Your wondering “Yeah, but this is going to affect you too buddy”. Yep it will and I am preparing for the possible repercussions. #1) Marvel when they start sell comics through the Disney store (and if you think they won’t, I have a bridge in New York you can buy), they will offer incentive bonus cover books only available at their store. What this will cause is the Marvel Zombie (I used to be one), the person who only buys Marvel and nothing else, will go a couple of times to said store to pick up his incentive book. Then he will realize that why get my book from the local guy who may or may not get the incentive cover books and definitely won’t get the Disney/Marvel exclusive book when I can get all my Marvel stuff at one store. The regular Marvel Fan who reads other companies will probably not be enticed by this sales maneuver because there is nothing to benefit them unless they really want a certain incentive cover. #2 Marvel may use the Disney model on DVD and have their Limited or even Regular Hardcovers only available for a short period of time then they disappear. This will increase action on the secondary market but it may limit the number of HC showing up cheaply on E-bay. #3 Marvel won’t stop shipping to comic stores even when they have comics in their stores. They know they won’t get everyone coming to their stores. What will happen is they will change the thresholds for what you have to get the incentive cover. Which plays right into scenario #1. Who Knows Maybe I’m wrong and nothing will happen and everything will continue as normal. Till Next Time. Tony

Sep 2, 2009

Whaaaattt!!!!

Hi Everyone, I had a different Idea for this weeks Column until I was watching HLN Business News and they had announced that Walt Disney Corp is buying Marvel Entertainment for $4 billion dollars. My first reaction was “WHAT”. Now I’m not sure what to think. This will definitely be one of those wait and see. Till Next Time. Tony

Aug 26, 2009

Not Yet?

Hi Everyone, In the last Column I wrote about Brett Farve coming out of retirement. I am going to write about who’s fault it is. It’s the Media and our fault. If we wouldn’t tune into this or drop everything when these people do this then it would probably disappear. Don’t believe me. Why is it that whenever an Artist or Actress is out of the spotlight for a while the first thing we hear is they have either committed a crime (usually a misdemeanor), or entered rehab. Most time just before a new album or movie is to come out. Do people realize that there are some actors and actress who apply there art and are not constantly in the public eye. Why do we care that Lindsay Lohan went to a club spit in the face of a photographer and drove away drunk. The media is there to let us know all of her goings on. You also have to wonder how the media knows when they are going to a PRIVATE restaurant for a PRIVATE DINNER, How the Media knows exactly where their going even before they get there. You might say they have inside info but is it from the restaurant or the person PR department. Brett Farve for example says he’s retired, then says he wants to make a comeback, then says he’s not ready to come back, then say that he’s done, now miraculously has decided he can play. All the while the Media is eating it up and feeding us daily tidbits. We eat it up like and Ice cream sundae on a 90 degree day. There was a Tree house of Horror episode where the town of Springfield was told not to look at the ads that had come to life and they would die and go away. In our media obsessed world, maybe we should do the same. Till Next Time. Tony

Aug 19, 2009

All Farved Out

Hi Everyone, I can’t believe that the Vikings wasted there time and actually picked up Brett Farve. I know what some of you are thinking, Future Hall of Famer, lots of records, Blah, Blah, Blah. You would think as a Vikings Fan I would be happy about this, that they have a QB that can move the ball. Well, I’m not. He is egotistical and self centered. He asks the fans of Green Bay to understand his Decision. I never thought I would say this but I sympathize with the Packer fans. Sure the Team rode Brett out of town but why not stay in New York. You had a great start last season but ran out of gas in the end. Or better yet when you ran out of gas in the NFC finals why didn’t you take a Bow and STICK TO YOUR TEARFUL RETIREMENT SPEECH that you so eloquently gave at the February Press Conference. You know why, because your ADDICTED to the spotlight. Like a Professional wrestler who time was 20 years ago but keeps coming back for more because he needs the spotlight. Brett will sell more tickets, and the media will follow him like a lost puppy following a person home. The Vikings were building to a great future, the Defense is solid , the running game is sound, so they needed to work on the passing attack. With the receivers they have right now, Brett Farve isn’t the answer. Maybe in 2 years but not right now. I hope for my sake that I am proven wrong. I don’t think so. Till Next Time. Tony

Aug 6, 2009

Goodbye Mr. Hughes

Hi Everyone, there was so many different things I could have talked about this week but I want to talk about the death of John Hughes. The director who gave us such great Movies as the Breakfast Club, Pretty in Pink and Planes, Trains and Automobiles passed away at age 59. Most of his stories took place around the fictional town of Aurora, Illinois (recently talked about in Jay and Silent Bob Strikes back as Jay and Silent Bob were heading to Aurora to get some of the sweet honeys that lived there). I personally liked all of John Hughes movies except one: Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. That’s right I am the only person in North America to despise this movie. I saw this in the theatre when it first came out ( I did 2 movies in one day, the other was Armed and Dangerous with Eugene Levy, John Candy and Meg Ryan). I hated it then (along with A and D) and I hate them both to this day. The Jeffery Jones part as the Principal try to find out if Ferris is really sick were good but the rest of the movie I thought was horrible. Maybe it was Matthew Broderick (who’s only movie I can watch all the way through now is the Freshman) who I don’t find that great of an actor and really annoys me anytime I see him on TV. I have not let this however dimish how I feel on John Hughes body of work. He truly captured the feel of my youth and early adulthood. He was a master of the genre and will be missed. Let the song “Don’t You Forget about Me” ring on in his memory. Till Next Time. Tony

July 29, 2009

Weather we like it or not

Hi Everyone, as we head into a Long Weekend, I have to ask one question: “Where is Summer and when will it get here”. If you are not living on the prairie’s or the east coast you have no Idea what we are talking about as you bask in you 90 plus temperatures. We have 2 days nice 3 days rain 3 days mix rain and sun 2 days of rain 1 nice day then back to mix. Just Like at this moment. Just 5 minutes ago ( the 2nd time in the last hour) it was pouring rain, now the sun is out. There are people wondering what they should do. Most people planted there garden late after the long winter and the late wet spring. This is now going on 4 years since we had a decent summer. I am hoping that if the later part of the summer isn’t good, that we get a nice long fall followed by a short mild winter. That is what’s called wishful thinking. Till Next Time. Tony

July 22, 2009

Come on Everybody, Let’s Buy a Sports Team

Hi Everyone, What is going on, Gloria Estefan and Jennifer Lopez buy interest in the Miami Dolphins, Celine Dion wants to purchase part of the Montreal Canadiens. Is this madness or something more sinister. Do these people have any interest in the teams they are buying or is it just something the bean counters have told them to buy. I know there are people with money that like to buy sports teams as toys but at least we know Male or Female that they like the sport or teams they are buying, with these two, to my knowledge, do they even like the teams. If not, and they get into the position of majority owner (heaven forbid) would they decimate the team (like Georgia Fontiaria did with Rams for so many years until she finally got it.). I hope not because right now I am starting to feel funny about liking these teams. Especially if you know who gets her hands on the Canadiens, shudder. Till Next Time. Tony

July 15, 2009

Comic Con or Not Comic Con

HI Everyone, San Diego Comic Con starts next week, and I am sitting here thinking if maybe it’s time to change the name of the show. Sure comics are still a big part of the show, but with the major movie studios starting to set up and bring major stars with them and having the stars have panels and the line up for the stars are longer than the ones for the creators or artist that show up there, it might be time for a rename. I have been trying to come up with a name for the show but nothing good comes to mind. Maybe the San Diego Comic and Media Expo. Comic and Media International Convention, San Diego Visual Media Exhibition. See nothing that great but with the way the cool kids have taken over the club house a name change is in order because San Diego Comic Con is a no longer our club house. Till Next Time. Tony

July 8, 2009

In a Crazy World Like This.

Hi Everyone, is it me or it the world a little crazy right now. No Maybe it’s me because with all the deaths, strange killings and crime that has been happening lately I tend to think that we are all mucho loco. Parents of autistic children gunned down for what, money. You have Iran flexing it’s muscle and North Korea acting like an impetus child being ignored by there American parents. Locally, we had 4 people going around attacking and stabbing people at random. People are getting scared and they are getting angry and that is a recipe for disaster unless something is done. I wish I had some suggestions but I don’t. Maybe that’s the problem, we have run out of solutions and Ideas. Nah, I can’t by that. Until next time. Tony

July 1, 2009

The End of an Era.

Hi Everyone, Well it’s been 2 months since I last did a column. I have now closed down the store front for the Bookshelf but the Bookshelf will live on as our internet site. The store will be Cover to Cover. I just came to this decision 30 seconds ago. It has been a trying year for me so far but I would like to thank all the people who helped and support me through this time. Dan Barb Jennelle and Jaret (You guys are the best) Fletch and Sue, Melanie M., Fast Ed A., Jay and His Lovely Wife Chris, Marc S. (dentist extraordinaire and super mover), My Girlfriend Kat, My Bro, Mr Paul M., Big Ed and His wife KD, Burke, Charlene and Erin, Kat’s Bro Jim, Swanny Lawrence and My Mom. None of the Move could have been done without these people. I want to also thank Ali for packing in the final few days while we tried to keep the store going. I want to thank my old landlord Frank and Kelly and Nancy in the office. I want to also thank all of you who were customers at 3050 Portage avenue, it was a great 21 years and yes I miss it everyday. I am hoping to see many of you here at 1187 Pembina (and I have seen some of you). Well that era is done and I hope this one will be good too. If there is anyone I forgot I apologize in advance. Till Next Time. Tony

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