Valentine's Day Gift Panic?

If you haven't found that perfect Valentine's Day gift for your sweetie, don't worry there is still time! I know we've all gotten a gift that looks like the person picked it up on the way home. It is the thought that counts but sometimes you just
can't imagine what they were thinking. Waiting until the last minute doesn't have to mean a bad gift. If you don't know where to begin, try thinking outside the box this year, instead of candy, flowers or dinner check out the ideas I've compiled for you.
For Him:

• If your man is messy why not hire someone to clean his apartment? Coming home to a fresh clean home will be just what he needs to focus on a romantic evening for the two of you. If he is pretty clean on his own maybe he just needs someone to organize collections that he hasn't had time to focus on. I know my fiance has a collection of baseball cards that really needs to be organized and displayed properly. He'd love it if I took care of that for him.
• Maybe your guy's passion is comic books. If he already has an extensive collection of graphic novels, you can look into finding out the worthof comics he owns through comic book appraisals. If he doesn't have a collection, find out which books or characters he loved the most growing up, and start one for him. Check the Marvel Comics website for popular titles.
• If your boyfriend loves working with his hands, look in to getting him a tool set. It is the perfect gift to help him complete all of his projects. If you can't fit an entire set into your budget, get him a single high quality tool and get it engraved with his initials. For future holidays, you can buy him additional tools and eventually he'll have a high quality personalized set. This one works out for you too since he might become Mr. Handyman.
• For the sports nut in your life, why not try sports card memorabilia? Every sport has a set of cards these days, so it won't be hard to find something he'll love. Budget won't be a problem on this gift, you can easily find baseball cards worth hundreds, or if that is too pricey you can find cards for less than a dollar. Maybe your boyfriend doesn't really value baseball cards, don't worry! There are tons of other kinds of sports memorabilia out there. An autographed jersey or maybe even just a shirt with his favorite team's logo would make him happy and sports stuff is just so easy to find.

For Her:

• If your girlfriend is the sentimental type, why not find out what her favorite childhood toy was and buy it for her. A vintage toy is a sweet way to show her how well you know her. They are easy to find in antique stores and on the web. When I was a little girl, I had a my little pony named Ember. It would melt my heart if a guy bought that for me.
• If you are on a tight budget a sweet and inexpensive gift is a photo collage of the two of you. You can print the photos yourself and put them in a discount frame, or if you have the means, you can have it put together at a frame shop or by a local artist. Either way, your lady will be impressed by your thoughtful gift!
• Jewelry is usually a safe bet for Valentine's day, but it doesn't have to be brand new or cost two months salary for your girl to love it. Interesting and beautiful jewelry can be found easily in antique stores. Don't be afraid that the antiques prices will be too high, jewelry from several eras can be found at inexpensive prices. Some of the most fashionable periods right now are Edwardian, Art Deco and Art Nouveau.
• A gift that would be perfect for any lady in your life is an outing with you. Personalize the trip to her interests. If she likes drama, buy two tickets to a play. If music is her thing, why not a concert? If she loves animals take her to the zoo, just get creative and think of a place where the two of you can spend time together doing something fun and interesting. There is no greater gift than time with someone you love!

Hopefully this list has given you some ideas for treating your loved one this holiday. You don't have to roam the aisles full of candy boxes and singing stuffed animals, find something he or she can really treasure forever! They'll never know you waited until the last minute if you put real thought into your gift.

That is my take on great Valentine's day gifts, but I could be wrong about all of this. Maybe diamonds really are a girls best friend. Maybe a giant teddy bear balloon is what you were dreaming of. Let me know if I'm a genius, or if my ideas are crazy. I'd also love to hear the best and worst gifts given to you by your sweetie.

Phoenix Comicon

Geeks unite Jan. 25-27 at Phoenix Comicon, a convention bringing together comics collectors, actors, comic book artists, anime voice actors and authors. Convention director Matt Solberg said 'comicon' is a catchall term to the comic book community. This year's comicon features a zombie beauty pageant, Jedi light saber training for kids, a fashion show of Japan's extreme street wear, an art auction, a costume contest and anime dodge ball. Attendees also can meet their favorite authors, actors and artists, participate in how-to sessions with professors from Collins College and the Art Institute of Phoenix, sit in on question-and-answer panels and compete in gaming and art tournaments.
The favorite attractions vary among fans, Solberg said, but generally, meeting the film and TV stars of programs such as Star Wars and Star Trek is the most popular. It's really about "being able to hang out with friends and others who share similar interests," he said.
The first comicon Solberg put together was in June 2002. It was a one-day event that lasted about six hours, a far cry from the three-day event held now. Last year, 3,200 comics enthusiasts showed up for the convention.
Lou Ferrigno of TV's Incredible Hulk will meet with fans and talk about the upcoming Hulk movie, in which he makes an appearance. "Greeting the fans is something I really enjoy doing," he said. "The fans helped make me who I am today." Ferrigno, 56, has been active in conventions for years and will attend one in Arizona for the first time. He's been to the state before but only for a short time. "I'm looking forward to coming to the show, spending time in Phoenix and meeting my fans," he said.
For more of the original article, as well as convention information and prices, click here.

Headlocked: Work of Art

Since its release on October 31, Headlocked: Work of Art has garnered near unanimous praise from both the wrestling and the comic book world. The book was hailed as "one of the year's best comics" in a 5 star review from Silver Bullet Comics and as "a non-condescending and realistic view of the world of rasslin’" from the Encyclopedia of Wrestling Comics.
Kingston's myspace page features pictures and quotes from a variety of wrestlers endorsing the book including Samoa Joe, Greg Valentine, Shawn Daivari, Chris Hero, Justin Credible, Dawn Marie, Blue Meanie, and Sara Del Rey. Based on the initial response, a new mini-series has been greenlit by publisher AAM/Markosia and is currently in production.
So while the book has been very well received it has become very difficult to find on the shelves. If you are a comics collector, and missed out on the initial offering of Headlocked: Work of Art for whatever reason, it is still possible to obtain a first printing of the book.
With a bright future and a low initial print run, Headlocked:Work of Art seems primed to become a collector's item. Kingston already has some big surprises lined up for the next series so he advises people to get their re-orders in for Headlocked: Work of Art before they're all gone.
If you have this book, add it into your iTaggit collection and let us know what you think about it! For more of Michael Kingston's article, click here.

SPLASTK - First Web Syndicated Comic Book Fueled Video Network

Platinum Studios, Inc., an entertainment company that controls an independent library of comic book characters from all over the world, and Comflix Studios, Inc., a Los Angeles and New York based multi-media company, have created "Splastk," the first web syndicated on-demand video network featuring free comic book-inspired animated content powered by the Splastk player and anchored by http://www.Splastk.com.
"Adding a dynamic element to the static print comic is the specialty of Comflix Studios," said Platinum Studios President, Brian Altounian. The partnership supplies targeted premium content while enhancing the overall experience for the comics collector looking to find something new. The customized Java-based player, compatible with any web browser, will host original material as well as aggregate content from multiple sources to deliver video simultaneously to a growing network of pop culture sites. Splastk animated videos are free to site users and are sponsored by brief, pre-roll targeted advertisements.
The network is currently anchored by a number of sites centered around the web-comics community including http://www.DrunkDuck.com, http://www.comflix.net, http://www.comics2film.com, http://www.topwebcomics.com, http://www.keentoons.com, and http://www.smackjeeves.com. The wide range of titles and themes in the Platinum Studios Comics library are coupled with the production capabilities of Comflix. Current available video titles on the Splastk player include Dracula vs. King Arthur and The Last Sin of Mark Grimm from Comflix Studios, as well as Dylan Dog and Sidekicks from Platinum Studios. Upcoming planned productions include adaptations of Platinum's Hero By Night series and Cowboys & Aliens. For more information, click here for the original press release in it's entirety.

30 Days Of Night Is Not For The Nyctophobic

In the sleepy and secluded town of Barrow, Alaska-the northernmost settlement in North America-its citizens are preparing for the annual coming of the Dark. It's a bitter time when the sun sets for more than thirty consecutive days and nights, and most of its inhabitants head south. But this winter, the Dark will bring a mysterious group of strangers with it. From across the frozen wasteland, a horrifying evil descends upon Barrow, mercilessly besieging its residents with unrelenting terror and swift death. And as the darkness continues and the thirty days of night seemingly have no end in sight, Barrow's only remaining hope lies with Sheriff Eben Oleson (Josh Hartnett) and Deputy Stella Oleson (Melissa George), an estranged husband and wife who are torn between saving the town they love and their own survival.

30 Days of Night author Steve Niles originally conceived of the story in the form of a film, but after meeting a lack of interest in initial pitches to studios, Niles was able to produce it as a three-part comic book mini-series with Ben Templesmith, deciding to collaborate on the project and provide artwork. The film adaptation, released in theaters today, is produced by Columbia Pictures and Ghost House Productions. The screenplay has gone through several versions and writers, including Steve Niles and Stuart Beattie (co-writer for Pirates of the Carribean: The Curse of the Black Pearl). David Slade is the director, and he casted Josh Hartnett and Melissa George as his leading roles.

(this and more information can be found on the 30 Days of Night Official Site)

You may not have a collection of comic books, baseball cards, or antiques, but you have a home full of valuables that you have spent your life collecting. iTaggit will change the way you collect, organize, and enjoy your things.

Second-Most Valuable Comic Available Found In Man's Attic

(as originally posted by AP)

Holy collectibles, Batman! A near-mint copy of Detective Comics 27, a pre-World War II comic featuring Batman's debut, was recently found in an attic and sold to a local comic book collector.

The comic is considered to be the second-most valuable available and can fetch up to $500,000. The only comic considered more valuable is Action Comics 1, where Superman makes his first appearance. Collector Todd McDevitt, seen in picture below with comic, said the Batman issue he bought is worth about $250,000, but he won't say how much he paid for it or who sold the book to him.

"It was a typical story of someone cleaning up junk in their attic and finding an old comic book and wondering if this was one of those ones that was worth a lot of money," McDevitt told the Beaver County Times.

McDevitt , owner of the Pittsburgh region's five New Dimension Comics stores, said he has been saving money since 1986 so that he could buy a valuable comic when it appeared.

When the seller walked in with the Batman issue, "my eyes almost popped out of my head," McDevitt said. "I guess I should have been more reserved, but I'm not a very good poker player."

Experts estimate there are between 20 to a few hundred copies of the Batman debut.

McDevitt 's comic now sits safely in an airtight bag in a bank vault. On occasion, he takes it out to show friends and customers.

"I've been toying with the idea of reading it, but I haven't yet," he said. "I'm going to savor it."

Think you have a valuable comic? Get your comics appraisals here on iTaggit!

Living with the Dead - new zombie comic

Yes, the comic shelves are flooding with undead / zombie titles thanks to the success of "the walking Dead" and "Marvel Zombies" but here's a new one i found that has a fun twist. Living With the Dead

is funny well drawn with a good plot line - this is from the dark horse desription:

" Two survivors of a global catastrophe disguise themselves as corpses to survive in a land of the walking dead.

From the mind of Mike Richardson ( The Mask; The Secret) comes this hilariously frightening tale of Straw and Whip, two slackers who have lived through a plague that's left the world with seven billion brain-hungry zombies. Life is tough as they try to keep up the appearance of being like the rest of the decomposing masses, and things heat up when a damsel in distress needs their help. Will they blow their cover for a beautiful young girl, or sacrifice her in the name of rock and roll?

* Be sure to catch this three-issue series with art by Ben Stenbeck, and covers by legendary Richard Corben, making zombies fun again.

Two boys, a girl, and seven billion living dead. "

What If Hulk Hadn't Waged World War?

(as originally posted on Comic Book News)
As the summer’s biggest comic book event, World War Hulk, rages on, acclaimed writer behind it now turns his attentions to what could have been in What If? Planet Hulk. From Planet Hulk and World War Hulk author Greg Pak, artists Leonard Kirk, Rafa Sandoval and Fred Hembeck, comes this special extra-sized one-shot showing just how the year’s top selling event could have gone in three different paths! First, what if the Hulk had arrived at the intended destination of the Illuminati? Could this peaceful planet have tamed the savage Hulk? And then, what if Hulk died and his wife instead led the army against Earth? Finally, the one page story you demanded: what if Banner, not the Hulk, landed on Sakaar? That’s three stories, one issue and a stunning cover by Planet Hulk artist Carlo Pagulayan!

“If you thought Hulk was brutal in WWH, you’ve seen nothing like Caiera’s revenge story,” said editor Mark Paniccia. “The Illuminati is lucky she’s not the one who came out of the stone ship. Iron Man will loose his head when he meets her (literally). Plus there are a few other surprising tie-ins to the current mythos. The other two stories are brilliant. Greg went absolutely wild with these tales.”

That’s three different outcomes for the Hulk straight from the man writing some of the most exciting stories in the character’s history! Greg Pak and friends bring you three stories that could—perhaps should—have been featuring the Incredible Hulk as you’ve never seen him before! It’s What If? Planet Hulk and once you’ve finished this special extra-sized one shot, your jaw will be on the floor!

What If? Planet Hulk (AUG072232) will be available in stores on October 24, 2007. If you are curious about your comic's value, upload your comic's information into iTaggit's “What's My Item Worth” section, and our comics price guide can help you with comics appraisals.

I Am Iron Man!

the new trailer for the Iron Man movie is up at apple trailers. and it's awesome! I hope the end product lives up to this.

Halloween Man Mixes Classic Scary And Pulp Fiction Into A New Comic

"Imagine a world where every piece of pulp fiction is true. Where superheroes fly through the sunlit sky and terrifying creatures go bump in the night. Where flying cars, robots and time travel are commonplace, and ancient evils plot to rise again. This is Solar City, Texas – home to a heroic monster and the brilliant woman by his side.”

What an attention grabber, right?! Halloween Man is a comic on the verge of being released and I urge any comic enthusiast to check it out. Drew Edwards, writer/creator for Halloween Man, pulled the majority of his inspiration from classic monster movies, Marvel's Silver Age Comics, and the cartoons of Charles Addams, as well as from experiences in his own life, when he created this rough and rowdy comic.

His crazy cast of main misfits includes Solomon Hitch and Dr. Lucy Chaplin, who are accompanied by Man-Goat and Morlack. Solomon falls in a long line of misunderstood monsters and conflicted heroes. Though sometimes surly, he is a fairly good guy with good morals, who just happens to be an undead, flesh-eating, killing machine. Dr. Lucy Chaplin is best described as the body of Marilyn Monroe with the brains of Reed Richards. She's Solomon's lover and also happens to be one of the smartest people in the world. Morlack, an aged wizard turned beatnik, and Man-Goat, an upright, crime fighting, talking goat, round out their crew.

Be sure to pre-order Halloween Man at your local comic book store with the Diamond Code: AUG07 3961. Drew's iTaggit collection will be available here soon, (comic book writers are busy people too). For Halloween Man's website, click here. For Halloween Man's MySpace, click here.

Featured on the cover of Halloween Man is Jami Deadly, a professional blonde bombshell and Marilyn Monroe impersonator. The cover art itself was shot by Gayla, owner of 666 Photography. I will be posting a blog around her and her company in the near future so stay tuned!