BANNED BOOKS WEEK! - A guest post by Nicole Wagaman

Attention faithful Comix Connection Blog readers! Did you know that this is Banned Books Week? This is an annual celebration of the First Amendment and our Freedom to Read! It was founded on the importance of keeping unorthodox or unpopular views available and on drawing attention to attempts at censorship (so we can stop it.) Personally it always makes me want to go grab every book that was ever banned or burned and read them in a very public location.


But I know, books can be large and heavy and just plain cumbersome to cart around with you all day long. Webster's Dictionary* just doesn't fit well in your pocket, it makes life very difficult, I know, I know... Fortunately we here at Comix Connection have a solution to this dilemma, because guess what? Comics are slim, lightweight, portable, and yes--definitely have been victims of both burning and banning.

Ever heard of Fredrick Wertham? He led the crusade in the 1950s that almost killed the comic book and had lots of communities and schoolyards holding some four-colored bonfires of their own.


So what say you, shall we rally 'round our favorite pastime? Stop in and we'll be only too glad to help you find a comic that wouldn't be approved by the Comics Code Authority. (In fact, conveniently and entirely coincidentally, our featured sale of the week is Ex Machina Volume One for $5, and that comic hits all the right "please ban me!" notes!) Ready to celebrate Banned Books Week and thumb you nose at everyone who tries to censor the printed word? I know I am! Let's grab some comics!

So there you go: your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to expand your mind, support the CBLDF (Comic Book Legal Defense Fund, whose donation cans are always on our counters), defy censorship, and enjoy some really good books. That sounds like my kind of week!

*That's right, even the dictionary has been banned from school libraries. Srsly. No wunder our kidz can't spel gud.

--Counter Monkey Nicky

The best month in comic book history

May very well have been February 1966 when this house ad appeared in DC Comics:


Go to Dave Ex Machina's blog and read about the WEIRDO LEGIONNAIRE and so much more. What a time, what a month!

Manager Jared's Weekly Matchup Poll Playoffs #17

Hello again ladies and gentlemen. Manager Jared here asking if we're having fun yet? Well, are we? I can't hear you!

If not then we will be having a blast soon, as our favorite characters will battle it out in the semi-finals. This is the last playoff fight. Vote well my friends.

No Skeets. No Frenchie.

Booster Gold's Abilities: Possesses advanced technology allowing flight, power blasts, force fields, enhanced strength, and other abilities.

Moon Knight's Abilities: Superb athlete and hand-to hand combatant. Formerly, enhanced strength derived from the phases of the moon. Resistance to some psychic assaults.
Possesses both traditional and sophisticated weaponry.

Online Surveys & Market Research

Don't forget to tell us why you voted the way you did in the comments section! Its easy, free, and commitment free!

(Descriptions of characters powers retrieved from Wikipedia.)

There's still time!

Now through Sunday, October 3rd


EX MACHINA VOLUME ONE softcover is just $5.00!

There a nice brief interview with writer Brian K. Vaughn HERE!


What are you waiting for?

More cool old comics

that we will be flogging at THE YORK BOOK & PAPER FAIR on Saturday, October 16th:






You could be the proud owner of these and other Silver Age goodies if you swing by our booth and lay some dough on us. As always, we price to sell. You can also snag one of our Secret Coupons while you're there...

More info on the York Book & Paper Fair HERE!

York Book & Paper Fair - Saturday, October 16th

YES, COMIX CONNECTION WILL BE APPEARING AT THE ULTRA-COOL YORK BOOK & PAPER FAIR on Saturday, October 16th!

And we're bringing some goodies:






along with a vast array of inexpensive comics too! The York Book & Paper Fair's Jim and Pam Lewin bring together an eclectic mix of vendors of all sorts of pop culture memorabilia... books, comics, vintage magazines, records, paperbacks and much much more! Located at the Holiday Inn Convention center right beside the West Manchester Mall, show hours are from 9AM to 4PM! Come on out and browse the stacks... I'm sure you'll find SOMETHING of interest!

CLICK HERE for more info about the York Book & Paper Fair!

(Ask for your very own super special secret Comix Connection 20% OFF coupon at our booth... good on ANYTHING in the stores!)

I for one

welcome our new Stinkbug overlords.

Manager Jared's Weekly Matchup Poll Playoffs #16

We got two good arms going against each other here. Who will hit their target first, or will it come down to hand-to-hand combat? Good vs. Evil, Arsenal vs. Bullseye!

Don't forget this is a fight to the finals!

VOTE!

Bullseye's Abilities: Perfect accuracy. Expert martial artist and hand to hand combatant. Spinal column, along with various other bones, laced with adamantium.

Arsenal's Abilities: exceptional marksmanship; proficiency with a huge variety of weapons; hand-to-hand combat training; occasional use of trick arrows.

Online Surveys & Market Research

Don't forget to tell us why you voted the way you did in the comments section! Its easy, free, and commitment free!

(Descriptions of characters powers retrieved from Wikipedia.)

If you all start saving now, you can get me this for Christmas

One of the things I remember most about 1979 was burning lots of time and money in this thing:



If you thought STAR WARS was cool, then this game was for you. Seated in a cockpit with neat controls and surrounded by multiple speakers, players would attempt to shoot at blatant Tie-fighter rip-offs while trying to dodge their shots. Your four-point laser took a LOOOONG time to reach the enemies and if you fired too often, they would overheat and you would have to wait until they cooled off before resuming fire. Clunky and frustrating, it was the best thing we had, and there were moments when you felt like YOU WERE THERE with Luke trying to destroy evil Empire ships...

HERE'S the Wiki entry on STAR FIRE, and here's a nice video of what you'd see playing it:



Here's a better video, but sadly without sound:





Yes, it was completely awesome. And no, I don't wish I had that $700.00 in quarters back either... it was FUN!

Manager Jared's Weekly Matchup Poll Playoffs #15

Two street brawlers meet in the arena of your mind. They both want to make it out the other side to compete in the Finals. Who will you pick and will that vote be enough to get him through to the next round? Consider each vote a blow. Whoever gets the most hits knocks the other out!

VOTE!

Luke Cage's Abilities: Superhuman strength, stamina, and durability. Accelerated healing factor and skilled street fighter.

Wildcat's Abilities: Expert fighter, peak physical condition, nine lives at any given time.

Online Surveys & Market Research

Don't forget to tell us why you voted the way you did in the comments section! Its easy, free, and commitment free!

(Descriptions of characters powers retrieved from Wikipedia.)

Starts today! EX MACHINA VOLUME ONE for only FIVE BUCKS!

This is it! Starting TODAY, Monday September 20th and running through Sunday October 3rd, EX MACHINA VOLUME 1 is only FIVE DOLLARS (plus tax)!


Here's a brief intro to the series from the ubiquitous Wikipedia, the repository of all of Man's knowledge:

The series details the life of Mitchell Hundred (also known as The Great Machine), the world's first and only superhero, who, in the wake of his actions on 9/11, is elected Mayor of New York City. The story is set during Hundred's term in office, and interwoven with flashbacks to his past as the Great Machine. Through this, the series explores both the political situations Hundred finds himself in, and the mysteries surrounding his superpowers.

Come on in and get your copy of this absolutely cool series today! You won't be disappointed!

Manager Jared's Weekly Matchup Poll Playoffs #14

The Playoffs are nearing their end and once we get these wrapped up we will be getting into the semi-finals. The will only be 10 battles and then the ultra-finals and then the final-finals!!!

Its important to vote now for the character you think could beat the rest!

Great fighters and great men, who would win? The man without fear or the man who induces lots of fear?!

Batman's Abilities:Peak human level athlete/acrobat, master martial artist, master tactician and field commander, master detective, access to hi-tech gadgets and weapons.

Daredevil's Abilities: Superhuman senses; excellent athlete, gymnast, boxer, and martial artist.

Online Surveys & Market Research

Don't forget to tell us why you voted the way you did in the comments section! Its easy, free, and commitment free!

(Descriptions of characters powers retrieved from Wikipedia.)

This is how I play TETRIS

OK, I'm not quite that good.

When in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania...

What to do when in the Harrisburg, Pennsylvania area? Well, according to GO MAGAZINE, the in-flight magazine of AirTran Airlines, THE place to shop is... COMIX CONNECTION! Check it out HERE! Thanks for the plug, and air travelers - you won't be disappointed! Stop by when you're in the area!

(A big tip of the old propeller beanie to Dan Lyons for bringing us the magazine and pointing this out! Thanks!)

The next Ultra-Cool Comix Connection Super Special FIVE DOLLAR SALE!

This is it! Starting Monday September 20th through Sunday October 3rd, Comix Connection is running our next Super Special Sale:

EX MACHINA VOLUME ONE softcover is just $5.00!

That's right! The first five issues of the amazing EX MACHINA series all in one nice volume for a mere $5.00!

The short version, from Diamond's website:

EX MACHINA TP VOL 01 THE FIRST HUNDRED DAYS
Written by Brian K. Vaughan; Art by Tony Harris & Tom Feister; Cover by Harris

From Wizard Magazine's Top Ten writer Brian K. Vaughan (Y: THE LAST MAN) and Eisner Award-winning artist Tony Harris (STARMAN) comes a collection of one of the most critically acclaimed series, featuring a gorgeous new cover by Harris! THE FIRST HUNDRED DAYS collects the first five issues of this stellar ongoing political thriller, including the extra-sized origin of the super-heroic Great Machine, as well as the 4-part "State of Emergency."

Set in our modern-day world, EX MACHINA tells the story of civil engineer Mitchell Hundred, who becomes America's first living, breathing super-hero after a strange accident gives him amazing powers. Eventually Mitchell tires of risking his life merely to maintain the status quo, retires from masked crimefighting and runs for mayor of New York City, winning by a landslide. But Mayor Hundred has to worry about more than just budget problems and an antagonistic governor, especially when a mysterious hooded figure begins assassinating plow drivers during the worst snowstorm in the city's history!

But don't just take our word for it! Five dollars( plus appropriate 6% PA sales tax) gets you this wonderful read and then the first five issues of Ex Machina will be yours to enjoy!

SALE BEGINS MONDAY!

(EX MACHINA just wrapped up it's 50-issue run, with a stunning conclusion the likes of which I have never seen in all my comic-reading days. I'm serious, this is one of the most well-written, well-crafted, well-drawn comic series I have ever laid my jaded eyes on. It's THAT GOOD. --Bill)

Brian Keene writes DOOM PATROL #16... with an appearance by Manager Jared?

That's right! Local novelist and all around swell guy BRIAN KEENE is writing the upcoming DOOM PATROL #16! According to Brian, there will be a cameo appearance by our very own Manager Jared Wolf of Comix Connection - York! Reached for comment, Jared had this to say:

"It is truly an honor to be featured in a Brian Keene-written comic... I've waited all my life to join the ranks of other local heroes who have become part of the Marvel or DC or Antarctic Press universe, like Comix Connection Founders Ned Senft and Bill Wahl. It's truly a humbling opportunity to get my fictional self killed in some patented weirdly gruesome Brian Keene way. Thanks, Brian!"

Read more about the universe-shattering event HERE and HERE!

Want to get a copy of Manager Jared's First Appearance? Let your Friendly Neighborhood Comix Connection Counter Monkey know and he/she will gladly reserve a copy of DOOM PATROL #16 just for you!

Another another Comix Connection No(YES)-PRIZE winner!

Here's the latest entry into our Comix Connection No(Yes)-Prize T-shirt contest, from Rich Spidle:

Rich with horror movie director George Romero at Horrorfind 2010 in Gettysburg, PA!

With the original Buffy the Vampire Slayer Kristy Swanson, also at Horrorfind 2010 in Gettysburg, PA!

Great stuff!

Let's see...

Level of difficulty: 8/10

Creativity and imagination: 7/10

SINCE DAWN OF THE DEAD IS ONE OF MY FAVORITE MOVIES YOU AUTOMATICALLY GET: +10 POINTS

Your NO(YES)-PRIZE:

a TEN DOLLAR GIFT CERTIFICATE!

Come and get it Rich!

Learn all about the ongoing contest HERE!

No time to post

I'm still working on the September Diamond Comics orders for stuff shipping in November! PLEASE GET YOUR SEPTEMBER PREVIEWS ORDERS in as soon as you can! Thanks in advance!

We've got some really cool stuff coming up to tell you about like:

1) FourSquare!
2) Our Annual Halloween Sale!
3) Brian Keene writing DOOM PATROL with a special appearance by Manager Jared!
4) Other Stuff!

Keep your eyes peeled here on our Blog, on Twitter and on our Fabulous Facebook Page for news and info! And now for something fun:



Cool! I get to face the Zombie Apocalypse with the boxed set of THE GONZO TAPES: THE LIFE AND WORK OF DR. HUNTER S. THOMPSON! BRING IT ON, ZOMBIES!

The Solo Adventures

This was the "Best Animation" winner in the Star Wars Fan Film Movie Challenge:



You're welcome, NICKY!

Manager Jared's Weekly Matchup Poll Playoffs #13

Black Bat vs. Widow Woman! I mean Black Widow vs. Batwoman! Who would win?

Black Widow's abilities: Slowed aging, enhanced immune system, peak athletic condition, extensive military, martial arts, and espionage training,
hypnosis.

Batwoman's Abilities: Trained martial artist, access to high tech equipment.

Online Surveys & Market Research

Don't forget to tell us why you voted the way you did in the comments section! Its easy, free, and commitment free!

(Descriptions of characters powers retrieved from Wikipedia.)

A handy guide

Found HERE.

You're welcome.

Instrument panels!

Check out these cool instrument panels... recognize them?



CLICK HERE for more!

Silent Star Wars

That is all.

SNAKE ROBOT CLIMBS A TREE!

SNAKE ROBOT CLIMBS A TREE:



Snake robot climbs a tree! Why am I suddenly so frightened?

One More Day

ONE DOLLAR for ONE COMIC for ONE MORE DAY

Plus: All 2/99¢ comics are only A DIME EACH!

And the old stuff is a whopping 35% OFF!

This sale ends at 9:00PM tonight, so get in here soon!

We still have some comics left - Day Two of the Great Labor Day Weekend Sale of 2010

That's right, even with the giant crowds of eager comic book collectors hammering the back issue bins at both stores for Day One of the huge Labor Day Weekend Sale, we still have some comics left! Actually we still have a wide selection left, and they're STILL ONLY ONE DOLLAR EACH! That's right, every single comic book in the bins at both Comix Connection locations is a mere 100 pennies or twenty nickles. And speaking of dimes, the 2/99¢ comics are a PALTRY TEN CENTS A PIECE! 1930s prices! Get a boxful! Additionally, all the cool old stuff on the walls is a spectacular 35% OFF! This sale ends MONDAY at 9PM, so get in here ASAP!

The BIG One

'Nuff said.

TODAY SEPTEMBER 4th, 10AM-9PM
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 5th, 12Noon-5PM
LABOR DAY, MONDAY SEPTEMBER 6th, 10AM-9PM

ALL BACK ISSUES IN THE BINS - $1.00
EACH! ALL BACK ISSUES ON THE WALL ABOVE THE BINS AND BEHIND THE COUNTER - 35% OFF!
ALL 2/99¢ COMICS - 10¢ EACH!

STARTS TOMORROW!

The big Comix Connection LABOR DAY WEEKEND SALE that is!

Check this out:

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 4th, 10AM-9PM
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 5th, 12Noon-5PM
LABOR DAY, MONDAY SEPTEMBER 6th, 10AM-9PM

ALL BACK ISSUES IN THE BINS - $1.00 EACH!
ALL BACK ISSUES ON THE WALL ABOVE THE BINS AND BEHIND THE COUNTER - 35% OFF!
ALL 2/99¢ COMICS - 10¢ EACH!

It's CRA-A-A-AZY!

Another another winner!

Here's the latest entry into our Comix Connection No(Yes)-Prize T-shirt contest, from the chief correspondent of our Dublin, Ireland Desk, Ciaran Smith:

At the Balcon De Europa, Nerja, Coasta Del Sol, Spain. July 2010.

Man, I wish I was there!


Let's see...

Level of difficulty: 7/10

Creativity and imagination: 8/10

FIRST PHOTO FORM SPAIN: +10 POINTS

Your NO(YES)-PRIZE:

a TEN DOLLAR GIFT CERTIFICATE!

Come and get it Ciaran! (Or I can send you something. Either way.)

Learn all about the ongoing contest HERE!

Another Comix Connection No(YES)-PRIZE winner!

Wearing a Comix Connection Geek Chic Wear™ T-shirt someplace famous could win you a coveted No(Yes)-Prize and a Comix Connection Gift Certificate... as Jason Resh well knows:



HA! Well, that's the first IMAGINARY place that one of our T-shirts has been!

Let's see...

Level of difficulty: 7/10

Creativity and imagination: 9/10

POSSIBLY GETTING ON SANTA'S "BAD" LIST: +10 POINTS

Your NO(YES)-PRIZE:

a TEN DOLLAR GIFT CERTIFICATE!

Good job, Jason!

Learn all about the ongoing contest HERE!