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Tony's Online Tips
Reviews and commentary by Tony Isabella
"America's Most Beloved Comic-Book Writer & Columnist"

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TONY'S ONLINE TIPS
for Friday, December 22, 2006

55 Cover

Happy birthday to me. Mere days after seeing an online post that referred to be as an "old-timer," I'm now 55 years old. Which explains the wonderful Chuck Brouillette cover. I'd tell you that I don't feel 55, but I'm not sure what 55 is supposed to feel like. I can tell you that I feel pretty good right now.

These last several years - actually, much of the last decade - I haven't been feeling pretty good. It's been a constant struggle to do whatever I had to do. Then, in recent months, things started to come together for me. It was a kind of spiritual realization. I can win this thing called life.

If I'm being vague, it's intentional. I see no need to write a blow-by-blow account of what I've gone through. If there remain issues to be decided from past events in my life, they will either be decided in the fullness of time or not at all. If the former, good for me. If the latter, it won't keep me from pushing forward on other fronts.

Shortly after the holidays, I will be returning to full-time writing. When I mentioned this to a pal at Mid-Ohio-Con, he went all wide-eyed on me.

"But, Tony, all those columns you write!"

The columns are just the tip of the iceberg, friends. There's a lot more Isabella writing where they come from...and I'm already chopping away at the iceberg.

My personal 55 Week One starts with my getting ahead on my columns while doing the research on my first original comic-book script in years. From there on, from week to week, I'll be working on other scripts, on proposals for new comics, on a novel or three, and whatever else either comes my way or I track down and make my own. When scripts are accepted or contracts are signed or projects are finished, I'll announce them here first.

Am I interested in talking to editors and/or publishers about bringing my writing to a hopefully eager public? I certainly am. Just don't expect me to be as trusting as I was back in the 1970s. I'm happy to shake your hand and look you straight in the eye while we discuss this and that, but you're gonna have to put the deal in writing for my attorney.

Am I interested in paying assignments not of my own creation? That's a big affirmative as well.

This is starting to sound like a sales pitch and that wasn't where I wanted to go. So...

I'm delighted to have reached the tender young age of 55. I am profoundly grateful for my family, my friends, the opportunities I've had in the past, the opportunities I hope to have in the many years to come, and for the loyal readers who have come with me on this journey. God love you all as much as I do.

Happy birthday to me!

Thanks for spending a part of your day with me. I'll be back on Monday to wish you a merry Christmas.

Tony Isabella

<< 12/21/2006 | 12/22/2006 | 12/25/2006 >>

Discuss this column with me at my Message Board. Also, read Heroes and Villains: Real and Imagined.

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COLUMNS >> Tony's Online Tips | Law is a Ass | Baker's Dozen | Cover Stories | After the Golden Age | Philodoxer | CyberDen
THE "TONY" SCALE

Zero Tonys
ZERO: Burn your money before buying any comic receiving this rating. It doesn't *necessarily* mean there's absolutely nothing of value here - though it *could* - but whatever value it might possess shrinks into insignificance before its overall awfulness.

Tony
ONE: Buy something else. Maybe I found something which wasn't completely dreadful in the item, but not enough for me to recommend it when there are better comics available. I only want what's best for you, my children.

TonyTony
TWO: Basic judgment call. I found some value, but not enough to recommend it. My review should give you enough info to decide if you want to take a chance on it. Are you feeling lucky today, punk? Well, are you?

TonyTonyTony
THREE: This denotes something I find perfectly respectable. There are better books out there, but I wouldn't regret buying this item. Based on my review, you should be able to determine if it's of interest to you. Let the Force guide you.

TonyTonyTonyTony
FOUR: I recommend anything earning this rating. Unless you don't like the genre, subject matter, or past work of the creators, I believe you'll enjoy this item. Isn't it uncanny how I can look right into your soul that way?

TonyTonyTonyTonyTony
FIVE: Anything getting this rating is among the best comicdom has to offer. You should buy/read this, even if the genre/subject matter doesn't appeal to you. It's for your own good. Me, I live for comics and books this good...but not in a pathetic "Comic-Book Guy" sort of way.



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