I was 500 words into the full-length column I had promised you for today when the universe chose to mess with me. Then there were phone calls, problems, and annoyances large and small. I wanted to put my head through my computer screen.
Thankfully, all has finally returned to as tranquil as my life gets as I write this placeholder TOT. I'll be reading my revised book contract this morning with every expectation that I'll be able to sign it and return it to my publisher. After that, it's back to work on the book, on new columns, and on the details of projects to follow the book. I won't be getting rich from any of them, but I will be keeping busy this summer...especially since I am determined to make time for family and friends as well.
In other quick notes...
I won't be attending any conventions this summer. Any traveling I do will be with my family, though I may visit some of my friends from the world of comics in the course of those vacation excursions. Now would be a good time to check if those restraining orders are still in effect.
I am open to attending conventions later in the year. At this time, I'm scheduled to attend the Screaming Tiki comics and pop culture on October 17-19 at the Eastwood Expo Center in Niles, Ohio. Check out the show's website here:
Should other events be added to my schedule, you'll read about them here. Convention promoters can contact me at:
Tony's Online Tips remains a reader-supported column, fully funded by your donations for the next two weeks. To answer the obvious question...placeholder columns like this one are free. They are never charged against the Tip The Tipster account. If you'd like to join your fellow TOT readers in supporting what we do here, there's a link elsewhere on this page.
Thanks for spending a part of your day with me. Have a happy and safe weekend.
I review The Amazing Adventures of Nate Banks #1: Secret Identity Crisis, Secret Identity Crisis: Comic Books and the Unmasking of Cold War America and The Walking Dead Volume 2: Miles Behind Us.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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?
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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Anything Goes Trivia
