Star Wars: Jar Jar #1 Review!

Star Wars: Jar Jar #1 is the one-shot to shows more of Jar Jar’s story and connects him Kelleran Beq! It is written by Ahmed Best, who played Jar Jar and Kelleran Beq, and Marc Guggenheim. Best joins the hallowed ranks of actors who have written Star Wars comic books; Anthony Daniels with Star Wars: The Protocol Offensive #1 (1997), Star Wars: Adventures #3 (2017) written by Alan Tudyk, who played KT-SO. We were introduced to Jar Jar Binks in The Phantom Menace (1999), GC-PT1 where he had a pivotal role in the Battle of Naboo. Jar Jar gave emergency powers to Supreme Chancellor Palpatine in Attack of the Clones (2002) GC-PT2. This led to the Clone Wars. 

The last time we saw Jar Jar was in Revenge of the Sith (2005); GC-PT3 where he attended the funeral of Padme Amidala on Naboo. Best voiced Darth Jar Jar in the non-canon, LEGO Star Wars: Rebuild The Galaxy (2024). He played Kelleran Beq in The Mandalorian episode, “The Foundling” (2023); FC-TM/3-4. Kelleran rescued Grogu from the Jedi Temple. The Jedi Master was first introduced in the YouTube kid game show, Star Wars: Jedi Temple Challenge, Episode 1 (2020); EC-JTC/1. Best said in an interview with The Star Wars Show (2021) that the creators of the show let him develop the character’s story, “…and what I tried to do is I tried to tie in Kelleran Beq a bunch of different histories in the Star Wars omniverse.” 

Best continued, “One of them was tying him to the character which was named Achk Med-Beq that I played in Attack of the Clones. So Kelleran and Achk Med are related.” In comics form, Kelleran Beq rescued Soona Taj in Jedi Knights #8 (2025) written by Marc Guggenheim. The comic scribe also wrote the Star Wars: Han Solo and Chewbacca series that introduced the scoundrel, Khel Tanna. Also, the Arrow comic book series, #1-12 (2013-2014), and Crisis on Infinite Earths Giant #1-2 (2019-2020). The regular cover by Taurin Clark has Representative Binks in his robes, the Ep. 1 Jar Jar leaping, and in the background a large closeup of Jar Jar. Clark also was the artist for the impressive Black History month variant cover that is a two part image with Star Wars #10. 

“The Unseen” is by Best and Guggenheim along with the art team of Kieran McKeown and Laura Braga. McKeown had artwork featured in Doctor Aphra: Chaos Agent #4 (2025). Braga was the artist for the Star Wars: Ewoks (2024) limited series. It opens with the the Heybibbler Duck, similar to the Naboo Royal Starship with a long bow. It is headed to the Urubai, a new planet, in an unknown part of the galaxy. The pilot is Commander Olié, Ric Olié was present at the Padme’s funeral, but not seen in Revenge of the Sith. In comic book form, Olié joined a resistance group, the Amidalans, and confronted Darth Vader on Naboo. This was in Darth Vader #4 (2020); DC-DV4. There is no set time, but the comic must take place before this event, 3 ABY, and after Revenge of the Sith, 19 BBY. 

Next to him is Senator Binks and they reach Quarrant City. Jar Jar tells Olié to stay with the ship while he meets his contact. In the city, he finds that he is lost, but then a shady man, an Urubaian,  with an eyepatch helps Jar Jar to find Ambassador Upsina. Also a new alien, Urubaians are humanoid with a blue upper face, torso and hands, pointed ears, and pink lower face and body. He leads him into aan alley to rob Jar Jar! Suddenly, he apologizes and starts to run. Jar Jar turns and finds the cloaked figure of a Jedi shrouded in the green mist of the industrial pipes! This Jedi says that Urubai may seem like a paradise, but is dangerous. He pulls back his hood and it is Jedi Master Kellern Beq! Great intro and artwork by McKeown and Braga. 

Jar Jar calls out his nickname, “The Sabered Hand” which he got when he was a Padawan, EC-JTC/5. He reveals that Upsina was just to get the senator to Urubai. Kelleran takes Jar Jar on speeder bike to the secret of Urubai. They reach a mining open hole that looks like the canyons of Utupau from Revenge of the Sith. Kelleran takes Jar Jar on the upper levels of the mine where laborers, many aliens, who use pick axes. He says they are the Unseen. Jar Jar says that the Senate guarantees laborers’ safety. Kelleran replies that the Urubaian government can legally use laborers. Jar Jar asks how and the Jedi Master says it was from the emergency powers that he proposed! This is difficult for Jar Jar, but Kelleran says Palpatine is to blame. Kelleran says that he needed Jar Jar to see for himself. 

Palpatine is having the Unseen mine large amounts of coaxium. Kelleran explains that Palpatine is building the Grand Army of the Republic and that the coaxium can “build a fleet of giant warships…or worse”! An Urubian woman runs up to Master Beq, Kelleran introduces Coralisa Senig to Jar Jar, his contact and support for the miners. She explains that the planet also has another rare mineral, Cyperistal, a crystal that can make a fractal radio network. This encrypted network was mentioned in the premier of Andor (2022), DC-AN1/1. It is great to see all of these pieces of Star Wars lore that is part of the overall story. Kelleran and Jar Jar know how important is a secure network. Coralisa tells them that an early network detected something dangerous. She brings them to a woman tech working on a piece of equipment. Her identity is unknown at this point, but this woman becomes another SW connection! 

The tech has found on the network that Palpatine was not happy with the existance of the fractal radio network. This has the sent two bounty hunters to kill her! Jar Jar remarks that this is bombad! Kelleran remarks that the tech’s plan is to stay there and she is too busy with her work on the network. Kelleran takes the group to his ship. He wants to head to Coruscant and find a safe world in the Outer Rim. They head to the Heybibbler Duck. Kelleran piloted the Pelta-class frigate, Athylia, in Star Wars: Jedi Temple Challenge. I think that ship would be more anonymous than a Senate vessel returning to Coruscant, but a ship is a ship. Several blaster bolts strike the wall around the group! This is the two bounty hunters, Aurra Sing and Rum Sleg. Aurra Sing is a pale Palliduvan, she had a cameo in The Phantom Menace. In 13 BBY, Sing was killed by Tobias Beckett from Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018); DC-SASW. 

Sleg also had a brief appearance in The Phantom Menace walking the Mos Espa street. This is his first major part since his cameo. He has a white skull painted over his helmet with a red astronaut-like suit. Kelleran ignites his green lightsaber and deflects the blaster bolts. The others run, but Coralisa is shot in the back of her leg! She has her blaster out and provides cover fire while the others head to the ship. Sleg is struck in the shoulder by her blasterfire. Kelleran tells Coralisa that she can get healed on the ship, but she says that are too many Urabian people depending on her. Kelleran boards the ship, but is followed! Olié takes the Heybibbler Duck out of atmo, then they hear a scream. Kelleran sees Aurra has her blaster pistol on the fallen tech! He readies his lightsaber blocking Aurra's multiple blasts. Then, Sleg's ship with a skull on its hull, blasts the Heybibbler Duck! The logo makes me think of the Arcadia from the manga series, Space Pirate Captain Harlock. In Star Wars: Jar Jar #1, there is a desperate situation with Kelleran Beq, Jar Jar has to take responsibility for the Emergency Powers Act, and ultimately contront Palpatine! 

Five Heybibbler Ducks out of Five! 

#StarWarsJarJar, #TheUnseen, #AhmedBest, #MarcGuggenheim, #KieranMcKeown, #LauraBraga, #TaurinClark, #JarJarBinks, #KelleranBeq, #CoralisaSenig, #AurraSing, #RumSleg, #Palpatine   

 

Jar Jar #1 Signing with Ahmed Best and Marc Guggenheim!

Jar Jar #1 went on sale today at comic book stores and at Golden Apple Comics for a signing! The signing with Ahmed Best who is memorable for playing Jar Jar Binks in the Star Wars prequel trilogy. His co-writer on the Marvel Comics one-shot is Marc Guggenheim who wrote for Arrow show. For comic books, Guggenheim wrote the Star Wars: Han Solo and Chewbacca series.  There was a line forming for the opening of the store when the comic book went on sale. The deal was one person could get one copy of each cover. 

Ahmed Best, at the Jar Jar #1 signing!, Golden Apple Comics, author’s photo. 

The regular cover is by Taurin Clarke it has a large head of Jar Jar, his robes as Representative Binks. The first variant cover is by Dave Wachter that shows Jar Jar in an alley with Jedi Knight Kelleran Beq igniting his lightsaber. The Black History Month variant had a great cover by Taurin Clarke. It had Finn, Jannah, Moff Gideon, Greef Karga, Sana Starros from the Star Wars comic, and Lando Calrissian. This is at two part cover so some Jedis will show up with the other part in Star Wars #10. Once the comic(s) were purchased, a blue ticket was given out. 

The actual signing started at 4 p.m. On the other side of the store door was a table for additional items like autograph photos and other things to get signed. Ahmed Best walked out before the signing began to greet fans in line. I mentioned to Best that the Clone Wars, season four episode, “Water War” (2011) which he said was good episode for Jar Jar. It is also part of the trilogy with “Gungant Attack” (2011) and “Prisoners” (2011); GC-CW4/1-3. I brought up to Guggenheim about bringing Jar Jar to L.A. Comic Con and he said with interest he would go so a possibility. The free signed comic(s) was another great signing for Golden Apple and fans had a fun time to see Ahmed Best who was so friendly and also Marc Guggenheim!   

#JarJa4, #GoldenAppleComics, #AhmedBest, #MarcGuggenheim, #TaurinClarke, #DaveWachter

Frankenstein Screening at TCL Chinese Theatre with Q&A!

Last night, Monday, February 9th, was a showing of Frankenstein that also had a Q&A with Guillermo del Toro and Jacob Elordi! The tickets went quickly and sold out before the end of the day when they went on sale. I chose the third row because I wanted to get photos of the special guests and also I had already seen the film, in fact in the same theater! Actually, third row is fine for IMAX, not at neck bending level, plus a good place for taking photos of the guests. I did notice this time watching Frankenstein, spoilers ahead!, the symbolism of the head pat which is symbolically the submission to the Divine. The Creature (Jacob Elordi) watches next door to the family, the Blind Man (David Bradley) patting his grand daughter, Anna-Maria (Sofia Galasso) in a gesture of reassurance and family. Later, Frankenstein enters the cabin to learn from the Blind Man. 

Jacob Elordi and Guillermo del Toro during the Frankenstein Q&A, photo by the author. 

He is lost emotionally and on his knees, the Blind Man pats his head. He has found a father figure in the Blind Man and this is the only kindness he felt since Elizabeth (Mia Goth) had a brief moment with him. At the end of the movie, we find that Frankenstein has burst into the captain’s cabin of the Horisont, not to get revenge on his creator, Victor (Oscar Isaac), but to find his purpose in life. It is a father and son dynamic. Victor pats his son’s head. Jacob Elordi walked out and Guillermo del Toro joined at chairs set in the center of the stage. 

Elordi said about playing the part, “I didn’t feel any pressure at all. I felt an immense amount of curiosity. This is what you dream of being an actor. This is the role you dream of playing when you’re eleven or twelve years old. You want to be a creature.” Elordi continued, “Movies are our art form. The youngest art that we have and this is how we express our soul. Guillermo is showing us how to do that and he has investigated it, and he has gone to the places, people have not gone before, he’s set the limit for cinema and imagination. So as an actor when that guy says will you come and play on my set, yes, yes, yes.” 

The screen shown before Frankenstein played at the TCL Chinese Theatre, author’s photo. 

Del Toro spoke about the Creature, “learning hatred and reacting with hatred, learning love and reacting with love, and then at the end reacting with love to those that hated him that is the lesson for me. To me, Jacob Elordi is more hidden now (gestures at Elordi next to him), here, then with that Creature. I think the Creature reveals you. It doesn’t hide anything. It actually allows you to be who you are. I think it’s the same for me.” Del Toro pointed out Mike Hill, prosthetic designer for the film, who was in the audience. Elordi discussed his scenes requiring only two takes, “The film did tell me and it told us and that’s why I could do it in two takes. I think because when you (del Toro) said it, I believed it." 

Elordi continued, "t actually came from you (del Toro) as for me knowing what to do and more from absolute belief in this filmmaker who put his entire life into this thing.” Del Toro then spoke about Elordi, “He walks into the set. Imagine you are now that kid inside of a much older, much larger guy. The kid is in here (points to his heart). Then, the Creature you dreamed all your life about just walked in and then I grabbed his guy’s and I go like this (del Toro takes Elordi’s hand and pats his head). The first day we were best friends.” This screening was also interesting to see after the Frankenstein: Crafting A Tale Eternal exhibit. It was great to see Frankenstein again on screen and now watching the discussion of Guillermo del Toro and Jacob Elordi giving insight on their collaboration and working on the movie! 

#Frankenstein, #TCLChineseTheatre, #GuillermoDelToro, #JacobElordi, #MikeHill, #DavidBraldey, #SofiaGalasso, #MiaGoth, #OscarIsaac, #FrankensteinCraftingATaleEternal   

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, “Seven”, Review!

“Seven”, the fourth episode of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms.  It is directed by Sarah Adina Smith, who directed last episode, and written by Aziza Barnes. She co-wrote the second ep and Annie Julia Wayman, who was a writer on the last ep. Executive producer, Ira Parker, is also the episode’s writer. Seven of course refers to the Faith of the Seven, which was brought to Westeros by the Andals. Also, a reference to what we will see later. Re:cap "The Squire"; Prince Aerion, who was brutal in the first joust, he stabbed Ser Humfrey Hardyng’s horse in the neck with his lance! This was stunning in the novella where the lance went through the horse’s neck! Egg, who was the focus of the episode, was angry at Aerion for targeting the horse. We find he values the company of horses. Later, he watches the puppet show and Aerion is there watching a dragon being killed. 

Egg runs back to tell Dunk and the hedge knight runs to see Aerion break the fingers of Tanselle! Dunk, which we see for the first time, rages and hits the prince! Aerion’s men hold Dunk and Aerion says his tooth was loosened. He orders all of Dunk’s teeth to be broken, Dunk struggles, but is slammed against the stage. Eggs runs in and orders the guards not to touch Dunk. In turn, Dunk is worried about his squire and doesn’t want him harmed. Egg says if he is hurt they will be taken to his father. Dunk’s squire also recognizes the guars as Wate and Yorkel! Dunk is freed. Aerion asks what Egg did to his hair. Egg tells his brother (!) that he didn’t want to look like him! We get operatic singing as we see Aerion’s expression. Dunk staring. Tanselle and then Raymun Fossoway. Aerion and then Egg’s face, the face of a Targaryen prince! Finally, Dunk’s face which is a mix of emotions. A dark cell, Dunk sits whith the tiny opening splattered by rain. Egg enters the cell in his black and red doublet. He tells the guards to leave the food. Dunk begins tearing into the food. 

He says he must beg forgiveness for lying to Dunk. Again, this is near word for word, like the novella. His uncle is of course, Prince Baelor, heir to the Iron Throne! Dunk is angry that is all a lie. Egg admits his real name is Aegon. He says he was supposed to be Daeron’s squire, but he is a drunk more than a knight. Daeron took them to the inn to stay until the joust was over. He of course was the lord at the inn who was drunk and had a dream of Dunk. Egg says Daeron shaved his head. This is powerful, Dunk is frustrated, and Egg quietly speaks with a sparkle of a tear at his left eye! Egg tries to apologize. Yes, Dunk is right in being angry, but actually Egg is his superior as a prince. Still, this is between two friends, not hedge knight and prince. By the way, Egg has always called him Ser Duncan when he became his squire. Egg says Prince Baelor is waiting to talk with Dunk. Baelor is in his room looking through a book by candleight. Dunk bends the knee with Egg behind him. He defends Egg as his squire. Baelor says his son should have come to him instead of Dunk and Egg counters that he ewanted his borther, Aerion to die. 

A KNIGHT OF THE SEVEN KINGDOMS -- “Seven” -- PETER CLAFFEY -- Credit: Steffan Hill/HBO. 

Baelor tells his son to leave. Alone, the prince asks about his skill as a knight. Dunk responds that Ser Arlan trained him in swordmanship and jousting. Baelor tells him his brother Maekar found Daeron drunk and “a huge robber knight” took away Aegon. Dunk calls him a liar and that he was at the inn four nights ago. He asks what happened to the girl, Baelor says she will face high treason, from the dragon killed in the puppet show. Aerion says that it would lead to revolt and he says laid hands on the Blood of the Dragon. Dunk wonders if Baelor would have helped the girl, but he is a prince not a hedge knight. He stands forward and says that all knights take the oath, “to protect the innocent.” Aerion wants Dunk beheaded which Baelor stopped, but there still will be a trial. I like the dialogue between these two characters. They speak about what is just and fair, but it all falls within this medieval-type society. The tone is low, Dunk raises his voice in defiance, but Baelor speaks softly and with reason. In a court, the lowest offense would be to cut off a hand. 

The prince says there is an alternative. He asks again his worth as a knight. One of the most powerful openings of the series! Dunk stands before Prince Maekar while Aerion eats walnuts and the rest of the table is silent. He stumbles out the words, “Trial by combat.” Aerion tries to refuse and his father says he cannot since any knight accused of a crime can challenge. Maeker adds that he can withdraw his claim against Tanselle. Aerion states a “Trial of Seven.” Baelor explains that is an ancient trial by combat. He says it came from the Andals and the Seven Gods. Dunk still doesn’t understand and Baelor says it is seven champions since the gods might favor them. Maekar asks why his son doesn’t face Dunk alone and Aerion says he has to face all of the dishonor he sees on the Targaryens. It is Trial of Seven at dawn so Dunk must find six other knights to fight against Aerion’s seven champions. Maekar pulls away his son angry at him. Dunk asks if he can go and Baelor tells him to find his champions. In the rain at night, Dunk walks to his tree with Thunder and Chestnut. He tells them he thinks he will die. 

Raymun is there and takes him to the Fossoway pavilion. Ser Steffon says he saw Aerion hurt Tanselle and says, “I’m for you.” Steffon says that the Fossoways have always been in Westeros before the Targaryens. Dunk says there are no other knights. Steffon brings up taht he knows Ser Lyonel, Lord Lannister, and Ser Otho. He leaves to wake those knights. Raymun doubts his cousin will bring the others to join their cause. Then, Egg appears and says he will still be Dunk’s squire. Daeron is also there and Dunk slams him down for his lies. He says he wants to be knocked out in the first charge! Daeron explains he had to say something to cover for Egg. Dunk’s squire explains that the Kingsguard will also be champions in the Trial of Seven. Egg says he will find other knights. Dunk can’t believe Egg would want his brother dead. Egg tells him that Aerion would go to his bed at night and have a knife to Egg and make him a sister! Daeron wants to Ser Duncan in private. He says his dreams come true. Daeron says he dreamed of Dunk, a fire, and “a dead dragon.” He says he saw Dunk with the dragon that was dead.

 Dunk remembers Tanselle at the puppet show. Dunk walks into the broken puppet show and holds the head of the puppet knight, Hamlet-style. The armorer, Steely Pate, says Tanselle gave him his shield. At his tent, Steely Pate says she headed to Dorne, the part of Westeros at the southern end. He takes out the shield and said he made a new shield for Dunk. The armorer is asked how much he will charge for the work, Steely Pate says a cooper. At night by torchlight, men are setting up the joust in the wet weather. It is dawn with Dunk walking with his padding. He greets his fellow champions including Ser Humfrey who has a broken leg. The knight says he can’t walk, but he can fight if he is on a horse! I really want Ser Humfrey to get some payback after what happened to his horse! Ser Robyn Rhysling has an eyepatch covered in chain mail and says he will fight against the Targaryens when he says they go against the gods! He was the knight who stumbled over to Egg when he was practicing with Thunder. 

Also Ser Lyonel Baratheon is with them. Dunk thinks Ser Steffon brought him, but Ser Lyonel says it was Egg. He wants the Kingsguard in “their pretty white gowns”! Also on Dunk's side is Ser Humfrey Beesbury (Danny Collins), no explanation why he joined. Ser Dunk the Tall walks with his armor on. I really like Steely Pate helping him don the armor in the novella. The townsfolk watch him. He and Steely Pate turn to see Ser Aerion’s group arrive at the misty tourney grounds. Prince Maekar and Aerion. Raymun says to Dunk that there are only six knights; Aerion, Maekar, and Aeron, plus the Kingsguard, Ser Donnel of Duskendale, Ser Roland Crakehall and Ser William Wilde. Ser Steffon asks Raymun for his helmet. Dunk says with Steffon they only need one more knight. Steffon says he fights for Aerion! Betrayal! Ser Lyonel smiles and Egg has a sad look. Raymun says his cousin promised Ser Duncan and Steffon says he was made a lord for fighting Dunk! This makes me think of the betrayal of the Scottish lords at the Battle of Falkirk in Braveheart (1995). 

Steffon asks for his horse and Raymun pushes him back to say get his own horse! Steffon rides across the field. Raymun asks Dunk to knight him! Ser Lyonel tells Dunk that any knight can make a knight. Dunk is called over to Lord Ashford and Ser Lyonel says he will knight Raymun! I love seeing Raymun proving his mettle! Ser Lyonel gives the vows; bravery for The Warrior, to be just for The Father, “protect the young and innocent” for The Mother. Three of the Seven missing Crone, The Maiden, The Smith, and the Stranger. Dunk in armor looks up to see Ser Arlan. This is where he becomes a knight. Dunk always had Imposter Syndrome up to this point. Lord Ashford says they can’t delay the trial. Aerion says his rival has only five knights. Dunk adds six with Raymun. Lord Ashford says if he can’t find another knight, then he will be guilty. Dunk asks for a moment. Dunk rides over to the quiet viewing stand. Lady Gwin looks solemnly down at him. Ser Duncan addresses the lords saying that they don’t know Ser Arlan of Pennytree, but he caught him to be a knight. Also, the vow of defending the innocent. Another scene like A Knight's Tale (2001). A spoiler ends the ep! “Seven” is another incredible episode, testing what is a true knight, it is where finally Dunk becomes a knight of Westeros! 

Five Shields out of Five! 

#AKnightOfTheSevenKingdoms, #Seven, #SarahAdinaSmith, #AzizaBarnes, #AnnieJuliaWayman, #IraParker, #PeterClaffey, #DexterSolAnsell, #BertieCarvel

#ShaunThomas, #YoussefKerkour, #RossAnderson, #DannyCollins, #FinnBennett, #SamSpruell, #HenryAshton, #EdwardAshley, #PaulHunter, #CaraHarris, #DanielWebb  

The [Fourth] World of Jack Kirby panel!

Last night, February 5th, was the Jack Kirby panel on his Fourth World at the ArtCenter Library with six special guests! The panel was at the Artcenter College of Design in Pasadena. It is a campus buzzing with students and their projects. Hopefully, everyone can make a visit during one of the panels! The Artcenter’s website is at: https://www.artcenter.edu/. This discussion seems to go hand in hand with the Skirball Cultural Center’s Jack Kirby: Heroes and Humanity exhibition. There is still time to visit the exhibit which runs until March 1st. Don’t miss this one! Details here: https://www.skirball.org/museum/jack-kirby-heroes-and-humanity. The Fourth World was several connected titles that Kirby wrote and drew for DC Comics. 

It was noted on the panel that Kirby wrote and drew five of the titles titles a month!, far beyond the input of today’s comic creators. DC Comics heralded Jack Kirby creating for DC with the tagline, “Kirby is Coming!” Kirby introduced Darkseid in a cameo in Superman’s Pal, Jimmy Olsen #134 (1970). Kirby worked on the title, Darkseid had plans for Superman, this was until issue #148 (1972). New Gods #1 (1971) realized the Fourth World with Orion, the son of Darkseid, fighting against him to protect New Genesis. The Fourth World expanded with Mister Miracle #1 (1971) which featured Scott Free, son of Highfather who ruled New Genesis. He was raised on Apokolips ruled by Darkseid who searches for the Anti-Life Equation that will have him dominate the minds of everyone in the universe!  

The panel of The Fourth World of Jack Kirby assembles!, ArtCenter Library, author’s photo. 

Joining the two titles was Forever People #1 (1971), one of my favorite super teams, young heroes who tangle with Darkseid! They merge into the powerful entity, Infinity-Man! Kirby’s run on The Fourth World titles finished with Mister Miracle #18 (1974). Kirby gave an ending to his saga with The Hunger Dogs graphic novel in 1985. The panel was moderated by Michael Dooley, ArtCenter professor of Comics and Animation. He is author of The Education of a Comics Artist (2005). The panelists include Jim Thompson, co-chair of the Will Eisner Hall of Fame judging committee. The Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards started in 1988 and is the most important comic book awards given out at San Diego Comic-Con. It is named after one of the most well regarded cartoonist with this ground breaking comic strip, The Spirit (1940-1952). Also, bringing in graphic novels as a term with A Contract with God (1978). The Will Eisner Hall of Fame first inducted Carl Barks, Will Eisner, and Jack Kirby. 

You can check out the many comic creators here: https://www.comic-con.org/awards/eisner-awards/hall-of-fame/. Thompson gave an overview of Kirby’s career up to the Fourth World titles. Next to Jim Thompson was Charles Hatfield, author of Hand of Fire: The Comics Art of Jack Kirby (2011). He also part of the Comic Book Apocalypse: The Graphic World of Jack Kirby, in 2015, at Cal State University Northridge. Mention was made of the five founders of the San Diego Comic Con called the San Diego Five String Mob whom Kirby immortalized in Superman’s Pal, Jimmy Olsen #144 (1954). At one end of the table was Tony Puryear who wrote and illustrated the graphic novel, Concrete Park (2014). He is also a screenwriter who wrote the summer blockbuster, Eraser (1996). He discussed the cover art of Kirby and noted the smaller art boards used in the late 60’s to the 70’s, the time of New Gods. The audience clapped at his presentation! Find more about Puryear and find his artwork at: https://www.tonypuryear.co/ 

Sign for The Fourth World of Jack Kirby, photo by the author. 

On the other side of Jim Thompson was Alonso Nunez, he is the executive director of Little Fish Comic Book Studio. Also, Nunez is president of the San Diego Comic Fest, this is alternative to Comic Con, find more info at: https://www.sdcomicfest.org/  Nunez spoke about the mythology behind Kirby’s Fourth World. The last guest was Kevin Dooley who was an editor for DC Comics. He also wrote the Mister Miracle series in 1996. Dooley said that it was like a sitcom with Mister Miracle and his wife, Big Barda. They wed at the conclusion of Mister Miracle #18. Big Barda is another favorite character for me. She was introduced in Mister Miracle #4 (1971). She led the Female Furies and eventually falls for Scott Free on Apokolips. She leaves Apokolips and reunites with Mister Miracle in her first appearance. The series also had Scott Free accept his destiny as a god to save Big Barda. The panel was full of knowledgeable speakers who gave insight on Jack Kirby’s masterpiece! 

#TheFourthWorldOfJackKirby, #ArtCenterLibrary, #SkirballCulturalCenter, #JackKirbyHeroesAndHumanity, #MichaelDooley, #TheEducationOfAComicsArtist, #JimThompson, #WillEisnerHallOfFame, #WillEisnerComicIndustryAwards, 

#SanDiegoComicCon, #WillEisner, #TheSpirit, #AContractWithGod, #CarlBarks, #CharlesHatfield, #HandOfFireTheComicsArtOfJackKirby,#ComicBookApocalypseTheGraphicWorldOfJackKirby, 

#SanDiegoFiveStringMob, #SupermansPalJimmyOlsen, #TonyPuryear, #ConcretePark

#Eraser, #NewGods, #AlonsoNunez, #LittleFishComicBookStudio, #SanDiegoComicFest, #KevinDooley, #MisterMiracle, #BigBarda 

Strolling Through the (Theme) Park: Disneyland!

 Disneyland, yesterday, offered chances to catch up on some things I had missed and one new delicious meal! I had missed the Disney robot so I walked over to the Main Street Opera House. I was just in time for the show, Walt Disney: A Magical Life, that was just starting. This new addition to the Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln show. It opened last year, on July 17th as part of the 70th anniversary of Disneyland. It begins with a short film about Walt Disney that is recut from One Man’s Dream at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. It seems like there was the addition of the creation and loss of Oswald the Lucky Rabbit. Interesting, but it does leave out the return of Oswald in 2006. 

Also, the contribution of Ub Iwerks the chief animator and also his work on the popular Alice Comedies that had Disney’s first star, Virginia Davis, before Oswald and Mickey. The curtains open to Walt’s office at Walt Disney Studios in Burbank. The Walt robot is ok, the speech wasn’t particularly inspiring, but I like seeing Walt kinda in person. So if there is any artificial of the face sculpt and awkward Audio-Animatronics, just sit a few rows back, it is fine. He ends with that it all started with a mouse and the upper part of the studios have screens that show a magical type overview of Disney works. I hope the company will make parks and other experiences affordable for families. This would honor Walt’s dream more than any robot. 

Once I was back at Main Street, I heard the Dapper Dans and watched a song as they performed of the Main Street Firehouse with the lamp lit at Walt Disney’s apartment on the upper floor. I continued on and saw the jazz band, The Straw Hatters, on the other side of the street! I saw at Main Street Cinema, “So Much That We Share: A Tribute to the Sherman Brothers.” This was a very good short film, basically covering “It’s A Small World.” I headed over to the Haunted Mansion. I picked up a water bottle, Dasani, $5.25, not a large bottle, regular size, 16.9 fluid ounces! What I really wanted to check out was the effigies including some owls and a fountain in the new queue area. This opened on November 26, 2024. 

The Audio-Animatronic of Disney at Walt Disney: A Magical Life, author’s photo. 

I really didn't like seeing a nice lady struggling to move her wheelchair through the tight line ropes. At least three tight turns. I do not think this is ADA compliant. If there is a wheelchair accessible entrance through the Lightning Lane, then a cast member missed guiding her there. A complete and utter failure for the park. I always enjoy the Haunted Mansion attraction. I did notice that the gallery of paintings with the Medusa and the Horseman that it is too dark. Not shuffle darkness, it is stumbling, step on shoes darkness. Tiny strips on the floor, maybe ghostly blue, this should run up to the loading area. This could prevent the awkward excuse mes and possible accidents. Then, I went across the Hungry Bear restaurant path to Galaxy’s Edge. What I noticed is that it is incredibly quiet. 

There was some strange New Age-y music that absolutely doesn’t make me think of Star Wars. I heard that April 29th of this year they will bring in music. Hopefully, John Williams’ "Galaxy’s Edge Symphonic Suite" which is currently nowhere in the park expansion. It is so quiet that it reminded me of the dead malls. I saw at Dok Ondar’s a new item, Dok’s Mystery Treasures, $14.99, like the Disney Parks Collector Packs. At the price, it looks like a cube, so I hope the pieces like the Emperor’s Royal Guard helmet are larger. There just wasn’t enough creatures for me. I did take a pic with Boba Fett, the only character that I met, and I like character interaction. The only attraction that was open was Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run. The standby wait was 5 minutes which was for most of the attractions. 

Spicy Pork Belly Grilled Cheese at Pym’s Kitchen, DCA, author’s photo. 

I got again assigned Engineering for almost every time I went on the attraction so I would not highly rate my experience, it’s boring for me. I also saw that the pilots again grinding the Falcon by going down instead of up. This should be explained by a Flight Crew (Cast Member) to guide the Falcon once the engines start to pull up into the sky. A simple solution. I was looking around the park for some Lorcana cards. I eventually took the Monorail to go to Pin Traders at Downtown Disney. They had a card folder, boxes, and puzzles, but no cards. From there, I park hopped to Disney’s California Adventure for the one thing, food! First, I stopped by the Carthay Circle Restaurant, I heard and saw the buttons! These were recreations of buttons that Walt Disney had lost in the premiere of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937)! I heard about it from a YouTube video, ask a cast member to point out the buttons! I also saw the performance of the jazz band, Five & Dime, you should catch these talented cats! 

DCA is celebrating the 2026 Lunar New Year Festival which finishes on February 22nd. So I heard praise about one food item, the Spicy Pork Belly Grilled Cheese, this was at Pym’s Kitchen. $15.49 which I got with a drink $4.99. The sandwich is worth the price!, delicious, “marinated in Korean Spices”, low level spicy, you can taste it, but no burn. There is a cup of Pickled Onions and “Potato Bites”, read: tater tots. I read something about no stunts at The Amazing Spider-Man show. I talked to a cast member who said it was a modified show. This is more correct. First, the Spider-Man performer is the closest to the superhero at the meet and greets, recommended. Also, in the show, jumping and performing back flips. This is stunts. Then, the stuntronic leap, which stuns every audience. There was a part where Spidey hung upside from a webline on a crane. Then, wall crawls upside down the Stark building. The only problem is that the show just ends. The leap and that’s it, no announcement by Spidey, “Thanks for coming to see me!” or by WEB. Disneyland Resort has some interesting additions including sandwiches!, there's some room for improvement. 

#Disneyland, #WaltDisneyAMagicalLife, #OneMansDream, #OswaldTheLuckyRabbit, #UbIwerks, #AliceAComedies, #VirginiaDavis, #DapperDans, #TheStrawHatters, #SoMuchThatWeShare, #TheShermanBrothers, #HauntedMansion, 

#GalaxysEdge, #JohnWilliams, #GalaxysEdgeSymphonicSuite, #DokOndars, #DoksMysteryTreasures, #BobaFett, #MillenniumFalconSmugglersRun, #Monorail, #DowntownDisney, #PinTraders, #DisneysCaliforniaAdventure, #CarthayCricleRestaurant

#SnowWhiteAndTheSevenDwarfs, #FiveAndDime, #LunarNewYearFestival, #SpicyPorkBellyGrilledCheese, #PymsKitchen, #TheAmazingSpiderManShow