Krypto-Knight Comics Website Redesign

I never realized the amount of work that goes into designing a well functioning website. However, I am very happy with the new design for Krypto-Knight Comics. We have a website that is more user friendly, brighter in appearance, fun to navigate and, of course, great prices. I have always tried to keep prices below book values to benefit customers. So what's on the new site? At present there are over 150 pages to the site with many more to be added. Building the databases of comics is very time consuming and we have 1000's or comics and other items to add. In addition, we have changed the Krypto-Knight Comic Book Club to allow more fans to join. You can now join for FREE, although some aspects will be limited. Paid membership, which is very inexpensive, provides discounts, bonuses, special offers and special auctions. Free membership allows you access to basic auctions and to the forums. The Forum requires a separate sign-in so technically you do not have to be a KKC Member to participate, you just will not be allowed to participate in our auctions.

You will also notice that we made the site a little more fun by adding various comic book characters throughout the website. Funny images, quotes, and word bubbles add a bit of humor and fun to the environment. After all comics are supposed to be fun...right? Starting in January we will return to our weekly trivia contests and games, and our goal is to try and do a better job of tracking our winners. We had so much going on in 2011 that some aspects fell to the wayside. Our contests were an experiment and we were not sure how they would fare but we had 100's of participants this past year which was great. It was unexpected so early on but it was fun. Our goal for 2012, is to bring you a better experience. We are always open to suggestions and compliments. We welcome the criticism, too, as it helps us identify areas where we can improve. As we add new pages we will inform you so that you can check them out for yourself. If we do not have your email address then you can send it to us via our Contact Us page on the website. In the meantime, please visit the new site...www.kryptoknightcomics.com

Enhance Your Reading Experience

Reading is a favorite past time for a great majority of people. Whether we are reading comics, novels, articles or even reading articles online like this one, those of us who read find great pleasure and relaxation in this intellectual activity. I enjoy escaping this harsh world in which we live into one where reality is what we bend it to become. Superheroes vanquish villains in the face of unfavorable odds, space exploration reaches the farthest corners of the universe, and the unbelievable conquests of human achievement triumph over adversity. These realms of fantasy, fame, fortune and freedom allow us all to frolic in the footsteps of fantastic fables. I have discovered a wonderful way to enhance any reading experience, especially if you live in colder weather. Coffee.

Starbucks, Seattle's Best and even Dunkin' Donuts has capitalized on what they know we all enjoy. Yet, in times of cold weather, or late nights when you are relaxed in bed wearing your Justice League pajamas, or curled up in the recliner under your Spider-Man fleece, the thought of going out into the cold to your favorite coffee shop just does not seem quite as appealing. I discovered recently that there is a company that offers great coffee you can order online and delivered right to your doorstep. It is called ROASTe and they can be found at www.ROASTe.com. They offer a wide variety of flavors, roasts and espresso coffees to satisfy any pallet. In addition, you can find needed supplies, coffee makers and more to create those sought after elixirs you crave. They are a great company, and they allow you to build a profile in which you put your personal tastes. In turn, they can provide you suggestions custom fit to your liking. Relaxing with your favorite comic, novel or movie with a warm cup of your favorite 'joe' is hard to resist. I drink at least one cup everyday from one of my two favorite mugs. I have a black mug with a yellow Batman symbol that I have had since I was 15 and I have a white mug with the Krypto-Knight Comics logo on it. Both are very cool and I enjoy having a cup when I read. Plus, the caffeine in coffee helps stimulate brain activity which enhances my reading experience. At the top of this page, you will see an ad for a ROASTe gift card to use on yourself or one that you can get for the coffee lover in your life. We like them enough to post an ad for them. Feel free to check them out and discover what a cool company they are.

All I Want To Do Is Sell Comic Books

Many of you have the same passion as myself. We love comic books! I have been collecting comics since I was 14 years old. That was 24 1/2 years ago. While I would not classify myself as an expert, I have a vast knowledge of the industry and consider myself a continuous, progressive student. There are so many interesting things to learn ranging from artist techniques to character history to creator biographies. The field is wide open and as a true lover I am always striving to learn more.

Most of my life I have had careers that were non-related to comic books. However, my heart's desire has always been to have a comic book store or to have a job somehow related to comics. As a kid I wanted to write and pencil for DC or Marvel but those dreams never came about, nor have I given up on that completely. They are still goals I have along those lines. Still, the desire to be involved has never been stronger.

As the economy began to fall, I began to make plans to open a store. But those plans have slowed due to the economic troubles we have all faced. The business I did own practically dried up overnight and the last two years have been a struggle. So I taught myself how to build a website and I am still learning new things. I decided to build an online store and start working towards my dream of a physical store. I opened the online store before it was 100% complete and named it after the name my best friend and I came up with years ago, Krypto-Knight Comics. I try to make my prices fair amd I have worked to do all I can in promoting the store. Jobs are scarce around here and this is my primary means of survival. Having visited many comic book stores in my time and having noted that many are dark, dirty or have a negative atmosphere, it has been my goal to do just the opposite and create a place where positivity and creativity thrive. I would like to see a place where the colors are bright and super-heroes are the order of the day. In today's negative world who wouldn't want to visit a place like that?

At present, though, it's more about survival. I appreciate all who have done business with me and who have helped fuel my dream of owning a literal store. I want to thank all of you for your business, you support and your passion for comics. I look forward to 2011 being our best year yet!

Golden Age, Silver Age, Bronze Age, and Modern Age Comics

Since the birth of The Shadow, Superman, Batman and Captain America, comic book superheroes have grown in number and popularity. Without doubt this popular pastime has influenced many and inspired the imagination to new heights. Out of the ideas and stories that have flourished some have become legend while others have faded from memory. There have been heroes who have soared to popularity and fandom, while others simply disappear. Throughout the various ages of comic growth, writers and artists alike have contributed to these successes and failures.

Today we refer to the different eras of comics by ages. Currently, or at least recognized by most, the Golden Age represents comics produced between the years 1938 and 1955, beginning with Action Comics #1 and the first appearance of Superman. This era witnessed the production and rise of comic book popularity with characters such as Batman, Wonder Woman, Hawkman, Captain Marvel, Captain America and The Justice Society of America.

In 1956, comics took on new beginnings as the effort to revitalize the industry took place. In October of 1956, DC Comics introduced the new Flash Showcase #4. This began a new era now referred to as the Silver Age. It witnesses re-created DC characters as well as the introduction of new characters in the Marvel Universe. Characters such as the Flash, Green Lantern and the Justice League of America were 'reboots'of former superheroes, usually in name only, while at Marvel Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, Steve Ditko and others were introducing now popular characters such as the X-men, Spider-Man, the Hulk and Fantastic Four. Marvel also reintroduced Golden Age character, Captain America, in the Silver Age as an early member of The Avengers. The end of the Silver Age has also been up for debate. Some comic book historians believe it ended in 1970 with the move by Jack Kirby to go to DC and the change in the "grittiness" of comics as can be seen in Conan #1 and Green Lantern/Green Arrow #76. Comics tackled more adult subjects that seemed to be plaguing America. Historian Arnold Blumberg, however, that the Silver Age continued until 1973, with the death of Gwen Stacy in Spider-Man comics. His view is not the popular one as most agree the Silver Age ended in December 1969.

1970 is credited with the beginning of the Bronze Age of comics. Comics took on more adult story lines among their heroes and an increase in fantasy comics came about with the production of such title as Conan, Tarzan, Ka-Zar, Arak, Arion, Red Sonja and others. These characters were medieval, barbaric characters who fought with swords, battle axes, knives, fists and similar weapons. Their enemies were of dark origin and character. This fit right in the times as even darker comics were produced like The Tomb of Dracula, Ghost Rider, Swamp Thing and several horror titles. Add to the fact that the 'heroes' were darker and edgier the Bronze Age of comics fit the era of the times in which they were produced. The positive side is that several black, oriental and other racial characters were introduced during this era. The Bronze Age is said to have ended in 1985 with DC's Crisis On Infinite Earths and Marvel's Secret Wars.

The Modern Age of comics began in 1985 and runs until present day. This era has seen a lot of change in the industry both up and down. There have been changes in they way comic book companies are managed, their ownership, the improved visual quality of the books and big changes in all the universes. New technology has allowed old fans to revisit old characters on the movie screen while also introducing the world of comics to a whole new generation of fans in a new era. With the introduction of digital technology and the expanding growth and use of the internet, some have tried to conclude that the old Modern Age should be renamed the Copper Age but such attempts have not yet been widely accepted. At some point we will have to see introduced a new era of comic books as the industry has growing rapidly and so are the changes in storytelling and presentation. Whatever the era will be called fans can only hope that their heroes continue to survive, new and exciting heroes can be introduced and the world of comic books never dies!

Be sure to visit us at http://www.kryptoknightcomics.com

Please take part in our poll. Which era of comic books do you think produced the best characters?

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Michael Neno's New Comic - The Signifiers

Michael Neno, winner of the Award of Excellence from the Governor of Ohio, has recently produced a great new comic book featuring a sci-fi apocalyptic war story with a character named Splash who has to choose to obey or fight against a mysterious force called The Voyst.  Michael Neno is the recipient of a Xeric Grant, has done lettering for Dark Horse and Paul Pope's Horse Press, written and drawn the cover story for Silver Comics #8, 2 contributions to Cracked Magazine, coloring for a Beetle Bailey charity drawing by Mort Walker, and illustrations for the upcoming anthology, The American Zig-Zag.  Michael also writes and draws the online graphic novel, The Mesh.

I recently received a signed copy (thanks Michael) of .The Signifiers #1, and I found it quite interesting.  What or who are The Signifiers?  I don't know.  This is what makes it cool because Michael's unique writing style left us hanging at the end of the first issue.  Great writers are known for cliff hangers and leave the reader wanting to read more, salivating for the next issue.  While I admit that I had some trouble following the story in the beginning, by the time I got to the end I was left wanting to know who The Signifiers were!

The other thing I loved about this book was the art style.  It was done in black and white but in old school style.  It had a Kirbyesque look about it, and it was clearly done with a pen and india ink style of artwork.  This is art that is penciled and inked by hand with a brush or inking pen.  In fact, my copy was so fresh I could still smell the fresh ink off of the press.  I have always been a fan of Jack Kirby and while I am sure Michael wants to establish his own unique art style, I could not help but make that comparison.  It is unique in it's own right but also has that Kirby appeal to it. 

There is also a story about Landlark, The Heat Seeking Dwarf.  It is an interesting tale that quickly captures your attention and holds it.  This 48 page comic is priced at $4.95 and you can get an autographed copy directly from Michael Neno at the following link...http://www.nenoworld.com/The_Signifiers_No.1.html
This is a link directly to Michael's site because we do not have any here at Krypto-Knight Comics!   We know you will enjoy this book so get your signed copy today! 

Visit us on the web at http://www.kryptoknightcomics.com

What Do Psychology, the Lie Detector and Wonder Woman All Have In Common?

Dr. William Moulton Marston was a psychologist trained at Harvard University.  He is credited with the invention of the lie detector test.  For comic book fans, however, he is known for a much more famous creation that today is popular around the world.  What creation?  The superhero known as Wonder Woman.  He created the character after DC Comics requested a consultation with him over the comic book industry.  He suggested creating a female superhero since, at that time, there were none.  Using the psuedonym Charles Moulton,  he originally, he created "Suprema, the Wonder Woman" but the Suprema was quickly dropped.  Wonder Woman had her first appearance in All Star Comics #8 in December 1941.  She then appeared in Sensation Comics #1 in January 1942 and by the summer of that same year she had her own title, Wonder Woman.  She continued in all 3 titles for a time and became very popular.

Wonder Woman's overall success has continued and is considered among the "Big 3", the other two being Superman and Batman.  These 3 characters were the primary roles in Alex Ross's Kingdom Come and are not the title characters in DC's Trinity.  They all have served as leading members of the Justice League and Womder Woman is, without doubt, comics leading lady!  The only on-screen appearance of Wonder Woman that was not animated was the 1970's TV show starring the still beautiful Lynda Carter.  However, in 1967, William Dozier, the producer of the Batman TV series with Adam West, sough to do something similar with Wonder Woman.  A 5 minute screen test can be see in the video below.  Fortunately, it never came about.  There are rumors of Wonder Woman appearing in an episode of Smallville but it will be Lois Lane in the costume.  As cool as it might be to see Erica Durrence in a Wonder Woman costume, it's not the same thing.  There have been reports of a Wonder Woman movie in the works but as of yet there is nothing concrete.  Many fans fell victim tot he prank of seeing Megan Fox in a Wonder Woman costume and slated to play the role, but it was just a prank.  Hopefully, one day, we will get to see Wonder Woman in her own title film.  I would bet Lynda Carter would have a cameo appearance.  Do you think Stan Lee would?  Doubtful.

Visit us at Krypto-Knight Comics!

Captain America's Greatest Foe: Film or the Red Skull?

In 1944, film company Republic, produced its most expensive serial film ever and its last superhero film.  What was it?  Captain America.  Sadly this 15 film series was not in harmony with the comic book version of Captain America.  It featured District Attroney, Grant Gardner, as Captain America rather than US Private Steve Rogers.  Republic's version of Cap had not shield and he wielded a regular gun.  Rather than fight the Nazi's, as Captain America did in the comics, he fought against Dr. Cyrus Maldor, a museum curator whose secret villain identity was The Scarab.  The costume had no wings on his head, no chainmail and no pirate's boots.  Rather the costume was cloth, with high shoes and was black and white because it showed up better on film.  Captain America was played by Dick Purcell.

It would be over 30 years late before another Captain America film would be produced.  In fact, it was 2 made for television films in 1979, starring Reb Brown as Captain America.  In these films, Steve Rogers is not a US Private from the 1940's.  He is a contemporary artist whose father fought in World War II and was so patriotic that he is given the nickname Captain America.  Steve finds himself in an accident and receives a secret chemical called FLAG-Full Latent Ability Gain- which enhances him physically.  He "supes" up his van, drives a modified motorcycle and dawns a costume adopting the name Captain America.  It is not the comic book version and his shield is a removable transparent windshield off of the motorcycle.  The second film, Captain America: Death Too Soon, features a costume that more resembles the comic book version but the overall movie is just bad.  The only possible redeeming aspect is that the villain, General Miguel, is played by actor Christopher Lee.  Other than that there are not too many factors they make it any good.  Both films are low budget B Rated movies and they have that appeal that makes us want to watch them just to see how bad they really were.

The sad part is that it only gets worse.  In 1992, Matt Salinger, son of  Catcher in the Rye author J.D. Salinger, starred as Captain America in a movie by the same name.  It was just bad.  Yet, like the others, you cannot help but watch it. It has that "bad movie" attraction about it that just grabs you.  You can not watch it on Hulu for free.  I have embedded it here if you care to watch it.  Try and see how long it takes before you stop watching.

Our only hope is that The First Avenger: Captain America will be well produced and directed.  At this rate, anything will be better than what has come before.

Casting Call - The Black Panther

Sometimes I like to think about who could play a certain comic book character on the movie screen.  One way I do this is by thinking backwards.  In other words, as I watch TV or movies I think, "What superhero does that actor/actress remind me of?"  Sometimes the answer is no one but on other occasions it becomes very clear.  Some actors are just born to play certain roles.  Christopher Reeve was born to be Superman.  Patrick Stewart is Professor X.  Hugh Jackman brought Wolverine to life (although too tall we accepted him).  Robert Downey, Jr. was awesome as Tony Stark.  Recently I decided who I think would be perfect for the role of T'Challa, the King of the African Country Wakanda.  We affectionately know him as The Black Panther, Honorary Avenger.

Who would I cast as the Black Panther?  Christopher Judge 

Who is Christopher Judge?  He is best know for his role on Stargate SG-1 and associated shows as Teal'c, the Jaffa alien who helps the ISO's Stargate program defeat the Goa'uld from ruling the galaxy as gods.  However, Judge has other credits to his name as well, some of which have ties to popular comic book characters.  In 2003, he was the voice of Zodak in 5 episodes of He-Man and the Masters of the Universe.  He also provide the voice for Magneto in the animated series X-Men: Evolution.  In other years he has appeared in episodes of MacGyver, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Andromeda, Sirens and Action Man.  Bird On A Wire, A Dog's Breakfast and Personal Effects are some of just a few of the many movie appearances he has had.

I like Judge for the role of Black Panther for several reasons.  He has the build being muscular and firm.  He has the look in his face that differentiates him from actors like Denzel Washington or Wesley Snipes, some who have been mentioned or rumored to be in such a role.  He also has the look as if he could be from another country because he is part African and part Cherokee.  He definitely has the voice of one who commands others,  injects fear and displays confidence. Finally, he has the size. At 6'-3" it is clear he is not a short man.  He has proven his ability to show a physical prowess, and his fairly solemn role as Teal'c, a character whose very demeanor commands respect, is similar in nature to that of the Black Panther.  Much like Patrick Stewart or Christopher Reeve, I believe he was born to play the Black Panther.

Please be sure to visit our website at http://www.kryptoknightcomics.com.