March: Book Two Signing at Fantom Comics

Time Warp Mode Engaged!  January 25, 2015 - We were at Fantom Comics in Washington, DC today for a historic event.  Civil rights icon, Rep. John Lewis, was signing copies of MARCH: BOOK TWO along with co-author, Andrew Aydin.



MARCH is the comic book adaptation of the story of Congressman Lewis' experiences as part of the civil rights movement during the turbulent period of the late 1950's and 60's.  This second part of the trilogy was recently released to considerable critical acclaim.  Congressman Lewis, Aydin and artist Nate Powell have garnered many accolades and the work itself has earned award after award.

While I've met and interviewed the congressman this was an opportunity for my daughter to meet a living legend of American history.  And March has presented many Black sons and daughters with the chance to learn about their history and heritage.



March: Book Two is published by Top Shelf Productions.

Captain America: Civil War Movie Review

Here is our NO SPOILERS review of the latest superhero movie in theaters!



Captain America: Civil War is rated PG-13.  Running time 147 minutes.

Scott Snyder at Third Eye Comics

Time Warp Mode Engaged! Saturday, January 17, 2015 - The New Year is barely two weeks old and we're back in action.  We were at Third Eye Comics in Annapolis, MD today.  Third Eye's Steve Anderson is a masterful promoter.  He regularly gets top notch talent in for in-store appearances.  This time it was DC Comics' writer Scott Snyder.  The line was around the corner and down the block!



We weren't able to get an on camera interview but did get to say hello.



If you're in Annapolis, MD you'll want to stop into Third Eye Comics.  It is one of the most customer friendly comics specialty stores in the country.  Tell 'em that the crew over at FANTASTIC FORUM sent you!

Keep watching, the best is yet to come!

FF Now in New York!

Time Warp Mode engaged!  Monday, December 22, 2014 - Big news!  We've received word that beginning this month FANTASTIC FORUM will be carried on Manhattan Neighborhood Network (MNN)!  This is huge for us!  MNN reaches over 620,000 cable subscribers in the Manhattan borough.



We're scheduled for every other Monday at 1:00 AM on the Lifestyle channel 2; Time Warner Cable channel 56 and RCN cable channel 83.  The first broadcast will be Monday, December 29, 2014!  The channels are available for streaming service via the MNN website:

Manhattan Neighborhood Network website

We look forward to a long and fruitful association with this fine station.  Keep watching!  The best is yet to come!

Honors for FF at the DCTV Voice Awards!

Time Warp Mode engaged!  Friday, December 5, 2014 - Fantastic Forum got its start on DCTV in Washington, DC.  While there are numerous stations that carry the program today it all began at the Brooks Mansion HQ of DCTV.  We've been fortunate enough to take home a DCTV Viewer's Choice Award in the past.  This one carries a bit more weight as it is purely merit based.  An independent panel of television professionals judges each entry.  FF received the honor of Best Variety/Arts Program of the Year.

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This award would not have been possible without the dedication and talents of the fine panelists and crew who have volunteered their time and abilities to this project.  With them there is no Fantastic Forum.  Each and every one who has participated and contributed to the show shares in this recognition.  Thank you!

Keep watching!  The best is yet to come!

VA Comicon and The FF Podcast!

Time Warp Mode engaged!  Sunday, November 23, 2014 - We had a great weekend at the VA Comicon which was held at the Richmond International Raceway in Richmond, VA.  I owe a very big thanks to my buddy, Ben Taylor, for putting FF on the program.



In addition to a table at the show we held a panel during which the inaugural podcast version of Fantastic Forum was taped!  I've been interested in launching a podcast for some time.  The half hour format of the television program doesn't permit in depth exploration of topics.  Plus the way people consume podcasts lends itself to greater exposure for the product.

We were surrounded by friends!  Our table was situated directly adjacent to Awesome Con's Ben Penrod and Joe D'Intino.  Dan Nokes and Philip Jean-Pierre, both of whom are phenomenal artists, were setup nearby. And we got interviews with the likes of Steve Rude, Jae Lee, Christopher Inlow and Herb Trimpe!  In fact, I had the added thrill of being able to give Herb and his wife, Patricia, a ride to the venue as we stayed in the same hotel.  I'm thinking of having the seats bronzed.

The show was well attended with lots of artists and cosplayers

One of the highlights of the weekend was the opportunity to meet homeboy Joe Fiduccia.  I call him homeboy because Joe is from Bloomfield, NJ not too far from where I grew up.  And Joe is living a dream as the builder of a replica of K.I.T.T. from the classic NBC-TV series KNIGHT RIDER!

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While this convention was the entire weekend the VA Comicon also holds shows of the one-day variety.  We're looking to get back down south to enjoy this con again.  For more information on the VA Comicon check out their website at:

VA Comicon Website

The NC Comicon Saga

Time Warp Mode engaged!  Saturday, November 15, 2014 - Devon Sanders and I made the trek down to Durham, North Carolina today for the NC Comicon.



Always on the lookout for a good interview I'd heard that Fiona Staples, artist on Image Comics' Saga, was going to be in attendance.  So it was time for a road trip!



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The convention was well attended and there were some great costumes.  And we also ran into Valiant Entertainment's Dinesh Shandasani!  I don't know any other CCO who loves the fans and the business enough that he'd actually man the booth.  Dinesh is one of a kind.  I reminded him that FF loves Valiant.  We read that the independent has completed a deal with Sony Pictures to bring their characters to life.  Hopefully, he'll hook us up with a set visit in the near future.

This show is on the ascent and, from what we observed, was well received by fans.  The dealers also seemed to be doing well which is always a good barometer for how robust a convention turns out.  In addition to Fiona Staples, guests included Sir John Barrowman, Sean Murphy, Bob Fingerman, John Paul Leon and Frank Conniff.

We were regretful that we weren't able to stay overnight.  But there is always next year!  And the organizers are committed to growing the con.

Keep watching!  The best is yet to come!