Be A Santa To a Senior

Calling all Christmas Elves and their families!!!

Glenwood Gardens is proudly hosting the Be A Santa to a Senior Wrapping party tonight form 6:30pm until the elves are finished. Please join us for free light refreshments, and Christmas Spirit. We will be wrapping gifts that have been collected in our community for lonely, isolated and financially challenged seniors. These gifts will be delivered December 16 - Dec 18th from Glenwood Gardens to homes across Kern County. This is a wonderful family event. Please bring your own scissors and your Christmas spirit and join us in this worthwhile event. For more information please visit the web site www.beasantatoasenior.com or call (661) 321-3235.

6th Annual Holiday Lights

HolidayLights at CALM returns for its sixth season in Bakersfield from Nov. 29 through Dec. 30, exciting families with more than two million lights in dazzling night time displays. The nonprofit California Living Museum (CALM) offers $2 off admission prices Monday--Thursday nights, free train rides on the Candy Cane Express and carousel and free parking. Event hours are 5:30-9 p.m. each night except Dec. 24-25, when CALM will be closed, re-opening from Dec. 26-30. Admission prices are $6 for children ages 3-12. Children ages 13-17 and senior citizens pay the same price, $10. The regular adult price is $12. HolidayLights at CALM is the seasonal attraction families look forward to each year. New to visitors will be battling pirate ships in a tranquil pond, a synchronized symphony of multi-colored tree lights and music, plus the traditional family-friendly displays of resplendent animals and Kern County landscapes. It is all in the great outdoors at CALM, home to 250 injured or abandoned animals native to California. Proceeds from HolidayLights benefit the non-profit CALM Foundation, providing funding for developing new and exciting animal exhibits at CALM.

Event Hours:
5:30-9 p.m.

ADMISSION PRICES:
Mon-Thurs $2 off all admissions

$6 for children ages 3-12
$10 for children ages 13-17 & seniors above age 60
$12 for adults

Free parking, Carousel and Train Rides. Tickets can be purchased through Vallitix at (661) 322-5200 or they can be purchased each night at the gate.

Directions to CALM: Northbound from Southern California - take I-5 to Hwy 99 in Kern County. Use the 24th Street/Rosedale Hwy exit in Bakersfield, turning right at the end of the off ramp onto 24th St. After a short time, 24th St, turns into Hwy 178 past M Street. Stay on Hwy 178 to the traffic light at Alfred Harrell Highway. Turn left and continue until you see the HolidayLights at CALM.

Southbound from Northern California - take Hwy 99 to Kern County. Take the 24th Street/Rosedale Hwy exit in Bakersfield, turning left at the end of the off ramp onto 24th St. After a short time, 24th St. turns into Hwy 178 past M Street. Stay on Hwy 178 to the traffic light at Alfred Harrell Highway. Turn left and continue until you see the HolidayLights at CALM.

For more information, check CALM's Web site, www.calmzoo.org, or call CALM at (661) 872-2256.

6th Annual Holiday Lights

Event Hours:
5:30-9 p.m.

For more information, check CALM's Web site, www.calmzoo.org, or call CALM at (661) 872-2256.

6th Annual Holiday Lights

Event Hours:
5:30-9 p.m.

For more information, check CALM's Web site, www.calmzoo.org, or call CALM at (661) 872-2256.

CONTEST IS OVER! BAKOTOPIA CONCERT TICKET GIVEAWAY - 3 BIG SHOWS!

CONTEST IS OVER!
CHECK YOUR E-MAIL TO SEE IF YOU HAVE WON!

SUPER-DUPER HYPED UP U.S. ECONOMY RELIEF
FREE TICKET CONTEST!
CELEBRATING HALLOWEEN WEEK IN BAKERSFIELD!
10/28: SENSES FAIL & MORE AT THE DOME!
10/30: CREATURE FEATURE, SCHOOLYARD HEROES AT JERRY'S!
11/1: FISHBONE, VELORIO, OP STYLEE AT JERRY'S!

ALL WINNERS WILL RECEIVE:
TWO (2) TICKETS TO THE CONCERT!
HERE'S HOW TO WIN!

-You must have a Bakotopia profile to enter. If you haven't got one, sign-up! It's EASY!

-Sign In to Bakotopia with your username. Don't forget to fill-in your profile!

-Post a public comment below to this post, and tell us A funny story about a strange Halloween experience you've had in the past - preferrably bizarre or funny, gross too if it'll make us laugh! MENTION WHICH SHOW YOU'D LIKE TO ATTEND!

-Make sure your username is public, so we know who you are.

** Entrants with best jokes will be chosen and contacted via e-mail, or phone by: 1:00PM on MONDAY, OCTOBER 27! SO PLEASE CHECK YOUR E-MAIL AT THIS TIME!

**Must be 18 or older to enter & win. Bakersfield & Kern County Residents Only! No employees or family of The Bakersfield Californian and it's affililiates may participate.

GET YOUR LATEST FREE ISSUE OF BAKOTOPIA MAGAZINE TODAY! CLICK BELOW TO FIND A FREE RACK NEAR YOU!

www.bakotopia.com
www.timgardeapresents.com

The Shaping of a Musical Revolution!

The time is 12:03am on a dimly lit street in Santa Clarita.

I took a long breath that seemed like a lifetime that night and stuck one foot out the window. An old jacket and some Legend of Zelda Pajama pants kept me warm that night.

This was it. There's no turning back now.....

The year was 1997. I was 15.

My parents had done a fine job of raising me. But the Jehovah's Witnesses got the best of them. Advised by the elder's of there congregation, they installed a radioshack voice recorder underneath the house phone, recording any outgoing and incoming phone conversations.

Thus giving there church grounds to disfellowship me and remove me from my household on the grounds of pre-marital relations. I was given an ultimatum between intense religious isolation from the church for years until proven worthy and remorseful or to be expelled from my household and family.

I chose the ladder of the two.

Wouldn't you?

The time is 9:15pm, September 23rd 1997.

I arrive at an old greyhound station in Bakersfield, Ca. Knowing nothing about the town other then driving by it on the freeway as a kid. I told the bus driver in Santa Clarita I'd pay for the bus fair once I got to the station in Bakersfield. The bus arrived in Bakersfield and I got out of the bus and started running across the rows of railroad tracks near oleander. I hear they make you pay prior to bording now-a-days. Sorry Greyhound.

I slept in the back of a truck that night underneath the stars in front of some house on california Ave.

The Next morning I found a huge field in Oildale with a big tree that had branches that hung down to the ground like a big dome. It was great. Every morning I would play my guitar to no end and then walk to vons and grab a sandwhich and eat it in the bathroom or go to a pizza joint and wait for left overs.

Life got better. I met a bunch of punk rock friends down at Jerry's pizza. There was a show every night it was a blast. We'd drink all night until we puked and then we'd drink some more. What would you do with all this new found youthful freedom?

I finally got a place across from Dewars' Ice Cream and worked there also fulltime. I searched everywhere for dedicated musicians to start some kind of musical project. but to no avail...

Plans soon went sour in Bakersfield for awhile and I moved to LA to get a job at Fotokem in Burbank California. I Started listening to alot of electronic music, indie and ska.

One Night I decided to take some magic mushrooms on my week vacation from work. I ate far to much and ended up driving to Mexicali. Yes. Mexicali in mexico. I drove all night, but only remember road signs flying by. I remember parking on the side of the road in the middle of the night somewhere in mexico and getting in the back of the car. I couldn't move so I pissed myself in the back and feel to sleep.

I woke up that morning with 5 little kids staring in my car window. I was on the side of the road with cacti all around. I got out. A thick rush of warm dusty air flew by my face. I thought to myself....."Where the hell am I?"

I drove through the day aimlessly deeper and deeper in to the heart of mexico without knowledge of any direction. I ended up having to stop that night when I was low on fuel. I stopped at an old hotel on the side of the road somewhere. I got a room and brought in my guitar and backpack. Coyote's howled, the air blew through the windows, it all lulled me to sleep.

I woke up that next morning and my car was GONE! I freaked out. I'm stuck! I thought to myself. I tried to talk to the hotel owner guy, but I knew very little spanish at the time. I sat there on a wall for while and listened to some great music coming from a little Quinceanera down the way. I decided to start walking.

I walked for hours upon hours. At night I would either sleep out in the desert and make a little fire or I would find a big pipe that ran underneath the roads to sleep in. Finally after several days of hitchhiking and walking I end up in La Paz, Mexico. I met an old man named rodrigo sitting on the side of the road with his guitar. We sat there for hours playing classical spanish music and mariachi songs. I fell in love with the music. I stayed for a couple of days in La Paz walking the streets playing guitar and eating shrimp taco's.

Then on the last day a federali trooper came up to me and demanded my passports and searched my backback and guitar. He put me in handcuffs, took me into a small neighborhood and parked in front of a normal house. I was led inside, which looked to be there police office. Desks and office equipment in each bedroom of the house. I was searched for money, they took my CD player and let me keep my backpack and guitar. I was taken to an immigration jail and kept in a cell for four days.

On the fourth day an immigration officer opened my cell door and directed me to an office where I signed a police report I didn't even understand. They drove me to Cabo San Lucas and flew me back via Airplane with an immigration officer to the San Diego - Tijuana Border. I got off the plane was checked in by a manly looking US border officer for any warrants or issues. I was released and walked right across the border with backpack and guitar in hand! The funny part is, I started hitchhiking on the freeway right there at the border and, NOT LYING, no more then 5 minutes later a trucker picked me up.

We drove all the way to pacific pallisades and unloaded an old 68' green mustang to a sandwhich shop owner who gave us both turkey sandwhich's. We got back in the rig and he drove me all the way to LA which was on the way for him. I got out of his truck walked a couple of miles to my apartment. I twisted the key fell on the floor crawled to the shower. The Best DAMN shower I've ever had!

Since then I've been back to mexico so many times I can't even remember. There's always some sort of adventure that happens there, good or bad. Some of the biggest inspirations for a song writer. Refer to The Silence Club's songs: El Coyote and The Ember Lights of Mexico for two entirely different adventures.

In 2003 Bakersfield has sucked me back in. It's good to be back. So many great adventures and friends to come! Life is great. Life is music, the adventures, the sweeping of the wind through the trees, there is musical equation in everything.

Weather your an artist, cook, musician, oil field worker, police officer. We all have stories that shape our lives and our professions. This is a small percentage of how The Silence Club has been shaped. Come to a show! I'd love to hear all of your Stories and what has influenced your input in this world.

Everything happens for a reason.

Bakersfield's own All American Male Strippers to perform at the Exotic Kitty

The men of Bakersfields' very own All American Male Strippers will be performing a male showcase at the Exotic Kitty on November 13 from 8 to 10 p.m.

Featuring the top male dancers from the Bakersfield area, including the ever popular "Officer Longwood" Shawn St. James, Latin sensation Antonio, and the award winning Angel Stone.

There will be Suprise visits to the audience during the show from the dancers for a more intimate show experience, a special "hot seat" opportunity for a few lucky ladies during each dancers set, and even a photography session with each of the dancers for those who want their favorite dancer to pose with them.

Sponsored in cooperation by the Exotic Kitty, Radio caliente 99.5, and the only place for quality, dependable, professional male exotic dancers in the bakersfield area, All American Male Strippers.

The event promises to be a true highlight of the holiday season for all ladies over 18, and is the ideal opportunity to experience a real exotic male revue firsthand.

For those of you who have been to a private party where there was a male stripper and think you've seen all there is to see, think again. This is not your friends bachelorette party, this is 2 full hours filled with the passion and heat that is professional male dance. Clear your schedules ladies, tell your friends, and prepare to let your hajr down, this night is for you.

For more information contact Angel at 661-565-8355 or visit us on the web at www.allamericanmalestrippers.com

A Night of Laughter and Comedy

Featuring:

Dane Forst
Brian Ross
Russ McGaffin
and Joe Alanis

Only $5!!!

Drink Specials all night!! $5 Martinis and $2.50 Beers!!!

Advance Tickets Available!

Toys 4 Tots Benefit Show!

Call 661-615-1490 for more info

WWW.LAUGHTERCOMEDY.COM

Derby Girls Unite Bout

VS

When: November 22, 2008

Do you want to be apart of something important and make history?

Then get on board with “Derby Girls Unite”, a benefit bout for Marisol Nunez (Sassy Scissorwings of Smog City) who has been diagnosed with a rare form of cancer called Adeno Sarcoma Mullerian.

We are asking for derby leagues all over to donate merch to be raffled off
in gift baskets, no donation is too small! We are accepting donations from businesses to! All donations must be received by November 12, 2008!

The baskets will be displayed throughout the evening and will be raffled off at the end of the bout.

The night will consist of the
Bakersfield Rollergirls
vs.

the Smog City Roller Grrls.

Also a newbie exhibition bout!!

Please contact Ima Blowbya at blowbya@yahoo. com
or Jowanna Fite at triphopgrl2@yahoo. com
for more information and where to send derby merch to!

Together we can make a difference and do something for a fellow derby sister.

Thanks!!

~~Ima Blowbya and Jowanna Fite.

LIVE VIDEO: Congrats to Barack and Joe!

THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO VOTED IN THIS ELECTION!

USA ALL THE WAY!

NOVEMBER 4TH, 2008

SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO!

<<CHECK OUT VIDEO FROM THE COUNTDOWN TO THE PRESIDENCY - LIVE!
ELECTION NIGHT PARTY AT THE DOUBLETREE HOTEL, BAKERSFIELD, CA!

'In The Boom Boom Room' at BCT

'In The Boom Boom Room' at BCT
Family violence, sexual abuse, and racism at the core of controversial adult drama at BCT Playhouse in November - OPENS 11/7!

By Ron Bastone, Bakotopia.com contributor

Playwright David Rabe’s surreal drama, In the Boom Boom Room, focuses on the affects of sexual abuse and family violence on the psyche, relationships and fate of a go-go dancer struggling for self survival in the mid 1960’s.

The Tony Award nominated play is set in the mean streets Philadelphia. It is here, in a go-go dance bar, where dancer Chrissy becomes involved with an assortment of dysfunctional and sordid characters that negatively impact the life of this naïve and confused young woman who dreams of becoming a professional dancer.

The play received its first commercial production at Lincoln Center in New York City where it was nominated for a Tony Award. Newsweek Magazine, described the play as a portrayal of “Compassion for anguished people leavened by a black wit and a powerful sense of the surreal nature of modern life.” The theatre critic for WINS News Radio in New York hailed the drama as “A superior play. Perhaps a masterpiece.” “It’s full of dramatic fury,” said the N.Y. Times.

Above: A scene from 'In The Boom Boom Room' at BCT

Boom Boom Room’s director, Ron Bastone, is directing this piece for the second time, having previously produced and directed the play at Hollywood Actors Theatre in Los Angeles, where it was selected one of the top ten Equity-waiver productions of 1982.

Director Bastone, who later went on to spend 11 years in the field of Social Work says, “the themes and issues addressed in the play are timeless. As a former Social Worker, I have personally witnessed the painful effects of child abuse, domestic violence and learned racism on the human spirit and how they guide and impact social and intimate relationships and behavior.” The plays central character is a casualty of all the above.

Chica boom, above: dancers from The Boom Boom Room

The ensemble cast of eleven players features, Brittany Turner, Richard Newman III, Alex Mayes, Michael Pawloski, Diana Harvey and Julie Jordan-Scott in key and pivotal roles.

Music and go-go dancing of the mid sixties is also featured throughout the production. Due to adult language and situations the play is recommended for adult audiences.

“In the Boom Boom Room” opens November 7th and will Run through November 23rd at BCT Playhouse, 2400 S. Chester Avenue, Bakersfield, CA.

Performances are Friday and Saturday Evenings at 8 PM with two Sunday Matinees at 2 PM, November 16th and 23rd.

For Tickets and Reservations call BCT Playhouse at 831-8114 or ValliTix at 322-5200.

Story also printed in Bakotopia magazine, issue 40, 10-30-08

Tricks & Treats: Bakotopia Newsletter 10 - 16 - 08

Can't see the graphics? Having trouble reading this e-mail? Read online version HERE!

Like, this is Halloween, don't it wanna make you scream?

It's the

Newsletter... 2008 'Halloween / Comic-Con' Edition!

Comics and Halloween - two great tastes that go great together.

As I mentioned in the last issue, this time of year I get crazy - with only one thing on my mind … having fun at all costs.

In this issue, the planets seemed to be aligned perfectly. Bakersfield Comic-Con founder, Steve Wyatt and our own resident comic fan Zach Smith have joined forces to bring you into their animated fantasy world.

You’ve never seen a local mag look like this before! Trust me, I know this, I’ve lived most of my life here - sweating and seeking entertainment just like you.

Let’s start with the cover specially designed by Tone Rodriguez - what else can you say, but “Ay carumba!” Can you tell I’m geeking out over this? I even got “Simpsonized” by Simpsons artist Phil Ortiz! Alright, I’m getting out of hand, but can you blame me?!

Also inside … you might find yourself squirming in your seat as you experience the edgier side of life with Andrea Martinez and Shawn Curtsinger who take the concept of “hanging around” to a higher level - literally. Plus a cemetery wedding complete with Bakersfield’s biggest wedding party. Yes, it rocked, I was there…alive.

Look for horror movie picks to watch with the lights on, and revisit a new Halloween classic. Have you got your costume ready for the big night?

And if our reminder last issue wasn’t enough, we’re going to give it to you again: register to vote by Oct. 20, and VOTE on Nov. 4.

Thanks to everyone who makes this and every issue happen, our kick-ass supporters, and of course our advertisers who keep us free for you and yours. Pay them a visit and let them know you appreciate their support.

Happy Birthday, MsJosey!

(CLICK ON ANY PIC BELOW TO BE RE-DIRECTED AND READ NOW!)

NEW BAKOTOPIA MAGAZINE ISSUE 39 IS HERE!
COLLECTOR'S EDITION - HALLOWEEN / COMIC-CON EDITION!
(CLICK ON COVER AND FIND A RACK WITH OUR COOL MAP!)

COVER STORY: "1ST ANNUAL BAKERSFIELD COMIC-CON!"
INTERVIEWS WITH THE SIMPSONS' SCOTT SHAW & SCREAM QUEEN'S NATE WATSON!
INFORMATION ABOUT THE BIG COMIC-CON HAPPENING ON OCT. 26!

2008 BAKERSFIELD HALLOWEEN HAPPENINGS! ADD YOUR EVENT TO THE LIST!
THE BEST LOCAL LISTING WITH ALL THE BEST PARTIES AND SHOWS!

ABOUT THE COVER: FUTURAMA'S TONE RODRIGUEZ DOES IT UP!

INTERVIEW WITH BAKO COMIC-CON FOUNDER: STEVE WYATT!

EERIE & CREEPY: THE HISTORY OF HORROR COMICS IN AMERICA!

SOUL SUSPENSION: ANDREA MARTINEZ GETS HOOKED UP - LITERALLY!

BAKERSFIELD COUPLE GETS HITCHED AT UNION CEMETERY!

TWAS' THE NIGHT BEFORE HALLOWEEN: HEAR A REAL-LIFE HORROR STORY!

THE STRAWBERRY SWITCHBLADES' GRAVEYARD CHA-CHA!

R.A.T. PRESENTS - "THE GREAT BLUMPKIN" AT THE EMPTY SPACE!

GAMIN' WITH GIL - TOP 10 GREATEST HORROR VIDEO GAMES!

THE HIPPEST AND BEST EVENTS IN BAKERSFIELD!! GET YOURS LISTED FREE!

CHECK OUT OR ONLINE GALLERIES! ADD YOURS TODAY! IT'S ALL ABOUT YOU!

THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT! WE LOVE YOU ALL!
WANNA SEE YOURSELF IN OUR DELIGHTFUL, DELICIOUS MAG?
NEXT DEADLINE FOR ALL STORIES, EVENTS AND PICS: 10/22/08!

GET INVOLVED! POST STORIES! SEND US THE COOL STUFF!

Peace,

Matt Munoz
Editor

Bakersfield Comic-Con's Steve Wyatt

Steve Wyatt of Bakersfield Comic-Con
With friends like his, there’s a million reasons why Bakersfield should have a comic scene - COMING TO BAKO ON OCT. 26!

Above: Steve Wyatt in his element

By Matt Muñoz, Bakotopia Editor

Bakersfield Comic-Con creator Steve Wyatt lives and breathes all things comics.

Living in Bakersfield for the past three years, his name is probably more well-known around the country than in Kern County. As a friend to some of the most well-known and wildly popular artists of our generation, he’s finally decided to make some calls. It was time to bring ‘em to Bako.

And that’s just what he’s going to do on Sunday, Oct. 26, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the ballroom inside Bakersfield Doubletree Hotel for the Bakersfield Comic-Con. Organizers plan to make the event an annual one.

Love The Simpsons, Futurama, Scream Queen, Hot Zombie Chicks, Hawk Man, among others? Here’s your chance to help kick our local comic scene into high gear, with the artists responsible for bringing them to life!

And bring some extra dough - there will be plenty of things to buy, or maybe even trade.

Most of you know of the San Diego Comic-Con, but did you know there are smaller, equally successful conventions? They also happen to be the brainchild of Wyatt, who started selling comics at 10, and by 1979, promoted his first comic book show: Super-Con in Hayward, Calif..

A busy man on a tight travel schedule, Wyatt, 44, pulled the brakes, and spent sometime with Bakotopia before the big show:

Q. How long have you been a fan of comics?
A. Well, I started collecting comics when I was 7, I bought a big box of comics from my cousin for $5 (that was a lot back then).

I was fortunate to learn about collecting by fourth grade. The “Bay Area Comic Club” was held in my elementary school. Some of the industry’s biggest names were members, so I learned early about condition, and all the aspects of collecting. My love for comics was born then.

Q. Who are your favorite characters? Do you still follow your old favorites from childhood?
A. My “Holy Grail” comic book is Avengers #57. When I first saw that issue as a kid, I fell in love with the cover. I have about 10 copies of it now, I’ve even have had artists “re-create” the cover in their style. The original art was done by an artist named John Buscema, (unfortunately he passed away four years ago), and to this day, he is my favorite comic book artist. ... The cover to Avengers #57 has “Vision” on it, (his first appearance), and he is one of my favorite characters. Also: Thor, Silver Surfer, Sub Mariner and Captain America round up some of my favorite Super Heroes.

Q. How involved are you in the national comic scene?
A. Well, I travel all around the country going to all the bigger comic book shows.

I promote one of the 10 largest comic book shows in the country; I am a member of CAPS /Cartoon Art Professionals; I have worked for almost 35 years in the industry; and have sold (and found) the biggest “Bronze Age” pedigree collection in our industry.

I guess I have made a good name for myself. I am most proud of the fact that I am known in a positive light ...

Above: Actress Adrienne Barbeau, from the 1982 movie "Swamp Thing", and Steve Wyatt.

Q. What does your wife think of comics? Is she a fan, too?
A. My wife, Julie is a Godsend! We have been together for 25 years, we have two great kids, and she is my back bone. She supports everything I do, she loves the people we meet, the places we go, everything about what I do. We don’t do this for money, that has never been our “bottom line.” Our goal in life is “happiness.” We love what we do.

Q. What made you decided to organize a Bakersfield Comic-Con?
A. I have spent three and a half years in this town, and it is seriously deprived of comic books. There is no real “full service” comic book in own. So, I LOVE comics, and I also feel more kids should be reading comics.

Above, L to R: Steve Wyatt, actor Peter Falk, and Julie Wyatt

Q. You have quite the list of famous artist friends. How do you usually meet them and stay in touch?
A. Well, if you ask my wife, she will tell you ... I love to talk. I am the true definition of what you would call a “people person.” And I am genuine. I don’t ask anything as a friend and I give freely as a friend, and that is what a friend is.

Above, L to R: L to R: Steve Wyatt, Go-Go Jane Wiedlen, and Steve's bud.

Q. What can old comic book fans and new fans expect at this year's Bakersfield Comic-Con?
A. Well, since this is the first show to come to town of this level, I wanted to bring in a variety of comic book guests. For the old fans we are bringing in Alex Nino, Tony DeZuniga and Scott Shaw. All three have been working in the industry for over 30 years, doing almost every type of comic books you can imagine - humor, horror, romance, superhero, fantasy and science fiction.

... And for the newer fans, we have a few younger guests. Tone Rodriguez, Phil Ortiz, Nate Watson, Mike Hampton.

Q. What do you think of Hollywood comic book character snatching?
A. I love what Hollywood is doing, I am a fan. I hope people will start picking up the printed work and enjoy the roots of the movie.

The First Annual Bakersfield Comic-Con
• Sunday, Oct. 26, 2008
• The Doubletree Hotel, 1300 Camino Del Rio Court
• 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• $5 adults / $3 for kids 8 to 16 / kids under 8 free
• www.super-con.com/bako

Artists appearing:
SCOTT SHAW - Simpsons comics writer/artist, world famous cartoonist/animator
RYAN SOOK - X-Factor, Hawkman, Spectre/DC/Marvel cover artist
PHIL ORTIZ - Simpsons comic book artist, animator
TONE RODRIGUEZ - Futurama, Snake Pliskin artist
TONY DeZUNIGA - Jonah Hex
ALEX NINO - Classic ’70s fantasy artist
NATE WATSON - Grimm Fairy Tales, Isis, Scream Queen
MIKE HAMPTON - FAM Books, Captain A-hole, Gunja Rabbit, Hot Zombie Chicks
DEREK FRIDOLFS - Detective comics, Spider-Man, Teen Titans
STEPHANIE LESNIAK - Blazin’ Brandy, Cartoon Network animator

Story also printed in Bakotopia magazine, issue 39, 10-16-08

Handheld Horror History

Handheld Horror History
Horror comics thankfully continue to find a way back from the grave

By Zach Smith, Bakotopia.com contributor

Comics are bad for us - at least that’s what the U.S. Senate committee determined in 1954.

Superheros were on the decline, people needed something a little more violent, a little more sexy. Enter the horror comics boom. After the tumultuous years of WWII, people had grown tired of the classic do-gooders and yearned for something to fit the times.

EC Comics made its debut in the ’40s, and to this day offers some of the best horror books. Suddenly graphic material was part of the mainstream reading material for people, I mean, my God! Kids had access to this stuff! We’ll ignore the irony here for a while.

People were upset by the notion of their children reading and looking at violent and sexually explicit material. What happened to transform everyone’s discomfort into a frenzy? Dr. Fredric Wertham published “Seduction of the Innocent,” a tirade against all comics, blaming horror and crime comics for inciting violence and deplorable behavior in children. For example, Batman and Robin caused male readers to experiment in homosexuality. It’s a great read for the sheer ignorance of it.

Horror comics died down for a bit, resurfacing in 1964 in the form of Creepy magazine. Since Creepy was printed in black and white, and in magazine form, it wasn’t subject to the evil reign of the Comics Code Authority - which to this day some comics still adhere to - it’s like a movie rating system, but for comics - and there’s only one rating given out: APPROVED).

Then along comes Eerie in 1966, the first horror comic to be produced in America without using other source material. Other scary books had been made before this, but they were all old movie monsters, or based on Edgar Allen Poe stories as was printed in editions of Creepy.

Horror comics flourished into the ’70s when artists Len Wein and Bernie Wrightson created what could be considered the most important character in horror comics: Swamp Thing in ’72. With the invention of Swamp Thing, House of Secrets, House of Mystery for DC Comics, and Tomb of Dracula, Werewolf by Night, and Man-Thing for Marvel, the two big publishers had moved into the horror arena, making it more accessible to the mainstream audience.

The genre would gain its most steam in the late ’80s and early ’90s with the creation of such titles as The Sandman by Neil Gaimen; Hellblazer, based off a character from Swamp Thing; and Swamp Thing was reinvigorated by superstar artist Alan Moore.

Most of these comics remain popular today, or are still being published, as in the case of Hellblazer, but new horror is a little different.

It’s time to put these books in the hands of kids again. How about Bart Simpson’s Treehouse of Horror for little Billy, Buffy the Vampire Slayer for little Suzie, or how about The Walking Dead, for mom and dad? It’s all in good, scary, fun!

Backtracking to Swamp Thing, I’d like to suggest some terrifying tales for the curious. Take a look at Alan Moore’s reinvention of the character for one of the great runs in comic book history when he saved the series from cancellation back in ’84. Books like Swamp Thing were responsible for spawning such titles as The Sandman by Neil Gaimen, and Hellblazer, initially by Jamie Delano - now written and illustrated by a variety of different artists.

Are these books too strange for you? Never heard of these people? How about Batman? He sure gets into his crazy share of scary adventures. Check out April Fool’s Day in Arkham Asylum. Or check out Kelly Jone’s art in Batman: Red Rain, he’s just been bitten by a vampire, and he doesn’t cure himself either.

Maybe you'd like a little mystery to accompany your frights? Check “Batman: Long Halloween” - mob bosses are getting murdered every holiday, but who is the killer? Or killers?

Modern horror comics are a little different these days, often confined to a certain number of books. There are horror comics that the whole family can enjoy, such as Bart Simpson's Treehouse of Horrors. This is an anthology published once a year with great guest writers and artists. Some of the talent even comes from outside the comic book field.

Gene Simmons from KISS wrote a story that Tone Rodriguez, an artist who will attend the Bakersfield Comic-Com, illustrated. Rodriguez also did one with Thomas Lennon from TV comedy show “Reno 911”! Get your frights from Tone’s “Violent Messiahs”- a dark, violent, crime-filled book. If you see Tone at the Comic-Con, ask him if he brought his Frankenstein picture, it’s beautiful)!

Speaking of more talent attending this year’s Bakersfield Comic-Con, Treehouse of Horror alumni Phil Ortiz will also be in the house. Ortiz is an award winning animator, cartoonist and comic book illustrator. Chances are you’ve seen much of his work over the years.

Phil Ortiz

Ortiz created the visuals for many of “The Simpsons” characters we know and love, such as Otto the bus driver, Apu, Nelson, Ralph Wigum to name a few. Visit him at the convention for a chance to see yourself or someone you know get “Simpsonized.” You can also ask him about his new animated series Pachuko Boy, something the Hispanic crowd might enjoy (more on this in an upcoming edition of MAS Magazine).

Scott Shaw is another partaker of the magic that is Bart Simpson’s Treehouse of Horror series. Scott has worked on a lot of stuff over the years, and he has won many awards for his work. He’s worked on everything from The Flinstone’s, Mulan II, Dexter’s Laboratory, Family Guy, Hey Arnold, The Snorks, The Simpsons, to The Muppet Babies (a personal favorite from my youth), and many more. Check out Scott at the convention.

Scott Shaw

Nate Watson is the only Bakersfield Comic-Con guest artist who hasn’t worked on “The Simpsons,” but lets not hold that against him. Check out Nate’s work in The Ghostbusters anthology manga. Or maybe you’re a bigger fan of horror films? Check out Nate’s work on Scream Queen.

Imagine if Freddy, Jason, or Leatherface has fallen for the teenage victim of his dreams, and he’s going to do all he can to win the girl’s heart, even if that means racking up the body count? Yikes!

I hope you have a wonderful Halloween - make sure you take the kids trick-or-treating.

*More importantly, bring them to the Bakersfield Comic-Con on Oct. 26 - or they will hate you (or not, but don’t take the chance).

The First Annual Bakersfield Comic-Con
• Sunday, Oct. 26, 2008
• The Doubletree Hotel, 1300 Camino Del Rio Court
• 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• $5 adults / $3 for kids 8 to 16 / kids under 8 free
• www.super-con.com/bako

Artists appearing:
SCOTT SHAW - Simpsons comics writer/artist, world famous cartoonist/animator
RYAN SOOK - X-Factor, Hawkman, Spectre/DC/Marvel cover artist
PHIL ORTIZ - Simpsons comic book artist, animator
TONE RODRIGUEZ - Futurama, Snake Pliskin artist
TONY DeZUNIGA - Jonah Hex
ALEX NINO - Classic ’70s fantasy artist
NATE WATSON - Grimm Fairy Tales, Isis, Scream Queen
MIKE HAMPTON - FAM Books, Captain A-hole, Gunja Rabbit, Hot Zombie Chicks
DEREK FRIDOLFS - Detective comics, Spider-Man, Teen Titans
STEPHANIE LESNIAK - Blazin’ Brandy, Cartoon Network animator

Story also printed in Bakotopia magazine, issue 39, 10-16-08

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