Monday, May 27, 2013

State of the Wall: 5-27-13

Well, it's that time again, time to look at the updates on projects, the upcoming episodes, and other such fun!

Click "read more" to check it all out under the cut!


Schedule of Upcoming Episodes
6/3 – Comic Book Quickies #1
6/10 – Kamandi at Earth’s End #4
6/17 – SCI-Spy #3
6/24 – Star Trek: The Next Generation/X-Men #1
7/1 – Mr. T and the T-Force #2
7/8 – Miller Time: All-Star Batman and Robin #6
7/15 – Tandy Computer Whiz Kids: A Deadly Choice
7/22 – Battlestar Galactica: Journey’s End #1
7/29 – Marville #5

The next two months have the unintentional theme of "sequels to previous episodes I've done." I didn't do it deliberately - I actually mostly just wanted to get away from theme months. March of the Titans and 2099 Month were fine, but it gets kind of grating to review the same topic or at least similar material for multiple weeks at a time.

And to clarify what "Comic Book Quickies" is, basically I've collected lots of shorter material that isn't long enough to support a full episode, like the Hostess Fruit Pie Ads, short stories, or other such material. As such we're going to try a kind of hodge-podge of taking a look at as much as time permits. This will be similar to the Comic Book Advertisements episode, except with stuff focused specifically on comics.


Should Lightbringer Be In the Public Domain?
Sooo yeah, a while ago I said I was looking for a new writer for Lightbringer. Needless to say I STILL have not had a chance to look over people's submissions. As such, a thought occurred to me and I wanted to throw this out there: what if I were to officially release Lightbringer into the public domain? That way, anybody who wanted to work on it could do so and have their own version of the product and their own ideas on what to do with it.

Do people think this is a good idea? Bad idea? I'd like to hear feedback on that. I'd probably still answer in private the plans I had for it.


DVD Update
The DVD is coming together pretty well. All three episodes have been filmed, 2 of the 3 storyline segments have been filmed (which may require additional audio work for the same reason I haven't filmed the third segment - it's been very rainy in Minnesota over the last few weeks and the last story segment involves filming outside).

Since I haven't had a chance to gauge how long the DVD is, I still can't say what extras will be on it. The top priorities are a Making Of Atop the Fourth Wall segment as well as talking about the various characters of the show. An additional thing I'd like to include are riffs, but we'll see how much space is left.


History of Power Rangers
So obviously my plan of getting this all done with before the end of the year hasn't been progressing all that well, but I'm still going to try for it. I've been busy the last few weeks on the DVD and the plushie cybermats along with the regular episodes, so I haven't been able to watch any of Overdrive yet.


Plushie Cybermats
Speaking of, this is going along very well. I don't know how popular they'll actually be at conventions when I go to them, but hopefully people will like them enough. And worst case scenario, I intend to sell whatever is left on Etsy either way since the things have proven so popular before. Now because they take time to produce by my own hands, I'm prioritizing getting them done with for conventions, but the good news for some cons is that I'll have an actual table and since I bought a kid's sewing machine that's small and portable, I can bring it along and work on them while actually at the con.


Longbox of the Damned
I'm still hoping to do a Midsummer's Nightmare of Longbox of the Damned in July or August, though August is pushing it. The hardest part of this process is the writing - it takes the longest to do and when I have to fill in almost every day, it's a bit difficult. Even if I do end up having to scrap the Midsummer's Nightmare videos, we're still going to have Longbox of the Damned in October and I PROMISE that.


New T-Shirt Designs!
We have some new t-shirt designs compliments of Masterthecreater, the guy who does the title cards for the show! Some of them have been long-awaited character ones, others are some new catchphrase t-shirts!

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To get a closer look at them, why not head over to the Printfection Store and take a look! Or maybe even buy one or two!


The Adblock "Issue"
Sooo obviously there have been a few responses to the video I made about adblockers. I wanted to address a few things, particularly for concerned fans.

First and foremost, a lot of people have been expressed concern about the amount of hate and vitriol they perceive that I have recived over this. To be perfectly honest, it's really not that much. While there ARE plenty of troll posts or just negative comments and responses, they're still overall pretty civil. There have been video responses to it on youtube, but the ultimate irony there is that... well... I don't really care about the youtube stuff. If you've noticed my youtube page, you'll see that it's very rarely used. Sure, I watch videos on youtube, but I don't really care about any video responses people have made over it. Furthermore, while I did respond to a few people in the video's comments section shortly after it was released, I've pretty much decided to ignore it. I've found that youtube comments pages are really not any useful place to discuss anything and the sheer number of hateful posts is not worth my effort. I was actually tempted to disable comments altogether, but I didn't want to deal with the people who would start sending e-mails shouting "YOU'RE SUPPRESSING FREE SPEECH!!!111" even though it was posted on this blog, on tumblr, and on TGWTG, where there has been PLENTY of debate, both positive and negative.

And even then, people are entitled to their opinion. The goal of the "Please Let the Ads Play" video was to explain in a calm and reasonable fashion how ads affect ME and MY videos. Some say this is selfish. I say I'm not attempting to start some grand crusade or preach a higher moral message about the virtues of advertising - I was just pointing out how it affected ME. But if people disagree with that, let them. Do not start flame wars over any reason, particularly not over this. If people are genuinely acting like trolls or just spewing hate over the thing... let them. Those who have legitimate concerns can freely make them and if I have time I will answer to the best of my ability. If they don't, then let them fester and rot in their own space.

I'm not depressed or concerned or worried or feel saddened about any of this - the response has been pretty light, quite frankly. My fans, as always, are the best people out there and I'm extremely proud to call you fans. I didn't ask for any donations, nor do I WANT any donations, but regardless people have been extremely generous when they certainly didn't need to be.

And something else to clarify: I am not currently in danger of anything, not now nor when I made the video - it was supposed to inform the people of the issues and how it COULD affect me in the future. I'm doing just fine and still able to live off of the ad revenue. Better now, in fact, and I'll tell you why.

Another recurring thing that people who didn't like the video had to say was that it was a big mistake to do this, since the video was somehow "patronizing" and "condescending," plus it informed people that adblock existed, and thus for all those reasons the video would just drive people away from watching the ads or to stop watching me entirely. Since that video a week and a half ago, I've been keeping tabs on my numbers and the amount of monetizable views. The number of people watching has not fluctuated. Roughly the same amount of people who watched before the video are watching now. And the monetizable views? Before the video, I was only getting monetizable revnue on 1/3 to 1/2 of my audience. Since then, that number has risen to 3/4 to 9/10 depending on the day. Basically, I've jumped from having less than half of my audience with ads to almost ALL of them watching ads.

While I have no way of predicting the future and this could still result in something bad, at the moment... yeah, making the video wasn't a mistake. At all.


Conventions



Storylines
Storylines in videos resume July 1st. Well, it was nice having that free time to work on other projects. XD

109 comments:

Unknown said...

Thanks for all of your hard work, Lewis! I work in the radio industry, and I recognize how much effort and care goes into your craft. I'm impressed that your work remains free for all to enjoy, and as such your site was added to my browser's whitelist the moment after I saw aforementioned appeal video. Your attitude about the "haters" is spot on, and my respect for you has grown leaps and bounds as a result. P.S. I'll be buying some merchandise from you at ConBravo in July, if you bring some of it with you.

RCB said...

Wow, you sure keep yoursef busy. :)
I have a few questions, especially about the DVD:
1. I asked this on Twitter before, but it probably drowned in the sea of fan-tweets. Have you considered subtitles in different languages for the DVD?
If so, I volunteer to translate the entire thing to German. :D
2. Might be a stupid question, but: Will the DVD only be available at the convetions or will you put them up in some online store as well?
Because, while I have time to attend your next few conventions, I don't really have the money to cross the Atlantic for a few days. xD

Either way, keep up the good work.

MarioJPC said...

Should Lightbringer Be In the Public Domain?
Yes, that is a really good idea. I must check, but maybe i can help (or somebody more talented).
All other, go for that - since i didn't see all your work, i can do ir when you are on the Cons.

Frosty said...

Just about to get me some sawing machine t-shirts! One thing has occured to me though. If the shirt doesn't happen to fit, can I send it back for a different size? Or no one has had this problem yet? xD

Anonymous said...

Drat, you're not heading anywhere near Seattle any time soon. *sighs* Still, I wish you much success at the other cons you'll be attending! And hopefully the DVD will be made available for sale by some means other than at the cons, for them's like me who can't make it to one?

And FWIW, cheers for staying civil, rational, and sane in the face of what negative criticism you've had thrown your way. I'm glad the positives have outweighed the negatives. :)

Doresh said...

Public Domain? That's an interesting idea. I'd say do it and see what happens XD

And I think a good chunk of the people posting negative comments on your YT video have never watched your show to begin with. Could explain why some believed you sounded condescending or jumped to strange conclusions.
But well, that's Youtube for you.

@RCB:

I could help as well ^_^

Megan said...

*Looks at list of comics to be reviewed* Marville, Kamandi, and Sci Spy?

*Ships Lewis entire liquor store*

I love those T-shirt designs.

You poor native Minnesotan, having to come to Florida in August.. *evil smile*

red said...

kamandi at earth end issue oh boy the return of bearded idiot lol

Ellipsis Flood said...

Stop making all these cool shirts. It's been hard enough to decide before these came out. ;_;

Kreachure said...

Thank you for being honest about the whole adblock thing. I see how some people could have confused your serious tone as condescension, but some of us "know you" well enough to know you were just being serious about explaining your personal situation.

What I really want to say though is, public domain Lightbringer sounds like a fascinating and innovative idea, with lots of potential! Just remember that you should do it only if you're ready to see people doing things with him that you may end up liking or not liking or even outright hating... I'm sure you're familiar with how crazy fanfiction can get sometimes... XD

Frosty said...

Also, glad to see the ad video has worked out well (despite the doomsayers and trolls).

Can't wait for the storyline's return! ^^

JB said...

I don't mind the accidental sequel month : they follow some of the best episodes.
I especially am curious about your opinion concerning the TNG/X-Men crossover.
DVD : I had problems with DVD orders from TGWTG (was lost during the international delivery) and was wondering if its content would be available for digital distribution.

Caitlin said...

I am so tempted to go to the convention in Orlando, since that's probably one of the few times I will be able to see you. Unless you end up going to a convention in Georgia. I really want to meet you. I guess I can try to see what happens.
And Marville #5? That and All star batman and robin are the ones I'm looking forward to the most. I showed my little ten year old sister Marville #4 the other day, and she was appalled by the awful science. She kept shouting at it along with you. And I want all of the plushies and T-shirts. I just might have to buy some.

Rhodoferax said...

You might possibly be better off releasing Lightbringer under a <a href="http://creativecommons.org/>Creative Commons</a> license, like Wikipedia uses, so that people will be free to make derivative works off any derivative works that are made. Depending on which one you choose, you and others will still be free to sell copies for money if you want.

By the way, is your ad revenue based on the number of people who <i>watch</i> your ads or the number who <i>click</i> on them. I ask because I make sure to click on an ad when they play, and I'd like to know if that's necessary.

Volvagia said...

Comic Book Quickies: Could be interesting. Might we see terrible (as in, the books containing the subplot are, overall, not quite bad enough to warrant a full look) comic book subplots (whether while reading them or in retrospect) (Ms. Marvel's subplot that leads into Avengers 200 or the massively confused thing Steve Englehart did with Tigra in West Coast Avengers, just to name a couple examples) get quick discussions in these, in addition to the ads?
Kamandi: At Earth's End #4: This is supposed to be where Superman first shows up, right? Can't wait to see how bad the actual first impression was.
Sci-Spy #3: The last one was so short, relative to your regular format, that I was surprised you didn't fold in #4 to this slot as well. Still, maybe there actually is more material here than there was last time.
Star Trek: The Next Generation/X-Men #1: You mentioned you'd be getting to this one in Star Trek/X-Men, and I hope it's worth the wait.
Mr. T and the T-Force #2: This'll be good. I kind of hope you double shot the rest after this, though. (10 issues, which means it'll take forever.)
All-Star Batman and Robin #6: I don't quite get doing this as a video on it's own. #5 is atrocious and easily the worst and least fun entry of the series and fully deserved such a thorough work-over. (Considering you missed talking about Hal Jordan trying to attack Wonder Woman with a coat-hanger, you probably weren't even thorough enough with that one.) But I read the TPB of the first nine issues recently and #6 and #7? Even couting the ONE terrible scene in each (Vicki Vale and Olsen in 6 and Black Canary and Batman in 7), they're probably both somewhere in the middle. Unfocused as crap, but not quite bad enough overall to be so thorough.
Tandy Computer Whiz Kids: A Deadly Choice: The Tandy Computer Whiz K...Children of the Corn. This'll be another comedic gold-mine.
Battlestar Galactica: Journey's End #1: Oh boy. I'm guessing you'll be completing this thing one brick at a time due to it being Rob Liefeld on both writing and art.
Marville #5: So, we'll be finishing this at the early phases of next year. I'd have thought you'd do short looks at 6 and 7 along with this (due to one being a summary of the series so far to make it seem coherent (meaning it should be easy to summarize the issue in one sentence (Marville DOES NOT MAKE SENSE), really) and the other being the submission guidelines for a new line, which could get quickly introduced and then dismissed with a laundry list of titles from that line that are set to appear on the show.)

Unknown said...

Keep on Trucking, Lew. I actually posted the video on the Channel Awesome Facebook Group. You have a lot of support there, my man. I am annoyed that Trolls, such as the Reviewing the Reviewer guys have been bitching about you simple, reasonable request, but I personally don't like to acknowledge their existence. Cannot wait for the DVD.

KKDW said...

Small suggestion for potential review. Having seen you and Spoony talking about Robot Wars on Twitter a while back I was wondering if you'd be interested in reviewing any Robot Wars comics (yes, there are Robot Wars comics).

Around the time that the third wars ended a Robot Wars Magazine was launched in the UK and the early issues featured 1 or 2 page comics stories called 'The Origins of the House Robots' which does exactly what it says on the tin. Later issues featured comics showing fights between the more popular robots that never occured on screen, though I don't remember any of them right now... I think there might have been a Razer vs. Hypno-Disc one. If you do go with this you could probably review all the 'Origins' comics in one video, assuming of course that they're 'worthy' of reviewing.

MissAngel said...

Wow, this is gonna be the best summer of Atop the Fourth Wall ever! You're reviewing everything I wanted you to. Though good thing Marvel # 5 is last -- I looked it up, and it is easily more mindnumbingly offensive than the first four. I don't know how you survive them. Plus: It's Miller Time!

Otherwise, wow, Lewis, you're sure busy these next few months. I appreciate all the hard work. I couldn't do half of what you do in such a short amount of time and managed to make quality work. And I'm definitely sympathetic to the adblock issue. If only more of your fans would understand just how hard it is to survive off of the little ad money you do get.

So this should be a great summer. Thanks, Lewis. Off to watch the new episode.

Unknown said...

An idea for Lightbringer: Make it public domain, but anything storyline that gets posted on the site had to be approved by you first, ie you become the editor while all the writers (some better some worse) will be the storytellers...just a thought

Anonymous said...

Aw, when you said an accidental sequel month I was hoping you might finish up with the last Brute Force. I'm dying to know how the sillyness ends! Can't wait for what you have planned but I hope you'll consider finishing that one soon.

Anonymous said...

I don't think anyone who's seen it can blame you for dragging your feet on watching Operation Overdrive.

Unknown said...

Glad to hear that things are looking up on the ad front. I'm not sure if you remember an e-mail exchange we had about my region not getting ads. Recently that's not longer the case and your Latino American audience can contribute to. So hopefully you ere getting a boost soon to.

Anonymous said...

"Should Lightbringer Be In the Public Domain?"

It would be better than doing nothing with the character. I would not object, but as someone who threw his hat into the ring to become the new writer, I would appreciate if you looked over the submissions first before making a decision.

Des Shinta said...

Huzzah, Going to Anime Midwest Myself. Hope to see you there, I'd certainly be up to purchasing the DVD and a Cybermat.
Take your time with HoPR, The Next two seasons are going to Hurt. Sure, Overdrive-Going against your opinion-is not the worst season, but it is in the Top 5.
Looks like June and July are going to be a fantastic pair of Months for Snark. Marville, Kamandi, ASBAR, More Mr. T, Sci-Spy...I love it.
Looked up the Galactica comic, disappointed it's not one based on the newer series, because THAT ending was awful.
The MTC shirt designs look nice.

Yeah...I didn't get the unusual amount of Hate on the Ads video. You explained your reasoning in a calm and concise manner, while also emphasizing why it's important for reviewers to get that revenue. They didn't need to make Mountains out of Molehills.

Nick Michalak said...

I am very much considering going to Anime Midwest to see AT4W Live. The schedule of events is up, and it says you've got the 11 AM slot on Saturday. That would be my only obstacle. The venue is an hour's drive for me, and getting up there for Wizard World last year I got stuck in traffic and missed the 11 AM Q&A with James Marsters. Are you going to have a table, or will you just be floating around the convention floor? Anime is not my thing, and so, your presence is the only enticing factor.

I know all that fallout from the adblock video was really a giant clusterfuck that I certainly would never embrace, but I'm glad it's generated the needed action from viewers. I have never used adblock, and I'm very mindful of making sure those ads play to support what you and everyone does in making this great entertainment.

Nick Michalak said...

I also wanted to say that if you can't do the Midsummer's Nightmare of Longbox of the Damned every day for that month, maybe scale it back to five days a week. I'd love to see more of those videos, but I suggest keeping things manageable. You've gotta have a day's rest in there somewhere.

The Physicist said...

You could save yourself some effort and materials if you upgraded to cybermites instead of cybermat plushies.

Anonymous said...

I don't see a downside to Lightbringer being in the public domain. It'll free up a little of your schedule and help the comic grow with so many people who could work on it. Go for it!

Rob Green, MN said...

We got a lot good shows coming up and 7/1 will be the one I'm waiting for as i get to find out if you got another Mr. T trading card with your comic. Also lots booze will be needed for myself to go through Marville #5 as the comic has gotten worse, and even as a viewer booze is a must. See ya at Animinne.

Anonymous said...

Even when you're not trying for a theme, you end up with one...as a guy who took a psychology course online I must diagnose you with storyline withdrawal...we can only hope you can stave off the symptoms until July. Although it will be nice to see more from these series again...well maybe not nice, funny would be more accurate. Although what would Battlestar Galactica be a sequel to?

I am looking forward to the DVD, although I really hope it won't end up being an expensive one.
Maybe instead of another month long Longbox of the Damned, you could make it a weeklong event or hey Longbox Thursdays.
Glad the video is helping you with revenue.

And after seeing your convention schedule and the new episode writing/cybermat making it entails...you are not getting free time until March are you?

Anonymous said...

I love the shirts MastertheCreater signed for you. I also kind of laughed that there's now a Longbox of the Damned T shirt, and I kind of want that T shirt of "It's magic, we don't have to explain it"

Anonymous said...

Glad to hear your ad revenue has gone up. I wonder if part of it is that it coincided with blip's new pre-roll ad blocker message. Either way, the result is good.

Lightbringer going Public Domain sounds like a good idea. That will basically let the fans decide who should be running it as people will gravitate towards the version(s) they like.

Lewis Lovhaug said...

"Might be a stupid question, but: Will the DVD only be available at the convetions or will you put them up in some online store as well?"

Yup! They'll be available online, too! ^_^

Cory of PRIVATE Corp said...

Well I am happily awaiting Mythicon this August and meeting your there. Saw that you're selling Cybermat plushies and if there are some still available when August roams around, I'll be happy to buy one. I'm also buy one of the MTC shirts he made as well.

For Lightbringer, I don't see any problems with bringing it into the public domain. If it helps putting Lightbringer out there for others to look at and do whatever they want, I don't see any harm with it at all.

And it's towards the end of July for Marville #5... well it's a wait, but I can hold out for it. There are other reviews on the way and all of them will be good.

Lewis Lovhaug said...

"By the way, is your ad revenue based on the number of people who watch your ads or the number who click on them. I ask because I make sure to click on an ad when they play, and I'd like to know if that's necessary."

Back in the day, clicking on them would bring MORE revenue than just watching them. Don't know if that still applies.

These days just watching them is sufficient, though. ^_^

Lewis Lovhaug said...

"Around the time that the third wars ended a Robot Wars Magazine was launched in the UK and the early issues featured 1 or 2 page comics stories called 'The Origins of the House Robots' which does exactly what it says on the tin. Later issues featured comics showing fights between the more popular robots that never occured on screen, though I don't remember any of them right now... I think there might have been a Razer vs. Hypno-Disc one. If you do go with this you could probably review all the 'Origins' comics in one video, assuming of course that they're 'worthy' of reviewing."

Oooh, thanks! I'll try to keep an eye out for those! ^_^

Unknown said...

Love the new graphics for shirts just don’t like the fact that they’re shirts. I would love to have the “It’s magic” graphic as a sticker for my Magic card binder or the comicron one as a window decal to actually place in my car. Not sure how your revenue from that printing site works or if there would be anyway that the designs could be printed as something other than shirts I’d buy them in a heartbeat.

Lewis Lovhaug said...

"Are you going to have a table, or will you just be floating around the convention floor? Anime is not my thing, and so, your presence is the only enticing factor."

Supposedly I'll have a table. ^_^

Anonymous said...

OMG Good luck on Marville, if not, try getting into rehab JK I know you don't drink

Anonymous said...

The time will come for the return of our macrabe master! KNEEL BEFORE HIM YOU FOOLS OR SUFFER MISERY OR MADNESS FOR ALL ETERNITY!!!!!!!

But seriously I'm (somewhat hyped) for the return of Longbox of the Damned. Though it almost sounded like I was an insane cultist

Anonymous said...

Oh crap, why does the fingers on my iPhone keyboard slip?! I meant DEsign!

Anonymous said...

Ooh, is that Star Trek: TNG/ X-Men comic Second Contact? I have a novel by Michael Jan Friedman called Planet X which is apparently a sequel to a TNG/X-Men crossover comic. I've never read the original comic although I did look it up.

Unknown said...

Well in response to your review schedule I have these witty responses:

Kamandi at Earth's End #4: Well on June 4th we get to have more fun with our favorite whiny, idiotic man-child of a protaganist Peter Park...Oh wait Kamandi.

All Star Batman and Robin#6: On July 8th comes MILLER TIME! Also what's the music you use when the Miller Time logo appears?

Tandy Computer Wiz Kids: The Deadly Choice: Well on July 15th we get to see what the children of the damned are doing...

Marville#5: Break out the Booze!

Anonymous said...

maybe u should reboot lightbringer. making it public domain will make open to more trolling.

Happystickman said...

It is unfortunate you can not attend Youmacon in Detroit again this year, I know me and my friends always loved to see you there the last couple of years, but you have already gone three times, and you have plenty of other places to be.

Oh man, Marville #5. I salute your tenacity my friend.

FugueforFrog said...

Hoo boy, more Marville and Kamandi...should be fun regardless.

Maybe could make a "Blakes 7 Linkara" shirt as well, would be funny.

Lewis Lovhaug said...

"It is unfortunate you can not attend Youmacon in Detroit again this year, I know me and my friends always loved to see you there the last couple of years, but you have already gone three times, and you have plenty of other places to be."

Oh, I certainly WANT to go to Youmacon again this year. They just haven't invited me yet. XD

Anonymous said...

1. New Episodes:

Interesting line up. Probably the Trek fan in me, particularly the TNG fan in me, but I'm nervous about that one.

2. HOPR:

Truth be told? I had a feeling your somewhat optimistic 'be done through Samurai by the end of the year' might have been a little too optimistic since I didn't see twitter updates within a week or so of the Mystic Force review going up. *That said* I'm still pullin' for ya that way.

3. Ads:

Thought about asking blip to submit a whitelist request to some of the more common adblockers?

Fiery Little One

DMaster said...

By my count, episode #250 will be the fifth look at the Tandy Computer Whiz Kids. Was that an intentional choice? Just seems odd, is all.

Unknown said...

Oh goodness you're re-starting storylines in the middle of con season? PLEASE take vitamins with all the traveling and extra busy I worry you getting stuck with more than one con flu.

If you can't do a Mid Summer's Nightmare (and I completely understand if you can't) any chance you can do maybe just one to let us know Moarte is thinking of us? Okay I guess one would be silly since the costume and make-up seem time consuming, whoops.

Also if time is short I will simply drop my 2 cents that I don't mind getting a live ep posted in place of a regular ep.

I think I'm going to need to get a HOPR shirt because that remains to be my favorite of your storyline costumes so far. (Heck that whole sequence the first time is just AWESOME).

Thanks for all the hard work and travel safe!

@dragons_dusk

Mattkind said...

I think Lightbringer being in the public domain is a good idea

Lewis Lovhaug said...

"By my count, episode #250 will be the fifth look at the Tandy Computer Whiz Kids. Was that an intentional choice? Just seems odd, is all."

It was not.

While the 250th will be a big milestone, I won't be giving a lot of attention to it. I've got a lot on my plate at the moment and trying to build a huge milestone celebration out of it will be too much to handle. Besides, I've still got to figure out what to do for the 300th. ^_~

Shadowmaster13 said...

As far as Light-bringer goes, rather than public domain you could also consider a creative commons license.

I am so glad to be a part of a community of fans who are all willing to stop our adblocking for content we love to support the creator(s). I was always watching the ads but to see that so many people only had to be told how the monetization works or that it's your only income to turn off adblocking is great.

I really want a youngblood's disease shirt in red, is there a way to add more colours to the women's shirts?

Also have you consider making mouse pads or other merchandise with those designs (which are all awesome)?

Lewis Lovhaug said...

"I really want a youngblood's disease shirt in red, is there a way to add more colours to the women's shirts?"

Yup! Just fixed that. Not sure why it wasn't available before. My only guess is that the color wasn't available before recently. I have now added red and a few more colors. ^_^

Anonymous said...

A storm is coming, and its is BRUTE FORCE.

Brownie_the_3rd said...

Rather than put Lightbringer into the public domain I think you should do something similar to that, while I can't think of the name of it basically what it does is anyone free use of it as long as they credit you as the creator and don't make a profit out of it without your permission.
With all ther various writers and artists that have been screwed out of ownership of characters they created in the comic book industry I wouldn't be too quick to give away your intellectual property for free

Anonymous said...

Yay, more Tandy Computer Wiz Kids! I kind of think those are your funniest videos. Mostly since the comics in question are...I dunno, it's like the kids are all pod people.

You haven't watched any of Operation Overdrive? Dude, no one will criticize you if you never watch that and just skip it.

KKDW said...

"Oooh, thanks! I'll try to keep an eye out for those! ^_^ "

You're welcome :).

And just decided to dig out my copies to take a look at them, they're actually 4 pages each (split into two across an issue).

And while I know fans donate you comics to review I'm not too keen on parting with these permanently. However, I think I could lend them to you so once you're done with them (whether you review them or not) you could send them back to me (and I could paypal you payment for the postage costs if you like). You up for that idea?

Lewis Lovhaug said...

"And while I know fans donate you comics to review I'm not too keen on parting with these permanently. However, I think I could lend them to you so once you're done with them (whether you review them or not) you could send them back to me (and I could paypal you payment for the postage costs if you like). You up for that idea?"

Thanks for the offer, but not thanks. ^_^ I prefer not to receive any comics on a loan - just makes things more difficult, especially since I plan far enough ahead that it might not be for months or a year before I get to them.

KKDW said...

"Thanks for the offer, but not thanks. ^_^ I prefer not to receive any comics on a loan - just makes things more difficult, especially since I plan far enough ahead that it might not be for months or a year before I get to them."

Fair enough. I hope you can get your hands on some copies yourself for a potential review.

red said...

speaking of 300 episode u mentioned i figure i either something heavily requested maybe frank millar's holly terror unless u planned already to review it amazing we thinking about 300 episode since only clsoe to year since your 200th episode

Volvagia said...

Not quite on topic

Current Guess for Secret Origins Month 4:

Detective Comics #38 (We've been seeing an unusual amount of Dick Grayson in the past year, so I think this is only natural)
Journey into Mystery #83 (Thor. He's an original Avenger and his second movie is out this year)
Adventure Comics #40 (The Sandman (Wesley Dodds), I think it'd be especially interesting to contrast it with the Matt Wagner take)
Tales to Astonish #27 (Ant-Man (Henry Pym), continuing the march to the Avengers #1.)

Current Guess for Secret Origins Month 5:

All-American Comics #19 (The Atom (Al Pratt))
Tales to Astonish #44 (The Wasp (Janet Van Dyne))
More Fun Comics #52 (The Spectre (Jim Corrigan))
Marvel Super Heroes #18 (Guardians of the Galaxy.)

Current Guess for Secret Origins Month 6:

Adventure Comics #48 (Hour Man (Rex Tyler))
The Avengers #1
Flash Comics #1 revisit (Hawk Man (Carter Hall))
Daredevil #1

Current Guess for Secret Origins Month 7:

More Fun Comics #55 (Doctor Fate)
Marvel Super Heroes #12 (Mar-Vell)
Justice Society of America #1
Fantastic Four #52 (Black Panther)

James Faraci said...

Will your DVD be available at theawesomestore.com?

Royce Marz said...

There'd be a mass-conversion to antifrankmillarism if you reviewed "Holy Terror".

redpirate11 said...

Quoting a recent comment

"Linkara put up a video about the CONS he is going to this year. So, he has an e-store, get's money from ads, and has the time/money to go to cons but still wants more?! What a shit bag."

So... how do you afford the money to go to cons and yet still struggle to pay taxes?

David 2 said...

First, like some others have said, Thank you Lewis for the work you've been putting in on these things.

I was wondering what your reaction would be to the new Cybermites, but then again I think you covered that in LAG's You Know Who review. I picture you watching that episode and saying "SONOFA..."

There was one more 2099 title that I'd be curious to hear you talk about and that was X-Men 2099. BUT I suppose if there was an off week you'd cover that at some point.

Again, great work and please keep it up!

Anonymous said...

Let's see-

6/3 – Comic Book Quickies #1- Not sure what to expect from this one, but it oughta be funny.

6/10 – Kamandi at Earth’s End #4- Is this the issue where Bearded Idiot makes his first appearance?

6/17 – SCI-Spy #3- Doug Monech is not a bad writer. He created Moon Knight. He wrote the original Master of Kung Fu. He wrote the comic where Godzilla (The real, Toho licensed Godzilla) fought the Avengers! Yes, he's made a lot of crap, but I honestly think this show had turned the internet's common perception of him from "Bronze Age writer who made Shang Chi" to "Founder of the First Church of Batman." And it's sad.

Then again, Sci-Spy was crap, so there's that.

6/24 – Star Trek: The Next Generation/X-Men #1- Ugh, a Star Trek review. You actually lampshaded how most people don't like this in your review of Start Trek 4, so...yeah.

7/1 – Mr. T and the T-Force #2- Now this is something I can get behind. The Mr. T comic was awesome, and I always wonder how he got out of that cliffhanger with Apache Chief.

7/8 – Miller Time: All-Star Batman and Robin #6- I was wondering when you'd return to this too. Speaking of, when are you gonna get to Holy Terror?

7/15 – Tandy Computer Whiz Kids: A Deadly Choice- Is this like the other Whiz Kids comics where it's the same script slightly tweaked?

7/22 – Battlestar Galactica: Journey’s End #1- Never heard of this one.

7/29 – Marville #5- So, when you do have the helicopters airlift you the bottle of Jagermeister ala the Nostalgia Critic?

Lewis Lovhaug said...

""Linkara put up a video about the CONS he is going to this year. So, he has an e-store, get's money from ads, and has the time/money to go to cons but still wants more?! What a shit bag."

So... how do you afford the money to go to cons and yet still struggle to pay taxes?"

I can't afford it. Conventions pay for airfare and hotel - it's why I'm only able to go to conventions if I'm invited to them.

As for the store, Printfection pays 2 months after the shirt is purchased and I only earn a $4 commission on each shirt that's sold. I'll be getting a better deal when that's available, but the last two checks I got on the shirts were for $28 each.

The money from ads is my bread and buter, which pays my rent, bills, car insurance, food, and props/material for the show. Oh yes, and taxes, which I have to pay quarterly since with how the taxes operate I am technically an independent contractor who does not fill out a W-2 but instead receives a check without wages withheld to be paid to the IRS by a larger business.

Also, since it's saying "still wants more," I'm assuming it's yet another person who thinks that the video was me asking for money and didn't actually listen to anything said in the video, since at no point in the video did I ask people for their own money.

ArmymanZ said...

How about asking Blip to stop with the Giant AD Hammer and give us an option to skip the AD after 5 seconds! Is that too much to ask?

Phantom Roxas said...

Comic Book Quickies sounds fun, although the "#1" doesn't make much sense.

Ah yes, Kamandi. I honestly want to see what from the New 52 you can blame on Countdown now.

SCI-Spy is an odd choice to return to, but I do like sequel episodes.

I forgot that there was ANOTHER Star Trek / X-Men crossover. Somehow I doubt that will make much sense.

Will Mr. T and the T-Force #2 also have a collector's item trading card?

Ugh, to think that we're only going to be 2/3 of the way down with ASBAR.

I've grown to like the Tandy Computer Whiz Kids. Their stupid adventures are always a nice little treat.

I don't think you've really gotten the chance to talk much about Battlestar Galactica on the show, so the comic sounds like the perfect opportunity.

I've been wondering what review would be released on my birthday, if only because I couldn't help but think of it, so the fact that it's Marville is something I'm actually very happy about. I know I'm going to be facepalming at the sheer stupidity of the comic, but that doesn't matter, I'm still excited for the review.

It sounds weird to let Lightbringer be public domain, if only because I can just see it being the same thing as allowing people to write fan fiction about the character. Still, at least you're letting people write it, and people could just pick their favorite iterations.

Glad to hear there's a character bit for the DVD. I plan to show the DVD to my friends, and while one of them is quite familiar with the characters, I want to others to know them as well.

Best of luck with History of Power Rangers and selling the Cybermats.

Is there going to be a slight shift for Midsummer's Nightmare, or is just to be anything that counts as horror?

My favorite of the new shirts is "It's magic, I don't have to explain it."

The whole debate about the adblock thing is just a mess. I think the fact that you've been getting more money to post the video should prove them wrong, so we can just leave it at that.

I won't be able to go to any of the conventions, but I hope you have fun at all of them!

Wait, if storylines resume on July 1st, what about what just happened at the end of Ravager 2099? Or is that not going to be touched upon during June?

red said...

i didnt think what happened at end of ravage had to do with new storyline but not sure since the at4w plot guide put it as part of next storyline

Unknown said...

with talk of future reviews - I was wondering if you have considered doing an month of the Marvel/DC Amalgam comics (maybe August, if not just for the alliteration, or even something like AmalgaMay)

So yeah, kinda like 2099 - 90s, some bad, some better. You could even use it storyline wise - two or more universes coming together.

Just an idea I had when I picked up Doctor Strangefate from a convention last week

JerryScotts said...

Oh boy the next two months are going to be so much fun with that comic lineup.

Unknown said...

Seriously what is up with this attitude on miller? So what if he shat gold some times, that doesn't mean we have to let him shit all over the rug just cauze he gets a free pass for shitting gold before.

batmanisawesome said...

So Lewis, what do you have to say to the people who have said it IS easy to have a job, put out 20 minutes video or more at leash one once a week, and in some cases, support a family and have proven so.

Lewis Lovhaug said...

"So Lewis, what do you have to say to the people who have said it IS easy to have a job, put out 20 minutes video or more at leash one once a week, and in some cases, support a family and have proven so."

Good for them! I hope you recognize I'm not them, however. And it also might depend on whom you're referring to. If it's SFDebris, I envy his position, quite frankly. While I do not deny the difficulties of editing his videos, in my previous experience of editing movie reviews or TV show reviews without live action segments or storylines vs. comic reviews that do include those, I MUCH prefer to edit those to comics. It's considerably easier to edit those for me, since one can simply put in the appropriate clips at the right time vs. comic panels wherein I need to move them around the page to keep the video reflecting the voiceover.

Brolli Diamondback said...

Maybe you should get a second job just in case you have a less video views month/year or something.

Staredcraft said...

Linkara a few random questions

1) I know where you stand on X-Men but I'm curious, who is your favorite one?

1a) I ask because mine is Jubilee (Her through the cartoon is what got me into the franchise) and I personally am surprised how well handled her being made a vampire has played out (by that I mean it didn't go as bad as I feared it would have and has had some VERY Nice writing for her)

2) What is YOUR opinion, if anyting, of Jubilee and

3) What, if anything, is your opinion of her being made a Vampire and all that, if you've even skimmed the stuff she's been in (the Vampire arc, her Wolverine and Jubilee mini, her apperances in X-Men post Schism and the new X-Men title with all the X-Women)

Vincent von strangle said...

"The goal of the "Please Let the Ads Play" video was to explain in a calm and reasonable fashion how ads affect ME and MY videos."

Dude Linkara, you are making it sound like you only care about adblockers if people use it only on your videos as if the other people who rely on ad revenue don't matter.

Plus, the way you told viewers to not watch or listen to the ads but still have it playing... are you encouraging ad fraud? People spend money on making the ads for people to see and people not seeing or even hearing them defeats the purpose.

Lewis Lovhaug said...

"Dude Linkara, you are making it sound like you only care about adblockers if people use it only on your videos as if the other people who rely on ad revenue don't matter."

I addressed that directly within the post. The video was not meant to be some crusade against adblockers in general, simply in how it affected ME.

"Plus, the way you told viewers to not watch or listen to the ads but still have it playing... are you encouraging ad fraud? People spend money on making the ads for people to see and people not seeing or even hearing them defeats the purpose."

Only if you say that people who use a mute button on their TV are committing ad fraud or people who walk out of the theater to get snacks are doing the same.

Vincent von strangle said...

Yes yes, you are not crusading against adblockers. But to the haters, every time you capitalized "ME" and "MINE VIDEOS" (I know you didn't capitalized "videos") sounds like: (Use that funny Superboy Prime voice on the statement below for greater effect)

"I only care about MY ad revenue! All the other video makers don't deserve their ad revenue but ME!"


Please acknowledge that other people get ad revenue too, and that adblockers doesn't affect only you.

Matt said...

I don't mind the actual commercials; as you suggested, I watch both of them immediately so I don't have to watch the second one in the middle of the video. However, the overlay banner ads are incredibly annoying. Do you get paid for views on those too, or just for clicks?

DuelMark said...

As a fellow fan of Power Rangers, I would like to say that Overdrive is one you might need to take a while on, so take your time.

I'm also wondering, since you called it the "worst Power Rangers has to offer", you'd be doing comparisons the the other season you dislike, Turbo, and explain why Overdrive is worse. That being said, while I admit Overdrive probably gets the spot of worst, there are still some things about the season I actually do like: Ranger costumes, more than one faction of villains, etc. So, like me, I hope you'll at least acknowledge what good points or episodes it does have. Then again, you always like to acknowledge stuff in the interest in fairness.

Really, I just want to see your thoughts on Jungle Fury, as that's the season of the Kalish Era that's my favorite.

rocklobster said...

Can we get the DVD w/o going to cons? I'd rather do it that way.

Anonymous said...

I favor the Public Domain thing.
You can specify the character and his stories are PD without putting the strips themselves in the Public Domain. (So people can't republish the strips themselves, but can use the character.)

Anonymous said...

Vincent von strangle said...

Please acknowledge that other people get ad revenue too, and that adblockers doesn't affect only you.

*****

At a guess, I think that was more to emphasize that he is not speaking on behalf of the other reviewers. That way, them's that want to complain about the matter are only doing it about him (and to his face, or rather on his blog/twitter/comments/whatever), rather than him AND whoever else he refers to (thus leading to THEM getting ranted and raved at in the same manner that Lewis has gotten).

Just a theory, though. I could be wrong - that happens a lot.

(What's that line from "Breakfast Club"?

Andy: "Hey, speak for yourself."
Bender: "Do you think I'd speak for you?! I don't even know your language!")

William Keating said...

Lightbringer in the public domain, I'd say yes, I mean fans of the web-comic and superheroes in general could expand the universe of Lightbringer (is there an actual name for it?).

If I had the chance to do I wouldn't do Lightbringer stories as I wouldn't how to write for him I would instead have a superhero I created as a spin-off story, I have two ideas, "The Black Phantom" and "Ace of Wands".

I think I would have the Black Phantom as the character as I've fleshed his mythos quite considerably.

Anonymous said...

No more .U.S.1. reviews? :(

Lewis Lovhaug said...

"No more .U.S.1. reviews? :("

Oh, I have every intention of revisiting US-1 at some point. ^_^ I've purchased the third issue strictly for that reason, though I fear we won't be getting to it this year.

redpirate11 said...

What do you think of the Iron Man film trilogy? PLEASE ANSWER!!

Lewis Lovhaug said...

"What do you think of the Iron Man film trilogy? PLEASE ANSWER!!"

I like all three films. First is best. Second is good, third is good.

Joshua Ford said...

Alrighty! I'm not gonna lie though, I'm ready to see a New 52 story here on AT4W. I really wanna see ya rip Red Hood and the Outlaws a new one. I was never particularly fond of Jason...but Battle for the Cowl made me despise him. And if not just for its unlikable protagonist (still baffled how Jason has fans) then I'm sure the complete and utter ruination of Starfire is also enough negative review fodder on its own.

DefectiveType40 said...

Oh man. SCI-SPY, STTNG/X-Men, ASBaR, Mr. T and the T-Force, Tandy Computer Whiz Kids, AND Marville, all within two months? I don't know what I did for you to obviously schedule this as a gift to me, personally, but I'm glad you appreciated it.

Anonymous said...

Linkara's reviewing Marville #5 and Jake is going to see Smurfs 2. The end of July will be a very angry time.

Vincent von strangle said...

"Only if you say that people who use a mute button on their TV are committing ad fraud or people who walk out of the theater to get snacks are doing the same."

Please Linkara, stop trying to avoid this, people are HEAVILY accusing you of ad fraud and saying that other people are doing it is not a good excuse. That's like in the the 1930s someone accuses the KKK of spreading hate but they retort with saying the Nazis are doing the same.

Also, the reason some people uses ad blockers is to avoid Trojans or Malware.

ScottSan1994 said...

Have you decided on how long your DVD-exclusivity window (how long DVD-exclusive content stays DVD-exclusive)?

Unknown said...

Thank you Lewis for all the great videos that you produce on a regular basis, as to your mentioning about the Adblocking situations, I honestly had no idea the harm that it does to the producers of the videos to have the ads during them blocked. Your video about the situation really is a great eye-opener about the harm that can be done. I look forward to many more videos in the future. Enjoy Operation Overdrive when you get to watching the series.

Megan said...

So, since you are going to be in Florida, I thought maybe I could tell you about some of the yummy native dishes you should try. (Don't worry, I won't ask you to try frog's legs or crawdaddies.)I'm going to assume you've had oranges before, so.. ;)

1. Gator tail. It tastes like chicken!...Sort of.

2. Dolphin. (the fish, not Flipper) If you're not a big seafood person, this is good-it doesn't have a 'fishy' taste. Floridians eat *a lot* of fish.

3. Key Lime pie. Depending on how big a sweet tooth you have, you can have the pie either be really tart or sweet. (My personal preference is tart) And it *is* the Official State Desert.

PopCultureOtaku said...

Interesting schedule. Will look forward to the new stuff and of course dvd when it comes out. I do to one day get a cyber plushie because I just missed getting one at magfest. Last one was taken two people before me. Interesting fact about X-Men/Star Trek there was a novel too that came out along with the crossover books. I don't know how much tied into the comics though.

9ansean said...

"If it's SFDebris, I envy his position, quite frankly."

I'm not familiar with SFDebris background and I can't be sure who that other poster was referring too, but he have a hard time believing any honest person who's able to hold down a job and raise a family can call it EASY! Frankly I think so stay at home parents will tell you that's practically a job in itself. I think Pat Benator said in her autobiography that thing the feminist movement conveniently forgot to mention was that while you CAN have it all (meaning a great career and a happy family) it's never going to be easy.

Stanek4wsu said...

Hey Linkara, I have a question.

I wanted to go to Anniminneapolis last year but unfortunately, I had a wedding the same weekend and couldn't make it. I want to go this year but I have not the slightest idea when your panel is going to be.

Has Anniminneapolis announced the date and time of your panel? I can probably only go for a day since hotel options for me are limited. If you know and could tell me, I'd greatly appreciate it.

Thanks a bunch!

redpirate11 said...

quoting another comment

"You know Linkara, you are a terrible, selfish human being. You don't care about what happens to anyone else, so long as you get your precious advertising cash. I installed AdBlock Plus today, just to use on your crap. I took the 90 seconds with a smile. I'm happy to spend 60 seconds of my life to make you lose money. Now, I'm going to watch FRED, and I'll leave the ads on. That's howhorrible of a human being you are.

P.S. I don't have any respect for you or your efforts to "entertain" me."

I... really don't how to respond.

Aiddon said...

although Longbox in the summer would be more akin to Japanese culture than anything. Their time of ghosts is in the summer due to the Obon festivasl

Volvagia said...

I forgot to mention this earlier, and I know it's not necessarily infamously bad (the reviews at the time were decent, but for why I'm not sure), but...Action Comics #835 (the transition of Livewire into the DC Mainline) is probably the worst possible villain origin anyone could ever commit to print. I think I'll go into more detail, but I think I can sum the biggest problem up: They imply she had these powers since six or so (and that the angrier she gets, the stronger the discharge), so why didn't she have a massive electric temper tantrum, revealing her powers as open knowledge?

Unknown said...

@redpirate11

Just ignore them.

Anonymous said...

Speaking of ad-blocking, while I no longer ad-block on the TGWTG site, your ads aren't playing for me ever since I moved. I guess blip doesn't play ads in the UAE? Just thought I should mention it as a possible issue.

Anonymous said...

brute force in the near future pretty please? good luck with dvds and whatnot, can't wait to get mine!

KKDW said...

Hey Linkara, follow up to the Robot Wars Magazine comics recommendation, I found someone selling issues 1-7 and 9 on UK eBay, not sure if you'll be able to get those from there but here it is anyway. Just warning, only two days left on the bidding (but cheap starting bid).

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Robot-Wars-1st-Edition-Magazines-Issues-1-7-9-/230991404746?pt=UK_Magazines&hash=item35c8291eca

Anonymous said...

In the Operation Overdrive 2 parter "Once a Ranger", when Kira (the Yellow Dino Ranger), Xander (the Green Mystic Ranger), Bridge (the Green SPD Ranger, at the end of the season, the Blue Ranger), and Tori (the Blue Ninja Ranger) fight, they fight to their respective theme songs.