I'm so lost...

[Ryall]

So I find myself with a little free time tonight, for the first time in... since maybe moving to San Diego in July. So I decide to hit the board and play around in some threads...

...and I found myself really lost. I didn't know where to even start (after deleting that Don and Mike Show spam, that is--plug away liberally here, but not on your first post...). Do I respond to Zens getting drunk and running into an ex? Or was that one already running its course? I was confused.

So I decided to just ramble here (obviously). I really haven't meant to be so absent that Robbo demoted me to "newbie" status. It's just that the IDW thing has been so all-consuming, morning through night, that by the time I also deal with the Web site every day, it's either "post on the board even though my typin' fingers are numb, or pay 5 minutes of attention to the patient wife."

Anyway, IDW. I've tried my best to keep that gig separate from this one and not talk much about it, but I'm kinda dying to. It sucks that I can't announce things like me writing a Shaun of the Dead adaptation here first, but especially in dealing with licensed properties and big studios, there's processes that have to be followed. (Notable the press release, which was so neutered by the time it ran--my first draft was much more fun!)

Still, I've held a lot of great color art from any other site right now and I plan to do a piece at this site about it and share some things I couldn't before. There'll be others, too--I just finished a script tonight for an upcoming movie/comic property, and I've done two Shaun scripts now and... it's really bizarre to even be doing this stuff. Even working as the editor-in-chief there doesn't at all feel the same.

I wrote and sent off the Previews ad for Shaun of the Dead--so I'm going to be in Previews! They even picked it as their "Staff Pick" for that issue... and magazines have done interviews with me about it, Variety tells me they'll run something if they can fit it in... I don't say this stuff to sound like I'm boasting by any means (that's partly why I don't talk about it, either, because it starts to feel that way to me). it's just that writing comics was always the thing I ever wanted to do, it was the first form of entertainment I really loved as a kid, so being a part of it to this level is just bizarre and cool and amazing.

I'll have to keep track of all this stuff because I've gotten to talk to and meet with and work with some amazing people, folks in various industries that I've admired for years, decades. Probably isn't cool to name-check or share stories now but maybe someone will let me write a tell-all someday or something...

Incidentally, in a few weeks, too, I'll talk more about this philosophy essay me and Tipton collaborated on for this Superheroes and Philosophy book, too. Just so you don't think I've been slacking by being absent here the last few months.

I've also been late to discover Bright Eyes, but man, I love that new disc--the acoustic one. And ...And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead, the new Mars Volta, old Motley Crue and LCD Soundsystem. Good stuff, good stuff. Except that I keep putting them all aside to listen to old Motley Crue.

So... what's up with you? Anyone coming to WizardWorld LA? I'll be there the whole weekend. And then Vulgarthon (you might've noticed the subtle banner on the home page) a week or so later.

[ozchick]

Ohhhh we love ya Chris! Even if you are like the brother who comes back after being away for years and just wants to talk about himself! /forums/images/icons/wink.gif

Joking! I'm really glad that things are going so awesome...awesomely...awesomey... great for you. I'm also glad that after reading your subject line, you didn't actually need directions somewhere, as I would be of absolutely no help! /forums/images/icons/grin.gif

[Threadkiller]

That rules Chris, we're proud of ya!

[TLS]

Wow, you have been busy. Well, thanks for visiting and giving us the scoop on the Shaun of the Dead comic. /forums/images/icons/smile.gif

I personally will not be attending the Vulgarthon or visiting WizardWorld LA. It's all the way over there and I'm here so... I will be wishing I am there, while sitting at my desk daydreaming at work.

[karmattack]

This is the kind of thing that always jerks me back into the desire to follow my comics dream too. I know that I have the skills as an artist, but the risk is more than a little intimidating. Beside the fact that I just started seeing a new girl that I really like, I'm at the point where I don't have a whole lot to lose. At least I feel that way; I'm beginning to hate my job and position with a firebombing passion. I'm on the verge of possibly getting into a great position with a developing international corporation, but I just feel like I've been teetering on the cusp of possibilities for years. I need to balls-up and get a new drafting table.

Anyway, all that was me saying I'm hyperjealous and congratulations. I'm excited to see how all these projects develop.

Dude! I'm loving the new The Mars Volta more with each listen. I was secretly hoping the songs would all be as accessible as The Widow, but I'm glad I got smacked back into reality. I need to get the new Trail Of The Dead album still, which is sad. Bright Eyes, however is just way too attached to my most recent ex-girl to tolerate. I've been going back and listening to Radiohead's Hail To The Theif album a lot. A couple bands that I'm making a point to check out a little further are Death From Above 1979 and The Eagles Of Death Metal.

And when we rag on you for not being around, it's just cuz you're missed.

Wait, that was too sincere. Thoughtless Boardswrecker!

[Robbo_the_Hood]

He said my name (tee hee). /forums/images/icons/grin.gif

Then I lost you for a while until you started mentioning all the music you've been listening too. As your musical advisor, I would normally go great lengths about all of your choices, however I am not properly caffinated at this moment. I will say that I like the new Trail of Dead record, even though they broke up my favorite band.

[PftLBritt]

Chris, you're living the dream, man. One of these days, I'm gonna dump my FT job and do something that I want to do. But until then, the servers are calling me.

BTW, that Mastadon will grow on you after your Crue nostaglia has fallen by the wayside. Other CDs I've been listening to: Kings of Convenience, Haiku D'etat, High on Fire and the new JP. Thank god, rock is coming back.

[bwdial]

Five minutes of attention, eh? Lucky lady. /forums/images/icons/smirk.gif
Seriously, it's cool to see so many irons in the fire. It's almost inspirational.

[Razorback]

First, how can Robbo demote you to newbie? Doesn't he first have to get out from being one himself? /forums/images/icons/wink.gif

Anyway, everything sounds great and we don't think that you are boasting. We appreciate you telling us this stuff. We somehow have to keep up with all of your success, man! /forums/images/icons/laugh.gif

However, until you do a Star Wars comic I can't take you seriously.

I kid! I kid!

[Denyse]

</font><blockquote><font class="small">In reply to:</font><hr />
So... what's up with you?

[/ QUOTE ]
Wedding stuff, work and more wedding stuff. Oh, and lurking often/posting occasionally.

</font><blockquote><font class="small">In reply to:</font><hr />
Anyone coming to WizardWorld LA? I'll be there the whole weekend.


[/ QUOTE ] Yes, I'll be there for one day, not sure which yet...I'll stop by and try to convince you to blow off that other gig and come to the first ever Poopshoot Wedding. And if all else fails, you can always buy me off with free swag.
</font><blockquote><font class="small">In reply to:</font><hr />
And then Vulgarthon a week or so later

[/ QUOTE ]
Yeah...And tell Kevin thanks for having it on THE FIRST DAY OF MY HONEYMOON!!! The one day in the history of me, that I cannot attend something Askew in LA. Oh well, I guess this is what they were talking about when they said marriage is compromise...

[ILovePapaSmurf]

<font color="purple">It's nice to see you Chris...It's been a while. Congratulations on everything that you are doing! It sounds like you are having an amazing time.</font color>

</font><blockquote><font class="small">In reply to:</font><hr />
So... what's up with you?

[/ QUOTE ]

<font color="purple">Oh, what's up with me? So much has been going on in the past four months in my live that is crazy and yet, I don't think it is stopping.

For the first time in 3 1/2 years, I can now offically say I hate my job. My old boss moved on to a better place (where she is making over $60 grand a year!) and since she left, my job feels like it can push me around and call me its bitch.

First, they cut my hours, from 70 hours every two weeks to 65. Not bad, but considering the fact that I do three people's job here almost, plus train a new editor, plus do extra favors, the change seems to be a slap in the face. In the past month, I have been threatened to be fired twice. The first was because my computer completley crashed and I forgot to back-up that week. So, the main boss yelled at me and told me if I forgot to back up again, it is the unemployment line for me. The second just happened this Monday because I came in a half an hour early to work one day. But, I have a working schedule now,s o I have to follow it. Not a big deal, but when the boss tells me that it would be easier to find someone to work the jobs that I do than to deal with me, I get enraged.

So, with the stress of those items and the stress of filling 10 huge pages with the two new reporters bugging me, I screwed up royaly on a story this week. I changed last name of the subject that I was reporting about and her age. I blame is all on myself because people can't make me feel stress with myself, only me.

Oh, and I've been dating this boy for 8 months and feel stuck in the middle with it. He isn't ready for a girlfriend that is 21. Blah, stupid boy shit.

But, really I shouldn't complain, lots of members here are going through so much more and I really feel selfish complaining about things. But, I can't help it.

Anyways, I might not be able to make it down to any coonventions this year, because of money shortage, but if I do get a new job anytime soon, that could change!

Good luck with everything Chris! /forums/images/icons/laugh.gif</font color>

[BAMSS04]

</font><blockquote><font class="small">In reply to:</font><hr />
And when we rag on you for not being around, it's just cuz you're missed.

[/ QUOTE ]


True. You are very missed around here Chris. Your in-sight as well as your ban stick are very missed. Seriously when your gonna take long trips away from the shoot, you have to give Fangirl or Karma or ANYONE the Ban stick. We can't keep fighting these newbs with our brains. Its taxing. We are worn out.


Anyway, all crying aside. You are very missed and we are very jealous. Congrats on everything!! You deserve it! /forums/images/icons/smile.gif

[jjcourtright]

</font><blockquote><font class="small">In reply to:</font><hr />
I'm beginning to hate my job and position with a firebombing passion.

[/ QUOTE ]
If the lady at my work says irregardless one more freakin' time, I swear that I'm going to lose it.

On Monday, I was eating dinner two minutes away from BestBuy, but it was nowhere near midnight, so I couldn't get the new Mars Volta, and I haven't had any time since. Hopefully this weekend. I've only heard the few Bright Eyes songs that they've been playing on Sirius but I dig it quite a bit. Can't think of what else I've been digging on lately.

Congrats on everything Chris. As much as we like you around, I think we all understand. I think most of us wish that we didn't have as much time to spend here if it meant doing something we love.

[DangerSeeker]

Another round of congratulations are in order. All the comic stuff happening, a patient wife, a contest win, we're all glad to see you doing so well.

With me, since all of us regulars are giving the status updates, I'm past the 6 month mark with a special lady (first time I've ever made it this long), constant computer issues, and some great ideas I can't get out because of said computer issues.

Other than that? Not much.

[JK]

Congrats on everything.

I'd considered going to Vulgar-a-thon, flying in to LA that morning and then blasting off that night, but I bought a washer and dryer. Cleanliness is... fantastic, especially when it's your own laundry room and not some filthy, stinking laundramat that reeks of B.O. and bleach. So I'll be there in spirit- I've got my autographed copy of Vulgar and Clerks, I'll just have my own little festival until I can get to the real one.

[FanGirl]

We the oldest children understand when a new baby comes into a house it need more attention. An IDW is just so cute and gurgly that you can't get made at it just because we're being ignored.

New with me: planning the extra-circular wedding activites with Zens and Karma while they are in town, working out 3x a week, playing softball, catching up on my comic reading, trying to get back into writing again and working like a dog for the mouse.

I think if you can't make it to the wedding, you should have to at least come up the Friday night before for dinner.

[Matt1]

Chris, you magnificent bastard, don't feel bad for not being here all the time. We understand. And feel free to plug any IDW stuff you want as well. Despite Robbo's jokes, you're no newbie.

Superheroes and Philosophy, eh? Since the both are two of my favorite things, my interest is piqued. So much so that I'll even overlook your involvement with it. /forums/images/icons/wink.gif

I'm heartened to see so many folks checking out the new Mars Volta CD. When I bought it today the cashier told me I was only the second person to pick it up since it's been out. Reminds me of why I like it here so much: the surplus of really cool folks.

And yeah, I'm gonna be attending Vulgarthon. So I guess that means one of you guys might actually see me in person. Worlds collide...

[marksiwel]

I dont think I could ever meet some of you in person, nothing personal. I'm afraid I would be too much of a let down, also I am alot younger than some of you.

[Matthew]

Err, not to burst your bubble or anything Mark, but I have you pegged at about 16.

[ratm1966]

Glad to hear all is going well and that you are keeping busy.

What's up with me?

As stated in the other thread, I just retired from the Air Force, just bought a house, am in the process of moving, am patiently waiting for the job to open that my ex-bosses want me to take, and I just got back from a dinner date.

Not really a date date, as she has a boyfriend. Just dinner with an old friend who was in town and wanted to buy me dinner in celebration of my retirement. I just wanted to clear that up as I didn't want to drudge up the conversation from the other thread about going out with somoene when the parties are already seeing someone.

[RobinHoodDaffy]

So, Mr. Ryall can you fill me in on the background on this little snippett dropped by Anthrax member Scott Ian?

</font><blockquote><font class="small">In reply to:</font><hr />
...trying to write a Vampire story for IDW (they’re a comic book publisher)...

[/ QUOTE ]

Who? What? When? Where? Why?
Thank you.

[Ryall]

I saw that quote in Ian's latest Alpha Mail, too.

I've been talking to him a bit about writing something for us, probably just a prose back-up story. He's a big comic guy, and since I'm a big Anthrax guy, it seems like a good fit. It's not planned yet, but depending on his schedule, it will be soon.

[RobinHoodDaffy]

OOOhh, An answer and so quick! Here we had thought you left us. I agree it should be a great fit, hope it works out. Thanks for the scoop.

[karmattack]

Since I think He, Patton Oswalt and Brian Posehn are all friends, they should form together as one like the Voltron of comic writers. Could you imagine what the hell would happen?