No Heroics Happy Hour

Well, it was bound to happen, the British comedy series No Heroics is flying over the Atlantic to the U.S. — capes and all — to be adapted for a comedy pilot for ABC. The initial announcement was back in February when The Hollywood Reporter announced that ABC picks up comedy pilot ‘No Heroics’. The show is to be co-written by Jeff Greenstein (Will & Grace, Desperate Housewives, Friends) and the British series creator Drew Pierce. The two are also executive producers, along with Andrew Zein. ABC Studios is producing the show.

But, this last week the news was heard a little louder when it was announced that Freddie Prinze Jr. was cast to star in the U.S. adaptation.

“Sigh.” Those of you that are familiar with me and my work know where I’m going to go with this…

As far back as 2002, shortly after the second issue of (Super) Hero Happy Hour — the self-published comic book co-created by myself and Chris Fason — was released I found myself with “Hollywood” representation and I was meeting with various producers and production companies about turning our little comic book about super heroes hanging out in a bar into a TV show about super heroes hanging out in a bar. This was really the first foray into comic book creating and publishing that either Chris and I had ever made. (Super) Hero Happy Hour (Huh? I just found out that Hero Happy Hour has a Wikipedia page. Neat!) It was exciting times. I found myself making the forty minute to an hour drive up to L.A./Hollywood for meetings that I felt completely out of my league with. Back then, the plan was to do Hero Happy Hour as an animated series with big-name talent providing the voices. I was amazed at some of the names that would be thrown about — Bruce Willis, Pierce Bronson — it was crazy. It was almost dreamlike. I thought I had it the jackpot right off the bat with my very first comic book.

But, it was about that time that I received an overnight letter from both Marvel and DC, and I thought, “Hell, yes! I’ve been noticed.” Well, I was noticed alright. I was noticed for trademark infringement. Marvel and DC co-own the trademarked term “super hero” and they weren’t to thrilled with me using it in the title of my self-published comic book that was starting to get a little Hollywood attention. I was served with a cease and desist letter. That is when we changed the title from Super Hero Happy Hour to Hero Happy Hour. Whether there was a connection or not (I doubt it), after a couple of years the Hollywood talks began to slow down to a crawl and eventually dried up altogether.

Then about a year ago or so, I heard about the new British comedy No Heroics — about super heroes hanging out in a bar. Now, I’m the last person who’s going to argue that it’s the most original idea in the world. But, the similarities between Hero Happy Hour and No Heroics caught me a little off guard. And, it was a little show over in Britain — some 5,448 miles away. Now No Heroics is coming over here to my neighborhood, and I can’t help but feel a bit disappointed. It’s an opportunity lost. An opportunity that had it happened could’ve changed my entire life.

But, there’s no point in crying over spilled beer at a bar where super her– Oops. My bad. Sorry Marvel and DC. There’s no point in crying over spilled beer at a bar where heroes hang out at. I still do hope to publish more Hero Happy Hour comic books. I have scripts in the can, and notes and ideas for numerous more issues. Unfortunately, my partner in crime, Chris Fason is unable to belly up to the bar and tackle the artist duties due to being a good father, husband, and providing for his family with a paying solid job. (You go, Chris!) If I’m able to find the right artist to help out there will be more Hero Happy Hour comic books.

In the meantime, until No Heroics makes its U.S. premiere feel free to check out these issues and collections of Hero Happy Hour that you can find and/or order online…

Hero Happy Hour #1 — Written by Dan Taylor. Art by Chris Fason. Cover by Scott Morse. Imagine pulling up a stool to the bar and sipping a frosty pint of your favorite beverage as you listen in on the conversations of the “regulars” that frequent the neighborhood tavern. But, this establishment is unlike any other bar. The Hideout Bar & Grill caters to the super heroes of First City, and provides more than just a place to wash away the troubles of serving and protecting society as crime-fighting crusaders. For these regular heroes it is “a place where everyone knows your name” — secret identity or not. Available for free at wowio.com.

Hero Happy Hour #2 — Written by Dan Taylor. Art by Chris Fason. Cover by Jim Mahfood. It’s Tuesday night, and it’s Ladies’ Night at the Hideout Bar & Grill, the local watering-hole for the super heroes of First City. Join a quartet of super heroines as they let down their hair, deconstruct the “boys club” of being a super hero, and unwind after a hectic day of saving the world from madmen, maniacs, and monsters. Available for free at wowio.com.

Hero Happy Hour #3 — Written by Dan Taylor. Art and cover by Chris Fason. It’s time for “Another Round” at the Hideout Bar & Grill, the local watering hole for the super heroes of First City. The evening starts out quietly enough with the crime-fighting duo of Night Ranger and Scout joining Guardian and new-super-hero-in-town, Randal. But, that’s all about to change when a less than desirable clientèle shows up to ruin the heroes’ happy hour. Available for free at wowio.com.

Hero Happy Hour #4 — Written by Dan Taylor. Art by Chris Fason. Cover by Ragnar. Could it possibly be last call at the Hideout Bar & Grill? Phantom Dread and a band of super villains show up to crash the Hero Happy Hour. Add six parts super villains, five parts super heroes, one part nervous bartender, shake well, and you’ve got… the ultimate barroom brawl. Available for free at wowio.com.

Hero Happy Hour #5 — Written by Dan Taylor. Art by Chris Fason. Cover by Dave Crosland. Worlds collide when reality television invades the Hideout Bar & Grill in “Reality Shots.” The loyalties of the “dysfunctional duo” of Night Ranger and Scout are put to the test when they’re personal agendas, as well as their own unique (if not skewed) perceptions of reality clash with one another. Available for free at wowio.com.

Hero Happy Hour: Super Special Flashback — A bunch of comic book creators walk into a bar… The Hideout Bar & Grill. Join Tom Beland (True Story, Swear To God), Dave Crosland (Everybody’s Dead), Scott Morse (Soulwind, Southpaw), Todd Nauck (Wildguard, Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man), Steve Niles (30 Days of Night, Batman: Gotham County Line), Gail Simone (Birds of Prey, Wonder Woman), Ben Templesmith (30 Days of Night, Wormwood Gentleman Corpse), Dan Wickline (1001 Arabian Nights: The Adventures of Sinbad), and many other comic book writers and artists as they belly up to the bar to offer their take on patrons of every super hero’s favorite hangout. This collection contains all of the original stories from the Hero Happy Hour Super Special 2004, as well as an additional healthy pour of bonus material. Available for free at wowio.com.

Super Deluxe Hero Happy Hour: The Lost Episode — Available at last–the long-lost episode, “The Fall and Rise of Kingfish,” with bonus material and special features! Return to every hero’s favorite watering hole, The Hideout Bar & Grill, and join Guardian, Night Ranger, Scout, Rusty the Bartender and the rest of the regulars as they defend First City from the marauding Shadow-Soldiers from Dimension Z. Happy hour turns sour as one of their own loses their life in the line of duty and the group has to come to terms with the loss of a colleague. This re-mastered “lost episode” includes never-before-seen specially enhanced scenes, interviews with the cast, outtake and blooper scenes, and additional bonus material. Available for purchase at IDW Publishing.

Hero Happy Hour: Omnibus 01 — Did you miss any (or, dare we say, all) of the first five issues of Hero Happy Hour? Well, unlike missing out at “last call,” you’ve got the chance to partake in all five of the original rounds with the super hero gang from the Hideout Bar & Grill. This special digest-sized collection contains the “super” feature stories from the first five fan-favorite issues. “I actually wish I would have thought of it.” – Brian Michael Bendis. “With a concept that’s as ingenious as a two-for-one happy hour and laughs that hit faster than a shot of Wild Turkey to your dome, HHH won’t leave you skunky.” – Wizard Magazine. Available for purchase at Indy Planet.

Oh, and to Jeff Greenstein and Drew Pierce… Feel free to pick up a couple of issues for yourselves. Let me know if there’s anything in there that you like. I’ve got more, plenty more. And, to be honest with you, I would might writing for a television show with a subject matter that I’ve already done years (not to mention pints) of research on as well as being very dear to my heart.

Cheers!

Comic-Con Registration, Check!

How did I spend my St. Patrick’s Day (well, night actually)? I took care of my 2009 San Diego Comic-Con International Professional Online Registration. The letter showed up over the weekend and registration opened up on Sunday. Friends and colleagues have mentioned that they’ve begun the process of getting ready for the “big show” — a process that does take four months to get prepped for.

If there is one thing that always rings true in regards to the San Diego Comic-Con, it’s that it somehow shows up before you know it. Like many other “professionals” I’ve spent the months before previous Comic-Cons getting ready to promote and pitch. When I’ve had a table or booth in the past months of preparation would take place in regards to the look and function of the set up — including building an authentic-looking mini-bar with a bank of four beer taps in order to promote Hero Happy Hour. I’ve had t-shirts and stickers printed to offer as giveaways. There are the countless printings of mini-comics — both constructing xeroxed copies of ash-cans as well as keeping your fingers crossed that your print-on-demand order shows up on time. And, of course, there are the business cards — do not forget the business cards.

But, this year I’m doing things a bit different. Although, I’m all signed up as a “professional” I’m going more as a fan, as well as using the opportunity to see old friends. The last couple of years I’ve prepped to promote myself, armed myself with pitches, and busted my ass to arrange meetings with editors and publishers. Then there were the years that I worked at IDW Publishing and had a booth to attend to. The three years before that, I had my own table/booth to manage to promote GeekPunk and Hero Happy Hour. Now, while those may have been the most rewarding years, I’m looking forward to going to this year’s con with more of a vacation state of mind.

And, let’s not forget about the hotel room. Any regular attendee that has made the pilgrimageto San Diego for the Con know that securing one’s lodging for the show can often be more challenging to obtain than the most exclusive of convention-only exclusives. You think getting your hands on that ultra-rare, limited only to 500, repaint action figure that you have to enter a raffle for and get your pass punched is a challenge? Luckily, this will be the third year that I’ve arranged to bunk with friends at a condo, as opposed to a hotel room.

Odds are San Diego will be the only comic book convention that I’ll be attending this year. And, now that I’ve got my lodging taken care of, my professional registration done, and not having to worry about all that prep work in order to promote myself to publishers and/or editors that would have a cigarette outside or be in their own pitch meeting trying to sell their latest property to Hollywood.

Looking forward to seeing everyone in San Diego in July. And, of course… There will be drinks.

Help Wanted At The Hideout Bar & Grill

Just quietly sneaking this out there for any artist types that might be interested in drawing an issue or two of Hero Happy Hour and happen along my blog before I go more public…

Drop me a line if that might be you.

Super Spike Happy Hour

No, this isn’t a post about a comic book crossover event featuring Joss Whedon’s character Spike interacting with the regulars of the Hideout Bar & Grill from Hero Happy Hour. Though if this was something that IDW Publishing would be interested in pursuing their Editor-In-Chief knows how to contact me.

What I’m referring to is the strange event that occurred over Christmas. Up until then, my blog averaged a humble 120 to 140 views a day. Then, out of the blue, my view count jumped from 130 to 15,596 on December 25th. Then the next day there were 24,191 views.

Almost all of the views were in regards to one particular post — Hmmm… Super Heroes Hanging Out In A Bar… — a post about Hero Happy Hour and the new British sitcom No Heroics. With the surge in traffic I was thinking, “Hey, maybe were finally turning the corner in regards to Hero Happy Hour finally hitting the big time.” Wishful thinking. Turns out it was some sort of foreign-message board-spamming-bot deal. Ah, well… Someday.

T-Shirt Tuesday — Back In Black

T-Shirt Tuesday is back! And, so is the original Hero Happy Hour Hideout Bar & Grill t-shirt — back in black, to be exact! This design was extremely popular when it was first produced to promote (Super) Hero Happy Hour, and I’ve had folks asking me when these shirts would once again be available. Well, they’re available now through MySoti.com. It took me awhile to find the right means to once again provide the high quality and look of the original, but now that I have, you can support your favorite neighborhood super hero watering hole by sporting a Hideout Bar & Grill to-shirt.

So, do Chris Fason and myself a solid and help spread the word about Hero Happy Hour and the Hideout Bar & Grill — “a place where everybody knows your name,” secret identity or not. Also, if I see you wearing this in a bar I will buy you a drink!

Hero Happy Hour Goes Worldwide With WOWIO

WOWIO is back on line, and now they’re offering books and comic books available for download worldwide — including six Hero Happy Hour titles. Previously, only readers in the United States were able to download the PDF titles, now everybody around the globe can enjoy Hero Happy Hour. In addition to being available for download, readers can also read the comics with a new online viewer option. So now there’s no reason for you to catch up with all of the available Hero Happy Hour issues, including the Hero Happy Hour Super Special Flashback which features the talents of Tom Beland (True Story, Swear To God), Dave Crosland (Everybody’s Dead), Scott Morse (Soulwind, Southpaw), Todd Nauck (Wildguard, Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man), Steve Niles (30 Days of Night, Batman: Gotham County Line), Gail Simone (Birds of Prey, Wonder Woman), Ben Templesmith (30 Days of Night, Wormwood Gentleman Corpse), Dan Wickline (1001 Arabian Nights: The Adventures of Sinbad), and many other comic book writers and artists.

I’m looking at you, Zambia. You’ve got no more excuses. Get your Hero Happy Hour today.

Her Name Is Serenity

My partner in crime, Chris Fason, is showing her off on his site, so I figured I would as well. I have to tell you, I am absolutely in love with her. Her name is Serenity, and she is one of the characters in a new project that Chris and I are cooking up to follow on the heels of the new Hero Happy Hour that’s currently in the works. When I first got the b/w sketch from Chris in my email inbox I was already crushing. Now that he’s worked ups some colors — I’m in love.

Does her name represent a certain nod to anything in particular? Maybe. Stay tuned.

Hmmm… Super Heroes Hanging Out In A Bar…

Here’s an idea for a TV show — Super heroes hanging out in a bar. Now, I wish this post was about Hero Happy Hour finally making it’s way to the small screen — but alas, it’s not. But, it doesn’t appear to be far off the mark. From Rich Johnston’s June 23rd Lying in the Gutters column…

“No Heroics” is a new ITV sitcom, set in a London Soho bar with a cast of superheroes on their time off. Reminiscent of the “Clarks” bar of the Wildstorm Universe and the comic “Super Hero Happy Hour,” this sitcom stars a number of familiar Britcom faces, James Lance from “Teachers” and “Moving Wallpaper,” Patrick Baladi from “Party Animals” and “The Office,” Claire Keelan from “Nathan Barley” and “A Cock And Bull Story,” “Tony Way from “Tittybangbang” and “Fun At The Funeral Parlour,” Nicolas Burns from “Nathan Barley” and “Man Stroke Woman” and Rebekah Staton from “Pulling” and “Outlaws.”

A number of years ago (or so) I was in negotiations with a studio regarding turning (Super) Hero Happy Hour into a television series. It got to the point where contracts were being faxed about, and gobs of money (at least to a guy like me who had never sold a television show before) were being talked about, as well as the possibility of Bruce Willis or Pierce Bronson providing voices for an animated series. It was crazy. But, it fell through and I’m still buying Top Ramen (which just went up another penny to a whoppin’ 29 cents a package).

This was the first that I’ve heard of No Heroics, and being in the States I’m not familiar with the talent that they’ve got lined up. Though, I will definitely be paying some interest to see what comes of it. Word to any U.S. television producers or executives out there — If No Heroics turns out to be the next The Office and they want to get a head start on the American equivalent come talk to me. Chris Fason and I have published over half a dozen comic books that are just about “super heroes hanging out in a bar.” Most of them are available for free download at WOWIO if you’d like to do some research, and there are all-new issues in the works and coming out later this year.

I’m not pissed as this shit happens all of the time. I’m just wondering, “dammit, when am I going to get my break.” As they say over in Britain — cheers!

Promoting Hero Happy Hour

It’s been awhile since I promoted Hero Happy Hour around these parts. The news is that Hero Happy Hour is definitely returning. In fact, my co-conspirator Chris Fason and I are currently working on a two-issue arc that takes the gang of Regulars from the Hideout Bar & Grill on an all-new adventure facing foes of the most horrific type — Raptorneys, part raptor and part attorney. So, with that being typed, now is your chance to catch up on the previous Hero Happy Hour issues available for free download at WOWIO.

Hero Happy Hour 01 — Imagine pulling up a stool to the bar and sipping a frosty pint of your favorite beverage as you listen in on the conversations of the “regulars” that frequent the neighborhood tavern. But, this establishment is unlike any other bar. The Hideout Bar & Grill caters to the super heroes of First City, and provides more than just a place to wash away the troubles of serving and protecting society as crime-fighting crusaders. For these regular heroes it is “a place where everyone knows your name” — secret identity or not.

Hero Happy Hour 02 — It’s Tuesday night, and it’s Ladies’ Night at the Hideout Bar & Grill, the local watering-hole for the super heroes of First City. Join a quartet of super heroines as they let down their hair, deconstruct the “boys club” of being a super hero, and unwind after a hectic day of saving the world from madmen, maniacs, and monsters.

Hero Happy Hour 03 — It’s time for “Another Round” at the Hideout Bar & Grill, the local watering hole for the super heroes of First City. The evening starts out quietly enough with the crime-fighting duo of Night Ranger and Scout joining Guardian and new-super-hero-in-town, Randal. But, that’s all about to change when a less than desirable clientèle shows up to ruin the heroes’ happy hour.

Hero Happy Hour 04 — Could it possibly be last call at the Hideout Bar & Grill? Phantom Dread and a band of super villains show up to crash the Hero Happy Hour. Add six parts super villains, five parts super heroes, one part nervous bartender, shake well, and you’ve got…the ultimate barroom brawl.

Hero Happy Hour 05 — Worlds collide when reality television invades the Hideout Bar & Grill in “Reality Shots.” The loyalties of the “dysfunctional duo” of Night Ranger and Scout are put to the test when they’re personal agendas, as well as their own unique (if not skewed) perceptions of reality clash with one another.

Hero Happy Hour: Super Special Flashback — A bunch of comic book creators walk into a bar… The Hideout Bar & Grill. Join Tom Beland (True Story, Swear To God), Dave Crosland (Everybody’s Dead), Scott Morse (Soulwind, Southpaw), Todd Nauck (Wildguard, Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man), Steve Niles (30 Days of Night, Batman: Gotham County Line), Gail Simone (Birds of Prey, Wonder Woman), Ben Templesmith (30 Days of Night, Wormwood Gentleman Corpse), Dan Wickline (1001 Arabian Nights: The Adventures of Sinbad), and many other comic book writers and artists as they belly up to the bar to offer their take on patrons of every super hero’s favorite hangout. This collection contains all of the original stories from the Hero Happy Hour Super Special 2004, as well as an additional healthy pour of bonus material.

So what are you waiting for? Head over and catch up on Hero Happy Hour and get yourself set for another couple of rounds later this year.

Hero Happy Hour: Super Special Flashback Now Pouring For Free

Another issue of Hero Happy Hour is now available for free download at WOWIO. (For those of you keeping score, issues 1 thru 5 are currently available.) But, this isn’t just any ol’ issue of everybody’s favorite comic book about super heroes hanging out in a bar, nope. We’re talking about the Hero Happy Hour: Super Special Flashback!

A bunch of comic book creators walk into a bar… The Hideout Bar & Grill. Join Tom Beland (True Story, Swear To God), Scott Morse (Soulwind, Southpaw), Todd Nauck (Wildguard, Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man), Steve Niles (30 Days of Night, Batman: Gotham County Line), Gail Simone (Birds of Prey, Wonder Woman), Ben Templesmith (30 Days of Night, Wormwood Gentleman Corpse), and many other comic book writers and artists as they belly up to the bar to offer their take on patrons of every super hero’s favorite hangout. This collection contains all of the original stories from the Hero Happy Hour Super Special 2004, as well as an additional healthy pour of bonus material including an all new never before published story featuring “Possum At Large.”

Featuring the talents of Tom Beland, Brandon J. Carr, D.J. Coffman, Dave Crosland, James Denning, Chris Fason, Joe Gravel, Jon Hook, Diego Jourdan, Lance Karutz, Jim Keplinger, C.G. Kirby, Neil Kleid, John Kovalic, Chad Lambert, Scott Morse, Todd Nauck, Steve Niles, James Patrick, Michael Russell, John Schuler, Michael Scott, Gail Simone, Cal Slayton, Aaron Sowd, Jeffery Stevenson, Dan Taylor, Ben Templesmith, Neil Vokes, Brett Weldele, Dan Wickline, Jason Hanley, Kathleen Marinaccio.

This book has something for everyone. And, just between you, me, and the other eight readers of my blog… I’m starting to work on more creators for another Super Special.