My Blog

I was paid as an editor for foundation publication

Village_Rachel — Thu, 27 Apr 2006 19:48:25 GMT

I worked on site at Gilda's Club Westchester from the end of February through March, and a little bit on-line in the beginning of April. I had the opportunity to write new copy based on notes, ideas and attending events; as well as revise, expand and rewrite staff notes and article bits. Then, I worked with the graphic designer to help get the thing put together. I got kudos from all. It was a good experience ... and I got paid! I do need more work that pays these days, please e-mail me or tribe mail me if you would like to see the PDF file (just under 3 MB) fo the entire publication or the front and back page (just under 1.8 MB) and/or get a text copy of my resume.

Heroes In Birmingham #1 and #2 now at Midtown Comics!

Village_Rachel — Thu, 30 Mar 2006 18:19:36 GMT

In both of their stores now and available for internet sales starting on Sunday. Probably one of the only stores to currently have these independent comics in stock. See some nice reviews and previews pages at www.bestfriendsproductions.com/hib Stores are at 200 West 40th Street near times Square in NYC and 459 Lexington Avenue near Grand Central Station tel: 1-800-411-3341 web www.midtowncomics.com Limited quantities. There may also be a few left at the Time Machine at 14th Street West FYI - Issue #3 artwork is done, in the production and editing phase.

DVD I produced now available at Midtown Comics - Diamond Catelog for May '06

Village_Rachel — Thu, 30 Mar 2006 17:33:49 GMT

Ken's Gale's 'Nuff Said! At a Comic Book Convention is a just under 12 minute long DVD from a shoot with an all volunteer crew! But don't be scared, you can check out the 1-minute online preview linked through here: www.bestfriendsproductions.com/evolvedfriends Actually our editor has worked on television intersititals and it show in the overall product. So now there are two e-stores you can get the DVD at (as well as order other comic book realted items) www.milehighcomics.com and starting on Sunday www.midtowncomics.com We've shown the DVD at a couple of arts gatherings as well as gotten feedback with sounds of wonderment... yeah it's that good -- and it doesn't feel quite as short as it is. The DVD is actually in the physical stores for Midtowncomics 200 West 40th Street near Times Square and 459 Lexington Avenue near Grand Central Station. Jerry and Gahl - both great guys - and the staff very kind and helpful. Oh, and Diamond is carrying it in their May catelog for July shipping! Back cover of DVD case is pictured. This is your chance to share your joy of going to comic book conventions with your friends and family. Maybe you'll get them to go with you to the next one, or just get them to understand your hobby better. The better we do in selling these, but better chance we'll have to edit the rest of of the shoot (more than 3 hours worth of good material!) or get some other stuff going! -Rachel www.bestfriendsproductions.com

New York Comic-Con after notes

Village_Rachel — Thu, 09 Mar 2006 12:49:04 GMT

First, let me thank fellow tribe member Richard B for stoping by the table. It was really busy! Everyone who missed me will get a second chance, for a fraction of the cost, if you get up early on Sunday. More info at www.primatepromotions.com for the 1-day NY Comic Book Spectacular or check my listing for events -community on March 12. The photo here is edited from the one from the after-party and posted in its original milleu at www.catchdacraze.com -- thanks for the guys for allowing me to reprint it here! And my comments about the convention can be found on this board http://www.phpbbplanet.com/forum/index.php?mforum=quantumboard Look for the after-party thread -- I also have some comments about the convention at www.comicsworthreading.com Although when I asked the site editor if I could send her "free" review copies -- she mentioned she'd had enough super-hero comics to review and follow right now. So I'm not sensing she's getting the indy-character-driven vibe. Oh, well. The discussion threads there are newsy and fairly interesting. For overall news I still like www.comicon.com/thepulse and www.comiccon.com/thebeat There was a newsarama reviewer at the after-party so I might be more supportive of them soon.

You say your name is Keith Murphey? CAG table is listed under Keith at AA83

Village_Rachel — Wed, 22 Feb 2006 23:55:27 GMT

Find us, including me -- Rachel Kadushin and BestFriendsProductions www.bestfriendsproductions.com/hib and www.bestfriendsproductions.com/evolvedfriends I'll have issue #1 and #2 of HIB and the first DVD release for Evolved Friends. We're in Artist's Alley at table AA83 listed under Keith Murphey. And check out this link for more info about the convention (including after hours activities): www.nycomiccon.com The CAG Indie Party is not on the list -- but we're having it and it is free! Stop by the table for a flyer with info on how to get there. That's table AA83 or if they move us the "Keith Murphy" table. (Sat night 8pm to 11pm near the convention center.) Visit the Comic Art Guild at www.comicartguild.com North East networking group for comics professionals and emerging comics professionals.

Looking for a Face Like Mine - slide show and book

Village_Rachel — Tue, 21 Feb 2006 20:47:49 GMT

I went to Dr. Bill Foster's slide show last night at MOCCA www.moccany.org I had seen some of the artwork before in his displays at conventions, in particular the Black Age of Comics Convention in Philadephia www.ecbacc.com, where he had some new stuff on display. But also in his traveling show panels http://www.bestfriendsproductions.com/conphotos1.htm I found out that there's actually a super-hero with his name in the Marvel Universe! Anyhow... the cool parts about the presentation included -- See images from the 19th Century to present. -- Hearing how Dr. Foster collected some of the images and hearing stories of some images that weren't included in the slide show. -- Finding out how Dr. Foster uses the information in college courses that he teaches or guest lectures. Learning some things about our history and culture that I didn't know before. Hearing some tales about Dr. Foster's international travels, talking about comics and culture. I'm told you can find this book on Amazon.com I bought it from him at a convention. He will also be at the Big Javitz Center convention this weekend.

I will be at the NY Comic Con in Artist's Alley thanks to CAG

Village_Rachel — Sat, 21 Jan 2006 00:33:26 GMT

I'm sharing a table with Keith Murphy of the Comic Book Artists' Guilde or CAG, an organization that is both an informal club of comic book creators meeting, hanging out and supporting each other *and* publishes an anthology that Keith edits. And CAG is hosting a party on Saturday Night , February 25th, near by. I've posted a link to their site under my convention listings ( www.bestfriendsproductions.com/hib/conventions.htm ) While there are other parties on Saturday night, I think this is the only free one! So it's worth following the links to find out where it will be or coming by the CAG table to say hi and get the information from us. Hoping that people will sample the party even if they don't get to the convention, and perhaps it will be a continuation of artists' alley type stuff. The con will be at the Javitz Center in NYC Feburary 24-26. Friday through Sunday Wish me luck! Ken Gale's 'Nuff Said! http://www.comicbookradioshow.com/dvd1samples.html Producer and Host (by the same name) is going to be wandering around with a press pass, collecting information and having fun chats. I'll have the DVD on my table for a special convention discount rate. Come by and say, hi!

Bringing my boyfriend, Henry Z. Covert to Big Apple Con

Village_Rachel — Tue, 10 Jan 2006 23:10:34 GMT

Henry is a recent but noted Wold Newton scholar, hosting http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Wold_Newton_Family/ a friendly, Farmerian web-club for discussing all things Wold Newton and literary cross-overs. Check book "Myths For the Modern Age" edited by Win Scott Eckert available in some bookstores for more information about Wold Newton -- or just jump right in to the group and swim around. You need to fill out short survey to join group. It won't be hard to tell how much I adore this man, just watch the natives. See you there. http://www.bestfriendsproductions.com/hib/conventions.htm For more convention info

On-line trailer for my direct to DVD now in medium and high resolution!

Village_Rachel — Sat, 24 Dec 2005 16:38:33 GMT

Thanks to Jeremy on tribe for answering my request for help (and the others who responded but were further away), Ken Gale ( www.comicbookradioshow.com ) and I were able to put together a few on-line formats that are an excerpt from the first DVD we produced that adapts Ken's radio show. http://www.comicbookradioshow.com/dvd1samples.html And the DVDs have shipped from the manufacuturer. Mile High Comics is getting it first, but then other retailers can order it from us soon (inquire via e-mail to bestfriendsprod(at)aol.com ) We have it in stock, although it was a small run. See previous [now edited] post for more information or have fun following one of the links!

Comic Book Interviews Video that I Co-Produced is now Available

Village_Rachel — Tue, 06 Dec 2005 19:18:42 GMT

I've very excited to have my first video for sale direct to DVD. I'm using a picture of Mile High Comics' Captain Woodchuck Logo because they're the first retailer or e-tailer to carry it! An excerpt from Chuck Rozanski's Mile High Comics newsletter in early December 2005: "My final item for today is a plug for a fantastic new DVD created at my urging especially for dedicated comics fans. Ever since 1993, uber comics fan Ken Gale has been interviewing comics creators for his 'Nuff Said! radio show. In a step in a slightly different direction, Ken recently combined his talents with those of Mercy Van Vlack and Rachel Kadushin to create a video version of his show. [We collaborated with the very talented Robert W. Cabell who directed at the shoot, acted as videographer - letting us borrow his cameras and doing lead camera on Ken for most of the shoot - and then was the lead editor for the project - providing the most sharp still photos directly from digital video that I then edited for the web - Rachel] This particular DVD was created out of a trip made to the Big Apple comics convention, and features interviews with Michael Kaluta, Mike Avon Oeming, Sean Chen, and Louis Small, Jr. So far, so good. But what really caught my eye when I first saw footage from this DVD, was just how well it captured the excitement and energy of the convention. It's not just a series of boring interviews cobbled together, but rather a very fast-moving journey through the dealer's area of the convention, showing shots of not only the particular creators I already mentioned, but also quick interviews with some of the dealers attending the show. If you've never before been to a comics convention, or if you want to see a great view of what the Big Apple Convention looks like, this DVD is for you! To make a long story short, I was so impressed with how well this DVD presented the convention that I immediately asked whether we could obtain some copies for all of you. It took some doing to make this DVD available, as no one had yet put the process into motion to have mass copies of the DVD pressed. ... Because we're the only comics dealer signed up to sell this item right now, the initial production run is going to be very limited. It is a great bargain, however, as DVD runs only about 12 minutes, so cost to you is only $9.95 plus shipping. What a deal! You can add this DVD into a regular comics order to gain free shipping (after meeting the appropriate order minimums), but please bear in mind that in that instance that we'll have to hold your entire order until the DVD's arrive. [they should be in now! -Rachel ] Order your copy today, before the initial pressing sells out. You don't want to miss viewing this great convention video! Happy collecting! Chuck Rozanski, President - Mile High Comics, Inc." Order link: http://www.milehighcomics.com/cgi-bin/backissue.cgi?action=synopsis&issue=45536936559%201 See more (bigger) of the cover/back cover on our evolved friends productions site... http://www.bestfriendsproductions.com/evolvedfriends/nuffconfront.htm Please feel free to post this order link or quote this letter! -Rachel PS. There's news about POD-casts and new shows on the radio and live-internet feed at www.bestfriendsproductions.com/evolvedfriends

Issue #2 of Heroes In Birmingham gets high profile review!

Village_Rachel — Tue, 08 Nov 2005 17:11:58 GMT

Dear Friends and the Curious, Some of you may know that HIB #2 has been available for print on demand since September '05. It has been a busy fall, but I did manage to send out a few review copies (with more to come by request of reviewers -- or if you reviewed issue #1 and liked it just a bit or more it is on its way). Here is one of our first reviews for this issue. Nicely written. www.silverbulletcomicbooks.com/smallpress/113143091419866.htm Here's a snippet: "... there is much about Heroes In Birmingham that does appeal and builds on the promise of the first edition. This is a fun comic. It is fun to read and the creators obviously had a lot of fun making it." "The dynamism present in the action scenes is particularly impressive. The characters do actually seem to move as they burst out of frames and leap across the rooftops." "The humour that was such a big feature of the first edition is still present here. Most of it is at the expense of the main character, Mercutio Bishop but hey he probably deserves it." On a closing note... we only found one typo in issue #2 and are ready to fix it (alas three in issue #1), if you would like to play find-the-typo on your second read through of either issue, please feel free to e-mail me the results at BestFriendsProd (at) aol.com and we'll be able to fix it for a later edition. www.bestfriendsproductions.com/hib Meanwhile, please visit our website for preview pages and links to Print on Demand, convention appearances and more!

Comic Book Picnic was like a piece of convention pie

Village_Rachel — Tue, 26 Jul 2005 18:47:23 GMT

Well I co-hosted this event in Union Square Park last Saturday (July 23rd). Some nice suprises, Keith Murphey's Comic Book Artist Guild (C.A.G. -- creator support and publishes anthologies) had a meeting earlier in the day and he and three other guys dropped by, helping to create the atmosphere of a mini-artists' alley in the park. Ken Gale and Mercy Van Vlack came by with their comics and Mercy's art prints, and Tom Evans -- one of the CAG members brought some flyers for a shirt that he's selling and some of his newletter. Ken Gale is the producer and host of Ken Gale's 'Nuff Said! as well as a writer of fiction and non-fiction. Mercy Van Vlack is primarily known as a graphic artist of both sequential comic book art and indvidual pieces - but is also a writer. Among her comic book skilils include inking and coloring. Also she and Ken co-published EVOLUTION COMICS (see Curt Swan Cover art... some more info at http://www.bestfriendsproductions.com/evolvedfriends ) The C.A.G. crew also included Quantum Comics creator and pubisher Philip Clark and an illustrator working with him James Rodriguez. Documentary Film maker John "Draxula" Gandolfo dropped by, as well as actor and cartoonist James JaJac, and budding indepdent talent Mike Lewis. Perhaps we can get them to post some comment and their links? Meanwhile, Ed -- illustrator for Heroes In Birmingham issues 1 -3 is also on tribe and he wrote this: http://newyork.tribe.net/listing/0089e45d-5c1e-4832-a6d5-9ce2096eb9fd We found shade and green, but most of the pubic was entranced at the asphalt section of the park. If we do this again, we'll be closer to the path, but still in the green area just east of the statue of G. Washington (the trick was the gated area has an entrance a bit to the rear). Thanks for everyone who stopped by. Please feel free to post comments on if you feel the Saturday before Labor Day Weekend is a good time for you or if you'd like to drop by again as an alternate in-town event for the Baltimore Con on September 17.

Heroes Con - Good, Fire - Bad -- updated sorta

Village_Rachel — Tue, 05 Jul 2005 17:31:58 GMT

Hey, all. I'm a bit overwhelmed with information at the moment, and want to write up a bit more about HEROES CON, than what I posted over at comicon.com Check this link if you wanna see what other people had to say about Heroes Con -- and next year's convention is already in the "news" http://www.comicon.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=36;t=003920 My report copied from Comicon... We had a great time at Heroes Con! [b][url=http://www.bestfriendsproductions.com/hib] Best Friends Productions [/url] [/b] was located against the back wall in the small press area. We were adjacent to the tables for some of the veteren pros like Kim DeMulder (had some great new multimedia pieces and prints), Marv Wolfman (got to say hi), Dave Cockrum (got to meet his wife Paty who is also a former marvel artist-- and got to briefly say hi to Dave when he was wheeling around), Irwin Hasen (hi!), and Nick Cardy ( one of Mercy Van Vlack's favorites, but I didn't know what to say to him). Oh, and speaking of, also got to see both Ken Gale and Mercy Van Vlack across from where I was sitting So there we were -- sitting between two local artists on the left doing sketches and paintings on demand for sale and fellow publisher writer Roosevelt Pitt, Jr. with guest artist Mshindo Kumba I to our right. We had a wonderful time at the table -- and Ed and I took turns going around the room to see what other people were up to. Man, I gotta tell you there were probably twice as many indy publishers and creators there than at the last San Diego Con I went to. Mainstream artists and writers were there, too, but the indy pubishers really got a chance to shine and be seen. There were even a few media guests with lasvegasautographs.com (of TN!) -- and plenty of comics dealers, some t-shirt specialists and some combined comics and toys dealers. Rather than room parties in hotel rooms, most of the socializing after the day was in the official hotel's lobby and bar. I got to meet a few people that I only knew from on-line -- sold a passle of comics -- and traded some too. Great time overall! Let me know if I should try to expand on this report in any area.

Why Jim Salicrup's Monster Girlfriend is so funny!

Village_Rachel — Wed, 22 Jun 2005 00:14:45 GMT

I made a cafe press store for Jim Salicrup's Monster Girlfriend. He gets a couple of bucks from everything you might buy there. He kindly allowed me to pick out some items for this character and do the write-ups. Check this out! http://www.cafepress.com/monstergirl Answer: Just look at her and think about it for a moment or two. Or check out the above link for more information!

Make me an offer, if you can pay through paypal (Ad space HIB)

Village_Rachel — Tue, 21 Jun 2005 20:45:38 GMT

Follow some of the links for more information. Consider this an "after auction sale" I'm open to combining to multiple insertion discounts -- either more than one issue or more than one page in an issue. For example -- put an ad on the back cover of issue #1 in color and get a two page grayscale spread in issue #2 as a follow up to drive the message home. Or Buy all of the ads spaces in issue #1 or Issue #2 to make these comic books your marketing tools. The more you offer the more likely I will through in graphic design -- interior page color -- and/or Ed may draw something for you as part of the ad.

Meet Me Charlotte North Carolina!

Village_Rachel — Tue, 21 Jun 2005 19:40:34 GMT

I'm on the road with illustrator Ed Meares (also on tribe - see my friends/testimonials) to HEROES AREN'T HARD TO FIND convention in Charlotte North Carolina -- at the convention center this coming weekend. We'll have issue #1 with us as well as a laser print of issue #2 for you to check out! Note the cover credit also includes tribe member Jay Luna! He did lead color and some drawing re-touches on the cover of issue #2. I used my 15 years plus experience as a graphic designer to assist in a major way (in coloring the cover).

Thanks to the Fans and the Store Owners who bought HIB #1 So Far!

Village_Rachel — Tue, 21 Jun 2005 19:35:15 GMT

We've sold about 240 copies of the first edition of Heroes In Birmingham #1 http://www.bestfriendsproductions.com/hib to fans and store-owners! Thanks to everyone who bought or is the progress of ordering/buying a copy on line through our link to comixpress! Thanks to everyone who bought an issue direclty from us at conventions or just walking down the street (we keep our back-packs full and look for people with comic book t-shirts!) Thanks to Art Massa of the Eye Opener in Newington Ct (near Hartford) 860--666-5862 who bought some comics from us direclty for more than it cost us to print them! Thanks to FM International - our distributor - and all of the stores that have ordered HIB #1 so far. FYI Issue #2 is at the POD printer -- we'll do the mass-market runs as soon as we have some ads to fill the pages! Please contact us to make an offer! If you ordered HIB #2 through FM International, they will be getting shipping of the comic direclty from our printer in the first week of July - so yours will probably come in the second week of July or so. Last but not least thanks for everyone who has contributed Fan Art so far. Everyone, visit our site and check it out! We also have a link to preview pages of issue #2!