August 2024's ToyMan Show Was a Blast!

I had some other obligations later in the morning (a friend's birthday party), but I was able to swing by the ToyMan Show earlier on today as it was kicking off. I always have a great time at the ToyMan show because it is practically a law that anyone who attends will find something they want/need. There is just so much stuff from so many vendors, how could you not locate a new treasure for yourself? Plus, a lot of my awesome friends go to the show so I'm always excited to see my chums!

I started this ToyMan show off by talking with John Chaffee of Bigfoot Comics and Jack Thomas of Fortress Comics. I also enjoyed catching up with my buddies Tim Metzger and Spike of Lost in Space Toys and Collectibles. I was able to say hello to other friendly faces such as Bruce Reynolds and my pal Tom from Alliance Comics, Toys, and Games. As I was browsing through comics at various vendors' tables I randomly came across an awesome variant cover to an issue of, "Uncanny Avengers," #1. Featuring artwork by Adi Granov where he depicts the Scarlet Witch, I bought it quickly! Have a look:

I also went upstairs where I saw other stellar folks such as Lindsay Hornsby and the folks behind Heroes for Kids. Plus, I was able to chat with Jessica Mathews about all of her exciting books she has in the works--as well as one that was just released! Titled, "The Lazy Monster Party," I bought a copy to enjoy with Clarkson and Gibson. Observe:

The latest ToyMan Show was chock-full of great wares as usual. Between the toys, Funko Pops, comics, DVDs, video-games, posters, and almost anything else in-between you're bound to have the best time at ToyMan finding something to add to your collection. If you couldn't make it to this show I'd highly recommend making time for the next one, September 29th--I'll (potentially) see you there!

Francesco Mattina Accused of Using AI for his Comic Covers

Mattina's latest work is being accused of mostly being AI.

I've seen a lot of rumors about Francesco Mattina in comics and just how much of his art he does versus ripping off from others and using Photoshop trickery to get away with the theft of fellow creators. Now, another comic artist is calling out Mattina. Adi Granov has been making posts online making it clear a new variant cover by Mattina is clearly produced by AI with some tweaks done by Mattina to attempt to hide the machine influence, but the nasty, "Fingerprints," of AI manifesting the work are there. The comic cover can be seen above with Superman.

My feelings on AI and how it isn't even really, "Art," are clear if you've read my blog. If the rumblings about Mattina are true (and things look damning) then why he would be getting work at a major publisher for doing little more than some typed prompts and hasty Photoshop alterations would be something DC should ask itself.