A Fan Letter: I Can't Find DFG Comics At My Newstand!

Dear Mr. DFG:

I am having trubble finding DFG Comics at my local newstand. I feel verry worried. I really like DFG becuz they have many of favrit heroes, like Spymaster and Captain Nepto. My mom bought me sum DFG Comics at Christmas but I have only been able to find one since then (Spy Comics: Villains #1). I shure hope you are not out of bizness because you guys are the best.

-Jimmy (Age 8)

Dear Jimmy (Age 8):

It is very good to hear from you again, Jimmy. DFG Comics is alive and well. Old "Uncle Frank" has been off on a little holiday and its just that things have fallen a little behind here at DFG -- I hope you will understand. Things are beginning to get back on track. Spy Comics Presents #5 will be out really soon. Watch for other exciting DFG Comics including Future Spy: The Invincibles of the 25th Century coming later this Spring.

Sincerely,
Frank Daniels
DFG Production Manager (and Answer Man)

Spy Comics Presents #3 Wins "Cover of the Year!"

By Prof. Martin R. Schoedel

Official DFG Historian

Spy Comics Presents #3 has won "Cover of the Year" in the 2008 DFG Fan Awards. The result is strangely appropriate given that it was real team effort by DFG Co-Publishers Dan Graves and Darryl Andrews. When reached for comment, Mr. Andrews noted, "It's kind of funny because it really was a last-minute thought to do this cover at all. Dan had a whole other cover pencilled for the issue that was given to Peter Repovski to ink. Pete's other professional commitments delayed the cover so we were behind the eight ball in getting the issue out. I had previously prepared a cover for Captain Nepto Prime #1, but when that title's focus changed, we scrapped the cover. I had passed the line art for the Nepto and Jester image on to Dan to use if the need came up. Well, Dan is not one to waste top-tier artwork and when the crisis over the cover for Issue 3 arose, he drew some quite stunning images of Holden, Bates, Glow Girl, and the Grim Avenger and did a composite of both our drawings to create this award-winning cover." When asked for further comment, Dan Graves added, "Darryl's got the story down quite accurately. Although Nepto does not appear in the story attacking the Jester, the interior story was about the above-mentioned members of the Invincibles trying to stop an assassination attempt by The Warrior (under contract to Nepto) on the Jester in his civilian identity as the mayor of Carnage City. It worked quite nicely as a "hook" to draw people into the story. It was all capped off by some very nice colouring by the late Flora Lovaratlot."

The Cover for Captain Nepto Prime came in second place. Watch this space for the next installment of the 2008 DFG Fan Awards!

2008 DFG Fan Awards -- Part III: Cover of the Year!

By Prof. Martin R. Schoedel
Official DFG Historian

With the first two polls closed, it is now time for our third poll! In this poll, DFG fans will be asked to name their favourite DFG Covers for the year of 2008. Covers featured are the following:

Spy Classics #3 (Art by Graves/Lovartalot)
Spy Classics #3 (Art by Andrews/Lovartalot)
Spy Comics Presents The Invincibles #3 (Art by Graves/Andrews/Lovartalot)
Spy Comics Presents The Invincibles #4 (Art by Graves/Lovartalot)
Captain Nepto Prime #1 (Art by Abbot/Andrews/Lovartalot)
Captain Nepto Prime #2 (Art by Abbot/Andrews/Lovartalot)

All of the covers appear in right-hand sidebar of this page.

Let the voting begin!

DFG Fan Awards Poll 2 Closes -- Louise Beats the Competition

By Prof. Martin R. Shoedel
Official DFG Historian

Well fans, the second poll of our 2008 DFG Fan Awards has closed! This second installment was for the fan of the year and we are pleased to announce that Louise Expatcanuck has won this prestigious honour by narrowly defeating Jimmy (age 8). In fact, Louise and Jimmy (age 8), were tied neck and neck in the polls until the last 26 minutes of voting until a last minute vote came in pushing Louise over the top and knocking Jimmy (age 8) down the the secondary position. DFG enthusiast and collector Javier Santamotzarello came in a distant third.

Louise will receive a special DFG original art piece signed by the ENTIRE DFG staff, suitable for framing.

Jimmy (age 8) will receive a free copy of the Spy Classics Annual #1 (origins issue) due out later this year.

Javier will receive a free "DFG or bust" collectors' button.

Javier, who was interviewed late this afternoon by the Canadian Comic Insider was philosophical about his honourable mention. "Well," he noted, "I haven't been a DFG collector as long as Joe Macrel and Johnny Seamore, and those guys didn't even get a single vote, so I guess I should be happy... and I'm very pleased with the button. Any new piece of DFG memorabilia added to my collection makes me happy."

Louise was notified by email and sent this response, "You're darned right I'm the fan of the year. I didn't plan on being beat out by a petulant little 8 year old snot-nose. Everyone knows 8 year olds aren't fans they're just punks."

At press time, Jimmy (age 8) was unavailable for comment but was reported to be crying in his mother's arms.

Watch this space for part 3 of the 2008 DFG Fan Awards, coming soon!

Vote for your Favourite DFG Fan! Part 2 of the 2008 DFG Fan Awards

By Prof. Martin R. Schoedel
Official DFG Historian

Well, as announced earlier (click here for story), Part 1 of the 2008 DFG Fan Awards has closed with Dan Graves being declared the creator of the year. We now turn to our second poll. This is an unusual poll for the comics industry, but we at DFG Comics believe that our fans are what make our comics great! To this end we are announcing our second poll, "Who is your favourite DFG fan?"

For the uninitiated, allow me to introduce our nominees. First up is noted DFG enthusiast and collector, Javier Santamotzarello. Javier is perhaps the best-known of DFG's fans. Javier began collecting DFG memorabilia over 2 decades ago, has organized several DFG conventions, owns his own DFG Comics and Memorabilia store in Mexico City, and has been guest on numerous talk shows (including Oprah, Larry King, Brian Linehan, CityLine, the Jack Parr Show, Good Morning America, Good Morning Mexico, Good Morning Carnage City, Good Night Nurse, Good Night Moon, Conan O'Brien, Johnny Carson, Jay Leno, and others) speaking about his ongoing interest in all things DFG.

Second is Louise Expatcanuck. Louise is one of our newer fans, but very enthusiastic. In fact she has made a recent significant contribution to the DFG Universe by creating our newest villain, Spychiatrist. Louise drove all the way from North Carolina to Carnage City to lead a prayer vigil when our beloved, and now deceased colourist, Flora Lovartalot lay dying. She also headed up the "Tether for Flora" campaign in which many mourning fans wore little Ikea tether straps on the lapels reminding us always to tether our Ikea shelves lest another tragic shelving accident happens like the one that felled Flora. She has also acheived a mythic status in fandom for having vulcan nerve-pinched Frank Daniels at the last Carnage City ComicCon.

Next up are Joe Macrel and Johnny Seamore. These two cousins have been DFG fans from the start. Little is known about them except for being faithful fans and letter writers ever since DFG began bringing us the best in Canadian comics way back in 1981.

Jimmy, age 8, is one of our newest fans and wrote a very charming letter to our DFG fan club site earlier this year. We at DFG always try to remember that every DFG Comics is always someone's first comic, and so we try to make each one memorable. Thanks to Jimmy for reminding us about our own experiences of reading comics at his age. He even touched the hardened old heart of DFG Production Manager Frank Daniels.

Lexington Mazaicecreamconey sent us a letter earlier this year that was quiet a good letter. We was lambasted by Frank Daniels for his stupidity. Lex's inclusion in this poll is our way of making it up to him and part of our agreement, brokered through our legal counsel, Sir Milton Goldfarbstein, QC, KG, LLB, PhD, to avoid his lawsuit for defamation.

Well, those are our contenders... you have seven days to get your votes in.

We'll be back in 7 days with the results and an all-new poll in the 2008 DFG FAN AWARDS!

First Results in for the 2008 DFG Fan Awards!

By Prof. Martin R. Schoedel
Official DFG Historian

Well, fans the first of the 2008 DFG Fan Awards polls have closed and you have voted. We are happy to announce that DFG President and Co-Publisher Dan Graves has won the "Creator of the Year Award." This award includes an all-expense paid 10 day trip to Carnage City and includes passes many off-broadway shows, passes to the several well-known museums and galleries and 10 days and 9 nights at the Carnage City Hilton and Towers. Congratulations to Mr. Graves.

Our Co-Publisher and Vice President Darryl Andrews came in a close second and will receive 2 tickets to the upcoming DFG Classic Film Festival at the beautifully restored Carnage City Imperial Theatre.

Honourable Mention goes to Comic Book Legend and Superstar Todd Abbot. Mr. Abbot will receive a one-year supply of non-clumping kitty litter.

Congratulation to all our winners. And thanks to the law firm Goldfarbstein and Assoc. for overseeing the poll. Watch for the next series of polls in the 2008 DFG Fan Awards, coming soon!

A Fan Query: Why So Angry, Frank?

Dear DFG Answer Man (a.k.a Frank Daniels):

A bunch of us loyal fans were talking at the last Carnage City Comicon about how grumpy you always seem. Every time anyone writes in with a perfectly reasonable request for information about our favourite Comic Book Company, you issue some snarky reply and treat the fans like we are complete morons, what gives? And then we stopped by the DFG booth to meet you and see if you were any nicer in person and you told Louise Expatcanuck (a very loyal DFG fan) to stop reading the comics because the collectors like them to be in mint. She told you that she was NOT reading the comics and that she was very carefully perusing their content. It was then that you lunged at her and tried to take her out. If it weren't for the fact that she had learned the vulcan nerve pinch at last year's Carnage City Sci-Fi Con, she might very well be in the hospital right now! What gives Frank, you used to be a nice guy!?

Sincerely,
Joe Macrel,
Nunavut.

Dear Joe Crapferbrains:

What gives? First of all, you ARE morons! ALL OF YOU! What on earth compels grown up men (and women) to spend their free time dressed up in superhero costumes wandering around a sweaty convention centre trying to get pictures and autographs of artists who can't make it in the real world so they draw comics? You think I like this worthless job? I need to put food on the table for my nine children and pay support to my four ex-wives! If I didn't have that burden, I'd tell Graves and Andrews what they could do with this freakin' job. Sure, I'll do the job but I don't have to take crap from punks like you or that stateside freak Louise Expatcanuck, so go back to your basements and make sure your comics are all alphabetized accordingly because I'm getting tired of your petty little lives.

Sincerely,
Frank Daniels
DFG Production Manager (and Answer Man)

A Fan Letter: Publication Delays

Dear DFG:

I am a long-time fan of DFG, but am very dissapointed by all the recent delays in you titles. Captain Nepto Prime July and August have still not been completed, Spy Comics Presents #5 was announced for a December release and has not appeared, and the Retro-Spy Christmas Special has now been put off until next Christmas! What gives!?!? We dedicated fans want to read DFG Comics, but you folks can't seem to get them out on time. We want our comic books and yet DFG is consistently tardy in releasing them on time. What explanation can you offer?

Sincerely,
Johnny Seamore
Vancouver, B.C.

Dear Johnny "Complainalot":

Listen punk, have you ever tried to put out a line of comic books while working with some of the biggest pig-headed creators in the industry? I can make up all the nice flow-charts and printing schedules that I want, but when prima dona creators like Todd Abbot, and yes, even our two esteemed publishers, Graves and Andrews, cannot even hand in their artwork on time, what do you expect me to do? Do you want me to run blank pages off the printing presses and tell you that the Spymaster and Capt. Nepto are caught in a snow storm? What do you take me for, some kind of shyster? I'm going to be square with you kid, working in this industry is no picnic. We have four titles (no, count that five, ever since our fearless leader introduced that stupid Spy Comics: Villains title) that I am trying to keep on schedule. Artists don't work on schedules, kid. They just hand in their work when ever than damned well feel like it. When I get it, I print it. And now, with our dear Flora gone, I'm doing all the friggin' colouring, too! I'm only one man, kid, so let up a little, okay? You'll get your comic books when I print them. And remember, their only comic books. Why don't you get a girlfriend or something?

Sincerely,
Frank Daniels,
DFG Production Manager (and Answer Man).

A Fan Letter: "Spy Comics: Villians" Series

Dear DFG:

I was intrigued by your Villain of the Month profile in which it said that your new villain Spychiatrist will be featured in an all-new DFG series Spy Comics: Villains. What can you tell me about this new series?

Javier Santamotzarello,
(Noted DFG Comics enthusiast)
Mexico City, Mexico

Dear Javier:

The problem with you fans is that you can't just take a "teaser" and be teased, you always have to know more and more. If our publisher, Dan Graves, gives you a teaser you should just bloody well be pleased to get what information that he gives out and not come whining to me for more details. What more do you want to know? There's a new series starting this Spring called Spy Comics: Villains. You know that because our boss-man told you. It stars Spychiatrist, a creation of one of our fans, Louise Expatcanuck, who I might add, is not near as annoying as you are with all your inane questions every fifteen minutes... at least she sends in useful ideas that we can use with minimal remuneration. Spychiatrist is the therapist to the heroes, or so they think, until he starts selling their secrets to the underworld. There. Happy now? What, no? You want me to give away the whole story? Why don't I just tell you the whole thing and then you wouldn't have to buy the friggin' book.

Did I mention that it will feature guest appearances by the Grim Avenger, the Flea, the all-new Spymaster, and Cyclone? No? Well now I did, and you'd better still buy the book punk.

Affectionately,

Frank Daniels
DFG Production Manager (and Answer Man).

DFG Drink Coasters

Hey fans! Still looking for that special Christmas gift? Well it's not too late to order the Series One of the new DFG Comics Drink Coasters. That's right, if you are tired of all your friends thinking comic books are only useful as drink coasters, we have the perfect solution! Four of your favourite DFG covers are presented in miniature securely fastened BEHIND GLASS. That's right, now you can place your scotch on the rocks on your favourite DFG comic without worring about destroying any of your valuable collection!

DFG Comics Drink Coasters are the brainchild of DFG VP and Co-Publisher Darryl Andrews (who oversees the licensing and merchandising division from our Peterborough office). "I was really getting upset that whenever we had company, my spouse would pull out a DFG comic and use it as a coaster when serving drinks. I know that many fans and collectors have experienced this same problem. Comic books just don't get no respect in our society. I lost more valuable copies of Spy Comics back issues in this manner. But then I came up with this brilliant idea... uninformed ignorant people can still show all the disrepect that they want to our beloved art form and at the same time we can be assured that our comics won't be hopelessly destroyed by drink ringstains. And hey, it's just fun to kick back with a cold drink and enjoy those DFG covers without fear of damage. It is sure to cut down on many arguments in your homes, too!"

DFG Comics Drink Coasters Series 1 features the following covers, Spy Classics #4, Captain Nepto Prime August 2008, Retro-Spy #3, and Spy Comics Presents #6, and is still available for Christmas delivery by sending a cheque or money order for $49.95 cdn, to DFG Comics, 1771 Daniel F. Graves Avenue, Carnage City, CANADA. Series 2 will be available sometime in the new year.

Meet the DFG STAFF!

This special feature, which will be included in an upcoming issue of one of our DFG titles is offered here for your enjoyment. (Click on the page images to enlarge)

We hope you enjoy getting to know us!

Sincerely,

Frank Daniels

DFG Production Manager (and answer man).

Another Fan Question

Hello Mr. DFG,

My name is Jimmy and I am eight years old. I would like to know about the history of the relationship between Captain Nepto & The Spy-Master. Have they always been friends or do they fight as well?

Sincerely,

Jimmy [age 8]

P.S. Can you send me an autograph?

Dear Jimmy:

Always nice to hear from our younger fans. The Spymaster and Captain Nepto began teaming up in early issues of the original Captain Nepto series, way back in the early 1980's! They were fast friends and original members of the first Invincibles team. They even took turns being the chairman (Redman also took a turn). If you can get your mom or dad to take you to any fine comic store, you can probably buy back issues of those classic stories, if you save up your allowance. You might also try to track down Captain Nepto Annual #1 that tells the origin of the Spymaster/Nepto team (in which they first learn each others' secret identities!). I should note that that story will be retold in this month's Spy Classics (#4) due to be released soon! In recent years their relationship has deteriorated and now the Spymaster (who is retired from costumed crime fighting), in his civilian identity as Julius Smithers leads the "official" Invincibles team, while Captain Nepto is leading a "renegade" version of the team. Watch for Spy Comics Presents the Invincibles #5, due out in early December for the final chapter of The Battle of the Invincibles!

And of course you can have an autograph... In fact, we are sending you an autographed copy of Todd Abbot's How to Draw Comix, And Make Money! Maybe one day you will be working for DFG! Thanks for writing, Jimmy.

Sincerely,

Frank Daniels

The DFG Answer Man.

November Creator of the Month -- DARRYL ANDREWS!

Our Creator of the Month for November is none other than DFG co-founder, co-publisher and Vice-President, Darryl Andrews. Since the early merger of DTA and DFG Comics in 1981 Darryl has been one of the two giants behind the DFG lineup. The creator of Captain Nepto and many other five-star DFG franchises is humble about his success was recently interviewed by a leading fanzine and was quite humble and low-key about his success in the comics industry, "DFG is simply the best, and I'm proud to be the driving force in its success." When asked about what DFG has in store for fans in the upcoming year, he added, "more of the best, of course. But watch our website closely over the days ahead for details on the return of Nightmare (a hero whose storyline went unfinished when Spy '96 was cancelled) and for news on the delayed Captain Nepto Prime August issue."

Pictured in this vintage photograph is Mr. Andrews working on Captain Nepto #7 (original series) in the mid-1980's at the DFG Orrville Ontario Branch Office. (Note his use of DFG's extensive reference library)

Creator of the Month

In a new feature we are introducing you to our DFG creators and staff members. This month we feature Leighton Graves -- the creator of such characters as Glow Girl, Marine Maiden, Garlic Girl, Mini-DJ, and The Goop. Leighton is a rising star in the DFG bullpen and has also been breaking new ground in our merchandising division with his sculpting of a new line of DFG models and action figures, of which his Spymaster model was recently previewed on the DFG mainpage. Perhaps Leighton's greatest creation is Glow Girl, who appears regularly as a member of the Invincibles in DFG's flagship title, Spy Comics Presents. Leighton is rarely seen without a pencil in hand and is constantly designing new characters and new costumes. Watch for these to appear in upcoming issues of your favourite DFG Comics, and in Leighton's own title Glow Comics.

Special Commemorative Print to Celebrate 32 Years of Friendship Between DFG Co-Publishers

This September mark 32 years since DFG co-publishers Dan Graves and Darryl Andrews first met. In the early days of 1976, when the pair were in Grade One at Beverley Acres Public School, they found themselves seated next to each other in Ms. Gutzman's class. On the first day of school Darryl looked over at Dan and said, "Want to be best friends?" Dan's affirmative answer resulted in 32 years of continued friendship and what has become the greatest partnership of all-time in Canadian Comics. In order to celebrate their 32 years of friendship, DFG is proud to release, in a limited, numbered edition, this never-before published personal sketch drawn by Darryl in 1984 for Dan.

The caption reads:

"To my best friend...

DANNY GRAVES
for his friendship over the years!

-Darryl Todd Andrews

(your pal forever!)

The drawing depicts Darryl's famous creation, Captain Nepto, running in with the sunrise, saying:

"Sure looks like it's gonna be a great day (for DFG)!!

At the official release of the print at DFG corporate HQ, President & Co-Publisher Dan Graves said, "Thank you, Darryl for your friendship over the years. It means more to me than I can say. Indeed, it is always a great day for DFG!"