Thunder_Bird

It's too late now, but I would suggest next time NC makes an exclusive offer, they have the software prepped for download in case this happens again.
It's a major let down to the fan base they've built. Yes, it might not be their fault, but a promise is a promise. You've promised your product was available at a store exclusively: low and behold, I can't find it there.
Is it NC's problem; no.
You are a business though and the first thing NC should have done when they saw they're product NOT hitting the shelves(and they knew), they should have been on the phone talking to Walmart buyers and the marketing department.

Part of the problem lies with Walmart and their shady business practices.

The rest of the blame(at least 40%) lies on the shoulders of NC. When it comes to chain stores it is your job to make sure your product is hitting the shelves. No question. I've got more than 12 years in retail and I can tell you that's the truth.
NC is a little lazy and probably doesn't even hire auditors who go through the stores and check things out.
That's plain lazy and wouldn't float in most other forms of retail. I'm not threatening to hang up my cape or anything, but it lets you down a bit when you see these people working so hard to give you a quality product and then it all fall apart at the sales end.

I was thinking about this...perhaps this is exactly what Walmart wanted to do. You enter the store, head over to the electronics department(usually in the back of the store, past everything) looking around with little assistance from their nonexistent help. After 10 minutes of fruitless searching, some mouth-breather who works there gets bored checking out the 13 year old girls in the childrens department and see's you and figures, "hey, he looks like he might be shoplifting...or into kiddie porn", so he comes over to start a coversation with you.
He asks what your looking for, you tell him, he drools some more and responds, "Never heard of it". Now you've looked for 15 or 20 minutes in this hole of a business and get angry. Then you spot the 1st season of "Gargoyles" for $40 and say, "I'm not leaving here empty handed!"

It all makes sense now. Sleazy marketing tactics.

lol...burn.

I will give them a few days to locate an answer...sure it won't matter by then, but I would like to know someone who matters opinion, even if it's, "wow...that sucks for you guys". Obviously I'm not beating up the devs or suggesting they are the problem, but if I was them and had posted this would be available a certain date and it wasn't...I'd be miffed.

I know if I was Jack Emmert's neighbors kid and played CoH, I'd wait till he got out of his car and commence with the interrogation:

(Jack pulls up in his Porshe and gets out)

*THUMP*(soccerball lancing off his door)

(Jack surprised) "Hey! Watch out Johnny! Do you know how much this car is worth?"

"Probably more than the Good Vs. Evil edition of CoH I can't buy yet cause you guys hooked up with the corporate version of Jabba the Hutt."

(Jack blushes)"...Well...yes. That's right."

I would greatly appreciate someone from NC updating us on this debacle; it's just as simple as someone making a call to marketing and asking what the frag is going on...

Walmart is the worst, most vile chain of slave labor on the planet. I'm not a hippie, I don't push the belief in unions and frankly I don't care about Jimmy Chang in China slaving away at a Walmart factory with disentary 6 days of the week for 27 dollars. I don't care about them polluting rivers, eliminating the "mom & pop" business's across this country. I don't care about the fact that the majority of people running the company are souless undertakers to the poor, beaten down and overworked few who service their poorly organized shelves in defeated neighborhoods.

What I DO care about is the fact that they commit all these crimes against the world...and still can't manage to have some haggard wage slave drag a box out to the grubby floor of their poorly designed racket and peg the box of software at me.
That's all I ask; lance it off my skull on time at least.

*BUMP*....again....

Sayterra, thank you very much for the advice...I know very little about the business aspect of comics and it's great to get some real input! I feel my number one issue I must learn to deal with is the critic; I tend to just withdraw after a bad review...

"...but you do bring up a buncha good points."

I agree. Again, I have no intention of ripping anyone off. You say you know a fair number of struggling artists and people who get tricked into doing work for nothing. This doesn't surprise me; there are a fair number of shady people out there who make big promises and leave someone holding the bag.

I have made no promises about this project and have been up front about my expectations and requested for artists that really just want to see something they did in print. I don't offer them cash and glittering prizes; if there is an interest in the story I will persue this and sink additional funds into this.

Your suggestion of taking my story to a publisher is nice, but frankly I don't know anything about how a publishing deal goes; I don't have a lawyer and frankly I don't want one. Alot of comic books and people in the field have started off with self published work that they earned little or no money from for years. I have also heard of people being horribly burned trying to publish their work and frankly, hearing all the backroom workings of these business men and artists(both the writers AND the sketch artists) I don't know that I want to enter that area of the business.

I don't want to get rich, I'm not promising that you will if you assist me in creating this book. I can't even promise a check. I don't know how much more honest and up front I can be with everyone and frankly I don't know why I'm being attacked for the offer. I am sorry if you got burned in a deal you made with someone, that's too bad. I have a firm respect for artists and the time they put into their projects. It would be wrong to accept this project if you were looking to make a steady pay check; I don't intend to make a steady paycheck from this.

I meant no offense by this offer, so if you took offense I hope you forgive me.

OUCH! Now I feel like a creep for placing this offer on the board. Here, let me better explain myself...

I previously worked on computers for a living, all the while I had been tinkering with an idea for a comic. To be honest, eventually the job started to wear at my health; I got huge and fat. So, I shifted to a physically demanding job for health purposes, all the while, I continued to tinker with an idea for a comic. I bounced it off of friends, who game me their insight and opinions. I was never happy with what I was putting down.

Sure enough, 2 years later and a signifigant weigh drop, I had come up with a script for a 3 issue mini-series; I handed it over to those I trusted(I am generally a shy person and find it difficult to deal with criticism). My friends were honest; it needed some tweaking...7 months later I recieved a resounding "yes" on th finished story. In total, the script has been rewritten about 15 times.

I myself don't make a ton of cash and am taking a massive financial strain onto me; I've got a wife and a kid and I don't take this lightly expense-wise.

I respect artists greatly; I myself have pickd up a pencil and would do so again for this project, if not for the fact that it takes me entirely too long to produce an end project that looks exceptable. I am not looking for someone who wants a "job"; I am looking for someone who wants to maybe make their own dream come true and perhaps turn this into something bigger they can make cash off of.

I believe in my product, enough that I think if I brought it to a publisher I could sell it, but I don't want to sell it. It's my blood, sweat and tears(fat too) and if I can get an artist(which I will) it will be something we could grow together. I have no mythical belief of getting rich and famous over this, I just want to get my vision out there.

This also isn't something that's done after the mini-series; this comic series could continue. I have a millenia of ideas for this comic and have an interesting format plan for following issues.

I agree, cash is important...but is that really the reason you become an artist? Or is it to create and watch something come to life before you? I'm not here to rip anyone off, I just wanted to throw an offer out to this small community who has a very good collection of artists.

Just send it too me; we can discuss time later!

I am currently looking for an artist interested in perhaps working on an independant comic series with limited distribution in the North East. Very limited distro; probably no more than a a couple of 1000 issues. I've seen some great art here on this forum and would be interested in taking submissions. Important notes:

*Because of the fact that I would be financially backing this venture, any money earned would first be used to pay for the neccissary materials involved in printing and release and then what's left could be divided up. We are talking small time here folks. The prime reason to enter this would be to see your work published; perhaps something for your portfolio.
*The story is already written and has been rewritten. Your working with a completely original set of charecters and rules to a defined universe. The story is superhero based...with a twist.
*I'm looking for decent art work; I don't expect a professional. I want someone who can produce work proficiently and at a decent speed.
*I will look at everything. Please submit; no one art style is what I am looking for.

Email is oct14@cox.net

I was sitting at my desk and wondering, "what political affiliation does Captain America connect himself to", "what does Captain America like for music" and "does he go commando under his chainmail,or does it chaff" and low an behold, I talked to my dear friend James Lipton, host of the show "Inside the Actors Studio" and found he is going to be hosting a new show called "Inside the Superpersons HQ" where he asks a variety of questions of those in the superhero community. He gave me a list of answers,answering all my questions and more...

James: "Tonight we have with us the American legend and hero who...not only has saved this country, but this earth at least two or three times...his name is Captain America."

(applause from the crowd as the camera pans to Captain America, dressed in his chainmail, shield across the lap; he smiles and nods at the crowd)

Cap: (Chuckles) Actually it's been a few more than three James, but who's counting?(the crowd chuckles)

James: Indeed(he smirks). Captain, if I may we have a few questions for you that people have written in and we would like you to answer them if you wouldn't mind.

Cap: No problem; shoot away...

James: The first question comes from Donald in Atlantic City, New Jersey. He writes,"Long time watcher, big time fan here! Captain, What's your favorite movie?"(the crowd chuckles and James smiles at them) Careful how you answer this Captain, my students are watching...

Cap: (Looks thoughtfully in the air for a moment)Hmmm...good question Donald...let's see...I think my favorite movie is either "Saving Private Ryan" or "Patton". It's fair to say both have a special place in my heart as I am not only a vet of the war, but I also saw the men fall and die there for freedom. I like Patton because I met him back then; tough as nails that guy. He'd run right into battle with you. I liked him alot.

James: Good movie as well... OK, next question; this one comes from Lena of Tunerville, Arkansas. She writes, "What are you political leanings?"

Cap: (Looks uncomfortable)Ooo, jeez! That's something I generally don't like to get into...wow, ya know this comes up often(giggles from the crowd) on the job. I had a guy I saved from an enraged Ultron copy the other day ask me that; dropped him right down, just out of the range of a heated plasma blast and uphe comes with it, "How do you vote Cap!?" I'll give you the same answer I gave him; undeclared.

James: Hmmm, I always pictured you as a republican myself-

Cap: No, not at all; I and my uniform represent all of America and i fall on both sides of fence depending on the topic. Undeclared is my answer.

James: Fair enough. Our last question now, before the 10 questions comes from all the way from germany and is written by Skully Rosetta. he asks, " Do you wear anything under the chainmail to prevent chaffing?"
(laughs from the crowd)

Capsmiles and laughs) actually, I wear a thin bodysuit under it and yes, going commando would chaff, as i can indeed assure you.
(more laughter from the crowd)

James: Sorry for so few a questions, but we are bound by time Captain-

Cap: No problem James; I've been on a few time schedules myself.

James: OK, on with the ten questions...
What is your favorite word?

Cap: freedom

James: What is your least favorite word?

Cap: Oppression.

James: What turns you on creatively, spiritually or emotionally?

Cap: (Cap thinks for a bit and looks confused) Believe it or not james, I'd say the stress of my job.

James: Does it...?

Cap: I leap out of planes without a shute, I tackle entities that conquer galaxies and I face death on a regular basis. I seem to thrive and excel at surviving in these things and leading other people into them. I say stress...

James: fair enough Captain; your the first... Next question; What turns you off?

Cap: Corruption.

James: What is your favorite curse word?

Cap: I don't swear...(he strains thinking)I think I said "poop" once...(the crowd chuckles)

James: What sound or noise do you love?

Cap: The sound you hear when you enter a park in asmall town; children laughing, people talking, the buzz of the bees. It sounds like community...

James: What sound or noise do you hate?

Cap: The sound of the bombs going off. I hated that; I can't dodge a big bomb. They make huge ones now...

James: What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?

Cap: (he thinks)hmmm... i can't really say...yeah, i can't really say.

James: Understood. What profession would you not like to attempt?

Cap: Something at a desk. Anything at a desk.

James: If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?

Cap: You did the right things Cap.

The Continuing story of Thunder Bird and Tribal Force

If you like my story tell me, otherwise I'll stop and won't waste anymore time! Thanks for any feedback...


Eric RedCloud dropped the arcwielder as the titanium alloy bonded; he kicked the visor up on his helmet and smiled. The moment of creation and completion was the most pleasing thing for him and he cherished it as his hand slid along the metallic chest plate of the armor. "Hey...you done 'cloud," asked his chubby friend behind him. Eric turned and smiled at Don Little-Turtle, "Yeah man, get the Assembler we rigged up and running in the gym. I wanna take her for a spin." Don turned his cap round and popped a piece of gum in his mouth, "Already done boss." Eric touched the chest plate and it slid open with a hiss, revealing the softly lit interior and complicated sensors inside. As he stripped down to his thin body suit, he stepped into the armor and triggered it to close. As it sealed, all that was left revealed was his face below his nose and his long hair pulled back in a ponytail. "Watch the gauges on the assembler Don, last time the thing almost killed me," Eric said as he stepped in front of the mirror. Don hopped off the spinning chair and hiked up his pants as he turned, "Your not going to let me forget that are you?" Eric stood still in the mirror and brushed the small scuff out of his shoulder plate, "Not a chance bro; lets do this."

Eric made his way down the hall as Don cut off into the control room of Tribal Security LLC. test labs. Eric and Don had created this company from the ground up hiring other indigenous people as well; they believed in helping their own. Eric stepped into the "Gym" through the sliding titanium door. The "Gym" was a relative secret in the company; here they tested out new armor and meta individuals power levels. The armor worn by Eric was his baby; the Thunder Bird armor. It had been a product of reverse technology studies he had performed while working for Crey industries. He had discovered Resinium, a energy and that was 10 times more powerful than electricity and sound; the two sources used to create it. The plasma formed almost burned through the building if not for Eric's quick thinking, who quickly tossed the plate of Resinium 14 under it and contained it; it turned out that resinium 14 was the only substance that could contain resinium plasma. Eric formed a suit to work with the material and compiled his information and revealed it to his superiors; who quickly shut him out.
Later Eric found that his research was to be used for government weapons; angry and sickened, Eric stole into the compound and destroyed all of his research, stealing the suit and last sample of of resinium. He fled from Paragon City back to the reservation and worked in secret there, away from the prying eyes of Crey. After a year, Eric revealed to his trusted friend and fellow scientist Don Little-Turtle the new suit, which was powered by resinium and he called the "Thunder Bird" armor. With his friends, family and people behind him, he started Tribal Security LLC.; an organization of security specialists and high tech security devices for the home or business. To this date, they are the only company that keeps on staff a number of powered agents, which makes them a major attraction for the large companies in the market today.
"You ready 'cloud," asked Don over an intercom. "Yeah, crank her up," he viewed the assembler across from him; it stood silent and massive at 7 feet tall, a bizarre compilation of twisted metal and electronics. They had utilized an EMP to shut it down when they caught it on the street two month's ago and used the same action to shut it off when the Thunder Bird armor locked up a week ago. Eric was tired of playing with the armor and had just finished the adjustments, hoping for good results this time, "Ready when you are Don." The assembler cranked to life suddenly as Don turned it on; it turned to the left and right taking its surroundings in and then locked it's attention onto Eric...and charged. As it ran, it shook the whole room with a metallic clang, it's clawed hand snapping at the air in anticipation of crushing Eric to a pulp. Don sat up in the control room with his finger on the EMP button, "Come on man, come on...work this time..."
Eric waited and triggered his hand attack; his armored fist began to coat itself in a resinium field as the monolith bore down on him. As it arrived and raised it's metallic fist to strike, Eric struck first with devastating affect; his fist slammed hard into the assemblers torso, tearing out chunks of steel and electronics. "CRAP," yelled Don over the intercom, "He was suppose to be tossed back!" As the assembler hit Eric to the ground, he grimaced and yelled an "I know!" "You want me to putt it to sleep," yelled Don again as the assembler slammed repeatedly at Eric, the strikes bouncing off his armored hide. "Nope...I got this under control...," Eric said from the floor; he pulled his feet back and lashed out, driving both heels into the assembler, tossing it back. Eric jumped to his feet and triggered his hand strike again as the assembler got to its feet, this time he connected with the expected results; the assembler sailed back, driving hard into the unbreakable alloy wall. As it got to its feet again, Eric triggered the flight mechanism and lifted into the air, soaring towards the assembler.
"Cripes...its working man...its working," was all Don could manage as Eric drifted above the assembler and triggered a high intensity blast of resinium, tossing the assembler back again, shattering it's left arm. As it dragged itself to it's feet, Eric lashed out with a concentrated beam of resinium, tearing a two foot whole through the clockworks hide, dropping it to the ground. Eric drifted back and took up aim with his money shot; the long range, laser beam he had developed. As it powered up, the assembler dragged itself to it's feet and charged full tilt at him. Don watched as the clockwork closed in; thirty feet, twenty feet, ten feet, "DO IT MAN! If it connects at that speed your dead!" As it came within five feet, Eric let lose with the beam, shattering the assembler into parts, which covered Eric and his armor in flak. Don took notice of the guages and noted their settings and watched for the tell tale appearence of the gears; tiny defense and repair bots built into all of the larger clockwork models. As they appeared, Eric let loose with an area attack, dropping the gears as they appeared.
Don stepped into the Gym as Eric brushed off his suit, "MAN! That was fantastic; simply beauty in motion. How did it feel Eric?" Eric smiled at Don and slapped him on the back with a grin, "Awesome man; by the way," Eric said as they made for the Gym door. "What's up bro," said Don, brushing off the pieces of clockwork hanging from the suit. Eric hit the chest plate release, revealing Eric inside, "When I wear the armor man, can you call me Thunder Bird?" Don laughed as the Gym door closed, "You got it...Thunder Bird."