I know that this should have been announced on Friday, but I was having a bit of a problem choosing the winner. This is my first contest and it seems like all I’ve been doing is eating and breathing superheroes. The problem I had with choosing the winner of this contest is that I had my “panel of judges” which consisted of five friends, who I asked to pick the entry they liked the best. I printed each entry out without any identifying information and numbered each one. I then asked my panel to read each one and let me know which one they liked the best. The thing I didn’t anticipate was that each person would like a different entry, so I had five different people with five choices as to what was the best entry.

Before I get to the winner and how I choose him or her, I want to say that I had fun with this and I enjoyed the sneak preview at the 2010 ShoWest convention - thanks to Derick from Comic Oasis for the heads up on the passes. That also brings me to the fact that without Derrick or Comic Oasis this would not have been possible since he supplied the comic book, so you should really check out his site and join his myspace, facebook, and follow him on twitter - you never when he’s going to announce a special signing or offer. If you join and he announces a special in-store signing you can send me an email and if I’m able to get to the store - most times I’m there for the signings - I’ll pick something up for you and have it signed.

Ok now for the winner and how I choose him - well, I took the five entries that were chosen by my panel and re-numbered them from 1 - 5 and then I had my four year niece give me a number between 1 and 5 and that was the entry that will get the comic book.

And the winner for “Tony’s Kick Ass Contest” is Joseph Travis.

So Joseph, if you read this please email me your address so I can send this comic book out to you right away.

Now, before you go hating on Joseph - I’ve decided that I would have a second chance contest. It seems that I received many emails after the contest was over telling me that they had missed the contest and would have liked to participate in it. Now, I have my own issue of a first print “Kick-Ass” number 1 that is signed by both Mark Millar and John Romita Jr. that I am willing to give away in this second chance contest. I have to add that there may be other items for second, third, fourth, and fifth place - but I won’t confirm that until I get things worked out for that. I will say that the other “stuff” is really cool too and I’m sure anyone would be happy to have it.

I know you’re asking how does this new contest work and why would you even consider giving away your own comic? First off, I originally thought about giving my comic away, but Derrick gave me one to give out when he found out was I was doing, so I was already comfortable with giving it away and here’s a little secret I have a set of “Kick-Ass” comics from 1-6 that are signed.

How does this contest work? Well, I want to make it easier, so there is not going to be any “what kind of superhero would you be if you were a superhero?” kind of questions. I got the idea for this when I met with my fellow bloger “Boomer” from “Boomer Mussings” As we ate some good Mexican food he and I talked about the fact that although our blogs get a few hit’s a day we don’t seem to get many comments. He said that comments were like bloggers’ applause, and I don’t think I have a big ego, but every once in awhile I like a pat on the back or maybe a little applause - so if you want the comic you’re going to have to show some love and give up some “blogger applause” - from this post on, any and all comments will be an entry into “Tony’s 2^nd Chance Kick-Ass Contest” This time around there is not going to be any superhero posts or big graphics directing you to the contest - just a quiet, comment on this blog and you will be entered into the contest. The movie premiers on April 16, so all comments on any and all blog posts between now and April 15 will be considered as entries, so go on - comment on this

I bet now you’re scratching your head wondering “is there a way to get bonus entries?” Well, I’m glad you asked that - yes there is if you comment and link from your blog, face book, etc to my blog I’ll give you an additional three entries per link - I know that’s going to be a pain to keep up with, but I’m willing to do it - maybe it should be called “Tony’s pain the ass” contest - hahaha I know, I’m a geek, but that’s part of my charm.

Well, with that said - I look forward to this contest and I look forward to getting back to posting regular posts on here.