MySpace a place for friends

 I co-founded the comic book line ROCK 'N' ROLL COMICS and wrote the majority of the issues. Made some good scratch, spent it all. Made lots more scratch as the publisher of CARNAL COMICS: True Stories Of Adult Film Stars. Together, the two titles were some of the top selling indie comics of the 90s. I also created the comic strip Rock Tales, which began in Rip Magazine and now runs in Spin.

 Now I write for the SAN DIEGO READER ( Blurt, Lists, cover features, etc.), the nation's third largest circulation weekly newspaper. I also write and draw two weekly comic strips for the Reader - Overheard In San Diego (since January 1996) and Famous Former Neighbors. In addition, I write and do freelance art for anybody with $. Haven't punched a timeclock in 16 years, but I'm the busiest unemployed guy I know.

WANNA BE FEATURED IN A SAN DIEGO READER STORY???? If you're a local musician or involved in the San Diego music scene in any way, and you have an offbeat or interesting story to tell, contact me here or at: jas2669@aol.com  

A documentary film was recently made about Rock 'N' Roll Comics and the murder of original publisher Todd Loren. Produced by Bulletproof Film, UNAUTHORIZED & PROUD OF IT features Alice Cooper, Gene Simmons, Mojo Nixon, publishers Gary Groth and Denis Kitchen, artist Robert Williams, famed groupie Cynthia Plaster Caster and many others - the film trailer can be viewed below, just hit play. To visit the Bulletproof Film's website and read about the movie, here's a link: http://www.bulletprooffilm.com/frame.html

Internet Movie Database review of "Unauthorized and Proud Of It": http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0469213/usercomments

Variety Magazine review of "Unauthorized & Proud Of It": http://stage.variety.com/index.asp?layout=review&reviewid=VE1117930730&categoryid=31&cs=1

Revolutionary Comics on Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Revolutionary_Comics

Carnal Comics on Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carnal_comics

Rock 'N' Roll Comics official websites: http://www.rocknrollcomics.com/

http://www.myspace.com/rocknrollcomics

A new book chronicles the history of rock 'n' roll/comic book crossovers, including long and detailed chapters on Revolutionary's Rock 'N' Roll Comics. CAN ROCK & ROLL SAVE THE WORLD? by Ian Shirley has lots of rare pics and art and it can usually be found on eBay or from the publisher at link below - he interviewed tons of former Revolutionaries AND rival publishers, and the resultant book is terrific. Ian also wrote about our comics for Mojo Magazine and other major newstand publications, so he's pretty much an adopted Revolutionary now. Cover art by Mike "Madman" Allred!

"Can Rock'N'Roll Save The World?" by Ian Shirley

BUY ROCK 'N' ROLL COMICS AND CARNAL COMICS ON EBAY - Seller name jas2669. Just click this link to see what's up for auction this week: http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZjas2669

 Click here to visit the official Rock 'N' Roll Comics MySpace page, and read about the new rock comic graphic novels being released in 2010 by Bluewater Productions, the company behind the recent well-publicized bio comics on the Obamas, Oprah Winfrey, Michael Jackson, etc - www.myspace.com/rocknrollcomics

OVERHEARD IN SAN DIEGO: Seen weekly in the Reader since 1996, an archive of Overheard comics is NOW ONLINE!

http://www.sandiegoreader.com/photos/galleries/overheard-san-diego/

FAMOUS FORMER NEIGHBORS: Over 100 San Diego celeb comic strips in the Reader's online archive!

http://www.sandiegoreader.com/photos/galleries/famous-former-neighbors/

..

THIS WEEK'S BLURT COLUMN:

http://www.sandiegoreader.com/news/blurt/

LINKS TO SOME OF THE FEATURE ARTICLES ON THE SAN DIEGO READER WEBSITE, ROCK AROUND THE TOWN, AND BLOGSANDIEGO:

Rock 'N' Roll Comics: The Inside Story -- "Did Andrew Cunanan Kill Todd Loren?" with rare and unpublished art, plus reviews of the film "Unauthorized & Proud Of It: Todd Loren's Rock 'N' Roll Comics."

http://www.sandiegoreader.com/weblogs/bands/2007/sep/12/rock-n-roll-comics-the-inside-story

Carnal Comics: The Inside Story -- How and why we made a bunch of the top-selling erotic comic books of all-time, or "Why I No Longer Date Porn Stars." (mature content - duh!)

http://www.sandiegoreader.com/weblogs/bands/2007/sep/08/carnal-comics-the-inside-story-jay-allen-sanfor

"Deepest Dimension Terror Anthology: The Inside Story of a Twilight Zone Spin-Off Comic" An essay on a horror comic book series I co-created with original Twilight Zone writer George Clayton Johnson, including unpublished art and more.

http://www.sandiegoreader.com/weblogs/bands/2007/sep/05/deepest-dimension-terror-anthology-twilight-zone

"Two Men And Their Comic Books" - Cover story 8-19-04: The definitive and detailed inside story of Pacific Comics, my one-time employers and the first big indie comic book company. With nearly 100 never-published graphics!

http://www.sandiegoreader.com/weblogs/bands/2007/sep/08/pacific-comics-the-inside-story-jay-allen-sanford

"When Your Love Is Locked Up" - Cover story 2-10-05: On CA women's prisons and the families and loved ones of prisoners. Focus is on my good friend Danielle Barcheers, the 2nd youngest female ever convicted of a capital crime in CA state history (now ten years into a 20-to-life sentence).

http://www.sandiegoreader.com/weblogs/bands/2008/jun/13/25-to-life-in-prison-since-she-was-15-plus-i-fough/

"Before It Was The Gaslamp: Balboa's Last Stand" - Cover story 6-21-07: In the late 70s/early 80s, I worked at downtown San Diego's grindhouse all-night movie theaters, for the owner of the Pussycat Theatre chain, Vince Miranda - this detailed feature recalls those dayz, the death of the Balboa Theatre, etc.

http://www.sandiegoreader.com/weblogs/bands/2008/jul/23/before-it-was-the-gaslamp-now-with-50-more-content/

"Field Of Screens" - Cover story 7-6-06: Complete theater-by-theater history of San Diego drive-ins thru the years.

http://www.sandiegoreader.com/weblogs/bands/2008/aug/01/drive-in-theaters-in-san-diego-complete-illustrate/

"Pussycat Theaters - When 'Cathouses Ruled California" -- for the first time, the detailed inside story of the west coast Pussycat Theater chain of adult moviehouses, which peaked in the '70s but later died out. Told by those who actually ran the theaters! http://www.sandiegoreader.com/weblogs/bands/2008/dec/26/pussycat-theater-history-when-cathouses-ruled-ca-5/

"Battle Of The Peeps" - feature article about a weird gig I had in the mid-'80s, running a strip club called Jolar, for the nation's second biggest pornographer, Harry Mohney (Deja Vu Showgirls founder).

http://www.sandiegoreader.com/weblogs/bands/2008/oct/23/battle-of-the-peeps---an-insider-history-of-san-di/

"Borrowed Fame" - Cover story 3-19-09: Some musicians see tribute groups as a way to get a foot in the door of the music industry. Others have been on the other side of that door, only to find more closed doors. Copping someone else’s successful act may seem the only chance at earning a bit of applause, adulation, and -- ultimately -- affirmation, however secondhand. http://www.sandiegoreader.com/news/2009/mar/18/borrowed-music-borrowed-look-borrowed-fame/

"Best San Diego Jams" - Cover story 10-4-07: My breakdown of the all-time greatest moments in local concert history. Elvis, Hendrix, the Doors, the Dead, and Jefferson Airplane, on thru Spirit, Nirvana, U2, and many more.

http://www.sandiegoreader.com/weblogs/bands/2008/dec/05/29-years-ago-today-iggy-pop-at-the-catamaran-plus-/

"Plugged In" - Cover story 7-26-07: I spotlight a few dozen local-centric San Diego websites that reflect the city's most happening real-life scenes.

http://www.sandiegoreader.com/news/2007/jul/26/plugged/

"Confessions Of A Bootlegger" - Cover story 7-5-07: Profiles a San Diego music bootlegger who details how he put out thousands of bootlegs of local concerts, all over the world.

http://www.sandiegoreader.com/weblogs/bands/2008/oct/07/bootlegger-confessions-plus-worst-interviews-ever-/

"The Hip List" - Cover story 9-21-06: I spotlight the year's hippest events, people, bands and websites.

http://www.sandiegoreader.com/news/2006/sep/21/hip-list/

"Cool San Diego" - Cover story 3-19-07: My rundown of this year's coolest trends and new slang, including several "cool hangout" reviews in the middle section by Rosa Jurjevics.

http://www.sandiegoreader.com/news/2007/apr/19/cool-san-diego/

"Underground With The Celebrity Dead" - Cover story 10-27-05: Gravesites of the rich and famous.

http://www.sandiegoreader.com/weblogs/bands/2008/jun/28/famous-dead-neighbors-in-san-diego-plus-my-brunch-/

John Lennon tribute - Cover story 12-8-05: I wrote this Lennon tribute, along with soliciting and editing contributions from others like Jim Croce's wife Ingrid and from the legendary Al Kooper, who told me about recording "All Those Years Ago" with George Harrison on the day they got the news of Lennon's murder. http://www.sandiegoreader.com/weblogs/bands/2008/dec/08/locals-pay-tribute-to-john-lennon---the-dream-is-o

Homeless for a Year - Cover story 11-1-07: Down and out in San Diego.

http://www.sandiegoreader.com/news/2007/nov/01/yearlong-trip-down-crack-street/

"The OB Ranger Rides Again" The inside story of a '70s radio counterculture hero. http://www.sandiegoreader.com/weblogs/bands/2007/sep/02/the-ob-ranger-return-of-a-70s-counterculture-hero

"Do The White Thing" - A history of racist rock in southern California. http://www.sandiegoreader.com/weblogs/bands/2007/aug/30/racist-rock-do-the-white-thing

"The Day Nirvana Played At Off The Record - No Stagediving Off The Record Bins" - Detailed feature on the day Nirvana played tiny Off The Record in San Diego 10-24-91, just as their first album was hitting. Includes rare video of the event!

http://www.sandiegoreader.com/weblogs/bands/2007/sep/03/the-day-nirvana-played-at-off-the-record/

"The Day Jimi Hendrix Came To Town" - from my interviews with Experience bassist Noel Redding, a detailed account of Hendrix's famed San Diego gig (5-24-69).

http://www.sandiegoreader.com/weblogs/bands/2007/sep/03/the-day-jimi-hendrix-came-to-town/

"The Day the Monkees Turned Del Mar Into Clarksville" - The inside story of the very first time the Monkees played music together (at the Hotel Del while shooting their TV show pilot) AND their first-ever public concert performance, in Del Mar the day before their TV show debut! http://www.sandiegoreader.com/weblogs/bands/2007/sep/16/day-the-monkees-turned-del-mar-into-clarksville

Feature profile, from my interviews with DIY legend Gary Wilson, subject of the new documentary DVD "You Think You Really Know Me: The Gary Wilson Story."

http://www.sandiegoreader.com/weblogs/bands/2008/sep/04/gary-wilson-cult-heros-return-plus-50-locals-revea/

Midnight Movies: A San Diego History - The '80s Part 1: Didja know the first-ever fan-participation at a screening of The Phantom of Paradise happened at the Ken Cinema in 1983? Or that the local '80s Rocky Horror mime-alongs recently threw a cast reunion? Break out the sneak-a-toke and hide the snack bar keys, here come the Midnight Movie Munchies....

http://www.sandiegoreader.com/weblogs/bands/2008/oct/20/midnight-movies-local-history-phantom-of-the-parad/

"80s Time Warp - Life's A Game," about the famous Casbah club and its back room full of vintage video games.

http://www.sandiegoreader.com/weblogs/bands/2008/nov/26/beatles-rooftop-concert-recreated-in-normal-height

"How Not To Interview A Celebrity" - my worst celeb encounters - includes Stan Lee, Rick Danko and Gene Simmons (see above photos), as well as Axl Rose, Arthur Lee, Dr. Dre, Robbie Krieger and more.

http://www.sandiegoreader.com/weblogs/bands/2008/mar/21/my-worst-celeb-interviews-backstage-diplomat-edgar/

"RIP Dave Stevens: Rocketeer Creator" - tribute to another fallen Great One.

http://www.sandiegoreader.com/weblogs/bands/2007/sep/08/pacific-comics-the-inside-story-jay-allen-sanford

25 San Diego Musicians Answer "What's Your Favorite Twilight Zone?" http://www.sandiegoreader.com/weblogs/bands/2008/apr/03/25-local-musicians-reveal-my-favorite-twilight-zon/

"Behind the Scenes of Star Trek: The Continuing Adventure -- Interview with co-producer/castmember Patrick McCray, of "Elvis Shrugged" fame. http://www.sandiegoreader.com/weblogs/bands/2007/sep/02/star-trek-the-continuing-mission-interview/

"Backstage Diplomat: He Removes the Brown M&Ms" Or "Ray Charles Demands a Chicken Fried Steak," an interview with the Backstage Rider who fulfills celeb contracts at Humphrey's, the Catamaran, and other San Diego music venues. http://www.sandiegoreader.com/weblogs/bands/2007/sep/19/backstage-diplomat-he-removes-the-brown-mms

"Lawsuits - Lawyers, Songs, and Money" -- 3-part series detailing Southern CA lawsuits involving venues, performers, patrons, etc. Includes separate feature covering rock stars who've been arrested in San Diego thru the years. http://www.sandiegoreader.com/weblogs/bands/2008/mar/28/more-local-music-lawsuits-plus-celebs-busted-in-sd/

"The Birth of Image Comics" told in comic form, Mad Magazine style! See Stan Lee birth an actual cow!! Behind the scenes with Todd McFarlane, Jim Lee, Rob Liefeld, and all the other usual suspects.

http://www.sandiegoreader.com/weblogs/bands/2007/sep/03/the-birth-of-image-comics-an-illustrated-history

Misheard Lyrics - No, Jewel was NOT singing "Who will shave your mole." http://www.sandiegoreader.com/weblogs/bands/2008/oct/14/misheard-lyrics-new-10-14-worst-presnadent-ever-fa/

Yoko Ono Comics and Stories - When Johnny Met Yoko, with dialogue and captions paraphrased from published Lennon interviews.http://www.sandiegoreader.com/weblogs/bands/2008/dec/08/locals-pay-tribute-to-john-lennon---the-dream-is-o

We asked 75 local musicos to reveal something about themselves that few people would ever know or guess. http://www.sandiegoreader.com/weblogs/bands/2008/nov/29/farewell-k23-concert-plus-75-secrets-25-rock-chick

"Why Britney Spears Hates San Diego" - And San Diego doesn't think much of Britney either. Read all about it! http://www.sandiegoreader.com/weblogs/bands/2008/jun/11/why-britney-spears-hates-san-diego-plus-30-celebs-/

Blacks Beach - Partying nekkid with the children of the Rainbow (and some OCD Beatles fans). http://www.blogsandiego.com/blacks_beach.html

"50 Historic Local Concerts: 1917 - 2005" -- great moments in San Diego rock history! Much-expanded Director's Cut of an earlier Reader cover story.

http://www.sandiegoreader.com/weblogs/bands/2008/dec/05/29-years-ago-today-iggy-pop-at-the-catamaran-plus-/

 "Christian Goths in San Diego" Pastor Dave preaches to the darkly dressed http://www.sandiegoreader.com/weblogs/bands/2007/aug/29/goths-for-jesus-pastor-daves-christian-goths/

"Where Have All The Deadheads Gone?" Flower children, after the head Deadhead was dead. http://www.sandiegoreader.com/weblogs/bands/2008/mar/21/where-have-all-the-deadheads-gone/

"Kisstory" - about working on comics with Kiss, with two narratives telling the same story from two POVs; mine as publisher and that of scripter Spike Steffenhagen (ala Rashomon).

http://www.sandiegoreader.com/weblogs/bands/2007/sep/12/komplete-kiss-komix-kronicles

"Rocker Chicks Do San Diego" -- a dozen locals of the fairer sex talk about what it's like to be a rock chick. http://www.sandiegoreader.com/weblogs/bands/2008/nov/29/farewell-k23-concert-plus-75-secrets-25-rock-chick

"Trouble In Paradise" - sordid celeb tales of famous people getting busted in southern CA.

http://www.blogsandiego.com/sordid_celebrities.html

"Birth Of A Bandname" - a 3-part feature detailing how around 50 San Diego bands got their names. http://www.sandiegoreader.com/news/2006/apr/27/cutie-pie/ http://www.sandiegoreader.com/news/2006/may/11/edge-magic/ http://www.sandiegoreader.com/news/2006/may/18/tossing-possible-names/

"San Diego Scenes" - overview of the city's various music scenes: Dark Metal (sword-and-sorcery rockers), Rave Culture, Racist Rock, Goths, and the Search For Hip-Hop. http://www.sandiegoreader.com/weblogs/bands/2008/mar/21/local-scenes-dark-metal-racist-rock-christian-goth/

RATT Doesn't Want You To Read This! -- "Dueling for Dollars," deep inside Ratt, far beyond Behind the Music! http://www.sandiegoreader.com/weblogs/bands/2008/mar/21/ratt-doesnt-want-you-to-read-this-blog-battle-of-t/

Battle of the Blues -- San Diego blues lovers do battle. http://www.sandiegoreader.com/weblogs/bands/2008/mar/21/ratt-doesnt-want-you-to-read-this-blog-battle-of-t/

Concert Security Wars: Battle of the Bouncers -- San Diego security firms fight for their right to bounce you! http://www.sandiegoreader.com/weblogs/bands/2008/apr/24/concert-security-wars-battle-of-the-bouncers/

Comics & Censorship -- "Don't Be Afraid: It's Only a Comic Book."

http://www.sandiegoreader.com/weblogs/bands/2007/sep/06/comics-and-censorship-a-local-centric-illustrated

Profiles in Sound -- Soundmen Sound Off, Concerts Are Making You Deaf, and Horn If You're Honky - Car Horns and the Honkies Who Love Them. http://www.sandiegoreader.com/weblogs/bands/2008/mar/21/sound-guys-sound-off-concerts-make-you-deaf-car-ho/

Turn On, Tunes In, Drop Out -- A History of Personal Music Players http://www.sandiegoreader.com/weblogs/bands/2008/apr/18/history-of-personal-music-players-soundmen-sound-o/

My Brunch With Yoko -- Plus Maharishi Comix & Stories. http://www.sandiegoreader.com/weblogs/bands/2008/dec/08/locals-pay-tribute-to-john-lennon---the-dream-is-o

When Bands (Barely)Reunite -- When rockers reform with few (if any) original members, everybody along Highway Hasbeen loses. http://www.sandiegoreader.com/weblogs/bands/2008/jun/30/ratt-loses-singer-again-in-mexico-6-27-plus-bands-/

Rockin' Tattoos -- Talkin' rockin' tats. http://www.sandiegoreader.com/weblogs/bands/2008/mar/21/rockin-tattoos-tijuana-bathrooms-plus-an-excrement/

Tijuana Bathrooms -- Everybody's gotta go sometime... http://www.sandiegoreader.com/weblogs/bands/2008/mar/21/rockin-tattoos-tijuana-bathrooms-plus-an-excrement/

San Diego Music History 101 with Rosie & the Originals, the Monroes - Story of a 1-hit Wonder, the Brain Police - SD's Psychedelic Cops, That '80s Club - Straighta Head Sound, Local Public Access Music Shows Thru the Years, and more. http://www.sandiegoreader.com/weblogs/bands/2008/mar/21/local-music-history-101-important-bands-60-90-loca/

"How'd He Do That?" Cartoonist Confessions -- secrets behind Overheard in San Diego and Famous Former Neighbors. http://www.sandiegoreader.com/weblogs/bands/2008/jun/14/still-more-secrets-behind-overheard-in-san-di7e0b3/

"Worst Concerts Ever - 25 Gawdawful Gigs -- 25 San Diego musicians fess up to their lamest gigs. http://www.sandiegoreader.com/weblogs/bands/2008/sep/23/worst-concerts-ever-25-gawdawful-gigs-plus-best-of/